Recap Town Council Workshop - January 16th 2014

                            RECAP TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP – JANUARY 16TH
Last night’s Town Council Workshop was in my opinion very productive.  The atmosphere in the room was tension free for the most part.  There were only three items on the agenda and I will cover these NOT in the order presented but by the length of time devoted to each.

The shortest was the discussion pertaining to the training required for the Councilors on the National Incident Management System (NIMS).  A gentleman named Keith and I did not get his last name provided an overview of the program and asked Chairwoman Ward about scheduling a class for the Council.

Next, Interim Town Manager, Michael Huston, provided the Council with three organizations who would work with the Council to select a new Town Manager.  Mr. Huston provided the Council with years of experience on both sides of the table about how the process works.  He also provided some dos and dont's from his experience to help the Councilors to make this process smoother and less time consuming.  Mr. Huston’s presentation was done in a professional manner and I believe his guidance was well received by the Council.

The majority of the time was spent discussing the Water Department.  I have to give you background in order to follow this discussion.  At one time the town wanted to take over the control of the Water Department.  In order to do this, the town submitted a bill to the State Legislature for approval.  This bill was sponsored by Representative Dale Crafts and Senator Garret Mason.   

In order to block this attempt to take over the Water Department, the Water Department submitted their own bill to the Legislature.  When the two bills came before the Sub-Committee, the bill presented by the town was dismissed and the bill submitted by the Water Department remained in the Sub-Committee for review.  The Sub-Committee tabled the bill until the town and the Water Department had an opportunity to get on the same page.  

Now this Bill (LD1396) comes up for review on January 22, 2014 and the Water Department was asking the council for a letter stating the town was in agreement or had no objections to moving forward with a Water District this year and a combination of the possibility of a Water/Sewer District in two years.  By converting from a Water Department to a Water District would NOT change the current formation of the Water Department and will NOT raise the current rates of the Water Department.  What this does is provide more legal protection for the town with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).  I did not hear any objection from anyone or the Council, that this is not a good thing for Lisbon.  

However, Mr. LaRochelle made it clear that the bill that was submitted by the town, sponsored by the two representatives of Lisbon and that the bill provided by the Water Department was sponsored by representatives of other towns.  Chairwoman Ward agreed with Mr. LaRochelle, the current bill was not sponsored by the people of Lisbon.  Apparently, the bill submitted by the town and sponsored by the town representatives did not meet the requirements of the Sub-Committee because it was dismissed.  So this is water under the bridge and we move on with the bill before the Sub-Committee.  

I cannot understand why, with everyone in agreement that this is in the best interest of the town, both Representative Crafts and Senator Mason are not supporting this bill.  It is a far cry from being finalized and no one is asking the Town Council to bless this bill, but they are asking that the town provide input to the Sub-Committee in order to move it forward. 

KEEP THIS IN MIND, BEFORE ANYTHING BECOMES FINAL, THE RESIDENTS OF LISBON WILL HAVE TO VOTE TO APPROVE THE CONVERSION OF THE WATER DEPARTMENT TO A WATER DISTRICT!!!!!

Larry Fillmore

Council Workshop Thursday, January 16, 2014‏

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
6:00 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

3. WATER DEPARTMENT DISCUSSION
 
4. TOWN MANAGER SEARCH
 
5. NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS) TRAINING DISCUSSION
 
6. ADJOURNMENT

__________________________________________________________________________

LISBON COUNCIL MEETING RULES

1. Please obtain a copy of the evening’s agenda and note the order that items may be acted upon by the Council (if this is a regular or special meeting where action may be taken by the Council). In some instances, the Council may elect to change the order of the agenda.

2. If the Council is holding a Council workshop, public comment is not typically allowed. There are occasions where some public comment may be recruited, but generally speaking, the workshops are reserved for Council members to educate themselves on and discuss a variety of issues facing the Town.

3. Note that “Consent Agenda” items (if there are any) are acted upon first, voted upon as a group, and will most often be voted on without discussion as these items often involve “housekeeping” issues (such as minor parking changes). On occasion “Consent Agenda” items are separated out as stand-alone action items by the Council to allow for more discussion.

4. The Council Chairman presides over the meeting. When the Chairman is not present, the Vice Chairman serves that function.

