The shoreline ice is showing sure signs of thinning and melting - in some places fifteen feet or more out. From my second floor office I can see water movement. There are at least three discernable cracks heading toward the Girl Scout island just off Rooks landing. Considering the projected weather for the next four days, I won't be surprised to see ten feet of open water running along the shoreline from west to east by next week. If this year is anything like last year, the loons won't be far behind swimming in a line right along the edge of the ice. Yipee!
A fully developed adult eagle was spotted flying over a neighbor's home toward the pond last Friday - second time I've seen him in the last month. Gorgeous white head and fanned out white tail feathers. Of course there have been several "teenagers" sitting on the ice on the days immediately following the weekend ice fishermen activities. Those teenagers sure do appreciate the leftover fish on the ice, but those days appear to have ended a couple of weekends ago. Good thing. I wouldn't suggest anyone going out on the ice, even from the Holden side, these days. It's not just slushy. There are bluish spots out in the middle that indicate thinning areas.
The ground is wet though in both the woods and on the lawns. Some spots have sitting water. It's still too cool for it to be evaporating and the ground's too saturated so the earth is just soft, muddy in some areas. Lordy, I hope the mosquitoes aren't feeling inclined to come home! Mosquitoes and black flies take all the fun out of spring. I read somewhere that wasps eat mosquitoes. Must be the justification for wasps. On the other hand, I have tulip bulbs and hyacinths peeping up in the garden near the house (under the dryer vent). I do believe Spring is coming!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
View of the future
Check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clqWu2kWwSY
Pretty amazing, if not overwhelming. Then think about what our children need to be learning (and their educational system). Maybe this applies to our Planning Board's work, as well. It's good to honor our history but we need to prepare for the future, too.
Did you know - you can view the Bangor Dail News online (without the ads and coupons) by typing www.Bangordailynews.com . You will need to sign on if you want to be able to comment (post your opinions) to the various articles, but it is interesting to read some of the various opinions posted. Today's article re: Cianbro's plan to build a commercial pier on the Penobscot in Brewer is exciting. Brewer may be more pro-active for bringing jobs and new business to the area than Bangor.
Pretty amazing, if not overwhelming. Then think about what our children need to be learning (and their educational system). Maybe this applies to our Planning Board's work, as well. It's good to honor our history but we need to prepare for the future, too.
Did you know - you can view the Bangor Dail News online (without the ads and coupons) by typing www.Bangordailynews.com . You will need to sign on if you want to be able to comment (post your opinions) to the various articles, but it is interesting to read some of the various opinions posted. Today's article re: Cianbro's plan to build a commercial pier on the Penobscot in Brewer is exciting. Brewer may be more pro-active for bringing jobs and new business to the area than Bangor.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Correct website for Clewley Farm Restaurant
Sorry about the previous address error. Check out..... www.clewleyfarm.com
Saturday Night at Clewley's - Full House
Dola packed 'em in last night. Not a chair or table to be had in the joint by 8pm. The prime rib looked so good people were drooling (and the portion size should have required a doggie bag to go). Some spontaneous dancing sprung up around 10pm - not to mention the conga line with adults and children earlier in the evening -or the three-some down in the lounge from time to time. We won't get into that!! :-)! Some of the songs Dola sang brought back such memories people couldn't help singing along while others just started smiling. I even spotted a few folks holding hands. HINT: A "TIP" jar would mean the woman wouldn't have to sweep up all that money at the end of the night, guys. Just a thought...;-)
Good popcorn up at the bar this week. Bob seems to have this knack of remembering who drinks what when they slip onto a bar stool. Although, what with the traffic from the thirsty crowd down in the lounge and dining room, he nearly ran out of glasses - started grumbling he might have to learn to wash dishes. Of course Bob enjoys grumbling. :-D
Folks were there from Clifton, Glenburn, Dover (that's what I heard), as well as some of the Eddington regulars from last week (and a few more). Tuesday's Town Meeting was being talked over - as well as the dismal voter turnout. Seems my estimate of the number in attendance at the Town Meeting was a bit high. Susan Shane (she and Mark were there having dinner) said she'd gotten an estimate from the Town Office that put the number closer to 90.
On the other hand, the talk around the tables gave BIG kudos to Selectman Charles Baker for having the huevos to vote in favor of the Amendment to Article 11 (in spite of the stern "directions" being given to Board members by Chairwoman Brooks during the meeting). It was noted that Chuck Baker was the ONLY member of the Board to vote in favor of the Amendment and the Article with the Amendment. Seems Chairwoman Brooks was still "talking" to Chuck after the meeting and she wasn't smiling. Independent thinking and the backbone to go with it can be sooo irritating.
I wasn't sitting in the school auditorium where I could observe any of this so I can only report what I was told Saturday night (although I'd heard some of it during the week from people who called) - but apparently several people interpreted the looks and actions of the Board Chair to mean she was none too pleased to see the townspeople assert their rights to know in advance what kind of long-term financial commitments the Board was making on behalf of the resident taxpayers. (And even more displeased there was rebellion (?) in the ranks of fellow Selectmen.) Considering that the taxpayers/residents/voters ARE the Board's employers - and the position of Chair is to be a Facilitator, not the ruler - seems to me it is the responsibility of the EmployER to know and approve such actions in advance before the EmployEEs take on any long-term project no matter how trusted or appreciated the employees may be. I, for one, appreciate independent thinking by members of the Board. They're elected independently. Seems they should vote that way.
EDDINGTON SCHOOL PLAY - "Magical Land of Oz" - Show time, Tuesday, March 31 at 6:30.
EASTER EGG HUNT AT THE EDDINGTON TOWN OFFICE - Saturday, April 4 from Noon - 2pm sponsored by the Eddington Fire Department. (Let's pray for good weather)
LD1195 is a proposed bit of legislation that, if approved, would allow NON-citizens to vote in the state of Maine. It has been proposed by two Democrats in the Maine Legislature. Excuse me? I thought one had to be a U.S. citizen to vote in this country. Why would the Maine Legislature want to propose this? It's bad enough that we have U.S. citizens who own property in our towns, pay property taxes to those towns and yet, because they live out of state for six months and 1 day (to avoid the excessive state income tax which is too high for retirees) they are not allowed to vote at Town Meetings. I'm not talking about State elections - just Town Meeetings which directly effect how these people's property taxes are going to be spent. Seems if we want to give someone the right to vote in this state (other than full time residents), it should be U.S. citizens who own property in towns with populations under 5,000, pay property taxes on that property, and are present for those towns' Town Meetings. They're paying for the school budgets, as well, and are usually at an age when their children are grown and gone. Since they're paying the bills, seems they should have the right to vote.
But as to NON-U.S. citizens voting anywhere in this country? - NO. Good Grief! Want to write to our State Legislative Reps? Here're the addresses: Rep. Ben Pratt, 2 State House Station, Augusta 04333, or email: bpratt@yahoo.com; Senator Richard Rosen, 3 State House Station, augusta 04333, or email: rrosen113@aol.com Make reference to LD1195 (Want more info: See the BDN) or go online to pending legislation - maine.gov. I don't have the exact website address but maybe someone reading this can post it in the comment section.
Once last word (today at least) re: Voting. More than once over the past few years comments have been made that Eddington voters traditionally vote for whoever has his/her name at the top of the ballot. Of course the names are listed in alphabetical order. That means if Peter Vigue ever ran for Selectman in Eddington he'd have zero change of getting elected. Don't know who Peter Vigue is? He's the CEO of Cianbro - the man with the vision for Maine. You might want to do a "search" on Google to find out more about this man - my point is that voters should be informed about the choices they have on a ballot, what a candidate stands for/against and proposes to bring to the town and residents REGARDLESS of whether his/her last name begins with a letter that's at the beginning, middle or end of the alphabet (or whether one can easily pronounce it which is another story altogether).
Good popcorn up at the bar this week. Bob seems to have this knack of remembering who drinks what when they slip onto a bar stool. Although, what with the traffic from the thirsty crowd down in the lounge and dining room, he nearly ran out of glasses - started grumbling he might have to learn to wash dishes. Of course Bob enjoys grumbling. :-D
Folks were there from Clifton, Glenburn, Dover (that's what I heard), as well as some of the Eddington regulars from last week (and a few more). Tuesday's Town Meeting was being talked over - as well as the dismal voter turnout. Seems my estimate of the number in attendance at the Town Meeting was a bit high. Susan Shane (she and Mark were there having dinner) said she'd gotten an estimate from the Town Office that put the number closer to 90.
On the other hand, the talk around the tables gave BIG kudos to Selectman Charles Baker for having the huevos to vote in favor of the Amendment to Article 11 (in spite of the stern "directions" being given to Board members by Chairwoman Brooks during the meeting). It was noted that Chuck Baker was the ONLY member of the Board to vote in favor of the Amendment and the Article with the Amendment. Seems Chairwoman Brooks was still "talking" to Chuck after the meeting and she wasn't smiling. Independent thinking and the backbone to go with it can be sooo irritating.
I wasn't sitting in the school auditorium where I could observe any of this so I can only report what I was told Saturday night (although I'd heard some of it during the week from people who called) - but apparently several people interpreted the looks and actions of the Board Chair to mean she was none too pleased to see the townspeople assert their rights to know in advance what kind of long-term financial commitments the Board was making on behalf of the resident taxpayers. (And even more displeased there was rebellion (?) in the ranks of fellow Selectmen.) Considering that the taxpayers/residents/voters ARE the Board's employers - and the position of Chair is to be a Facilitator, not the ruler - seems to me it is the responsibility of the EmployER to know and approve such actions in advance before the EmployEEs take on any long-term project no matter how trusted or appreciated the employees may be. I, for one, appreciate independent thinking by members of the Board. They're elected independently. Seems they should vote that way.
EDDINGTON SCHOOL PLAY - "Magical Land of Oz" - Show time, Tuesday, March 31 at 6:30.
EASTER EGG HUNT AT THE EDDINGTON TOWN OFFICE - Saturday, April 4 from Noon - 2pm sponsored by the Eddington Fire Department. (Let's pray for good weather)
LD1195 is a proposed bit of legislation that, if approved, would allow NON-citizens to vote in the state of Maine. It has been proposed by two Democrats in the Maine Legislature. Excuse me? I thought one had to be a U.S. citizen to vote in this country. Why would the Maine Legislature want to propose this? It's bad enough that we have U.S. citizens who own property in our towns, pay property taxes to those towns and yet, because they live out of state for six months and 1 day (to avoid the excessive state income tax which is too high for retirees) they are not allowed to vote at Town Meetings. I'm not talking about State elections - just Town Meeetings which directly effect how these people's property taxes are going to be spent. Seems if we want to give someone the right to vote in this state (other than full time residents), it should be U.S. citizens who own property in towns with populations under 5,000, pay property taxes on that property, and are present for those towns' Town Meetings. They're paying for the school budgets, as well, and are usually at an age when their children are grown and gone. Since they're paying the bills, seems they should have the right to vote.
But as to NON-U.S. citizens voting anywhere in this country? - NO. Good Grief! Want to write to our State Legislative Reps? Here're the addresses: Rep. Ben Pratt, 2 State House Station, Augusta 04333, or email: bpratt@yahoo.com; Senator Richard Rosen, 3 State House Station, augusta 04333, or email: rrosen113@aol.com Make reference to LD1195 (Want more info: See the BDN) or go online to pending legislation - maine.gov. I don't have the exact website address but maybe someone reading this can post it in the comment section.
Once last word (today at least) re: Voting. More than once over the past few years comments have been made that Eddington voters traditionally vote for whoever has his/her name at the top of the ballot. Of course the names are listed in alphabetical order. That means if Peter Vigue ever ran for Selectman in Eddington he'd have zero change of getting elected. Don't know who Peter Vigue is? He's the CEO of Cianbro - the man with the vision for Maine. You might want to do a "search" on Google to find out more about this man - my point is that voters should be informed about the choices they have on a ballot, what a candidate stands for/against and proposes to bring to the town and residents REGARDLESS of whether his/her last name begins with a letter that's at the beginning, middle or end of the alphabet (or whether one can easily pronounce it which is another story altogether).
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Local Website - for more entertainment :-D
Check out ClewleyFarm@yahoo.com for menus, entertainment schedules and more.
March 24th Annual Town Meeting
(And I had it almost done when I hit the wrong key and the whole thing vaporized - Grrrr.)
We started prompty at 7pm. Not so many people in attendance as last year. This year maybe only 150 or so.
RESULTS OF MONDAY'S ELECTION: Selectman: Chip Grover (Incumbent Selectman) 37; Write-In candidates: Susan Shane: 4, David Astbury: 2, Hilma Adams: 1, Greg Campbell Boober: 1, Mike Dore:1, and Otis Godley: 1 for a TOTAL COUNT = 47.
For School Board: Therese Anderson (Incumbent Board Member) 44, Cindy Dore: 1, Rusty Gagnon: 1 (and No, I didn't vote for myself) for a TOTAL COUNT = 46
The Good News is that people used the Write-In Option. The Bad News is that, out of 1600 registered voters in Eddington, only 47 people made the effort to vote - that's .03%. The mantle of Shame should be draped around the shoulders of those who didn't vote - regardless of the number or names of the candidates.
