Recap Special Town Council Meeting - June 24th , 2014

RECAP SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – JUNE 24^TH

This is a recap of the Special Town Council meeting; which was a first for this community. 

Under Council Orders, Resolutions, & Ordinances –

a.      The new snowplow truck passed by a vote of 6-0.

b.      Adopting the amended fee schedule (1^st Reading) passed by a vote of 6-0 with a need to have a workshop to thoroughly go throw all 13 pages of the changes prior to the 2^nd Reading.

c.      The MDOT agreement for Trail Amendment passed by a vote of 6-0.

d.     The 2014-2015 Municipal Budget failed by a vote of 2-Yes and 4-No.  This was an epic event because this means we have four councilors who care about the taxpayers in this community.  More to follow!

Larry Fillmore

Recap Special Town Council meeting/workshop April 8th‏

                 RECAP SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING/WORKSHOP – APRIL 8TH

At last night’s special Town Council meeting, the council deliberated for approximately an hour.  When they came out of Executive Session, Councilor Bickford made a motion to remove Steve Warren from the Trails Commission.  The motion was seconded and the vote was 6-1 with Councilor Pesce voting NO.

Then the Council moved into a workshop and we listened to three departmental presentations.  The first was the Library which the Finance Director covered for the Library Director in her absence.

Next was a performance by Chief Brooks on the needs of the Police Department.  Chief Brooks wants the taxpayers to pay for two cruisers and one Animal Control vehicle.  Chief Brooks also wants a Document Imaging Unit; Voter Radio System and Mobile Radios.  These items qualify for the use of Federal Forfeiture Funds but Chief Brooks wants the taxpayers to pay for these items. 

The town is currently committed to $28,700.00 in previous Leased to Purchase police vehicles.  These are the same vehicles the Council approved and allotted tax dollars for the outright purchase of the same vehicles.

There was a lengthy discussion pertaining to Shelter Fees.  These fees are based on population.  The Council had numerous questions Chief Brooks could not answer so they asked Chief Brooks to find out the answers before a decision would be made on which shelter to use.

Chief Brooks also wants the taxpayers to set aside $20,000.00 for future costs in the Communication Center.

Finally, Chief Galipeau provided a briefing on the Fire Department which included an increase $9,469.00.

More to follow!

Larry Fillmore

Recap Town Council Meeting & Workshop March 18, 2014

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING & WORKSHOP – March 18^th

At last night's Town Council meeting, it was different.  Two residents complained about the Chairman of the Trails Commission coming on to their property unannounced and trying to get them to buy into different projects involving their privately owned land.   One of the residents asked the council to remove him as Chairman of the Trails Commission but no action was taken at this time.

Under Council Order, Resolutions & Ordinances, there were three items on the agenda.  The first was a short discussion about the Trails Commission which ended with no action being taken.  Second, Chief Brooks presented to the council a form sent by the state for approval to accept $983.00 in forfeiture funds.  The Council approved this with a vote of 7-0.  Finally, the Town Clerk presented bids for the publishing of the Annual Town Report.  The Council approved the bid from Xpress Copy for $1,126.00 by a vote of 7-0.

Under Other Business, the Finance Director provided the council with her monthly report.

Under New Business there were four questions asked.  The first about the fire at the town garage and what was being done to fix this and had anyone given any thought to building a new facility.  The Interim Town Manager provided an excellent and in-depth briefing on where the town is on the negotiations with the insurance company.   

 Next, the question was asked about providing information about the Maine Human Rights Commission.  The response was that no details could be released because it involves a personnel issue.  Also the question was asked as to the current status of the litigation on the $32,500.  The Council will find out the answer.  

 Finally, the question was asked as to why the people have not been allowed to vote on the Municipal Budget since 2008.  A Referendum Question was asked if the people wanted to vote on the Municipal Budget in November 2011 and the results were 2025 Yes and 514 No.  According to Chairwoman Ward, this question was asked 77 times and answered 77 times.  Also, there are a lot of work needs to be done on rewriting the Charter in order to make this happen.   You would think that since 2011 would have been plenty of time to work out all of the details necessary to give the people what they want.

Next, the Council adjourned and move into a Workshop.  The Interim Town Manager provided a briefing on the 2014-2015 Municipal Budget.  Also, the following departments gave their budgets:  Finance/Tax ; Town Clerk; Town Manager; Codes/Assessing and Economic & Community Development.  It is my understanding these slides along with the proposed 2014-2015 Municipal Budget will be posted to the town web site shortly.