5. Action on agenda items. As each item on the agenda for any meeting is brought to the floor for discussion:

a. The town clerk reads the agenda item and the action being requested of council.

b. The sponsor of each item or, if there is no council sponsor, the town manager or town staff, shall first be allowed to present their initial comments for consideration by the public and other councilors.

c. Following this introduction of the issue, there will be time devoted to any questions of the sponsor or the town manager or staff regarding the agenda item which any councilor may have which would help to clarify the question presented by the agenda item. The chair may allow questions from the public during this time (4b), and no debate or discussion of collateral issues shall be permitted.

d. Once the agenda item has been explained by its sponsor or the town manager or staff and clarified by any questioning as provided above in (4c), the discussion on the specific agenda item will remain with the council and public comment will only be allowed at the Chairman’s discretion. The public shall address the item during the Public Hearing or Audience Participation section of the agenda.

e. The chair may, if the topic warrants, allow a second period of public comment no longer than two minutes per person, prior to final council vote. Second comments by the public must be to furnish new or undisclosed information or viewpoints.

6. If an “Executive Session” is conducted by the Council, State Statute prohibits public attendance for any discussion of the action to be addressed by the Council. Any action taken by the Council on any “Executive Session” matter must be acted upon in a public meeting, and may occur at the end of the “Executive Session” (which has no time element relative to the length of the discussion involved in the “session”).

Note: Detailed Council governing rules may be found on our website under Town Council.

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

Recap Town Council Meeting - September 3rd, 2013

             RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – SEPTEMBER 3

Tuesday night’s meeting of the Town Council was business as usual.  The Town Manager Eldridge hides as much information as he can from the council and the people.  It does not matter that this is a violation of the Council Working Rules or not because he knows that he will be able to talk his way out of it with this council.

In accordance with (IAW) paragraph C (2) Council Working Rules all items shall be provided to the manager’s office by close of business on Thursday.  The Finance Director failed, once again, to provide the documentation in accordance with the Council Working Rules.  The purpose of this requirement is to give the councilors and the Public adequate time to review all necessary information.  However, there is no enforcement of any rules or ordinances unless it is against selected individuals.  There were no documentation presented for 2013-136 Carry Forward Adjustment and 2013-137 Revenue Sharing Adjustment. 

The following items were passed by a vote of 6-0 for the following items:  Androscoggin County Budget Committee Official Ballot (Mike Bowie was elected); Set Rate of Interest for Delinquent Taxes (You can be sure LaRochelle Properties, LLC will never pay the Interest and Penalties on their back taxes); Carry Forward Adjustment (Finance Director found $17,000 in Fire Department for Radio); Revenue Sharing Adjustment (This was $570,000);  Repeal Section 70-731 Timber Harvesting (This was done to follow state rules).

The Town Assessor, William Van Tuinen provided an update on the town’s revaluation.  It is scheduled to be completed in 2015.  Mr. Van Tuinen also set the tax rate at $23.00 which is up from $22.26 per thousand.  The town is planning on releasing our tax bills no later than Friday.  This is just in time for the weekend and the Public Hearing September 10, 2013 on the bonds facing the people.  

The Town has a million dollar bond to purchase and demolition the Worumbo Mill; the School would like to raise money to get them off probation and finally the Water Department want to present two bonds (1 for 1.75 million for a water tank and 2 $650,000 for the replacement of 4300 feet of water main on Frost Hill Avenue and Old Lisbon Road).

The Town Manager talked about the upcoming Public Hearing on September 10th.

The Water Department Director provided an overview of the two bonds they want to talk about at the Public Hearing on the 10th.  It was very informative and a more detailed briefing will be given at the Public Hearing. 

Please come to the Public Hearing.