For those of you who don't know what issues are included in the following Articles, pick up an Annual Report at the Town Office, Tradewinds, or The Eddington Store. (Why they aren't mailed out to everyone is an issue you all should be raising with the Selectmen. The Town can find your address when property tax bills are being mailed out and bulk mail postage rates aren't used for that, are they.) If some volunteer group can't be found to deliver them (i.e., the Boy Scouts), then they should be mailed out first class mail. Period. And any new Ordinances that people are supposed to vote on - AND know about, should be included - even if they have to be tucked in at the last minute. Government has the responsibility to inform the electorate.
Articles 3-10 were Passed as written, although:
Article 4: it was noted that since the Town's fiscal year ends Jan. 31 and the Town Meeting takes place during the fourth week of March (approximately), the requested amount should be 2/12 instead of 3/12. Russell noted the discussion.
Article 9: generated some discussion because - while the Town plans to advertise for three consecutive days "in a local paper" re: the sale/disposal of any real estate taken for unpaid taxes - (Russell said the "Bangor Daily News" was considered the "local paper"), it was pointed out by Mark Wellman (who is in the professional marketing and media business) that the BDN reaches significantly less than 50% of the local readership - AND that local newspapers are going out of business. Good grief, Ellsworth is as close as Bangor so why not include the "Ellsworth American" (I think that's the name), as well.(The point of this is that Eddington needs to "get with the program" and step up to the internet and cable network world.) Perhaps this also relates to advertising Requests for Bids..... Anyway, down off the soapbox and back to the Town Meeting business.
Article 10: generated some discussion since it was noted that last year at the Town Meeting there were several people who voiced objections to granting a three-year contract for the proposed snowplowing and sanding contract for several reasons and yet the 2008-2009 Annual Report shows the Selectmen awarded that vendor a three-year contract even though fuel prices have gone down and there are issues regarding the sand. Other discussion showed multi-year, trash-hauling contracts. It should be noted that the discussion from the townspeople was voiced without rancor but the Board of Selectmen would do well to realize that townspeople are not pleased with certain contracting decisions and the people DO remember from year to year what they have expressed and expect elected representatives to heed.
Article 11: generated discussion resulting in a motion for an Amendment which passed 25/21 (with a requested hand count). The issue had to do with the Selectmen applying for and/or accepting state and federal grants and nonprofit organization grants and having the authority to accept same and the conditions that come along with them as well as appropriating and expending the grant funds. The Amendment, which was added to the end of the article, reads as follows: "with the understanding that no grants may be accepted or applied for which will obligate the residents to long-term commitments unless approved by the town at a specially called town meeting in advance." The Article was Passed with the Amendment
Article 12:Passed
Article 13: generated the same kind of discussion as Article 11. The discussion of an amendment was not successful. Perhaps if the same language as was used for Article 11 had been used and just tacked on to the Article, the amendment would have passed. But the issue got muddled even though Gretchen who raised it wasn't talking about an oven being donated to the Firehouse (the Selectmen Chair's contribution to the discussion); Gretchen was talking about an entire building being given to the town. Nonetheless, the amendment was defeated and the Article was passed as written with objections.
Article 14: After some explanation (which many of us appreciated), the Article was Passed
Then we got into the actual budget section:
Article 15: General Government for $23,400. - Passed with no discussion
Article 16: Administrative Salaries and Expenses for $286,226. - Passed with no discussion
Article 17: Highways for $199,400. (plus money from State Highway Funds) - Passed as written; however Russell was asked about the cost of paving the Rooks Road and how many culverts and other items of repair came out of the expensed items noted for 2008-2009. I am sure that this issue relates back to how much we were being told the snowplowing/sanding contract was going to be last year and how much the Annual Report is now showing being paid to that contractor. As people may remember, the Townspeople were told that unless the full amount was approved last year, NOTHING could be done under the Highways section of the budget - that the amendment to reduce the overall cost of the section by $10,000. would cripple that entire section. As noted above, people remember issues raised from year to year. Must be that Elephant in the room.
Article 18: Protection for $239,977. Passed as written; however it was noted that $12,500. more was being budgeted for 2009-2010 than had been budgeted for 2008-2009 in the line item for contracting with the County Sheriff's Department. Even though we are told that $10,000. is/has been being transferred from the Town's Police Department Reserve Fund (from the previous police position), the fact of the matter is that, at some point, the Fund will be depleted and ALL of the chickens will come home to roost. At that point the real cost will all be an increased request. It was for that reason that I pointed out that when our contracted Deputy (at our full price - he isn't working for us half-time) issues a speeding ticket, the full price of that ticket goes into the State's coffers. Nothing comes back into Eddington's cash register.
I suggested to Rep. Pratt (who was sitting behind me in the bleachers) that he should be working on this in Augusta. Perhaps some of you readers should be sending him a few letters to that effect. Otherwise, Deputy Daren needs to be spending some of his time citing violations that WILL generate some sheckels into the town coffers to help pay what is becoming an expensive contract with the county - not that I wouldn't want to have that protection right here but I doubt Daren is getting paid $71,500.oo a year.
Article 19: Human Services for $127,630. Passed
Article 20: Passed
Article 21: Passed
Article 22: Passed
Article 23: Passed
Article 24: Shoreland Ordinance. Code Enforcement Officer Norburg explained that the reason this was on the Warrant again this year was because of an error in the Article voted on last year. Seems the State requires a means of monitoring the "timber harvesting" being done and there were three options given by the state. The town had to choose one. Last year's "Ordinance" had combined two of the options into one (not the right thing to do) so we had to vote again to correct our error - as though many of us really understood what we were doing in the first place. I DO remember asking last year what the Ordinance said but Mr. Norburg was not in attendance and though Susan tried to explain we needed to come into compliance with the state regs - that didn't really tell me anything. (Can you tell I don't fall into step all that automatically? :-D Must be because of all those years I worked in government and know what goes on behind closed doors.) Add to the fact that this year, even though I and three of my neighbors have been calling and asking What the heck this Ordinance said and how it applied to us - no one told us that it only applies to commerical lots involved in the Business of Timber Harvesting. GEE, if anyone had told any of Us THAT before last night, when some people acted as though we were being sooooo unreasonable for really wanting an explanation.... Any hooo...Back to business...
What we needed to vote on was to allow the State to be responsible for monitoring the compliance of timber harvesting of such appropriate businesses INSTEAD of putting that job of Eddington's Code Enforcement Officer (which would have probably increased his workload and our costs). And so - the Article passed as written. (Things can be so much more simple when one can get an answer to a question. Even my family members today said, "If anyone had said that Ordinance doesn't apply to personal residential property lots.", none of us would have been so concerned. It's called "Communication from government" - my mantra.)
Article 25 - New Tower Ordinances: Passed after discussion regarding clarification and questions. Info provided by Gary Poisson and Susan Shane.
Article 26 - Sign Ordinances: Passed after discussion regarding clarification and questions. Info provided by Gary Poisson and Susan Shane.
Article 27 - Adjournment: PASSED! at approximately 8:30pm
And so, gentle townsfolks - That's how we conducted the business of the Town of Eddington. What I found MOST interesting was the Amendment that was added to Article 11 - and the discussion the brought it about. The townspeople were not the ones who had a problem with having a meeting to come together to decide whether or not to take on any long-term conditions of any grants. And the discussion re: WHY such a meeting should and could be conducted was quite reasonable and courteous. Now, wouldn't it be fantastic if some of those same people decided to start coming to regular Board of Selectmen meetings - just to see and hear what is going on...because business goes on every month and questions and discussions would be a good thing there, too. The meetings are never longer than 1 hour. Personally, I hope to see some of you there.
We started prompty at 7pm. Not so many people in attendance as last year. This year maybe only 150 or so.
RESULTS OF MONDAY'S ELECTION: Selectman: Chip Grover (Incumbent Selectman) 37; Write-In candidates: Susan Shane: 4, David Astbury: 2, Hilma Adams: 1, Greg Campbell Boober: 1, Mike Dore:1, and Otis Godley: 1 for a TOTAL COUNT = 47.
For School Board: Therese Anderson (Incumbent Board Member) 44, Cindy Dore: 1, Rusty Gagnon: 1 (and No, I didn't vote for myself) for a TOTAL COUNT = 46
The Good News is that people used the Write-In Option. The Bad News is that, out of 1600 registered voters in Eddington, only 47 people made the effort to vote - that's .03%. The mantle of Shame should be draped around the shoulders of those who didn't vote - regardless of the number or names of the candidates.
For those of you who don't know what issues are included in the following Articles, pick up an Annual Report at the Town Office, Tradewinds, or The Eddington Store. (Why they aren't mailed out to everyone is an issue you all should be raising with the Selectmen. The Town can find your address when property tax bills are being mailed out and bulk mail postage rates aren't used for that, are they.) If some volunteer group can't be found to deliver them (i.e., the Boy Scouts), then they should be mailed out first class mail. Period. And any new Ordinances that people are supposed to vote on - AND know about, should be included - even if they have to be tucked in at the last minute. Government has the responsibility to inform the electorate.
Articles 3-10 were Passed as written, although:
Article 4: it was noted that since the Town's fiscal year ends Jan. 31 and the Town Meeting takes place during the fourth week of March (approximately), the requested amount should be 2/12 instead of 3/12. Russell noted the discussion.
Article 9: generated some discussion because - while the Town plans to advertise for three consecutive days "in a local paper" re: the sale/disposal of any real estate taken for unpaid taxes - (Russell said the "Bangor Daily News" was considered the "local paper"), it was pointed out by Mark Wellman (who is in the professional marketing and media business) that the BDN reaches significantly less than 50% of the local readership - AND that local newspapers are going out of business. Good grief, Ellsworth is as close as Bangor so why not include the "Ellsworth American" (I think that's the name), as well.(The point of this is that Eddington needs to "get with the program" and step up to the internet and cable network world.) Perhaps this also relates to advertising Requests for Bids..... Anyway, down off the soapbox and back to the Town Meeting business.
Article 10: generated some discussion since it was noted that last year at the Town Meeting there were several people who voiced objections to granting a three-year contract for the proposed snowplowing and sanding contract for several reasons and yet the 2008-2009 Annual Report shows the Selectmen awarded that vendor a three-year contract even though fuel prices have gone down and there are issues regarding the sand. Other discussion showed multi-year, trash-hauling contracts. It should be noted that the discussion from the townspeople was voiced without rancor but the Board of Selectmen would do well to realize that townspeople are not pleased with certain contracting decisions and the people DO remember from year to year what they have expressed and expect elected representatives to heed.
Article 11: generated discussion resulting in a motion for an Amendment which passed 25/21 (with a requested hand count). The issue had to do with the Selectmen applying for and/or accepting state and federal grants and nonprofit organization grants and having the authority to accept same and the conditions that come along with them as well as appropriating and expending the grant funds. The Amendment, which was added to the end of the article, reads as follows: "with the understanding that no grants may be accepted or applied for which will obligate the residents to long-term commitments unless approved by the town at a specially called town meeting in advance." The Article was Passed with the Amendment
Article 12:Passed
Article 13: generated the same kind of discussion as Article 11. The discussion of an amendment was not successful. Perhaps if the same language as was used for Article 11 had been used and just tacked on to the Article, the amendment would have passed. But the issue got muddled even though Gretchen who raised it wasn't talking about an oven being donated to the Firehouse (the Selectmen Chair's contribution to the discussion); Gretchen was talking about an entire building being given to the town. Nonetheless, the amendment was defeated and the Article was passed as written with objections.
Article 14: After some explanation (which many of us appreciated), the Article was Passed
Then we got into the actual budget section:
Article 15: General Government for $23,400. - Passed with no discussion
Article 16: Administrative Salaries and Expenses for $286,226. - Passed with no discussion
Article 17: Highways for $199,400. (plus money from State Highway Funds) - Passed as written; however Russell was asked about the cost of paving the Rooks Road and how many culverts and other items of repair came out of the expensed items noted for 2008-2009. I am sure that this issue relates back to how much we were being told the snowplowing/sanding contract was going to be last year and how much the Annual Report is now showing being paid to that contractor. As people may remember, the Townspeople were told that unless the full amount was approved last year, NOTHING could be done under the Highways section of the budget - that the amendment to reduce the overall cost of the section by $10,000. would cripple that entire section. As noted above, people remember issues raised from year to year. Must be that Elephant in the room.
Article 18: Protection for $239,977. Passed as written; however it was noted that $12,500. more was being budgeted for 2009-2010 than had been budgeted for 2008-2009 in the line item for contracting with the County Sheriff's Department. Even though we are told that $10,000. is/has been being transferred from the Town's Police Department Reserve Fund (from the previous police position), the fact of the matter is that, at some point, the Fund will be depleted and ALL of the chickens will come home to roost. At that point the real cost will all be an increased request. It was for that reason that I pointed out that when our contracted Deputy (at our full price - he isn't working for us half-time) issues a speeding ticket, the full price of that ticket goes into the State's coffers. Nothing comes back into Eddington's cash register.
I suggested to Rep. Pratt (who was sitting behind me in the bleachers) that he should be working on this in Augusta. Perhaps some of you readers should be sending him a few letters to that effect. Otherwise, Deputy Daren needs to be spending some of his time citing violations that WILL generate some sheckels into the town coffers to help pay what is becoming an expensive contract with the county - not that I wouldn't want to have that protection right here but I doubt Daren is getting paid $71,500.oo a year.
