12/14 -
MINUTES - to be approved at the 12/20/05 Town Council meeting
FREEPORT TOWN COUNCIL MEETING #22-2005
TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
DECEMBER 6, 2005 – 7 p.m.
CHAIRPERSON’S CALL TO ORDER PRESENT ABSENT EXCUSED
John Arsenault, Prout Road x
Genie Beaulieu, P.O. Box 74 x
Charlotte Bishop, Maquoit Drive x
James Cassida, 5 Timber Ridge Road x
Rich DeGrandpre, Timber Ridge Road x
Joe Migliaccio, 2 Vinmar Lane x
Frederick White, 45 Pleasant Hill Road x
Chair Cassida called the meeting to order and pointed out that Councilor Arsenault is excused this evening.
FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS: To waive the reading of the Minutes of Meeting #21-2005 held on November 15,2005 and accept the Minutes as printed.
MOVED AND SECONDED: To waive the reading of the Minutes of Meeting #21-2005 held on November 15, 2005 and accept the Minutes as printed (White & Beaulieu) VOTE: (6 Ayes) (1 Excused—Arsenault)
SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS: Announcements
Chair Cassida announced that there are a few vacancies on some Town boards and committees. Any citizen interested in serving on one of these boards should fill out an application and submit it to Town Hall as soon as possible. Applications can be found on the Town’s website and are also available at Town Hall.
Chair Cassida noted that a County budget workshop will be held on December 15 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. Councilor DeGrandpre pointed out that the Town’s website states that this meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Library when it really will he held here in Freeport’s Council Chambers. Chair Cassida asked Mr. Olmstead to check this out and make sure it is corrected. Councilor Beaulieu asked if it could be televised. Mr. Olmstead advised that it would cost $30 and Councilors concurred that it should be televised. Mr. Olmstead will make the arrangements.
THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS: Public Comment Period – 30 Minutes (Non-Agenda Items Only)
MOVED AND SECONDED: To open the Public Comment Period. (White and Bishop) VOTE: (6 Ayes) (1 Excused—Arsenault).
State Representative, David Webster, noted that Medicare Part D would soon affect many people in town or have family members that will be affected. People need to enroll and there is some confusion about this. He and Senator Beth Edmonds have organized a meeting to be held on December 20 to discuss this public health issue. It will take place at the Library at 10 a.m. If anyone wishes to call him, he can be reached at 865-4311 and his phone number is also on the Town’s website.
MOVED AND SECONDED: To close the Public Comment Period. (Bishop & White) VOTE: (6 Ayes). (1 Excused—Arsenault)
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FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS: To take action on the following items of business as read by the Council Chairperson.
ITEM #156-05 To consider action relative to adopting the December 6, 2005 Consent Agenda.
BE IT ORDERED: That the December 6, 2005 Consent Agenda be
adopted. (White & Beaulieu)
Chair Cassida reviewed the items that appeared on the Consent Agenda for members of the
public. Mr. Olmstead explained the Thermal Imaging Camera Grant for Councilors.
ROLL CALL VOTE: (6 Ayes) (1 Excused—Arsenault)
ITEM #157-06 To consider action relative to the adoption of a new Floodplain Management Ordinance for the Town of Freeport. (Chapter 16)
BE IT ORDERED: That a Public Hearing be scheduled for December
20, 2005 at 7 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers to discuss the
adoption of a new Floodplain Management Ordinance.
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED: That copies be distributed equally between the Town Clerk’s Office, the Town Manager’s Office and the Freeport Community Library for inspection by citizens during normal business hours and the notice be placed on Freeport’s local cable channel 7 and the Town’s website. (Beaulieu & Bishop)
Chair Cassida noted that Councilors received a copy of the draft ordinance in their
packets. Mr. Olmstead explained that Freeport’s Floodplain Management Ordinance was
adopted in 1987. The State Planning Office has been reviewing Ordinances and determined that
Freeport’s is not incompliance with State or Federal requirements. Freeport’s Ordinance needs to
be brought into compliance by January so that Freeport’s homeowners will be able to purchase
Floodplain insurance. Discussion followed.
ROLL CALL VOTE: (6 Ayes) (1 Excused—Arsenault)
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ITEM #158-05 To consider action relative to a proposed amendment to the Traffic
& Parking Ordinance concerning fifteen minute parking zones. (Chapter 48)
BE IT ORDERED: That a Public Hearing be scheduled for December
20, 2005 at 7 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers to discuss a
proposed amendment to the Traffic & Parking Ordinance concerning
fifteen minute parking zones.
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED: That copies be distributed equally between the Town Clerk’s Office, the Town Manager’s Office and the Freeport Community Library for inspection by citizens during normal business hours and the notice be placed on Freeport’s local cable channel 7 and the Town’s website. (DeGrandpre & Bishop)
Councilor Beaulieu explained that this only refers to the downtown area and provides for 15-
minute parking times on Sundays at marked spaces. She answered questions for Councilors.
