TOWN OF ORONO

COUNCIL MEETING

COUNCIL CHAMBER - MUNICIPAL BUILDING

 

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2004 AT 7:30 P.M.

 

MINUTES

 

1.      Roll Call

 

Present:  Council Chair Geoff Gordon, Lianne Harris, John Bradson, Terri Hutchinson, Jo Carol Alford, Mark Haggerty, Tom Spitz and Town Manager Catherine Conlow.

 

2.       Approval of minutes of March 8, 2004 and March 15, 2004

 

Terri Hutchinson noted one correction; the March 8, 2004 minutes read “AGENDA” but should read “MINUTES”.

 

Moved by Terri Hutchinson and seconded by John Bradson to approve the minutes as amended.  All voted in favor, 7-0.

 

3.       Introduction of Graduates of the Paramedic Academy by Chief LeCleire

 

Fire Chief Lorin LeCleire introduced the new graduates of the Paramedic Academy:  Scott Luciano, Matt Grindle and Kevin Sirois.  He also introduced the new Intermediate: Bryan Hardison.  He noted that this is the first group of graduating paramedics from within the Orono Fire Department.

 

4.       Update on Memorial Day Parade by Randy Adkins

 

Randy Adkins gave an update on the Memorial Day Parade.  He provided information on who the committee members are, the groups that will be involved, the logistics of the parade and the safety precautions.  He noted that the parade will start at 9:00 a.m.

 

Mr. Gordon stated that he was grateful to the committee for re-establishing the parade for the town.

 

5.      Update on University/Town Relations Committee by Catherine Conlow

 

Ms. Conlow stated that she met with Dean Robert Dana, Angel Loredo and Randy Alford of the University/Town Relations Committee and the Police Chief to discuss issues of concern for both the university and town.

 

Lisa Feldman inquired about the status of the committee.  Ms. Conlow stated that the scope of the committee’s work is very broad and needs to be narrowed, so more work needs to be done.  She stated that has not been addressed yet.  The group met to discuss informing students of the new

 

Disorderly House Ordinance and how best to control student behavior after the hockey game. 

6.      Public Hearings

 

a.      A Victualer’s License for Stillwater One Stop, 10 Stillwater Avenue.

 

Public hearing a. opened at 7:46 p.m.  Cathy Conlow reported that all the proper inspections have

been conducted and the taxes have been paid.  The Town Clerk recommends that Council act favorably on the license.  No other comments were made.  Public hearing a. closed at 7:47 p.m.

 

Order 04-31    Order, approving a Victualer’s License for Stillwater One Stop,

10 Stillwater Avenue

 

Moved by Terri Hutchinson and seconded by Lianne Harris.  All voted in favor, 7-0.

 

b.      A Class XI Malt, Spirituous and Vinous Liquor License for Christine Liu, Inc. 

d/b/a China Garden, 6 Stillwater Avenue.

 

Public hearing b opened at 7:48 p.m.  Cathy Conlow reported that all the proper inspections have

been conducted and the taxes have been paid.  The Town Clerk recommends that Council act favorably on the license.  No other comments were made.  Public hearing b. closed at 7:49 p.m.

 

Order 04-32    Order, approving a Class XI Malt, Spirituous and Vinous Liquor License

for Christine Liu, Inc. d/b/a China Garden, 6 Stillwater Avenue

 

            Moved by Terri Hutchinson and seconded by John Bradson.  All voted in favor, 7-0.

 

c.       To amend the Ordinances, Town of Orono, Chapter 18 Land Use, Section 210 (e) Dead End Road Standards, and related sections.

 

Public hearing c. opened at 7:48 p.m.

 

David Struck gave a brief history of the changes to date.  He noted three main modifications:  1) maximum total length of a dead end road has changed from 1200’ to 2500’; 2) maximum allowable units changed from 15 to 20; and 3) a provision for future street connections.  Mr. Struck noted that the language has been reviewed by the town’s attorney.

 

Dick Day spoke in favor of the new language on behalf of the developer he is working with, Dawson, and the property owner, the Wallace family.  He thanked all involved.  He noted the proposed changes agree with other state and federal standards for growth management.  He commented on the need for single family homes and stated that this ordinance change will foster development.

 

Dana Devoe asked Council to take a broader view for development.  He expressed concern about limiting dead end roads to a maximum of 20 units.  He sited two already existing streets that would not meet the suggested criteria:  Page Place is 1600’ and has 21 houses on it and Winterhaven Drive is 1800’ long and has 24 houses on it.  He suggested eliminating the maximum road length and maximum number of units to be built on a dead end road and allow the Planning Board to apply the existing laws.  He stated that the proposed language is too restrictive.

 

Public hearing c. closed at 8:10 p.m.

 

7.      Public Petitions

 

Peter Benziger spoke in support of a resolution that makes amendments to the Patriot Act.  He requested that Council review it at its committee meeting and then vote in favor of it at the next Council meeting.

 

Catherine Conlow stated that the Police Chief is reviewing the resolution and its impact on the town.  It is scheduled to be on the Operation Committee agenda for April 26, 2004.