Article 19: Human Services for $127,630. Passed
Article 20: Passed
Article 21: Passed
Article 22: Passed
Article 23: Passed
Article 24: Shoreland Ordinance. Code Enforcement Officer Norburg explained that the reason this was on the Warrant again this year was because of an error in the Article voted on last year. Seems the State requires a means of monitoring the "timber harvesting" being done and there were three options given by the state. The town had to choose one. Last year's "Ordinance" had combined two of the options into one (not the right thing to do) so we had to vote again to correct our error - as though many of us really understood what we were doing in the first place. I DO remember asking last year what the Ordinance said but Mr. Norburg was not in attendance and though Susan tried to explain we needed to come into compliance with the state regs - that didn't really tell me anything. (Can you tell I don't fall into step all that automatically? :-D Must be because of all those years I worked in government and know what goes on behind closed doors.) Add to the fact that this year, even though I and three of my neighbors have been calling and asking What the heck this Ordinance said and how it applied to us - no one told us that it only applies to commerical lots involved in the Business of Timber Harvesting. GEE, if anyone had told any of Us THAT before last night, when some people acted as though we were being sooooo unreasonable for really wanting an explanation.... Any hooo...Back to business...
What we needed to vote on was to allow the State to be responsible for monitoring the compliance of timber harvesting of such appropriate businesses INSTEAD of putting that job of Eddington's Code Enforcement Officer (which would have probably increased his workload and our costs). And so - the Article passed as written. (Things can be so much more simple when one can get an answer to a question. Even my family members today said, "If anyone had said that Ordinance doesn't apply to personal residential property lots.", none of us would have been so concerned. It's called "Communication from government" - my mantra.)
Article 25 - New Tower Ordinances: Passed after discussion regarding clarification and questions. Info provided by Gary Poisson and Susan Shane.
Article 26 - Sign Ordinances: Passed after discussion regarding clarification and questions. Info provided by Gary Poisson and Susan Shane.
Article 27 - Adjournment: PASSED! at approximately 8:30pm
And so, gentle townsfolks - That's how we conducted the business of the Town of Eddington. What I found MOST interesting was the Amendment that was added to Article 11 - and the discussion the brought it about. The townspeople were not the ones who had a problem with having a meeting to come together to decide whether or not to take on any long-term conditions of any grants. And the discussion re: WHY such a meeting should and could be conducted was quite reasonable and courteous. Now, wouldn't it be fantastic if some of those same people decided to start coming to regular Board of Selectmen meetings - just to see and hear what is going on...because business goes on every month and questions and discussions would be a good thing there, too. The meetings are never longer than 1 hour. Personally, I hope to see some of you there.
School Board Meeting - March 23, 2009
My overall impression of the meeting - and of those in attendance (Board members and others as well) was how pleasant it was for the most part. While not all Board members were present, all of Eddington's Board members were there. Karen Clark seems to be the leader from the Eddington reps, but Therese Anderson received many kudoes for her help with Eddington School's recent production of "Magical Land of Oz." Pam Dorr is very friendly but didn't seem to have much to say. Maybe it just wasn't her night as far as agenda issues were concerned.
Various school principals were there and offered information or comments as agenda subjects came up or as Board Chair, Don Varnum, or Interim Superintendant, Raymond Hart, requested. All of the principals appeared to be at ease with the Board and each other.
Both Mr. Varnum and Mr. Hart complimented the "Oz" production and particular mention was made of the two lead students' capabilities.
The state of the current school budget was discussed. Currently a budget freeze is in place although exceptions can be made for critical items relating to health and safety. The school budget committee meeting was moved to Thursday, March 26. Mr. Hart stated he had been to Augusta where school allocations from the state had (apparently) been a topic without resolution. It seems the state is leaving that up in the air pending receipt of federal money via the stimulus package. But to even be a recipient for the stimulus money, the state must complete some kind of a stabilization plan - is essence, produce a plan showing how the state is going to use the stimulus money to stabilize existing programs so as to remedy specified problems/improve the situation showing how or that the stimulus money will move the state past having the problem/situation still exist after the stimulus money has been spent (in the state). [Seems like good fiscal sense to me otherwise it's like pouring good money down a bottomless pothole.] And there may be other requirements, as well, but Mr. Hart didn't go into any details re: what those requirements might be.
As I understood the discussion, Mr. Hart came back feeling that Augusta is still figuring out what it has to do to obtain the stimulus money (as far as education is concerned at least) so nothing is known re: how much money will be available for local school districts - or when the state will know. In the meantime I do know, district employees are receiving their annual job performance evaluations and some are being told, "You'll receive a raise IF we receive a raise."
The discussion did come up re: some land currently owned by SAD63 that is used by the Holden School which the Town of Holden has suggested be turned over to the town. (I mentioned this issue in the blog covering the March 3 Selectmen's Public Hearing on the budget and the meeting that followed.)
Apparently the land in question includes some nature trails and the Veteran Memorial that was errected last year (I believe). Mr. Varnum indicated there had been a meeting with Holden's Code Enforcement Officer, Mr. Condon, which, after Condon's review of the proposal, resulted in a decision that there would be no problem with the proposal - from the perspective of code enforcement. Mr. Varnum acknowledged receipt of letters of concern from the Towns of Eddington and Clifton. There was some discussion re: the basis of the "concern".
Bottom Line: The Town of Holden has agreed to have some kind of a document written up (probably by an attorney or legal representative) specifying the terms of how the land would be turned over to the Town, the responsibilities the Town would accept for maintaining the Memorial and the grounds, how the land could be used, how the school/SAD63 could regain the property, etc., etc. Then the "document" would be submitted for review by the Board and the Towns of Eddington and Clifton (with the expectation that revisions, as needed, would follow). The Board appeared to be amiable to finding terms acceptable to all concerned. The misunderstanding seems to have come from the original use of the word "lease" which may (or may not) have been the intent by the initiating party.
The final step on the matter seemed to be a "Wait and See" what the final "document looks like, if and when the Town of Holden gets one done and presents it to the School Board. That was the motion made and passed.
As to the 2009/2010 School Year Issues - there were three noted:
1. The District will not be responsible for transporting Pre-K students. I am advised this is no change from previous years.
2. The Final Day of the School Year will be Tuesday, June 8 (subject to the number of Snow Days). It was decided NOT to plan the final day of the school year based on a fixed number of snow days. Instead, the date has been fixed at June 8 - then parents can plan what the date will be based on how many snow days are called. As an example: On the first snow day, parents will know to add 1 day to June 8 and plan the final day to be Wednesday, June 9. If there is a second snow day, parents will know to add another day to the end of the school year and the last day will be, Thursday, June 10., etc., etc. That way, those families trying to plan vacations around the end of the school year will know how to schedule the final day instead of having to call the principal's office.
The week of Thanksgiving will be vacation week - but it will be a workshop week for the teachers.
School will begin (I believe) the week of August 24, 2009. My notes are unclear as to whether the first day was Monday the 24th or Wednesday the 26th. Labor Day is late this year, but the principals felt it was better to stay with what is the norm for starting the school year (and besides it helps with plannng the end date.
and - finally - Consolidation Issues...
3. With so many issues being raised in the Legislature re: Consolidation and the People's Initiative that will be on the November Ballot to repeal the whole Dang thing, the Board felt it was best to take a "wait and see" attitude until the issues fall out and they know which way to turn. If some kind of consolidation plan needs to go forth, the "partners" are already in place (absent Brewer which would probably be a contract Partner for an option high school, perhaps in addition to bangor and John Bapst).
There appears to be the thought that the "penalty" for voting down consolidation will not be levied by the state this year - but no one can say what next year will bring. Obviously, if the People's Initiative passes (to repeal the Governor's mandate) it seems unlikely the penalty could be assessed. On the other hand, if the Legislature passes something that the Governor vetoes, the Legislature will need the number of votes to override the veto. Let's just agree that things are unclear at the moment re: this issue. Hopefully voters will turn out and Speak Loudly in November.
Last night's Annual Town Meeting follows in a separate blog.
Various school principals were there and offered information or comments as agenda subjects came up or as Board Chair, Don Varnum, or Interim Superintendant, Raymond Hart, requested. All of the principals appeared to be at ease with the Board and each other.
Both Mr. Varnum and Mr. Hart complimented the "Oz" production and particular mention was made of the two lead students' capabilities.
The state of the current school budget was discussed. Currently a budget freeze is in place although exceptions can be made for critical items relating to health and safety. The school budget committee meeting was moved to Thursday, March 26. Mr. Hart stated he had been to Augusta where school allocations from the state had (apparently) been a topic without resolution. It seems the state is leaving that up in the air pending receipt of federal money via the stimulus package. But to even be a recipient for the stimulus money, the state must complete some kind of a stabilization plan - is essence, produce a plan showing how the state is going to use the stimulus money to stabilize existing programs so as to remedy specified problems/improve the situation showing how or that the stimulus money will move the state past having the problem/situation still exist after the stimulus money has been spent (in the state). [Seems like good fiscal sense to me otherwise it's like pouring good money down a bottomless pothole.] And there may be other requirements, as well, but Mr. Hart didn't go into any details re: what those requirements might be.
As I understood the discussion, Mr. Hart came back feeling that Augusta is still figuring out what it has to do to obtain the stimulus money (as far as education is concerned at least) so nothing is known re: how much money will be available for local school districts - or when the state will know. In the meantime I do know, district employees are receiving their annual job performance evaluations and some are being told, "You'll receive a raise IF we receive a raise."
The discussion did come up re: some land currently owned by SAD63 that is used by the Holden School which the Town of Holden has suggested be turned over to the town. (I mentioned this issue in the blog covering the March 3 Selectmen's Public Hearing on the budget and the meeting that followed.)
Apparently the land in question includes some nature trails and the Veteran Memorial that was errected last year (I believe). Mr. Varnum indicated there had been a meeting with Holden's Code Enforcement Officer, Mr. Condon, which, after Condon's review of the proposal, resulted in a decision that there would be no problem with the proposal - from the perspective of code enforcement. Mr. Varnum acknowledged receipt of letters of concern from the Towns of Eddington and Clifton. There was some discussion re: the basis of the "concern".
Bottom Line: The Town of Holden has agreed to have some kind of a document written up (probably by an attorney or legal representative) specifying the terms of how the land would be turned over to the Town, the responsibilities the Town would accept for maintaining the Memorial and the grounds, how the land could be used, how the school/SAD63 could regain the property, etc., etc. Then the "document" would be submitted for review by the Board and the Towns of Eddington and Clifton (with the expectation that revisions, as needed, would follow). The Board appeared to be amiable to finding terms acceptable to all concerned. The misunderstanding seems to have come from the original use of the word "lease" which may (or may not) have been the intent by the initiating party.
The final step on the matter seemed to be a "Wait and See" what the final "document looks like, if and when the Town of Holden gets one done and presents it to the School Board. That was the motion made and passed.
As to the 2009/2010 School Year Issues - there were three noted:
1. The District will not be responsible for transporting Pre-K students. I am advised this is no change from previous years.
2. The Final Day of the School Year will be Tuesday, June 8 (subject to the number of Snow Days). It was decided NOT to plan the final day of the school year based on a fixed number of snow days. Instead, the date has been fixed at June 8 - then parents can plan what the date will be based on how many snow days are called. As an example: On the first snow day, parents will know to add 1 day to June 8 and plan the final day to be Wednesday, June 9. If there is a second snow day, parents will know to add another day to the end of the school year and the last day will be, Thursday, June 10., etc., etc. That way, those families trying to plan vacations around the end of the school year will know how to schedule the final day instead of having to call the principal's office.
The week of Thanksgiving will be vacation week - but it will be a workshop week for the teachers.
School will begin (I believe) the week of August 24, 2009. My notes are unclear as to whether the first day was Monday the 24th or Wednesday the 26th. Labor Day is late this year, but the principals felt it was better to stay with what is the norm for starting the school year (and besides it helps with plannng the end date.
and - finally - Consolidation Issues...
3. With so many issues being raised in the Legislature re: Consolidation and the People's Initiative that will be on the November Ballot to repeal the whole Dang thing, the Board felt it was best to take a "wait and see" attitude until the issues fall out and they know which way to turn. If some kind of consolidation plan needs to go forth, the "partners" are already in place (absent Brewer which would probably be a contract Partner for an option high school, perhaps in addition to bangor and John Bapst).
There appears to be the thought that the "penalty" for voting down consolidation will not be levied by the state this year - but no one can say what next year will bring. Obviously, if the People's Initiative passes (to repeal the Governor's mandate) it seems unlikely the penalty could be assessed. On the other hand, if the Legislature passes something that the Governor vetoes, the Legislature will need the number of votes to override the veto. Let's just agree that things are unclear at the moment re: this issue. Hopefully voters will turn out and Speak Loudly in November.
Last night's Annual Town Meeting follows in a separate blog.
Monday, March 23, 2009
News from over the Weekend - on this Voting (?) Day
Great fun Saturday night at the Clewley Farm Restaurant. Dola put on a fun show showing her determination with one particular song (you had to be there to understand the joke), but there wasn't an empty chair in the lounge until after 10pm. In fact, extra chairs had to be brought in for the overflow. And then there was what one group refered to an the "interactive kareoke" part of the show. I prefer to think of it as the "back-up singers" from the far end of the room :-).
Dola will be singing again next Saturday (the 28th). Show starts at 7pm. I expect things will be jumping again. BTW, the folks in the kitchen were putting out some really good cheeseburgers. There's a new menu for Saturday nights that comes with the salad bar. Most of the items at $8.95. And the upstairs bar is turning into a "proper" place to belly up, friends. Well stocked from the high-priced stuff to a good selection of beer. Just need to add some chips and peanuts and we'll have a neighborhood "Cheers" pub going.
