Presque Isle City Council

PRESQUE ISLE CITY COUNCIL Minutes

Place: Council Chambers, City Hall Date: Monday, December 4, 2006 Time: 6:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order – Roll Call

Present:

Calvin Hall, Chairman Edwin Nickerson Donald Gardner Jennifer Trombley G. Melvin Hovey

Absent: Councilors Walt Elish and Ron McPherson

Chairman Hall called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

City Councilors led the group present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Public Hearing A. Consider rezoning an area on Skyway Street and State Road from Urban Residence Zone 1 to Business Zone (Second Hearing)

There were no public comments.

Be it resolved by Councilor Nickerson, seconded by Councilor Trombley, to approve rezoning an area on Skyway Street and State Road from Urban Residence Zone 1 to Business Zone. Vote - 5-0

B. Consider repassing Chapter 16 – Land Use and Development Code; Chapter 39 – Public Assemblies Ordinance; Chapter 48 – General Assistance Ordinance; and Chapter 51 – City Council Compensation Ordinance (Single Hearing)

There were no public comments. Be it resolved by Councilor Gardner, seconded by Councilor Hovey, to repass Chapter 16 Land Use and Development Code; Chapter 39 – Public Assemblies Ordinance; Chapter 48 – General Assistance Ordinance; and Chapter 51 – City Council Compensation Ordinance. Vote – 5-0

C. Appropriation Ordinance for 2007 Municipal Budget (First Hearing)

This was the first of two public hearings, with the second hearing to be held on Monday, December 18, 2006. 2 – City Council Meeting Minutes – December 4, 2006

There were no public comments.

The following updates/changes were provided by City Manager Stevens:

Revenues - If the new Five Year Fee Schedule for the Fire Department is approved for $10.00 outdoor burn permits starting in 2007, then the fire department revenue can be increased from $2,000 to $7,000, an increase of $5,000.

Debt Schedule - The 2007 rate for a tax anticipation note (TAN) can be reduced from 4.50% to 4.25%. The $85,000 appropriation can be reduced to $79,750, a reduction of $5,250.

Total changes: $10,250.00

Due to a potential electrical rate increase, there could be an impact to the budget by $50,000.

Public Works Department – Under Wages – Eliminate new truck driver effective October 1, 2007 for $6,615.00, along with related Social Security, Medicare, worker’s compensation and health insurance under Employee Benefits totaling $2,760 under Pages 30-31. This totals $9,375.

If the City does not assume the responsibility of the roadways from the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT), then the following changes can also be incorporated into the budget:

Public Works – Gravel – Reduce from $136,850 to $135,750, or $2,100, by reducing winter sand by 150 yards @ $14 per yard.

Public Works – Salt/Calcium – Reduce from $157,800 to $152,100, or $5,700 by reducing salt by 100 tons @ $57.00 per ton.

The total if the MDOT roadways are not assumed - $17,175.00

Revenues – Recalculated the estimated Interest of Investments of the Revenues – the $100,000 can be increased to $135,000, or $25,000 if the City is aggressive on its investments in 2007 based on available funds and interest rates. The change is $25,000.

Fire Department - Travel/Training – Reduced training from $13,200 to $12,200 by reducing the number of fire fighters that are trained to cover the airport from nine to six. The department has not needed more than six to provide adequate coverage. The change is $1,000.

After some discussion, the Fee schedule for non residents will be reviewed for consistency within all departments.

D. Five Year Capital Program 3 – City Council Meeting Minutes – December 4, 2006

There were no public comments. Action will be taken on the Five Year Plan at the December 18th City Council meeting.

4. Citizen Comments

There were no citizen comments.

5. Old Business A. Implementing changes made to Library Board of Trustees By- Laws

Be it resolved by Councilor Hovey, seconded by Councilor Nickerson, to amend the Library Board of Trustees By-Laws Article II, Section 2 to state: “A vacancy occurring within the period of an unexpired term shall be filled by the City Council for the remainder of that term; a Library Trustee so appointed may serve two (2) additional consecutive terms.” Vote – 4-1 Councilor Gardner Opposed

The consensus of the City Councilors was to request that the Library Board of Trustees prepare a slate of names and new three year terms of the Trustees, to be appointed during the December 18th City Council meeting.