Larry Fillmore

Town Council Agenda For Tuesday March 18th, 2014

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 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

5.AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

6.AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION RESPONSE

7.CONSENT AGENDA
2014-40 ORDER − A. Minutes of March 4, 2014

8.COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES
2014-41 ORDER − Discussion regarding concerns raised about the Trails Commission
2014-42 ORDER − Criminal Forfeiture
2014-43 ORDER − Town Report Bids

9.OTHER BUSINESS
A. Finance Director's Report

10.NEW BUSINESS

11.COUNCIL RESPONSE TO NEW BUSINESS

12.APPOINTMENTS

13.COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS

14.EXECUTIVE SESSION

15.ADJOURNMENT TO BUDGET WORKSHOP
2014-44 ORDER − To Adjourn to Budget Workshop

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL BUDGET WORKSHOP
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014
LISBON TOWN OFFICE

1.MUNICIPAL BUDGET PRESENTATION

2.DEPARTMENT HEAD BUDGET PRESENTATIONS
a.Finance/Tax Departments
b.Town Clerk
c.Town Manager
d.Codes/Assessing
e.Economic & Community Development

Lisbon Town Council Agenda March 4, 2014

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 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

5. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

6. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION RESPONSE

7. CONSENT AGENDA

2014-31 ORDER − A. Minutes of February 11, 2014
B. Minutes of February 18, 2014

8. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES

2014-32 ORDER − Review and approve Council schedule through June 30 and fiscal year (FY) 2015 operating budget timeline (Town Manager - 5 minutes)

2014-33 ORDER − Lisbon code book fee schedule amendment (Town Clerk - 1 minute)

2014-34 ORDER − Approve the charge for the Finance Committee recommendation to Council (Council Chair-10 minutes)
 

9. OTHER BUSINESS
 

A. School Budget Presentation (Richard Green - 30 minutes)
 

B. Trails Commission Update (Steve Warren - 10 minutes)
 

C. Discussion on direction for the FY 2015 operating budget proposal (Council Chair - 5 minutes)
 

D. Review and recommend process and timeline for Town Manager search (Council Chair - 15 minutes)
 

10. NEW BUSINESS
 

11. COUNCIL RESPONSE TO NEW BUSINESS
 

12. APPOINTMENTS
 

13. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
 

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
2014-35 ORDER − 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matters& Human Rights Commission Complaint

2014-36 ORDER − 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (D) Union Contract, Dispatch Service Agreement & Cable TV Franchise Negotiations
 

15. ADJOURNMENT
2014-37 ORDER − To Adjourn

Recap TC Meeting Workshop - October 15th‏

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING/WORKSHOP – OCTOBER 15, 2013

Last night’s town council meeting lasted just twenty (20) minutes.  There were only two votes taken and one was to approve the minutes of the previous meeting and the other was to appoint a Warden for each voting Ward.  The Finance Director gave her September Report and the Town Manager reminded every one of the ground breaking ceremony for the Trail’s project at the Boat Launch on October 22, 2013.  He also reminded every one of the upcoming joint meeting with the school facilities on October 28, 2013.  The council adjourned at approximately 1920 hours and moved into a workshop.

Once the council adjourned, the town clerk asked Chairman LaRochelle if he want to leave the camera and audio on for the workshop and he said “NO”.  The first item of business for the workshop was an update by Amanda Bunker on the Route 196 Master Plan.  The council discussed how to get the message out to the people.  Dah, if Chairman LaRochelle had not turned off the camera and audio, more residents would know what is going on with the Route 196 Master Plan project.  I cannot understand  the logic behind turning off the camera and audio if you are trying to reach more people.  Why would anyone eliminate the perfect means to communicate with the people and then hold a discussion on how to reach more people?

Chairman LaRochelle and the council discussed funding for the project, signage on Route 196 and consistency throughout the town with Amanda Bunker, Planner and Don Fellows, Chairman of the Planning Board.  They also discussed grants and matching funds as a means to support some of the items on the plan.  Also, they talked about adding the school’s vision to the Route 196 Master Plan before it is submitted to the council for approval on November 19, 2013.

The council discussed expanding the membership of the Finance Committee from 5 to 7 members with voting rights.  There were mixed feeling on this issue and it will be discussed at a later date. 

