MINUTES
GRAY TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
June 21, 2011
HENRY PENNELL MUNICIPAL COMPLEX –7:00 P.M.
6:00 PM - The Town Councilors will meet at the Gray Civil War Monument to celebrate its 100 year anniversary.
- Oath of office and formal seating of new Council members
Town Manager Cabana gave the oath of office to Lewis Mancini and Richard Barter as new Councilors.
- Election of Council officers
Town Manager Cabana asked for nominations
Margaret Hutchins moved; Matt Doughty seconded
Motion to make Matt Sturgis Council Chair
4 yes / 1 abstention (Sturgis)
Nominations for vice chair.
Lew Mancini moved; Richard Barter seconded
Motion to make Richard Barter Council Vice Chair
3 yes/2 No (Doughty/Hutchins)
Roll Call:
Councilors Matt Sturgis, Lew Mancini, Richard Barter, Matt Doughty, Margaret Hutchins
Town Manager Deborah Cabana
Others present and speaking: Deborah Mancini, Steve LaVallee, Steve Dunn, Al Palmer, Jim Foster
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag:
Minutes from Previous Meetings:
Approval of June 7, 2011, Town Council Minutes
Councilor Hutchins moved; Councilor Doughty seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council approves June 7, 2011 Town Council Minutes, as corrected.
Councilor Hutchins commented on page 3, the sentence beginning with Sue Poulin… should state “initial meeting she participated in”…
And, also on page 3 with Councilor Grover, the last sentence, she suggested that the word “that” should be removed and, the paragraph beginning with Tina Martell… the word “is” should be included.
Finally, on page 4, the 2nd paragraph referencing stake holders was about the Fishing Derby meeting and not the Mass Gathering Ordinance.
5 Yes
First Order of Business:
Public Comments of Non-Agenda Items – (limit 3 minutes per person)
NONE
Second Order of Business:
Reports from the Council Chair: NONE
Reports from the Town Manager:
Town Manager Cabana reminded the group about the opening of the Dry Mills School House Museum on July 9.
The Transfer Station will be closed July 3rd and summer day camp starts next week.
Town Manager Cabana read the results of the election.
She commented that the ballot questions on the municipal budget passed nearly 2 to 1 and the Article on authorizing a contract with the Cumberland County Sheriff Department was approved with significant affirmative votes.
Committee Reports: NONE
At July’s meeting there will be committee assignments for Councilors.
Councilor Sturgis stated that the Recreation Committee will begin again
Council Correspondence: NONE
Third Order of Business:
Presentation: GWD – regarding proposed Water Tower
Steve Dunn of the Gray Water District stated they have requested to speak before the Council to review the replacement of the water tank on Weeks Hill.
Al Palmer of Gorrill Palmer gave an overview of the proposal and their intention to work with the Town
Council on the planning for this project.
He gave an overview of the Gray Water District which is a quasi municipal group founded in 1930. The
Town accounts for 32% of current revenue with 5% coming from the School District.
He presented a topographic map on the water pressures within the system and outlined the system’s
limits. There are 2 additional reserves, one being on the Weeks Hill. This tank is old and is not located at the preferred geographic point. The other tank is off the Mayberry Rd. It is newer and larger.
Both tanks can accommodate 400,000 gallons.
The proposed new tank would have a new elevation and a larger capacity and will help maintain higher static pressures.
The Route 100 TIF included water main extension for expansion of the system and the supplemental storage requested by Gobeil’s Furniture. The water was extended to the Whitney Rd. MDOT extended the main down to the Busy Bee Cabins. The revenues at the time from the TIF would not accommodate the supplemental storage facility.
Since the Route 100 project, the water district has continued to make improvements including around the bypass area and Northbrook. (He described the various types of mains installed and the recent progress they have made.)
The fire flow demand is spread throughout the district and is based on the types of permitted use in the areas.
He referenced:
Main St/Rte 26-Clark Block
Portland Rd
Libby Hill
High School
Lewiston Rd
Rt 202 McConkey Rd to Mardens
They have been exploring locations for tank locations. They have not made the final determination. The estimated cost will be 1.5 million dollars. They are also looking at multiple tank options but would likely have additional costs and they would need to deal with multiple abutters. The fire flow requires longer durations which the current tank cannot accommodate.
He discussed the various TIF revenue option including the Northbrook TIF.
They would be open to follow-up meetings and the like.