Larry Fillmore

Lisbon Town Council Agenda For September 3, 2013

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 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. Repeal Section 70-731 Timber Harvesting
B. Special Entertainment Permit – Left Hand Club

4. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

5. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION RESPONSE

6. CONSENT AGENDA
2013-133 ORDER 
A. Minutes of August 20, 2013
B. Minutes of August 27, 2013
C. Special Entertainment Permit & Liquor License – Left Hand Club
D. Permission for serving alcohol outside establishment – Friends Lodge
E. Renewal Victualer’s Licenses – Good Time Lanes, Left Hand Club, Railroad Restaurant & Pub

7. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES
2013-134 ORDER 
Androscoggin County Budget Committee Official Ballot

2013-135 ORDER 
Set Rate of Interest For Delinquent Taxes

2013-136 ORDER 
Carry Forward Adjustment

2013-137 ORDER 
Revenue Sharing Adjustment

2013-138 ORDINANCE 
Repeal Section 70-731 Timber Harvesting

8. OTHER BUSINESS
A. William Van Tuinen Assessing Update
B. Town Manager’s Report
C. Water Department Bond

9. APPOINTMENTS

10. COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION

12. ADJOURNMENT
2013-139 ORDER 
To Adjourn

UTILITIES COMMITTEE WORKSHOP – June 3rd

UTILITIES COMMITTEE WORKSHOP – June 3^rd

Last Monday was a historical moment in the town of Lisbon, three members of the Town Council and three Water Commissioners sat down at the table in response to the Maine Legislature’s mandate.  As far as I know, this is the first time these two groups have met to jointly work together on this issue.  

This workshop set the ground work for many many more such meetings by creating a mission statement; establishing a schedule, identifying a need for additional members and outlining goals for the next workshop.  All of these actions are steps in the right direction to keep moving forward.

The Mission Statement is to find the most cost effective way to provide Water and Sewer to the residents of Lisbon.  This is probably not the exact wording the committee came up with but it is as close as I can remember.  There are several options being considered and these are not in any priority:

A.       Place the general operations of the Water Department under the town.

B.      Establish a separate Water District and Sewer District.

C.      Establish a combined Water and Sewer District.

D.      Leave everything as it currently is.

This committee has agreed to meet the first Monday of each month, to start with and will meet at the town office starting at 06:30 PM.  The next meeting is scheduled for July 1, 2013.

The committee recommended adding two or three residents that utilize the town Water and Sewer to the group.  Those residents interested in being a part of the Utilities Committee can go to the town web side, click on Boards and Committees and scroll down to Application for Boards and Committees.  The form must be completed and submitted the application to the town no later than June 13, 2013 for consideration.  In the block call “OTHER” type in “Utilities Committee”.

At the next schedule meeting, the group will be briefed by members of the Water Department and the Sewer Department.  Also the group will be inviting members of other towns to come in and explain how they provide both Water and Sewer to their residents.

The Public is invited to these committee meetings and the last ten minutes of the meeting have been set aside for Audience Participation.  The group is interested in what you have to say.

Larry Fillmore

TAA DAA! Last Night's Town Council Meeting‏

LAST NIGHT’S TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

At last night’s Town Council meeting, the meeting was conducted very professionally by Vice-Chair Ward.  Chairman LaRochelle and the Sun Journal reporter were absent.  The only people in the audience were Ken Wells and Steve Warren who left during Executive Session.  Chief Brooks and, of course the very faithful, Dottie Fitzgerald and myself were also in attendance.  “Danny” was nowhere to be seen unless he/she was in disguise.

The three topics on the agenda were (1) Property Tax Foreclosure; (2) Sewer/Water Department Consolidation and (3) Warrant for June 11, 2013. 

(1)    There are 37 properties owing back taxes for the period Fiscal Year 2003 through Fiscal Year 2011.  If I understood the Finance Director, Jessica Maloy, 23 of these there has been no movement on; 9 of these are on a payment plan and 1 of these owed more in interest and penalties than back taxes.  Even though the council did not vote on the issue, the Finance Director was given permission to pursue Foreclosure proceedings on those without a payment plan.

I cannot understand why anyone on this list could possibly be charged interest and penalties when the Chairman of the Town Council, Fern LaRochelle has not paid interest and penalties on the back taxes owed to the town by LaRochelle Properties, LLC.  It certainly is strange that LaRochelle Properties, LLC was left off this list because the back taxes they owed go further than 2003.  Good Old Boys get special treatment in the town of Lisbon.

(2)     The council voted 6-0 to meet with the Water Commissions to discuss the Sewer/Water Consolidation because the Legislature told the town to work the problem out amongst themselves.

(3)     The council voted 6-0 to approve the warrant for the June 11, 2013 election.

