6:00 PM – Photo Session with Nathan Tsukroff
6:30 PM – Executive Session
Councilor Hutchins moved; Councilor Sturgis seconded
Ordered, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. Sec. 405(6)(C), that the Town Council recess into executive session with the Town Manager and the Economic Development Consultant and representatives of the Gray-New Gloucester Development Corporation to discuss a proposed economic development matter where disclosure of the name(s) of the possible participant(s) or the identification of the property involved would prejudice the competitive or bargaining position of the Town.
5 Yes
The Council entered Executive Session at 6:30pm.
Councilor Gellerson indicated that they were discussing the GNGDC
Roll Call:
Councilors Matt Sturgis, Mark Grover, Peter Gellerson, Matt Doughty, Margaret Hutchins
Town Manager Deborah Cabana
Others present and speaking: Ann Graham, Don Hutchings, Chris Dombrowski, George Thebarge
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag:
Minutes from Previous Meetings:
Approval of October 5, 2010, Town Council Minutes
Councilor Sturgis moved; Councilor Hutchings seconded.
Ordered the Gray Town Council approves October 5, 2010 Town Council Minutes, as corrected.
Councilor Sturgis commented that on page 4, Item 32-11, that he misspoke. It should read that there should be a correction about the resolution position. It should state that the Council should take a position. It should not have indicated that Councilor Grover supports a resolution.
Councilor Gellerson stated that on page 2, it should state Gary Foster, “Town’s representative” to ecomaine, and also that in the 4th paragraph it should state that “natural gas rates are going down.”
The word “not” should be stricken.
5 Yes
First Order of Business:
Public Comments of Non-Agenda Items – (limit 3 minutes per person)
Anne Graham, candidate for the Maine House stated that she is impressed with the new Pennell building and the rededication process. She gave an overview of some of the issues she plans to support and address as a state representative. She stated that should she be elected that she will accessible.
Second Order of Business:
Reports from the Council Chair:
Councilor Gellerson stated that the monument square study is planning on a public session will be held in November.
Reports from the Town Manager:
Town manager Cabana stated that the election will be on the 2nd floor of Pennell. She gave an overview of some of the items on the ballot. She also indicated that they are trying to reach MDOT to discuss signage. On Oct 23rd the Town will be hosting a Halloween event around Newbegin Hall. The 2011 dog licenses and rabies clinic ($10 for the rabies clinic) will be held November 20th at the Public Safety Building. Nathan Tsukroff will again have pet photos available at the clinic.
Committee Reports:
Councilor Sturgis stated that the Recreation and Conservation Committee will be meeting and have a facilities policy ready and fee schedule for review. Master planning for the grounds behind Pennell will also continue. GPCOG will also be having a meeting and they have received a HUD grant and will be working to find ways to apply the funds and hopefully Gray can take advantage of the funds. Also there will be a discussion on overlapping work by committees and other organizations and streamlining efforts.
Councilor Grover stated that he will be on the Cumberland County advisory committee. The Dry Mills School House Committee will be meeting in November. The Library Trustees met and he reminded people that the library will be closed the week of Thanksgiving for their renovation project. The Trustees have asked if they can speak at the next council meeting to give an updated report.
Councilor Doughty indicated that the Street Ordinance Review Committee is still working on revisions and updates.
Councilor Gellerson stated that the CEDC will be meeting.
Gary Foster, representing ecomaine, stated that the group will be meeting to discuss the assessment schedule. They are accepting applications for eco-excellence award. Applications are available at the transfer station and Town Hall.
Council Correspondence: NONE
Third Order of Business:
Interviews:
Public Hearing: To review and act upon the proposed Efficiency Maine Trust, Model Ordinance Version 2 (Administration by the Trust): Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Ordinance.
Presentation: Report from the Pennell Celebration Committee – Don Hutchings
Don Hutchings gave an overview of the financials for the Pennell Celebration. At present, there is over
$10,000 of profit from the celebration. The brick sale was a huge success, and the sale still continues.
Order forms are available at Town Hall. He thanked Jason Wilson for his efforts to get the time capsule,
and to Nathan Tsukroff for the Town photo, Steve Lavallee for digging the hole for the time capsule.
