Some Information on the Androscoggin County Dispatch Consolidation Plan

By Todd Comber

The Androscoggin County Officials for sometime now have been involved with discussions about consolidating the emergency dispatch centers.  Currently there are two such centers in the county and (24) across the state.  Recently the legislative branch of our state government made a ruling that boils down to reducing the amount of call centers from 26 down to 17.  Makes sense to me.  Why so many?  It is a duplication of services and very costly.  Makes really good sense considering the economics we are facing now.  But how are they going to do it?  This is and has been an important question.  The meetings have involved managers and public officials from the surrounding communities.  Each one pitching their own ideas and beliefs over the recent months.

Lisbon Police Chief David T. Brooks chairs the committee that was formed to handle these discussions, Androscoggin Regional Communication Center Committee.  Other members include Sheriff Guy Desjardins, Lewiston Fire Chief Jeff Goss, Auburn Police Chief Phil Crowell, Livermore Falls Police Chief Ernest Steward, Poland Fire Chief Marc Bosse, Turner Fire Chief Michael Arsenault, Durham Fire Chief William St. Michel, County Commissioner Jonathan LaBonte, and EMA Director Joanne Potvin. And the following are the municipalities involved: Auburn, Durham, Greene, Leeds, Lewiston, Lisbon, Livermore, Livermore Falls, Mechanic Falls, Minot, Poland, Sabattus, Turner, and Wales.

Each community was asked to provide their current municipal costs for dispatch services.  Some have their own, most don't.  In Lisbon we have our own. Ever wonder what it costs to have? 

According to documentation that I requested, Lisbon "officials" provided a current local municipal cost of $453,460.00.  Add in $28,979.00 for 2007 County Tax costs you get a grand total cost of $482,439.00 per year.

Now if you look at the 2010-2011 Lisbon Budget Summary (click here) under Communications you will see $174,101.00 and was stated as being costs.

     $482,439.00

  -  $174,101.00

_______________

 $ 308,338.00  (Discrepancy)

Thursday a meeting was supposed to take place @ 3pm regarding a PUC letter that was sent to Lisbon officials as stated by Lisbon Town Manager Steve Eldridge.  {Go to www.greatfallstv.net, left side click webstream look for Lisbon items, 6/1/10, about 21 mins. into it.}  I went to the meeting, but it didn't take place.  

My purpose was to get some clarification on these figures, but couldn't.  So I went to see when it was rescheduled for, only to be informed by Eldridge that it would be held on June 17th, but it was for officials only, "it is a Private Meeting, no public allowed".  What? You just invited everyone in the room Tues. Night.

So I contacted the Maine PUC to inquire about this fact.   "Oh, NO it is not private, we want everyone to know about this" was the response.  So I asked for a copy of the letter and here it is.

Editor's Note: A Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), sometimes called "Public Safety Access Point", is a call center responsible for answering calls to an emergency telephone number for police, firefighting, and ambulance services.

STATE OF MAINE
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISION
242 STATE STREET
18 STATE HOUSE STATION
AUGUSTA, MAINE
04333-0018

Date: May 18, 2010 

To: Municipal Officials, County Officials, PSAP Directors, Dispatch Directors, Maine
NENA, MECCA, Fire Chiefs, Regional EMS Directors, E9-1-1 Council, and
other interested parties 

From: Maria Jacques, ENP, Director, Emergency Services Communication Bureau 

RE: Process to Develop 15 to 17 PSAP Plan 

The 124th Legislature recently enacted Resolves 2009, Chapter 196 that requires the Public
Utilities Commission (Commission) to develop a plan by November 1, 2010, to reduce the
number of PSAPs to between 15 and 17 as proposed in the L. Robert Kimball Optimum PSAP
Reconfiguration Assessment issued earlier this year.

I am writing to explain the process the Commission will undertake to develop the plan, and to
encourage your participation in its development. 

In June, the Commission will issue a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) to solicit comments on issues such
as PSAP selection criteria, incentives to further voluntary consolidation of PSAPs and dispatch,
cellular call routing, and ways to curb PSAP rate shopping. In addition, it will seek information
on any consolidation plans or studies that may be currently underway, and ideas on how to
address the fragmentation of dispatch and PSAP services. 

