MINUTES
GRAY TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 20th, 2008
STIMSON HALL -7pm
Roll Call:
Present: Councilors Andy Upham, Margaret Hutchins, Tracy Scheckel, Deborah Mancini
Excused: Councilor Skip Crane
Town Manager Deborah Cabana
Others present and speaking: Raymond Town Selectman Mark Gendron, Fire Chief Plummer
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag:
Minutes from Previous Meetings:
Approval of May 6, 2008, Town Council Minutes
Councilor Scheckel moved; Councilor Hutchins seconded.
Ordered the Gray Town Council approves May 6, 2008 Town Council Minutes as presented.
4 Yes
Approval of May 3, 2008, Town Meeting Minutes
Councilor Hutchins moved; Councilor Scheckel seconded.
Ordered the Gray Town Council approves May 3, 2008 Town Meeting Minutes as presented.
4 Yes
First Order of Business:
Public Comments of Non-Agenda Items – (limit 3 minutes per person) - None
Second Order of Business:
Presentation: Chairman of Raymond Board of Selectman Mark Gendron regarding Cumberland County law enforcement services
Mark Gendron, Selectman from the Town of Raymond discussed the rural patrol and indicated that the patrol is currently less and will be less than in the past due to budget constraints. He believes that as thisarea is growing the Cumberland County should keep rural patrol at the present level and add another patrol and he indicated that Raymond has sent a letter to Cumberland County officials and he asked if the Gray Town Council would do the same. He has done some financial estimates to see if some towns including Gray to assess the feasibility of one patrol.
Chair Mancini asked if he can get some of his documentation to the group.
Councilor Scheckel indicated that as town grows there will a need for a police department, and as the town is in an in between stage between a town police department and Cumberland County services, crime can increase.
Councilor Upham asked how many hours Raymond gets per week.
Mark Gendron indicated that it isn’t a standard number of hours and there are times when patrols are covering many towns.
Councilor Upham suggested that in the past there were tri-town forums and that this should happen again and this should be the topic of conversation and would show unity.
Mark Gendron indicated that the documentation he’ll send gives a detailed breakdown.
Councilor Upham asked Mark if has had any meetings about this issue. Mark indicated that they have received several email communications and described their comments. Councilor Upham believes that a forum would be a good vehicle to get information on accountability and other information that would be helpful. Mark Gendron agrees that this is a good idea and working together can help with savings.
Town Manager Cabana indicated that Gray has seen almost a 12 ½% increase in county taxes.
Public Hearing: Liquor License and Auxiliary License renewal for Spring Meadows
Public Hearing: Renewal of Victualer Licenses, or Mobile Vendor licenses for the following: American Legion Post 86, Ed Pinkham d/b/a B&R Dairy Bar, Bing Chan d/b/a China Gray, Zin Bin Huang d/b/a China Village, Brad Pollard d/b/a Cole Farms, Ed Haun d/b/a Dunkin’ Donuts, Wayne Pollard d/b/a Jess N Nic’s, RC Management d/b/a McDonald’s, Brad Pollard d/b/a Spring Meadows Banquet Center, Mainsusa d/b/a Subway, Ralph & Elaine White d/b/a White’s Cue Connection, KMW Properties d/b/a Tailgate Sports Bar, Todd Goodheart d/b/a Goody’s Pizza, Sherry Argraves d/b/a Beaches Tanning, Dead River Corporation, Dry Mills and HMS Host d/b/a Starbucks Travel Mart, Pam Linder and Stephanie Brakes d/b/a Fisherman’s Net, Lonnie Humphrey d/b/a Lonnie Dogs,
Jason Klein d/b/a Northeast Ice Cream, and David Klenda d/b/a Klenda Seafood.
No public comment
Third Order of Business: ORDERS
Item # 107-08 To review and act upon approving a Liquor License and Auxiliary License renewal for the sale of alcoholic beverages for Spring Meadows Banquet Center and golf course at 59 Lewiston Road.
This action requires a majority vote after an opportunity for public comment.
Councilor Sheckel moved; Councilor Hutchins seconded.
Ordered the Gray Town Council approves a Liquor License and Auxiliary License renewal for the sale of alcoholic beverages for Spring Meadows Banquet Center and golf course at 59 Lewiston Road.
