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Friday, February 8, 2019

ANOTHER MUNIS UPDATE

 
I have put together a chart of the anticipated dates for the conversion of MUNIS from TRIO to be completed.  The Chart is below:
 
                                                         MUNIS SCHEDULE

 
MODULES                                                                            COMPLETION DATE

1.        Accounting/General Ledger/
           Accounts Payable                                                October 1, 2018
2.        Cash Management                                             October 1, 2018
3.        Project & Grant Accounting                    October 1, 2018
4.        Purchase Orders                                                 October 1, 2018
5.        Accounts Receivable                                          October 1, 2018
6.        General Billing                                                     October 1, 2018
7.        Payroll with Employee Self Service                  April 8, 2019
8.        HR Management                                                 April 8, 2019
9.        Animal License                                                     February 1, 2019
10.      Business License                                                  February 1, 2019
11.      Central Property File with the CAMA Bridge  TO BE ANNOUNCED
12.      Tax Billing                                                              TO BE ANNOUNCED
13.      ME Tax Lien                                                           TO BE ANNOUNCED
14.      Tyler Cashiering                                                    February 1, 2019
15.      Utility Billing                                                          7-8 months
 
KEEP IN MIND THAT FUTURE DATES ARE ONLY ESTIMATED DATES!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
The town is paying $79,761.00 tax dollars a year for this software package.  The contract started March 1, 2016, so the first nineteen (19) months; the town paid for MUNIS and receive absolutely no benefit from it because it was not operational.  So this means the town wasted nearly $160,000.00 tax dollars and you wonder why taxes continue to go up every year.

 
Mrs. Lydia Colston, Finance Director, has been tasked to implement this program above her normal duties.  It would appear that Eight (8) out of Fifteen (15) modules have been completed.  On March 1, 2019, the contract will be three years old and we are half way through the implementation.  So far the town has been paying our tax dollars for software not yet functional.  I want to make this perfectly clear; Mrs. Colston is doing a remarkable job and should be commended at every chance.  However, the fact our tax dollars are being wasted because the town is not receiving the full benefit of MUNIS in which we are paying for.

Before the town and the taxpayers can receive the full benefit of this package we are paying for; it must be completely implemented and fully operational.  MUNIS is basically a financial software package.  The taxpayers are paying $79,761.00 per year for a software package that does not include the Recreation, Public Works, Fire, Police, Water and Sewer Departments.  Each of these departments has their own software packages to run their operations.
 
Each day that goes by without MUNIS completely implemented and fully operational, the town is wasting taxpayers’ dollars.  It is almost guaranteed that the Town Manager is going to ask for more increases this year and the Town Council will approve them.  This will raise our taxes again. 
 
Call you Councilors and the Town Manager and tell them to stop wasting our tax dollars. Also tell them to start looking for ways to save tax dollars and reduce our taxes.
 
Larry Fillmore

 

 