More info re: The Habitat for Humanity ReStore store in Brewer. They'll come and pickup your appliances, furniture and building supplies (a great service when you're remodeling) which saves you a trip to the dumps in Bangor or Brewer, not to mention the fee at Pine Tree land fill that's $95.00 a ton. Habitat will refurbish and use your items for homes they're building which is true Recycling in the best sense of the word while benefiting the homeless and people who have been displaced because of natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. The Brewer ReStore location is 231 Main Street on 1A - tel.# 992-0704 (next to Annie's). In case you are not familiar with the work of Habitat for Humanity, people put in the sweat equity of building (carpentry, painting, etc.) in order to receive a home which instills pride in ownership. Donating your items is probably tax deductible but you should check that part out. Even if not, it's sure better that sending stuff to a landfill or putting it out by the side of the road with a sign for the wind to blow away.
Clifton had its Annual Town Meeting this past Saturday. One of the items up for a vote was an expenditure of $5,000.00 for a sign outside the Town Office. (It was voted down soundly.) Gee, maybe they could just rent some space on Eddington's Town Office sign. There's seldom any message on ours - days and weekends on end just a blank sign. Used more by the Fire Department than the Town Office. (Clifton also voted down a $10,000. expenditure for a generator for the Town Office. They also voted down acceptance of the Shoreline Ordinance. Seems there are some savey people living in Clifton.)
About that Shoreline Ordinance... As a Shoreline Property owner, I have been trying to find out what that Ordinance says - in plan understandable language. Didn't have much luck at last year's Town Meeting - Town Manager said the Code Enforcement Office was the best qualified to explain it, but he wasn't at the meeting. (In fact, I haven't seen the Code Enforcement Office at any Selectmen meetings for a long time - maybe a year or so.) Anyway, last week, Selectman Charles Baker was asking my help in filling out a questionnaire regarding Davis Pond (estimated water quality, number of year-round homes and summer camps, recreational water vehicle use and a bunch of other stuff. Fortunately I had had three generations of info to pull on, not to mention the knowledge of three families and neighbors over the years - past and recent so I hope my comparative "guesses and estimates" helped). I did/do know that many of the shoreline property owners have worked together over several years to improve the water quality which has helped in to crease the number of breeding loons and the quality of fishing. There is also a volunteer association of shoreline property owners that work on the dam to maintain the level of water in the pond which helps with recreational water activities. In fact, my dad was once a member of that association. It hasn't been any government that has been responsible for improving the quality of Davis Pond; it has been the responsible property owners who care about it and their outreaching communication with others on the water.
Anyway, during the time we were together, I happened to ask if he knew what this Shoreline Ordinance really said - seemed I ought to know (not to mention being taxed at $800.00 per shoreline foot as are those of us who own property on Davis Pond. BTW, folks with Shoreline Property on Chemo Pond are taxed at the rate of $900.00 per shoreline foot! - and who knows who figured out the rate. We're always refered to the people in Augusta as though that helps. No further comment needed, I trust.)
Mr. Baker told me this Shoreline Ordinance now says property owners can't clear trees for 350 feet back from the shoreline! Excuse me? I know my home (built in 1992) had to be built 100 feet back from the shoreline and that there are restrictions regarding tree clearance for that 100 feet (nothing with a tree trunk circumference more than three inches) BUT seems to me I have the legal right to maintain my property the way it was when I bought it. Right? I know other homes/camps built earlier were grandfathered in if they were built closer to the shoreline and maintain their property as it was originally built.
BUT, if no trees can be cleared for 350 feet from the shoreline, how does David Mansfield expect to sell any of his Fifield Estate waterfront property lots - when none of those homes will have any waterfront view? I would expect the value of those lots just went down a whole bunch if that is the wording of that ordinance and if Eddington is approving that ordinance! Maybe we should require a very clear understanding of this SHORELINE ORDINANCE before we are asked to vote on it tomorrow night (assuming it's on the warrant again). Anyone who owns property and is paying the kind of taxes we are, should have objections when outside government wants to dictate a change in the rules about what we can do with that property - expecially when government is increasing property taxes on one hand and making it that much harder to live on it with the other. Those town residents who are not shoreline property owners should be thinking about what their votes are doing to those of us are. Because the next ordinance could be restricting what they can be doing on their property.
And now we come to today - Voting Day (or Rubber Stamp Day as I'm thinking of it). Granted, if no one else chooses to file papers to run in opposition to the incumbents it's not the fault of the incumbents that theirs is the only names on the ballot. But - the fact that there was no Candidates Night that would have afforded the voters an opportunity to ask questions of the candidates, to know who they are or what they think - THAT falls directly on the heads of the current Selectmen - namely the Chair since I know from personal observation that she doesn't want that kind of event. Direct accountability to the voters makes her very uncomfortable. And yet, that is exactly what they are elected to be. Seems they have forgotten that. Good reason to start going to the School Board meetings - and there is one tonight at the Holden School - 6:30PM.
And tomorrow night - Tuesday, the 24th - is the Eddington Town Meeting - at the Eddington School - 7pm. Be sure to stay to the very end. You never know what sneaky motion will come up to try to undo what might have been done earlier in the meeting, folks.
Dola will be singing again next Saturday (the 28th). Show starts at 7pm. I expect things will be jumping again. BTW, the folks in the kitchen were putting out some really good cheeseburgers. There's a new menu for Saturday nights that comes with the salad bar. Most of the items at $8.95. And the upstairs bar is turning into a "proper" place to belly up, friends. Well stocked from the high-priced stuff to a good selection of beer. Just need to add some chips and peanuts and we'll have a neighborhood "Cheers" pub going.
More info re: The Habitat for Humanity ReStore store in Brewer. They'll come and pickup your appliances, furniture and building supplies (a great service when you're remodeling) which saves you a trip to the dumps in Bangor or Brewer, not to mention the fee at Pine Tree land fill that's $95.00 a ton. Habitat will refurbish and use your items for homes they're building which is true Recycling in the best sense of the word while benefiting the homeless and people who have been displaced because of natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. The Brewer ReStore location is 231 Main Street on 1A - tel.# 992-0704 (next to Annie's). In case you are not familiar with the work of Habitat for Humanity, people put in the sweat equity of building (carpentry, painting, etc.) in order to receive a home which instills pride in ownership. Donating your items is probably tax deductible but you should check that part out. Even if not, it's sure better that sending stuff to a landfill or putting it out by the side of the road with a sign for the wind to blow away.
Clifton had its Annual Town Meeting this past Saturday. One of the items up for a vote was an expenditure of $5,000.00 for a sign outside the Town Office. (It was voted down soundly.) Gee, maybe they could just rent some space on Eddington's Town Office sign. There's seldom any message on ours - days and weekends on end just a blank sign. Used more by the Fire Department than the Town Office. (Clifton also voted down a $10,000. expenditure for a generator for the Town Office. They also voted down acceptance of the Shoreline Ordinance. Seems there are some savey people living in Clifton.)
About that Shoreline Ordinance... As a Shoreline Property owner, I have been trying to find out what that Ordinance says - in plan understandable language. Didn't have much luck at last year's Town Meeting - Town Manager said the Code Enforcement Office was the best qualified to explain it, but he wasn't at the meeting. (In fact, I haven't seen the Code Enforcement Office at any Selectmen meetings for a long time - maybe a year or so.) Anyway, last week, Selectman Charles Baker was asking my help in filling out a questionnaire regarding Davis Pond (estimated water quality, number of year-round homes and summer camps, recreational water vehicle use and a bunch of other stuff. Fortunately I had had three generations of info to pull on, not to mention the knowledge of three families and neighbors over the years - past and recent so I hope my comparative "guesses and estimates" helped). I did/do know that many of the shoreline property owners have worked together over several years to improve the water quality which has helped in to crease the number of breeding loons and the quality of fishing. There is also a volunteer association of shoreline property owners that work on the dam to maintain the level of water in the pond which helps with recreational water activities. In fact, my dad was once a member of that association. It hasn't been any government that has been responsible for improving the quality of Davis Pond; it has been the responsible property owners who care about it and their outreaching communication with others on the water.
Anyway, during the time we were together, I happened to ask if he knew what this Shoreline Ordinance really said - seemed I ought to know (not to mention being taxed at $800.00 per shoreline foot as are those of us who own property on Davis Pond. BTW, folks with Shoreline Property on Chemo Pond are taxed at the rate of $900.00 per shoreline foot! - and who knows who figured out the rate. We're always refered to the people in Augusta as though that helps. No further comment needed, I trust.)
Mr. Baker told me this Shoreline Ordinance now says property owners can't clear trees for 350 feet back from the shoreline! Excuse me? I know my home (built in 1992) had to be built 100 feet back from the shoreline and that there are restrictions regarding tree clearance for that 100 feet (nothing with a tree trunk circumference more than three inches) BUT seems to me I have the legal right to maintain my property the way it was when I bought it. Right? I know other homes/camps built earlier were grandfathered in if they were built closer to the shoreline and maintain their property as it was originally built.
BUT, if no trees can be cleared for 350 feet from the shoreline, how does David Mansfield expect to sell any of his Fifield Estate waterfront property lots - when none of those homes will have any waterfront view? I would expect the value of those lots just went down a whole bunch if that is the wording of that ordinance and if Eddington is approving that ordinance! Maybe we should require a very clear understanding of this SHORELINE ORDINANCE before we are asked to vote on it tomorrow night (assuming it's on the warrant again). Anyone who owns property and is paying the kind of taxes we are, should have objections when outside government wants to dictate a change in the rules about what we can do with that property - expecially when government is increasing property taxes on one hand and making it that much harder to live on it with the other. Those town residents who are not shoreline property owners should be thinking about what their votes are doing to those of us are. Because the next ordinance could be restricting what they can be doing on their property.
And now we come to today - Voting Day (or Rubber Stamp Day as I'm thinking of it). Granted, if no one else chooses to file papers to run in opposition to the incumbents it's not the fault of the incumbents that theirs is the only names on the ballot. But - the fact that there was no Candidates Night that would have afforded the voters an opportunity to ask questions of the candidates, to know who they are or what they think - THAT falls directly on the heads of the current Selectmen - namely the Chair since I know from personal observation that she doesn't want that kind of event. Direct accountability to the voters makes her very uncomfortable. And yet, that is exactly what they are elected to be. Seems they have forgotten that. Good reason to start going to the School Board meetings - and there is one tonight at the Holden School - 6:30PM.
And tomorrow night - Tuesday, the 24th - is the Eddington Town Meeting - at the Eddington School - 7pm. Be sure to stay to the very end. You never know what sneaky motion will come up to try to undo what might have been done earlier in the meeting, folks.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Goings On - and stuff
Did you know?
If you are remodeling and have a working appliance you want to get rid of (and don't want to "ugly up" the neighborhood by putting it out at the roadside with a "Free" sign on it - or haul it to one of the dumps in Bangor/Brewer), contact Habitat for Humanity - ReStore on IA in Holden (just past the Dog Grooming place - going toward Brewer). I saw an ad for the program on one of the cable channels the other day. I think they may even come and pick up the appliance but can't verify that. But I'll bet you can write it off as a tax deduction. Habitat for Humanity is a great organization helping people get into homes (and a wonder in rebuilding New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina).
Have you been watching the big machines clearing the lot on Route 9 - approximately 1130 Main Road? I stopped and talked to one of the workmen today. They were pulling power lines to a pole at the corner of the lot. Seems there's a double-wide, new home going in there. Looks like some new neighbors soon. Hopefully they'll decide to be active members who'll show up at the monthly Selectmen's meeting - just to hear what's going on in town.
What's with the Trash Collections? Last week (March 13) the solid waste trash wasn't collected until well past 3pm (I think it was later by the time it was picked up down by the Town Office). Today it hadn't been picked up even on Rooks Road by 1:30pm. That means it will be at least 4 pm before it's picked up on the north side of Main Road.
According to Channel 7 instructions, we're to have it out by the roadside by 7am(!). The crows and Spring critters sure know when the sun is up. And if the "stuff" isn't frozen so they can't pick up any scent, they think it's "treasure". Since the Trash Collectors don't presuppose to pick up anything the birds or critters have spread out, it would be nice if the trash truck arrived on time - or the company gave us a more accurate time to expect them. For this the town taxpayers are paying $39,760. annually (in addition to $11,800. for the twice a month recycling trash collection to the same vendor).
Saturday Entertainment - Dola & Company will be entertaining at the Clewley Farm Restaurant tomorrow night - the 21st - and next Saturday night, the 28th, too. Friends and reporters have told me that Dola does a bang up job at the mike and the sounds are great. Maybe we should all gather there tomorrow night to discuss the upcoming "elections" and the Town Meeting. Should add to the lively entertainment all around, don't you think?
There are rumors of an Eddington town Website. We'll see. It would be a good thing, especially if it included pending agendas for the Selectmen and Planning Board meetings so people knew was was being worked on - not to mention promotion of town activities. Maybe it could have a "Welcome to Eddington" section where newcomers could find information re: churches and service times, Cumins Hall and the Historical Society, contacts for school enrollment, the various businesses for gasoline, propane, auto repair, groceries, restaurants, etc.
I know when I first moved here I didn't know about Eddington Auto at a time when I needed some help closer than Brewer. The Website wouldn't need to "promote" a business necessarily, but if you don't know something exists, how are you going to look it up in the Yellow Pages?
