THE LOSS OF DEMOCRACY IN LISBON!!!!!

In a democracy the majority rules, this is no longer the case in Lisbon.  In Lisbon the town is ruled by the “Good Old Boys” network as demonstrated by the latest decision by the Planning Board.  On Tuesday night, during the Town Council meeting, Planning Board Chairman, Don Fellows (Good Old Boy) will brief the Town Council with Chairman Roger Bickford (Good Old Boy) on the Planning Boards recommendation on commercialism Route 9.

Back in 2012 there was a similar situation about changing the zoning on Route 9 to include making some, if not all, of Route 9 commercial.  At that time, the majority of the people wanted no changes made to the zoning or land use on Route 9.  At that time, because the majority had spoken, the Planning Board and the Town Council dropped the issue.

However, in 2015 Gina & Rick Mason (members of the Good Old Boys network) requested that the Town Council allow them to sell used cars from their property on Route 9.  Currently, this violates the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and the Land Use Table. 

This time the Planning Board conducted a survey, Public Workshop and Public Hearing on changing the zoning on Route 9.  In EVERY CASE, the majority of the people did not want to change the zoning on Route 9.  Now, in a democracy this should have been the end to it but since it was not the answer the “Good Old Boys” wanted to hear, the saga continues.  YOU CAN NOT FIX STUPID!

Under “Other Observations, the Planning Board Chairman Fellows writes “It is possible that small auto sales (such as for only one, two or even a few cars) could be acceptable, though certainly a larger number of cars (10 or more) seems to be unfavorable.”  This suggestion is in direct violation of the towns Comprehensive Plan, Zoning and the Land Use Table.  However, this is exactly how the “Good Old Boys” network works.  One “Good Old Boy” (Masons) wants to do something illegal gets his fellow “Good Old Boys” (Bickford and Fellows) to make it happen.  In fact, this will be the second time the Masons have requested to do something illegal.  The first time it was approved on a temporary basis without an expiration date.  How do you have a temporary condition without an expiration date????

Planning Board Chairman Fellows writes “Specifically with regard to the issue of auto sales, there was a general acknowledgement that residents could be open to considering some small expansion on auto sales allowances.”  This is an accurate statement as written but as usual very very misleading.  The majority of residents do not want any changes made on Route 9 as previously stated by Chairman Fellows but because the Masons and kin stated that they did not have any objections, this makes it accurate.  However, the majority rule in a democracy and that should be the end of this question.  JUST SAY NO TO THE MASONS!!!!!

The residents of Lisbon need to take back our time and eliminate the fraud, waste and abuse.  The majority of the people were very adamant they do not want any changes to Route 9 to include changing any zoning to commercial.

The members of the Town Council need to put a stop to Chairman Bickford’s continued insistence on dragging this out until he gets the answer the “Good Old Boys” want.  The majority have spoken four times now and said the same thing “Stop screwing with Route 9!”

Let’s return democracy to Lisbon.

Larry Fillmore  

UPDATE ON ROUTE 9!!!

Last Thursday night, the Planning Board held another meeting to hear residents’ opinion on changing the Zoning on Route 9 only this time they called it “future Land Use & growth.  Also, it was called a “Public Hearing” instead of a “Public Workshop”.  The purpose was to hear how the people feel about changing the zoning on Route 9 again.

The Planning Board heard the very same answer as they received on the survey and at the public workshop.  The majority of those that attended were united in their opinion with the exception of Rick and Gina Mason who want to have a “Used Car Lot” on their land.  The majority opinion of the survey, public workshop and now the public hearing remains the same and that is “DO NOT CHANGE THE ZONING ON ROUTE 9”.  The question has been asked now three times and answered the same way three times.  My opinion is for the Planning Board and Chairman of the Town Council Roger Bickford to stop wasting every ones time and move on to more important items like lowering taxes.

However, Planning Board Chairman Don Fellows summoned it up best when he recommended that the Planning Board report back to the Town Council NOT to mess with Route 9.  Hopefully Chairman Bickford will take the Planning Boards recommendation on the zoning of Route 9 and put a stop to this nonsense; asked and answered more than enough times.