The Commission welcomes your participation in the NOI process. In order for your comments
to be considered, they will need to be filed with the Commission by the date indicated within the
NOI. They can be filed either electronically or by mail. Filing instructions will be outlined in the
document and should refer to the docket number. All comments will appear on the Virtual Case
File section of the Commission’s web site. 

In August, Staff will issue a proposed PSAP consolidation plan to interested parties identified
through the NOI process. Once again, parties will be allowed to comment by a deadline. The
Commission then will consider comments, edit the proposed plan, and submit its final report to
the Utilities and Energy Committee by November 1, 2010, for its consideration during the
upcoming legislative session. 

By filing comments you are automatically placed on the service list for all future
communications. If you chose not to file comments but would like to follow the progress of the
NOI and receive any future notices, you can write a letter to the Administrative Director of the
Commission requesting to be added to the service list for the docket. Include your name,
address, telephone number and email address. 

(CONTINUED ON OTHER SIDE)
�� Page 2 May 18, 2010
Your participation in the process will assist us in developing a clear view of the future and we
appreciate your cooperation in this important endeavor. Should you have any questions,
please feel free to email me at maria.jacques@maine.gov or call me directly at 287-6083. 

Sincerely,
Maria P. Jacques 

Cc: Sharon Reishus, Chairman
Amy Spelke, Director, Safety and Security

So what this boils down to is this. Lisbon taxpayers are paying a local cost to have this luxury of own dispatch plus you are paying a county tax fee that helps pay for the same services already provided by the County.  WHY?  It would be much more cost effective for the community to pay a county tax and share the cost of dispatch services then foot the bill ourselves as we currently are. A cost savings of  $413,000.00 to $436,000.00 per year depending on the dispatch plan. 

Considering the requested Police budget amount of  $ 1,229,785.00 this year, that is a lot of money.  Wouldn't that come in handy now?  Very close to the amount Eldridge wants to take out of Reserve Funds.
 

Here are the minutes of the ARCC's March 1, 2010 meeting.

Androscoggin Regional Communication Center
Meeting Minutes
March 1, 2010

Opening:
The regular meeting of the Androscoggin Regional Communication Center Committee was called to order at 1:15pm on March 1, 2010 at the Turner Town Hall by Chief David Brooks. 

Present:
Chief David Brooks, Chief Paul LeClair, Chief Jeff Goss, Chief Phil Crowell, Chief Ernest Steward, Sheriff Guy Desjardins, Chief Mark Bosse, Chief Michael Arsenault, Chief William St. Michel, County Commissioner Jonathan LaBonte, EMA Director Joanne Potvin 

A.    Approval of Minutes
Motion made by Chief LeClair to approve the minutes as presented – Seconded by Chief Goss. The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved as distributed. 

B.    Open Discussion
The public was given the opportunity to bring any issue before the committee. Nothing was brought forward. 

C.    Old Business
Motion made by Chief LeClair to accept the Governance By-Laws as presented by the committee – Seconded by Director Potvin. The Governance By-laws were unanimously approved. 

D.    New Business
Chief Brooks requested an open discussion from all committee members as to their choice in making a recommendation to the commissioners. Chief Brooks reviewed the options with the committee and an updated cost sheet was distributed to all members.  

Option A-1    $390,850
Androscoggin County Modernization Current Customers / Limited Additional Capacity 

Option A-2    $408,845
Androscoggin County Modernization with Lisbon Consolidation at Current Location 

Option B    $476,373
County Consolidation at Lisbon PD (excluding Lewiston and Auburn) 

Option C    $168,429
Full County Consolidation (location LA911 Center) 

Committee Remarks: 

Commissioner LaBonte – believes more than one option should be submitted to the commissioners for consideration. First choice is Option C which is the lowest hanging fruit. Option B is the next best move. However, eliminate subsidy of dispatching with the exception of dispatching for patrol deputies. 

Sheriff Desjardins – does not feel comfortable with dispatch consolidation. There have been many challenges with the jail consolidation. Option C is the way to go in the future but county government is not prepared at this time (the way it is structured).  He supports modernizing the current facility to sustain operation for the next 2-3 years. The issue is the county has no full-time management. Long-term the LA911 consolidation is the best. The Lisbon option needs more discussion. *** When asked for clarification later in the meeting his choice was for B. 

