South Berwick, ME - Public Hearing Minutes 08/10/2009

Chairman Jean Demetracopoulos opened the hearing at 6:30pm. Councilors present included Michelle Kareckas, David Burke, and Gerald W. MacPherson, Sr. Town Manager John B. Schempf was also in attendance.

The purpose of the hearing was to receive public comment on the proposed amendments to the Town Charter. Mrs. Demetracopoulos read the sections proposed for amendments. They include Article II §4, 5, and 9, Article III §2, Article IV §7 & 8, Article V §2, Article VI §5, and Article IX §4.

-Albert Roberge, Butler St, asked who suggested the changes. Mrs. Demetracopoulos stated that the Manager is recommending the changes, and legal counsel has reviewed them. (Later in the hearing) Mr. Roberge stated that there are also two quasi-municipal entities in town and they have functioned for over 40 years without a vice-chairman.

-Stated that the Council adopted the Administrative Code and Robert’s Rules at their November 2008 meeting. Therefore, proper parliamentary procedure and terminology should be followed. The changes regarding the terminology used for the Chairman may be legal but are unnecessary.

-Questioned changes being made to Art III §2, deleting the language that states the manager can be removed in accordance to the provisions of the Maine statutes. Mrs. Demetracopoulos stated that per the attorney the change is being made to reflect current practice.

-Questioned changes being made to Art IV §8. Expressed his concern that warrant articles will be lumped to include numerous departments together, making it difficult for voters to make cuts where they feel necessary.

-Questioned changes being made to Art IX §4. Mrs. Demetracopoulos stated that the change is proposed to clarify that the manager is the hiring/firing authority and not the council.

-Eric Pelchat, Front St, expressed his concerns with the proposed changes especially regarding the movement of money within a warrant article and the establishment of a vice-chair. Mr. Pelchat asked what happens if both the Chairman and Vice-Chairman are unavailable. Mr. Pelchat added that any legal opinion obtained should be in writing.

-Suzanne Roberge, Berwick Rd, stated that there should have been a charter commission established to review and make suggestions for change. Suggesting that some serious changes be made because of the recommendations of one person, holding one workshop, and then the public hearing is “a dangerous path for this council and this manager to head down”. Ms. Roberge also questioned the cost of the ‘changes’ and whether it had been considered.

-Audrey Fortier, Rodier Rd, commented that most people don’t know or understand what the transfer of appropriations means. She added that there has been a call for more transparency and this doesn’t do it.

-Richard Young, Tamarack Dr, stated that instead of making the charter conform to current practices, the practices should be changed to follow the charter. Mr. MacPherson stated that in his past experiences funds have been moved even though it’s not in the charter.

-Mrs. Demetracopoulos and Mr. MacPherson explained that the proposed language does not change how articles are written in the warrant. The practice of lumping various departments into a single warrant article has been the practice for many years.