Councilor Hutchins asked if placing a higher tank at the same location would lower the cost. Al Palmer stated that likely not. She also asked what their preference is. Al Palmer stated that a concrete tank would have less maintenance issues.
Jim Foster of the Water District agreed with Al’s assessment.
Councilor Doughty stated that he supports the idea of a workshop and agrees with maintaining the infrastructure. He asked about the risk of the tank given its age.
Al Palmer stated that capacity is a major issue but the tank is over 80 years old and that needs to be considered.
Councilor Doughty suggested finding out options used from other Towns. Councilor Mancini agreed with Councilor Doughty. He asked how much money is in the TIF currently. Town Manager Cabana said it is approximately $700,000.
Councilor Barter stated that he supports the project as it is being viewed as a whole and that the tank needs to be upgraded and he supports additional meetings with them to review the whole proposal in greater detail.
Councilor Sturgis stated that he is concerned about the age of the current tank from a public safety perspective. He asked about the 2012 date. Al Palmer stated that they would like to put it out to bid in the winter for construction and use sometime in the Spring.
Jim Foster stated that there are no funds for this tank at this time. They will look to getting funding and funding from the Town.
Councilor Sturgis asked if the price includes land acquisition. Al Palmer stated that the pricing is to have the tank operational. TIF revenues would help minimize rate increases. Councilor Sturgis stated that it’s possible that the Town’s investment would help for the Water District to try for additional grant, and state funding.
Town Manager Cabana asked if the Eagles Nest project would provide contributions to this project.
Al Palmer stated that the main extension is considerable and would be expensive. It is possible, but their site is at the far end of the Route 100 system and a 2 tank system would be needed since it would impact water pressure. Al Palmer stated that there are a few areas in Town that provide town water and town water is a benefit to the developer. This concept could be part of the workshop discussion.
He also discussed water sprinklers which are not required by Town’s ordinance.
Town Manager Cabana stated that a couple of years ago, the rate increased about 40% and while the Town is the majority user, there is a statutory limit on the cap for the municipality.
Jim Foster stated that there is fire protection cost and general water usage. The school district has private fire protection.
Councilor Sturgis asked about the distance between Gray Water District and Portland Water district. Al Palmer stated that the distance is getting shorter but they are lower than Gray’s. There are some flow issues to consider.
July 12th was proposed for a workshop as part of the Council meeting.
Public Hearing:
- Class A Restaurant Liquor License and Special Amusement Permit for White’s Cue Connection. No Public Comment
- (Second Reading) To review and act upon proposed amendments to Chapter 402, Section 402.10.11 B of the Gray Zoning Ordinance to add new standards for commercial driveways. No Public Comment
Fourth Order of Business: ORDERS
Item #126-11 (Postponed from 6/7/2011) To review and act upon authorizing the Town Manager to sign the quitclaim deed for David Finnocchietti, Map C02, Lot 076 of the Tax Assessors’ maps of the Town of Gray.
Councilor Hutchins moved; Councilor Doughty seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager to sign the quitclaim deed for David Finnocchietti, Map C02, Lot 076 of the Tax Assessors’ maps of the Town of Gray.
5 Yes
Item #130-11 To review and act upon authorizing the Town Manager to sign the quitclaim deed for Heirs of Peter D. Petersen, Map 041, Lot 44A of the Tax Assessors’ maps of the Town of Gray.
Councilor Hutchins moved; Councilor Barter seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager to sign the quitclaim deed for Heirs of Peter D. Petersen, Map 041, Lot 44A of the Tax Assessors’ maps of the Town of Gray.
5 Yes
Item #131-11 To review and act upon authorizing the Town Manager to sign the quitclaim deed for Michael Beaulieu, Map 010, Lot 15M-004 of the Tax Assessors’ maps of the Town of Gray.
Councilor Mancini moved; Councilor Hutchins seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager to sign the quitclaim deed for Michael Beaulieu, Map 010, Lot 15M-004 of the Tax Assessors’ maps of the Town of Gray.
5 Yes
Item #132-11 To review and act upon authorizing the Town Manager to sign the quitclaim deed for Roy W. Bagley, Map 016, Lot 011 of the Tax Assessors’ maps of the Town of Gray.
Councilor Hutchins moved; Councilor Barter seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager to sign the quitclaim deed for Roy W. Bagley, Map 016, Lot 011 of the Tax Assessors’ maps of the Town of Gray.
Councilor Sturgis stated that these items being voted on are for foreclosures where taxes have been satisfactorily paid.
