Town Council Meeting

5/27/08

 

COUNCIL PRESENT: Audrey Wilcox, Sally Strout, Frederick Gifford, Oscar Emerson and Lillian Coulter

 

OFFICE STAFF: Manager Melissa Doane, and Virginia Oakes

 

PUBLIC PRESENT: Chief Eric Gifford, Rose Brooks, and Roger Desrosiers

 

OPEN TOWN COUNCIL MEETING: Council Chairperson Strout opened the Town Council meeting at 6:30 p.m.

 

REVIEW OF MINUTES: Councilor Gifford motioned to accept the 5/13/08 minutes as presented. Councilor Coulter seconded the motion. Vote 5-0. Motion carried.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST: Roger Desrosiers of 72 Main Street in Bradley is requesting that Council reconsider his previous request for a street light to be placed on the first pole on Pine Street. He believes that with increasing traffic on the street, the area in question is a safety issue. The existing lights are located on the last 2 poles about ¾ of the way down the street. There is a light at the very beginning but it faces Main Street. Rose Brooks of Pine Street confirmed the increased traffic and possible safety issue. Council does not feel it is necessary to have a street light on every pole. Chairperson Strout suggested having one of the lights moved up to the pole needing the light. Mr. Desrosiers and Council agreed with this solution. Council expressed that there should be no cost to the Town. Council agreed to table the issue until Manager Doane contacts Bangor Hydro to find out if it is possible.

Mr. Desrosiers also requested the Town consider looking into natural gas. He has researched the option and found that it is considerably less expensive than oil. Manager Doane explained that it was not the Councils position to pursue this. The residents could start a petition if they chose to see if there was interest and post it at the Town Office. Council asked if any companies had contacted the Town showing interest in place natural gas lines in Bradley. Manager Doane confirmed no one had contacted the Town. Manager Doane will contact Bangor Gas to see if the company has interest in the Town.

 

MANAGER’S REPORT:

1.      On May 20th Manager Doane attended a PVCOG meeting. The Maine Office of Community Development was there doing a presentation on grants. The criteria is the same, that the population has to be 51% below the low to moderate income and Bradley is above that. They also are going to be handling the River Bond Grant. Manager Doane will be sitting on the steering committee, to assist in setting policy and eligibility.

2.      On May 29th there is a public commenting on the Greenprinting that Bradley is taking part in. This meeting will be at the Old Town High School at 6:30. Manager Doane and Councilor Gifford are required to attend.

3.      Bernie Dill has removed the fence posts from the Town Park. He also temporarily repaired the salt shed door. He will continue work on it this summer. Bernie has also made septic system covers and will cover the septic systems.

4.      On May 20th Governor Baldacci was in Bradley. He spoke to flood victims. Residents who experienced damage during the flood may be eligible for FEMA. Manager Doane walked through the village with FEMA and the general consensus is they do not like dealing with FEMA as it has been unsuccessful in the past.

5.      Manager Doane has scheduled the pizza party for the Fire Department on June 4th at 6:00 p.m. at the Viola Rand School. She went on to add that Kenneth Shorette is resigning from the Fire Department. Chief Gifford would like to present a plaque for his years of service as well as his fire fighter helmet. Town Council agreed that this was a nice idea. It will be done during the pizza party. Manager Doane reminded Council that Chief Gifford’s term expires on June 30, 2008. Rose Brooks shared that the Fire Department would like to see him reappointed, as he is a vital asset to the Fire Department. Manager Doane is recommending that Chief Gifford be reappointed. Council will make a decision within the next month.

6.      On May 29th, FEMA is meeting with the Town and the County regarding the flooding. Manager Doane’s concern is Route 178 continually flooding. Since it’s a State funded road she believes nothing will be done.

7.      Manager Doane received a complaint that the Boynton Street culvert that were just replaced was washing out on the shoulders. Upon examination Manager Doane did not feel that the shoulders were washing out. She asked if Council would look at it and give their opinion.

8.      The Town’s recipient of the Boston Cane, Bunny Brooks has passed away.

9.      Manager Doane reminded Council of the RSU meeting May 28th.

10.  Manager Doane reported the deadline for the trailer on Penney Lane to be foreclosed on was May 21st. She spoke to the IRS on the 16th and they stated they have no interest in redeem their right to the trailer. Manager Doane has put together a package and Mr. Bearer is reviewing it.

 

NEW BUSINESS: Councilor Gifford motioned to accept warrant for the Open Town Meeting schedules June 3, 2008 for the school budget items. Councilor Emerson seconded the motion. Vote 5-0. Motion carried.

 

Councilor Wilcox would like to see the remainder of the Evergreen Cemetery stones restored. Councilor Wilcox asked that some of the surplus from the cemetery trusts be used for this endeavor. The total cost for the remaining restoration to Evergreen Cemetery was estimated to be $8520. Councilor Gifford motioned that the Town complete the restoration on the remaining cemetery plots including the tomb. Chairperson Strout seconded the motion. Councilor Gifford amended his motion to add that the cost should not exceed $10,000. Councilor Emerson seconded the motion. Vote 5-0. Motion carried.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Councilor Gifford shared concern about Bradley remaining a school choice town after the RSU took over. It was suggested Union 90 meet to discuss concerns before the RSU take over. Manager Doane will contact Mr. Smith regarding a meeting.

 

Manager Doane provided Council with a letter from the Army Corp of Engineers. Based on this letter, the Town can move forward with the new fire station proposal. Manager Doane will schedule a Building Committee meeting.

 

Manager Doane received the pricing for the roads. B & B Paving was the most competitive. $128,000 has been allotted for roads. The price quoted to do the roads chosen would be $190,000. There was discussion regarding which roads to choose from the SW Cole recommendations. The decision will be made at a later date.

 

MUNICIPAL WARRANTS: Councilor Coulter motioned to accept Warrant #91 for $4,155.63 and #92 for 14,899.02. Councilor Strout seconded the motion. Vote 5-0. Motion carried.

 

NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, June 11th

 

ADJOURN: Councilor Wilcox motioned to adjourn. Councilor Gifford seconded the motion. Vote 5-0. Motion carried.