Also, he extended thanks to Doug Webster for all of his efforts to get the project done. He indicated that
the Town Office Committee was one of the best groups to work with.
There is a sealed journal as part of the time capsule to be opened in 100 years. He read the first lines of the journal indicating the location of the time capsule. He would like to see as many options stored indicating the location of the time capsule. He presented the journal to the Town Manager for safe keeping.
Don Hutchings stated that they recommend a more specific marker to let people know where the time capsule is buried. He recommends the 2 benches located at Stimson and the remaining bricks be set at or near the location along with a granite marker. The funds in the celebration funds are sufficient to pay for this.
Fourth Order of Business: ORDERS
Item #036-11 To review and act upon approving the Municipal Warrant for the Special Town Meeting to be held on November 2, 2010.
Councilor Sturgis moved; Councilor Grover seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council approves the Municipal Warrant for the Special Town Meeting to be held on November 2, 2010, as presented.
5 Yes
Item #037-11 To review and act upon the appointment of the Warden and Deputy Warden for the November 2, 2010 Election.
Councilor Sturgis moved; Councilor Hutchins seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council appoints Carol West as the Warden and Deborah Cabana as the Deputy Warden for the November 2, 2010 Election.
5 Yes
Item #038-11 To review and act upon making appointments to the various boards and committees.
No action was taken on this item
Item #039-11 To review and act upon a recommendation from the Gray-New Gloucester Development Corporation that the Town of Gray sign a letter of agreement with the owners of the Northbrook Business & Industry Campus to negotiate a public-private partnership that will coordinate plans for expansion at their business park with the Town’s larger economic development goals for Area 3 of the Gray Comprehensive Plan.
Councilor Doughty moved; Councilor Hutchins seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council accepts the recommendation from the GNG-DC and refer the draft Letter of Agreement to the Gray Community and Economic Development Committee for review and recommendation.
Chris Dombrowski, of the GNG-DC gave an overview of the area and the mission including:
-Mentor new/emerging new business
-Promoting business
-Facilitate sales, relocation etc of buildings/facilities.
-Hold meetings to educate the public
-Work with economic development agencies and government entities
-Solicit/accept endowments, grants etc
He gave an overview of their recommendation on the public/private initiative with Northbrook Campus.
George Thebarge gave an overview of the area 3 of the comprehensive plan and the coordination with varies entities on the draft letter of agreement. The draft sets a framework for the future. He presented a PowerPoint presentation outlining the area. It includes 600 acres that the comprehensive plan will help define this area further and described the current ownership pattern. The combined valuation is about $1 million and the potential tax revenue to the Town could be $15,000. The proximity to the Turnpike makes it a prime business location. He stated that the business area off the West Falmouth exit was very similar in its process and development as what Gray is working through for this area.
When a bypass is built, there is a moratorium on new traffic entrances for 20 years. There remains 3 current access points that can be worked with to develop the area 3 lands. Northbrook Campus entrance, at present, is the best access point. There is a draft letter of agreement to this effect with Northbrook Campus. He cited the goals of the public-private partnership. It includes a partial transfer of the access of the road through to the other parcels to the Town, as well as, the rights for the Town to reconfigure the road/intersection for a business to access a particular parcel. These discussions are in the preliminary stages. Modifying the TIF agreement to help the funding stream for studies will need to be discussed as well as the Town’s limitations for public sewers and waste treatment
plant. There will be discussions on onsite waste water disposal possibilities. Northbrook would like a 10 year extension on the TIF agreement to recover additional costs for the work on this.
He gave an overview of the process to achieve this including a non-binding letter of agreement, which as a result should lead to a binding limited development agreement, as well as, public meetings and the like. A public vote on an amended TIF would be required.
George stated that they would like GNGDC to work through the issues in order to help develop a well defined proposal to present to the Council.
Councilor Sturgis stated that this is a great opportunity for the community and it is a good starting point. The proposal is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, has goals and is attainable. He recommends moving this process forward.
Councilor Grover stated that this is a good opportunity to bring good jobs to the Town. While he isn’t completely in favor of TIFs, this can be a way to help develop business and could be persuaded.