Now, I am concerned as to the second part of this respond by Chairman Fellows to the Town Council.  Chairman Fellows wants to leave it open until they can find an illegal way so the Rick and Gina Mason can have their used car lot on their property.  I say illegal because the current ordinances of the town strictly prohibit this action. 

Can anyone tell me why our current ordinances should be changed to pacify one family?  The town ordinances should be applied to all residents and not be manufactured just for one family even if they are members of the “Good Old Boys” network.  The Planning Board has said “NO” too many other requests but cannot say not to Rick and Gina Mason.  The Planning Board needs to learn how to say “NO” to the Good Old Boys members instead of making exceptions for them.  Rick Mason has already received an illegal Conditional Use approval for his excavation business.  The Land Use Ordinance stated it could be approved on a temporary basis.  The Planning Board approved it without any expiration date or conditions many years ago and no one has bothered to enforce our ordinances and they all know about it.  Once again making exceptions for a Good Old Boy!

This issued needs to be closed completely by just saying “NO” to Rick and Gina Mason request.  How can we elect someone to a state position if they put themselves above the law?  Gina Mason is now running for State Representative.  Good Old Boys are not Hillary Clinton!!!!!!!!

Larry Fillmore

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Several years ago, I attended a workshop put on by the Planning Board that pertained to changing the zoning on Route 9.  Amanda Bucker facilitated the workshop and at that time it was the majority of the people, in attendance, desire that no change be made to the zoning on Route 9.

Recently, Gina and Rick Mason asked the Council to reopen this discussion on changing the zoning on Route 9 to allow them to sell vehicles on their property.  Our present, our Land Use Ordinance strictly forbids this action.  So Chairman Bickford ordered the Planning Board to look into change the zoning just to accommodate Gina and Rick Mason. First, the Planning Board created a survey.  The majority of the people whom filled out the survey did not want the zoning on Route 9 changed.  Next, the Planning Board held a Public Workshop to discuss the results of the survey.  Again, Amanda Bunker was in charge and after a couple of sessions the majority of the people in attendance overwhelming did not want to change the zoning on Route 9.  Now a normal person would think that would be the end to changing the zoning on Route 9.

 But no, the “Good Old Boys” network did not get the results they wanted so now the town is going to waste more time and money and hold a “Public Hearing”.  You would think after three strikes this would be over.  However, Don Fellows, Roger Bickford and Amanda Bunker are not going to let this go until Route 9 looks identical to Route 196 with all the used car lots.  There are two ways you can tell if someone is a member of the “Good Old Boys” network.  The first is they screw their pants on in the morning and second whatever they are trying to do is illegal.  All of this wasted time and money is to make one person, Gina Mason happy. 

This town will be so much better off if we could get rid of the “Good Old Boys” network.  If our leadership would concentrated on doing what is best for the community; the town could move forward.

 Larry Fillmore

 

PUBLIC WORKSHOP – ROUTE 9

Normally I write a recap of meetings/workshop I attend but Joe Hill has already done that for me in an excellent manner.  I want to add a few items that I personally feel are important to the people to know.

 First, I want to address the results of the survey on Route 9 Business and Land Use.  There were 216 responses to the survey.  On the question “What should be considered for future business on Route 9?”  48.58% answered “No changes are needed for small businesses on Route 9.”  During the workshop, a show of hands indicated that the majority of the people are in favor of leaving Route 9 alone.

However, there are always those that have a difference opinion.  This was clear by the fact one family (Gina and Rick Mason) wants to sell cars off their property.  This is a clear violation of the current Rural Open I where they live.  However, because they are, I believe, members of the “Good Old Boy” network; the town is trying to find a way to make this possible.  Chairman Roger Bickford and Fern LaRochelle are trying to make this happen.  This is the second time our leadership have bent the rules for these two.  Several years ago, Rick Mason applied for a “Conditional Use” for his excavation business.  Strange thing happened; the application was approved with no conditions and it was based on a “Temporary Land Use condition without an expiration date.  How is it possible to have a temporary land use condition without an expiration date?

