26 July 2010 | Approved: 9 August 2010
Mayor Anderson called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:30 p.m. Recent severe storms caused a power outage and the Mayor announced that the meeting would have to end at dusk. In attendance were Councilors Joe Clark, Georgette Cole, Sylvie Favret, Marida Hines and Bill Robertson. Also present were Treasurer Mary Challstrom and Town residents Charlie Challstrom and Gary Hayward. Peter Nagrod (#1 The Circle), his son and Rebecca Richters arrived some time after the start of the meeting at which time the Official Public Hearing occurred. Councilor Kelly arrived at 7:53 p.m.
Approval of the Agenda
Georgette Cole moved, Joe Clark seconded that the agenda be approved. Marida Hines requested time for a short presentation from Gary Hayward about the lowering of the railroad tracks under the Deer Park Bridge and the Mayor added a budget process education session. Vote: 5-0.
Gary Hayward reported that he had been talking to three (3) retired track maintenance supervisors from CSX about lowering the tracks under the bridge. Apparently this task may be far less complicated than what was presented in previous meetings. A discussion about the missing engineering report, disrupting rail traffic, disrupting commuter traffic, eminent domain, public opinion and a memo of understanding ensued. The Mayor and Council thanked Gary for his information. Gary will continue to make phone calls about this.
Budget Education Session
Treasurer Mary Challstrom began by presenting handouts to the Mayor and Town Council. They discussed budget accuracy, planning, Capital Improvements Program, use of reserves, cash balance (actual vs. anticipated), annual budget work sessions, committee input, State requirements, Quick Books software and end-of-year budget transfer resolutions. Mary also gave the good news that the Town would be receiving approximately $9,000.00 in disaster relief from FEMA for this winter’s Snowmageddon costs.
PUBLIC HEARING
Ordinance No. 2010-06: Authorizing Exchange of Deeds to Resolve Boundaries for Block 9
Mayor Anderson explained that the recent block corner survey of Block 9 revealed that part of Mr. Nagrod’s front porch is on Town property and that 7th Avenue is not a wide as was once thought. This swap is an effort to re-gain the property on 7th Avenue in exchange for the property under the porch. He also explained the unusual jog in the front and rear property lines of the Richter property that came from the recent survey as well.
Charlie Challstrom explained the apparent gross historical inconsistencies in Block 9 and clarified the need for Council authorization in order to take this action. He went on to state that the Town’s incentive is the return of the 7th Avenue right-of-way.
Peter Nagrod stated that this process seemed strange because this porch has always been in the current location. Some of the oldest pictures show his front porch. He has suffered embarrassment from this process because of the Town’s use of the word “encroachment” and believes that further education of the public would have helped.
The hearing was closed.
Joe Clark moved to enact Ord. No. 2010-06. Marida Hines seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.
Council Reports
- Sylvie Favret asked Georgette Cole if Maria Montefusco’s position as Roadside Tree Care Expert was a paid position and if the money for this was in the budget. Ms. Cole answered “yes”.
- Town Council Reports – July 2010 pdf
Mayor’s Announcements
- Deer Park Bridge Update: Mayor Anderson reported that the Special Town Meeting on this subject would be postponed until after the receipt of a promised engineering report from CSX and another meeting with CSX had occurred. There was a brief discussion about hiring the Town’s own expert.
- LOS Condemnation Lawsuit: Mayor Anderson announced that the Executive Session previously scheduled for this evening would be cancelled. It may be re-scheduled for August 9th. He also stated that expert depositions would begin on August 21st.
McCathran Hall Rental Policy
Because of darkness and heat, the Mayor and Council decided to table this discussion until August 9, 2010.
New Business
Ted Kelly asked if there was an ordinance governing excessive noise by renters. There was a brief discussion about Town guidelines and County enforcement.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.