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Showing posts with label Public Works. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Public Works. Show all posts
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Just A Taxpayer
I'm sure most of the citizens in lisbon are unaware of just how wasteful this town is. For example public works, at the time when the council made Ryan Leighton public works director Elwood Beals was filling that position. Mr Beals was director and he had his forman along with the rest of the crew. So what happen to mr beals when they made Mr Leighton the new director? The council decided to make a new position for Mr Beals . Operations manager. No cut in pay . So now we have a new position making roughly 60,000 plus a year and we gave Mr Leighton 10 more grand on top of his soaring salary to be what Mr Beals was already doing. So Mr Leighton is now your town engineer , public works director, sewer treatment plant director. What's next make him police chief. Don't worry Brooks I'm sure the council will create a new position for you also . Think about this when you open your tax bill in September with the new revaluation numbers. Like Paul le page said they're sticking it to us without providing any vasiline.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Revised Agenda For Tuesday, February 17, 2015
revised AGENDA
TOWN
COUNCIL
TUESDAY, February 17, 2015
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
& PLEDGE TO FLAG
2. ROLL CALL
___Councilor Bickford
|
___ Councilor Brunelle
|
___ Councilor Crafts
|
___ Councilor Garrison
|
___ Councilor Lunt
|
___Councilor Metivier
|
___ Councilor Pesce
|
|
Town Clerk reading of
meeting rules
3. GOOD NEWS & RECOGNITION
2015-50 ORDER − Lisbon
Cheerleading Team Proclamation
4. PUBLIC
HEARINGS
A. 2015-2016 Capital Improvement Plan
5. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION & RESPONSE FOR
AGENDA ITEMS
6. CONSENT AGENDA
2015-45 ORDER − A.
Minutes of February 3, 2015
7. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, &
ORDINANCES
2015-46 ORDER − Tax
Acquired Property
2015-47 ORDER − Police
Department Study
2015-48 ORDER − Snow
plow operations and mailbox damage
2015-49 ORDER −
2015-2016 Capital Improvement Plan
8. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Discussion on
Bike Committee
B. Financial
Report
C. Town Manager's
Report
9. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION &
RESPONSE NEW ITEMS
10. APPOINTMENTS
2015-51 ORDER − Accept Finance Committee
Resignations (2) Larochelle & Rugullies
11. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
12. EXECUTIVE SESSION
13. ADJOURNMENT
2015-52 ORDER - To Adjourn
Friday, February 6, 2015
Comments From Another Observant Lisbon Citizen
My recent visit to the transfer station on Wednesday something was missing. It was the part time worker that has been working there for awhile. I asked where he was. I was told they had to let him go to help reduce budget. Are you frigging kidding me , you dumb asses ( council, public works director) cut a man that only worked maybe 12 hours a week making 8-10 dollars max an hour to help reduce budget. You must have searched high and low to find that savings. Absolutely retarded.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Resident of Lisbon Speaks Out
It has come to my attention that there is a committee formed of non lisbon property tax paying paying citizens of Lisbon to look into selling the transfer station 2 pine tree waste this way yet turn into another tax on Lisbon residents. It is understood that pine tree will charge per bag on top of all the taxes that we already pay . I understand lewiston has adopted this method and is now charging for recyclables. I hope the townspeople will have a vote on this in this doesn't a backroom deal . Lisbon residents please take notice.
Submitted Anonymously
Submitted Anonymously
Thursday, January 15, 2015
RECAP TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP – JANUARY
13TH
During last Tuesday’s Town
Council Workshop, the members of the Council in attendance were Chairman Pesce,
Vice-Chair Bickford, Councilors Lunt and Garrison. The workshop was for the purpose of hearing information
pertaining to Moxie Festival; Town Owned Land; Gas/Diesel Pumps Card Swipe
System; and the Public Works Garage Addition.
The following is a small summary of each:
The Moxie Committee
spokesperson Gina Mason and Brenda Rogers asked the Council for guidance on the
Moxie Festival. They also asked why the
Police, Fire and Public Works Department charged the Moxie Committee for
services when this is a town event.
Chairman Pesce agreed with the committee and asked the Town Manager to
look into these department budgeting Moxie weekend into their individual
budgets.
