TOWN COUNCIL
MAY 3, 2014
PUBLIC HEARING
Councilor Strout opened the public hearing stating that the purpose of the public hearing was to get
public input on the municipal budget for 2014-2015.
Manager Doane stated that at the last Town Council meeting there was a lot of discussion regarding the
tax rate. It is difficult to determine the tax rate however using the current years valuation figures, as this
budget stands now with the budget being $24,434.49 below the budget cap there would be an
estimated increase of a quarter of a mill regarding the municipal budget. This is due to the fact last year
the voters approved using up to $51,000 of undesignated fund balance to decrease the tax
commitment. She further stated that while the funds will likely not be used because the Town Revenues
are coming to what was budgeted and the expenses are coming in lower than expected, the amount
was still used to figure out what the tax calculation will be. Councilor Ketch verified that the $51,000
was entered as a revenue for the tax rate calculation. Councilor Strout asked if any of the funds would
be used. Manager Doane stated it will not be know for sure until the end of the year, however her
estimates are that the Town will not. Looking at the expenditures now and using the $169,000 of
carryfoward that his proposed there will be about $60,000 of unexpended expenses, therefore with the
$51,000 figure there is a $10,000 difference and the revenues are coming is as expected and whatever is
over collected will effect that amount. Manager Doane stated that she had spoken to the assessing
agent last week and he stated that he anticipated having figures by mid-May, she further stated the tax
rate is not set until July.
Manager Doane stated that in the budget packet that was given it shows the budget summary,
comparative statements and a new item which was information regarding the budget details since 2005,
she went back through all of her budgets and prepared municipal budget expense and revenue
comparison that shows the detail amount for each line item since 2005. This information will show how
the budget has changed. She added that this public hearing is specifically for the municipal budget
however she did add for review the information that was provided at the RSU meeting in which she
attended on the 30th.
Councilor Wilcox asked how the RSU meeting went, Manager Doane stated she would discuss it further
in the regular meeting, however the RSU is asking for $53,000 more than last year. Councilor Ketch
added that the Superintendent did express that he would like to hear from the Towns and the board
members wanted to know how the Towns budgets were going. Manger Doane stated that she was
thinking about that after the meeting and thought one of the items that should have been considered
when we consolidated was that there be a joint meeting with all the municipal officials and RSU officials
to discuss budgets, it is a continued joint concern. Councilor Strout stated that it was discussed at one
time that as Councilors we would try to make more of the RSU meetings and the RSU members would
try to make more of the Town meetings. Manager Doane stated that the RSU members did come to
the Town Council meetings, however we didn’t have any representation at theirs so they stopped
coming.
Councilor Wilcox asked Chief Gifford why there had not been any increase on the fire department
stipends. Chief Gifford stated that he didn’t feel that he should be giving himself a raise he felt it was
the Councils position and he would like to give the firefighters raise, they are there three times a month
not including fires, there are several special projects and they are often there Saturday and Sundays.
Councilor Strout stated that the Council always at least puts in the Cost of Living and she thinks this
should be put in for the fireman and himself. Manger Doane stated that would have been $120 and that
amount disbursed to each fire would not amount to an increase more than a few cents each member,
based on what has been paid the members get paid $7.36 per fire. Councilor Ketch stated that he liked
the formula that was used to pay the firefighters, after the officers set stipends are paid, the remaining
amount in the stipend line item is paid according to the number of fires, trainings and meetings that are
attended. He asked if the board was to give an additional amount would it be divided the same, Chief
Gifford stated it would. Councilor Lugdon stated that there has not been any increases for at least three
years. Chief Gifford stated he did an increase when he first became Chief, the members are doing more.
Manager Doane stated that the department has also gotten more volunteers, Chief Gifford confirmed
that there was 24 volunteers. Councilor Wilcox thanked the members that were in attendance adding
that they do a great a job. Councilor Strout stated she would like to see an increase added. Manager
Doane stated that the current stipend budget is $8100. Councilor Ketch asked if something was added
and it was to be directed to the fire members it would have to go to the stipend line item, Manager
Doane stated yes it would. Councilor Lugdon stated that $8100 also includes the fixed amount for the
officers of $3000. Resident/Firefighter Daniel Delaware suggested that to make up for no adjustment,
that the Council take the Cost of Living Amount for the last three years be added to the stipend amount,
then in the future the Chief can make a better determination. It was determined that this amount
equaled $550.80 or 6.8% increase.