 Amanda Bunker provided a presentation and facilitated the workshop.  No matters how you try and spin it, the majority of people in attendance was not in favor of changing the zoning on Route 9.  The majority of residents living on Route 9 like the scenery and the characteristics of the Rural Open I.  It is a shame that the town is spending a great deal of time and money to pacific one family.  It is disgraceful to have all the energy of the Planning Board and the Chairman of the Town Council dedicated to making one family happy when it is definitely not in the best interest of the town to change the zoning.

 Let’s put this to rest for another four or five years.  It was brought out by Amanda Bunker; this very same situation came up before with the same results.  Enough is enough; let’s move on to more important things.

 Larry Fillmore

 

 

 

Workshop on Rte. 9 Zoning Change

Last night (5/26/6) Lisbon held a workshop to discuss the possibility of  changing the zoning on rte 9 to “Commercial Zoning”. This  public workshop was attended by approximately 60 people.   (5 tables times 12 persons per table). The vast majority of the attendees were residents of rte 9.

Many of the residents voiced concerns about losing rte 9’s  rural/agriculture feel. They also felt that changing rte 9 to commercial would not only destroy that rural feel but also open the door for used car lots, junkyards or worse. 

After 2 hours of discussion the consensus was to leave rte 9/s zoning alone and not add a commercial zone. This sentiment was best exhibited by a show of hands that overwhelmingly supported keeping the existing zoning.

The people have spoken loud and clear, NO ZONING CHANGE IS WANTED OR NEEDED. The only support for this zoning change appeared to come from a handful of people that, with one exception, didn’t live on rte 9.

It is my belief that this unwanted zoning change is being pushed by one of Lisbon’s “powers that be” for their own financial gain.

Zoning changes should benefit all in Lisbon not just one or two of Lisbon’s elite.

Respectfully
Joe Hill

ROUTE 9 WORKSHOP

ROUTE 9 SURVEY

ROUTE 9 SURVEY

The Lisbon Reporter posted a Public Announcement about a survey pertaining to Route 9 located on the town web site, yesterday.  After posting this Public Announcement, I decided to take this survey.  Half way through the survey, I realized it was nothing more than another example of the “Good Old Boys” network trying to influence the people of Lisbon.  I also learned that Richard and Gina Mason are members of this network because it was Rick Mason who spoke at a Council meeting to allow him to sell used cars off his property.  Chairman Bickford is pushing the Planning Board to make this happen.

 You see Mr. Mason’s property is located on Route 9 in a Rural Open 1 zoning.  The selling of used cars is strictly forbidden in this zone.  The selling of used cars only clutters the area as evident from a trip down Route 196.  Also, there is no significant relief in the tax base so there is no real value in having all these used cars lining the major artilleries of Lisbon.

 The survey has several questions that are invalid because they do not list all available options.  In fact, they are written as to imply that Route 9 zoning has been changed to commercial.  Asking invalid questions, about a change that has not taken place, only provides an invalid response and does not generate a potential thought of any value. 

 In order to generate a survey/tool to be used as a means to help understand what the people want, you first have to ask the right questions and not predetermined ones.  Second, you must list all available options in order to clearly understand the position of the individual filling out the survey.  Asking loaded questions; enable you to get your desired results but does not provide a true understand of how the people feel.  This is the case with this Route 9 survey.  The “Good Old Boys” want to change Route 9 from a Rural Open 1 to commercial zoning.  That way, they can line Route 9 with used car lots and repair shops like Route 196.

 The people living on Route 9 did not build their dream homes with this thought in mind.  Changing Route 9 to commercial will increase the flow of traffic.  Look at the increase in the flow of traffic since the state widen and repaired the road.  Changing Route 9 to commercial will lower the property value and destroy the agriculture look of this community.

 This survey is slanted and meant to influence the Town Council and Planning Board in a negative way.  A true survey should be prepared and offered to the community if you want a valid response.

