TOWN OF GRAY
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
JULY 15, 2003
State Revenues Sharing Projections:
Towns and Cities received the first projection for the revenue sharing amounts they can expect to receive during the 2004 fiscal year. As advised during the budget development period, the expected line item for 2004 revenue sharing was reduced about 10% to $460,000. According to the new estimates, Gray would receive approximately $551,000. As a result the new figure will be factored in when we develop the proposed tax rate. Under the current town valuation, this increase means a projected rate reduction of about $.23 for a newly revised rate of $22.13 which is an overall tax rate increase of 2.9% if the revenues are received as projected. Lastly, remember the final tax rate will reflect the town’s new valuation and it is expected that the rate will be lower.
Town Staff Training-Offices Closed:
Town Staff will be involved in a special training on Wednesday, July 16 from 9-10:30 AM. Therefore the Library, Town Offices and New Begin Gym will be closed during that time. The transfer station will remain open.
We hope that you will schedule your visit to these offices around the time they are closed. We are sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause.
Gray Public Library Monthly Report:
Like clock work, our public library report is available for your information. Within this report is Director Payne’s summary of her attendance to the Library/Canadian Library Association Conference. With lots of ideas gained we can expect some different customer services in the future. Of key interest is the discussion of the USA Patriot Act which enhances intercept and obstruct powers to the Justice Department regarding domestic surveillance as part of the anti terrorism efforts. This continues to be controversial.
Regional Solid Waste:
The RWS Board approved the issuance of a Request for Qualifications from consulting firms that work with strategic planning for solid waste entities. This effort will allow RWS to narrow the field to 4-6 firms who will then be asked to provide proposals for a scope of work that the RWS has identified. The first process will go through August with the selection of the final proposal in early fall. It is expected that the completion of the work will be by next spring though incremental recommendations may be made to be included in the FY 2005 Budget preparation.
Semi-Annual Client Seminar by the Town Attorney:
The firm of our Town Attorney conducts a semi- annual client seminar to review legal issues that are of importance to elected and appointed officials. This has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 10 in South Portland from 6-8:30 PM. Council and all Boards and Committees wishing to attend should arrange with the Town Office so we can RSVP to the Firm.
Central Corridor Coalition Committee Meeting:
This regional effort continues on July 16 here in Gray at Stimson Hall. While the law enforcement group starts at 5PM the main meeting, which is open to the public, starts at 6:30 PM. On the agenda will be the regional HazMat Waste Collection Day, report on the transportation phase I elements, the phase II work plan and other items of regional importance.
Another Business Relocates to Gray:
On Thursday, July 17 at 1PM the Market Street Settlement Group will open its Gray office for business. This will provide them with a southern Maine headquarters which will be managed by Gray resident, Joanne P. Morency. The Council is invited to the Ribbon Cutting ceremonies at that time.
Mayall Bridge Inspection:
The MDOT has completed its inspection of the Mayall bridge. This lies just south of the Culvert which the Town replaced a year ago. The inspection and report indicate the necessity to repost the bridge to a 3-ton maximum and to plan on some corrective measures. All of this is due to corrosion of the stringers on the westerly abutment. I have notified both Chief Barton and Pineland of the lowered limit. Over the next few weeks Steve LaVallee will put together a corrective plan. The Council will recall that we have funds for this bridge in the reserve account. The Town is 100% responsible for this bridge. Though authorized, I have not engaged the engineering firm at this time.
Valuation Hearings:
Some two hundred property owners have scheduled meetings with the revaluation firm to further discuss their property values. This represents about 5% of the total properties of the Town and falls to the low side of the number generally expected to have those meetings.
The Company will review the information received from these meetings and finalize the Town’s value and provide that on August first. We will then be able to develop a mill rate for the purposes of mailing out tax bills by mid August. This is called the “commitment date”. Taxpayers may appeal their tax bills and the values so long as they file their appeals with the Board of Assessors no later than 185 days from the date of tax commitment by the Town.
Mckin Reports:
The Annual McKin reports are now available at the Gray Public Library. Annual reporting includes water testing results as part of the original requirements. The Library also has the balance of reports that were developed during the McKin litigation.
Project Status:
Staff will be meeting with Taylor Engineering to continue the design element of the Sand and Salt Shed which should be going out to bid in August.
We are awaiting the proposed price to complete the water line extension on the George Perley Road.
We are closing out the T-2000 sidewalk project and expect reimbursement from the State within the month
Respectfully Submitted,
Mitchell A. Berkowitz
Town Manager
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