There was a discussion about what issues need be reviewed in the Comprehensive Plan.  Apparently, the Comprehensive Plan is due for review in 2016.  There were a number of items they wanted to see addressed at that time.

Larry Fillmore

Lisbon Town Council Agenda For Tuesday October 1, 2013

                                                        AGENDA
                                         TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
                                       TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013
                                           LISBON TOWN OFFICE
                                                      7:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG

2. ROLL CALL

___Councilor Bickford
___ Councilor Garrison
___ Councilor Larochelle
___ Councilor Lunt
___Councilor Mason
___ Councilor Pesce
___ Councilor Ward

Town Clerk reading of meeting rules

3. PUBLIC HEARING

A. Victualer License for Randall Smith d/b/a Pinky D’s

4. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

5. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION RESPONSE

6. CONSENT AGENDA

2013-154 ORDER −
A. Victualer License for Randall Smith d/b/a Pinky D’s

B.Minutes of September 17, 2013

7. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES

2013-155 ORDER −
Fuel Bids

2013-156 ORDER −
Agency Liquor Store Relocation - Bootleggers

2013-157 ORDER −
New Agency Liquor Stores - Food City, Lisbon Gulf, and Rite Aid

2013-158 ORDER −
Forfeiture

2013-159 ORDER −
Winter Sand Bids

8. OTHER BUSINESS

A. Androscoggin River Trail Update

B. Town Manager’s Report

9. APPOINTMENTS

10. COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION

2013-160 ORDER −
1 MRSA § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matter - EMA Director

2013-160 ORDER −
1 MRSA § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matter -Water Department

12. ADJOURNMENT
2013-161 ORDER −
To Adjourn

Town Council Agenda August 20, 2013

AGENDA

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013 LISBON TOWN OFFICE

7:00 P.M. 

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG 

2. ROLL CALL 

___Councilor Bickford ___ Councilor Garrison ___ Councilor Larochelle ___ Councilor Lunt

___Councilor Mason ___ Councilor Pesce ___ Councilor Ward

Town Clerk reading of meeting rules 

3. PUBLIC HEARING 

A. Consideration of up to a $1,000000 Bond Order for acquiring, demolishing and/or renovating the Worumbo Mill 

4. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

5. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION RESPONSE

6. CONSENT AGENDA 

2013-123  A. Minutes of August 6, 2013-ORDER  

7. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES 

2013-124 ORDER -   Carries  & Transfers 

2013-125 ORDER -   Bond Order $1,000,000 for Worumbo Mill Project 

2013-126 ORDER -   Council Recommendation on Bond Order - Question 1

2013-127 ORDER -   Warrant for Bond Referendum on September 24, 2013

  

2013-128 ORDER -    Davis-Packard Cemetery

2013-129 ORDER -    Sergeants Teamsters Local No. 340 Contract

  

2013-130 ORDER -    County Budget Committee Nominations

8. OTHER BUSINESS

A. Trails Committee Update

B. Nomination Papers for Elected Officials

C. Finance Director’s Report

D. Town Manager’s Report 

9. APPOINTMENTS 

10. COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION

2013-131 -ORDER  1 MRSA § 405 (6) (D) Labor Negotiations - Sergeants Teamsters Local No. 340 

12. ADJOURNMENT 

2013-132 -ORDER  To Adjourn

Lisbon Town Council Meeting April 16, 2013

Are The Wrong People Representing the Citizens of Lisbon?

CHAIRMAN FERN LAROCHELLE SPEAKS OUT!!

During the latest Town Council meeting, there were some very interesting developments.  First, Chairman LaRochelle allowed Steve Warren, Trails Commission to address the council during Audience Participation.  Mr. Warren provided an update on what the trails commission was doing.  The trail commission was not scheduled as an agenda item as required by the Council Working Rules.  I attempted to address the council and was asked if what I was going to address was pertaining to an agenda item.  My answer was “NO” because I had previously provided the council with eight (8) questions, (over a month and a half ago) the council had never answered during the thirty (30) minutes period prior to the council meeting and none has appeared on the agenda.  I followed the guidelines provided by the council and nothing came of it.  These are the eight (8) questions:

1.            Why did we have a tax increase last year and then a carry forward of over a million dollars?

2.            Why are purchases not charged to the department the purchases are for?

3.            Why did it take six years to file a law suit to recover the misappropriated $32,500?

4.            Why did the town find it necessary to transfer funds right after the beginning of the new fiscal year?

5.            Why does the Chairman of the council NOT have to pay interest and penalties on back taxes owed like ALL of residents?

