Office of the Council Clerk Thursday, January 5, 2006
City of Gardiner, Maine Regular Meeting 7: 00 PM
Inauguration Ceremony
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rines called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM.
2. ROLL CALL
Jean Dellert, District 3 Rebecca Colwell, At-Large
Dennis Doiron, At-Large Richard Rambo, District 2
Lewis Benner, At-Large Mayor Brian Rines
Phil Hart, District 4 Jeffrey Kobrock, City Manager
Molly Gallant, Council Clerk
3. Consideration of Water District Trustee Resignation.
Motion by Councilor Dellert and seconded by Councilor Rambo to Accept Water District Trustee Resignation of Richard Nickless.
Vote: 7 in favor 0 – opposed Motion: passes
4. INAUGURAL CEREMONY
4.1 Pledge of Allegiance.
4.2 Certification of Council Election Results.
City Clerk Deirdre Berglund reads Council Election results.
District 1 Richard Nickless 375
District 2 Richard Rambo 377
District 3 Jean Dellert 442
District 4 Philip Hart 294
District 4 George Trask 170
4.3 Administration of Oath of Office to Council-elect by Deirdre Berglund, City Clerk.
4.4 Remarks by Councilors.
Councilor Dellert remarked that she is happy to be back and hope to continue the rapport with the Council while making use of grants available to the City.
Councilor Hart stated that he is happy to be back for another term. While campaigning he enjoyed the opportunity to talk with residents of Gardiner, it was an eye opening experience, with the concerns of high taxes and high home appraisals. He hopes that the City will be able to keep the budget down and the mil rate flat.
Councilor Rambo thanked the voters for the opportunity and looks forward to the challenges that will be facing the Council.
Councilor Nickless stated that he is extremely pleased to be back on the Council, he enjoyed his one year experience previously and is looking forward to new experiences. He is anxious to see the North West Quadrant Project to start again, it is an exciting project.
Mayor Rines stated that the City is very fortunate to have a Council that works so well together, even after a strenuous debate the Council can always walk away and remain friends.
4.5 Mayor Rines recesses for refreshments.
Recess from 7:25- 7:45.
Mayor Rines asked if there were any objections to adding Addendum Items, there were no objections.
Councilor Nickless is now a voting member of the City Council.
3. PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, RESOLUTIONS, & PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1 Consideration of Comments from the Public on Issues that
Do Not Appear Elsewhere on the Agenda (Please limit comments
to five minutes.)
No public comment.
3.2 Public Hearing for Liquor License – Gardiner Lodge of Elks.
Public Hearing opened and closed with no comment at 7:46 pm.
3.3 Public Hearing for Liquor License – M&S Partnership D/B/A Up the Creek
Public Hearing opened and closed with no comment at 7:47 pm.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
4.1 Consideration of Accepting November/December Warrants
#21 |
11/22/05 |
035488-035515 |
$ 153674.59 |
#22 |
12/01/05 |
035516-035596 |
$ 123986.47 |
#23 |
12/08/05 |
035597-035673 |
$ 119517.85 |
#24 |
12/15/05 |
035674-035754 |
$ 87601.10 |
#25 |
12/22/05 |
035755-035792 |
$ 290078.27 |
4.2 Consideration of Appointing Councilor Hart to sign January 2006
Warrants.
4.3 Consideration of Liquor License – Gardiner Lodge of Elks.
4.4 Consideration of Liquor License – M&S Partnership D/B/A Up the Creek
4.5 Consideration of Council Minutes – 12/1/05.
Motion by Councilor Dellert and seconded by Councilor Colwell to Accept Consent Agenda.
Vote: 8 in favor 0 – opposed Motion: passes
Addendum Items
1. Consideration of Certification of School Board and Referendum Election Results.
City Clerk Deirdre Berglund read the School Board and Referendum Election Results.
School Board
Heather Dunn 1362
Rebecca Fles 1175
Eric Jermyn 1578
Referendum Question: Authorizing MSAD 11 School Board to Close Pray Street School.
Yes 1382
No 520
2. Consideration of Public Hearing and Liquor License Renewal for Gardiner Sportsman Club.
Public Hearing opened and closed with no comment.
3. Consideration of Appointment of John Burgess to the Board of Appeals
Motion by Councilor Dellert and seconded by Councilor Colwell to Accept
Addendum Items 1-3.
Vote: 8 in favor 0 – opposed Motion: passes
5. NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Introduction of New Code Enforcement Officer.
Jason Simcock, Planning and Development Director introduced David Cichowski, the new Code Enforcement Officer to the City Council.