*3-9-10 Request to amend the minutes to include: 

I do want to modernize ASO dispatch in order that we could continue our operations at its current level but NOT to the degree of spending $300,000 plus or minus dollars. Maybe just minor upgrades could carry us over for a couple of years pending final outcome of the consolidation. If that was NOT possible then I would support Plan B "Lisbon"(short term)and long term, 5 to six years (depending on the structure of county government) consolidate with L/A. Not a simple answer put that was my response and thoughts.

Director Potvin – option B is the most preferred with two phases, 1 – determine who is going to govern and 2 – bring in Lewiston – Auburn. In the future, one center is the best option. 

Chief LeClair – it is not necessary to limit to just two options. Give the commissioners all of the options. Strength is in a regional center. Option C presents the county with the best option. More opportunities. Move Slow. 

Chief Crowell – the only choice is Option C – outside of county government. We have approved a government structure already. Numbers were shared with the committee and guests demonstrating the savings for option C.  If Option B was accepted, Lewiston and Auburn should no longer pay for County Dispatch services. 

Chief Arsenault – we all would benefit with one center. The county’s Space / Frequency Study would also be beneficial and may be determined to save costs. Option A1 should be the immediate move with Option C in the future. 

Chief St. Michel – we all belong together but we need to go slow. We are not ready with the governance for one center. It should be Option C long-term and Option B short-term but he has concerns with the costs. Option A should not be considered. 

Chief Goss – A1 and A2 are not option to be considered. Option B is the short-term and Option C will be forced which is good. 

Chief Steward – Option C is best if under the governance model. We should try to be in the same facility and merge as it moves forward. If we cannot start in the same building then start small with Option B and grow into Option C. 

Chief Brooks – began by thanking everyone for their work. We must start small and grow into the future.  Quality of service levels must be maintained for the small agencies and with Androscoggin Com merging w/ Lisbon Com the quality of service will not be diminished. In the previous consolidation committee meetings (2008), Lewiston Administrator Bennett made the comment they would take legal action against the county for law enforcement dispatch services which he felt was wrong to do. He is concerned that he heard the same comment from Commissioner LaBonte at a recent meeting. His recommendation is the short-term solution with Lisbon (Option B). County structure is not in place to handle a 2.5 million dollar operation. Long-term we should be in one center. 

Chief Bosse – (Chief Bosse was unable to attend all of the meeting and did not hear any of the previous remarks) He believes prevention could have been done at the county facility through capital improvements which would have eliminated this process. Any recommendation other than Option C would only be delaying the process. 

Chief LeClair made a motion to recommend that the committee present to the commissioners the work and findings of the committee to date - Seconded by Chief Bosse. Director Potvin made a motion to amend the motion to include the committees phase 1 and 2 recommendations – Seconded by Chief Arsenault. The amendment failed by 2 -9 vote.  The original motion passed by a 6 – 5 vote.

Adjournment:
Motion made to adjourn the meeting by Chief LeClair and Seconded by Sheriff Desjardins.
Minutes submitted by:    Chief Phillip L. Crowell, Jr.

For those that like to read click here for the Lisbon Town Council minutes of March 2, 2010 when Chief Brooks, not on agenda, but is allowed to anyways, gives his Dispatch Overview presentation.  Look under Town Manager's report for dialogue.

Stay tuned the Lisbon Reporter will be adding updates as we get them.

School Budget to be Voted on Tuesday

 By Todd Comber

On June 8th Lisbon voters will be deciding if they agree with the School Budget or not.  The question is will people come out to vote or will the apathy continue?

After two Public budget presentations where, in reality less then 20 citizens attended, the majority of attendees were employees.

Were these scheduled during the week on purpose?  Years past there was one during the week and one on Saturday. But oh no, not this year.  Good Job Chairman Town Councilor Mike Bowie, not.

We know Lisbon voters do come out to vote when they want to.

For the School budget presentation click here.

Budget Overview 

This 2010-2011 proposed budget includes $1,105,270 in
reductions from our original proposal. There is an overall
budget decrease of -2.22% from last years budget. 