6.            Why are the people not informed of the “precise nature of the business” being discussed in Executive Sessions in accordance with Maine law?

7.            Why was the old high school sold to Brunswick Housing Authority for $1.00?

8.            Why has there been no work done on the people voting on the municipal budget by departments?

Chairman LaRochelle’s answer was that “the council” did not feel these questions were worthy of being an agenda item.  In others words, “the council” does not intend to answer these questions for the citizens of Lisbon.  So let’s look at these questions:

1.        The town is faced with another budget year and after raising our taxes last year; came up with over a million dollars being carry forward with no explanation as to why this carry forward had not been applied to offset our tax increase.  By the way, where is that money now?

2.       There were three vehicles acquired from the state auction and none of these vehicles were charged to the right account.  One was charged to advertising; one was charged as repair parts; and the final one charged as equipment.  The Communication Center purchased new consoles and charged it to Town Buildings and the Police Officer Reimbursement.

3.       No one will ever know who misappropriated the $32,500 or how deep the cover-up goes.  It only took six years to get the town to file a civil suit to recover the funds.  No one will ever know how bad Chief Brooks botched the investigation.

4.        The citizens will never know why funds are transferred from one account to another with no explanation.  If the funds were not needed in these accounts then why were they budgeted which caused our taxes to go up?

5.       Why is it that Chairman LaRochelle does not have to pay all the back taxes LaRochelle Properties, LLC owed to the town to include interest and penalties like everyone one else has had to pay in the past?  Is the town setting a new presedent for the future?

6.       Do you think the council will ever provide the people with the “precise nature of business “ being discussed in Executive Sessions as required by Maine law?

7.       Are we ever going to know what goes on behind closed doors?  Remember the council sold the old high school on 4 Campus Avenue for $1.00 and with it a $1.4 million dollar federal grant.

8.       But the most important question is why there is no action being taken to allow the people of Lisbon to vote on the Municipal Budget by departments?  The PEOPLE of Lisbon voted two years ago stating they wanted to vote by department on the Municipal Budget.  

This just goes to show how very low Chairman LaRochelle has sunk.  During the workshop that followed the meeting, Councilor Pesce asked for a copy of the Planning Board list of projects for the new year.  Chairman LaRochelle stated he had only seen hand written notes of this list.  I had attended the last Planning Board meeting in which the Chairman passed out the list.  I offered to share my copy with the council and Chairman LaRochelle refused.   Since I exposed LaRochelle Properties, LLC owing back taxes, Chairman LaRochelle will not accept anything from me or allow me to address the council.  This is a true sign of a shallow person.

If “the council” does not feel these questions need to be answered, then we have the wrong people representing us.  In November, we need to make a positive change for Lisbon.

Larry Fillmore

 How Much More DO WE HAVE TO DO GOVERNOR LePage?

Recap September 11, 2012 Town Council Workshop‏

THIS SUMMERY WILL BE BRIEF AS WE IN THE AUDIENCE COULD BARELY HEAR WHAT WAS BEING SAID.

The topic was Updates from all Town Boards and Committee Chairmen

Present at the meeting were Town Manager Steve Eldridge, Councilors, Chair, Fern Larochelle, Roger Bickford, Lisa Ward,

and Mark Lunt.

Others present were Richard Golden, Chair of the Library Governing Board; Diane Nadeau, Director, Lisbon Library;

Gordon Curtis, Chair MTM Center; Don Fellows, Chair, Planning Board; Calvin Beaumier, Chair, Conservation Committee;

Miriam Alexander, Chair, Board of Appeals; Steve Warren, Trails Commission; Verla Brooks, Director Parks Department;

Mark Stevens, Director, Recreation Department.

In the audience were Roger Cote, Dillon Peasce, Dot Fitzgerald.

First up was The MTM Center. Gordon Curtis gave an update on the window replacement, furnace,

and future improvements. He said the Committee has a Mission Statement but no by-laws.

They are down one member, the building is at maximum usage.

Next, Don Fellows said the Planning Board has been busy. The new Town Planner has been reviewing

ordinances, and the Comprehensive Plan, updating codes, drafting by-laws, working on addressing

code violations and a master Plan for Route 196. They will be having a public forum on Route 9.

