Recap Town Council Workshop and Meeting‏ February 4, 2014

       RECAP TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP & MEETING – FEBRUARY 4TH

Last night’s Town Council workshop and meeting was another tension free meeting.  It is so rewarding to attend Council meetings without being lied to or talked down to.  These last few workshops and meetings are very refreshing because this Council listens to the people and provides answers to our questions.  This is a concept the residents have not had in over six years.  It is very rewarding to be part of the process and I can see transparency coming back to Lisbon.

The Workshop was conducted first and Mr. Richard Metivier from Eaton Peabody Consulting gave a presentation on what his company can offer in our search for a new Town Manager.  This was the third and final organization to provide a presentation to the Council.  Mr. Metivier outlined the process to the Council.  Now, the Council has to choose between Maine Municipal Association; Municipal Resources and Eaton Peabody Consulting.  Remember that Mr. Eldridge was the poster boy for the Maine Municipal Association and we do not need a repeat of that situation.

The normal Council meeting took place at 7:00 PM.  There were three Public Hearings on Renewal Pawnbroker Establishment License – Double Diamond Pawn; Mass Gathering Permit - #1 Flea Market and the 2014-2015 Capital Improvement Budget. No one spoke during any of these Public Hearings.

Under Council Orders, Resolutions & Ordinances there were discussions on both the 2014-2015 Capital Improvement Budget and Energy Savings Performance Contract.  During the Capital Improvement Budget, both Mr. Fellows and Mrs. Maloy participated in the discussion.  In the end, the Council voted 7-0 to accept the 2014-2015 Capital Improvement Budget.  Also, there was a small discussion on the Energy Savings Performance Contract among the Councilors about approving the contract to Siemen Industry.  It appears if there is no savings to be gained; the Taxpayers will have to pay for the analysis which will cost between $35,000.00 to $40,000.00.  However, the Council believes there are plenty of savings to be found.  The Council voted 7-0 to award the contract to Siemen Industry.

Under Other Business, Chief Galipeau, Fire Chief, gave a presentation of the history of the Lisbon Fire Department and what vehicles are currently in the Fire Department Inventory.  There was a small discussion on if the town should go to one fire station or keep two stations.  Chief Galipeau said he would love to discuss this with Council anytime the Council was ready.  He also said the Lisbon Falls station is in a poor situation and that something needs to be done to eliminate that situation.

Mrs. Paula Gibbs, reporter for the Sun Journal, left in the middle of Chief Galipeau’s presentation.

Next, Chief Brooks, Police Chief, gave a presentation on the makeup of the Police Department.  This included a breakdown of the manpower and cited several officers which had received recognition in the past year.

During Council Response to New Business, Chairwoman Ward provided an update on the negotiations between the Town and the Department of Environment Protection (DEP).  The fine has been reduced by a few thousand dollars which is good and the DEP has agreed that the town can pay the fine by paying for a project benefiting the town.  Of course, the DEP has to approve the project first.

But the best event took place at the end of the meeting.  Mr. Dale Olmstead was sworn in as the Interim Town Manager.  This is a very good thing for the town and an excellent way to end the meeting. 

Welcome aboard Dale Olmstead!!!!!!!!!

Larry Fillmore