South Berwick Town Council
December 27, 2011
Chairman Gerald W. MacPherson, Sr. called the meeting to order at 6:30pm. Councilors present included, David Burke, Jean Demetracopoulos, David H. Webster, and John C. Kareckas. Town Manager Perry Ellsworth was also in attendance.
Approval of Minutes
1. Special Council 12-6-11: On a motion by Mr. Kareckas, seconded by Mrs. Demetracopoulos, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes as written.
2. Council 12-13-11: On a motion by Mrs. Demetracopoulos, seconded by Mr. Kareckas, it was unanimously voted to adopt the minutes as written.
Treasurer’s Warrant – Dec 27, 2011
On a motion by Mr. Burke, seconded by Mrs. Demetracopoulos, it was unanimously voted to sign the warrant in the amount of $172,283.34.
Public Comment
1. Ruth Baker, Portsmouth Herald, asked about the letter from Rep. Roberta Beavers regarding transmission lines.
Reports & Correspondence
1. Mr. Ellsworth explained that he just received Mrs. Beavers email regarding transmission lines. He stated that he recommended placing the issue on the next agenda for discussion.
Town Manager’s Report
-Made note that he should be signing off, except for a minor checklist, on the library project by December 31st. The approved expense was $1.6 million; currently at $1.59 million.
-Stated that the current budget is in good shape.
-Working on performance evaluations.
-Have hired two new people in the office. Have interviewed for the library position; and a decision should be made soon.
New Business
1. The Council discussed Official Business Directional Signs. The South Berwick Veterinary Hospital has requested signage from the state; however, our current ordinance prohibits them. Mrs. Demetracopoulos stated that we haven’t allowed them since sometime before 2003.
Mr. Webster stated that he believes they should be allowed, but would not want to see a lot of signs leading outside of town.
Mr. Kareckas stated that the matter should be “placed on the list” and see if there is any additional interest or need. Although sympathetic to the applicant, an ordinance should not be changed for a single request.
Mrs. Demetracopoulos commented that a lack of signage is not a threat to that particular business being appointment based.
Mr. Burke asked if there were any loop holes or ways to circumvent the ordinance and simply allow the signage. Mr. MacPherson stated that he didn’t believe the Council should go against the ordinance. Ordinances should not be manipulated; proper actions should be taken.
Consensus was to include the issue on “the list” of items needing future consideration.
2. On a motion by Mr. Burke, seconded by Mrs. Demetracopoulos, it was unanimously voted to approve and sign the Games of Chance License (2012 tuition raffle) for Berwick Academy.
TC 12-27-11
3. On a motion by Mrs. Demetracopoulos, seconded by Mr. Webster, it was unanimously voted to approve the CMP Pole Permit for Mountain Road. Mr. Ellsworth recommended that the Council authorize the Manager or Public Works Director to take action on such permit requests in the future.
4. The Manager explained that the Police Union contract extension included a % increase for each of the 2 years. There is no additional step/merit or COLA (cost of living) increases.
On a motion by Mr. Kareckas, seconded by Mrs. Demetracopoulos, it was unanimously voted to accept the proposed 2 year Police Union contract extension as drafted.
Mr. Burke stated that he is unhappy with the state mandated increases in retirement.
Council Member Comments
1. Mr. Burke:
-Asked if the top of the steeple on the library will be staying white. Mr. Ellsworth replied that it would be staying the way it is.
-Asked for the status of the audit. Mr. Ellsworth stated that we are currently making our comments and it should be back shortly.
2. Mr. Webster:
-Stated that it was nice to see the library come so far in the last 6 months.
Adjournment
On a motion by Mrs. Demetracopoulos, seconded by Mr. Webster, it was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:05pm.
Attested:
Barbara Bennett, CCM
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