ROLL CALL VOTE: (6 Ayes) (1 Excused—Arsenault)
ITEM #159-05 To consider action relative to a proposed amendment to the Sidewalk Maintenance Ordinance concerning snow removal in commercial zones. (Chapter 9)
BE IT ORDERED: That a Public Hearing be scheduled on December 20 at 7
p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers to discuss a proposed amendment to the
Sidewalk Maintenance Ordinance concerning snow removal in commercial
zones.
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED: That copies be distributed equally between the
Town Clerk’s Office, the Town Manager’s Office and the Freeport Community
Library for inspection by citizens during normal business hours and the notice be
placed on Freeport’s local cable channel 7 and the Town’s website. (Migliaccio
& Bishop)
Mr. Olmstead explained that this recommendation came from the Public Works Director and the
Town Engineer. The Town will continue to provide the same maintenance that it does now but
the ultimate responsibility belongs to the property owners in all the commercial zones. Business
people will be notified if the amendment is adopted. Discussion followed. Councilor White
requested that the Public Works Director be in attendance at the Public Hearing on the 20th.
Councilor Beaulieu noted that she would like to see very clear language on who will be
responsible for maintaining the sidewalks.
ROLL CALL VOTE: (6 Ayes) (1 Excused—Arsenault)
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ITEM #160-05 To consider action relative to endorsing PACTS applications for Road Reconstruction and Widening.
BE IT ORDERED: That the Freeport Town Council endorse the following
applications for Road Reconstruction and Widening for Years 2008 & 2009.
1. Route 1 from Kendall Lane to Maple Avenue.
2. South Street from West Street to Porter’s Landing.
3. Bow Street from Dennison Avenue to the driveway at Mast Landing School. (Bishop & Beaulieu)
Mr. Olmstead explained that the first project had been approved by PACTS for this year but had
to be postponed because of federal cutbacks. He answered questions for Councilors.
ROLL CALL VOTE: (6 Ayes) (1 Excused—Arsenault)
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OTHER BUSINESS:
1. Habitat for Humanity Presentation.
Andrew Cadot of Flying Point Road, Site Selection Committee member explained that the real logjam for this organization is land. They are asking towns to consider donating three lots over the next five years. Freeport built two homes on the Grant Road. He introduced Steve Bolton, Executive Director. Mr. Bolton thanked the Council for the two lots on Grant Road that enabled them to build two homes. He explained how Jim Hatch from the Housing Trust helped to raise funds and solicited volunteers to work on those homes. They work with 23 towns in Cumberland County. He gave some historical information on his organization and explained how families are selected for a Habitat house.
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2. Committee Assignments for 2006.
Chair Cassida distributed the committee assignments and explained that he and Vice Chair
Bishop felt it was important that each Councilor serve on the top 3 core committees.
Mr. Olmstead asked Councilor DeGrandpre to schedule an Appointments Committee meeting on
December 20 at 6 p.m.
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3. Discussion on 2006 Council Goals.
Chair Cassida distributed the Council Goals and asked for feedback. Discussion followed.
Under 1. Control Property Taxes, the first bullet was changed to: “Attempt to limit municipality
expenditures consistent with the Northeast Region CPI Indicator. The second bullet was changed
to read: “Work with School Department to encourage and support clear communication and
expectations. The fifth bullet was changed to read: “Promote balanced economic development to
strengthen the commercial tax base.
Under 3. Develop and strengthen long-range planning in growth management to ensure that
public infrastructure can support growth rates, the first bullet was changed to read: “Develop a
plan to extend School Street and possibly rezone the area to support local services.
Councilor Migliaccio brought up the affordable housing piece and explained his interest in
Habitat for Humanity. Chair Cassida suggested bringing this up when the Council meets with the
Planning Board.
Chair Cassida will see that a revision is provided to Mr. Olmstead and asked that this be added to
the next agenda for adoption.
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4. Informational Exchange.
Chair Cassida pointed out that the French School of Maine had their dedication last weekend.
It was well attended and very impressive. He came away with a good indication of what that
school is trying to do.
Chair Cassida noted that Mr. Olmstead received some information from BioDiesel of Maine
offering to provide a presentation on how it can save the Town money. L.L. Bean and the Town
of Falmouth is currently using this fuel. Councilors concurred that they would like to have the
presentation and asked Mr. Olmstead to arrange for the presentation.
Councilor DeGrandpre noted that he, too, attended the French School’s dedication and
recognizes that the Town has an innovative school in that same building. He mentioned that the
Soule School building was saved and renovated. There is a strong interest in developing a sister
City in France and it was agreed to explore this option.
