Town Council Minutes 1/12/2004

7:00 p.m. - CALL TO ORDER

Present: Chairman Porter, Councilors Savasuk, Damon, Storey, Kuntz, Moriarty, and Stiles

 
None

        The Town Manager introduced a group of students from Greely High School who, as part of a curriculum embedded service learning project, worked with the Cumberland Fire Department to make a positive and effective community connection. The group of five sophomores, Jess Hodson, Kevin Foster, Josh Turrino, Chris Dahl, and Barry Colbrith, began work on a GIS project three months ago. The sophomores met three times a week, spending many hours after school meeting with the Town Manager and Fire Chief.
        The students began by discussing their decision to base their project on Willow Lane due to its easy accessibility from school. The students decided to take the GIS program to a "new level for use in the fire department by improving search and rescue time and assisting in preplanning efforts by the responding crews.
        The students began their research by sending letters and making phone calls to the residents of Willow Lane in order to seek more information regarding the number of residents at each house, the structure of the homes, etc. They contacted twelve homes on the street, one of which did not reply and two of which could not be contacted. All others were cooperative and helpful.
        The students demonstrated through their presentation the use of the information within the GIS program. The user was able to click on a particular site marked on an aerial map of the Town of Cumberland to learn more detail. The homes were also color coded to show the number of current residents within the household. They hope to expand the program by researching one area of the town at a time and including even more information in their surveys.
        The next step in their project was to employ the towns GPS in each driveway to mark exact locations and distances on each property as well as other features of the homes such as swimming pools and propane tanks. Eventually the group hopes to create a search feature in which users will be able to type in an exact street address and find the information related to that property on demand.
        Councilor Damon spoke to the possibility for grant monies. Jess Hodson responded that the group would likely apply for the money to purchase laptops for each rescue vehicle. Chief Small commented on his positive impressions of the groups efforts. Their health teacher, Denise Allen, was also present and described the students as motivated and organized and fortunate to have the opportunity to work within a community that is so willing to assist the students.
        In closing, the Manager exclaimed this group had set the bar high for future groups.

        Manager Shane introduced the report and explained that the PACTS committee, as a part of our state aid road services, has designated Cumberland as one of sixteen communities within a metropolitan planning organization. The decision was a result of the 2000 census where Route 1, Tuttle Road and a portion of Route 9 were identified as determining roads.
        The Manager further explained that there are two ways of funding for the towns roads, either on our own or through the PACTS model. If expanded into this model, there will be little funding for our roads. Chairman Porter added that by entering this pool, we face competition among cities such as Portland and Westbrook, which would most likely result in very little funding for the Town of Cumberland.
        Manager Shane proposed that the councilors agree to retain the PACTS model, without extending the boundaries as suggested by the census.
        

        Manager Shane opened the discussion with the notice of requirement by state statute that all municipalities adopt a swimming pool ordinance.  The town currently has an ordinance, to which changes are being proposed. Councilor Damon requested that SAD51 and Chebeague Island be notified of these changes.

*Councilor Savasuk- none
*Councilor Damon- an error was made in reporting for the 2000 census which resulted in Chebeague Island being included with Cumberland Foreside for the first time in recorded history. Prior to this change, Chebeague Island qualified for USDA development. But, as a result of this combination, the islands per capita income has been raised to $80,000. Over the past 7-8 years, between $150,000-$200,000 in grants have been awarded, going mainly to nonprofit organizations performing town functions. The town Manager stated that in order to, once again, not be considered a part of Cumberland Foreside, the town must conduct its own census. Chairman Porter and Manager Shane will address this matter with Congressmen Allen to better understand why this decision occurred and how it might be more easily reversed.
*Councilor Storey- Announced that he is resigning from the Councils Nominating Committee. The councilor does not feel it is necessary for both new and incumbent applicants to be interviewed. He further stated he supports a five-year residency requirement prior to appointment. Chairman Porter responded by clarifying that the decision to interview all applicants was not his own, and that he does not support a five-year residency requirement.  However, he expressed sorrow over Councilor Storeys resignation from the Nominating Committee.






*Councilor Kuntz- Stated that he has been pleased to see the huge support and
volunteerism within the community and compared it with surrounding communities who are begging for people to come in and help. He believes the town should offer the same respect to each individual as a means of thanking them for their desire and willingness to volunteer. Members of the community who express interest deserve an interview and at the very least to be met and thanked for their contribution.
*Chairman Porter- Provided the manager with a Portland Press Herald insert from the 1987 assessment and town revaluation, describing it as a very detailed document. He also presented a copy of an annual report from 1920 provided to him by Kathy Allen.
*Councilor Moriarty- Inquired as to a plan for follow up on the Solid Waste Advisory Board report from the previous meeting. Chairman Porter responded that the Board is scheduled to appear once again in February. Councilor Moriarty commented that a meeting is being held regarding the funding shortfall for the Junior High School renovation. This matter continues to be a work in progress where more accurate cost estimates are to be projected.  With respect to board/committee appointments, Councilor Moriarty stated that the longevity of residency is important at times when applicants are being recommended to the committee, however, the interview is a distinct part of the process, separate from the recommendation, which is why it is important and valuable to conduct.
*Councilor Stiles- Suggested that if it is a consensus that a certain time (residency) is necessary we should make that known.
*Manager Shane- Had the pleasure of attending the 4H Club Award Banquet, held at the West Cumberland Fire Station and was able to accept a certificate on behalf of the club. Manager Shane requested an endorsement from the council regarding 29 Crossing Brook, in which the town would not exercise the option of first right of refusal. The amount of $28,528 will be deposited into the towns affordable housing fund. There will be no silent second mortgage on the property, which means that the house becomes a part of the open market. This is the second property in the development to follow this pattern. Councilor Damon expressed concern that in time some of the Crossing Brook homeowners may not be able to keep pace with the taxes as these property values continue to increase. Chairman Porter noted the average value of property in Cumberland is $300,000, making it the 4^th highest in the state.

        Seconded by Councilor Storey
        VOTE:  Unanimous 7-0
        TIME:         8:48 PM


        WORKSHOP  2004  2005 BUDGET GOALS (Will NOT be televised)

        
        
        Motion by Councilor Stiles to adjourn:
        Seconded by Councilor Moriarty
        VOTE: Unanimous 7-0
        TIME:   9:11 PM







Respectfully Submitted,
Nadeen Daniels, CMC