It is very disgusting to go to a town council meeting and see such a small turnout of citizens.  I understand the council does not listen to the people and has restricted the voice of the people but it is important for the council to know citizens care about what they do.

Larry Fillmore

LISBON AGENDA TOWN COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2013

Remember to be there 1/2 hour early to see if Fern will think your concern(s) warrants being put on the agenda!

AGENDA

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

TUESDAY, MAY 7, 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

4.   AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

5.   AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION RESPONSE

6.   CONSENT AGENDA

2013-67  ORDER -	A. Minutes of April 16, 2013
	B. Minutes of April 23, 2013
	C. Renewal Mobile Home Parks
	D. Renewal Victualers Licenses

7.   COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES

2013-68  ORDER -	Property Tax Foreclosures
2013-69  ORDER -	Sewer/Water Department Consolidation
2013-70  ORDER -	Warrant for June 11, 2013

8.   OTHER BUSINESS

A. Town Manager’s Report

9.   APPOINTMENTS

2013-71 ORDER -

Appeals Board (1)

10. COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION

2013-72  ORDER -

1 MRSA § 405 (6) (D) Labor Negotiations – MAP Unit

12. ADJOURNMENT

2013-73  ORDER -

To Adjourn

13. WORKSHOP

Where is the COMMON SENSE IN LISBON‏???

 

 

 

It would seem that our town of Lisbon leaders, well paid leaders I might add, are lacking in common sense.

 

Cases in point:

The director of our Engineering Department is NOT a licensed engineer. 

 

A Class or Grade 4 license is necessary to operate a Sewerage Treatment Plant, yet the Director of the Town of Lisbon Sewerage Plant has a Class or Grade 2 license.

 

At the April 16, 2013 Town Council meeting we learned that there were not one, but two "incidences"

where untreated sewer was discharged into the Androscoggin River.

 

For these "incidences", DEP,  the Department of Environmental Protection, is fining the Town of Lisbon $22,000.

 

Instead of having a qualified person as Director of the Sewerage Treatment Plant, the town council is looking to

our State Representative, Dale Crafts, and Senator, Garrett Mason, to convince DEP to lower the fine being assessed

to the Town of Lisbon.

A fine the taxpayers will have to pay.

 

And now, our leaders want to take over the Town of Lisbon Water Department.

Guess who is taking classes and who our leaders are priming to head up the Water Department?

 

We, the voters of the Town of Lisbon, will be voting on that issue in November.

 

Do we really want an unqualified persons running our Water Department?

 

                         I KNOW I DO NOT! ! !

  GUESS HOW I WILL BE VOTING NOVEMBER???????

 

Dot Fitzgerald

A Very Concerned Lisbon citizen

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – JANUARY 8, 2013

The first Town Council meeting for 2013 was held last night.  The meeting was short, sweet and to the point.  The council voted 7-0 to approve the Consent Agenda items. 

Under Council, Orders, Resolutions & Ordinances the council approved 7-0 to approve the states GA Housing Maximum – Appendix C.

Under Other Business – the council selected council members to the 2013-2014 Board & Committee Council Liaisons.  The Town Manager’s review is coming up on January 22^nd and Mr. Eldridge passed out forms for the councilors to complete.  The town Manager asked the council for guidance on if Lisbon should partner with Lewiston on the Lisbon/Lewiston Rail Line project.  The council took a straw poll and recommended the Town Manager represent Lisbon in this partnership.   

In town manager’s Report, Mr. Eldridge stated the Councilor’s Orientation would be on January 22^nd.  He also mentioned Representative Dale Crafts had left the draft Water Department Bill for review.  The Water Department Referendum question would be on the November 2013 ballot.  This is necessary to get the 20% required voters to vote.

Under Appointments Council Dillon Pesce and Mark Lunt were selected as Council Liaison to the Route 196 Steering Committee.

Under Councilor Communications, Chairman LaRochelle provided an update to the LLC situation.  He started off by stating the “Tabloids” had stated his family had received a Homestead Exemption illegally.  According to Chairman LaRochelle, this was not true and that the state of Maine had granted his family a “lifetime Homestead Exemption”.  Chairman LaRochelle went on to say he had paid 10 years of back taxes which he did not have to do.

At this point the council adjourned into Executive Session.  According to Chairman LaRochelle there would be no votes taken upon completion of the Executive Session.