5 yes
Item #133-11 To review and act upon authorizing the Town Manager to sign the quitclaim deed for Sharon E. Foster, Map 007, Lot 025 of the Tax Assessors’ maps of the Town of Gray.
Councilor Hutchins moved; Councilor Doughty seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager to sign the quitclaim deed for Sharon E. Foster, Map 007, Lot 025 of the Tax Assessors’ maps of the Town of Gray.
5 Yes
Item #134-11 To review and act upon approving the paving contract to FR Carroll for the street construction and parking lot projects for FY11-12 as per their bid specifications submitted May, 2011.
Councilor Doughty moved; Councilor Hutchins seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council approves the paving contract to FR Carroll for the street construction and parking lot projects for FY11-12, as per the bid specifications submitted May, 2011.
Councilor Sturgis stated that this was the lowest bid and this is the 2nd year they have done paving for Town and $357,600 is for the whole package.
Steve LaVallee stated that this bid will cover all the work that is proposed for this year and if there are no problems they may be able to do a bit more.
They received 7 bids and this bid was the lowest and they did a great job last year. All the bidders were very interested in getting the Town’s work.
Councilor Doughty stated that this year’s bid is not that much higher than last year given the economy and petroleum prices impacting asphalt. This is an excellent price. He asked about the estimated tonnage cost. Steve LaVallee gave an overview and comparison. He indicated that should oil costs go up or down, it could affect the final price, but last year, it came down a bit. He stated that the paving of part of Route 26 by the State should happen by the end of June.
5 Yes
Item #135-11 To review and act upon the proposed fee schedule.
Councilor Doughty moved; Councilor Barter seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council approves the proposed fee schedule, for Town of Gray, Community Development and eliminating the fees for Wilkies Beach and to sustain the $250 special amusement fee.
Town Manager Cabana gave an overview of the proposed increases in the various fee schedules.
She commented on some of them that she would like direction on from the Council:
-Special Amusement Permits- the ordinance says $500 but the application form says $250.
-Website fee- a new fee to advertize on the Town’s site.
-Public Safety- pricing the same as Medicare rates.
-Planning Review fees.
-Wilkies Beach fees.
Councilor Barter asked who is affected by the Special Amusement Permit. Town Manager Cabana stated that Tailgate Bar, White’s Cue and Spring Meadows. Councilor Barter stated that it would blindside people to increase this fee by 50%. He suggested keeping the rate the same and notifying them that this ordinance will be reviewed and they will be notified of the outcome. He supports the website fee as this is a choice for the business owner if they wish to participate.
Councilor Mancini agreed with Councilor Barter’s suggestion on handling the Special Amusement Permit.
Councilor Doughty also supports this suggestion. He has issues with the Wilkies Beach fees. He believes that this should be free to the residents and that the Town explore other ways as to how to generate revenue for recreation. He doesn’t have issues with the other fees.
Councilor Barter asked about the breakeven point for revenues versus the residents’ goodwill in this economy. Councilor Doughty believes that the Town promotes recreation and that this should be free.
Councilor Hutchins asked what other towns charge for Special Amusement Permits. She would like to see that Gray’s should be in line with other area towns. She supports keeping it the same for this year and to look at the ordinance.
Town Manager Cabana stated that she would propose keeping the fees the same and then amend the ordinance. It could have a public safety inspection aspect.
Councilor Sturgis agreed with other Councilors’ suggestions and also agrees that the Wilkies Beach fees should be reconsidered. He believes it is a service to the community. He suggests under 18 free, $1 for adults, season’s passes for individuals and families be available and $5 for parking for boat/trailer.
Town Manager Cabana stated that some passes have already been sold. She stated that the accounting for adults versus free for those under 18 is not worth the accounting.
Councilor Mancini stated that he believes that paying to use Wilkies Beach costs more than a resident bringing trash for a year to the transfer station and some things are not worth the effort to do. He believes that the Town should be more people friendly and letting people go for free would be a start.
Councilor Sturgis suggested a vehicle resident sticker. Councilor Barter stated that this should be reviewed further and allow the same fee schedule that has been done in the past.
Town Manager Cabana stated that the auditor’s comments on the funds collected are a challenge and an auditing issue. Councilor Barter likes the vehicle resident sticker similar as to what is used for the Transfer Station.
Councilor Hutchins would like to see that these fees stay the same for this season and come up with a plan to address the resident issue for next season.