Richard Golden said the Library Committee does have by-laws. The newly installed air conditioner is working well. 

Next project is replacing the sign over the Library door. Diane is working with Verla on a new sign.

Library usage is up and they should have the new computers and person to assist citizens with job searches

very soon. Diane said the winter project is waterproofing the Children's Reading Room in the basement.

It was most difficult to hear Calvin with the Conservation Department. The most I got to of it

was they are updating their web-site, identifying our Watersheds, identifying town owned properties,

protecting our resources. there was a lot of discussion on the Trails, both paved and ones used

by ATV's and snowmobiles. Sorry for any errors, or omissions but I can only report what I heard.

Miriam Alexander said the Board of Appeals has been quiet, not much going on which is not a bad thing.

Steve Warren with the Trails Committee said he was pleased that the Trails Committee has brought

lots of Federal funds to the town.

The Army Corp of Engineers has finally given approval for the next phase, the River Trail.

He stressed that the trails are not just for recreation but transportation also.

There was talk of connecting our trails to both Lewiston and Topsham.

There was much discussion about the town paid for trails, maintaining them,

 and the ATV and snowmobile trails.

Last but not least Mark Stevens said the Recreation Department had their best and busiest summer.

He said they do have working rules and do background checks on all who work there,

especially those who work with the children. They would like to have a senior citizen on

their committee. He spoke about overlapping usage of the fields, with the school department,

L J A L,and ones in Beaver Park, and maintaining the many fields.

That was echoed by Verla Brooks.

He said the ice rink is badly in need of upgrading the water lines and boards,

before it can be flooded for skating this winter.

Next workshop will be on if there will be a Moxie Festival next year,

 and if the town can afford to put it on.

That workshop will be on September 25, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the Town Office.

                                           Respectfully,

                                           Dot Fitzgerald

                                          Concerned Citizen

And About The Town Council Workshop Last Night August 14,2012: Here's Larry's Report, God Bless Him For His Dedication

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP – AUGUST 14TH

Last night was the council workshop and on the agenda was:  Finance Committee Discussion; Charter Amendments; Davis Street Well Discussion; Parks/Recreation Discussion and finally Trails/Conservation Committee Discussion.  But first Scott Benson updated the council on the progress of the Library Workforce Development Grant Application.  The grant application for $20,000 dollars was submitted on June 8th and the DECD/OCD selected the application on June 26th.  On August 2nd the DECD/OCD Project Manager Tammy Knight visited the town reference to the grant.  There will be a Public Hearing held on August 21st at the Town Council meeting to hear Public comments on this project.

Finance Committee Discussion – The town council is trying to replace the current Budget Advisory Board with the Finance Committee.  The council is going to require the Finance Committee to review and audit the procedures of the town.  The review and audit is a great idea with the exception that no matter what they discover they cannot change anything because they are ONLY advisory.  This is identical to the Budget Advisory Board.  The town council did not and does not listen to anyone except Councilor Bowie.  Changing the name from Budget Advisory Board to Finance Committee without any additional authority is a pure waste of time.  Why not have the Budget Advisory Board perform the review and audit of town procedures?  As long as any board or committee is advisory and the town is ignoring them; why waste everybody’s time?  

Town Attorney Roger Therriault

Charter Amendments – The town attorney made the changes to the Charter Councilor Bowie requested.  The people are going to be able to vote on the municipal budget twice and then the councilor’s budget will automatically go into effect.  These changes to our Charter are completely meaningless and have absolutely no value.  This defeats the purpose of having the people vote on the budget.   Councilor Mark Lunt finally got it and asked “Why don’t we use last year’s budget instead of the councilor’s budget?”  This would provide the council an incentive to prepare a budget the town’s people can live with because the way it reads now; the council gets its budget after two NO votes by the people.  Of course, no member of the council spoke up at all.  It was like the rest of the council totally ignored the comment.
Councilor Lunt is absolutely right there is no incentive for the council to reduce spending and lower the town’s operating cost.  They simply spend whatever they want because they realize the towns' people will reject the budget both times and then the council gets everything they asked for and our taxes continue to rise.   Councilor Bowie and his puppets do not get it.  It is imperative the people tell the council this is not what 2025 citizens voted on last November.  Call or email your councilors and tell them you want to use last year’s budget instead of the councilor’s budget after two votes. 