Town Owned Land – The Council
had requested a listing of the entire town owned land which was provided by the
Town Manager. However, this listing
included the building currently occupied and utilized by various departments of
the town. So the Council asked the Town
Manager to review the listing and eliminate the properties currently used by
the town. This discussion was tabled
until another workshop so the Council could review each property to see if the
town can put some of these properties on the real estate market to increase
revenue. According to my figures, there
are approximately 91 total properties on the list but 40 of these are utilized
by the town. These figures are unofficial.
Gas/Diesel Pumps Card Swipe
System – Upon review of the gas/diesel controls, it has been verified that the
town does not have sufficient controls of these two pumps. In order to correct this deficiency, the
Public Works Director has suggested a card swipe system to control the use of
gas/diesel fuels. After a short
discussion, the Council felt that the controls should be by vehicle instead of
Department Heads. The Public Works
Director was instructed to look into a system that would meet these requirements
and provide estimates.
Public Works Garage Addition
– The Public Works Garage is completely restored and operational. The town has approximately $166,000.00
dollars remaining from the insurance payment.
The Public Works Director is asking that these funds be applied to
adding a 25’ X 80’ steel structure to the current Public Works garage. This addition is critically needed so that
trucks with plows will fit into the building to be worked on. Currently, the Public Works garage does not
fit these vehicles and the doors to the garage have to be left open when the
mechanic works on these vehicles. The
Council agreed that this was a good use of these funds and would eliminate the
problem of fitting vehicles, to include school buses, into the garage for
work. The Council asked the Town Manager
and the Public Works Director to move forward on this project.
All of these items, with the
exception of the Town Owned Land, will be discussed again and voted on by the
Council Tuesday night at the next Town Council meeting.
Larry Fillmore
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Are We Ever To Vote On The Municipal Budget ?
ARE WE EVER GOING TO VOTE ON THE
MUNICIPAL BUDGET?
In November of 2011, the Town
Council added a Referendum Question to the November ballot with the
understanding that the council would abide by the wishes of the people. The question was “did the people want to vote
on the Municipal Budget by departments”, or words to that effect. The
results were over 2,000 voters voted YES and only a little over 500 voted
NO. It is now 2014 and the
people cannot vote on the Municipal budget by departments.
Previous Town Councils had a habit of not
doing what they say and as a result the people have lost faith in our Town
Council form of government. In order to preserve the Municipal budget, previous
councilors like Mike Bowie and Fern LaRochelle have been placed on the Finance
Committee. The other night at a town council
meeting, the people were forced to listen to Mrs. Morgan- Alexander, Chairman
of the Finance Committee and Fern LaRochelle tell them how hard they worked on
the Municipal budget. As a result of this hard work, the
Police Department was increased by $78,268.00 and Public Works was increased by
$235,190.00. I do not have to
repeat the excessive spending in the Police Department and the majority of the
Public Works increase was for paving as I understand it.
This supports why the people
need to vote on the Municipal budget. There is no
reason in the world why Lisbon’s Police Department should cost this community
$1,300,000.00 plus. There
is no reason why Lisbon should maintain a Communication Center (Dispatch) when
the county has an excellent Dispatch Center. Every second wasted
in an emergency puts lives at risk and having to relay 911 calls does just
that.
Chief Brooks does no care if he puts our lives at risk as long as
he can maintain his empire at the expense of the taxpayers.
The sole purpose of the
Finance Committee is to provide support for the Municipal budget presented by
the Town Council. This community needs Finance Committee members who are trying to do
what is right for the community and not protect Chief Brooks’ budget. This is the exact reason the people want to vote on the
Municipal budget because then and only then will Municipal budget be a budget
by the people. Remember
the Advisory Board was made up of elected officials but when they did not
support the Municipal budget they were replaced by appointed members whom 5 out
of 7 are previous councilors. Go figure!
In order to restore integrity and get out of the
current financial situation and back on track, the people are going to have to
vote on the Municipal budget. The last four years, the people have suffered
an unnecessary tax increase. The creed
of certain town employees coupled with councilors who have no spine have
resulted in a situation in which taxpayers can no longer afford to reside in
our community. We are losing too many
good neighbors and friends because of outrageous Municipal budgets.
It is imperative that this town council do
what is right and change the Charter to allow the people to vote on the
Municipal budget by departments next June. The people
asked for this almost three years ago.