LISBON SCHOOL COMMITTEE AGENDA - FEBRUARY 11, 2019





Wednesday, February 6, 2019

WASTING TAX DOLLARS


For years now, I have been suggesting the closure of the Lisbon Communication Center and having the Androscoggin County Dispatch take over the responsibility of dispatching Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical.  And for years, the Town Council has voted to keep Lisbon Communication Center open.
The cost to operate this facility, in the last budget, was $345,246.00.  Now it is a fact that two former Councilors investigated this very issue and found that the town could save approximately $200,000.00 taxpayer dollars a year by having Androscoggin Country Dispatch perform the Lisbon Communication Center functions.  To me $200,000.00 is not chicken feed and should have been considered seriously.  However, Fern LaRochelle, did not want the town to lose control. 
During the Town Council workshop on January 15, 2019, Chief Hagen presented a proposal to perform dispatching for Gardiner.  During the discussion of this Chairman Norm Albert ask a very important question for Chief Hagan.  It was and I am quoting from the minutes of January 15, 2019 minutes:
“Councilor Albert asked if the state would be forcing Lisbon into dispatch service with them.  Chief Hagan said eventually, yes, but probably not within three years.  He said eventually the equipment we have will fail and the cost to replace it will be significant.  Councilor Albert said the administrative fee should be worth our while.”
This brings up several important questions:
First question: “Why are we waiting for the state, why not do it now when we have an excellent offer from Androscoggin County Dispatch?”
Second question:  “Why are we waiting until the equipment fails and puts the town in a crisis?”
Third question:  “Why is the town going to pay a very significant amount of tax dollars to replace this equipment when the state is going to force us to join them?”
To me, these are very important questions.  They can all be eliminated if the town allowed Androscoggin County to take over dispatching responsibility.  It is a fact that by closing the Lisbon Communication Center will save the taxpayers tax dollars.  It is also a fact that it is impossible to tell the exact amount that will be saved, however any cost saving will help reduce the operating cost of the town and reduce our taxes.  Reducing our taxes should be the number one priority of the Town Council and the Town Manager.  Unfortunately, they are NOT interested in saving money or reducing taxes.
Call your Councilors and Diane Barnes and tell them it is time to start saving tax dollars and no more tax increases.
Larry Fillmore

LISBON LIBRARY UPDATE

Lisbon Public Library - No Phone Service

The Lisbon Library  phone services are down again.  They do however have technicians working on the problem and hope to have services up and running later today.  Should you need to reach the library you may do so either visiting them or via their facebook page.  They do have internet access.
Thank you for your patience and we apologize for any inconvenience. 
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

LISBON PARKING BAN

PARKING BAN 9:00 PM 2/6/2019 - NOON 2/7/2019

Due to the inclement weather forecast, the Town of Lisbon is issuing a parking ban from 9:00 pm, Wednesday, February 6, 2019 until noon February 7, 2019.
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

DO YOU WANT YOUR TAXES TO GO UP AGAIN!!!

 
Well it is that time of year again.  The Town Manager, Diane Barnes, is preparing the town’s annual budget.  If she stays true to form, she will ask the Town Council to approve roughly a two million ($2,000,000.00) dollars increase in the operating cost of the town.  This will undoubtedly include a Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) for all employees of the town.
 
If you like having your taxes second highest in Androscoggin County, then sit back and do nothing.  There is a good chance Lisbon can move into the highest taxed town in the county, passing Lewiston this year.  Can you imagine that last year Lisbon passed Auburn?  That is just ridiculous!!!
 
The problem is no one in the town government, Town Council or the Town Manager is interested in cutting the cost of operating the town.  Several options to cut cost and reduce our taxes have been suggested and ignored by the Town Council.   
 
Now is the time for the people to speak up and tell both the Town Council and the Town Manager, enough is enough.  We want our taxes reduced this year.  If the people sit back and do nothing your taxes are going to rise again this year.  Can you afford that?
 
If you do nothing NOW, it will be too late to reverse the decision of the Town Council.  Call your Councilors and the Town Manager and tell them to start finding ways to reduce our taxes and no increase in taxes this year.
 
Larry Fillmore

Monday, February 4, 2019

LISBON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FINAL DRAFT

Town of Lisbon Comprehensive Plan - Final Draft

INTRODUCTION
Aside from the Town Charter, the Comprehensive Plan is the most important municipal
document for Lisbon because it serves so many functions.
The Comprehensive Plan is a…
     Statement about what is important to the people of Lisbon.
The plan not only identifies important places and programs, but also documents core values and
a shared vision for the future of the community. This shared vision is a statement about the kind
of community people want to be a part of in the future.
     Blueprint for how to achieve important things.
The Plan contains a large laundry list of goals and policies to meet the state requirements for
all Comprehensive Plans in the state. However, ours is focused on a smaller, prioritized subset
these goals and policies in order to better guide activities and ensure that the Town Council, the
Planning Board, town staff and others are productive over the next few years.
     Land use plan.
The core of a Comprehensive Plan is a blueprint for designating where and in what manner
future development should occur within the community. It specifically identifies areas in Lisbon
where most new growth should be located and points out areas where new growth should be
discouraged. These Growth and Rural areas are the basis for zoning updates and changes within
the forecast time period of the Plan.
     Snapshot of the community in time.
The Plan is a useful benchmark for future town staff, elected officials, and other interested parties
because it provides much detailed information about municipal services, buildings, properties
and financial data.
Please click here to read the full document.  Thank you
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