Councilor Strout closed the public hearing.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
Councilor Strout opened the Town Council meeting, all Town council present, office staff present
included Town Manager Melissa Doane.
Review of Minutes: Councilor Walter requested a change on page 8 of the April 22 meeting reads
“Councilor Walter stated that according to the Department of Labor the 1.5 is more than the national
and state average” it should read the wages are more not the 1.5. Councilor Ketch added that on page 9
it reads “Councilor Ketch stated that the money is negotiable” it should be negligible. Councilor Ketch
made a motion to accept the minutes with discussed changes, seconded by Councilor Walter, vote 5/0.
Citizens Request: None
On April 23, 2014 Manager Doane meet with Old Town Fuel & Fiber, the representatives acknowledged
that there has been issues with the bio-mass boiler and there have been opacity violations. The
violations have been reported to Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The Maine DEP did a
site visit at the mill on April 22. There is a plan to attempt to correct the problem. They will be replacing
“tubes & spinner” that assist with the collection of ash particles when they have their shut down in June.
In March of this year they replaced 9 of the tubes & spinners. They representatives did state that they
have not been able to coincide a specific incident at the mill with the complaints that have been
received. Since the meeting 3 other complaints have been one from Main Street, one from Carter
Woods and one from Highland Avenue. DEP has been contacted on all the complaints and verification
has been received from them contact has been made with the residents.
On April 30th Manager Doane attend the RSU 34 Board meeting, a budget was presented that represents
a $53,485.75 increase in the appropriation from the Town of Bradley. The required local amount of
$8.10 is lower by $8992, however the additional local funds which is figured by 50% State Valuation and
50% student population has increased by $62477.75. Councilors Lugdon and Ketch attended the
meeting, it appeared to that the board is looking from some direction from the Towns as to what the
RSU Board should do. The RSU board will be having their final budget workshop approval on May 14
what she could gather if they receive information from the Towns, they would do another review of the
budget, she also took from the few board members that did speak, that they wanted to hear from the
Towns however would have a hard time changing the budget. Councilor Lugdon stated that he got the
sense from the Superintendent that there might actually be room for further reduction in the number
but also got the feel with members of the board that they were happy with the budget and would not
support a reduction, obviously if any of the towns reject the numbers, there may be room in the,
Superintendents opinion that the numbers can be reduced. Councilor Ketch stated that he thought it
was interesting that the question was raised, it was obvious that their budget was reviewed, they went
over each line item at the meeting as well. Manager Doane added that she did have the detail if anyone
was interested in looking at it. Councilor Ketch stated that if we as a Council stated that we would like
RSU 34 to reduce the budget, they may ask for specific input or just a statement that $52,000 is too
much for the Town, he did not know if they could go back or if their board would support any change.
He added no staff was added to the RSU, staff was moved around, and their heat and electric was up, a
9% increase in their insurance, a revenue loss from losing the Regional Program. Councilor Strout stated
that if they have worked on their budget like we have worked on ours, they have likely cut it to the
bone. Councilor Lugdon stated he asked the Superintendent if they had done their homework and he
said they had, but if one of the Towns came back with a request to lower them certainly would look at it,
he questioned that if the board would support any changes. He added that he knew they were
experiencing some pain due to the loss of the Regional program, however $53,000 on a Town like
Bradley is a pretty noticeable increase. Councilor Wilcox stated that there have always been increases
on the school side their budget never goes down, the only positive thing is that the Town does have
surplus to offset some of it. Councilor Lugdon wanted to know if there was any recollection of how
much the increases had been and if had been in the order of $53,000, she stated it could have been.