There is time now to do this if they want; look how fast it took them to
get a Charter change to limit million dollars bonds only on the November
ballot.
Now is the time to
allow the people to vote on the Municipal Budget.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Recap Town Council Meeting July 15th, 2014
RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – JULY 15TH
Last night’s Town Council
meeting was lengthy so this recap will probably be lengthy. I try to keep my opinion out of the recaps
but in this case I have to say that I was impressed and moved by the Public
Service Announcement shown during the meeting.
The Public Service Announcement was filmed using Lisbon students and
parents and showed how one bad decision can ruin the lives of so many. I encourage every one of all ages to review
this moving and powerful Public Service Announcement.
Under Council Orders,
Resolutions & Ordinances – The 2014-2015 Municipal Budget Resolution failed
again by a vote of 3-2. There was no
vote on the Economic Development Budget Resolution because it is part of the
Municipal Budget. The 2014-2015 Sewer
Department Budget passed by a vote of 5-0.
Mr. Dennis Douglass, Code Enforcement Officer, provided a detailed plan
for repairing the Public Works Garage.
This plan included floor plans and cost analysis and the Council voted
5-0 to move forward. The Town Office
Holiday and Library Holiday schedules were approved by a vote of 5-0. The Personnel Staffing Study was turned over
to the Town Manager for action. The FOAA
Waiver Request was denied by the Council by a vote of 5-0. The General Assistance Ordinance and
Appendices (1st Reading) was approved by a vote of 5-0. The Special Council Meeting and the Public
Hearing for the Qualified Energy Conversation Bond was tabled.
Under Other Business – The
ECD Director provided the Council with a presentation on the Career Center
& Healthy Main Street Grants. The
Town Manager stated she was very much impressed with the Moxie Festival and all
the hard work that when into the festival.
An additional Town Council Workshop is
scheduled for July 22, 2014 at 07:30 PM to have more discussions pertaining to
the budget.
Under Appointments – Fern
LaRochelle was reappointed to the Finance Committee for a three year term.
Under Executive Session –
Once the Council came out of Executive Session, they revealed that loans 4229
and 4522 were to be written off and loan 4467 was to go to collections.
Larry Fillmore
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Revised (2) Lisbon Council Agenda July 15, 2014
REVISED AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2014
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
7:00 P.M.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2014
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
7:00 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
Town Clerk reading of meeting rules
3. GOOD NEWS & RECOGNITION
A. Police Department and S.A.D.D. Public Service Announcement (PSA)
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Victualer's License for Laura Pelkey d/b/a The Cabin
5. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION FOR AGENDA ITEMS
6. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION RESPONSE
7. CONSENT AGENDA
2014-126 ORDER − A. Victualer's License for Laura Pelkey d/b/a The Cabin
B. Minutes of July 1, 2014
C. Minutes of July 8, 2014
D. Off Premise Catering Permit - Slovak Catholic Assoc for Knights of Columbus Grounds
8. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES
2014-127 RESOLUTION − 2014-2015 Municipal Budget Resolution
2014-128 RESOLUTION − 2014-2015 Economic Development Budget Resolution
2014-129 ORDER − 2014-2015 Sewer Department Budget
2014-130 ORDER − Authorize Contract with Hebert Construction for Public Works Building
2014-131 ORDER − Town Office Holidays
2014-132 ORDER − Library Holidays
2014-133 ORDER − Schedule Council Workshop
2014-134 ORDER − Personnel Staffing Study
2014-135 ORDER − FOAA Waiver Request
2014-136 ORDINANCE − General Assistance Ordinance (First Reading)
2014-137 ORDINANCE − General Assistance Appendices (First Reading)
2014-137A ORDER − Set Special Council Meeting for July 29, 2014
2014-137B ORDER − Public Hearing for the Qualified Energy Conservation Bond
9. OTHER BUSINESS
A. ECD Director's Report on Career Center & Healthy Main Street Grants
B. Town Manager's Report
10. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION NEW ITEMS
11. COUNCIL RESPONSE TO NEW ITEMS
12. APPOINTMENTS
2014-138 ORDER − Finance Committee Renewal term expiring June 30, 2017
13. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
2014-139 ORDER − 1 MRSA § 405 (6)(C) Economic Development Revolving Loan Funds
1 MRSA § 405 (6)(F) Discussion of confidential records
15. ADJOURNMENT
2014-140 ORDER − To Adjourn
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Recap Special Town Council Meeting - June 24th , 2014
RECAP SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – JUNE 24THThis is a recap of the Special Town Council meeting; which was a first for this community.