LISBON LIBRARY UPDATE

Lisbon Library - Internet & Phone Issues Resolved

The Lisbon Library internet and phone services are back on line.  The library is now closed and reopen tomorrow during its regular business hours.  Thank you for your patience and again we apologize for any inconvenience.  
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

SAD BUT TRUE

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LISBON LIBRARY UPDATE

Lisbon Library - no internet or phone services 2/4/2019

The Lisbon Library continues to operatate without any  internet or phone services.  There are technicians currently working on the situation and they hope to have internet connection back soon.  We apologize for any inconvenience.  Thank you 
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

Saturday, February 2, 2019

LISBON WATER DEPARTMENT UPDATE

Water Main Repair Completed

Water service was restored at 2:00 PM  on February 2, 2019 to customers that were affected by the water main break on Main at South Street.
Customers may experience air and discolored water. We are currently flushing hydrants to improve water quality. Additionally, we have several hydrants that will be unattended and left flowing to improve water quality.
Through traffic on Main Street will be restored in a few hours.
If you have any questions or a water emergency please call the Lisbon Police Dept. at 353-2500 and a water technician will contact you ASAP.
We greatly appreciate your patience while we worked to repair this break!
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

LISBON LIBRARY UPDATE

Lisbon Library - no internet or phone services

The Lisbon Library currently is without any  internet or phone services today.  We apologize for any inconvenience.  Thank you 
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

LISBON WATER DEPARTMENT UPDATE

South Street Water Main Update

South Street Water Main repair update. We are currently working in the intersection of Main and South Street. We have had to close Main Street to through traffic. Please seek an alternate route traveling north or south on Main Street. We have completed repairs on 4 sites and have just started our fifth excavation site. We are currently removing the frozen earth and will be able to provide an update on our progress when we uncover the main. It may be 1:00 PM before water is restored. We will update our customers as we progress with our work.
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

Friday, February 1, 2019

LISBON WATER DEPARTMENT UPDATE

  

ROAD CLOSURE & WATER MAIN BREAK!

Due to a serious accident, Ridge Road will be closed from Webster Road to Upland Road until further notice.  Please seek an alternative route.

Notice!!! The Lisbon Water Department has a water main break on South St that is currently affecting the entire downtown area of Lisbon Falls. The Water Department has just begun shutting the system down in that area to stop the leak and it may take all day to resolve this issue. Please guard against dirty water!! We appreciate your patience while we restore service as quickly as possible! Please contact the Water Department to report any issues regardless of where your location is to determine if this break will affect you!  207-353-3020
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

LISBON WATER DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES WATER MAIN BREAK

WATER MAIN BREAK!

Notice!!! The Lisbon Water Department has a water main break on South St that is currently affecting the entire downtown area of Lisbon Falls. The Water Department has just begun shutting the system down in that area to stop the leak and it may take all day to resolve this issue. Please guard against dirty water!! We appreciate your patience while we restore service as quickly as possible! Please contact the Water Department to report any issues regardless of where your location is to determine if this break will affect you!  207-353-3020
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

LISBON PARKING BAN FROM 7PM JAN. 29TH THROUGH 5PM Jan. 30TH

PARKING BAN FROM 7PM JAN. 29TH THROUGH 5PM Jan. 30TH

DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER FORECAST THE TOWN OF LISBON IS ISSUING A PARKING BAN FROM 7PM JAN. 29TH, 2019 UNTIL 5PM JAN. 30TH
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