Councilor Mike Bowie

Chairman Fern LaRochelle – 353-2329    flarochelle@lisbonme.org
Vice Chair Lori Pomelow – 353-8822       lpomelow@lisbonme.org
Councilor Bowie – 353-2607                      mbowie@lisbonme.org
Councilor Bickford – 353-8946                  rogginbic32@gmail.com
Councilor Mason – 353-9086                    gmason@lisbonme.org
Council Lunt – 353-9903                            mlunt@lisbonme.org
Councilor Ward – 353-7306                      lward@lisbonme.org

Davis Street Well Discussion – The council is still not sure as to who is responsible for the well.  Councilor Bowie wants to know the town’s liability from the town attorney.  Councilor Mason stated the STATE paid for her father’s well when it got contaminated.  Chairman LaRochelle asked the town manager to put out a Request for Procurement (RFP) to see what it is going to cost to resolve the situation.  This will be discussed further in September.

Parks/Recreation Discussion – The council is considering the possibility of combining the Parks and Recreation Departments.  Councilor Bowie pointed out there is insufficient data to arrive at a good decision.  Vera Brooks is against the consolidation.  Mark Stevens did not sound like he was in favor of this either.  Chairman LaRochelle asked the town manager to provide additional data.  The Parks Department took on the additional duties of maintaining the gardens and mowing this year.  Councilor Bickford comment “Why fix something that is not broke?”

Trails/Conservation Committee - The council is considering combining the Trails Commission with the Conservation Commission.  According to Councilor Bowie, the Trails Commission ONLY designs the trails.  The creation and maintenance of these trails is another department’s responsibility.   The council has no understand of the by-laws and mission of each of the committees so they asked the town manager to provide this information and to schedule both of these committees to come before the council in a workshop to provide additional information prior to making any decision.
Finally as a note and not part of the agenda, Chairman LaRochelle asked the council how they wanted to handle the Water Department discussion.  Apparently, a survey was sent out to certain members of the community by Councilor Bickford and the result indicated the people wanted to put the Water Department under the town.  In my personal opinion, this is extremely underhanded and illegal.  If you want to ask a question of the citizens of Lisbon, it should be done on a ballot in November and not by a handpicked group to represent the town people’s wishes.  However, this is the way business is conducted by this council.  Remember, when the question of whether or not to have the people vote on the municipal budget came up; it was put on the November ballot.  The decision was decided by the entire town and not a handpicked group.  This is supposed to be a democracy and not a dictatorship.  In this country, the majority speaks for the people.  Don’t you think the entire community has a right to vote on this critical question?

 Councilor Gina Mason

Council Mason brought up an important issue and that was; there is little to no participation on town issues by citizens of Lisbon.  Councilor Mason cannot understand why.  Do you suppose it is because the council ignores the people when they speak?

 Remember the Public Hearing on the 2% wage increase in this year’s budget, everyone who spoke out stated they did not want a 2% wage increase this year and what did we get?  The 2% wage increase was left in the budget and higher taxes.  Now, after two unsuccessful votes by the people to approve the municipal budget; the proposed budget by the council is automatically approved and will be the budget for the next year.  These councilors do just what Bowie tells them to do.  Apparently, none of them are capable of making decisions of their own.



VOTE THEM OUT IN NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen

Come on people get off your duffs and participate

Gregg has left a new comment on your post "And About The Town Council Workshop Last Night Aug...":

Ok I have a few questions maybe someone can answer ...

Replace the current Budget Advisory Board with the Finance Committee ...

- why bother? the council didn't seem to folow their recommendations so changing the name isn't going to help ...



Budget Charter Amendment ...

- Using last years budget is a good stop gap, but may not be the best answer to promote a change ... But acceptance after two no votes is beyond a waste of time and money ... its an insult ...



Davis Street Well Discussion – "The council is still not sure as to who is responsible for the well" ...

- Can anyone shed light on this? and if this is a workshop item, why wouldn't this have already been addressed BEFORE you get all the counselors together to discuss it in a workshop?



Parks/Recreation Discussion – "The council is considering the possibility of combining the Parks and Recreation Departments. Councilor Bowie pointed out there is insufficient data to arrive at a good decision."

- Ok, so why was this a workshop item, is it a cost savings to combine the two departments? Insufficent data? Same as the well, shoudln't this have already been addressed by the Town Manager and the respective department heads BEFORE you get all the counselors together to discuss it in a workshop? Isn't that what the Town Manager and Department heads are paid to do ... the Council should be the final approving authority not the ones physically running the town/departments.