5.2 Consideration of Preserve America Grant.
The City of Gardiner was designated a Preserve America community in late October this year. Gardiner is now one of two Preserve America communities in the state (other is Camden). Now that we are designated, the City is eligible to apply for grant funding for a variety of activities, including planning under this federal program. Match for the grant is 1:1, can fund up to $150,000, and projects can take up to two years to complete.
It is recommended that the Council approve the resolution 05-36 and apply for the full amount of funding available, $150,000.
Motion by Councilor Rambo and seconded by Councilor Nickless to Accept Resolution 05-36, Preserve America Grant, and Apply for Funding.
Vote: 8 in favor 0- opposed Motion: passes
5.3 Consideration of Recommendation of Economic Development
Committee for Loan Application- Patina Nails.
.
The project is budgeted at $30,000, with $7,500 in owner’s cash, $12,500
from a bank loan and $10,000 from the City’s Revolving Loan Fund. The loan will be secured by real estate. The loan will be at 4% amortized for 5 years.
The Economic Development Committee fully and unanimously supports the loan.
Motion by Councilor Dellert and seconded by Councilor Colwell to Accept Recommendation of Economic Development Committee for Loan Application- Patina Nails.
Vote: 8 in favor 0- opposed Motion: passes
5.4 Consideration of Recommendation of Economic Development
Committee for Loan Application.
Isamax Snacks has requested a loan of $124,000 for the purpose of expanding their
current whoopee pie making business by moving from Richmond to Gardiner to a larger and more efficient operation. Loan funds will be used to purchase and
install new equipment, including a 28’X52’ walk-in freezer and an 80 pan
revolving oven. They plan to lease 7,500 square feet at the former
Commonwealth Shoe factory building.
The Economic Development Committee fully and unanimously supported
the loan application, as it was presented to them at their 12/14/05 meeting.
Note: As of 12/29/05 we have just learned that Isamax Snacks is forming
a Corporation and that their Business Consultant is buying 25% of the Company
for $70,000.
Motion by Councilor Colwell and seconded by Councilor Nickless to Accept Recommendation of Economic Development Committee for Loan Application- Isamax.
Vote: 8 in favor 0- opposed Motion: passes
5.5 Consideration of Releasing Deed Restrictions on Central Street School.
Manager Kobrock stated the Council discussed the interest showed in purchasing the Central Street School building by a couple, they are present to speak with the Council. If the City is interested the deed restrictions need to be released so there will be a clear title at the time of closing. Manager Kobrock recommended the Council move forward with the action.
Motion by Councilor Rambo and seconded by Councilor Dellert to Accept the Releasing of Deed Restrictions on Central Street School.
Vote: 8 in favor 0- opposed Motion: passes
5.6 Consideration of Regional Dispatch Update.
Manager Kobrock stated that the Regional Dispatch debate has been going on for ten years or more, recently the City has had difficulty filling vacancies so there has been a quicker move for regional dispatch.
Pat Gilbert, City Services Director presented the financial breakdown to the City Council:
Current remaining budget for dispatch in fiscal 05/06 $103,000
Budget for fiscal 06/07 for Dispatch (annual budget) $206,000
$22.00 per capita to join CMRCC (pop. as of last census 6198)
$45,467 (1ST year) $136,400(2nd year) pro-rated for current year.
Intent is more savings recognized as more entities sign on with the center. One time equipment cost associated with transfer of service $30,000.
2 radio transmitters at $2,750 each (4 weeks to order & install)
1 Zetron Fire alert System at $12,000 (2 weeks to order & install)
Security at City Hall approximately $10,000
Camera – Ringdown – locks on doors
Phone system (2 weeks to order & install)
Transitional Dispatcher/Receptionist $12,180
Current position would stay thru 6-31-05
Public Safety Receptionist $27,500
Estimated savings for 1st and 2nd years $15,353/$42,100
Motion by Councilor Dellert and seconded by Councilor Rambo to Accept the Concept and Report back in a couple of weeks.
Vote: 8 in favor 0- opposed Motion: passes
5.7 Discussion of FY 07 Goal Statement.
Manager Kobrock stated that the existing FY06 Goal Statement was in the last packet, the Council discussed, it offered suggestions, and the Manager will prepare an FY 07 Goal Statement to review at the next Council Meeting.
