TOWN COUNCIL
DECEMBER 16, 2002
Chairman, David Webster called the meeting to order at 6:08pm. Those present included Councilors Robert Gagne, John Ford, Suzanne Roberge, and John Rudolph. Town Manager Richard Brown, and Jon St. Pierre were also in attendance.
MINUTES TO PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1. Vaughan Fund 10-28-02: On a motion by Mr. Gagne, seconded by Mr. Ford, it was unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the minutes and adopt them as written.
2. Town Council 10-28-02: On a motion by Mr. Ford, seconded by Mr. Gagne, it was unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the minutes and adopt them as written.
3. Town Council 11-25-02: On a motion by Mr. Rudolph, seconded by Mr. Ford, it was unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the minutes and adopt them as written.
4. Special Town Council 12-09-02: On a motion by Mr. Gagne, seconded by Mr. Ford, it was unanimously voted to dispense with the reading of the minutes and adopt them as written.
INFORMATIONAL
1. Nicole St. Pierre addressed the Council regarding the summer concert series. In the past the Strawberry Festival committee sponsored the concerts, however, they will no longer be covering the full cost. Last year’s costs totaled $2870. Mrs. St. Pierre asked the Council to contribute $500 toward next year’s costs. Mr. Webster stated that the Council would take it under consideration during the budget workshops.
COMMUNICATIONS
None.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
1. Cliff Cleary of Spillane’s Hill asked the Council to consider changing the regular meeting time back to 7:00pm. He stated that he thought it would be better for the public.
SIGNING OF TREASURER'S WARRANT – None
COUNCIL MEMBERS' REPORTS
1. Mr. Rudolph complimented Mr. Brown on the new signs used to advertise the Council and Planning Board meetings.
2. Mr. Rudolph informed the Council that Eliot and Kittery have both been developing performance standards for casinos. He stated that they are trying to make their ordinances so restrictive that they would, in fact, prohibit casinos in their towns. Mr. Brown stated that current speculation is that the casino issue will fail in the legislature. However, it is also speculated that if passed, casinos would fall under state regulation; and towns would have little or no control.
Mr. Rudolph stated that he would pass on any further information he obtains.
Town Council
December 16, 2002
Page 2
COUNCIL MEMBERS' REPORTS CONT’D
3. Mr. Webster stated that he had been in communication with Ernest Wood, President of the Old Berwick Historical Society. Recent law changes have added more responsibilities to the town regarding cemeteries, especially those for veterans. Mr. Wood has asked to meet with the Council, VFW, and any interested parties to discuss the issues. Mr. Gagne mentioned that many South Berwick veterans are buried in Rollinsford, and should be taken into consideration.
TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
1. Jon St. Pierre’s transition to Manager is moving forward. It has also been decided that Terry Oliver will be replacing Jon in public works from January 1, 2003 through June 30, 2003.
2. Mr. Brown informed those present that the Town has received a FEMA grant of approximately $450,000 for a new fire truck. The Town is committed to 10% of the cost.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
1. On a motion by Mr. Gagne, seconded by Mr. Ford, it was voted 4-0 to renew Stuart Emery’s Junkyard Permit for 2003. Ms. Roberge abstained. Mr. Ford questioned Mr. Emery about the “items” located close to the road. Mr. Emery stated that he had been picking up a lot of vehicles lately, and is trying to clean up the area.
2. On a motion by Mr. Gagne, seconded by Mr. Ford, it was unanimously voted to renew Charles Lynch’s Junkyard Permit for 2003.
3. On a motion by Mr. Gagne, seconded by Mr. Ford, it was unanimously voted to re-appoint Barbara Bennett as Registrar of Voters for a term to expire December 31, 2004.
4. On a motion by Mr. Gagne, seconded by Mr. Ford, it was unanimously voted to adopt the tentative meeting schedule, including budget workshops, for 2003. *See attached.
5. On a motion by Mr. Gagne, seconded by Mr. Ford, it was unanimously voted to accept Black Swan Drive, with drainage easements, as a Town road; and to hold the $800 retainer until all landscape work has been completed.
6. No action taken.
OTHER
None.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Gagne, seconded by Mr. Ford, it was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 6:35pm.
Attest:
Barbara Bennett, CMC
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