a. The new snowplow truck passed by a vote of 6-0.
b. Adopting the amended fee schedule (1st Reading) passed by a vote of 6-0 with a need to have a workshop to thoroughly go throw all 13 pages of the changes prior to the 2nd Reading.
c. The MDOT agreement for Trail Amendment passed by a vote of 6-0.
d. The 2014-2015 Municipal Budget failed by a vote of 2-Yes and 4-No. This was an epic event because this means we have four councilors who care about the taxpayers in this community. More to follow!Larry Fillmore
Friday, June 13, 2014
The People Have Spoken !
THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN!
On Tuesday, June 10, 2014,
the people of Lisbon went to the polls and voted how they wanted their tax
dollars spent. The people approved a new
gym and a new track. They rejected a new
Public Works Garage. So now the Town
Council has to finalize the Municipal budget for Fiscal Year 2014-2015.
This Municipal Budget is
suppose to be a “Maintenance Budget” which means no new projects or additional
funds other than what is needed to operate. So let’s take a look at what is still on the
table for consideration. The following
are items that must be added:
1.
A
new plow truck – It is imperative that the town replace the plow truck
that burnt. The insurance company paid
the town $48,000.00 but a new truck cost approximately $128,000.00 so the town
has to come up with $80,000.00.
2.
MDOT Modification 4 – The municipal portion of the additional funds is
$30,000.00. There is no arguing with
MDOT or the town will end up paying a lot more trying to contest this.
3.
$4,500.00 Rent Fee to Longchamps – Since the taxpayers voted down the Public Works
Garage, the town will have to pay this monthly fee until such time as an
adequate building can be prepared to perform maintenance in. Also, repairing the current Public Works
building leaves the town with the problem of a sand/salt shed that meets state
requirements. Apparently, the people are
satisfied paying $54,000.00 a year for rental fees.
Now let’s take a look at some
of the other items still on the table:
1.
2%
COLA Allowance - Town Employees have received wage increases for the
pass four or five years in a row. It will
not kill the Town Employee from going without an increase for one year. If it was going for those whose annual salary
was under $35,000.00 a year I would consider it but disguising or calling it a
COLA Allowance just to get it approved is unacceptable.
2.
Replacing Police Cruisers – Chief Brooks had sufficient funds to replace any
police vehicles he felt were necessary with Federal Forfeiture Funds but
instead purchased Assault Rifles, GPS, Balls and a Ball Launcher for the canine
among other “Toys for the Boys”. One of
the vehicles he wants to replace had a new engine installed less than a year
ago. The Life Cycle of police vehicles
is measured in the hours of the engine and not road miles. So why would you replace a vehicle you just
installed a new engine in?
3.
Reduce the TIF Account by $100,000.00 – Each year the town over budgets this line by
close to $100,000.00 and then one month later transfers the
money out to other areas of the budget.
Apparently, this is used for a slush fund. This needs to stop also.
A “Maintenance Budget” should only have what
is needed to operate during the fiscal year.
The plow truck and the MDOT are necessary for next year; while a COLA
Allowance, police vehicles and floating additional funds to create slush funds
are NOT.
Let’s see if the Town Council will make
any attempt to control excessive spending!
Larry Fillmore
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
The Unitil Project Passed !!!
THE UNITIL PROJECT PASSED!!!
At last night’s Special Town Council meeting, four of the Councilors voted to approve this project. These Councilors were Roger Bickford, Eric Metivier, Mark Lunt and Gregg Garrison. Councilors Dillon Pesce and Chris Brunelle voted against the project.
Prior to the vote was a lengthy discussion starting with Mr. Leighton providing a small briefing followed by question and answer period by the Councilors? Mr. Leighton stated first that Public Works personnel would not be doing the trenching and later stated that Public Works personnel would be preparing the trench for paving. According to Mr. Leighton, Unitil will be responsible for the trenching and laying the gas line. However, it is unclear as to why the Public Works personnel and backhoe would have to be on a standby mode.