A map of Eddington would be good, too, (including the ways to Brewer and Bangor and points beyond). Basic operating hours and phone numbers of such places as the Post Office, Fire Department and Town Office would be helpful as well as the hours of the Eddington Store and Tradewinds. Things like this are especially helpful for people in the process of moving in when there's no food in the house or cleaning supplies and you don't know where you can find some locally. Just some ideas - if ideas are welcome. I sure think we need to support our local businesses because they sure support our tax base - which makes it easier on the homeowners.
Cumins Hall - Things must be happening there. The sign out front says new restrooms are being constructed. I spotted Mark and Susan Shane in their "work clothes" out front of the Hall this morning after my inspection of Pond Road (where some serious grading is needed along with potholes filled in. Bring a flashlight if you're going to check out the potholes. Things look pretty dark down in a few of them.).
There was a little running water along the shoreline today - briefly. And the one lone ice fishing shack can still be seen out there in the middle of the pond. The eagles are happy with what he leaves behind; that's for sure. The snow continues to melt but on a gradual basis. Not too much running water is good for the pond water quality, not to mention home basements and roadways around here since it's still freezing every night. The solar heat through the windows feels good (and cuts down on the use of the heating oil) at least during the day. Maybe the slow melt is also good for ground absorption of the water which is probably better for tree roots.
Well, later, folks. Monday should be interesting.
If you are remodeling and have a working appliance you want to get rid of (and don't want to "ugly up" the neighborhood by putting it out at the roadside with a "Free" sign on it - or haul it to one of the dumps in Bangor/Brewer), contact Habitat for Humanity - ReStore on IA in Holden (just past the Dog Grooming place - going toward Brewer). I saw an ad for the program on one of the cable channels the other day. I think they may even come and pick up the appliance but can't verify that. But I'll bet you can write it off as a tax deduction. Habitat for Humanity is a great organization helping people get into homes (and a wonder in rebuilding New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina).
Have you been watching the big machines clearing the lot on Route 9 - approximately 1130 Main Road? I stopped and talked to one of the workmen today. They were pulling power lines to a pole at the corner of the lot. Seems there's a double-wide, new home going in there. Looks like some new neighbors soon. Hopefully they'll decide to be active members who'll show up at the monthly Selectmen's meeting - just to hear what's going on in town.
What's with the Trash Collections? Last week (March 13) the solid waste trash wasn't collected until well past 3pm (I think it was later by the time it was picked up down by the Town Office). Today it hadn't been picked up even on Rooks Road by 1:30pm. That means it will be at least 4 pm before it's picked up on the north side of Main Road.
According to Channel 7 instructions, we're to have it out by the roadside by 7am(!). The crows and Spring critters sure know when the sun is up. And if the "stuff" isn't frozen so they can't pick up any scent, they think it's "treasure". Since the Trash Collectors don't presuppose to pick up anything the birds or critters have spread out, it would be nice if the trash truck arrived on time - or the company gave us a more accurate time to expect them. For this the town taxpayers are paying $39,760. annually (in addition to $11,800. for the twice a month recycling trash collection to the same vendor).
Saturday Entertainment - Dola & Company will be entertaining at the Clewley Farm Restaurant tomorrow night - the 21st - and next Saturday night, the 28th, too. Friends and reporters have told me that Dola does a bang up job at the mike and the sounds are great. Maybe we should all gather there tomorrow night to discuss the upcoming "elections" and the Town Meeting. Should add to the lively entertainment all around, don't you think?
There are rumors of an Eddington town Website. We'll see. It would be a good thing, especially if it included pending agendas for the Selectmen and Planning Board meetings so people knew was was being worked on - not to mention promotion of town activities. Maybe it could have a "Welcome to Eddington" section where newcomers could find information re: churches and service times, Cumins Hall and the Historical Society, contacts for school enrollment, the various businesses for gasoline, propane, auto repair, groceries, restaurants, etc.
I know when I first moved here I didn't know about Eddington Auto at a time when I needed some help closer than Brewer. The Website wouldn't need to "promote" a business necessarily, but if you don't know something exists, how are you going to look it up in the Yellow Pages?
A map of Eddington would be good, too, (including the ways to Brewer and Bangor and points beyond). Basic operating hours and phone numbers of such places as the Post Office, Fire Department and Town Office would be helpful as well as the hours of the Eddington Store and Tradewinds. Things like this are especially helpful for people in the process of moving in when there's no food in the house or cleaning supplies and you don't know where you can find some locally. Just some ideas - if ideas are welcome. I sure think we need to support our local businesses because they sure support our tax base - which makes it easier on the homeowners.
Cumins Hall - Things must be happening there. The sign out front says new restrooms are being constructed. I spotted Mark and Susan Shane in their "work clothes" out front of the Hall this morning after my inspection of Pond Road (where some serious grading is needed along with potholes filled in. Bring a flashlight if you're going to check out the potholes. Things look pretty dark down in a few of them.).
There was a little running water along the shoreline today - briefly. And the one lone ice fishing shack can still be seen out there in the middle of the pond. The eagles are happy with what he leaves behind; that's for sure. The snow continues to melt but on a gradual basis. Not too much running water is good for the pond water quality, not to mention home basements and roadways around here since it's still freezing every night. The solar heat through the windows feels good (and cuts down on the use of the heating oil) at least during the day. Maybe the slow melt is also good for ground absorption of the water which is probably better for tree roots.
Well, later, folks. Monday should be interesting.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Fiscal Year Correction
Thanks to a comment provided by a reader - Eddington's fiscal year is February-January. Makes it that much ??? that at the Annual Meeting we will be asked to authorize the Selectmen to borrow up to twenty-five percent of their projected budget BEFORE we ever get to approve it - when the Annual Meeting is before the end of March - two months into the new fiscal year.
Maybe that's reasonable, but considering the state of how the budget is planned - with no consideration of how the voters who attend the Public Hearings feel - it is rather disconcerting.
Annual Meeting - next Tuesday night - the 24th - at the Eddington School - at 7pm. Wouldn't it be great to have more than 400 people who actually voted in attendance.
Maybe that's reasonable, but considering the state of how the budget is planned - with no consideration of how the voters who attend the Public Hearings feel - it is rather disconcerting.
Annual Meeting - next Tuesday night - the 24th - at the Eddington School - at 7pm. Wouldn't it be great to have more than 400 people who actually voted in attendance.
More Budget Info & A Correction re School Bd. Mtg.
First the Correction: Monday's School Board Meeting (the 23rd) will be at the Holden School - not the Holbrook School. Meeting begins at 6:30pm. I think we need to push to find out what the current bottom line is fiscally and how that relates to the original budget - regardless of what the state MAY be providing. We had already heard, prior to the federal stimulus package, that the state of Maine was facing a $400 million dollar shortfall for the next two years. That projection was worse than last year. Soooo, if SAD63 got hit by a certain number in the '08-'09 fiscal year because the state didn't fund the locals, we should be working against THAT as the base for next year (and the year after). The federal stmulus package is a one-shot/one year deal. It isn't anything to plan on for the long term.
If we work against the base school budget (as defined above), then the Town Manager/Selectmen should be able to give us an idea of what the estimated property tax bills are going to be. We have to think (and they should be thinking) about what we can afford and be conservative about our spending. Other towns are approaching their budgets this way and Eddington is certainly NO exception considering our very limited business tax base, the percentage of population on a fixed income, and the amount of infrastructural needs. I'm sure Holden, Clifton, Dedham are in no better position than we are. Holden may actually be in a better position because they have a larger business tax base. Therefore, those of us in SAD63 should be telling our respective School Board members we expect them to provide us with a worse case/best case fiscal scenario by the time our towns have their respective Town Meetings. Playing "Hide the Ball" is bad government and an abdication of their elected responsibility to the voters who are, in fact, their bosses.
The projected 2009-10 town budget is approximately $20,000.00 higher than last year's budget (before we get the unknown school budget).
At the moment, the state imposed penalty for voting down school consolidation will NOT be levied in 2009-10.
It is expected that there will be a Question on the November 2009 ballot to rescind the Legislative action mandating school consolidation. Districts that have already voted to consolidate are not expected to be able to reverse their decisions.
Voting on Monday, March 23 - Eddington Town Office - 8am-8pm: Some random thoughts:
First - I don't expect much of a turnout. Out of 1600 registered voters in Eddington - 1300 of whom voted in the National/State election last November 4 - approximately 106 voted in the last election for two Eddington Selectmen and one School Board representative. I can't think of an adjective suffficiently demeaning of that level of turnout.
There are plenty of places to point the finger but the two primary places are (1) the town government which does absolutely nothing to encourage citizenship, resident involvement and candidate information and (2) the apathy of the voters.
(1) The Selectmen/woman want to be elected to the positions of governing. Why - for the power or for benefiting and representing the residents?
If it's to represent the residents, why don't they solicit the opinions and thoughts of the residents through regular communication such as questionnaires, surveys, opinion polls? They could do this through the Government Access Channel (7) or through quarterly newsletters or even though the school newsletters.
True, there is a "Public Access" component at the beginning and end of each Selectmen's meeting's agenda. But there are too many horror stories of individuals who have been treated disrespectfully because it didn't agree with what members of the Board had already decided to do - and I've been told the stories from people at Tradewinds to the Eddington Store to the Post Office and spots in Brewer. But unless an individual is willing to fight back (and still be slapped down), or take a good sized crowd with you (which DOES intimidate the heck out of them), they don't seem to listen once they get elected.
Maybe that's why they have resisted publishing their agenda In Advance so that the people will know what issues are being addressed at any given meeting. However, doing the peoples' business in secret (at best) gives the impression they are doing something the people would not approve of if they knew. At worse, it means only special interests are being served and that is definitely BAD BUSINESS.
Relevant to this is what Today's Reporter (another one!) told me...about what went on behind closed doors relating to the resignation of the former Fire Chief. Just because a member or members of the Selectmen have a personal interest in the outcome of a problem doesn't mean an entire department's personnel should be disregarded when they collectively bring an issue before the Board. And a "No Confidence" letter should have been taken more seriously than trying the "divide and conquer" action by the Board which didn't work. So the Board, probably after being ramroded by the leader of the pack, decided all the testimony was to be dismissed because it "must have been planned." Yes - we now have a really good Chief and Deputy Chief - BUT what was the cost...the loss of some really good and highly trained firefighters, not to mention some serious loss of respect/trust for how things "work" in the Eddington government.
I was outside the Town Office at the conclusion of the Selectmen's meeting following the acceptance of the former Fire Chief's letter of resignation "for personal reasons". There was absolute glee by all of the fire department personnel as they started asking how soon they could start training. At the time I didn't understand what was underneath it all. After the reporter's story today, pieces of the puzzle fell together.
(2) So how does this relate to Monday's election? Because a certain amount of responsibility (call it fault) falls on the residents of Eddington. Unless I had been to the many Selectmen meetings where different pieces of the puzzle had shown themselves, I would not have understood what my reporter was telling me or how how all of this came together.
There are only two things that keep government honest and accountable - honest people elected to office and a constantly vigilant (watchful) citizenry. When we have elected officials trying to conduct as much business as possible with as little interference from the people as possible, those officials tend to forget they work FOR the people. We, the people, are their employers - in spite of the fact that most of the officials around here seem to think they have their jobs and positions in perpetuity. (For example, how many years has the same person been the Chairperson? Why doesn't the Vice-Chair move into the Chair slot after one year? Too much control by the same person for too long breeds a lack of opportunity for new ideas, for new people to be encouraged to get involved, for new committees with ideas for areas of improvement. Of course that would require an environment of support - not currently present if it advocates change.)
Perhaps that's why Candidates don't think they need to provide us, the voters, with any kind of job interview or qualifications such as a Candidates Night or brief statement of qualifications on the ballot. (So what if it would take two pages to print the ballot? It's not as though there are that many candidates or that many ballots that will have to be printed. It would at least APPEAR to be providing a meaningful ballot to inform the voters of who/what they're choosing.) Right now the appearance is that we will automatically rubber stamp whatever is offered because what else can we do.
Well, I have an idea...Let's write in Susan Shane's name. She's more than qualified to be a Selectwoman - intelligent, educated and best of all - she's not afraid to speak up for what's right. Don't know Susan? She's on the Planning Board, member of the Community Church, active at Cumins Hall. One smart cookie and she spoke up at the Town Meeting last year re: the snowplowing contract that got shoved down our throats. And when the vacant lot between the Weather Vane and New Hope Hospice came up for discussion, she actually checked out the lot - declaring it "an environmental nightmare." She's not afraid to look straight on at problems instead of trying to sweep them under the table because they might upset some good 'ol boy network. I, for one, am writing in her name. She probably won't get the necessary number of votes - maybe the Town Office will try to throw out my ballot even - but at least I'll know who I'm voting for and the qualifications behind the name. And Susan would be ten times better than three of the five who are sitting on the Board right now.
On the other hand - there is a phrase that goes something like "The only thing necessary for evil to succeed is for good people to sit back and do nothing." Now, I'm not saying the town Selectmen/woman are evil - but I am saying that when their employers (us, we the people - the voters) sit back and do nothing by staying home instead of going once a month to sit, listen, observe to OUR elected government in action - then WE don't know what's going on, WE can't make informed votes at the Town Meeting or for any candidate for town office or school board, and WE are not fulfilling OUR responsibilities are citizens. Maybe if more people went to these meetings (12 a year - good grief. Not much considering you are investing in your community and your democracy and an honest government), maybe there would be more candidates - a hord of candidates. Wouldn't that be great! Some real viability here. Think of how it would benefit the children. We might actually have a government that represented the community as a whole - not just a small segment.