Trails/Conservation Committee - "The council has no understand of the by-laws and mission of each of the committees"

- Ok, I have an issue with this, but shouldn't this be a topic for the Town Manager to have knowledge of ... or at least, if this was on the adjenda for the workshop - shouldn't the two committees have had representation at the workshop so they could brief the council ...



Water Department - "a survey ... indicated the people wanted to put the Water Department under the town"

- Isn't this considered a "public utility" and as such regulated by the State Public Utilites Commission? Has this been addressed by the town attorney to ensure this whole process isn't a waste of time? What are the Pro's and Con's ? I haven't seen any survey ...

Town Council Agenda for May 1, 2012

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
7:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG

2. ROLL CALL
___Councilor Bickford
___ Councilor Bowie
___ Councilor Larochelle
___ Councilor Lunt
___Councilor Mason
___ Councilor Pomelow
___ Councilor Ward

Town Clerk reading of meeting rules

3. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Proposed zone change on Gartley Street from General Residential District to Diversified Development District

4. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

5. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION RESPONSE

6. CONSENT AGENDA
2012-46 ORDER −
A. Minutes of April 10, 2012
B. Minutes of April 17, 2012
C. Minutes of April 24, 2012
D. Renewal Mobile Home Park for Whispering Pines

7. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES
2012-47 ORDINANCE −
Proposed zone change on Gartley Street from General Residential District to Diversified Development District (Second Reading)
2012-48 ORDER −
Set Polling hours, locations, registrar , and absentee casting hours

8. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Dispatch Discussion
B. University of Maine Cooperative Extension & Forever Farms
C. Budget Schedule Change
D. Town Manager’s Report

9. APPOINTMENTS
2012-49 ORDER −
Appoint Election Clerks for June 12, 2012
2012-50 ORDER −
Appoint Wardens for June 12, 2012
2012-51 ORDER −
Trails Commission Resignation

10. COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION

12. ADJOURNMENT
2012-52 ORDER −
To Adjourn

12. BUDGET WORKSHOP
A. Economic & Community Development
B. Recreation
C. Parks
D. Assessing & Code Enforcement
E. Elected Officials
F. Town Manager, Contingency, Legal

ANDROSCOGGIN RIVER TRAIL HAPPY TRAILS OR WHITE ELEPHANT?

ANDROSCOGGIN RIVER TRAIL
 
HAPPY TRAILS OR WHITE ELEPHANT?

On November 4, 2009 Town of Lisbon residents went to the polls and voted to approve a bond in the amount of $320,000.00.

This $320,000.00 is the town’s share of $1,600,000.00 to build a trail continuing from the present trail at the Sabattus River Bridge on Route 196 and Frost Hill Avenue, UNDER the Sabattus River Bridge, over several sections of wetlands, cross the railroad TWICE, pass right under the kitchen windows of property owners on Davis Street.

More than 2 ½ years and how many dollars later and the project still
has not gotten off the ground. The town is still waiting for approvals
from the Army Corp of Engineers and Maine DEP.

At a January 24, 2012 Council workshop, Town Engineer Ryan Leighton said we still need to obtain the necessary permits, get easements from property owners, decide if the town will hire a contractor to oversee the project or act as our own contractor, which would mean hiring a Licensed Professional Engineer and additional workers at the Public Works Department.

Why hire another Engineer?

We are a long way from even beginning work.

Councilor Bowie laughingly said if the homeowners won’t sign easements maybe the town could use Eminent Domain.

 Keep Praying Mike Bowie, You And Brother Dale Have A  Lot of Sins To Undue!

Would Mr. Bowie want people walking under his kitchen window?

Would Mr. Eldridge want people walking under his windows?

Mr. Noyes Lawrence is a big proponent of the Androscoggin River Trail.

Would he want people walking under his windows?

We are paying $16,000 a year on a bond for a project they are nowhere
near ready to begin! ! ! !

How much has already been spent??????

Will those coming from other towns to walk our beautiful trails,
spend any money here? Support our local businesses? (Other than at Hogie’s Hot Dogs? No offense Frank. )

Eat at our restaurants? Shop at Food City, Rite Aid, Family Dollar?

WHY ARE WE SPENDING SO MUCH MONEY FOR SO LITTLE RETURN ON INVESTMENT??????

