SOUTH BERWICK TOWN COUNCIL
JANUARY 23 , 2006
Chairman Suzanne Roberge called the meeting to order at 6:33pm. Those present included Councilors Robert Gagne, Michelle Kareckas, and Norma Tutelian. Town Manager Jeffrey A. Grossman was also in attendance. Richard Clough was not present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Board of Assessors & Town Council 1-9-06: On a motion by Mrs. Tutelian, seconded by Mr. Gagne, it was unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the minutes and adopt them as written.
SIGNING OF TREASURER'S WARRANT – January 23, 2006
On a motion by Mr. Gagne, seconded by Mrs. Tutelian, it was unanimously voted to sign the warrant.
Ms. Roberge mentioned an invoice regarding a well replacement; and asked if insurance was available to cover this type of situation. Mr. Grossman stated that he was not aware of any. Ms. Roberge stated that the Council should review the issue after budget season.
PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Cliff Cleary, Spillane’s Hill, mentioned that North Berwick is using all salt. He asked what they are doing in regard to well contamination.
2. Ruth Boston, Emery’s Bridge Road, asked if anyone knew who the oldest resident was. No one present was sure. Mention was made that the Boston Post Cane records have not been found.
REPORTS & CORRESPONDENCE
1. Terrence Parker, Eastern Trail Alliance rep, informed the Council that a check for $3,632.64 would soon be received by the Town representing the proceeds from the Mt. A bike race held last August. These funds would be used toward the Town’s annual $5000 contribution to the ETA.
Ms. Roberge asked Mr. Parker to give a brief overview of the Alliances’ activities. Mr. Parker stated that much of the focus has been on establishing connector trails, and continuing negotiations with the gas company for access across Scarborough marsh. He added that future plans include several engineering studies; one over the Saco River, one of the off-road trails through South Berwick, Eliot, & Kittery, and one to find rights-of-way, especially in the Scarborough/South Portland area.
2. Ms. Roberge read an email from Mr. Fitzgerald of MEMA to Bob Bohlmann of the York County EMA. South Berwick has been approved to expend $82,826.50 for an emergency generator at the high school, which serves as a regional shelter.
The Council expressed its thanks to Adam Hollick for his hard work on the project.
3. Mrs. Kareckas asked that a letter from Amy Miller be added to the record. (It is attached and is made a part of these minutes).
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
1. Mrs. Kareckas asked if the Public Works Director could check the crosswalk from the Counting House to Main Street. She stated that it is in a bad locale and may need to be relocated.
South Berwick Town Council
January 23, 2006
Page 2
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
None.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Mrs. Tutelian made a motion to adopt the Special Amusement Ordinance. Mr. Gagne seconded the motion. Ms. Roberge recommended that the annual permit fee be enough to cover the expenses involved in posting & publishing the public hearing. Mrs. Kareckas moved to amend the original motion by setting the annual fee at $35.00. Mr. Gagne seconded the amendment.
Both the amended motion and the original motion to adopt passed with unanimous votes.
2. On a motion by Mr. Gagne, seconded by Mrs. Kareckas, it was unanimously vote to appoint the following list of people as Powder House Ski Hill volunteer operators: Gary Adams, Catalina Bakas, Jodi Buccafurri, Rich Cooke, Tom & Karen Doyle, Sandy Englesman, Eric & Marcia Flinkstrom, Lisa Godfrey, Randy & Nadine Gookin, Alan & Carol Harris, Jason & Tammy Holt, Tracy Hovan & David Burke, Daniel & Julie Hundley, Jack & Mitch Kareckas, Goerdt Lamberts, Todd Macleod, Bruce & Renie Martin, Eric & Barbara Mundell, Jim & Carol Protzmann, David & Heather Webster, and David & Fia Yarian. Mrs. Kareckas stated that she would abstain because she was one of the volunteers on the list.
3. Mr. Grossman explained that the Town had foreclosed on Mr. Chadwick for past due taxes. The property is now being sold back to Mr. Chadwick, who has paid the taxes in full through June 30, 2006. On a motion by Mrs. Kareckas, seconded by Mr. Gagne, it was unanimously voted to sign the release deed to Lawrence Chadwick for property on Emery’s Bridge Road.
4. Jack Shipley, Chair of the Comprehensive Plan Update Committee, informed the Council that there had already been two informal state reviews. The next part of the process involves a formal review. On a motion by Mr. Gagne, seconded by Mrs. Tutelian, it was unanimously voted to instruct the Manager to send the Comp Plan draft to the state for formal review.
5. Mr. Gagne mentioned that he believes the issue regarding the use of jake brakes needs to be revisited. Marion Muller of Portland Street stated that some towns have erected signs that say “Please no jake brakes”.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Gagne, seconded by Mrs. Tutelian, it was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:12pm.
Attest:
Barbara Bennett
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