Councilor Sturgis suggested less staff/hours be considered which would lessen the shortfall and only charge for the boat trailers. Councilor Doughty still believes that this system doesn’t function and to allow it for free until there is a viable plan.
Deborah Mancini asked about the website fees. She agrees with the special amusement fee. She commented on the fees to maintain Wilkies Beach and asked if it comes from the Enterprise account. Councilor Sturgis said it does not. She also asked about the water testing fees. Town Manager Cabana stated that it is about $10,000. Deborah Mancini supports the vehicle sticker concept, but doesn’t agree with less staff as it would compromise the beach quality. She asked about the Planning Review fees. Councilor Sturgis gave an overview on the consultation, planning, application fees and the like. He believes that the proposed fees are consistent and even a bit lower than area communities.
Councilor Doughty stated that his Wilkies Beach recommendation doesn’t include a reduction in staffing.
5 Yes
Item #136-11 To review and act upon re-affirming Council Rules and schedules for Council meetings and workshops.
Councilor Hutchins moved; Councilor Doughty seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council re-affirms Council Rules and schedules for Council meetings and workshops.
Councilor Barter suggested tabling this item until there is a workshop to review this, in particular, the Council rules.
Councilor Sturgis suggested extending their present format and then there can be a workshop on this if there needs to be a review to consider keeping them as is or amending them.
The group reviewed the Town’s Charter relevant to this item. Councilor Sturgis stated that it appears that taking no action doesn’t appear to be an issue. It could be reviewed in August and voted upon in September. There was a discussion on the 4/5ths requirement if rules are amended and also requires public notice.
The Council took no action on this item.
Item #137-11 To review and act upon authorizing the Town Manager expenditure limits.
Councilor Hutchins moved; Councilor Barter seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council authorizes the Town Manager to make expenditures up to $20,000 and must submit at least three formal bids for any expenditures anticipated to exceed the $20,000 limit.
Councilor Barter asked why this particular amount. Town Manager Cabana stated that IT renewals for example have been higher. This is not an increase in the amount but a reaffirmation.
5 yes
Item #138-11 To review and act upon setting the tax due dates, interest rate for delinquent taxes, overpayment of taxes and prepaid taxes for FY 2012.
Councilor Barter moved; Councilor Doughty seconded
Ordered, the Gray Town Council, to fix Tuesday, October 4, 2011, and Tuesday, April 3, 2012, as the dates upon each of which one-half of taxes are due and payable, with interest to accrue upon taxes due and unpaid after each such date at the rate of seven percent (7.00%) per annum. In accordance with 36 M.R.S.A. Section 506, the Tax Collector and Town Treasurer are authorized to accept prepayment or decline prepayment of taxes not yet committed or prior to any due date and pay no interest thereon. In accordance with 36 M.R.S.A. Section 506-A, a taxpayer who pays an amount accepted by the tax collector and town treasurer in excess of that finally assessed shall be repaid the amount of overpayment plus interest from the date of overpayment at the rate of three percent (3.00%) per annum.
Councilor Sturgis reviewed the dates and reaffirmed the motion outlining payments and overpayments.
5 yes
Item #139-11 To review and act upon setting the regular Town Council Meetings for the months of July and August.
Councilor Hutchins moved; Councilor Barter seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council sets one regular town council meeting for the first Tuesdays in the months of July and August.
Councilor Sturgis stated that the purpose of this is that the Council rules state 2 regular meetings and that this motion is required.
5 yes
Item #140-11 To review and act upon approving the Class A Restaurant Liquor License and Special Amusement Permit for White’s Cue Connection.
Councilor Doughty moved; Councilor Hutchins seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council authorizes the Class A Restaurant Liquor License and Special Amusement Permit for White’s Cue Connection.
5 Yes
Item #141-11 To review and act upon renewing refuse hauler’s licenses for Almighty Waste; Blow Brothers; Troiano; Pine Tree Waste (AKA Casella); Waste Management of Maine and Trash Guyz.
Councilor Doughty moved; Councilor Hutchins seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council authorizes the renewal refuse hauler’s licenses for Almighty Waste; Blow Brothers; Troiano; Pine Tree Waste (AKA Casella); Waste Management of Maine and Trash Guyz. Said licenses are contingent upon compliance with Town of Gray Solid Waste Ordinance, which requires MSW generated in Gray to be taken to ecomaine and will expire June 30, 2012.
Councilor Hutchins asked if there are any issues or anything outstanding. Town Manager Cabana stated that a couple of checks are due and licenses will be issued once the checks are received.