Another curious point was, if this is a Unitil project, why was there no one from Unitil there to clarify any points, and there were numerous unanswered questions? One would be why Unitil is doing the trenching but does not have to complete the work to satisfy the final trench so it can be paved without Public Works personnel having to ensure the work is done right. Also, why is there no written Unitil proposal detailing the project and who is responsible for what?
Also, there was no documentation from the Brunswick Housing Authority as to what they are responsible for. It was stated that the Brunswick Housing Area was to pay half of the cost for paving but did not mention if the Public Works personnel are required to prepare the trench for paving if the Brunswick Housing Authority would split the cost with the town. In other words, the Town could end up paying for preparing the trench for paving and then split the cost of paving with the town. If this is the case, the taxpayers are getting screwed again.
Mr. Leighton was unable to answer all the questions asked by both the Council and the Public. Mr. Leighton changed his story several times. The Council will still have to go out for bid on the paving because it is over $5,000.00 which is required by the town Purchasing Policy.
I cannot explain why these four Councilors voted the way they did other than this project will provide a cost savings on heating the MTM Center, once completed. I support the project but I am against approving a project when there are so many questions that remain unanswered. I will submit a Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) for the documentation from Unitil and the Brunswick Housing Authority which should provide the answers to these questions. I want to know who is responsible for what.
Larry Fillmore
Prior to the vote was a lengthy discussion starting with Mr. Leighton providing a small briefing followed by question and answer period by the Councilors? Mr. Leighton stated first that Public Works personnel would not be doing the trenching and later stated that Public Works personnel would be preparing the trench for paving. According to Mr. Leighton, Unitil will be responsible for the trenching and laying the gas line. However, it is unclear as to why the Public Works personnel and backhoe would have to be on a standby mode.
Another curious point was, if this is a Unitil project, why was there no one from Unitil there to clarify any points, and there were numerous unanswered questions? One would be why Unitil is doing the trenching but does not have to complete the work to satisfy the final trench so it can be paved without Public Works personnel having to ensure the work is done right. Also, why is there no written Unitil proposal detailing the project and who is responsible for what?
Also, there was no documentation from the Brunswick Housing Authority as to what they are responsible for. It was stated that the Brunswick Housing Area was to pay half of the cost for paving but did not mention if the Public Works personnel are required to prepare the trench for paving if the Brunswick Housing Authority would split the cost with the town. In other words, the Town could end up paying for preparing the trench for paving and then split the cost of paving with the town. If this is the case, the taxpayers are getting screwed again.
Mr. Leighton was unable to answer all the questions asked by both the Council and the Public. Mr. Leighton changed his story several times. The Council will still have to go out for bid on the paving because it is over $5,000.00 which is required by the town Purchasing Policy.
I cannot explain why these four Councilors voted the way they did other than this project will provide a cost savings on heating the MTM Center, once completed. I support the project but I am against approving a project when there are so many questions that remain unanswered. I will submit a Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) for the documentation from Unitil and the Brunswick Housing Authority which should provide the answers to these questions. I want to know who is responsible for what.
Larry Fillmore
Friday, May 23, 2014
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Lisbon Taxpayers Pay For Incompetency, But Why?
WHY ARE WE PAYING FOR INCOMPETENCY??
At the last Town Council meeting, there was an agenda item under Other Business called “Unitil Paving Proposal”. This proposal was submitted by the Town Engineer, Ryan Leighton (See Attached).
The proposal lacks several items such as a map of the route, distances and who was going to be doing the trenching. During the discussion by the Council and the Interim Town Manager, it came out that Public Works would be doing all the trenching. A minor detail left off the original request. This agenda item was tabled until next week during the Special Town Council meeting.
On the agenda for May 27, 2014, there is no “Audience Participation” so the people will not have a chance to speak on this subject. I do not believe that even if the people could speak would it be heard. I believe this has already been decided and the council will approve this proposal. The fact that Public Works will be doing the trenching, at no cost to either Unitil or the Brunswick Housing Authority, and the people are going to be forced to pay an additional amount for paving is crazy. Why isn’t the trenching by Public Works not sufficient payment for this project by the taxpayers.
Most of you do not know this but a former council sold Brunswick Housing Authority 4 Campus Avenue for $1.00 and with it went over a MILLION dollar grant for the renovation of the building by Federal Grant. The property at the time was valued at $265,050.00. I understand that the Brunswick Housing Authority is a non-profit organization but the Town of Lisbon is not. The Town should not be making concessions like this and now the Town is willing to do all the trenching and then pay for half of the paving even though there is no benefit to the town from the MTM center to 4 Campus Avenue. Why should the taxpayers be forced to pay anything for this project?