 Larry Fillmore

Lisbon Council Won't Take "NO" For An Answer on the Rte. 9 Zoning Change.

Once again Lisbon Council is trying to change route. 9 zoning from Rural Open 1 to Commercial.

At the (4/6/16) Council Meeting there was a proposed zoning change that was previously and rightfully rejected several years ago when the Council tried to make a 1000 ft. Commercial corridor along a large swath of route 9.

My home is within a1000ft. of the center of route 9 and  would be be adversely affected by this zoning change.

Reasons against this zone change.

This change regardless of what the Council may say reduces the value of residential property.

• This change would make it more difficult for prospective buyers to get a loan to buy affected property. (According to the loan officer I spoke with at Key Bank.)
• Do we want to turn one of Lisbon's remaining gateways into another route 196?  What impression will this give to people coming to Lisbon from the Sabattus turnpike exit?
• Do you want another used car dealer strip on rte. 9?

Commercial zoning means large trucks and noise which also reduces property values and destroys roads.

The Council has placed a survey on the town's web site in an effort to get feedback from the community.  Loaded questions on this survey are used to manipulate the survey taker into agreeing to a commercial zone on rte 9 rather than asking if a zone change is needed.
Lisbon Government has a habit of ignoring survey results when the results are not in agreement with the Council's position on an issue. I wouldn't be surprised if the Town throws out the survey results if they don't like them. I urge you to stop the Council from turning rte. 9 into another 196.

 Take the survey and tell the Council  you don't want another "used car dealer strip" on rte 9.
Respectfully
Joe Hill

ZONING AMENDMENT PUBLIC HEARING

EDITOR'S NOTE:  THIS EFFECTS EVERYONE SO PLEASE ATTEND IF YOU CARE WHAT HAPPENS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

RECAP PUBLIC WORKSHOP!

Last night, I attended a Public Workshop on proposed Zoning Amendments put on by the Planning Board.  Mrs. Amanda Bunker, the Town Planner, first provided the audience with handouts so they could follow along.  This is an excellent idea and extremely useful for the people.  It serves two purposes:  the first is to follow along and the second it enables the people to take them home and study the material in case they have further questions.

Mrs. Bunker did an excellent job on the presentation and facilitating the workshop.  The workshop lasted approximately one and a half hours and was both interesting and informative.  The people, who attended, asked numerous questions and provided their thoughts on the proposed amendments.

This type of environment is a good way to keep the people informed as to what is going on in our community.  The problem is that only 18-20 residents showed up.  I understand this is in the beginning phase but residents should be kept informed if it affects them.  An example is if the town approves a truck-stop to be place next door to your residence.  This could never happen without your knowledge but you should get out ahead of any such move before it is too late.

I recommend that Public Workshops, Public Hearings and any other meeting that involve the community be videoed and played back for the entire community to review.  This is a suggestion for the Chair of the Planning Board and the Town Manager to evaluate.

Larry Fillmore

LISBON PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC WORKSHOP - JANUARY 28TH

TIMESRECORD: Lisbon medical marijuana workshop

LISBON — The Lisbon Planning Board will host a public workshop on medical marijuana land use ordinances on Oct. 22 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the Lisbon Town Office. This will be an informational workshop to discuss options for and public interest in developing land use ordinance regulations regarding legalized medical marijuana activities.

http://www.timesrecord.com/news/2015-10-16/Front_Page/Lisbon_medical_marijuana_workshop.html

BUILDING PERMIT... It's All In The Wording!

 (Conceptual photo only)

I applied for a building permit for a new house. 
It was going to be 100 ft tall and 400 ft wide, with 12 gun turrets at various heights, windows all over the place, and a loud outside entertainment sound system. It would have parking for 200 cars, and I was going to paint it green with pink trim. 

The City Council told me; “Forget it...AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!” 

So, I sent in the application again, but this time I called it a "Mosque."

Work starts on Monday. And here is the best part,
it's going to be tax exempt! I love this country. It’s the government that scares me.

 http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/threads/building-permit.149603/

Recap Town Council Meeting - June 3rd, 2014

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – JUNE 3RD

At last night’s Town Council meeting, it was a very quick meeting.  There were not a lot of agenda items but a lot of appointments.