Councilor Hutchins asked why Almighty Waste doesn’t have workers’ comp listed. Town Manager Cabana stated that they are changing it and will provide documentation by the 24th.
Councilor Barter asked about the insurance amounts. He asked if there is an industry standard. Councilor Sturgis stated that he believes it may be due to business size.
Councilor Hutchins stated that 1 million is in the ordinance and is industry standard.
5 Yes
Items #142, #143, #144 did not need to be voted on.
Item #142-11 To review and act upon the recent annual town meeting results if necessary.
Item #143-11 To review and act upon setting a date for a Special Town Meeting to address the specific Articles that failed at the June 14, 2011 Annual Town Meeting.
Item #144-11 To review and act upon approving the warrant for the Special Town Meeting.
Fifth Order of Business: ORDINANCES:
Item #145-11 (Second Reading) To review and act upon proposed amendments to Chapter 402, Section 402.10.11 B of the Gray Zoning Ordinance to add new standards for commercial driveways.
Councilor Doughty moved; Councilor Barter seconded
The Town of Gray hereby ordains the approval of the proposed amendments to Chapter 402, Section 402.10.11 B of the Gray Zoning Ordinance to add new standards for commercial driveways.
5 Yes
Item #146-11 (Second Reading – Postpone from 6/7/2011) To review and act upon proposed Chapter 215 - Mass Gathering Ordinance.
Councilor Doughty moved; Councilor Barter seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council requests that this item be returned to the Public Safety Committee for additional review.
Councilor Sturgis asked if at the last meeting the discussion was to have a workshop about this.
Town Manager Cabana stated that they need to vote on what they would like to do.
Councilor Barter urges that this be sent back to the Public Safety Committee as there was an engaged group interested in discussing this further.
Councilor Mancini agreed with Councilor Barter’s suggestion and that the suggestions should be considered to get this ordinance right.
Councilor Doughty supports this as well, and that the Town should make a concerted effort by all means to get others involved to get this ordinance right. He would have liked the discussion at the first reading but that it occurred at the second reading was a good opportunity.
Councilor Hutchins stated that she is frustrated as Public Safety has spent a year on this and the wording comes from different ordinances from other towns, is more lenient, and met with various groups. She will gladly bring it back to the committee but she doesn’t want to see the input from various groups and create an ordinance that’s geared to them. She believes that this ordinance is for the Town of Gray and wouldn’t affect these groups that spoke at the last meeting. She believes that the Town is not looking to make money and that many of these groups would have the fee waived. She stated that a lot of feedback from the groups with whom they communicated were incorporated into this one.
Councilor Barter stated that returning this back to the committee is not a reflection of failure on their part but rather a look at standardization and uniformity of ordinances. He stated that there is a rift with some groups and the Town and this is an opportunity to change this.
There was a discussion on the work the Public Safety did related to the criteria applied to events and whether or not they all apply to their event.
Councilor Mancini stated that he doesn’t believe that there is a lot of difference between both sides. He has some concerns about how the application fees are defined and should be looked at further.
Councilor Doughty believes that communication for some minor clarifications can be done. He believes that specific expense information from Public Safety for particular events and total on an annual basis might be helpful information to determine fees. He appreciates the frustration that Councilor Hutchins has on this issue.
5 Yes
Councilor Sturgis stated that there are openings on some committees. He asked if the Council wishes to fill in these slots tonight or at the July meeting.
Town Manager Cabana stated that the GNGDC and the CEDC are planning to meet to review the TIF policy and following this, there would be an executive session to review, followed by a public hearing and vote to be done by August.
Councilor Barter expressed concerns about the amount of vacancies on the various Town committees. He urges the Council to examine this issue. The CEDC is a hardworking committee but doesn’t have a sufficient amount of members for a quorum for a meeting. The Council needs to help this committee along to do their work as they are a key to the economic development of the community. He is concerned about the lack of young people participating.
Councilor Sturgis stated that 3 people have expressed interested in being on the CEDC. The Council will need to suspend the Council Rules to do so.
Councilor Barter moved; Councilor Doughty seconded
Motion to suspend Council Rules to discuss approval of the following applicants to the CEDC: Brad Hutchins, Peter Gellerson and Deborah Mancini.
Councilor Hutchins believes that the word should go out to see about anymore interested people who may want to apply and give it more time.