 

8.      Acknowledgments by Council Members

 

Terri Hutchinson extended congratulations on behalf of the Town of Orono to Kate Kovenock for being the NCAA National Champion in the 50 Meter Freestyle.  She also thanked the Orono Hockey Team for their efforts and a wonderful season.

 

John Bradson thanked the Public Works crew for sweeping the streets.

 

Jo Carol Alford thanked Ginny Whitaker for her work on the website for the Orono Bicentennial Committee.

 

Lianne Harris thanked the new paramedics for their efforts.  She thanked the team responsible for putting on the Cabin Fever Reliever luncheon.  She also thanked Lorin LeCleire for the new layout of his monthly report.

 

9.      Public Comments

 

Elizabeth Schneider announced that the HOPE Festival, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, will be held on April 17th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Brewer Auditorium.  She congratulated the Orono Middle School Chess Team for winning the state championship.  She noted that they will be competing in the national championship in Phoenix, Arizona.  Ms. Schneider thanked Norm Poirier for helping OVA upgrade its summer concert series.  She invited Council members to attend the Blaine House Conference to be held May 6th and 7th in Lewiston.

 

10.  Unfinished Business - None

 

11.  Consent Agenda

 

           Order 04-33    Order, appointing David Struck as the General Assistance Administrator

          

            Order 04-34    Order, appointing John Robichaud as Plumbing Inspector

 

           Order 04-35    Order, appointing Andrew Jacobs and Charles Heinonen as Alternate Plumbing Inspectors

 

           Order 04-36    Order, confirming the following appointments:

 

                                   Town Clerk                                         Wanda Thomas

                                    Town Treasurer                                 Wanda Thomas

                                   Tax Collector                                     Wanda Thomas

                                   Finance Director                                Betty Ann Brown

                                   Assessor                                             Richard Sands

                                   Building Inspector                              John Robichaud

                                   Code Enforcement Officer                John Robichaud

                                   Electrical Inspector                            John Robichaud

                                   Tree Warden                                      Calvin Smith

                                   Town Forest Fire Warden                 Lorin LeCleire

                                   Deputy Forest Fire Wardens            David Martin

                                                                                                Norman Webb

                                                                                                Henry Vaughan

                                   Road Commissioner                          Calvin Smith

 

           Order 04-37    Order, appointing Andrew Perkins and Peter Hall as Alternate Electrical Inspectors

 

           Order 04-38    Order, appointing Cindy Dunton as the Animal Control Officer

           

           Order 04-39    Order appointing Election Clerks for two-year terms, as recommended by the Republican and Democratic Parties.

 

WARD 1 PRECINCT 1, DISTRICT 19 – American Legion Hall

Janice Poulsen                                                  Carol Mower

Kay Anderson                                      William Georgitis

Anita Leavitt                                                     Dorothy Turner

Michael Curtis                                      Helen Genco

                       

WARD 1, PRECINCT 2, DISTRICT 19 – University of Maine Campus

Ann Pilcher                                                       Julie Ann Palmer

Don Pilcher                                                      Imogene Brightman

Sally Jacobs                                                     Betty Comstock

Jane Morse                                                      Rose Marie Curtis

 

WARD 1, PRECINCT 3, DISTRICT 19 – Town Office Council Chamber

Dorothy Plummer                                             Ruth Reed

Mae Clement                                                    Mary Drew

Jean Carville                                                     Alida Coates

Jody Clayton                                                    Richard Pare

 

 

 

WARD 2, PRECINCT 1, DISTRICT 18, Town Office Council Chamber

Dorothy Griffin                                     Janet Rourke

Irene Hall                                                         Margaret Russell

Sandra Houtman                                               Raymond Dupere

Robin Hamilton                                     Douglas Flagg

 

            Order 04-40    Order, appointing all Council members to the standing Council committees with the following serving as chairpersons:  Finance/ Administration, John Bradson; Community Development, Terri Hutchinson; Operations, Jo Carol Alford

 

                                   Other committee appointments:  Birch Street School Task Force – Lianne Harris and Geoff Gordon; Economic Development Committee – John Bradson, Lianne Harris, Geoff Gordon, Terri Hutchinson and Mark Haggerty; Trail Committee – Terri Hutchinson

 

            Order 04-41    Order, approving the following committee appointments/re-appointments, as recommended by the Community Development Committee:

 

Planning Board (5-year terms): Andy Perkins and Chris Dorion

Associate member (unexpired term until 2005):  John Ferketic

Board of Appeals (3-year terms):  Shane Martin and Betty Lee Comstock

(unexpired term until 2006):  David Sewall

Board of Assessment Review (3-year term): Brent Singer

Community Beautification Committee (3-yr terms):  John Bradson,

Jo Ann Hall and Chris Dorion

Personnel Board of Appeals (3-year term):  Mary Cady

Library Board of Trustees:  Regular Members (3-year terms):  Jean Hall and

David Chase;  Associate Members (2-yr terms):  Ken Nichols

and Judith Hakola

Library Board of Trustees Youth Member (1-year terms):  Travis Hall;

Associate Youth:  Ellen Parent

Orono-Veazie Water District Trustees (5-year term):  Davida Kellogg                     Tree Board (3-year terms):  Emily Wesson and Kathy Carter

 

            Order 04-42    Order, proclaiming Sunday, May 2, 2004 as the official day for the celebration of Arbor Day in the Town of Orono.