Councilor Migliaccio pointed out that since meeting notices didn’t get out, the Planning Board
had to postpone their public hearing. People that attended workshopped with the Board.
Everyone needs a new copy of the language that resulted from the workshop. Mr. Olmstead
offered to check with the Town Planner.
Councilor DeGrandpre advised that a few folks complained that the Board of Appeals did not
have a quorum for its November meeting and they were forced to wait a whole month before
another meeting could take place. The Appointments Committee should communicate to the
chairs of all of the committees that if they have attendance issues or membership issues, they
need to be addressed. Councilor Bishop noted that if it is the Board’s deficiency, a meeting
should be rescheduled for the next week. No one should have to wait a whole month because
Board members did not show up.
Mr. Olmstead advised that the Appeals Board Secretary pointed out that this has happened only
three times in the 12 years she has been recording their meetings. Mr. Olmstead agreed that
there are attendance problems on other Boards and Committees and perhaps the chairs do not
understand the role they should be playing when those situations occur. There are attendance
requirements that need to be met. It is the chair’s responsibility to notify the Council and the
Appointments Committee Chair when there are violations. Chair Cassida suggested reinforcing
this point when the Council meets with each Board.
Councilor Migliaccio indicated that Staff Review meetings scheduled at 2:30 p.m. are difficult
for the public to attend.
Councilor Beaulieu advised that the U.S. Route One Neighborhood Association would be
meeting on December 15 at 6 p.m. at the Library. They wrote to PACTS and were the only
neighborhood group to do so.
Councilor Migliaccio advised that he plans to attend the County Budget meeting on the 15th
Councilor Beaulieu advised that the County is putting aside $25,000 for economic development
and this is an item that Councilor Migliaccio should look at and be prepared to talk about. In two
years the County will have to go out to referendum for their capital items and she suggested that
Councilor Migliaccio review this as well.
Mr. Olmstead encouraged Councilors to attend this meeting on the 15th at 6 p.m. He explained
his concerns with the County entering into economic development. When something is included
in the County budget, everyone pays for it through the formula. It was explained to him that
this is an effort to help the smaller towns with their economic development efforts which means
once again that Freeport will be asked to subsidize as it does with the Sheriff’s Department. He
noted that Councilors should be concerned about that proposal since it could impact the
their goal to control property taxes.
Councilor Beaulieu advised that the Cable Negotiating Committee held a meeting and there
were only 3 or 4 people in attendance. Another meeting will be scheduled on December 14 but
she will be unable to attend. They are hoping to bring something to the Council by the end of
January. Mr. Olmstead wants to be sure to have the ability for an informational channel that
could mean some advertising dollars for the Town. Councilor Beaulieu agreed.
Councilor DeGrandpre referred to the Staff Review meetings taking place at 2:30 and wondered
if Board members could meet at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. Mr. Olmstead advised that
generally, the 2:30 time works fine but the committee needs to be sensitive to agenda items that
they know will promote a lot of public interest and they need to be flexible in establishing their
meeting times. He will discuss this with the Town Planner.
Mr. Olmstead advised that he has been discussing the closure of Freeport Towne Square with
Representative Webster and the family that will be affected. Representative Webster has
indicated that he would like to keep that family intact and relocated in Freeport. There is an
opportunity to use the 3 acres the Town owns behind the condominiums on West Street as a
possible location for this family but access needs to be worked out.
Representative Webster gave some historical information on Freeport Towne Square and
explained that the State has decided to sell the property and move the residents to a non-profit
organization such as Independence Association. There are currently12 individuals that
have lived in Freeport since the 70s and they need a modern wheelchair-accessible home.
Mr. Olmstead recommended that Jim Hatch from the Freeport Housing Trust and Jim Pierce
From Independence Association put a proposal together and bring it to the Municipal Facilities
Committee.
Representative Webster thanked Mr. Olmstead for his help and Chair Cassida thanked
Representative Webster for his efforts in this proposal.
Mr. Olmstead mentioned the potential sale of property at the corner of Hunter and Desert Roads
and that during an Executive Session, he asked for authority to use the appraisal to respond to
the offer as soon as the appraisal came in. Councilors concurred that Mr. Olmstead could make
the offer. Since the appraisal just came in and the Council was meeting this evening, he put the
offer in writing and attached some materials with it and provided it to the Council so they could
see what it looks like. If anyone has questions about the offer, they should contact him by end of
day tomorrow. He would like to get the offer out in the next day or two to Mr. Taggert. He
reminded the Council that it is a confidential document.
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ADJOURNMENT
MOVED AND SECONDED: To adjourn at 8:55 p.m. (White & DeGrandpre)
VOTE: (6 Ayes) (1 Excused—Arsenault)
Respectfully Submitted,
Sharon Coffin
Council Secretary
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