There was further discussion regarding the State Funding, the breakdown of the Local Additional funds
and changes in student population. Councilor Ketch stated that if there is a change in the Old Town
Valuation due to a close in the mill or another commercial entity then the budget will be divided a lot
different because Old town Valuation will change. Councilor Wilcox stated that there is a lot of news
about other communities pulling out of RSU’s and she believed that the RSU had worked well for the
Town of Bradley. Councilor Lugdon stated he certainly thought was true for now, however obviously as
time goes by a value assessment may have to be made, as was suggested if a commercial entity leaves
Old Town and there is a change in the valuation, Bradley’s cost may go up $100,000. Councilor Wilcox
stated that she didn’t think the budget hadn’t gotten any further out of sight than when we were Union
90, and she hears from most parents that they are happy with the RSU. Manager Doane stated that she
noticed on the budget comparison that she had done, the first year of consolation the tuition line item
was $36,000 it has decreased to an amount of $2000, she felt that this was dropping because the
students felt that they were actually part of a school district and they are RSU students and they go to a
RSU school. Councilor Lugdon asked why Milford and Greenbush had not joined the consolidation,
Councilor Strout stated she believed it had do with voting power and the fact that Old Town has more
authority than the jointing towns, for example if Alton and Bradley voted the RSU budget down,
however Old Town passed it, the budget would stand. She added that she felt that the RSU had
benefited Bradley students. It was the agreement of the Council that there should not be any
recommendation to the RSU Board.
No payment was received regarding the Frank and Susan Blake personal property, therefore she has
forward the information on to file a small claim proceedings with the Penobscot District Court.
The spring cleanup was held this past Saturday May 3. The contractor reported that it was the busiest
clean up that they have had in a very long time. Four loads of material was taken for disposal. One
hundred and thirty were sold. In addition the representatives from Electronics End reported that 7200
pounds of electronic waste was taken on Saturday.
The bids were due today regarding the demolition and removal of the trailer located at 46 Boynton
Street. Two options were given to the contractors, option 1 was to do the demolition and removal and
for the contractor to be responsible for the disposal cost and metal revenue and option 2 was to do the
demolition and removal and have the Town be responsible for the disposal cost and receive metal
revenue. The bids were Peter Currier with option 1 only at $2965, SF Eastman with Option 1 of $3615
and Option 2 of $2329 and Sunset Development with option 1 only at $4750. It was the Managers
recommendation that the Town Council move forward with Peter Currier and the funds used to pay for
the service be removed from the annual $5000 Town Council undesignated fund balance. Councilor
Lugdon made a motion to move forward with the Town Manager recommendation, seconded by
Councilor Ketch. Councilor Ketch asked about the out buildings that are around the trailer. Manger
Doane stated that the only thing the Town should be concerned about is the actual trailer, however if he
removes all the other items and buildings as it is his land and it cost the town the bid price that is a
bonus. Councilor Lugdon asked about the visit that was to be scheduled with Mrs. Cartwright. Manager
Doane stated that she is actually Peter’s sister, however she would make a connection and make sure
she has access. Vote 4/0 (Councilor Wilcox abstained).
The nomination papers were due back to day May 6 for the two Town Council seats, Nomination Papers
were received from Mark Ketch of 77 Cross Road and Amanda Lankist of 892 Main Street. Both
Nomination Papers meet the required signatures and both names will be placed on the Municipal
Officers ballot.
On May 2, 2014 Robert Wing of 114 Cram Street came to the municipal office, she was not in the office
at the time. According to Terry he was very disruptive complaining about his signs, a greenhouse that
Manager Doane allegedly stole , the fact that she has placed rats in is home, how I was going to end up
in jail, he was going to own her truck etc. In addition, the Bradley Postmaster reported today that he
was in the Post Office also being disruptive and complaining about the same issues and reportedly was
going to be suing the post office. Today two complaints were received that he has started putting signs
up on his property this afternoon. One neighbor also suggested that he was putting things in the trash
that should not be there. She has spoken prior with the trash contractor and told them that if there is
ever anything in his trash or anyone’s trash that is inappropriate they are not to pick it up, nothing has
been reported to her. She does not expect the trash contractor to dig through resident’s trash. Today
she called Mr. Wings caseworker and let him know what was occurring in hopes that he could help deal
with Mr. Wings behavior, he is unable to talk to her, however can listen to her concerns. In addition she
spoke with the district attorney’s office and the sheriff’s department today letting them know that if he
had signs that were in violation of our current land use ordinance that he would be given a small
timeline to have the removed or we would be going back to court. In addition she requested assistance
from the sheriff’s department as she do not think that is right that Mr. Wing is able to continually harass
people. They are going to be discussing the situation with Mr. Wing tomorrow. Manager Doane stated
that this is ongoing issue that she is frankly quite tired of dealing with, she added that when she gets a
phone call from a resident there is a great deal of frustration because they seem to expect her to do
something that she cannot do, she is hopeful that a meeting with the district attorney office because
she feels that residents look to her to be able to solve all the problems and she can’t do it. This problem
is most likely an unsolvable problem. Councilor Walter asked why the residents don’t call the police.