5.8 Consideration of Banking Services Proposals.
Manager Kobrock stated as part of the work with our financial consultant Lynn Olson, the City issued a request for proposals (RFP) for banking services in October. The last time the City looked at banking services was 1996. Five banks responded with proposals just before Thanksgiving. Ms. Olson introduced the City to Dirk DeHaan, a colleague very experienced in banking relationships. In December the Manager, Mr. DeHaan, and Pat Coty chose three banks to interview. These banks offered the full range of services specified in the RFP, the other two respondents did not. Bangor Saving, Key Bank and TD Banknorth met with the group to present their proposal and services with minor variations, the services offered were relatively similar. TD Banknorth has proposed to waive all fees for services. This
would
save the City as much as $13,000 annually over our current banking relationship. It would also save the City between $3,600 and $6,000 annually with either of the other two banks we interviewed. TD Banknorth offers many services that will improve the City’s financial functions and increase efficiency of existing staff. The City has done extensive reference checking and all those contacted spoke very well of
TD Banknorth's customer service for municipalities. It is the unanimous recommendation of this group that we accept the TD Banknorth proposal.
Motion by Councilor Colwell and seconded by Councilor Dellert to Accept Banking Service Proposals.
Vote: 8 in favor 0- opposed Motion: passes
6. CITY MANAGERS REPORT
Manager Kobrock stated that the Waterfront Project will be going out to bid by the end of the month.
Recently when Public Works was out plowing, they were shot at with a pellet gun, there have been two people charged, no one was hurt.
There was a recent allegation against the Police Department regarding a hit and run, it is being independently investigated by the Kennebec County Sheriff Department.
There will be Council Meetings on January 12th and 19th, sewer user rates and abatements will considered on the 19th along with an abatement of property owner that the City staff is not under authority to deal with, the customer will be present and the usual circumstances will be explained at that time.
TW Dick Inc. is applying for a CDBG Grant allowing the business to move into the old paperboard building, it is a little different than usual applications, it will discussed on the 19th.
The Wastewater Advisory Board is going to be creating a quality testing program for the Kennebec River, it would be really strong with other partners and we plan to outreach to other groups interested.
Energy costs for this years budget have risen dramatically , it will be discussed at the next Council Meeting, there is no need for extensive worry this budget year, but the next might be different.
There is an ongoing court case of alleged land use violation, Cindy Sirois filed as intervener in December, City Solicitor Erik Stumpfel has been asked to look into. The City of Gardiner has filed in the opposition.
There was a recent letter from Peter Wlodylo, he was upset two years ago when denied a housing grant, and now upset because he was denied a building permit, permits are denied if payment is due to the City, he is three years behind in his taxes. There are exhibits that will be forwarded to the Council to look at. The Council discussed and decided that they would like to have an Ordinance concerning the subject matter.
The Boys and Girls Club is sponsoring a Community Breakfast to support college success, if you are interested in attending let Molly know.
Recently the City of Gardiner was awarded $856,000 by the Economic Development Administration for the Libby Hill expansion. Federal funding is very tight, this speaks strongly for the project presented. Jason Simcock, Planning and Development Director, and Manager Kobrock will be getting details together quickly.
The City Council will be meeting on January 12th and January 19th and then not again until February 2nd.
7. COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Councilor Nickless is pleased to be back and join the Council. He is also anxious to hear about the Northwest Quadrant, it is in a highly visible area and it is an exciting project.
Councilor Dellert stated that John Burgess will be a good asset to the Appeals Board.
Councilor Doiron stated that Dorothy Washburn and Dan Smith are working on a project for the City to recognize Edwin A. Robinson. There is a biography coming out on him in September and they are looking for City sponsorship, they are still coming up with ideas about what to do.
Council Rambo stated that he had been thinking about the email received concerning the self-evaluation of Councilors. Years ago there was an work shop on being an effective Council, is there an abbreviated version? Mayor Rines stated that he would check with Maine Municipal Association.
Councilor Benner stated that he is glad to see the effort taken on eliminating the odor on West Street.
Councilor Hart stated that along with the Goal Statement it would also be good for Department Heads to lay out goals for their departments, it will give ideas to the Council, maybe there could be a department each evening during budget workshops. Manager Kobrock stated that he would consider it. Councilor Hart also stated that he wished Councilor Webster could have been part of the ceremony this evening; it would be nice to have a way to remember him in the City. He was a powerful man in the short time he was here; his opinions and ideas will be with the City for a long time to come.
Mayor Rines stated that he will be making more committee appointments in a couple of weeks, if anyone has any ideas, let him know. The City Manager evaluation is coming up soon, the last time the Council had Chuck Jackson assist, if the Council would like to do again let him know. Manager Kobrock has completed the application for Harvard, it is in June. Mayor Rines would like the Council to continue with the idea of self-evaluation.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rines adjourned the meeting at 9:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Molly M. Gallant
Council Clerk
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