Consent Agenda – The Council voted 7-0 to approve the Itinerant Vendor permits for both Adria Groh and Rock Dawg’s LLC.

Under Council Orders, Resolutions & Ordinances the Council voted 7-0 to write off seven (7) mobile home permits totaling $2,794.39.  These mobile homes are no longer within the boundaries of Lisbon.  The Council also voted 7-0 to write off $9,368.80 of Personal Property because the town has exhausted all effort to collect this debt.

Under Other Business – The Finance Director provided a briefing on the Revenue and Expenses for the month of May.  Also, Mr. David Bowie was appointed Chairman of the Ethics Committee by Chairwoman Ward.

Under New Business – There was a discussion about the Public Works Garage and Mr. Olmstead provided a new brochure that is being used to explain the options.  I have included this brochure.

Also, Mr. Randy Smith, a resident of the town was awarded “Chef of the Year” by the American Culinary Federation.  This is not the first time Mr. Smith has received this award.  Most of you may not know who Randy Smith is but you might know him better as “Pinky D’s” food truck.  Congratulation, Randy!!!

Under Appointment – The following individuals were appointed:

Jessica Meakin – Library Governing Board
David Bowie – Ethic Panel
Thomas Whitney – Ethic Panel
Janet Tuttle – Appeals Board
Planning Board – Dan Nezol
Planning Board – Richard Long
Assessment Review Board – Richard Long
Civil Constable – Harry Darling and Harry Gorman

Also Richard Long resigned from the Appeal Board.

Larry Fillmore

AGENDA TOWN COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014 LISBON TOWN OFFICE 7:00 P.M.

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2014
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
7:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG
 

2. ROLL CALL
 

___Councilor Bickford
___ Councilor Brunelle
___ Councilor Garrison
___ Councilor Lunt
___Councilor Metivier
___ Councilor Pesce
___ Councilor Ward
 

Town Clerk reading of meeting rules
 

3. GOOD NEWS & RECOGNITION
 

4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
 

A. Adria Groh's applications for a new 6-month Itinerant Vendor Permit
 

B. Rock Dawg's LLC applications for a new Itinerant Vendor Permit, Victualer's License, and Use of Town Owned Property
 

5. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION FOR AGENDA ITEMS
 

6. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION RESPONSE
 

7. CONSENT AGENDA
 

 2014-90 ORDER − A. Minutes of May 20, 2014
 

B. Minutes of May 27, 2014
 

C. Itinerant Vendor Permit - Adria Groh
 

D. Itinerant Vendor Permit, Victualer's License, & Use of Town Owned Property Permit
 

E. Renewal Victualer's License for Billy Harris d/b/a Bill's Place
 

8. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES
 

2014-91 ORDER − Review of Mobile Home & Personal Property Delinquencies
 

9. OTHER BUSINESS
 

A. Finance Director's Report
 

B. Council Chairman's announcement of annual appointment of the Ethics Panel Chairman
 

10. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION NEW ITEMS
 

11. COUNCIL RESPONSE TO NEW ITEMS
 

12. APPOINTMENTS

2014-92 ORDER − Library Governing Board 3-year term expiring June 30, 2017
 

2014-93 ORDER − Ethics Panel 3-year term renewal expiring June 30, 2017

2014-94 ORDER − Ethics Panel 3-year term renewal expiring June 30, 2017
 

2014-95 ORDER − Appeals Board 3-year term renewal expiring June 30, 2017
 

2014-96 ORDER − Planning Board 3-year term renewal expiring June 30, 2017
 

2014-97 ORDER − Planning Board 2-year term expiring June 30, 2015
 

2014-98 ORDER − Assessment Review Board 3-year term renewal expiring June 30, 2017
 

2014-99 ORDER − Appeals Board Resignation - Richard Long
 

2014-100 ORDER − Civil Constable - Paul Potvin, Harry Darling, and Harry Gorman
 

13. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
 

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
 

2014-101 ORDER − 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (A) Board & Committee Interviews (If needed)
 