Redzone's 2019 expansion will stretch from Berwick to Fort Kent

Redzone's 2019 expansion will stretch from Berwick to Fort Kent

The broadband services company Redzone will expand to 26 communities stretching from Berwick north to Fort Kent in 2019, bringing its customer base to more than 300,000 Maine households and businesses.
The multi-million dollar expansion by the Rockland-based company, which is privately funded, follows an equally ambitious expansion in 2018, that included networks serving Farmington, Dover-Foxcroft, Calais and Machias.
The 2019 expansion will be in 10 of the state’s 16 counties, and focuses on areas targeted by 35,000 service requests made by Maine businesses and residents in 2018, a Friday news release from the company said.
Once the expansion is completed, the company said its coverage will be available to more than 100 communities and 50% of all Maine homes .
Communities set for expansion in 2019, by county, are:
Androscoggin County: Durham, Greene, Lisbon, Livermore Falls; Aroostook County: Caribou, Fort Kent, Presque Isle; Cumberland County: New Gloucester, Windham; Franklin County: New Sharon, Wilton;
Hancock: Bucksport; Kennebec County: Gardiner, Oakland, Winthrop; Oxford County: Rumford; Piscataquis County: Milo;
Somerset County: Fairfield, Madison, Norridgewock, Skowhegan; Waldo County: Frankfort, Morrill; York County: Alfred, Berwick, Waterboro.
Portions of 50 communities adjacent to the communities listed will also be part of the network expansion, the company said.
Jim McKenna, president of Redzone Wireless, said the company’s technology combined with its financial model allow it to expand broadband quickly to rural areas — 50,000 customers in 12 months.
Click here to read the full article.
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

Friday, January 18, 2019

LISBON Charter Communications - Upcoming Changes Effective February 21, 2019

Charter Communications - Upcoming Changes Effective February 21, 2019

At Charter (locally known as Spectrum), we continue to enhance our services, offer more of the best entertainment choices and deliver the best value. We are committed to offering our customers with products and services we are sure they will enjoy. Containing costs and efficiently managing our operations are critical to providing customers with the best value possible. Like every business, Charter faces rising costs that require occasional price adjustments. As a result, customers will be notified that effective on or after February 21, 2019, pricing will be adjusted for the following residential video service:
                        • Broadcast TV Surcharge will change from $9.95 to $11.99
We remain committed to providing an excellent experience for our customers, in your community and in each of the communities we serve. If you have any questions about this change, please feel free to contact me at 207-620-3319 or via email at shelley.winchenbach@charter.com.
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

PARKING BAN IN EFFECT FROM 8:00PM SATURDAY, JANUARY 19TH UNTIL 7:00AM MONDAY, JANUARY 21ST

DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER FORECAST THIS WEEKEND, A PARKING BAN HAS BEEN PUT INTO EFFECT FROM 8PM SATURDAY, JANUARY 19TH UNTIL 7AM MONDAY, JANUARY 21ST.
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

Thursday, January 17, 2019

LISBON PARKING BAN IN EFFECT ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 18th, 2019 FROM 5AM UNTIL 7PM

 

PARKING BAN IN EFFECT ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 18th, 2019 FROM 5AM UNTIL 7PM

DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER FORECAST FOR TOMORROW PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT A PARKING BAN WILL BE IN EFFECT ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 2019 FROM 5AM UNTIL 7PM.
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