These reductions will result in the potential loss of over
30 positions K-12. 

The School Committee is asking the Lisbon Citizens to
raise $262,598 additional dollars locally so that we can continue to offer the existing programs that we currently
have and not reduce any additional staff.

Given the issues inherited by first year superintendent, Rick Green, he is to be commended for an excellent budget presentation.  Nothing hidden, no surprises, complete and informative handouts were provided.  Can't say that about the Town of Lisbon's Budget though, for the third year in a row, it is a joke.  

And as for the previous school Superintendent, well, let me just say this: Remember Dr. Welsh didn't even know that trees were being cut down behind Sugg Middle School, then we were all surprised by the fact that the high school building was not up to standards.

Yes the Total school budget is $13.8 million dollars, with revenue shortages and the State of Maine not funding the commitment they made, Lisbon Taxpayer's share is $5.1 million.

– Proposed Local Contribution $5,177,171
– Total General Budget $13,896,342

Where does the future success of Our community, State and Nation look for people with fresh and bright ideas?  Where does our military get its great people?  Where do you send your children, your grand children to learn and prosper?  

Where?  To School.    Whether public or private.   So let's give them the best we can.  How do we do that?  We don't rob Peter to pay Paul. 

WE FUND it through taxes and elected officials who are put into place by the voters of each community.  Leaders in the community that are more visioned then paid career minded self-serving individuals are what we need more of.   Where do they come from?  From the youth, that mature into adults.  They are our future, so let us be theirs.

Ponder this Lisbon Voters.  The State of Maine has not lived up to their promise.  The current economic crisis that presents to ALL is not getting any better. Next year will be even worse.  With a current mil rate of $25.50 per $1000.00 of valued property we have bright shiny new Police and Fire vehicles and our high school band marches in T-shirts and mismatched pants.  And yes, we have a wonderful trail to walk on that is getting longer as approved by the voters.  

Is there waste and unnecessary spending in budgets?  Absolutely.  And I feel that cuts have been needed for years in both the school and municipal budgets, but only the school has come forward with a workable plan.  You voters are lucky, you get to vote on it.  You should be doing the same for the municipal budget also, but don't.  

Local Contribution 2010

• 2009-2010
– State Contribution ($8,879,679)
– Local Contribution ($4,914,573)

• 2010-2011
– State Contribution ($8,216,245)

• Decrease of $663,434 in State Subsidy

• Transition Amount of $283,002 which results from the state
not meeting their 55% funding obligation.

– Local Contribution ($5,177,171)
• Proposed Increase of $262,598

$263k, that  is what the school needs.  Hell, I found a $308K discrepancy in the figures that Police Chief David T. Brooks presented to the Androscoggin County Commissioners Dispatch Committee on costs for Lisbon Communications Center verses what he has provided to the towns people. Go Figure!

Stay tuned more coming on that one.

Rock Be Gone

Took a drive up Rt.9 to view construction work. K&K Excavation is doing a great job of rebuilding the road.  They aren't letting anything stand in their way.  Take a Look.

 

 

Patriotic Send Off for one of "OUR" Citizens

Veteran and long time Lisbon resident, Marcel Doyon, receives a surprise send off for a family planned trip to France.  Where he once 'stormed the Beaches of Normandy' when German forces occupied  France during WWII.  We wish you and friends a safe trip.  Read more.

Lisbon PWS 3rd Qtr Student Awards‏

 Lisbon - Three Philip W. Sugg students were recognized on Thursday, June 3, as recipients of the third quarter Ashlee Stone Memorial Award.  Pictured left to right:  School Principal, Jeff Ramich, Dakota Bisson, Kyle Bean, Jacob Bremmer and Assistant Principal/CCD, Thomas Landberg.  Students were recognized for their outstanding achievements during the third quarter of the 2009-2010 school year. (Photo by Monica Millhime)

Lisbon – On Thursday, June 3,  Philip W. Sugg Middle School Principal, Jeff Ramich, and Assistant Principal/CCD, Thomas Landberg, announced the third quarter Student Achievement Ashlee Stone Memorial Awards. Sixth grader, Kyle Bean; seventh grader, Dakota Bisson; and eighth grader, Jacob Bremmer.  Students were presented a plaque during the announcement ceremony.  Each quarter, members of the sixth, seventh and eight grades are nominated by grade level teachers.  The award has been renamed in honor of the memory of former PWS student, Ashlee Stone.   “The award is given in memory of Ashlee Stone, a seventh grade student, who was a positive role model in our school.  Ashlee was known for her willingness to learn, having a positive attitude, respectful to adults and her peers, being a risk taker, persevering when the going got rough, handling conflict with grace, a friend to everyone, a leader, and especially for her smile.  These students were chosen for the award because they demonstrate all or many of these qualities,” shared Ramich. 

