GRAY TOWN COUNCIL
Meeting Minutes
June 19, 2001
Present: Pam Wilkinson, Jerry Grant, Jack Goosetrey and Sue Austin
Mitchell Berkowitz, Town Manager
Jan Bourret, Recorder
Excused: Richard Barter
Others: Mary Bosse
Councilor Wilkinson called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Jack Goosetrey was sworn in by Town Manager, Mitch Berkowitz.
§ Executive Session with Town Attorney Meeting on pending legal matters
Postponed
First Order of Business: Public Hearings
None
Second Order of Business:
Mitch Berkowitz stated newly elected Councilor Richard Barter will be sworn in on July 3, 2001.
Results of election:
John Goosetrey 814 votes
Richard Barter 831 votes
Gray Water District, Dale Moser 68 votes
MSAD #15 Daniel Maguire 652 votes
Amy Wilbur, 733 votes
Total votes: 1000
(There are 5,089 registered voters)
Articles 2-6
Article 2 yes 311, no 679
Article 3 yes 341, no 640
Article 4 yes 275, no 692
Article 5 yes 321, no 655
Article 6 yes 348, no 631
Article 7 yes 372, no 597
Article 8 yes 624, no 356
Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles 2, 3, & 4 were approved at the Town Meeting.
Article 14 was approved at the Town Meetings. All reports are on file.
Councilor Grant made the motion to approve the results of the election.
Councilor Austin seconded the motion.
The Council s vote was unanimous 4-0
§ Election of Offices for Chair and Vice Chair. (by raise of hand)
Councilor Grant moved and nominated Pam Wilkinson as Chair of the Gray Town Council.
Councilor Goosetrey seconded.
The Council s vote was unanimous, 4-0.
Councilor Austin moved and nominated Jerry Grant as Vice Chair of the Gray Town Council.
Councilor Goosetrey seconded.
The Council s vote was unanimous, 4-0
§ Approval of June 5, 2001 Town Council Minutes
Councilor Austin made the motion to approve the minutes of June 5, 2001 as presented.
Councilor Goosetrey seconded.
The Council s vote was unanimous, 4-0.
Third Order of Business:
Reports from the Council Chair
Councilor Wilkinson thanked everyone who attended and participated in the town s annual meeting. She reported that the Gray Business Association met with the Manager and had a good brainstorming session.
On June 5, the Ordinance Review Committee met to help clarify the town s road standards policy. The Council needs to provide guidance and written instruction to the committee to assist them in their work on this policy.
Reports from the Town Manager
Mitch reported that there will be a Web Committee Workshop on July 2, 2001 and a Town Council meeting on July 3, 2001. The meeting with the Town Attorney will be at 6:00 p.m. on August 7, 2001. Pineland representative will be at the July 17, 2001 Town Council meeting. Council Workshops will be held on August 20 and 24, 2001.
MSAD #15 school department has requested July 24th as the date for voting on the school budget. Voting will take place at Stimson Hall and not at the Newbegin Center, due to scheduling conflicts with the Gray Recreation Department s programs.
Mercury Collection Program is set for July 21, 2001 in Windham. Call the Town Office for more information.
The town has received communication about the West Nile Virus and what to do if this virus makes its way north to Maine. Information on this is available at the Town Office.
The Auburn Police has recovered the stolen Parks and Recreation truck.
On June 22, 2001 the computer network will be installed in the Town Office. Please bear with us during this time, as there may be a few kinks to work out.
The Maine Century Ride, a program for cervical cancer is having a ride coming through a portion of our community on July 21, 2001. This will have an effect on Routes 115 and 231 as participants proceed to North Pownal. Public Safety personnel will be informed. If you would like to participate in this event, contact Mrs. Letourneau at 784-2479.
Committee Reports
The next CEDC meeting will be on June 20th at 7:00 p.m.
Comprehensive Planning Committee will meet on June 21st at 6:30 p.m.
Public Safety Committee will meet on June 26th.
Traffic Committee will meet on June 28th.
Council Correspondence
The public is invited to attend an open house sponsored by the Gray Historical Society on Saturday June 23, 2001 on the upper floor of the Pennell Institute.
Congratulations to our Girls Softball State Champions! The Town extends its thanks to the girls, Coach Moody and their families for a fantastic job. We are so proud!
Fourth Order of Business:
Committee Appointments and Resignation
None
Committee Business
Community input is needed on the Town s committees. Any interested parties who have information to share, suggestions or comments please feel free to stop by a committee meeting. There are openings on several committees at the present time and even if you are unable to commit to a committee, your suggestions, input and ideas are greatly needed.
Council Business
The Council will discuss its Task List on July 2, 2001. Smaller tasks will be handed off to committees in an effort to enable the Council to take on new issues this coming year.