Larry Fillmore

Concerned Citizen

Lisbon Beware --------------Power Corrupts

Lisbon Beware ------ Corrupts

Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.  ( Lord Acton)

This statement means that people with power end up using it. They might start out using their powers for the good of others, but eventually they end up using it just because they can.  I see this happening with the Lisbon Council.

Over the course of the last two years our Councilors have taken a number of seemingly unrelated steps that when put together paint a disturbing picture. Whether intentional or not our Councilors have been  giving themselves more and more power and at the same time making it more difficult to remove one of their own from office.

The following are a few examples that show this consolidation of power.

•     The Council has changed their working rules to curtail most of the public input that used to be allowed at meetings. This action coupled with the obvious disregard for the residents wishes at special public hearings sends the clear message to the public that the Council really only wants to hear from you when you agree with them.

•     The Council has stiffened the charter recall procedures making it almost impossible to remove a Councilor once elected.

•     The Council is attempting to replace the elected Budget Advisory Board with a hand picked Economic Finance Committee.   This committee will serve at the pleasure of the Council making it much less likely to disagree with the council. They will be used to propose the Councils predetermined decisions.   

•     The Council placed a question on next weeks ballot that will, if passed, place the Water Department under their control .  If any of you think this move is a good idea I refer you to Chairman Bauer’s letters.  We presently have one of the lowest water rates in the State. Lets not screw with perfection.

It is relatively easy to give your power away but it is much more difficult to get that power back once abdicated. 

November 6th election will be one of the most important elections in recent history. If you don’t want these measures passed vote and let your voice be heard.

Joe Hill
LisbonMaine.net

Disclaimer: Election 2012 is too important not to Re-Post these articles. Thank you and Good Luck to all!

WRITE-IN CANDIDATES

The Lisbon Reporter is not supporting any candidate but has learned that the following candidates’ names do not appear on the ballot.  The Lisbon Reporter sole purpose is to keep Lisbon citizens informed.

TOWN COUNCILOR-AT LARGE

ROGER JOSEPH COTE

TOWN COUNCILOR – DISTRICT 1

Larry Allen Fillmore

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Amy M. Dudar

WATER COMMISSION

Stanley Arthur Doughty Jr

***It is important to fill in the oval next to the write-in candidates name or your vote will not count***

ROGER JOSEPH COTE

I believe it is time to bring Roger Cote back as Councilor-At-Large.  I am not taking anything away from the other two candidates Gregg Garrison or Eric Metivier.  I also am not trying to tell anyone how to vote.  I am expressing my own opinion about this election.

Roger Cote served on the Town Council for three years and during this time frame he always put the desires of the people before his own feelings.  Mr. Cote spoke out against the council several times and was definitely not a puppet.  This council has repeatedly ignored the wishes of the people.  I believe Mr. Cote will continue to work hard to get the people what they want.

Right now, the council ignores the people and never answered any of my questions during council meetings.  My research has uncovered continued misappropriations of our tax dollars.  In my opinion, Roger Cote will put a stop to this abuse of our tax dollars which caused our tax increase this year. 

Mr. Cote worked with Mr. Mark Lunt in the past without any problems.  I think Mr. Cote will be able to work with whichever current candidate wins District #2.  Also, without Councilor Bowie manipulating the council there will be an opportunity for positive change in this community. 

For the above cited reasons, I will be writing-in Mr. Roger Joseph Cote’s name as Council-At-Large on November 6^th.

Larry Fillmore

Concerned Citizen

First letter to the residences of Lisbon:

I, William Bauer, find it necessary to approach the town’s residents with some simple clear-cut facts about The Lisbon Water Department and the attempt of the town to take over this department.  I have served you the people of Lisbon, in the capacity of Water Commissioner, for over 35 years with your best interest at heart, without a self-serving or political purpose in mind.   For your trust in me, I say Thank You!! 

I am going to try to give the residents some facts through a series of presentations in this forum so that you may make a knowledgeable vote on Nov 6.   The sole purpose of the Lisbon Water Department is to be able to put all of our efforts into protecting your water and keeping you completely informed of any and all changes that might effort your water quality or efficiency.  We are capable of making mistakes and are far from being perfect.  We do however; attempt to make corrections and/or improvements in a timely and effective manor.  Case in point Mr. Adams and the Board are currently working on a new water tank and the replacement of the water line on Frost Hill Ave.  