MORALE IN LISBON


At last night’s Town Council workshop, the subject of the morale of the town employee’s was discussed.  There was talked about having an employee appreciation day at Beaver Park, which is an excellent start.  It is a shame the Town Council is so blind to the obvious.  The reason employee’s morale is so low, as I see it, is twofold:  (1) The lack of leadership and (2) all employees being treated the same.
I think the lack of leadership is self-explanatory.  So I will move on to the second point and that is rewarding, the good and bad, employees with the same pay raises. This is done every year by the Town Council, recommended by the Town Manager, approving Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) for all town employees.  This is probably the dumbest idea anyone ever came up with. 
The employee who is work the hardest and trying to improve themselves are compensated at the same rate as the employee who is enrolled in the Retired on Active Duty (ROAD).  The road program means that they are doing just enough to get by or less and being rewarded the same as someone working to improve the quality of service residents deserve.
The reason the town approves COLA is because all town employees are rewarded by the same percentage but the pay raises are never the same.  The percentage is based on the current salary and this stupid program applies to wage workers and management personnel the same.  An example of this is the Town Manager; whose annual salary is over $90,000.00, receives a 2% COLA increase of $1,800.00 while a wage worker earning $40,000.00 receives only $800.00 a year increase.  How can anyone justify this?  Management positions should never be included in COLA increases in this town. 
If you want to raise the morale of the employees in town, they need to start rewarding ONLY the good employees who are working the hardest.  This is rewarding the good employees and hopefully encourages the poorer employees to work harder.  Another method is to have each department nominate an employee for “Employee of the Month” and “Employee of the Year”.  With both these positions, comes a small increase in their pay or time off.  This will recognize these employees and hopefully push other employees to improve.
There are numerous methods to boost morale in the town.  The problem is the leadership has to first to acknowledge the problem exists and then come up with a plan to address the situation. 
I understand because I have recommended a number of solutions, they will never be considered, which is too bad.
Larry Fillmore

 

LISBON TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES

Council Meeting Minutes

December 18, 2018 Approved Minutes

SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

LISBON Town Departments Closed - Monday January 21, 2019

 

Town Departments Closed - Monday January 21, 2019

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all town departments will be closed on Monday, January 21, 2019.  The police department for non-administrative staff will remain open. 
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

LISBON Charter Communication Notification - Effective February 15, 2019 (rate adjustment)

Charter Communication Notification - Effective February 15, 2019 (rate adjustment)

Charter Communications, locally known as Spectrum, is making its customers aware that effective on or after February 15, 2019, the following changes will occur on the channel lineup serving your community.
The Spectrum TV Silver package will no longer include Cinemax and its related channels. Cinemax and its related channels will be available for subscription as an a la carte service only.
The monthly a la carte subscription rate will be reduced from $15.00 to $9.99.
The Spectrum TV Gold package will no longer include Cinemax, EPIX or their related channels. These services will be available for subscription as a la carte services only. The monthly a la carte subscription rates for Cinemax, EPIX and their related channels will each be reduced from $15.00 to the following rates: Cinemax - $9.99, EPIX - $5.99.
Pricing for monthly a la carte TMC subscription service will be reduced from $15.00 to $9.99.
If customers would like to subscribe to any of these a la carte services which are now available outside of a package, they can visit www.spectrum.com/getchannels. To view a current Spectrum channel lineup visit www.spectrum.com/channels. To view a current Spectrum rate card visit www.spectrum.com/ratecard. For questions call 1-855-70-Spectrum. Customers may downgrade or disconnect service without charge within 30 days of receipt of this notice.
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

Monday, January 14, 2019

LISBON Charter Communications Notification - WGN Agreement

Charter Communications Notification - WGN Agreement

Charter Communications, locally known as Spectrum, is happy to report that we have reached an agreement with Tribune Broadcasting to provide WGN America and multiple local ABC, CBS, FOX and CW, and digital multicast channel affiliate stations to our customers. We are pleased to have reached a fair agreement and appreciate your support and patience.
SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON

Friday, January 11, 2019

LISBON TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP AND MEETING

Council Meeting - 6:00 PM Workshop then Meeting

Jan. 15, 2019 at 6:00 PM Agenda & Attachments

SUBMITTED BY:  TOWN OF LISBON