Please review this proposal by Mr. Leighton and tell me if you believe that this inept performance is worth the $78,000.00 plus Mr. Leighton receives as a salary from the town. This is exactly what you get from an individual that has absolutely no credentials for the position.
So why does the Interim Town Manager and the Town Council accept a proposal that is incomplete and does not present ALL the facts in order for the Council to make a competent decision?
Larry Fillmore
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Making the Right Choice for the Community - Part 3 (Track)
PART 3
The third bond is for building a Track at a cost of approximately $500,000.00 taxpayers’ dollars. I do not want anyone to misunderstand me. I am in favor of our kids having a place to do track especially since Lisbon has one of the best track teams in the state. However, they cannot hold home meets in Lisbon because the current track does not meet safety standards. This is a shame.
I am voting NO on a new track. The reason is very simple. If we have $500,000.00 to spend, I would rather see it spent on repairing our roads. This to me is a higher priority to the community than a track. A track is utilized by a smaller number of citizens, for a few months out of the year, and everyone uses our roads. If we are going to be spending taxpayer’s money, then the whole community should receive the benefit and not just a few.
False Deluder is a very dedicated parent who wants only the best for his kids and I do not blame him or the other families involved with this movement. But if you are spending taxpayer’s dollars it should be in the best interest of the whole community and not just a few.
False Deluder wants to talk about “needs” but never mentioned if it was the needs of his kids or needs of the community. Supporting your kids is important and should be the number one priority of every parent. It is vital that the town get a new Public Works garage and the town needs a new gym but the town does not need a new Track.
It is easy to see a “return on investment” with both the Public Works garage and the gym but there is absolutely no return on investment on a track especially when the money could be used to repair our roads. Repairing our roads would save wear and tear on our vehicles as well as the town vehicles.
When you go to the polls in June, please vote what is best for the whole community and not just a few.
Larry Fillmore
I am voting NO on a new track. The reason is very simple. If we have $500,000.00 to spend, I would rather see it spent on repairing our roads. This to me is a higher priority to the community than a track. A track is utilized by a smaller number of citizens, for a few months out of the year, and everyone uses our roads. If we are going to be spending taxpayer’s money, then the whole community should receive the benefit and not just a few.
False Deluder is a very dedicated parent who wants only the best for his kids and I do not blame him or the other families involved with this movement. But if you are spending taxpayer’s dollars it should be in the best interest of the whole community and not just a few.
False Deluder wants to talk about “needs” but never mentioned if it was the needs of his kids or needs of the community. Supporting your kids is important and should be the number one priority of every parent. It is vital that the town get a new Public Works garage and the town needs a new gym but the town does not need a new Track.
It is easy to see a “return on investment” with both the Public Works garage and the gym but there is absolutely no return on investment on a track especially when the money could be used to repair our roads. Repairing our roads would save wear and tear on our vehicles as well as the town vehicles.
When you go to the polls in June, please vote what is best for the whole community and not just a few.
Larry Fillmore
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR THE COMMUNITY!!!! Part 1 of 3 (Public Works)
PART 1
This article may get lengthy so I will break it up into three parts. This community is at a cross roads right now and has to make some very difficult decisions. The decisions will affect the entire community and will be costly. I, like a lot of citizens, are on a fixed income and with the cost of living as it is every penny counts. However in June, we are being asked to vote on three bond issues. I am going to try and defend MY choices.
First, I want to say for the first time I believe we have a good Council who, for the most part, are interested in doing what is right for the community. I believe in Dale Olmstead, Interim Town Manager, and hopefully the next Town Manager, Diane Barnes. These individuals have a very solid plan contrary to what False Deluder says and there is urgency in moving this forward. First, is the fact the town is paying a monthly fee of $4,500.00 for space in another facility and second is everything must be in place before next winter?
It is easy in June to forget that Public Works needs to be able to keep our roads plowed and salt and sand put down during the winter months. In order to prepare and accomplish this Public Works needs a facility. Public Works employees work extremely hard to make sure the public remains safe on our roads at all times. We call Police, Fire and Medical, Public Safety but the real Public Safety is Public Works because if these First Responders cannot get to you what good are they?