15. ADJOURNMENT
 

2014-102 ORDER − To Adjourn

Lisbon Town Council Agendas For May 19th and 20th, 2014

AGENDA
SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2014
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
5:30 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER
 

2. ROLL CALL
 

___Councilor Bickford
___ Councilor Brunelle
___ Councilor Garrison
___ Councilor Lunt
___Councilor Metivier
___ Councilor Pesce
___ Councilor Ward

3. EXECUTIVE SESSION

2014-73 ORDER − 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matters - Town Manager Search
 

4. ADJOURNMENT
 

2014-74 ORDER − To Adjourn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2014
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
7:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG
 

2. ROLL CALL
 

___Councilor Bickford
___ Councilor Brunelle
___ Councilor Garrison
___ Councilor Lunt
___Councilor Metivier
___ Councilor Pesce
___ Councilor Ward
 

Town Clerk reading of meeting rules
 

3. EXECUTIVE SESSION
 

2014-75 ORDER − 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (D) Contract negotiations
 

4. GOOD NEWS & RECOGNITION
 

A. Lisbon Emergency Recognition of Sergeant Stewart & Officer McGee
 

5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
 

A. Amendments to the Finance Committee Ordinance
 

6. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION FOR AGENDA ITEMS
 

7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION RESPONSE
 

8. CONSENT AGENDA
 

2014-76 ORDER − A. Minutes of May 6, 12, & 13, 2014
 

B. Renewal Victualer's Licenses
 

C. Pole Permit - Potter Rd.
 

9. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES
 

2014-77 ORDER − Dispatch Agreement with Lisbon Emergency
 

2014-78 ORDER − Garden Request - Faye Brown Letter
 

2014-79 ORDER − Nominations to MMA's Legislative Policy Committee
 

2014-80 RESOLUTION − 2014 Spirit of America Tribute
 

2014-81 ORDINANCE − Amendment to Finance Committee Ordinance (2nd Reading)
 

10. OTHER BUSINESS
 

A. Unitil Paving Proposal
 

11. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION NEW ITEMS
 

12. COUNCIL RESPONSE TO NEW ITEMS
 

13. APPOINTMENTS
 

2014-82 ORDER − Removal of Appeals Board member for non-residence
 

2014-83 ORDER − Appointment of New Town Manager
 

2014-84 ORDER − Appointment of Tax Collector
 

14. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
 

15. ADJOURNMENT
 

2014-85 ORDER − To Adjourn

Great Falls TV: Lisbon Town Council Meeting May 6, 2014

Part 1

Part 2

Town Council Agenda‏ Tuesday, May 6, 2014 At 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
5:30 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG
 

2. ROLL CALL
 

___Councilor Bickford
___ Councilor Brunelle
___ Councilor Garrison
___ Councilor Lunt
___Councilor Metivier
___ Councilor Pesce
___ Councilor Ward
 

Town Clerk reading of meeting rules
 

3. EXECUTIVE SESSION
 

2014-54 ORDER − 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (E) Consultations with legal counsel - DEP Consent agreement & Cable TV Franchise Agreement
 

2014-55 ORDER − 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matters regarding staffing levels
 

2014-56 ORDER − 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (D) Labor negotiations - Teamsters Public Works Unit
 

2014-57 ORDER − 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (C) Potential acquisition of real estate
 

4. GOOD NEWS & RECOGNITION
 

A. Lisbon Emergency Recognition of Sergeant Stewart & Officer McGee
 

B. Moxie Festival Planning Update
 

5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
 

A. Proposed Charter Amendment to reduce the number of signatures necessary to call a Special Town Meeting to consider budget issues from 15 percent of the qualified voters voting in the last gubernatorial election to 10 percent of the qualified voters voting in the last gubernatorial election
 

B. Proposed Charter Amendment which will clarify that the municipality will follow and reference title 21-A for Election procedures
 