Councilor Doughty reminded that waste water disposal will always be an issue for business in Gray and will always need to be addressed and the possibilities explored. He supports the proposal.
Councilor Hutchins also supports this idea. Councilor Gellerson stated that the possibilities for broadening the Town’s tax base would be a great asset to the Town.
Councilor Grover stated that the Comprehensive Planning Committee intentionally did not set boundaries to allow flexibility in the future.
5 Yes
Item #040-11 To review and act on the award of the contract for the provision of winter sand for the operations at the Public Works Department.
Councilor Sturgis moved; Councilor Doughty seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council awards the 2010-2011 contract for the provision of winter sand, for the operations at the Public Works Department to Portland Sand and Gravel.
Councilor Hutchins asked what the difference in pricing is from last year. Councilor Doughty asked what the collective savings in the quantity of sand are. Councilor Gellerson stated that the savings is significant. Councilor Sturgis stated that approximately 1400 more yards of sand at a $3500 savings over last year is worth it this year. He supports working with a local business
5 Yes
Fifth Order of Business: ORDINANCES:
Item #041-11 (Second Reading) To review and act upon the proposed Efficiency Maine Trust, Model Ordinance Version 2 (Administration by the Trust): Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Ordinance.
Councilor Sturgis moved; Councilor Grover seconded
The Town of Gray hereby ordains the enactment of the proposed Efficiency Maine Trust, Model Ordinance Version 2 (Administration by the Trust): Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Ordinance.
5 Yes
Item #042-11 (First Reading) To review and act upon setting a public hearing on November 9, 2010 for the purposes of approving and adopting the proposed General Assistance Ordinance Appendices A-C, as proposed by the State.
Councilor Grover moved; Councilor Hutchins seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council sets a public hearing on November 9, 2010 for the purposes of approving and adopting the proposed General Assistance Ordinance Appendices A-C, as proposed by the State.
5 Yes
Sixth Order of Business:
Council Business: - Discussion regarding the Honor Roll/Hall of Fame
Councilor Gellerson stated that he believes that the recipient should be a Gray resident. Councilor
Grover stated that the Stimson Family, as an example built the building in honor of their father who
lived in Gray all his life but the children did not but were very successful in their own right. He also
suggested that a philanthropist who could possibly donate something to the Town might be one to
consider.
There was a discussion on only accepting persons who have been deceased 10 years to eliminate any
potential political influencing and to review their life as a whole and not an isolated timeframe and not
any requests from families.
Councilor Sturgis believes that honoring people while they are still alive is also something to be
considered.
Councilor Doughty supports the proposal but doesn’t want to have the “deceased for 10 years”
restriction. Councilor Hutchins also agreed.
Councilor Grover offered a compromise of deceased or age minimum of age 75. Councilor Gellerson
stated that it will be difficult to establish a benchmark or bar to select someone if the criteria are
restrictive.
Town Manager Cabana stated that it is common for a family member to endorse a person, but that there
might be some type of validation group and suggested that the Gray Historical Society could be this
group to take the political aspect out of the process. Councilor Grover stated that his proposal process
includes the Historical Society assisting in the process but that the Council could only nominate 2 people
a year.
Councilor Sturgis and Councilor Gellerson stated that the Historical Society could be a good resource on
the vetting process and to make recommendations.
There was an extensive discussion on whether or not the criteria include a person being deceased or not
and whether or not there be a minimum age.
Councilor Sturgis reminded people that those who would receive these awards would not be looking for
one. He believes that they should be acknowledged while alive. Councilor Hutchins reiterated that those
still alive would still continue to give, therefore, the awards process might be revisited to look at a
lifetime of work. She suggested revamping the volunteer of the year. Councilor Grover suggested 2
awards, one for lifetime achievement and one for a particular year of service.
Town Manager Cabana stated that she understands the proposal with the limitations as proposed could
miss the opportunity to capture a period of time in a nominee’s life.
Council guidelines to the Town Manager regarding the FY 2011/2012 budget
Councilor Hutchins stated that the Council recommended that the department heads present their
budgets for the Council to review and then decisions can be made. Councilor Doughty stated that he
would like to see more time spent analyzing the larger expenditures and whether or not there is too little
or too much micro-managing on various budget items.