           

            Order 04-43    Order, proclaiming the week of April 12-18, 2004 as Community Development Week in the Town of Orono.

 

           Order 04-44    Order, signing the Municipal Warrant for the prosecution of unlicensed

                                   dog owner-keepers.

 

            Order 04-45    Order, committing a true list of sewerage service assessments to Wanda J. Thomas, Treasurer, in the amount of $81,699.10.

 

Geoff Gordon noted a correction to Order 04-41 Library Board of Trustees:  Regular Members (3-year terms):  Jean Hall and David Chase; Associate Members (2-yr terms):  Ken Nichols

and Judith Hakola.

 

           Moved by Terri Hutchinson and seconded by John Bradson to approve the consent agenda as

           amended.  All voted in favor, 7-0.

 

12.  New Business

 

            Order 04-46    Order, appointing Jo Carol Alford, Michael Ambrose, Kristen Andresen Lainsbury, Carl Bergman, Joyce Bergman, Stefani Berkey, Karen Boucias, John Bradson, Mary Anne Eason, George Gonyar, Geoff Gordon, John Hackney, Mark Haggerty, Lianne Harris, Sarah Hasbrouck, Sherman Hasbrouck, Terri Morrow, Deta Pearce, Scott Peterson, Ann Pilcher, Don Pilcher, Norm Poirier, Mary Jo Sanger, Elizabeth Schneider, Charles Smith, Alice Smith, Tom Spitz, Ann Surprenant, and Ginny Whitaker to the Orono Bicentennial Committee.

 

            Moved by Lianne Harris and seconded by John Bradson.  All voted in favor, 7-0.

 

            Order 04-47    Order, Certifying Benefit Assessment Installment Payments for Outer

                                    Forest Avenue Sewer Main Project.

 

The Orono Town Council, in its capacity as the municipal officers of the Town of Orono hereby certifies that the following installment payments on the benefit assessments for the Forest Ave Avenue Sewer Extension Project are due to be paid to the tax collector on or before May 15, 2004:

 

            Name of Owner(s)                  Lot or Parcel of Land       

     Against Whom Assessment                    Assessed                      Installment Due    

                  is Made                              (Tax Map Lot No.)

Donald , Christine

      & Samantha Schmoeger                 Map 19-3, Lot 38                       $431.61

Dianna M. & Aaron Queheillalt             Map 19-3, Lot 24                       $431.61

Bryan R. & Aphrodite Pearce   Map 19-3, Lot 23                    $1,438.69

Peter R. & Kelly C.  Wyman                Map 19-3, Lot 35                       $431.61

Kimberly D. Taylor                               Map 19-3, Lot 33                       $431.61

 

Any installment not paid by the due date shall be collected with interest at the rate of 6.5%, commencing on the due date.  This certification shall be filed with the tax collector for collection.

 

            Moved by Terri Hutchinson and seconded by John Bradson.  All voted in favor, 7-0.

 

 

Order 04-48    Order, authorizing the expenditure of $3,500 from the Recreation

Cash Capital Account for repairs to the Tennis Court Lights.

 

            Moved by Terri Hutchinson and seconded by Lianne Harris.  All voted in favor, 7-0.

 

Norm Poirier stated that the tennis courts were built in 1980 and the lights are in need of repair.  He reported that several residents have complained about the lights not working properly. 

 

Tom Spitz asked about the account from which the funds will be drawn.  Mr. Poirier stated that it is the same account as the ice skating rink.  It will leave a balance of $15,000 for future repairs to the ice rink, with additional funds to come through the budget process and a grant opportunity.

 

Order 04-49    Order, accepting the Audit Report for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2003. 

 

            Moved by Terri Hutchinson and seconded by Lianne Harris to table Order 04-49 until the next

            Council meeting in May.  All voted in favor, 7-0.

 

Ms. Conlow noted that the auditors will be giving a presentation on the audit report at the May Council meeting.  She noted that Council can vote on this order now or wait until after the formal report.

 

Geoff Gordon acknowledged that this was the first year under the new GASB34 accounting system.  He thanked everyone involved for their efforts.

 

13.  Future Agenda Items/Items of Concern

 

Elizabeth Schneider asked if the free parking signs, denoted with a “P”, are going to be installed for the parking lot behind the fire station.  David Struck noted that the public works director is working on it.

 

Geoff Gordon stated that the “Welcome to Orono” sign located on the town line near Old Town on Route 2 is missing.  Lianne Harris noted that all the “Welcome to Orono” signs need attention.  Terri Hutchinson stated that the sign on Goodridge Drive is damaged.  Ms. Conlow stated that she would look into these issues.

 

14.  Adjournment

 

At 8:43 p.m., Terri Hutchinson moved and John Bradson seconded to adjourn.  All voted in favor,

7-0.

 

Minutes are not verbatim.  A tape-recorded version is available in the Town Office.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Nancy W. Ward

Administrative Assistant