Are you willing to give over these rights (and responsibilities) to illegals immigrants? Probably not - but, if you want to BE a citizen, you have to fulfill your responsibilities AS a citizen. I won't even go into what kind of role model you are (or aren't) demonstrating to your children. But when was the last time you said to your children/grandchildren, "Dad/Gramma and/or I have to go to a Selectmen's meeting tonight for an hour to see how our government is working." (I assure you, this crowd doesn't want the meeting to go past 7pm - probably why the Chairwoman tries to limit the public comments.) Maybe you won't have anything to say but you'll learn, you'll be listening and they will know it. Then when it's time to voice an opinion, or vote, or go to the Town Meeting, YOU WILL BE INFORMED.
That's all I hope for - a participatory citizenry that is informed in this town. Otherwise, why are we sending soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines to fight for our country somewhere else. If we don't do OUR job, they'll be needed right here at some point. - OR, if we don't do a better job of keeping this town vital, it will die right along with all of the aging population we have here.
If we work against the base school budget (as defined above), then the Town Manager/Selectmen should be able to give us an idea of what the estimated property tax bills are going to be. We have to think (and they should be thinking) about what we can afford and be conservative about our spending. Other towns are approaching their budgets this way and Eddington is certainly NO exception considering our very limited business tax base, the percentage of population on a fixed income, and the amount of infrastructural needs. I'm sure Holden, Clifton, Dedham are in no better position than we are. Holden may actually be in a better position because they have a larger business tax base. Therefore, those of us in SAD63 should be telling our respective School Board members we expect them to provide us with a worse case/best case fiscal scenario by the time our towns have their respective Town Meetings. Playing "Hide the Ball" is bad government and an abdication of their elected responsibility to the voters who are, in fact, their bosses.
The projected 2009-10 town budget is approximately $20,000.00 higher than last year's budget (before we get the unknown school budget).
At the moment, the state imposed penalty for voting down school consolidation will NOT be levied in 2009-10.
It is expected that there will be a Question on the November 2009 ballot to rescind the Legislative action mandating school consolidation. Districts that have already voted to consolidate are not expected to be able to reverse their decisions.
Voting on Monday, March 23 - Eddington Town Office - 8am-8pm: Some random thoughts:
First - I don't expect much of a turnout. Out of 1600 registered voters in Eddington - 1300 of whom voted in the National/State election last November 4 - approximately 106 voted in the last election for two Eddington Selectmen and one School Board representative. I can't think of an adjective suffficiently demeaning of that level of turnout.
There are plenty of places to point the finger but the two primary places are (1) the town government which does absolutely nothing to encourage citizenship, resident involvement and candidate information and (2) the apathy of the voters.
(1) The Selectmen/woman want to be elected to the positions of governing. Why - for the power or for benefiting and representing the residents?
If it's to represent the residents, why don't they solicit the opinions and thoughts of the residents through regular communication such as questionnaires, surveys, opinion polls? They could do this through the Government Access Channel (7) or through quarterly newsletters or even though the school newsletters.
True, there is a "Public Access" component at the beginning and end of each Selectmen's meeting's agenda. But there are too many horror stories of individuals who have been treated disrespectfully because it didn't agree with what members of the Board had already decided to do - and I've been told the stories from people at Tradewinds to the Eddington Store to the Post Office and spots in Brewer. But unless an individual is willing to fight back (and still be slapped down), or take a good sized crowd with you (which DOES intimidate the heck out of them), they don't seem to listen once they get elected.
Maybe that's why they have resisted publishing their agenda In Advance so that the people will know what issues are being addressed at any given meeting. However, doing the peoples' business in secret (at best) gives the impression they are doing something the people would not approve of if they knew. At worse, it means only special interests are being served and that is definitely BAD BUSINESS.
Relevant to this is what Today's Reporter (another one!) told me...about what went on behind closed doors relating to the resignation of the former Fire Chief. Just because a member or members of the Selectmen have a personal interest in the outcome of a problem doesn't mean an entire department's personnel should be disregarded when they collectively bring an issue before the Board. And a "No Confidence" letter should have been taken more seriously than trying the "divide and conquer" action by the Board which didn't work. So the Board, probably after being ramroded by the leader of the pack, decided all the testimony was to be dismissed because it "must have been planned." Yes - we now have a really good Chief and Deputy Chief - BUT what was the cost...the loss of some really good and highly trained firefighters, not to mention some serious loss of respect/trust for how things "work" in the Eddington government.
I was outside the Town Office at the conclusion of the Selectmen's meeting following the acceptance of the former Fire Chief's letter of resignation "for personal reasons". There was absolute glee by all of the fire department personnel as they started asking how soon they could start training. At the time I didn't understand what was underneath it all. After the reporter's story today, pieces of the puzzle fell together.
(2) So how does this relate to Monday's election? Because a certain amount of responsibility (call it fault) falls on the residents of Eddington. Unless I had been to the many Selectmen meetings where different pieces of the puzzle had shown themselves, I would not have understood what my reporter was telling me or how how all of this came together.
There are only two things that keep government honest and accountable - honest people elected to office and a constantly vigilant (watchful) citizenry. When we have elected officials trying to conduct as much business as possible with as little interference from the people as possible, those officials tend to forget they work FOR the people. We, the people, are their employers - in spite of the fact that most of the officials around here seem to think they have their jobs and positions in perpetuity. (For example, how many years has the same person been the Chairperson? Why doesn't the Vice-Chair move into the Chair slot after one year? Too much control by the same person for too long breeds a lack of opportunity for new ideas, for new people to be encouraged to get involved, for new committees with ideas for areas of improvement. Of course that would require an environment of support - not currently present if it advocates change.)
Perhaps that's why Candidates don't think they need to provide us, the voters, with any kind of job interview or qualifications such as a Candidates Night or brief statement of qualifications on the ballot. (So what if it would take two pages to print the ballot? It's not as though there are that many candidates or that many ballots that will have to be printed. It would at least APPEAR to be providing a meaningful ballot to inform the voters of who/what they're choosing.) Right now the appearance is that we will automatically rubber stamp whatever is offered because what else can we do.
Well, I have an idea...Let's write in Susan Shane's name. She's more than qualified to be a Selectwoman - intelligent, educated and best of all - she's not afraid to speak up for what's right. Don't know Susan? She's on the Planning Board, member of the Community Church, active at Cumins Hall. One smart cookie and she spoke up at the Town Meeting last year re: the snowplowing contract that got shoved down our throats. And when the vacant lot between the Weather Vane and New Hope Hospice came up for discussion, she actually checked out the lot - declaring it "an environmental nightmare." She's not afraid to look straight on at problems instead of trying to sweep them under the table because they might upset some good 'ol boy network. I, for one, am writing in her name. She probably won't get the necessary number of votes - maybe the Town Office will try to throw out my ballot even - but at least I'll know who I'm voting for and the qualifications behind the name. And Susan would be ten times better than three of the five who are sitting on the Board right now.
On the other hand - there is a phrase that goes something like "The only thing necessary for evil to succeed is for good people to sit back and do nothing." Now, I'm not saying the town Selectmen/woman are evil - but I am saying that when their employers (us, we the people - the voters) sit back and do nothing by staying home instead of going once a month to sit, listen, observe to OUR elected government in action - then WE don't know what's going on, WE can't make informed votes at the Town Meeting or for any candidate for town office or school board, and WE are not fulfilling OUR responsibilities are citizens. Maybe if more people went to these meetings (12 a year - good grief. Not much considering you are investing in your community and your democracy and an honest government), maybe there would be more candidates - a hord of candidates. Wouldn't that be great! Some real viability here. Think of how it would benefit the children. We might actually have a government that represented the community as a whole - not just a small segment.
Are you willing to give over these rights (and responsibilities) to illegals immigrants? Probably not - but, if you want to BE a citizen, you have to fulfill your responsibilities AS a citizen. I won't even go into what kind of role model you are (or aren't) demonstrating to your children. But when was the last time you said to your children/grandchildren, "Dad/Gramma and/or I have to go to a Selectmen's meeting tonight for an hour to see how our government is working." (I assure you, this crowd doesn't want the meeting to go past 7pm - probably why the Chairwoman tries to limit the public comments.) Maybe you won't have anything to say but you'll learn, you'll be listening and they will know it. Then when it's time to voice an opinion, or vote, or go to the Town Meeting, YOU WILL BE INFORMED.
That's all I hope for - a participatory citizenry that is informed in this town. Otherwise, why are we sending soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines to fight for our country somewhere else. If we don't do OUR job, they'll be needed right here at some point. - OR, if we don't do a better job of keeping this town vital, it will die right along with all of the aging population we have here.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
March 17th Public Budget Hearing - what reporters!
I confess I didn't attend. All things considered I think it was (inadvertantly) the best thing I could have done. Between the telephone calls I received last night and those today from people who were there (1) inquiring if I was OK (I just fell asleep in late afternoon, folks, and woke up too late. I'm working on a third novel and spent too many really late hours writing Tuesday wee hours in the AM) and (2) to fill me in on their take of issues raised and their thoughts, I'm hyped. I have reporters! :-)
However, through "my reporters," I garnerd enough news and issues for several blogs. And I also had a pleasant and informative visit from one of the members of the Selectmen yesterday - more about that in a separate blog. Although, some of the things we discussed did relate to issues that came up at the meeting last night. Seems they are planning to set up a website and that was one of the topics we discussed.
First of all, an apology to David Astbury. David ran for Selectman last year and in an earlier blog I misstated his last name. Mea Cupa, David, but you are one of the responsible people in this town and I applaud you. Last night the Board stated that the Annual Town Picnic was no longer going to be provided by a benefactor (s)- that it was be paid for out of the town budget (if there was a picnic which didn't appear to be a sure thing in the mind of one of the "reporters"). But the Board was going to plan on $4,000.00 just in case. David pointed out that there are roads in Eddington in need of paving which he thought should be a higher priority than the town picnic.
I'm thinking of Pond Road at the east end of town - a sure source of potholes if there ever was one. There are several year-round homes on Pond Road. It's not all that wide a road, but if there was ever an emergency there, consider the situation for fire trucks (and repair costs to the struts to say the least) and the paramedic vehicle on that road - not to mention the impact on any victim in the paramedic ambulance during any season when the potholes are not filled in with snow.
My reporter said the Town Manager stated because the cost of asphalt has risen so much, the budget doesn't allow for paving any roads this year. The paving of Rooks Road last year took up what money there was for road paving. I'm thinking the welfare of roads in front of homes of taxpayers (property tax payers) should be considered a higher priority than a party. If the town wants to have a picnic, which is not a bad idea IF we can afford one, let us find an independent way to pay for it - tickets, fundraisers, a "y'all come and bring your own picnic basket with softball games, horse shoes, etc. behind to town office", etc. Times are financially tight (and Lord knows we NEED to spend $11,000.00 for that recycling collection contract - but I won't go there again, however that money plus $4,000. could be put toward fixing some of those potholes...). If we can't do an asphalted road, maybe we could consider a reclaimed roadtop. The Gravel Doctor has done several roads and long driveways in this area. I know. I have one. They can be plowed. And they don't ice over like an asphalt one does. And maybe they can be used as the base for an asphalt road. It's a thought, anyway. For sure I'm not interested in my taxdollars being wasted on a two-hour food fest when there are more long-term, critical needs like roads and culverts.
BTW, if there is a picnic, and if anyone (business or individual) wants to donate or contribute to the event, that's great. BUT, they should be publically acknowledged. The political word for it these days is "Transparent" so that there is not even the appearance of quid pro quo (which means "I pat your back today and you'll pat mine a little later.") I've had people tell me in the past a certain contractor has frequently been favored with business for which he has never had to submit competitive bids. Of course it's just been out of the goodness of his family's heart that's they've been involved with "providing" for the picnic. Bottom line: It stinks. No wonder the wife wrote a "lovely letter" to the Board after last year's Town Meeting praising the Board's work on behalf of the town which the Chair wanted written into the minutes of the April 15 Selectmen's meeting.
There is a proposed $6,000. increase for Firefighter positions - interns, I think.
Seems this year we've paid Lennie Williams just under $80,000.00 for snowplowing and sanding. Seems to me last year the whole squawk had to do with a proposed/bid that was over $100,000. (!?) According to the Town Manager, Mr. Williams' contract is renewable yearly with an increase each year for a total of three years. Sure sounds diffferent that the story we were given last year. Maybe someone should just ask flat out for the specific numbers - along with who buys the sand - Eddington or Mr. Williams and, if Mr. Williams, how much is he charging Eddington for the sand. According to some of the discussion at previous Selectmen meetings, the Town Office has a building to house the sand (?) and salt. The town paid a bunch for new doors for that building this past year. And the town had plenty of salt this year. So just WHAT is Eddington paying and what FOR?
Apparently a lot of people aren't too happy about an automatic increase in the contract for next year. The point was made last night that when the contract was negotiated the cost of fuel was a lot higher than it has been this winter. Especially when Eddington could negotiate for fuel as a municipality and thereby avoid having to pay the state tax (reducing the cost of the fuel that much more) - a point that was ALSO made last year.
So when the item comes up about giving the Selectmen approval to sign three-year contracts, there seem to be some folks who are NOT TOO HAPPY. Maybe that's because they feel they were hoodwinked last year re: Mr. Williams' contract and what the amount really was. Maybe bids need to be read out loud with all the details at the Town Meetings so folks REALLY know what they are approving. Transparency, folks.