Kyle Bean, a sixth grade student, is the son of Sarah Clark of Lisbon.  “Kyle is a creative and curious student.  His confidence has grown over the course of the year.  He participated in Science Olympiad and showed growth in being able to work with other students through this activity,” shares Ramich.  “Kyle is a kind, motivated, dedicated young man.”

Seventh grade student, Dakota Bisson, is the daughter of Kelley Bisson of Lisbon Falls.  “Dakota is hard working and a reliable student,” according to Ramich.  “She is well-rounded in both the academic and co-curricular activities.  Dakota never gives up and always gives her best.  She is a pleasure to have in class.”

Jacob Bremmer, an eighth grader, is the son Corrie Bremmer of Lisbon Falls.  “Jacob completes quality work, he is kind to others, demonstrates responsibility and all of our schools BEST criteria,” shares Ramich.  “Jacob participates in numerous school activities and he always does more than expected.”

FYI on student programs and other projects at Philip W. Sugg Middle School, contact Community Resource Coordinator, Monica Millhime at 754-0021 or email mmillhime@lisbonschoolsme.org or visit www.lisbonschoolsme.org.

Some Beautiful Wildlife Photos

Once again, it is our pleasure to bring you some more awesome photos by Paul Cyr of Northern Maine Photos.  www.northernmainephotos.com Thanks Paul.

Note: Click on any image for the Hi-Res Version!

Learn More About Pesticide Spraying Near Your Home

AUGUSTA, Maine,  -- The Maine Department of Agriculture issued the following news release:

Mainers who want to be notified about agricultural pesticide spraying near their homes this season have two more weeks to sign up.

Open enrollment closes June 15 for the 2010 Maine Pesticide Notification Registry. Any resident of Maine property within a quarter mile (500 feet for fruit trees or Christmas trees) of land where agricultural pesticides are applied by airplanes, helicopters, mist blowers, or air-blast sprayers can be notified in advance.

The registry, thought to be the only one of this type in the US, is a simple and free way for Mainers to be notified about agricultural pesticide spraying near their homes. The Maine State Legislature passed a law in 2009 that created the registry and gave the Maine Board of Pesticides Control the responsibility for its development, distribution, and maintenance.

To sign up on the registry, or for more information, go to http://www.thinkfirstspraylast.org. To request a paper signup form, call the Maine Board of Pesticides Control at 207-287-2731 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              207-287-2731      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. After June 15, names will be held for the 2011 registry.

The Maine Board of Pesticides Control is the lead state agency for pesticide regulation. An administrative unit of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, policy decisions are made by a seven-member, public board.

Hang In There Friday's Coming -Shake Your Tail Feather

Shake your Tail Feather!

Frostie can dance the socks off any bird on this planet! If he can't make you laugh, nothing can!

Frostie is a 21-year-old Bare-Eyed Cockatoo, otherwise known as a Little Corella, a parrot native to Australia.

This video was aired on NDTV: India, CNN, KHSL TV Channel 12, E! The Soup, Al Jezeera, FOX News, Ellen and Good Morning America (GMA)! Video of the day on MSN and Yahoo! As seen on TV in India, China, Chile, France, England, Germany, USA and Bangledesh! Featured in the Paradise Post and Contra Costa Times. (Video by Karla K. Larsson, Magalia - Paradise, CA on February 1, 2009.)

Simple Fix for the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Plug Hole

Question 1 on the June 8th Ballot

As signs of the 'political season' get stuck in the ground all over the place, literally turning Maine into a temporary state of the way life shouldn't be, it is hard to keep track of everything one needs to know to make an informed decision with their voting privilege.