B. Adopt departmental vision statements

The City Council requested that revisions be made to the vision statements without including the plan of action for the December 18th City Council meeting.

C. Miscellaneous items relating to Cunningham Middle School

Be it resolved by Councilor Nickerson, seconded by Councilor Hovey, to authorize the City Manager to accommodate requests for specific items at Cunningham Middle School to be donated to non-profit organizations as determined by the City Manager. Vote - 5-0

Be it resolved by Councilor Hovey, seconded by Councilor Nickerson, to request the Presque Isle Industrial Council that they be authorized to be the lead entity in the development of the Cunningham Middle School property on behalf of the City. Vote – 5-0

D. Contracting for Presque Isle Development Loan Administrative Services

The Presque Isle Development Loan Program will not be contracted out for loan administrative services, at this time.

Councilor Nickerson volunteered to work with the Planning and Development Department to provide his loan management expertise, if needed.

6. New Business A. Community Development Advisory Committee 4 – City Council Meeting Minutes – December 4, 2006

Be it resolved by Councilor Nickerson, seconded by Councilor Trombley, that the Presque Isle City Council establish a Community Development Advisory Committee for the purposes described and in order to comply with the appropriate funding requirements of this grant application. Vote – 5-0

Be it resolved by Councilor Hovey, seconded by Councilor Gardner, to appoint Councilors Nickerson and Trombley, Planning and Development Director Kenneth Arndt, Presque Isle Industrial Council’s Executive Director Larry Clark and City Manager Thomas Stevens to the Community Development Advisory Committee. Vote – 5-0

B. Award bid for contracted services to update the City’s Comprehensive Plan

Be it resolved by Councilor Nickerson, seconded by Councilor Trombley, that the Presque Isle City Council authorize the City Manager, on behalf of the City, to enter into a contract with Northern Maine Development Commission, in accordance with their proposal dated 11/21/06 to aid in the updating of the City of Presque Isle’s Comprehensive Plan. Be it further resolved to use funds from the City’s Comprehensive Plan Reserve account, not to exceed $11,500.00 for the N.M.D.C. proposed services. Vote – 5-0

C. Proposed Tax Increment Finance District Policy

Be it resolved by Councilor Nickerson, seconded by Councilor Hovey, to adopt the proposed Tax Increment Financing District Policy, as presented. Vote – 5-0

D. Award bid for purchase of police vehicles for Police Department

Be it resolved by Councilor Gardner, seconded by Councilor Nickerson, to accept the bids of $21,425.15 from Quirk for the purchase of one 2007 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor and $22,200 from Percy’s Auto Sales for the purchase of one 2007 Dodge Charger Police Cruiser with the V6 engine. Vote – 5-0 Other Bidders:

Griffeth Ford/Mercury/Lincoln $22,423.00 64 Industrial Street 2007 Ford Crown Victoria Presque Isle, ME 04769

Percy’s Auto Sales $22,692.00 40 Houlton Road 2007 Dodge Charger V8 Presque Isle, ME 04769

E. Authorize disposal of former police D.A.R.E. vehicle and 1976 International Truck from Fire Department

D.A.R.E. Vehicle 5 – City Council Meeting Minutes – December 4, 2006

Be it resolved by Councilor Gardner, seconded by Councilor Nickerson, to accept the bid of $500.00 from Ronald S. Campbell Jr. for the sale of the former D.A.R.E. Camaro. Vote - 5-0 1976 International Truck

Be it resolved by Councilor Nickerson, seconded by Councilor Gardner, to accept the high bid from Geary S. Bonville in the amount of $2,200.00 for a 1976 International Truck. Vote - 5-0

Other Bidders:

