TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

NOVEMBER 13, 2007

MEMBERS PRESENT: Sally Strout, Audrey Wilcox, Oscar Emerson, Lillian Coulter and Fredrick Gifford.

STAFF PRESENT: Town Manager, Melissa Doane, Note taker, Virginia Oakes and Eric Gifford

CITIZENS PRESENT: Robert and Minnie Rowell, Brian Wilcox, Peter Currier, Wendy Hayes and John O’Connor

OPEN MEETING: Council Chairperson Strout opened the Town Council meeting at 6:31 p.m.

REVIEW OF MINUTES: Councilor Gifford made a motion to accept the 10/30/07 minutes as presented. Seconded by Councilor Coulter. Vote 5-0, motion carried.

CITIZENS REQUEST:

Minnie Rowell asked if the new subdivision on High Point Place, which was taken to the Planning Board for preliminary review in January 2005 was bound to the new subdivision ordinance amendment of August of 2005. This amendment requires 1" compacted overlay. Manager Doane has spoken with the Town attorney regarding this and according to the ordinance, the meeting that they had in January 2005 is not binding, so the Rowells would be required to follow the new amendment that the Council adopted in August 2005.

MANAGERS REPORT:

  1. Manager Doane stated that Brown Street had been reclaimed on November 7th. Manager Doane spoke to Brik Hamilton of Vaughn Thibodeau and was told that the paving and additional gravel work should be done by the end of the week.
  2. A Cemetery Committee meeting was held November 5th. The focus of the meeting was Evergreen Cemetery layout. Ed Buck answered questions regarding discrepancies between the maps and the actual cemetery. Manager Doane and Virginia Oakes went to the cemetery to verify locations of plots. Many changes were noted for the records at the Town Office. There will be another Committee Meeting the first Monday in December. The Committee will also work on cemetery regulations and by-laws in upcoming meetings.
  3. Restoration of cemetery stones for the designated area in Evergreen Cemetery has been completed. Manager Doane, as well as other Council Members are pleased with the result.
  4. The election was held on Tuesday. There were 263 voters.
  5. There has been a request for a name of Lacadie Lane, which is off Baker Brook Road. There are 3 camps located on this road. Manager Doane has contacted all landowners however has only heard from two. The landowners were contacted on October 22, 2007. Councilor Gifford motioned that they accept Lacadie Lane as designated. Councilor Emerson seconded the motion. Vote 5-0, motion carried.
  6. The Bradley Broadcast is coming together and should be ready to go out before Christmas. Manager Doane would like council ideas.
  7. Manager Doane reported that a letter of thanks was received from Pine Tree Snowmobile Club for the donation of $225.00.
  8. Roger Desrosiers requested that a streetlight be placed at the end of Pine Street on the first pole. Councilors Wilcox motioned that council grant the request for the streetlight on the first pole at the end of Pine Street. Motion seconded by Councilor Gifford. Vote 5-0, motion carried.
  9. Lane Development contacted Manager Doane with an update on the Boynton Street culverts being replaced. Due to a personal issue he hasn’t been able to start the work. He still wants to the project. He asked if he could use concrete instead of pavement should he be unable to get pavement if the plants are closed. The other option is to wait until spring. Manager Doane would like to see it done now verses waiting until spring. It was decided that Lane Development should proceed now with concrete if needed.
  10. Manager Doane asked that Council to choose one of the five candidates mentioned to serve on the Maine Municipal Review Committee. Councilor Wilcox motioned to accept Ron Tewhey of Glenburn. Motion seconded by Chairperson Strout. Vote 5-0, motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Brian Wilcox addressed Council regarding dogs barking near his establishment. He reported that the dogs are tied outside and left unattended frequently. He has contacted the owner multiple times asking him to quiet the dogs. The dog owner is reluctant to stop his dogs from barking as they are hunting dogs. Peter Currier was also present and affirmed that the dogs bark often. Mr. Wilcox would like to see a public nuisance ordinance or dog ordinance put in place to discourage dog owners from letting their dogs bark continuously. The owner has 5 dogs, which constitutes him to have a kennel license, which is done through the Town. The Animal Control Officer has not inspected the kennel but will be doing so in the near future. John O’Connor spoke regarding barking dogs in kennels. As a licensed kennel owner, it was his opinion that discouraging the dogs from barking would not interfere with their ability to hunt. He further stated that he is able to train his dogs to keep the barking at a minimum. At the previous meeting council asked Manager Doane to look into other town’s dog ordinances. She presented a draft and briefly explained a few aspects of it. The ordinance as written will have the animal control officer issue a court summons once a complaint is received. The ordinance also addresses dogs running at large and license requirements. Councilor Emerson was concerned that residents could contact the Animal Control officer and a summons be issued. Manager Doane suggested a written complaint be issued, Manager Doane also stated that the fine is to up to a judge at a minimum of $50.00 and no more than $200.00. Council was asked to review this draft. Manager Doane will forward the pending ordinance to the Town Attorney and prepare for a public hearing.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Councilor Emerson made a motion to accept the contract for Fire Station Parking lot snow removal with P.S. Currier Construction for the amount of $650.00 for the 2007-2008 Winter Season, Councilor Gifford seconded the motion. Vote 5-0, motion carried.

Manager Doane invited all Bradley’s elected officials, Maine DEP and Red Shield to a meeting to discuss Red Shield emissions. Only Senator Rosen has responded with his availability. It was also noted that it should be advertised with the local media. Manager Doane would like to see the public meeting only consist of Bradley residents. She would like to have a moderator to ensure this. The public meeting will be scheduled for after the holiday season.

Ed Logue from DEP called Manager Doane to alert her of high levels of leachable lead at Red Shield. They are not burning construction debris as of right now. Manager Doane explained that the testing is done on the bottom ash and fly ash that is caught on the preceptors. Manager Doane will receive a report with an explanation later this week.

MUNICIPAL WARRANTS:

Councilor Coulter made a motion to accept the municipal warrant #40 in the amount of $3953.27 and warrant #41 in the amount of $22,454.67, Chairperson Strout seconded the motion. Vote 5-0, motion carried.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Wendy Hayes thanked the Council for the donation of $200.00 for the boys’ basketball team she coaches. She further expressed interest in having a recreation center in the Town of Bradley for all ages that would serve many purposes. Manager Doane explained that resident participation was very low in Bradley. Wendy was advised to start a committee and bring it before the Council. Manager Doane also encouraged her to have interested residents email or contact the Town showing an interest in this type of endeavor.

NEXT MEETING: Next meeting set for November 28th at 6:30 p.m.

ADJOURN: Motion made by Councilor Wilcox to adjourn and seconded by Councilor Emerson. Vote 5-0, motion carried.