4 Yes
Item #108-08 To review and act upon approving Victualer Licenses or Mobile Vendor renewals for the following: American Legion Post 86, Ed Pinkham d/b/a B&R Dairy Bar, Bing Chan d/b/a China Gray, Zin Bin Huang d/b/a China Village, Brad Pollard d/b/a Cole Farms, Ed Haun d/b/a Dunkin’ Donuts, Wayne Pollard d/b/a Jess N Nic’s, RC Management d/b/a McDonald’s, Brad Pollard d/b/a Spring Meadows Banquet Center, Mainsusa d/b/a Subway, Ralph & Elaine White d/b/a White’s Cue Connection, KMW Properties d/b/a Tailgate Sports Bar, Todd Goodheart d/b/a Goody’s Pizza, Sherry Argraves d/b/a Beaches Tanning, Dead River Corporation, Dry Mills and HMS Host d/b/a Starbucks Travel Mart, Pam Linder and Stephanie Brakes d/b/a Fisherman’s
Net, Lonnie Humphrey d/b/a Lonnie Dogs, Jason Klein d/b/a Northeast Ice Cream, and David Klenda d/b/a Klenda Seafood.
This action requires a majority vote after an opportunity for public comment.
Councilor Scheckel moved; Councilor Hutchins seconded
Ordered the Gray Town Council approves Victualer Licenses renewals for the following: American Legion Post 86, Ed Pinkham d/b/a B&R Dairy Bar, Bing Chan d/b/a China Gray, Zin Bin Huang d/b/a China Village, Brad Pollard d/b/a Cole Farms, Ed Haun d/b/a Dunkin’ Donuts, Wayne Pollard d/b/a Jess N Nic’s, RC Management d/b/a McDonald’s, Brad Pollard d/b/a Spring Meadows Banquet Center, Mainsusa d/b/a Subway, Ralph & Elaine White d/b/a White’s Cue Connection, KMW Properties d/b/a Tailgate Sports Bar, Todd Goodheart d/b/a Goody’s Pizza, Sherry Argraves d/b/a Beaches Tanning, Dead River Corporation, Dry Mills and HMS Host d/b/a Starbucks Travel Mart, Pam Linder and Stephanie Brakes d/b/a Fisherman’s Net. Renewal for Mobile Vendor licenses for Lonnie Humphrey d/b/a Lonnie
Dogs, Jason Klein d/b/a Northeast Ice Cream, and David Klenda d/b/a Klenda Seafood, subject to inspection and approval from the Code Enforcement Officer, Health Officer and Public Safety Inspector.
Councilor Upham indicated that the Mobile Vendor and Victualer Licenses should be separate orders as they are separate licenses.
Town Manager Cabana indicated that research has been done on the applications, have paid taxes and the license shall be subject to the approval of the code enforcement officer.
Councilor Upham indicated that he will not vote for the section of the mobile vendor licenses since it appears that they are not in compliance with the town’s ordinance in particular getting written permission from the property owner to setup their mobile vendor. He indicated that this is a problem from last year and that permission needs to be by the applicant prior to Town Council approval.
Town Manager Cabana indicated that the Town has all the applications and that the proposed motion is the same as last year’s motion.
Councilor Hutchins asked who will issue these. Town Manager Cabana stated that the issuance of the licenses is subject to approval by the code enforcement officer/health officer and public safety officer.
Councilor Upham believes that the mobile vendor license applications need to be completed prior
to approval. He referenced #212.4 A-K of the Mobile Vendor Ordinance.
Chair Mancini indicated that as they are due by May 31st and this is the last Town Council meeting prior to the deadline, she recommends moving these along.
Councilor Upham indicated that he would like to be certain that either the Town’s CEO or other qualified individuals assure compliance.
3 Yes 1 No (Upham)
Item #109-08 To review and act upon approving the Municipal Warrant for the second part of town meeting to be held on June 10, 2008. Sponsor- Town Manager
This action requires a majority vote after an opportunity for public comment
Councilor Hutchins moved; Councilor Scheckel seconded.
Ordered the Gray Town Council approves the Municipal Warrant for the second part of town meeting to be held on June 10, 2008, as presented.
Councilor Upham asked why this motion is needed if absentee ballots are available.
Town Manager Cabana explained the State requirements and that this motion indicates that the citizens of the town are being notified of an election.
4 Yes
Item #110-08 To review and act upon the appointment of the Warden and Deputy Warden for the June 10, 2008 Election.
This action requires a majority vote after an opportunity for public comment.
Councilor Scheckel moved; Councilor Hutchins seconded.
Ordered the Gray Town Council appoints Carol West as the Warden and Deborah Cabana as the Deputy Warden for the Election to be held on June 10, 2008.
4 Yes
Item #111-08 To review and act upon approving the School Administrative District Budget Validation Referendum Warrant to be held on June 10, 2008.
This action requires a majority vote after an opportunity for public comment
Councilor Hutchins moved; Councilor Scheckel seconded.
Ordered the Gray Town Council approves the School Administrative District Budget Validation Referendum Warrant to be held on June 10, 2008, as presented.