There were more concerns raised about what the coming School Budget is going to be. School Board member Karen Clark was present. She said even the School Board doesn't know what to expect because the state isn't expected to let School Boards know what the state will be paying for the next school year until (maybe) April. Because the Town's fiscal year is January through December and SAD63's fiscal year is July through June there is a plus and minus (as with all things). The good news is we only get hit with a portion of the bad news at a time (the school budget). The bad news is we never know that portion of the ultimate property tax bill when we vote on the town budget.
As far as I can tell, we should expect the school budget to be a double whammy BAD NEWS this year which is only going to make the property tax bill ugly and not because we voted down consolidation. This is because last year (2008-2009) the REAL school budget was $600,000 higher than the 2007-08 budget. To make that '08-'09 budget more palatable, the School Board took $300,000 from the SAD63 Reserves and therefore showed only a $300,000. increase in the cost to taxpayers. That left only $187,000. in SAD63's Reserves. However, as reported in an earlier blog, last November, Karen reported at a Selectmen's meeting SAD63 was $372,000 in the red because the state had not paid its bills (we could have been a Maine hospital!) and the state had notified the schools it would not be making its June payment either. Guess that $187,000 in Reserves got eaten up pretty quick!
I was at last Fall's Public Hearing for SAD'63 '08-'09 proposed budget and the question was proposed then - "What will you do if you can not live within this proposed budget and it is what the voters approve?" The SAD63 Board's response was that it would make whatever necessary cuts/adjustments were required. Knowing that, I wonder what cuts/adjustments SAD63 made to get through this past school year. Because, other than whatever economic stimulus money Maine may receive from the feds specifically for education which the state MAY designate for local schools, I think we're going to be looking at either (1) the level SAD63 had at the end of the '08-'09 fiscal year - or - (2) the original budget that was $600,000. higher than the '07-'08 plus (which means a chunk of change in an increase to the taxpayers). Even with the fed money, what does SAD63 do after the one-year stimulus money is gone?
These are questions I think we need to raise this coming Monday - the 23rd - at the School Board meeting at the Holbrook School. It's not enough to say we can't expect to have some idea of this information when we go to the Eddington Town Meeting Tuesday Night when we're expected to vote on the Town Budget.
I know this is a long blog so I'll close this one out. Be back tomorrow with more "stuff". Like how do we vote on Monday - and maybe we need to take some initiative actions!
THANKS to my reporters. I was really smiling when you called. Loved that you went (12 in all this time, I'm told - double the attendance from the meeting on the 3rd). Sort of sorry I missed it - but then, you wouldn't have called and I wouldn't have known you were following the blog.) And - YES, tell your neighbors they can call with "reports" any time.
However, through "my reporters," I garnerd enough news and issues for several blogs. And I also had a pleasant and informative visit from one of the members of the Selectmen yesterday - more about that in a separate blog. Although, some of the things we discussed did relate to issues that came up at the meeting last night. Seems they are planning to set up a website and that was one of the topics we discussed.
First of all, an apology to David Astbury. David ran for Selectman last year and in an earlier blog I misstated his last name. Mea Cupa, David, but you are one of the responsible people in this town and I applaud you. Last night the Board stated that the Annual Town Picnic was no longer going to be provided by a benefactor (s)- that it was be paid for out of the town budget (if there was a picnic which didn't appear to be a sure thing in the mind of one of the "reporters"). But the Board was going to plan on $4,000.00 just in case. David pointed out that there are roads in Eddington in need of paving which he thought should be a higher priority than the town picnic.
I'm thinking of Pond Road at the east end of town - a sure source of potholes if there ever was one. There are several year-round homes on Pond Road. It's not all that wide a road, but if there was ever an emergency there, consider the situation for fire trucks (and repair costs to the struts to say the least) and the paramedic vehicle on that road - not to mention the impact on any victim in the paramedic ambulance during any season when the potholes are not filled in with snow.
My reporter said the Town Manager stated because the cost of asphalt has risen so much, the budget doesn't allow for paving any roads this year. The paving of Rooks Road last year took up what money there was for road paving. I'm thinking the welfare of roads in front of homes of taxpayers (property tax payers) should be considered a higher priority than a party. If the town wants to have a picnic, which is not a bad idea IF we can afford one, let us find an independent way to pay for it - tickets, fundraisers, a "y'all come and bring your own picnic basket with softball games, horse shoes, etc. behind to town office", etc. Times are financially tight (and Lord knows we NEED to spend $11,000.00 for that recycling collection contract - but I won't go there again, however that money plus $4,000. could be put toward fixing some of those potholes...). If we can't do an asphalted road, maybe we could consider a reclaimed roadtop. The Gravel Doctor has done several roads and long driveways in this area. I know. I have one. They can be plowed. And they don't ice over like an asphalt one does. And maybe they can be used as the base for an asphalt road. It's a thought, anyway. For sure I'm not interested in my taxdollars being wasted on a two-hour food fest when there are more long-term, critical needs like roads and culverts.
BTW, if there is a picnic, and if anyone (business or individual) wants to donate or contribute to the event, that's great. BUT, they should be publically acknowledged. The political word for it these days is "Transparent" so that there is not even the appearance of quid pro quo (which means "I pat your back today and you'll pat mine a little later.") I've had people tell me in the past a certain contractor has frequently been favored with business for which he has never had to submit competitive bids. Of course it's just been out of the goodness of his family's heart that's they've been involved with "providing" for the picnic. Bottom line: It stinks. No wonder the wife wrote a "lovely letter" to the Board after last year's Town Meeting praising the Board's work on behalf of the town which the Chair wanted written into the minutes of the April 15 Selectmen's meeting.
There is a proposed $6,000. increase for Firefighter positions - interns, I think.
Seems this year we've paid Lennie Williams just under $80,000.00 for snowplowing and sanding. Seems to me last year the whole squawk had to do with a proposed/bid that was over $100,000. (!?) According to the Town Manager, Mr. Williams' contract is renewable yearly with an increase each year for a total of three years. Sure sounds diffferent that the story we were given last year. Maybe someone should just ask flat out for the specific numbers - along with who buys the sand - Eddington or Mr. Williams and, if Mr. Williams, how much is he charging Eddington for the sand. According to some of the discussion at previous Selectmen meetings, the Town Office has a building to house the sand (?) and salt. The town paid a bunch for new doors for that building this past year. And the town had plenty of salt this year. So just WHAT is Eddington paying and what FOR?
Apparently a lot of people aren't too happy about an automatic increase in the contract for next year. The point was made last night that when the contract was negotiated the cost of fuel was a lot higher than it has been this winter. Especially when Eddington could negotiate for fuel as a municipality and thereby avoid having to pay the state tax (reducing the cost of the fuel that much more) - a point that was ALSO made last year.
So when the item comes up about giving the Selectmen approval to sign three-year contracts, there seem to be some folks who are NOT TOO HAPPY. Maybe that's because they feel they were hoodwinked last year re: Mr. Williams' contract and what the amount really was. Maybe bids need to be read out loud with all the details at the Town Meetings so folks REALLY know what they are approving. Transparency, folks.
There were more concerns raised about what the coming School Budget is going to be. School Board member Karen Clark was present. She said even the School Board doesn't know what to expect because the state isn't expected to let School Boards know what the state will be paying for the next school year until (maybe) April. Because the Town's fiscal year is January through December and SAD63's fiscal year is July through June there is a plus and minus (as with all things). The good news is we only get hit with a portion of the bad news at a time (the school budget). The bad news is we never know that portion of the ultimate property tax bill when we vote on the town budget.
As far as I can tell, we should expect the school budget to be a double whammy BAD NEWS this year which is only going to make the property tax bill ugly and not because we voted down consolidation. This is because last year (2008-2009) the REAL school budget was $600,000 higher than the 2007-08 budget. To make that '08-'09 budget more palatable, the School Board took $300,000 from the SAD63 Reserves and therefore showed only a $300,000. increase in the cost to taxpayers. That left only $187,000. in SAD63's Reserves. However, as reported in an earlier blog, last November, Karen reported at a Selectmen's meeting SAD63 was $372,000 in the red because the state had not paid its bills (we could have been a Maine hospital!) and the state had notified the schools it would not be making its June payment either. Guess that $187,000 in Reserves got eaten up pretty quick!
I was at last Fall's Public Hearing for SAD'63 '08-'09 proposed budget and the question was proposed then - "What will you do if you can not live within this proposed budget and it is what the voters approve?" The SAD63 Board's response was that it would make whatever necessary cuts/adjustments were required. Knowing that, I wonder what cuts/adjustments SAD63 made to get through this past school year. Because, other than whatever economic stimulus money Maine may receive from the feds specifically for education which the state MAY designate for local schools, I think we're going to be looking at either (1) the level SAD63 had at the end of the '08-'09 fiscal year - or - (2) the original budget that was $600,000. higher than the '07-'08 plus (which means a chunk of change in an increase to the taxpayers). Even with the fed money, what does SAD63 do after the one-year stimulus money is gone?
These are questions I think we need to raise this coming Monday - the 23rd - at the School Board meeting at the Holbrook School. It's not enough to say we can't expect to have some idea of this information when we go to the Eddington Town Meeting Tuesday Night when we're expected to vote on the Town Budget.
I know this is a long blog so I'll close this one out. Be back tomorrow with more "stuff". Like how do we vote on Monday - and maybe we need to take some initiative actions!
THANKS to my reporters. I was really smiling when you called. Loved that you went (12 in all this time, I'm told - double the attendance from the meeting on the 3rd). Sort of sorry I missed it - but then, you wouldn't have called and I wouldn't have known you were following the blog.) And - YES, tell your neighbors they can call with "reports" any time.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Signs of Spring
There was a bit of running water on the pond along the shore yesterday - frozen over by nightfall - and up at the boat landing off Rooks Road. Birds are in abundance at my seed feeders along with chipmunks and gray squirrels. And today (Sunday) I saw a red fox running through the back woods. What a thrill! I haven't seen a red fox since two years ago when there was a mother fox and her three kit babies at the abandoned structures in the lot next door (now gone) playing. What a wonder that was. So seeing the red fox running through the back woods this morning brought a smile. I'm hoping there are more babies somewhere in the area for someone else to see and appreciate.
I haven't seen any deer since the first snowfall even though I know there are some in the area because I've seen their tracks when driving down neighbor's driveways. They were sure digging up the snow looking for the acorns after the first few snowstorms. I'll have to remember to gather acorns for them this coming Fall. But for now, I'm looking forward to the ice thawing on the pond - even though the trucks and snowmobilers who've been driving all over the pond these past weekends probably don't share my feelings. Lordy, they can make some kind of racket! One would think there is a low-flying plane coming in for an unexpected landing.
Today will be the beginning of two days of acknowledgement of the passing of someone special in my life, Dr. Tom Palmer. How appreciative I am for the long visits we had these recent months. He was always someone I thought of as a gentle, gentleman - the epitome of a professional man of wisdom and kindness. To think that I knew him as a teenager and then, now when I see things as an adult, we were able to talk together from that perspective was a gift to me. I'm thankful for that but shall miss the talks we might have had. May he rest in peace with his wife, the lovely Mary Ellen.
I haven't seen any deer since the first snowfall even though I know there are some in the area because I've seen their tracks when driving down neighbor's driveways. They were sure digging up the snow looking for the acorns after the first few snowstorms. I'll have to remember to gather acorns for them this coming Fall. But for now, I'm looking forward to the ice thawing on the pond - even though the trucks and snowmobilers who've been driving all over the pond these past weekends probably don't share my feelings. Lordy, they can make some kind of racket! One would think there is a low-flying plane coming in for an unexpected landing.
Today will be the beginning of two days of acknowledgement of the passing of someone special in my life, Dr. Tom Palmer. How appreciative I am for the long visits we had these recent months. He was always someone I thought of as a gentle, gentleman - the epitome of a professional man of wisdom and kindness. To think that I knew him as a teenager and then, now when I see things as an adult, we were able to talk together from that perspective was a gift to me. I'm thankful for that but shall miss the talks we might have had. May he rest in peace with his wife, the lovely Mary Ellen.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Good News at Tradewinds
This Friday, March 13th from 4-7pm there will be FREE wine tasting and food at Tradewinds. Now that should get the blood flowing around here!
I was talking with Ray this weekend. He says they are going to try this two Fridays a month. This Friday there will be five wines offered for sampling - 1 oz. per sample for a total of 5 free ounces per customer. They'll be offering a White Zinfandel, a Chardonnay, a Merlot (yum), a Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Shiraz. The description of the Shiraz is enticing - "displays impressive spice, liquorice and blackcurrant aromas".
Maybe we could combine wine tasting with Selectmen meetings. Now THAT should draw a crowd. :-)
Don't forget - NEXT Tuesday, the 17th, is the last time to become acquainted with the proposed budget for 2009-2010 before the Town Meeting on the 24th where everyone is expected to lay down like sheep and approve this thing.
I was talking with Ray this weekend. He says they are going to try this two Fridays a month. This Friday there will be five wines offered for sampling - 1 oz. per sample for a total of 5 free ounces per customer. They'll be offering a White Zinfandel, a Chardonnay, a Merlot (yum), a Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Shiraz. The description of the Shiraz is enticing - "displays impressive spice, liquorice and blackcurrant aromas".