Question 1 on the ballot:  

Do you want to reject the new law that lowers Maine's income tax and replaces that revenue by making changes to the sales tax?

Click here to learn more and be a better informed voter.  This site explains in greater detail than what you see in the media, BOTH sides of the issue.

A vote is not just going in and marking a ballot based on 'What you heard...'  it is a privilege and right that good people have given their lives for to allow us this opportunity.   We should at least do the homework.

 The following explains each question in greater detail and is put out by the State of Maine. 

Citizen’s Guide to the Referendum Election

The Citizen's Guide includes a list of the referendum questions, the legislation each question represents, a summary of the intent and content of the legislation, an explanation of the significance of a “yes” or “no” vote, an analysis of the debt service on any bond issues, and an estimate of the fiscal impact of each referendum question on revenues, appropriations and allocations. (click preferred format for viewing)

Citizen's Guide (pdf version)              Citizen's Guide (word doc.)

Click here to view more.

 

 

MaineFreedomWatchdogs: Candidates on Freedom

Memorial Day episode. As we remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our constitution, candidates for Governor discuss the current threats to our freedom here in Maine.

 

 

A Poem Worth Reading

* A Poem Worth Reading *

He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew where of he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Bob has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.
 
He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.
 
Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.
 
It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.
 
Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier--
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.
 
For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simply headline
In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY." 

Pass On The Patriotism!
YOU can make a difference.

Beaver Park Summer Camp

BEAVER PARK SUMMER CAMP
‘DISCOVERING YOUR COMMUNITY ON TWO WHEELS’

The Beaver Park Summer Camp will start June 14, 2010 and end June 26, 2010.  The theme is ‘Discovering Your Community on Two Wheels.’  Participants will bike to various areas in the Lisbon area increasing their mileage distance each day.  Local hikes will be incorporated into each day’s activity.  

The final bike ride will be a 30 to 50 mile bike ride.  Participants will meet at Beaver Park on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for the first week and 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of the second week.  

The date, location and distance of the long ride will be decided by the participants during the second week of camp. Anyone who enjoys biking and can start out riding eight to ten miles the first day is encouraged to attend camp.  Participants must have a well maintained mountain or hybrid bike. 

The registration fee is $10.00 per person and must be paid by June 9, 2010.  For more information and to register contact Verla Brooks at Beaver Park 353-9075.

BEAVER PARK
37 Cotton Road, Lisbon, Maine, 04250
Telephone 353-9075
Verla Brooks, Lisbon Park Ranger
vbrooks@lisbonme.org

Memorial Day in Lisbon

Preparation for Memorial Day‏

Keep it
moving, please, even if you've seen it before.

 

It is the
VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.  

It is
the VETERAN,
not the reporter,
 who has given us freedom of the press.
 

It is
the VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech. 
 

It is
the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.    
 

It is
the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
 

It is
the VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

 

It is the
VETERAN who
salutes the Flag,

 

It is
the
VETERAN
who serves
under the Flag,

 

 

ETERNAL
REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON
THEM.
I'd be
EXTREMELY proud if this email reached as many as possible. We can be very
proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.
God
Bless them all!!!

 Thank You to All Veterans 

FREE FISHING DAYS JUNE 5-6

Correction to Dates Listed in Fishing Rule Book

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife encourages anglers to take part in Family Free Fishing Days on June 5-6.

As stated by law, the spring Family Free Fishing Days will be held June 5-6, 2010. On these days, any person may fish without a license so long as their license has not previously been suspended or revoked.

Fishing rules and regulations on gear restrictions, and size and bag limits as listed in the fishing law book apply.

Please Note: The new two-year fishing law book released last month by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife incorrectly identifies the state's spring "Free Family Fishing Days" as May 29-30.

Family Free Fishing Days are designed as an introduction for would-be anglers to the sport of fishing in Maine's waters. Without making a license a requirement on those days, it is a risk-free invitation for newcomers to try the sport for themselves.

For more information, please contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at (207) 287-8000 or visit http://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/regulations_seasons/index.htm#freefishingdays.