4 Yes
Fourth Order of Business: ORDINANCES:
Item #112-08 To review and act upon determining a response timeframe for the various boards and committees regarding their specific recommendations of the draft Subdivision Ordinance and draft Zoning Ordinance for the Town of Gray.
This action requires a majority vote after an opportunity for public comment
Councilor Hutchins moved; Councilor Scheckel seconded.
Resolved the Gray Town Council requests that the various boards and committees involved with the process of implementing the proposed Subdivision Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance respond in writing to the Town Council with their specific recommendations no later than June 17, 2008.
Councilor Upham asked if it is only the chair’s signature required or the full town council’s signatures.
Chair Mancini indicated that it was sent as a proposal via email.
4 Yes
Fifth Order of Business:
Reports from the Town Manager:
Town Manager Cabana indicated that there are absentee ballots for the various items for the upcoming elections. She stated that the Town is currently advertising for a new code enforcement officer.
Sixth Order of Business:
Committee Appointments and Resignations:
Chair Mancini stated that Linda Atherton has resigned from the Gray Public Library Board of Trustees.
Christine Lee and Chris Dombrowski have resigned from the Gray /New Gloucester Business Association and Nancy McMinn has resigned from the Dry Mills School Committee.
Committee Reports:
Councilor Hutchins stated that Public Safety and ORC committees will be meeting and continue their work on the ordinance reviews.
Councilor Scheckel stated CEDC will be meeting tomorrow.
Chair Mancini stated that there are several openings for the board of trustees for the library.
She also indicated the library also received a $1000 gift and the Dry Mills Library is also conducting meetings and are looking for volunteers for their library activities.
GNGBA: Chair Mancini also discussed the school scholarships and other activities to help raise money and their map activities.
Council Correspondence:
Chair Mancini indicated that Councilor Sheckel received an email (May 15th) from Nathan Tsukroff, commenting on Councilor Sheckel’s work on a newsletter/website. She also read a letter from the town lawyer stating his reply.
She also read a note from Christine Watkins of Egypt Road about the budget.
Council Business:
Town Manager Cabana indicated that in order to receive federal funding the town needs to be NIMS(National Incidence Management Systems) compliant. She stated that there will be an order at the next meeting, and asked the Fire Chief to give an overview.
Fire Chief Plummer gave an overview of NIMS. Homeland Security has been working with fire services at all levels of government. There are 6 types of classes required. He indicated that in Federal Year 09 (starting in September) all need to be NIMS compliant. This includes public safety, town council and other departments that would be required in the event of a major emergency and that all involved need to be consistent. Most classes are available online. He indicated that the NIMS format needs to be used in all types of emergencies. He indicated that Gray is ahead on this work and that the town is close to being compliant and would like to complete the process so as to not jeopardize federal funding.
Councilor Hutchins asked if this is continuing education. Chief Plummer stated at present that they are one-time courses.
The courses are free and people need to pass each of the course. The certificates then go to the town, state, federal and eventually Cumberland County to be on record.
Councilor Upham asked for more clarification and Chief Plummer will get info to him.
Chief Plummer commented on the 911 outages with Fairpoint Communications and in the Emergency E-911 Board meeting expressed concerns about this issue and that calls are getting transferred to the State Police and they are working to resolve this.
Chair Mancini asked if there are other options. Chief Plummer said that at present, no. He stated that the group is looking at the back-up dispatch center in Westbrook to be enhanced for the future. He gave an overview of the source of the problem and the issues with 911 via a cell phone.
Councilor Upham asked for more clarification on the newsletter issue that was stated earlier and asked why this issue was discussed with the town attorney. He believes that any town councilor issue should be brought before the council first and taken further if needed if it is more serious
Town Manager Cabana indicated that she asked the town attorney’s opinion to be prepared for this.
Councilor Upham asked about the status of banking services. Town Manager Cabana gave an overview of the RFP proposal with a July 1 due date to be brought to the Council.
Seventh Order of Business
Additions to the Agenda: NONE
Eighth Order of Business:
Council Action Items, Assignments and Issues Status:
The next Council workshop conflicts with Memorial Day.
The Council decided to set the agenda for the June 3rd meeting tonight.
Councilor Upham wants a follow-up to the mobile vendors’ licenses and that all materials be ready.
Councilor Scheckel reminded the group about bids for sand and salt.
Ninth Order of Business: Adjournment
Councilor Hutchins moved; Councilor Scheckel seconded.
Motion to adjourn the meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35pm.
Minutes approved and accepted June 3, 2008 by its Town Council:
___________________________________ ________________________________
Deborah Mancini, Chair Andy J. Upham, Vice Chair
___________________________________ ________________________________
Margaret Hutchins Marchian Crane, Jr.
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Tracy Scheckel
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