Recap of 1/6/09 Town Council Meeting

TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGTUESDAY
JANUARY 6, 2009
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
7:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG
2. ROLL CALL
_X_ Councilor Bowie _X_ Councilor Larochelle _X_ Councilor Cote _X_ Councilor Crafts
_X_ Councilor Mason _X_ Councilor Wells _X_ Councilor Henry
Town Clerk reading of meeting rules

3. PUBLIC HEARING - none

4. CONSENT AGENDA
2009-1 ORDER vote approved 7-0
A. CMP Pole Permit – Memorial Street
B. Games of Chance - Casino Night – American Legion Post 1585.

COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES
2009-2 ORDER – Policy for Disposition of Real Property (tabled until later date because of Roger Cote’s request for more time to review the policy)

2009-3 ORDER – Foreclosure Property Policy (tabled until later date because of Roger Cote’s request for more time to review the policy)

2009-4 ORDER – Jonathan Labonte of Androscoggin Land Trust – Androscoggin River Island (Map R7, Lot 26)
The ALT presented a very informative presentation on the history and current projects the ALT is involved in, and expressed that the ALT would be very interested in acquiring this island, whether through a donation or easement. This island is on the same section of the Androscoggin River as Durham River Park and could become part of ALT’s Androscoggin Greenways Durham River Park, which is owned by the Town of Durham and managed by the Durham Conservation Commission. ALT has held a conservation easement on the property since 2000. This park contains 12-acres of public parkland and forest along the Androscoggin River and is open to the public.
Besides using the link above to check out the goals of ALT, you can also read this article from the SunJournal. Verla Brooks stated that she is in favor of involving the ALT with this island rather than sell it to a private owner.

2009-5 ORDER – Ferry Road Property (Map R7, Lot 39)
Verla Brooks reported she had toured the property, very limited access would make it difficult for reuse by the town, after discussion, the town decided to pass on acquiring this property, vote approved 7-0

2009-6 ORDER – 2009-10 Municipal Budget Guidelines
Steve Eldridge reported he has instructed departments to keep their individual budgets at lat year’s levels, and that he hopes to present a budget to the TC with no increase. He asked if there were any other instructions from the TC as he begins to review department budgets. Dale Crafts stated he felt the police budget was one that was going to come under increased scrutiny this year.

6. OTHER BUSINESS
A. 09-10 Municipal & School Capital Budget Review w/ Planning and Budget Advisory Board
Superintendent Shannon Welsh and School Committee Chairperson Prudy Grant presented background leading to the formation of a 5-Year Capital Plan as directed by Sec. 6.08 of the town charter.
After Dr. Welsh answered many questions by the TC and the public, the TC moved to follow the directive of the recently approved charter amendment
Article VI. Financial Provisions
Sec. 6.08. Capital Program
(c) Planning Board Review.
The Planning Board shall review the proposed capital program each year to determine, where appropriate, that the capital expenditure is consistent with the provisions of the Town Comprehensive Plan and forward its recommendations to the Town Council no later than the first day of February.

B. Town Manager’s Report
As previously reported, Steve Eldridge has begun reviewing department budgets; revenue projection for the coming year is down, partly due to a decrease in excise tax; Fire Chief Galipeau reported to Steve Eldridge that we will be receiving a FEMA Grant due to the recent winter storm; the Water Department has discussed raising water rates, that will probably be on the next agenda.

C. Board & Committee Liaisons
For 2009 the TC has liaisons to Boards and Committees as follows:
Fern Larochelle - Rec Committee;
Janet Henry - Conservation Commission;
Mike Bowie - Technology Committee;
Roger Cote and Gina Mason - Appeals Board and Planning Board;
Norma Wells - Audit Committee (to be formed);
Revitalization Committee - Gina Mason.

7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION - none

8. APPOINTMENTS
2009-7 ORDER – (1) Planning Board Regular Member - the TC approved changing Francis Drake JR. from an alternate to a regular member.
2009-8 ORDER – (1) Resignation of Conservation Commission Member - the TC accepted the resignation of Kris Kucera, vote 6-1

COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS
Fern Larochelle reported that he had recently had the chance to cross country ski at Beaver Park, and commented on the excellent conditions of the trails and that more residents should take advantage of the park in winter. He also expressed he hoped the School Department doesn’t think the TC isn’t in agreement that we need a new High School, but because of the current economic conditions, it may be hard to get people behind the idea, as he found out when the bond was put to vote for the PW building.
Janet Henry expressed her gratitude for the help she received and attendance at the Aaron Farmer Scholarship Benefit Dinner.
Roger Cote reiterated that he feels the PD is too large, as evidenced by hearing of three cars pulled over by three separate cruisers on Sunday morning.

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
2009-9 ORDER 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (C) Acquisition of real property or economic development

11. ADJOURNMENT
2009-10 ORDER to Adjourn