Manager Doane stated because he is putting signs up, is not a law enforcement issue it is a land use
issue, she understands the residents frustration however there is only so much she can do. Councilor
Ketch asked about the disturbance in the municipal office, Manager Doane stated that is what she was
going to talk to the Sheriff about, adding he will not come into the municipal building when she is here,
which bothers her because she doesn’t want the staff to have to deal with him, Terry is scared for
Manager Doane. Councilor Ketch stated that he felt that board had be very fast on action, Manager
Doane stated she explained to the case worker that she felt the board was not going to have much
tolerance.
NEW BUSINESS: Councilor Wilcox stated that the code enforcement officer sent out eleven letters to
residents requesting that they take advantage of the spring clean-up as their property was in violation of
the land use ordinance, she would like a report regarding these property owners progress.
Councilor Lugdon stated he has an issue that has surfaced and he is not sure how to handle it, Claudia’s
Seafood has closed and several people have asked him how they are going to get the money back for
the gift certificates that they are holding. He added that the Town certainly does not have a position in
that, but there are citizens that have gift certificates and they want to know what they should do.
Councilor Wilcox stated that she didn’t think it was a Town Council’s issue, Councilor Lugdon agreed
however it is a citizen’s issue. Councilor Ketch stated he holds one and he called her and she stated that
she would get back in contact with him in four weeks with a solution. His suggestion would be that they
call her, he had to leave a message, and she did call him back.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
WARRANT: Councilor Strout made a motion to accept municipal warrant #74 $5123.88, warrant #75 for
$4331.05 and Warrant #76 $107,833.16, Councilor Ketch seconded, Councilor Ketch also asked if the
$175 was for the sidewalk sweeping, Manager Doane stated it was, no further discussion, vote 5/0.
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE FY 14-15 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
Councilor Ketch suggested adding the $550.80 to the fireman stipend, the consensus of the board was
that this be added. Councilor Ketch also suggested that the capital improvement line items be discussed
for both municipal and fire department. Councilor Wilcox asked if Manager Doane could see any capital
improvements that would be needed. Manager Doane stated that computers are almost a yearly
expense, the signs need a face lift, Town should start saving for roof repair, boiler and air conditioner
systems replacement in the post office and municipal building as both buildings are 15 years old. In
addition the parking lot needs some work. Councilor Wilcox asked what Manager Doane’s
recommendation would be, she stated that before the funding stop there was always a $3000 amount
into each account. Councilor Ketch asked if $3000 would cover the cost of the sealing, Manager Doane
stated it would not. Town Council was agreement that $3000 be made to each capital improvement
account.
Councilor Lugdon made a presentation regarding wage changes for the Manager and Administrative
Staff, which he estimated to be an additional cost per citizen of 1.40, he made a motion to propose a 5%
increase for Manager Doane and the creation of a dedication line item in the amount of $1000 to be
used at the Managers discretion to increase the hourly wage rates for the office staff beyond the current
1.5% already in the budget as she determines appropriate. There was further discussion regarding prior
information that Councilor Lugdon had presented and the current change he is presenting. Councilor
Wilcox made a motion that the Town Manager, Terry, Kelly and Ann receive a 3% increase for the
budget year, seconded by Councilor Strout, the discussion was that the change would be an increase
double of what was originally presented by the Manager, which totals $5516. Adding $2758 to the
budget. Councilor Ketch talked about giving the Manager the decision making authority, he thought that
perhaps that language be added. Councilor Walter stated that she thought that it may open animosity,
Councilor Strout stated the motion on the table is across the board, no further discussion, Vote 4/1
(Walter Nay). Manager Doane stated that budget stands with the discussed changes $15,125.44 below
the budget cap.
Councilor Lugdon asked what the procedure would be from here. Manager Doane stated that she will
finish the town report providing all the budget information, she will also prepare absentee ballots to be
available on Friday May 9, the Council will hold another public hearing on June 3 to discuss the warrant
articles and the referendum will be June 10.
Councilor Strout made a motion that the budget is $15,125.44 below the budget cap, seconded by
Councilor Ketch, vote 5/0.
NEXT MEETING: Next meeting set for May 20, 2014 at 6:30
MOTION TO ADJOURN: Councilor Wilcox made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Walter,
vote 5/0.