Gerald Easler $850.00 142 Hale Road Mapleton, ME 04757

Steve Whittaker $757.00 P.O. Box 26 Easton, ME 04740

F. Municipal Bill of Sale on tax acquired property to Bruce and Carla Bechard for a mobile home located at 32 Skyway Trailer Park

Be it resolved by Councilor Trombley, seconded by Councilor Gardner, that the City Council authorize the City Manager to sign a Bill of Sale from the City of Presque Isle to Bruce and Carla Bechard for a tax acquired mobile home located at 32 Skyway Trailer Park. Vote – 5-0

G. Tax abatement on personal property assessed against W.R. Grace and Co. for 2001, due to bankruptcy

Be it resolved by Councilor Trombley, seconded by Councilor Nickerson, that the City Council authorize an abatement for 2001 personal property taxes against W.R. Grace & Co. in the total amount of $23.90 because of bankruptcy. Vote - 5-0

H. Extension of City Manager’s Employment Agreement

Be it resolved by Councilor Nickerson, seconded by Councilor Trombley, to approve a new Employment Agreement with Thomas Stevens, City Manager, for the period December 4, 2006 to the first City Council meeting in January 2009 that reflects changes from the current Agreement of a one year extension, a salary increase in 2008 as the same percentage, if any, given to non-union employees, and that if the City Council adopts a travel reimbursement policy that the parties will meet and review the City Manager’s current vehicle allowance. Vote – 5-0

I. Approve salaries for Presque Isle Water and Sewer District Trustees for 2006

Be it resolved by Councilor Trombley, seconded by Councilor Gardner, approve the following Presque Isle Sewer District Trustee salaries for the 2006; President: $400 6 – City Council Meeting Minutes – December 4, 2006

Treasurer: $400 Clerk: $400

and approve the following Presque Isle Water District Trustee salaries for 2006: President: $400 Treasurer: $400 Clerk: $400

Vote - 5-0

J. Preparing for annual appointments

City Manager Stevens referred to the revised policy on interviewing for vacancies on City boards and committees. At the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting, there will be approximately 22 interviews to be conducted, in order to fill vacancies on boards or committees and/or re-appoint the same members.

City Manager Stevens questioned the City Councilors regarding the policy “as is” and whether the “Snow Birds” that go South during the winter months, be penalized for not being able to attend an interview. Consensus of the Councilors was to interview the individual(s) when they get back to Presque Isle in the spring.

K. Approve consent agenda of: City Council meeting minutes of November 16, 20, 26, and 29, 2006; and warrants #42-#43 totaling $1,195,215.84

Be it resolved by Councilor Trombley, seconded by Councilor Nickerson, to approve the consent agenda of City Council meeting minutes of November 16, 20, 26, and 29, 2006; and warrants #42-#43 totaling $1,195,215.84. Vote - 5-0

7. Manager’s Report A. Solid Waste User Communities Meeting

City Manager Stevens requested a potential night the City Councilors would be available to meet with the “User Communities” regarding Solid Waste. If agreeable with the Solid Waste Director, a meeting will be scheduled for December 19th at 6:00 p.m.

B. Invitation from the Fire Department

The Fire Department has extended an invitation to the City Council to attend their Annual Banquet on December 10th with a social hour from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. and supper at 6:00p.m.

Councilors had initially scheduled the City Manager’s evaluation and goal setting on the same date. Consensus of the Councilors was to reschedule their meeting with the City Manager for December 11, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. 7 – City Council Meeting Minutes – December 4, 2006

C. Annual City Employee Christmas Party

The annual City Christmas party is scheduled for Saturday, December 9, 2006 at UMPI’s Campus Center.

Be it resolved by Councilor Gardner, seconded by Councilor Trombley, to approve the Manager’s Report as presented. Vote – 5-0

8. Announcements

Chairman Hall read several announcements.

9. Adjournment

Be it resolved by Councilor Gardner, seconded by Councilor Trombley, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Vote - 5-0

Attest: Nancy G. Nichols, City Clerk