Tuesday Agenda Town Council Meeting

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2010
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
7:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG

2. ROLL CALL
___Councilor Bowie ___Councilor Larochelle ___ Councilor Mason
___Councilor Cote ___Councilor Lunt ___Councilor Pomelow
___Councilor Crafts
Town Clerk reading of meeting rules

3. PUBLIC HEARING

4. CONSENT AGENDA
2010-99 ORDER A. Minutes of May 11, 2010
B. Minutes of May 18, 2010
C. Renewal Victualer’s License – Mark LaRoche d/b/a Mark’s Deli

5. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES
2010-100 ORDER − Nominations to MMA’s Legislative Policy Committee

6. OTHER BUSINESS
A. LD1121 An Act to Protect Elderly Residents from Losing Their Homes Due to Taxes or Foreclosure
B. Policy for Disposition of Town-Owned Real Property
C. Recognize Downtown Achievement Award Winners
D. Town Manager’s Report

7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

8. APPOINTMENTS
2010-101 ORDER − Audit Committee Members – (1) Council Member
2010-102 ORDER − Sealer of Weights and Measures – (1) 1-Year Term for Louis Levesque
2010-103 ORDER − AVCOG General Assembly Representatives for 2010-2011 − (2)

9. COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION

11. ADJOURNMENT
2010-104 ORDER to Adjourn

12. WORKSHOP – Water Department Discussions

Town Report‏

I urge every taxpayer in the Town of Lisbon to stop by the Lisbon Town 
Office and pick up a copy of the
2009 Town Report, and see how your tax dollars are being spent. You will be 
amazed at the salaries of some town officials.

Next, go to lisbonme.org, click on "town budget" and REALLY see how your tax 
dollars are being spent.

I was disappointed at last nights joint Town Council/School Department 
meeting when TC Chair Mike Bowie refused to have Town Manager
present the complete town budget. That would have enabled those who do not 
have computers to see the budget in it's entirety on TV.

Mr. Bowie's explanation was that we had 2 public hearings on the town budget 
and no one showed up. The budget presented at the
public hearings was a farce at best. It was not complete, did not really 
show how monies are being spent. The attendance at the Tuesday
May 25th meeting was great, many were there, so why not present the budget?

 
It's like they do not want you, Mr. & Mrs. Taxpayer,
to know where your hard-earned money goes.
A perfect example of Town of Lisbon at it's best?, or worst?
 
I have publicly commended Superintendent of Schools Richard Green and the 
School committee on bringing to voters a workable budget
with a minimum tax increase. 

My concern, and I have mentioned this several times, is the step increases given to teachers.
 Students and parents alike are concerned that teaching positions are being 
cut. But did you know that one third of all teachers receive a "step increase" in pay each year?

Could any teaching positions be saved if this was phased out? What is the 
percentage of the step increase this year? Last year? This step
increase is over and above the 1.75% pay increase in the 2010/2011 budget.

 
The "step increases" came into being many years ago when
Town of Lisbon teachers salaries were low. Pick up a copy of the 2009 Town 
Report and see for yourselves what our teachers are being paid now.
Many receive $70,000 per year! I know, I'm going to get a lot of flack over 
this, but you can't have it both ways folks!
 
Pick up your copy of the Town Report, and read it.
Go to lisbonme.org and read the 2010-11 budget, department by department, 
line by line.
 
Be an informed citizen.

Dot Fitzgerald
A Lisbon Concerned Citizen
 

School Budjet. Lewiston Sun Journal

Good afternoon, most Honorable Editor of the Famed Lisbon Post.

Am writing in regard to the item in todays Sun Journal in relation to the School Budget.

There was talk at one time to privitize the Maintenance Dept. Understood there would be possible big savings. May not even lose people. Good chance they may be hired by the new Contractor. I would think. Am sure wages would be lower, maybe bennies not so good, BUT at the present, they are much better/fatter than the average worker.

Teacher Tenure? That sucks. But that's a State issue, I imagine.

Police Budget? Bet that could be cut by a considerable amount of money to help the School System. Never, never hear of cuts for them. Overstaffed? I believe so. More important than educating our Kid's? I think not. Naturally they suck up to our Councilors who inturn suck up to them.

IF this article is to be used at all, my permission to Edit any or all of it!

Thank you very much.

A very, very Concerned Citizen

PS. Keep up your EXCELLENT  Reporting!