I am all for operating as efficiently as possible and would vote for this takeover if I thought it would lower the water rates and save money, I believe it will not and could possibly increase the rates.  The facts are that out of 150 public and private water companies in the State of Maine there are 130 with higher water rates than Lisbon.  This information is available on the PUC web page although it has not been updated since last year.

On Tuesday, August 28 the Town Council held a workshop.  This was not a workshop with open dialogue between all parties concerned.   Mr. Wells and myself had to ask to speak.  The Council then took a straw vote to have a nonbinding question on the ballot Nov 6^th to have the town take over the Lisbon Water Department.  This causes several questions and concerns for me.  This vote, if approved, will be the first step in turning all control over to the town.  The question will be placed on the ballot as a result of Councilor Bickford’s un-official survey.   The big push on his survey is trying to save money through combining of services.  Some of the councilors did say at the workshop that they were not sure if any money could be saved by the takeover of the Lisbon Water Department.  I made the suggestion that a small committee made up of 2 councilors, 2 members of the water board, and 3 residents, get together to solve some of the differences that appear to be problem areas.  I will add that as of October 1, 2012 more than a month later I have not received any contact about talking about any issues.

If the town vote is yes there are several steps that need to be taken.  The council will need to vote to have a State representatives, Councilor Crafts, or Senator Mason sponsor a bill to amend the Charter of the Lisbon Water Department to be run by the Town Council.  The Water Charter dates back to 1909.  There were some charter changes made in the mid ”50s” I will talk about those changes prior to the November 6 vote, as they are very important.

Every Town Manger since my Dad’s tenure has attempted to take over the Water Department.    This scares me on many levels.  One of which is the fact that it seems to be based on a political agenda and a personal vendetta rather than an honest attempt to improve the service to the residents.  I also believe that it is a way to pass additional municipal cost on to water customers.  I left the workshop that the Town called to discuss the takeover of the Water Department with feelings of dismay and confusion.

Questions: call me at home 353-2780 or cell 576-2438 office 353-3020 or better yet come to a water board meeting.  I will discuss other issues in my next letter. 

 William A. Bauer, Chairman

My Second letter to the residences of Lisbon:

 

In Councilor Bickford’s unofficial survey he made it sound that if the Council takes over the Lisbon Water Department the council would be able to lower the fire protection charges.  This is far from true; the Maine Public Utilities must approve the rates.  When a water utility seeks a rate increase, the utility will have an audit for financial information along with reasoning on why additional rates are needed.  The findings are presented to the Maine Public Utilities Commission and the P.U.C. will approve or disapprove the rates for a water utility.  The P.U.C. has established a formula for how utilities gain their revenue.  Without getting too complex a third should come from residential, a third fire protection, and a third from industrial/commercial.  Lisbon’s 2011 revenues came from the following:  residential, $478,850, fire protection, $290,857, commercial $57,067, other $97,862 for a total revenue of $924,634.

Information taken from the 2011 independent audit and reported to the Maine Public Utilities.

It is important that Lisbon residents realize that the Board of Water Commissioners does not set the water rates.  It is the job of the Water Commissioners to determine the projects and then try to fund those projects with current revenue or ask for a rate increase.  The residents and the Maine Public Utilities Commission must approve projects and funding.  There can be a citizen petition to have the increase held up for a more through investigation.     

     

The Lisbon Water Department collected $290,857 in fire for protection services.  This money comes from all of us who pay taxes to the Town of Lisbon.  

SO WHAT DOES THIS MONEY PAY FOR?

• Maintenance to 37 miles of pipe large enough to provide water to our fire equipment
•  
• 234 fire hydrants that need to be plowed, painted, flushed and kept in working order.
•  
• High capacity pumps to push the water into the system
•  
• Storage tanks with a total of 1,500,000 gallons of water. Cost to paint a tank $200,000.
•  
• The board is seeking permission to add a third tank with an estimated cost of $1,400,000
•  
• Electrical charges of $2,500.00 per month

 I would like to address the proposal of closing the water department building located at 630 Lisbon Street and relocating those functions to the town office.

