SOUTH BERWICK TOWN COUNCIL
September 14, 2009
Chairman Jean Demetracopoulos called the meeting to order at 6:30pm. 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. Public Hearing (HD Ord) 8-24-09: On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. MacPherson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes as written.
2. Town Council 8-24-09: On a motion by Mr. MacPherson, seconded by Mrs. Kareckas, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes as written.
3. Special Council 8-25-09: On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. MacPherson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes as written.
4. Special Council 9-3-09: On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. MacPherson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes as written. Mr. Burke abstained.
5. Special Council 9-8-09: On a motion by Mr. MacPherson, seconded by Mrs. Kareckas, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes as written.
SIGNING OF TREASURER'S WARRANT – September 14, 2009
On a motion by Mr. MacPherson, seconded by Mr. Burke, it was unanimously voted to sign the warrant.
REPORTS & CORRESPONDENCE
1. John Spezia, Scout Troop 338, presented the Council with his proposed Eagle Scout project. The proposal would be for work in the Town Forest; encompassing trail and marsh crossing improvements. The Council was impressed with Mr. Spezia’s presentation.
On a motion by Mr. MacPherson, seconded by Mr. Burke, it was unanimously voted to act on item 1A of new business out of order.
New Business 1A: On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. Burke, it was unanimously voted to approve John Spezia’s Eagle Scout project in the Town Forest.
2. Anne Stephenson & Jennifer Andrews presented the Council with the results of the energy inventory (Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory). It was explained that this was the first step toward being able to apply for grant monies. The inventory shows where the Town may be able to make changes to decrease emissions and save money. Streetlights had the lowest emissions at about 9%, town buildings accounted for 35-45%, and town vehicles were the highest at over 50%. Recommendations included free walk-through audits for facilities from CMP, investment-grade energy audits of facilities, and interviewing building users to determine potential behavioral changes that could affect energy usage. The use of LED streetlights and bio-diesel for PWD vehicles was also brief discussed.
3. Karen Eger, correspondence regarding the development of a parcel on Belle Marsh Road. Letter is attached. No discussion.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
1. Mr. Burke:
-Thanked those responsible for getting the flags out for Patriot Day (9/11).
-Thanked the Donatello’s of Eliot for being proactive and bringing the Pumpkin man Triathlon to the area. He added that these kinds of activities bring people to our businesses.
2. Mrs. Kareckas:
-Asked that there be no comments taken at the end of the meeting.
-Thanked those responsible for putting up the engine brake signs.
3. Mrs. Demetracopoulos:
-Stated that there are bridge work signs up on Route 236. The Town has not received official notification.
-Regional Efficiency Grant: SMRPC is putting together a listing of service offerings and their costs. This will allow towns to decide whether it is feasible to share services or jobs.
-FEMA has announced a 90-day appeal period for modifications they have made to floodplain areas. The area of South Berwick affected by the changes is along Driscoll Brook around Railroad Avenue
-Calendar -Tues is the Historic District Register Project presentation.
-Wed is the tribute to South Berwick’s oldest resident and a welcoming
ceremony at the Navy Yard for the USS Helena.
-Thurs is a ZBA appeal hearing.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
-A number of organizations/businesses are being organized to develop projects to work on with the crew of the USS Helena.
-The Council held a workshop with the Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee. The Committee is currently working with other communities on a Seacoast Energy Initiative. The group is trying to develop a revolving loan fund to support energy efficient improvements for businesses and homeowners. The Committee is also looking at developing a website to highlight available resources and success stories. They are also looking to organize a weatherization forum/fair.
-Comcast: The Council voted on September 3rd to call the $100,000 performance bond for the build-out. On September 8th the Council voted to serve Notice of Default.
PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Virginia Jennings, Earls Rd, thanked those responsible for putting out the flags on 9/11.
2. Ruth Boston, Emery’s Bridge Rd, asked for the status of the Balancing Rock. Mr. Schempf stated that we should be receiving something from the Land Trust this week.
3. Eric Pelchat, Front St, questioned why item 3 under Reports was not mentioned. Mrs. Demetracopoulos stated that the letter was included and will be addressed at a later date. Mr. Pelchat asked why comments are not taken at the end of the meeting, especially if time is available. Mrs. Demetracopoulos stated that it is discretionary and would prefer that people speak during this portion of the meeting.
4. Pat Robinson, Brattle St, thanked the Council for approving John Spezia’s Eagle Scout project.
5. Norma Tutelian, Butler St, asked why department heads were asked to be involved in the Manager’s evaluation. Mrs. Demetracopoulos stated that it was felt that input from staff could be a helpful tool, however it is not being done.
6. Audrey Fortier, Rodier Rd, questioned the Energy Inventory. She stated that she expected to hear about miles per gallon or kilowatt hours not green house gas emissions. Mr. Schempf explained that this was an inventory not an audit.
7. Molly Colman, York Woods Rd, thanked the Council for their work on the Comcast issue.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1A. On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. MacPherson, it was unanimously voted to adopt the amendments (sections 1C, 3B, 3C, 4B, 8A3, 8A4, 8B, 8C, 10A, 11A, 11B7, & 11B9) to the Historic District Ordinance.
1B. The Council discussed the newly proposed Shoreland Zoning Ordinance and the associated changes to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. Council comments were that the map was confusing, the definitions need work, and the language contained inconsistencies. The Council also discussed the pending application with the Planning Board that would be affected by the Ordinance and that they are looking for a recommendation from the Conservation Commission.
On a motion by Mr. Burke, seconded by Mrs. Kareckas, it was unanimously voted to postpone action until after the Planning Board decision on the Robert’s application is made and the Conservation Commission has time to meet and form a recommendation.
On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. MacPherson, it was unanimously voted to authorize the Manager to submit the proposed ordinance to Southern Maine Regional Planning for review.
1C. The Council discussed the draft charges to the Community Development Committee, Recreation Committee and the Master Plan Vision Committee. General consensus was support for the new committees and proposed charges. Mrs. Kareckas suggested including members of the crew of the USS Helena on the committees. Council consensus was to move forward.
1D. On a motion by Mr. MacPherson, seconded by Mrs. Kareckas, it was unanimously voted to accept the Energy Inventory report.
1E. Mrs. Demetracopoulos explained that the Council had received the Salmon Falls Region Greenbelt Plan a week or so ago. The Plan is referenced in the Zoning Ordinance and is part of the Stormwater Management Plan. Pat Robinson, Conservation Commission thanked Dolores Leonard for her hard work on putting the Plan together. On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. MacPherson, it was unanimously voted to accept the Salmon Falls Region Greenbelt Plan.
NEW BUSINESS
1A. See reports and correspondence item 1.
1B. On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. MacPherson, it was unanimously voted to accept Brian Dowd’s resignation from the Library Advisory Board.
1C. On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. Burke, it was unanimously voted to appoint John B. Schempf as the voting delegate and Gerald W. MacPherson, Sr. as the alternate for the MMA Annual Business meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Burke, seconded by Mr. MacPherson, it was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:52pm.
Attest:
Barbara Bennett, CCM
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