Ordinance Review Committee will be working on addressing back lots.
Public Safety will be working on the proposed Public Safety Complex. Also sidewalks and their implementation will be discussed.
Councilor Goosetrey reported that the Planning Board has had to addresses some repeated road problems. (Two homes off of a common driveway) another issue is a proposed subdivision with a long one-way, looping road in and out of the subdivision. He reminded all Road Association members that now is the time to review where their snow will be stored for next winter. Any road improvements for widening etc., should be looked at this summer. Councilor Grant suggested that a letter be sent out to all Road Associations as a reminder.
The Ordinance Review Committee is working on the road standards to provide the Planning Board with direction. The Manager added that the town needs easements for 60 widths. If the standards are met and the easements granted, the town will have the right to cross and maintain these roads. Dick Cahill will keep the Council informed of any new developments.
Fifth Order of Business:
Reading of and Additions to the Agenda
Councilor Wilkinson added Order 169: Clarification of Compensation Package.
Sixth Order of Business: New Orders
Order #178: [First Reading]
Amend Section 301.7 Ordinance Changes for Parks
a) No person(s) shall enter into a park which has been posted as being closed to the public.
b) Park areas (including, but not limited to, a public park, conservation area, recreation area or other town owned property) may be entered into during the time from one half hour after sunrise to one half hour before sunset.
c) Wilkies Beach and its parking lot will be posted with the following times of operation for the month of MAY to SEPTEMBER from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
d) Exception to the entrance times may be granted by the Parks & Recreation Director based upon adopted rules and regulations that permit uses of the parks for times other than which are posted.
Additions are underlined
Deletions are crossed out
Councilor Grant moved to accept the First Reading to Amend Section 301.7 Ordinance Changes for Parks.
Councilor Goosetrey seconded.
Councilor Grant noted that during the winter months, the hours listed for using park areas (Libby Hill) may not be compatible with when people choose to take walks there. He suggested the hours be changed to accommodate both summer and winter daylight times. Councilor Wilkinson agreed that snowmobilers should not be prohibited completely from using the trails in the evening. The Manager noted that section d addressed this. Councilor Grant suggested adding to the end of section b. - “unless posted otherwise.”
Councilor Grant made the motion amend the wording in section b as follows:
b. Park areas (including, but not limited to, a public park, conservation area, recreation area or other town owned property) may be entered into during the time from one half hour after sunrise to one half hour before sunset, unless posted otherwise.
Councilor Austin seconded the amended motion.
The Council s vote was unanimous on both the main and amended motions.
Order 179 : Clarification and discussion of the Compensation Package
Mitch explained that 9-10 employees are slated to receive pay bonuses and have requested the Council clarify as to whether or the bonuses will be added to their base pay. The Council members were in agreement that the bonuses are not part of the base. Mr. Berkowitz inquired as to whether or not the distribution could be spread out in an attempt to reduce the net pay. In this way, there would be less of a deduction. It was decided that employees would be given the option of receiving one lump payment or two payments. Mitch said he would notify the employees of this option.
Seventh Order of Business: Tabled Orders
#166: [June 5, 2001 Meeting] Postponed till 7/3/01 Meeting
Council review and action to authorize an engineering study for the extension of the TIF water main on Route 100 (Portland Road). Sponsored by Town Council.
This order requires a majority vote after an opportunity for public comment.
Eighth Order of Business: Standing Orders
Order #1:
Public Discussion of Non-Agenda Items.
Mary Bosse asked about the status of the Skate Park. Mr. Berkowitz explained that the School Board made a decision to remove it and while doing so found the laminated plywood to be falling apart. Debris has been sent to the recycling center. He suggested letters of support be sent to both towns if residents have an interest in having a Skate Park. Dean Bennett will work with New Gloucester to develop a plan.
Councilor Austin shared information she received about a safety concern at the area near the new Post Office. Postal Management may need to close a portion of the land open to Center Road due to motorized vehicle traffic that is taking place there. Public Safety needs to be informed of this concern.
This order requires a majority vote after an opportunity for public comment.
Order #2:
Council approval of Pole Permits to Central Maine Power and Pine Tree Telephone Company.
None
This order requires a majority vote after an opportunity for public comment.
Order #3:
Council approval of Concealed Firearms permits, as requested by the Maine State Police Licensing Division.
There was one concealed firearms permit requested.
Councilor Grant moved to approve the concealed firearms permit.
Councilor Austin seconded the motion.
The Council s vote was unanimous.
This order requires a majority vote after an opportunity for public comment.
Ninth Order of Business: Adjournment
Councilor Grant made the motion to adjourn.
Councilor Austin seconded the motion.
The Council s vote was unanimous.
Meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Janmarie A. Bourret
Recorder
Notary Public
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