The operational costs must be paid for this building such as phone service, heat, electricity, and maintenance.  It is my belief that building would be turned over to public works.  This building is essential towards the operational activities of your water department service.  There are 5 reasons why this building cannot be simply closed: 

 

1.  There is a valve that blends water from Ann Street well with water from Lisbon.  

2.  There are computer and telemetering controls that determine pumps on and off, water levels in the tanks and provides indication of a water break and various pumping activities.  In the event of a need for more water the system will activate and increase the pumping capacity.

3.  Storage for daily water department equipment trucks and backhoe

4.  Bathroom facilities for the water personnel.  A few years back the water department was asked by public works not to use the facilities at public works. 

5.  This office does provide a location for water and sewer customers to pay their bills in Lisbon Falls, including an after hour drop box.

I ask that when you vote on November 6 to vote no on this question.   Voting yes will not save any money for the water customers or the taxpayers.

Questions call me at home 353-2780 or cell 576-2438 office 353-3020 or better yet come to water meeting next meeting October 15 @ 6:30. 

William A. Bauer, Chairman

My Third letter to the residences of Lisbon:

The reason the Town Officials are giving for the take over of the Lisbon Water Department is an attempt to save money for water customers and taxpayers.  There are three areas that the town may feel that they can save money:

1.      The elimination of the stipends paid to the three water commissioners.

2.      The elimination of the part time person for the water department.

3.      The elimination of the salary for the general manager. 

This would total about $70,000 out of a $925,000 budget.  My question is who will perform the duties of the terminated employee’s and elected officials and how much will that cost us?  My thoughts are that this will cost the residents more money than any savings it will generate.   

Here are some facts that the voting public needs to be aware of.  If you have other areas of concern please call me.

BILLING

The Lisbon Water Department is using Northern Data for its billing program.  The Town uses Trio for its computer billing programs.  The Water Department has found that the customer history is much more beneficial by using Northern Data as its billing program.  This information has been extremely valuable when a customer calls about a high water bill.  If the town takes over does this account history vanish?

INSURANCE

The Lisbon Water Department pays for all of its own insurance programs, but does benefit from bulk purchasing through the town.

MAINTENANCE

The water department pays for repairs and parts for all of the vehicles that have been completed by the town garage.  However, the town does not maintain parts for hydrants, meters, the filtration plant, or repair clamps for water mains breaks.  The water department does maintain the inventory of parts for all of these.

METER READINGS

The water department provides to the town its water meter readings for sewer billing purposes at no charge to the town.  There are no savings to the town from meter readings.  Other communities are charging sewer departments as much as a $1.00 per reading. 

PAYROLL

The Lisbon Water Department maintains the payroll for water department employees.  The information is then provided to the Town of Lisbon and the Town prints the checks.  This amounts to six checks per week for employees and three checks quarterly for the commissioners.  The Lisbon Water Department does maintain it’s own checking account and prepares all of its own checks other than payroll.  The Lisbon Water Department must have the Town Manager or his designated person sign the checks.  This is spelled out very clearly by the charter.  No employee or elected official of the water department may sign any checks issued by the Lisbon Water Department.

DEBT

The Lisbon Water Department maintains its own debt structure.  These bond payments are paid for from water revenues but the Town of Lisbon guarantees the debt.   The total current long-term debt of the Lisbon Water Department is $3,000,000. 

 NOTE:  $2,000,000 is owed for the filter plant located on Moody Ave (a spill or contamination means we still pay but can’t use this plant).

FACT:  MAINE PUBLIC UTILITIES STRICTLY FORBIDS THE MIXING OF UTILITY REVENUE AND EXPENSES WITH OTHER MUNICIPAL FUNDS.

I ask that when you vote on November 6 to vote NO on this question.  Voting yes will not save any money for the water customers or the taxpayers.

Questions call me at home 353-2780 or cell 576-2438 office 353-3020.