Councilor Sturgis stated that he understands Councilor Hutchins’ comments but the CEDC has had 3 vacancies all along. Councilor Barter believes it’s important to have a sufficient amount of people for a quorum so that they can have a vote and can make some decisions.
Councilor Barter moved the question. Councilor Mancini supports this to give the remaining CEDC members the opportunity to move on.
4 Yes/ 1 No (Hutchins)
Councilor Barter stated that he is sensitive to the conflict of interest discussion and wants to discuss this further as there could be a conflict with some of the applicants. He suggests moving on 1 person to establish a quorum for the CEDC and to discuss the other issues further.
Councilor Barter moved; Councilor Mancini seconded
Motion to appoint Peter Gellerson to the CEDC for the term to expire in 2011.
Councilor Hutchins suggested appointing 2 people to minimize the risk of a lack of quorum.
Deborah Mancini stated that she applied with the intent to come to the July meeting to see about her approval. She stated that there are 3 able-bodied people willing to participate and finds it odd given the comments about the number of vacancies on the committees.
The vacancies have been ongoing for the past year and it has been publically noted. These committees need people. She stated that Keith Whitmore applied to the CEDC and asked what the status of his application is. Councilor Sturgis stated that the item was not voted on. Councilor Barter stated that if no Councilor nominates an individual then there was no action was taken and there is nothing to report. Deborah Mancini stated that she is disappointed in the response. Councilor Barter stated that Deborah’s comments will be taken under consideration during their review of the Council rules.
5 Yes
Councilor Sturgis stated that he doesn’t have any issue with voting on the additional people tonight or at the next meeting.
Deborah Mancini asked about Don Hutchings on the CEDC. She asked if his appointment was recinded. She stated that she understands the Council rules differently.
Councilor Sturgis stated that as Planning Board Chair, he is an ex-officio, non-voting member. Deborah Mancini stated that the Council’s action to remove him from the CEDC is not appropriate as it is not clear for Planning Board members in the Council rules. She doesn’t believe there is a conflict of interest between CEDC and Planning Board unless an issue arises. The CEDC is an advisory committee and cannot make decisions.
Sixth Order of Business:
Council Action Items, Assignments and Issues Status for FY2010/2011:
- Amend or replace the Sign Ordinance (§ 406).
- Review the town TIF Policy. (CEDC to amend and not rewrite)
Seventh Order of Business:
Council Business: - Discussion setting Town Council Goals for FY 2011/2012
Councilor Sturgis suggested adding this to the July agenda for review and to give Councilors the time
to think about suggestions.
Councilor Barter asked for past goals and notes to help them and that the goals should be tangible and
measurable to help them with their discussion.
Town Manager Cabana suggested providing her their suggestions and she can compile them together for
the next meeting.
Councilor Doughty commended Town Manager Cabana on the meticulous preparation of the materials
to the Council. He continues to be impressed with her work.
Councilor Sturgis welcomed Councilors Barter and Mancini and looks forward to a good year.
Eighth Order of Business:
Additions to the Agenda: There was a discussion the July agenda.
Councilor Mancini asked how the hiring of the Town Planner will be handled. Town Manager Cabana stated that currently the job description and advertising is being worked on. She plans on having a committee to review the applications. She stated that she is happy to get suggestions on the content of the committee and that once she has made a final selection she would bring the name back to the Council as this position is an important one. She is looking for input from the committee on helping with a recommendation.
Councilor Barter stated that this is a new process and that an economic developer is an important one. This is a senior, high level position to a community. He believes that the Council should work with the Town Manager at all steps of the process to help get the best person. He recommends consideration of the hire by the Council from the Town Manager’s recommendation.
Councilor Sturgis stated that if this position were to be a direct hire by the Council, then the Town’s Charter would need to be changed to accommodate this.
Councilor Barter thanked Councilor Sturgis for his enthusiasm and dedication and appreciates that he will be Council Chair.
Ninth Order of Business: Adjournment
Councilor Barter moved; Councilor Doughty seconded
Motion to Adjourn
The meeting ended at 10:28pm
Minutes approved and accepted by its Town Council:
_____________________________ ___________________________
Matthew Sturgis (Chair) Margaret Hutchins
______________________________ ___________________________
Matthew Doughty Lewis Mancini
_____________________________
Richard Barter (Vice Chair)
* The Town of Gray is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable equal access to public accommodations law. If you are planning to attend a Town Council or Town committee or board meeting and need assistance with a physical disability, please contact the Town Manager’s office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to have the Town assist you. 657-3339. TTY 657-3931.
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