Public Hearing

Shoreland Zoning Map Changes

03/05/08

 

COUNCIL PRESENT: Sally Strout, Oscar Emerson, Fred Gifford, and Lillian Coulter.

 

PUBLIC PRESENT: Charles Wilcox, Peter Currier and Jim Gooch

 

STAFF PRESENT: Manager Melissa Doane, Virginia Oakes, note taker and Charles Norburg, CEO

 

OPEN PUBLIC HEARING: Chairperson Strout opened Public hearing at 6:30

 

PUBLIC COMMENT: Charles Norburg explained that it was part of the new shoreland zoning laws. The change places the area 250 feet around Boynton Brook in Resource Protection which doesn’t allow any development. The State has identified the land as “Critical Wildlife Habitat”. Charles further explained that the State originally wanted to do the same to Great Works Stream; however this is existing development in that area. The Town Council can request that DEP come to Bradley and be heard by public, reasons to not change zoning.

Councilor Emerson stated that such a large portion of Bradley is protected; he didn’t feel it was necessary to make more land “undevelopable”.

 

CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING: Chairperson Strout closed Public Hearing at 6:48.

 

 

Town Council Meeting

03/05/2008

 

COUNCIL PRESENT: Sally Strout, Oscar Emerson, who asked to be excused at 7:30, Fred Gifford, Lillian Coulter and Audrey Wilcox

 

STAFF PRESENT: Melissa Doane, Virginia Oakes as note taker and Charles Norburg, CEO(briefly)

 

OPEN MEETING: Chairperson Strout opened the Town Council meeting at 6:50 p.m.

 

JIM GOOCH:

Jim Gooch from The Trust for Public Land gave a presentation regarding open space planning. This is designed to guide towns in the region in development in the future. He stated that the focus wasn’t to lock up more land but to designate how it is used. Jim explained the service is offered through Greenprinting. It is mapping developed to help with land conservation and economic commercial planning. He further explained that what happens in the nearby towns will affect our community and The Trust works together with other towns to work as a region. There are 11 other towns in the area are joining. The cost to join is .50 per capita which would equal about $700.

 

REVIEW OF MINUTES:

Councilor Gifford made a motion to accept the 02/20/08 minutes as presented.  Motion was seconded by Chairperson Strout. Vote 3-0. Motion carried.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST: None

 

MANAGERS REPORT:

  1. Manager Doane reported that the Parade Committee has elected to have and handle their funds. They would no longer be under the Town’s liability Councilor Wilcox motioned to turn over parade committee funds. Motion was seconded by Chairperson Strout. Vote 4-0. Motion carried.
  2. Manager Doane notified Council that the Planning Board would like the Town Manager and Town Council to attend the next meeting which is March 20th at 6:30 regarding the Land Use Ordinance.
  3. Manager Doane attended the yearly Manager Interchange on February 29th. One of the topic discussed was the new law that went into effect last September regarding all Council members being trained in the Freedom of Information Act. Maine Municipal will be offering courses on this and online testing. Manager Doane provided Council with a list of guidelines and myths about Municipalities legal issues.
  4. Kelly Brown, who worked in the office, has given her notice. Her last day will be March 7th. She will, however, continue as the Animal Control Officer. Manager Doane has placed an advertisement in the Penobscot Times to replace her.
  5. Manager Doane is meeting with Edmund Beaurer, the Town Attorney Friday, March 7th. Some topics of discussion will be the PPL abatement, Charter changes and the school property.
  6. Manager Doane has started working on the Town Report. She asked for ideas regarding the dedication of the Town Report this year. Councilor Wilcox mentioned the Veterans. Everyone agreed this was a good idea.
  7. On March 11th Manager Doane will be meeting with the Penobscot Indians and Chief Francis regarding the air emissions from Red Shield. She also intends to ask about the land the Penobscot Nation owns toward the Eddington side of Bradley.
  8. John and Ava Spruce at 11 Cram Street have assured Manager Doane that their 2005 taxes will be paid by the end of March. This is the only remaining land foreclosed on by the Town.
  9. Maine Waste Systems has submitted a quote for trash pick up and recycling pick up.  The price for 2008-2009 is $36,900 for trash pick up and $7,200 for recycling pick up. The increase includes the transportation for the clean ups. The net difference to the budget will be an increase of $5,990. Only $3,100 will need to be budgeted for the clean ups now. Councilor Gifford motioned to accept the contract from Maine Waste Systems. Motion was seconded by Councilor Wilcox. Vote 4-0. Motion carried.
  10. One more budget meeting is necessary. Manager Doane is waiting to hear from the County as to what the tax bill was going to be.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

7a. Councilor Gifford motioned to deny the Shoreland Zoning maps to comply with the requirement of Department of Environmental Protection. Motion was seconded by Councilor Emerson. Councilor Emerson went on to explain he seconded the motion because a the majority of the Town of Bradley is either within state owned land, resource protection, or shoreland zoning and this limits the available land for development. Vote 5-0. Motion carried.

7b. Chairperson Strout motioned to grant quitclaim deed regarding Map 21 Lot 31 to Matt Michaud and Shawn Richards to release 2005 tax lien Book 10543 Page 296. Motion was seconded by Councilor Gifford. Vote 4-0. Motion carried

7c. Councilor Gifford motioned to June 10, 2008 as the annual Town of Bradley Referendum. Motion was seconded by Councilor Wilcox Vote 4-0. Motion carried.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Chairperson Strout announced that all their RSU meetings were suspended until April 16th. An LD1932 has been brought before the Legislature and Governor. This bill could change a lot of the RSUs to allow them to be Unions. The RSU is going to wait and see if the bill is passed before proceeding

 

MUNICIPAL WARRANTS:

Councilor Coulter motioned to accept the municipal warrant # 68 for $4786.97, warrant #69 for $3613.82, warrant #70 for $9852.39 and warrant #71 for $120.14. Motion was seconded by Councilor Wilcox. Vote 4-0. Motion carried. 

 

NEXT MEETING: March 18, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.

 

ADJOURN: Councilor Wilcox motioned to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Councilor Coulter. Vote 4-0. Motion carried.