C. Proposed Route 196 Design Standards & Guidelines
 

D. Itinerant Vendor License for Randall Smith d/b/a Pinky D's
 

6. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION FOR AGENDA ITEMS
 

7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION RESPONSE
 

8. CONSENT AGENDA
 

2014-58 ORDER − A. Minutes of April 14, 15, 17, 22, 28, & 29, 2014
B. Renewal Itinerant Vendor /Mass Gathering Licenses
C. Itinerant Vendor License for Randall Smith d/b/a Pinky D's
D. Renewal Liquor License for Angelo's
E. Renewal Victualer's Licenses
 

9. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES
 

2014-59 ORDER −Warrant for School Budget Validation Referendum June 10, 2014
 

2014-60 ORDER −Warrant for Bond Referendum June 10, 2014
 

2014-61 ORDER − Route 196 Design Standards & Guidelines (Second Reading)
 

2014-62 ORDER − Amend Section 2-507 Finance Committee established (First Reading)
 

2014-63 ORDER − Dispatch Agreement with Lisbon Emergency Services
 

2014-64 RESOLUTION − Stating opposition of FEMA's interpretation of Policy 9523
 

10. OTHER BUSINESS
 

A. Town Office and Library Operating Hours Survey Results
 

11. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION NEW ITEMS
 

12. COUNCIL RESPONSE TO NEW ITEMS
 

13. APPOINTMENTS
 

2014-65 ORDER − Accept resignation of (1) Regular Planning Board Member
 

2014-66 ORDER − Appoint current Associate Member to Regular Planning Board Member
 

2014-67 ORDER − Appoint Wardens 

14. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
 

15. ADJOURNMENT
 

2014-68 ORDER − To Adjourn to Budget Workshop
 

16. BUDGET WORKSHOP

BUDGET CHALLENGE‏

In this morning's Sun Journal, Tuesday April 15, the Auburn City Council is calling for $million$ in cuts to the city budget.

I challenge the town of Lisbon's Town Council and Finance Committee to do the same.

Ways to cut:

Town Engineer:

MDOT is asking for  a $5,500 Trail Match

plus a $20,000 Trail Match.

Those $$$$'s should have been built into the $1,200,000,

One Million Two Hundred Thousand, dollars,plus Lisbon's

matching funds of $320,000, for a grand total of $1,520,000.

ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS.

                         Savings $$25,500.

Savings could be realized if we had a Town Engineer that was actually a licensed Engineer.

Savings $$$ ?????.

Town Attorney:

Hire an attorney from Lisbon, Lewiston or Auburn instead of one who travels from Bath, some twenty plus miles each way @$150.00 per hour.

                       

Police/Public Safety:

The Police Department receives Forfeiture money that could be used to pay for assault rifles, document imaging, mobile radios.

The list goes on, But asks the taxpayers to pay for these items.

In a budget of $1.000,000, One Million $$$$$, the Town Council and Finance Committee should be able to find significant savings.

Redevelopment Department:

About 2 years ago former Town Manager hired a Town Planner to the tune of $20,000 per year, to develop a Route 196 Master Plan and Sign Standards, and to assist the Planning Board.

The Route 196 Master Plan and Sign Standards is almost

completed, just needs to be accepted by the Town Council.

Why continue to pay $20,000 for a Town Planner when we

have a highly qualified Codes Officer in Dennis Douglass?

The Planning Board has new direction, thanks to Town Planner, Amanda Bunker, and  we are paying over $55,000 a year for a Redevelopment Director, who also heads up the Moxie Festival.

This is a Duplication of Services. 

A savings of $20,000 or $55,000.

The town Council has asked the School Department to cut their budget.

The Library Department is already bare bones but is willing to cut hours of service, a savings of only pennies compared to the police department! ! ! !

Other savings ?? Readers, taxpayers?

          A Challenge ! ! ! ! ! !

Dot Fitzgerald

A Lisbon Concerned Citizen

TOWN REPORTS ARE OUT! ! ! !

And yes, my name is under unpaid taxes,

both real estate and personal property.

The real estate taxes have been paid.

I am struggling as are many others.