Town Council Minutes 10/25/2004

MINUTES

                                              Monday, OCTOBER 25, 2004
                                                      
7:00 p.m. - CALL TO ORDER
Present: Chairman Stiles, Councilors Damon, Storey, Kuntz, Moriarty and Porter.
Excused: Councilor Savasuk.

I.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES

II.     MANAGER'S REPORT

·       Presentation of the Boston Cane to Bertha Gray, Chebeague Island.
Councilor Damon introduced Bertha Gray, describing her as an "inspiration to everyone on Chebeague.  Bertha, who will progress to 99 on December 9, 2004, and several family members were present to receive the cane.  In addition, a plaque was presented to Bertha by Councilor Storey, Chairman Stiles, and Cumberland Historical Society representative, Mrs. Small.
·       3^rd party easement work at Rines Forest
·       Curit property update - survey work and Land Trust work

III.    PUBLIC DISCUSSION

        None

IV.     LEGISLATION AND POLICY

04  137.       To hear a report from Dick Bradbury, Maine Forest Service, regarding brown tail moths.

        Chairman Stiles explained Mr. Bradbury was delayed and this item would be taken up upon his arrival.  Mr. Bradbury arrived at 7:44 p.m.  Upon recent review of Route 88 in particular and surrounding areas, Mr. Bradbury anticipates significant brown tail moth problems in some areas.  He noted that he will survey the town in December, after leaves drop off the oaks ... and report back to you on any areas that have significant levels of moth infestations.  He was asked to speak to the issue of aerial sprays and responded I still don"t recommend municipal spray projects.  The problem I have is that its difficult to do an adequate job unless you have 100% compliance with an aerial spray.  It creates a lot of dissention between neighbors.  Its a very efficient means if youve got a contiguous area; 20 plus acres.  But, we get as many that want spraying as those that dont want it.  You do open yourselves up to some liability with chemical spraying.  It does allow the town to assume the liability for the project, which is about the only way you can get an aerial spryer to do a project.  Should you do decide to go ahead with it the best chemical to use remains to be dimilin. He explained that ground spraying costs $25 an acre; roughly triple the cost for an aerial spray, and reminded homeowners that time is of the essence when scheduling a ground spray.  By the time you get into May its difficult to find an applicator.  If you get it done early in the year they dont develop the toxic hairs till later in the season.  The earliest date for an effective spray is the second or third day in May.  The breakpoint for success is May 25-27.  Councilor Moriarty requested his opinion of the effectiveness of ground spraying this past season.  Mr. Bradbury replied Ive had people report tremendous success; very similar to the aerial spraying. It does a tremendous job if you have a few oak trees  however, he recommends neighbors join together to spray an entire neighborhood for optimal results.  Mr. Bradbury concluded by noting that he will report the general areas that are infected to the Town Manager in mid-December.  He also noted that he will be retiring in April and therefore will not be available for future brown tail concerns.  He was uncertain if the state would replace his position.

               The Town Manager stated the Code Enforcement Officer will attend a future council meeting to get feedback to take to the builders and then hold a workshop.  Councilor Moriarty requested a written summary from the Code Enforcement Officer summarizing the key distinctions between the present code and the 2003 code.  Councilor Porter expressed a desire to be sure&that were not putting requirements on our builders that are not necessary and recommended a workshop to invite builders input.  I certainly dont have the necessary skills to make this decision without input he remarked.  Councilor Damon concurred with Councilor Porter, noting Im concerned about unintended consequences.  Councilor Storey believes the 2003 code is a code that has to be adopted and commented I dont think youre going to find any complaints from the builders.  

        Motion by Councilor Porter to set a public hearing date of November 22, 2004;
        Seconded by Councilor Kuntz.
        VOTE:         UNANIMOUS 6-0
        

V.      NEW BUSINESS

Councilor Damon  the Greely Presidential Platform will be held Wednesday, October 28^th, and the admission is free.  Noted the passing of former councilor Phil Allen; a great public servant.
Councilor Storey  none
Councilor Kuntz  none
Chairman Stiles  noted Lieutenant Al Taylors recent passing.  These people have done the town a tremendous service and the family has requested presentation by the towns trucks and compatriots for the funeral.  This has been a long held tradition in the town for people who have paid so dearly. Notice of absentee voting and voter registration hours during Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings this week, as well as Saturday morning.  He cancelled the November 8 meeting; the next meeting will be November 22^nd.  Reminded everyone to vote.
Councilor Moriarty  attended the Middle School dedication and tour; extremely impressive building.  Expressed thanks for the work at the cemetery  quite a change. Described the astounding number of traffic lights installed at the Main Street/Tuttle Road intersection a pet peeve.  Whos paying for the eleven lights?  I dont understand it.  Town Manager will speak with MDOT to ascertain if the number of lights might be reduced.
Councilor Porter  complimented the Deputy Clerk and Town Clerk for their voter outreach efforts.  Thanked Alyssa Daniels for her creative work with the community access channel.
Town Manager  commented on the volume of absentee voting.  Announced online vehicle registrations are doubling every month.  We continue to offer more services electronically.  Salt shed will be condemned in the next week; looking at alternatives for temporary storage.  What we have now will not make it through the winter and we will have to put something in place to get us through the winter. Youll be getting info from me fairly rapidly in the next few weeks.

VI.     ADJOURN

Motion to adjourn by Councilor Moriarty;
Seconded by Councilor Porter.
VOTE:          UNANIMOUS
TIME:          8:29 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Nadeen Daniels, CMC
Town Clerk