Maybe we could combine wine tasting with Selectmen meetings. Now THAT should draw a crowd. :-)
Don't forget - NEXT Tuesday, the 17th, is the last time to become acquainted with the proposed budget for 2009-2010 before the Town Meeting on the 24th where everyone is expected to lay down like sheep and approve this thing.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
March 3 Public Hearing on the 2009-2010 budget
Well, there we were - All 8 of us. And that included the Fire Chief and 1 firefighter, the Chair of the Planning Board, and a former principal of the Holbrook School who were probably more there because of the general Selectmen meeting that followed the "Public Hearing" that took all of 30 minutes. So, in reality, there were only 4 people there specifically to hear about the budget - especially since the sign in front of the Town Office announced only the Public Hearing and the government access channel states that Selectmen meetings are the third Tuesday of the month. Of course, we don't often have anything on the sign at all, so I guess the fact that there was anything - and the sign was sufficiently plowed out so people could see it - is an improvement. Has anyone every noticed that there's ALWAYS something on the sign in front of the Holden Town Office?
BTW - there were only three Selectmen in attendance for the meeting. Both Chip Grover and Brian Glass were absent. Their absence being excused by the Chairwoman as "they have something to do." Apparently that didn't include the town business they were elected to do.
The Planning Board Chair was there to present that Board's recent actions on Sign Ordinances for the Town of Eddington. These ordinances apply to both Off Premises and On premises signs - ALL zones and (1) Real Estate signs when properties are placed For Sale, (2) Contractor's signs, (3) Home Occupation signs, (4) Residential Signs, (5) Political Signs, and (6) Temporary Signs. There are ordinances for On premises signs pertain to Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural zones. And there are ordinances pertaining to Public, Religious, and Civic Facilities signs which state these establishments shall comply with the standards governing Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural zones regardless of the zone in which the facility is located.
The March 17 Public Hearing on the proposed budget should be more interesting than last night since there certainly will be some questions following review of the proposed budget handed out last night. One newcomer to the meeting asked several good questions re: the referrals to various "funds" which the town pulls from to augment the amount needed for particular items - thereby making it appear that the "item" is being Budgeted at a lower amount than will actually be needed. Of course the "funds" or the "augmentation information" wasn't printed on the spread sheets passed out. Only when two individuals asked several questions (I was not either one) did the semi-understandable explanation come out. (Note: This new questioner - nice to have someone other than myself - has developed an Eddington space on Facebook. For those of you who follow this blog, check out the Facebook space as well. The more perspectives the better to get some activity and civic responsibility growing around here.)
Examples: the Capital Improvement Municipal Building Bond Revaluation (that's one line item) shows a budgeted amount in 2008-2009 at $56,102.00. The town expended (spent) $76,101.24. And yet the town is not asking for any increase or decrease in last year's budgeted amount for 2009-2010. Why? Some "fund" will supplement the base $56,102. Another interesting note: I have a neighbor who was on the Building Committee. She is really frustrated by never getting an answer to her question as to WHEN the final meeting of that committee is going to be held BECAUSE there were some monies that were supposed to come back to the town once the building was finished. But if the monies were never filed for, they would be lost to the town. And yet, here we are "augmenting" the ...Bond Revaluation. I shall try to contact her re: this.
Seems there is some "fund" from years past for an Eddington Police Department. Since we now contract with the county for a sheriff's deputy (and don't have a police department) there is money? Why would there still be money is a "police fund" for a department the town hasn't had for four years?
The town budgeted $59,000. for the County Sheriff contract last year - spent $69,000. and is only increasing the budgeting amount by $5,000. because they are budgeting $64,000. in 2009-2010. What makes the town believe we will need LESS county law enforcement protection when the meetings I have attended where the deputy made a report indicated an increase in burglaries and other non-traffic related activities, not to mention the abundance of signs of one house at the east end of Main Road proclaiming domestic violence - or the speeding big rigs, etc. Perhaps it's because of the momentary reduction in gasoline prices??? No explanation was offered.
Seems the news Fire Chief is up for an increase in $5,400. Why?
And the town is asking for $6,000. more for fire department compensation even though they only spent $644.55 more than budgeted last year ($38,000.) The $6,000. represents an increase of 15.8 percent and that does NOT include the Deputy Fire Chief or Fire Fighter 1 and 2 positions. Anyone think that's a bit high in these economic times when others are having to accept minimal compensation increases - not to mention the number of people who are losing their jobs. I would like a detailed explanation as to what the $6,000 is for along with the $5,400. increase for the Fire Chief. Not the wishy-washy explanation that didn't fly last year that Brian Glass questioned and got shot down for raising the former Fire Chief's budgeting explanations.
Other ?interesting? remarks last night was that (1) snow plowing cost the town $77,000. and that (2) the town bought its own sand and salt. Remember the amount that Lennie Williams bid for the snowplowing and sanding contract last year and the DISCUSSION re: that contract. It sure wasn't for $77,000/year - and it certainly didn't include the town buying its own sand. (Don Goodwin had quite a few caustic remarks a year ago directed toward David Aubaugh, the candidate running for one of the seats Don was running to be reelected to). Even so, the town is reporting it spent ALL BUT $35.50 it budgeted (and got passed at the Town Meeting) last March. (check out an earlier blog with info provided by an Eddington source re: snowplowing and sand costs and back charges to the town by the current contractor.) Apparently some people aren't on the same page.
So - bottom line here - It's called "Hiding the ball" in government. Hiding certain items and expenditures inside large ticket line items and "budgeting" enough dollars to cover items the taxpayers know about and being able to "hide" certain expenditures taxpayers aren't told and don't know enough about to question.
Even more "interesting" = this was the first of two publicized Public Hearings on the proposed budget. If this proposed budget was intended to be on the Up and Up, those who were responsible for preparing this document should have had ALL these explanations noted. (IDEA: Footnotes work really well to explain how X+Y=Z. Basic budget planning and management.) But what we heard was "I'll have it better explained - or clearer - at the next meeting." What if last night's attending people hadn't planned or weren't able to be at the next meeting? Is anyone thinking about how far in advance the Annual Report or the documents (to be handed out and voted on at the Town Meeting - March 24 at 6pm at the Eddington School) were/will be sent to the printers. In time for corrections and clarifications to be made?
More interesting the projected recycling trash collection contract is right up there at $11,800. I wonder if anyone at the Town Meeting will ask about the Recycling Newsletter they didn't get - or the questionnaire they never got a chance to answer.
The one item on the regular Selectmen agenda had to do with the Town of Holden's request for some property, located across from the Holbrook School, I think, to be turned over by the towns in SAD 63 to the town of Holden. The former principal stood and spoke for several minutes encouraging the Selectmen to think seriously about doing this (discouraging this action). He pointed out that although Holden said the schools could lease the property back should they need it at any future time, it was the towns (Eddington, Clifton for sure - and Holden?) that had purchased the property in the first place and spent money to improve the property. Turning it over to Holden and then paying MORE money to lease it back at some future point seemed a bit upside down. A letter will be drafted by Eddington to the School Board. Selectman Charles Baker will contact someone in Clifton re: the matter. It didn't sound as though this was a good idea for anyone but Holden the way it was presented.
All told the entire meeting - Public Hearing on the budget and the Selectmen meeting - took 45 minutes. Too bad more residents and TAXPAYERS don't think they should invest that much of their time to finding out what they're going to be expected to pay for.
BTW - there were only three Selectmen in attendance for the meeting. Both Chip Grover and Brian Glass were absent. Their absence being excused by the Chairwoman as "they have something to do." Apparently that didn't include the town business they were elected to do.
The Planning Board Chair was there to present that Board's recent actions on Sign Ordinances for the Town of Eddington. These ordinances apply to both Off Premises and On premises signs - ALL zones and (1) Real Estate signs when properties are placed For Sale, (2) Contractor's signs, (3) Home Occupation signs, (4) Residential Signs, (5) Political Signs, and (6) Temporary Signs. There are ordinances for On premises signs pertain to Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural zones. And there are ordinances pertaining to Public, Religious, and Civic Facilities signs which state these establishments shall comply with the standards governing Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural zones regardless of the zone in which the facility is located.
The March 17 Public Hearing on the proposed budget should be more interesting than last night since there certainly will be some questions following review of the proposed budget handed out last night. One newcomer to the meeting asked several good questions re: the referrals to various "funds" which the town pulls from to augment the amount needed for particular items - thereby making it appear that the "item" is being Budgeted at a lower amount than will actually be needed. Of course the "funds" or the "augmentation information" wasn't printed on the spread sheets passed out. Only when two individuals asked several questions (I was not either one) did the semi-understandable explanation come out. (Note: This new questioner - nice to have someone other than myself - has developed an Eddington space on Facebook. For those of you who follow this blog, check out the Facebook space as well. The more perspectives the better to get some activity and civic responsibility growing around here.)
Examples: the Capital Improvement Municipal Building Bond Revaluation (that's one line item) shows a budgeted amount in 2008-2009 at $56,102.00. The town expended (spent) $76,101.24. And yet the town is not asking for any increase or decrease in last year's budgeted amount for 2009-2010. Why? Some "fund" will supplement the base $56,102. Another interesting note: I have a neighbor who was on the Building Committee. She is really frustrated by never getting an answer to her question as to WHEN the final meeting of that committee is going to be held BECAUSE there were some monies that were supposed to come back to the town once the building was finished. But if the monies were never filed for, they would be lost to the town. And yet, here we are "augmenting" the ...Bond Revaluation. I shall try to contact her re: this.
Seems there is some "fund" from years past for an Eddington Police Department. Since we now contract with the county for a sheriff's deputy (and don't have a police department) there is money? Why would there still be money is a "police fund" for a department the town hasn't had for four years?
The town budgeted $59,000. for the County Sheriff contract last year - spent $69,000. and is only increasing the budgeting amount by $5,000. because they are budgeting $64,000. in 2009-2010. What makes the town believe we will need LESS county law enforcement protection when the meetings I have attended where the deputy made a report indicated an increase in burglaries and other non-traffic related activities, not to mention the abundance of signs of one house at the east end of Main Road proclaiming domestic violence - or the speeding big rigs, etc. Perhaps it's because of the momentary reduction in gasoline prices??? No explanation was offered.
Seems the news Fire Chief is up for an increase in $5,400. Why?
And the town is asking for $6,000. more for fire department compensation even though they only spent $644.55 more than budgeted last year ($38,000.) The $6,000. represents an increase of 15.8 percent and that does NOT include the Deputy Fire Chief or Fire Fighter 1 and 2 positions. Anyone think that's a bit high in these economic times when others are having to accept minimal compensation increases - not to mention the number of people who are losing their jobs. I would like a detailed explanation as to what the $6,000 is for along with the $5,400. increase for the Fire Chief. Not the wishy-washy explanation that didn't fly last year that Brian Glass questioned and got shot down for raising the former Fire Chief's budgeting explanations.
Other ?interesting? remarks last night was that (1) snow plowing cost the town $77,000. and that (2) the town bought its own sand and salt. Remember the amount that Lennie Williams bid for the snowplowing and sanding contract last year and the DISCUSSION re: that contract. It sure wasn't for $77,000/year - and it certainly didn't include the town buying its own sand. (Don Goodwin had quite a few caustic remarks a year ago directed toward David Aubaugh, the candidate running for one of the seats Don was running to be reelected to). Even so, the town is reporting it spent ALL BUT $35.50 it budgeted (and got passed at the Town Meeting) last March. (check out an earlier blog with info provided by an Eddington source re: snowplowing and sand costs and back charges to the town by the current contractor.) Apparently some people aren't on the same page.
So - bottom line here - It's called "Hiding the ball" in government. Hiding certain items and expenditures inside large ticket line items and "budgeting" enough dollars to cover items the taxpayers know about and being able to "hide" certain expenditures taxpayers aren't told and don't know enough about to question.
Even more "interesting" = this was the first of two publicized Public Hearings on the proposed budget. If this proposed budget was intended to be on the Up and Up, those who were responsible for preparing this document should have had ALL these explanations noted. (IDEA: Footnotes work really well to explain how X+Y=Z. Basic budget planning and management.) But what we heard was "I'll have it better explained - or clearer - at the next meeting." What if last night's attending people hadn't planned or weren't able to be at the next meeting? Is anyone thinking about how far in advance the Annual Report or the documents (to be handed out and voted on at the Town Meeting - March 24 at 6pm at the Eddington School) were/will be sent to the printers. In time for corrections and clarifications to be made?
More interesting the projected recycling trash collection contract is right up there at $11,800. I wonder if anyone at the Town Meeting will ask about the Recycling Newsletter they didn't get - or the questionnaire they never got a chance to answer.
The one item on the regular Selectmen agenda had to do with the Town of Holden's request for some property, located across from the Holbrook School, I think, to be turned over by the towns in SAD 63 to the town of Holden. The former principal stood and spoke for several minutes encouraging the Selectmen to think seriously about doing this (discouraging this action). He pointed out that although Holden said the schools could lease the property back should they need it at any future time, it was the towns (Eddington, Clifton for sure - and Holden?) that had purchased the property in the first place and spent money to improve the property. Turning it over to Holden and then paying MORE money to lease it back at some future point seemed a bit upside down. A letter will be drafted by Eddington to the School Board. Selectman Charles Baker will contact someone in Clifton re: the matter. It didn't sound as though this was a good idea for anyone but Holden the way it was presented.
All told the entire meeting - Public Hearing on the budget and the Selectmen meeting - took 45 minutes. Too bad more residents and TAXPAYERS don't think they should invest that much of their time to finding out what they're going to be expected to pay for.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