I am voting YES on the new Public Work’s garage for several reasons. The current building does not allow for our fleet to be housed inside during winter months. The mechanics are forced to work in cramped spaces and the ventilation is unacceptable. This puts our employees at risk.
I attend almost every meeting of the Town Council, unlike most of you and including False Deluder. Mr. Olmstead outlined a detailed plan to resolve numerous town issues at one time. The plan depends on the citizens voting to approve the bond for the new Public Works garage. If the bond is approved, the town will purchase a building that will not only house the Public Works vehicles but also the school buses.
First, I want to say for the first time I believe we have a good Council who, for the most part, are interested in doing what is right for the community. I believe in Dale Olmstead, Interim Town Manager, and hopefully the next Town Manager, Diane Barnes. These individuals have a very solid plan contrary to what False Deluder says and there is urgency in moving this forward. First, is the fact the town is paying a monthly fee of $4,500.00 for space in another facility and second is everything must be in place before next winter?
It is easy in June to forget that Public Works needs to be able to keep our roads plowed and salt and sand put down during the winter months. In order to prepare and accomplish this Public Works needs a facility. Public Works employees work extremely hard to make sure the public remains safe on our roads at all times. We call Police, Fire and Medical, Public Safety but the real Public Safety is Public Works because if these First Responders cannot get to you what good are they?
I am voting YES on the new Public Work’s garage for several reasons. The current building does not allow for our fleet to be housed inside during winter months. The mechanics are forced to work in cramped spaces and the ventilation is unacceptable. This puts our employees at risk.
I attend almost every meeting of the Town Council, unlike most of you and including False Deluder. Mr. Olmstead outlined a detailed plan to resolve numerous town issues at one time. The plan depends on the citizens voting to approve the bond for the new Public Works garage. If the bond is approved, the town will purchase a building that will not only house the Public Works vehicles but also the school buses.
This will allow Public Works to perform maintenance on the school buses eliminating outsourcing school bus maintenance. The plan also includes moving the Lisbon Falls Fire Station into this facility, thus eliminating the traffic problem on Main Street during a fire. The current Public Works garage will be converted to a salt shed which will cover our salt.
Yes, approving this bond will cost the taxpayers additional funds but spreading it out over years will reduce the impact. I believe a new Public Works garage is essential to moving our community forward and it will eliminate several other problem areas at the same time which makes this very cost effective.
Larry Fillmore
Yes, approving this bond will cost the taxpayers additional funds but spreading it out over years will reduce the impact. I believe a new Public Works garage is essential to moving our community forward and it will eliminate several other problem areas at the same time which makes this very cost effective.
Larry Fillmore
Friday, April 18, 2014
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
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
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
Recap Town Council Workshop - April 14th
RECAP TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP – APRIL 14TH
The Interim Town Manager, Mr. Dale Olmstead, updated the Council on what he has learned pertaining to the Public Works garage. Right now the insurance company is offering $300,000.00 dollars as a settlement. Along with this cash money, the insurance company is going to pay for a few months rental fees.
This leaves the Council with several options:
1. Repair existing building.
2 Build a new building.
3. Move into as existing building.
This leaves the Council with several options:
1. Repair existing building.
2 Build a new building.
3. Move into as existing building.
According to Mr. Olmstead it would not be cost effective to repair the building because it was not an adequate facility for Public Works in the first place.
Second, it would cost the town too much to build a new facility for Public Works.
Third, there are two buildings available in town to take care of our immediate needs but would have additional costs if the town wanted to expand for one and the other is readily made and would provide for a lot of town consolidation.
The two buildings are:
The two buildings are:
ETTI: (64,000 square feet)
Longchamps (10,000 square feet – expandable)
Both of these building would need an appraisal before they could discuss price. The appraisals have been ordered.
The Councilors discussed each option for almost an hour. Chairwoman Ward allowed the Public to provide input and then adjourned the meeting without any vote by the Council.
Larry Fillmore
Longchamps (10,000 square feet – expandable)
Both of these building would need an appraisal before they could discuss price. The appraisals have been ordered.
The Councilors discussed each option for almost an hour. Chairwoman Ward allowed the Public to provide input and then adjourned the meeting without any vote by the Council.
Larry Fillmore
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