Councilor Grover agreed with Councilor Doughty’s comments and that the Town Manager provides
guidance to the department heads. He believes that it is a disservice to not offer some guidance to the
Town Manager and that the Council should let her know what is most important to them.
He cited 4 competing areas: 1. Dependence on undesignated funds
2. Continued full funding of the CIP for 15 years,
3. Maintenance and expansion of Town services
4. Controlling taxes.
He believes that the Council needs to set some priorities and give guidance to assist the Town Manager.
Councilor Sturgis agreed to an extent with Councilor Grover’s suggestions. He also reminded
people that the bulk of the tax base goes to the school system and that the group should be cognizant of
maintaining the services of town government. He suggests revisiting the investment funds to see if
better revenue can be attained.
Councilor Gellerson commented on the mil rate and valuation changes over the last few years. He
believes that the Town’s budget cannot have another proposed 4-5% budget increase. He would like to
have a Council workshop to discuss efficiencies.
Town Manager Cabana stated that there are several factors impacting the budget. First, the urban
compact will impact the Town’s road responsibilities. The CIP plan is budgeted at $1 million a year.
She stated that maintaining the services this year will be challenging. The homestead exemption isn’t
as high as projected, as well as, school LD funding mil rate. The Town, as all towns isn’t getting the
same funds from the state as in the past. Limiting the use of the undesignated funds will require major
cuts in the budget which will be a challenge in maintaining the same services for the Town.
Councilor Doughty stated that there is still a lot of outstanding information on the urban compact
that need to be answered. Town Manager Cabana stated that it is likely the Town will become a part of
the compact due to population changes, but there are unknowns that should be prepared for.
Councilor Grover asked if the Town will consider a Sheriff’s contract as that would impact the budget.
Councilor Sturgis also suggested that the Oxford Casino passage could impact the roads in Gray and further discussion may be required if this passes.
There was a discussion on the Super Saturday process and the pros and cons to the format. The group agreed to have department visits on a Saturday.
The consensus was to let the Town Manager work on the budget process and confer with the Council as needed.
Town Manager Cabana commented on some of the ordinances and given that the issues in Westbrook being discussed for adult entertainment. It was suggested that the Town be pro-active and address the Town’s ordinance in this area.
Councilor Grover commented on this issue in particular and also related to ordinances (noise ordinance, for example) in the Town in general. Councilor Sturgis stated that enforcement is more the issue. Councilor Gellerson asked if waiting a bit longer would be appropriate. Town Manager Cabana stated that, as written, there could be such a business that could open in Gray. Being pro-active and working
on this would be beneficial. Councilor Grover suggested a public comment period with a proposed draft for discussion without a vote prior to a first reading which would require a vote. Town Manager Cabana stated that the ordinance would have regulations on this use.
It was agreed that the November meetings will be on November 9th and 16th due to the election and Thanksgiving.
Seventh Order of Business:
Additions to the Agenda:
Councilor Sturgis stated that he’d like to have the proposed facilities and fee schedule on the agenda.
Eighth Order of Business:
Council Action Items, Assignments and Issues Status:
Request that Maine DOT review signage in Gray center and nearby state roads.
- Consider and discuss a proposed Mass Gathering Ordinance, eventually moving it to a Public Hearing.
- Complete all revisions to the Street Construction Ordinance (§ 400).
- Amend or replace the Sign Ordinance (§ 406).
- Review the town TIF Policy. (CEDC to amend and not rewrite)
- Establish a Gray Hall of Fame award and a process to identify initial, historical recipients.
Begin organizing a Comprehensive Planning Committee.
Ninth Order of Business: Adjournment
Councilor Sturgis moved; Councilor Hutchins seconded.
Motion to adjourn
5 Yes
The meeting ended at 9:50 pm
Minutes approved and accepted November 9, 2010 by its Town Council:
_____________________________ ___________________________
Peter Gellerson, Council Chair Margaret Hutchins, Vice Chair
______________________________ ___________________________
Mark D. Grover Matthew Sturgis
_____________________________
Matthew Doughty
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