Dot Fitzgerald
Lisbon Concerned Citizen

Last Night's Town Council Meeting Recap

RECAP JANUARY 17

Last night’s town council meeting was quick and to the point.  It started off with this year’s Fire Department Officer’s promotion ceremony.  The Lisbon Reporter congratulates these Firefighters on their promotions.  The rest of the meeting went very quickly because there were no real issues addressed. 

Bates College students presented the town with signage of the history of Lisbon with several hard copies of various subjects to be posted along the trails outlining historical information about the site.  This was very well down by the students.

There was no real update to the Lisbon Connection problem.  There is funding to keep the operations going through April and the town is looking for additional funds to cover the remaining time.  There is a possibility it may come to a 50/50 cost sharing.

There was a meeting held between the Green Thumb Gang and the Parks Ranger (Verla Brooks) reference taking care of the numerous gardens in Lisbon.   The Park Ranger is going to categorize all the gardens in order to protect them better. 

The town manager announced the County Commissioners will conduct a walk-through of the Lisbon Communications Center on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 3:00PM.  This is open to the public and there will be a discussion period afterward.

 

 Puppet Master Bowie  

"Yes David, I will pull his string to vote on your budget"

Lisbon's Pro Tem Town Manager Stephen G. Eldridge

At this point, the town went into Executive Session.  Another Executive Session conducted behind closed doors to discuss Acquisition of real property and Economic Development under the provisions of MRSA Statute 405 (6) (C).  This Maine Revised Statute states you can hold “Permitted Deliberation” if “Discussion or consideration of the condition, acquisition or the use of real or personal property permanently attached to real property or interests therein or disposition of publicly held property or economic development only if premature disclosures of the information would prejudice the competitive or bargaining position of the body or agency.”  This is not a license to make everything kept from the people.  The town of Lisbon is not in the real estate business so how does all economic development and property fall under this statute?  Why is there no briefing to the public on what is being discussed, in general, if it really qualifies under this statute?  Is this another example demonstrating lack of transparency in Lisbon or just abuse of power by this council?

Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen

The Trails Commission Public Hearing

The Trails Commission Public Hearing -
February 9, 2010 at 7:00 pm

Androscoggin River Trail -

Engineering Preliminary Design Presentation

It has been nearly a year since the Androscoggin River Trail design began and eight months since the kickoff public meeting, so it may be off your radar. This meeting will be the public feedback forum and opportunity to influence the design. A key factor in the success and functionality of public projects, can be the input from users.

The community should be familiar with the project to be sure that the $1,600,000 is being spent in the most effective manner. The trail route was supposed to be staked and flagged last July, for the community to be able to view the site. Since that didn't happen, the proposed route can be viewed, next to the alternative route, at: http://picasaweb.google.com/108931926848684583188/LisbonAndroscogginTrailRoutes#slideshow/5487690614773367282

Possible issues to be addressed with the engineers at the meeting include:

The proposed route has 40% of the project's cost going into 10% of the route

The proposed route is 1000' longer than the riverfront option

Will the expensive part will be too long, steep and slipery for people to enjoy?

Will maintenance and repair be a problem for this 500' built-up section?

What is the maintenance and replacement cost for the 150' steel footbridge?

Addional information is available at:

http://www.lisbonreporter.com/2010/06/news-flashtrail-project-public-meeting.html

Steve Warren

Lisbon Trail Project Public Meeting Update

The public meeting to see the presentation by the engineers from Woodard & Curran, and provide them with feedback, took place 6/22, to a good public attendance. The presentation simulated the highlights of the trail route and the audience gave positive feedback. The discussion of the original route along the riverfront was dismissed by the project engineer because it would cost $100,000 for DEP permit fees. Questions related to the fact that their route adds an extra 10% of length to the $1,600,000 project, went unanswered. That $160,000 and the $200,000 bridge over the gully and the cost for the 300' ramp (which will exceed the maximum 8% grade) would be better spent elsewhere.

 

They agreed that the riverfront route would be a greater attraction, but will not be considered unless there is strong public demand to do so. They recommended that people walk the route and provide feedback. There will be installing stakes in July to mark the route. A website with pictures showing the two routes side by side is available at http://picasaweb.google.com/108931926848684583188/LisbonAndroscogginTrailRoutes#slideshow/5487690614773367282 . The riverfront is the left picture and the Davis Street route is on the right. The options are exlained in LR post on 6/22.

 

Comments should be submitted to the Town Manager and Town Council.

 

Steve Warren