Town Council Minutes 8/12/2002

TOWN OF CUMBERLAND
MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
                                                           TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

                                                                MINUTES

Members present:  Stephen Moriarty, William Stiles, Mark Kuntz, Harland Storey, Donna Damon, and Michael Savasuk.
Absent:  Chairman Jeffrey Porter.

a)      7/22/02

Councilor Damon moved to amend Item 02-76 by adding the statement "The committee was not unanimous in its conclusion; seconded by Councilor Storey.
VOTE:   UNANIMOUS (6-0)

Councilor Damon moved to amend Item 02-77 by reflecting the attendance of Mr. David Ledew, ME Revenue Services, who made reference to the states use of appraisals when 6-12 sales are not available in an unorganized territory; seconded by Councilor Kuntz.
VOTE:   UNANIMOUS (6-0)

Motion by Councilor Stiles to approve the minutes as amended; seconded by Councilor Kuntz.
VOTE:   UNANIMOUS (6-0)

Town Manager Benson requested Adam Ogden, Public Works Director, provide the Council with an update on the Blanchard Road Reconstruction Project.  Mr. Ogden stated that the project is well under-way, and in fact, several weeks ahead of schedule, having installed 3500 feet of pipe and several catch basins.  The shoulders have been excavated to within 300 feet of Glenview Road.  Paving is anticipated August 15/16.  The roadway near Blanchard Brook has been raised nearly 8 feet to eliminate site-line deficiencies.  Storey Bros. will continue work on the project moving toward the fairground, following the same sequential process of filling, piping, excavating, laying gravel in the shoulders, grinding the base, shaping, fine grading and paving. The Manager and several councilors commended Adam and others involved in the project for a job well done.  

None

labor and equipment to construct a multi-purpose field on an approximate 9-acre parcel of town-owned land located off Blackstrap Road in West Cumberland. This parcel is adjacent to the existing baseball field and recreation hall.  The town may make in-kind material contributions.  This project represents an expansion of a current use and has been reviewed by the Recreation Director and Athletic Director.  The Town Manager has spoken with a few of the abutters and construction is anticipated this fall.  The field dimensions will be 360 long by 160 wide with 24 feet on either side used for coaching and team areas.  A double parking lot is proposed, providing a total of 80 spaces, with the possibility for an additional access point 500 southerly of the Route 100/Blackstrap intersection.  Discussions are underway with the Turnpike Authority regarding a strip of land 175 x 900 to be utilized as a buffer, with the possibility to place a structure should the town propose to do so at a later point. There will be no infringement upon the existing ball field; however, a determination will need to be made regarding removal of the existing fence for safety reasons.   

               Councilor Moriarty confirmed that this field would be multi-use, allowing for football, lacrosse and soccer.  Councilor Kuntz expressed his support for increased recreational fields in the West Cumberland area and questioned whether the field will be rented for fee for adult sports groups.  Recreation Director, Bill Landis, indicated this was a possibility, however, the towns fields are near maximum use by the in-season sports.  He described this as a potential athletic field for use by the West Cumberland area residents, providing options beyond the existing little league field.  Councilor Damon questioned whether the field could be shifted to prevent the removal of the existing fence.   Town Manager Benson indicated the field will be sited as best we can.  Councilor Damon questioned whether opportunities exist to upgrade the little league field in unison with this project.  Recreation Director Bill Landis explained that the Little League organizations agreement with the Town calls for the group to maintain the fields.  This year much effort and money has been put into the field and it is in great shape.  Councilor Stiles questioned the marketability of the timber.

Motion by Councilor Kuntz to endorse the project to construct a multi-purpose field on town property in West Cumberland; seconded by Councilor Savasuk.
VOTE:   UNANIMOUS (6-0)

V.               Correspondence

Councilor Savasuk - None
Councilor Damon - announced 8/25/02, 2-5 pm, scheduled opening of Museum of Chebeague History at District 9 schoolhouse on Chebeague and 8/14/02 golf tournament and Shipwreck Party to benefit Chebeague Rec Center; has received calls regarding the setback issue and paper streets; numerous residents continue to be concerned about the revaluation; visited the wharf on 8/06 to witness boats beating against the wharf.
Councilor Storey - has received calls and letters as a result of the revaluation.
Councilor Kuntz - none
Councilor Stiles -  trucks from Falmouth construction site are traveling Range Road causing damage to roadway
Councilor Moriarty - memo from Chief Small re: council's position re: Fire dept policy of escorts for championship teams, etc. - Councilor Moriarty supports continued practice (councilors Damon, Storey, Savasuk concurred); memo and emails concerning valuation process for Blanchard lot; written material regarding reverse mortgages.

Councilor Savasuk - None
Councilor Damon - will supply a copy of the Chebeague Sub-Committee report re: revaluation for circulation to full council.
Councilor Storey -None
Councilor Kuntz - Rabies case in Cape Elizabeth
Councilor Stiles - referenced Stone Wharf Committee memo and issue of mooring fees and dredging.  
Councilor Moriarty - None

Motion by Councilor Kuntz to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss land acquisition and personnel; seconded by Councilor Stiles.  8:09 p.m.
VOTE:   UNANIMOUS (6-0)

Respectfully submitted,



Nadeen Daniels, CMC
Town Clerk