William A. Bauer, Chairman

My fourth letter to the residences of Lisbon:

Licensing 

I would like to give the readers a short explanation on who is eligible to work for a Maine water company.  The Maine Drinking Water program has the responsibility of determining who may become a licensed operator and is responsible for assigning licensees.  Water systems are defined through a process of grading points, class I to class IV.  This is true in both treatment and distribution according to the complexity and population.  Lisbon is a class II.  Operators must show competency by successfully completing examinations in both treatment and distribution.  Operators must also possess the appropriate experience.  The state requirement for Lisbon is two years experience in a water company.  An operator must posses the knowledge, skills, ability and judgment to assure safe drinking water.  This is measured through a review of education, experience and examinations.   The Lisbon Water Department has three employees with a class II or higher license and one employee who has a class I and is currently studying for the class II test.  My point to this is that the town does not have any current employees who would meet the requirements to be licensed operators.  Hence, there would be no savings with a takeover by the town!

General Manager

The General Manager’s duties are to supervise the daily activities of all the staff and report to the three elected water commissioners at the bi-monthly meetings.  I think it would be beneficial to mention the chain of command at this point.  The field staff will do what it can to solve any problems/requests.  The next step is to take it to the office staff.  The office staff will then present the problem/request to the general manager.  If the problem/request is still present then the Board of Water Commissioners will ask the person to attend a meeting.  If the problem/request still has not been resolved the final decision falls with the Maine Public Utilities Commission.   So for complaints or concerns you should come to the water department not the town manager or council member.

Commissioners

The Water Commissioners are elected for a three-year term; their terms do not run concurrently.  Therefore, there is one commissioner on the ballot every year.  The water commissioner’s sole responsibility is to the customers and the water supply that serves the Town of Lisbon.   I feel that the present board works very well to keep your water supply safe.

I would like to ask you to write in the name of Stanley Arthur Doughty Jr. for re-election to the water board.

Remember voting yes will not cut your water bill or lower your taxes.  Therefore, I am asking for your support of the current Water Department as it stands by voting NO.

Questions call me at home 353-2780 or cell 576-2438 office 353-3020.

William A. Bauer, Chairman

 

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Has anyone given any thought to why the Town Council is doing away with the Budget Advisory Board and establishing a Finance Committee?  Could it be because the Budget Advisory Board recommended unanimously not to support last year’s councilor’s budget?  It certainly would explain why instead of adding these additional duties to the current Budget Advisory Board; the council wants to select (you mean hand pick) individuals whose loyalty is to the council and NOT the people of Lisbon.

These additional duties are what the taxpayers have been paying the town manager ($91,401 in 2011) as part of his duties.   For the past four years, tax dollars have been spent on the town manager’s salary and he has not been performing any of his responsibilities.  Let’s look at the Economic Community Development Department as a prime example.  The two areas where town funds provided by the state and federal government and our tax dollars are being utilized are the Revolving Loan Fund and the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program.  My research has shown there are outstanding loans which should have been paid off in 2008 still outstanding; one loan should have been paid off in September 2011 and finally two businesses have been out of business for longer than a year.  How it possible is; that this goes unnoticed for so long if he is doing his duty?  The same thing applies to the TIF program because I requested a copy all of the Credit Enhancement Agreements (CEA) for the town’s state approved TIF’s.  At first the town denied my Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) stating I was not entitled to them; but once the state educated our town manager, town attorney and the town Director of the Economic Community Development Department, I received only four of the five active CEA’s.  Also, only the Director apologizing for the town’s error!  One of the CEAs was signed by the current town manager with an effective date of April 1, 2004.  It certainly is strange how a legal and binding document can be signed four years prior to the current town manager arriving to Lisbon.  I wonder how legal these document will be in a court.  The fifth CEA arrived approximately ten days later signed by the current town manager with an effective date of December 16^th, 2002.  This is only six years before the current town manager arrived.  This means for the past four years, this town manager had no clue the town was missing these critical documents.  Why are we paying this town manager to do what exactly?  In the Army we have a saying for this type of performance, it is called being on the ROADs program (Retired On Active Duty); get it.

Now to further cover up the incompetency of the town manager, this council is going to establish a Finance Committee.  Keep in mind, this Finance Committee is ONLY GOING TO BE ADVISORY just like the current Budget Advisory Board.  So please tell me again why we are doing this except to punish the current Budget Advisory Board for not support last year’s councilor’s budget and trying to get hand selected individuals who will be loyal ONLY to the council.

Of course, this is cheat labor because the Budget Advisory Board and now the Finance Committee are not paid for their time and effort!!!!!!!!!!!!

Larry Fillmore

Concerned Citizen