SOUTH BERWICK TOWN COUNCIL
AUGUST 24, 2009
Chairman Jean Demetracopoulos called the meeting to order at 6:45pm. Those present included Councilors Michelle Kareckas, David Burke, and Gerald W. MacPherson, Sr. Town Manager John B. Schempf was also in attendance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Board of Assessors 8-10-09: On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. Burke, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes as written.
2. Public Hearing (Charter) 8-10-09: On a motion by Mr. MacPherson, seconded by Mr. Burke, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes as written.
3. Town Council 8-10-09: On a motion by Mr. Burke, seconded by Mr. MacPherson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes as written.
SIGNING OF TREASURER'S WARRANT – July 13, 2009
On a motion by Mr. Burke, seconded by Mr. MacPherson, it was unanimously voted to sign the warrant.
REPORTS & CORRESPONDENCE
1. The Council discussed the Building Committee’s recommendation to hire JCJ Architecture to continue with the project at the Young Street property. Tom Harmon, Fred Wildnauer, and David Stansfield were present and participated in the discussion. Mrs. Kareckas expressed her concern that the work already done by JCJ would not be utilized. Mr. Burke asked about funding. Mrs. Demetracopoulos expressed concern with the amount of input the public will have. It was explained that the feasibility study was the first step (to say yes we can use it for a library); the scope of services is the second step (to say how we can do it and how much it might cost).
Consensus of the Council was to move the unfinished business item 1C to the beginning of unfinished business.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
1. Mrs. Demetracopoulos:
-Stated there would be a special Council meeting on Tuesday for an executive session to discuss the Manager’s review.
-Announced the public meeting at Noble High School on Wednesday regarding LD 1495.
-Announced the open house at the food pantry on September 9th.
2. Mrs. Kareckas:
-Suggested that the public comment portion of the agenda be moved on the agenda to just after Signing of Treasurer’s Warrant.
-Asked when Shoreland Zoning would be on the agenda.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
-Apologized to Eric Pelchat for comments made at the last meeting.
-Flags are at half-mast to honor a Maine Marine killed in Afghanistan.
-Attended the Maine Town & City Managers Conference. It was intensive and provided good networking.
-Met with school officials to set up a workshop regarding the Central School connector road.
-Met with a representative from the Portsmouth Herald. They are interested in extending service to South Berwick. Mr. Schempf thanked Jason Claffey from Foster’s for the limited coverage he provides. He went on to say that the Town has to look at better ways to get information out to the public.
-Received a letter from Consolidated Hydro regarding the dock at the Counting House Park. They expressed their displeasure at the fact that the rules are not being complied with.
-Stated that he has received several calls from the shipyard in regard to South Berwick being a host community for a sub coming in September. The USS Helena out of San Diego would be here for about 1? years. Consensus of the Council was to proceed with being a host community.
PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Virginia Jennings, Earls Rd, stated that she is still collecting signatures on a petition to repeal LD 1495. She also stated that she is a member of the Rod & Gun Club. The Club is currently closed so they can reconstruct the berms.
2. Ruth Boston, Emery’s Bridge Rd, asked for the status of the Balancing Rock. Mr. Schempf stated that the Land Trust has indicated that they should be ready to finalize the issue shortly.
3. Richard Clough, Academy St, asked if there had been any consideration given to establishing a charter commission. No.
4. Audrey Fortier, Rodier Rd, thanked the Chairman for the information on warrant articles. Thanked the Manager for the information on paving.
5. Norma Tutelian, Butler St, asked for the status on public properties. Mr. Schempf stated that the research is being done now.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Item 1C was taken up first, but is listed in numerical order here.
1A. The Council discussed the proposed Charter Amendment Ordinance. Richard Clough, Eric Pelchat, Audrey Fortier, and Suzanne Roberge all expressed concerns regarding the proposed changes. The general concerns included lack of public input, lack of transparency, and the associated costs.
On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. Burke, it was unanimously voted to adopt the Charter Amendment Ordinance.
1B. Richard Clough commented that a charter commission should be established. He added that this is being rushed and voters will be voting blind. On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. MacPherson, it was unanimously voted to include the questions from the Charter Amendment Ordinance on the ballot for the municipal election to be held November 3, 2009.
1C. Virginia Jennings asked for the cost. It was stated that there are funds in the Library Capital Improvement fund. Mr. Schempf stated the shortfall of $575 would probably be covered by the Administration – Professional Services budget. Al Whitaker, Brookwood Dr, asked when the Council made an explicit decision to proceed with the converting St. Michael’s into a library. Mrs. Demetracopoulos stated that the commitment was made through this process. Mr. Schempf stated that the Council has not actually taken a vote, but has agreed in principal to move forward.
Mr. Burke made a motion to expend $40,000 toward the effort. Mrs. Kareckas seconded for discussion. Mr. Burke stated that the Friends of the Library have offered up to $10,000 toward the effort. He added that the focus for the project had to be public & private. Motion failed with a vote 1-3 (Mr. Burke in favor). Mr. Burke stated that he is not opposed to the new library, just the way it is being funded.
On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. MacPherson, it was voted 3-1 (Mr. Burke opposed) to authorize the Manager to enter into a contract with JCJ Architecture for an amount not to exceed $50,000 to carry out the services detailed in the scope of services dated August 13, 2009.
1D. The Council discussed the Regional Efficiency Grant effort. Mrs. Demetracopoulos stated that the group has been operating under a grant from the State Planning Office through Southern Maine Regional Planning. She added that it is time to “fish or cut bait”; discussions should focus on savings tax money or allow for better access to municipal services. Mr. Schempf stated that the group needs a goal. Items that could be a benefit include consolidation of services and job sharing. He added that we currently share an Assessing Agent with North Berwick and it has been working quite well.
On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. Burke, it was unanimously voted to authorize the Manager to enter into discussions with other managers for the consolidation of services, job sharing, and other tax saving measures.
1E. The Council discussed the Comcast report presented at the last meeting by Bryan Christiansen. The Council agreed that Comcast will not be able to meet their contractual obligation of completing the build-out. Mr. Schempf asked for authorization to send a letter of non-compliance on September 8th (the 1 yr anniversary of signing the contract). Mrs. Demetracopoulos stated that she doesn’t believe they will meet the February 2010 date that Mr. Christiansen spoke off either. Mrs. Kareckas questioned whether we should call the performance bond. Mr. MacPherson stated that with no competition, the threat of penalties won’t mean much and would take too long to collect on the bond. No action was taken.
NEW BUSINESS
1A. On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. MacPherson, it was unanimously voted to accept the 2009 ATV Enforcement Grant in the amount of $1500.00.
2A. On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. MacPherson, it was unanimously voted to appoint Bill Straub to the full voting seat on the Planning Board with a term to expire June 30, 2011.
2B. The Council discussed the Day property (corner of Agamenticus Rd). The discussion included the possible disposition of the property. Note was made that a vote was taken in June 2006 to sell the property. The Public Works Director has obtained a quote for $3000 for the asbestos removal. Mr. Schempf stated that the Fire Department is looking at using the building for training and the PWD would like the foundation stone.
Mr. MacPherson made a motion to have the asbestos removed. Mrs. Kareckas seconded the motion. Additional discussion ensued. Both the motion and second were withdrawn.
Council consensus was to hold a workshop to discuss the possibilities.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Burke, seconded by Mrs. Kareckas, it was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:03pm.
Attest:
Barbara Bennett, CCM
| 
