RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – APRIL 15TH, 2014

Last night, the Town Council held a Public Hearing on the 2014-2015 Municipal and School Budgets and consideration on three bond issues – Public Works garage, Gym and the Track. \

I guesstimate that between 75 and 100 residents attended with the majority speaking on one or more of these issues.  These Public Hearings lasted a long time.  The input was received by the School Department and the Town Council very well.

Prior to the Public Hearings, Mr. Richard Green, Superintendent of Schools and Mr. Dale Olmstead, Interim Town Manager, briefed the Public on their portions of the budget.  Both of these gentlemen did an excellent job and were able to answer the questions asked by the audience.  They also gave presentations defending the bond issues that were before the people.  Again, a great job by both of these professionals!

Under Council Orders, Resolutions & Ordinances - The Council voted 7-0 for a Proclamation declaring May 4th through the 10th as Municipal Clerks Week.  

The Council also approved the 1st Reading of the Route 196 Design Standards and Guidelines by a vote of 7-0.  Next, the Council voted on the three bonds to be placed on the June ballot.  As far as the Public Works Garage the vote was 7-0.  As far as the Gym the vote was 5-2 with Councilors Bickford and Metivier voting NO.  The vote on the Track was the same as the Gym.  So all three bond issues will be place on the June ballot.

Next, the Council voted 7-0 to include two Charter changes.  The first to reduce the requirement of 15 to 10 percent of qualified vote voting in the last gubernatorial election to meet the requirement for a Special Town Meeting and second to adjust our Charter to match the states requirement for reference title 21-A for Election procedures.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:50 PM.

Larry Fillmore