The Rockland Report November 17, 2017
Title : The Rockland Report November 17, 2017
link : The Rockland Report November 17, 2017
Sports History |
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Phone conversation with Wright Pierce Engineering firm that is handling our South Main Street Sewer Separation Project. We are on target for an April 2018 bid.
Attended the public outreach meeting hosted by Comprehensive Planning Commission held at the Universalist Church. A lot of great discussion on many topics.
Met with Patricia Quinn and Jim Russell of Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority to discuss the Downeaster coming into Rockland. They are proposing weekend only runs from Boston to Rockland starting in May 2018. A public meeting will be held with council sometime mid-December to mid-January.
The Directors of Habitat for Humanity and the Hospitality House stopped by this week to discuss a project on Philbrick Ave. Habitat owns many vacant lots on Philbrick Ave. and discussed their plans on building small homes for people to transition from homelessness to home ownership.
Rockland Main Street Director, Gordon Page, and I had our monthly meeting on Main Street to discuss what is happening in Rockland.
Attended the REDAC meeting where Housing Rehab Loans and Cruise Ship Industry were discussed. Further discussion on both topics will continue at the December REDAC meeting.
Received a survey of Samoset Road where the Public Restroom is being proposed. Discussion with the Samoset and Jameson Point Association will continue on location of restroom.
Congratulations to Roxy LaFrance the City of Rockland Assessor Agent who passed her Assessing exam this week. She will be promoted to the Assessor position in December after council approval.
OFFICE OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Community relationships. Various community stakeholders and officials have reached out to get acquainted. The warmth of the welcome and the variety of thoughts and ideas offered have been very much appreciated. Events such as the Chamber’s business after hours and Rockland Maine Street’s Morning on Main Street have also been great opportunities to meet business and community leaders. Site visits have included Steel House, as well as the Hospitality House with its model tiny house.
Grant relationships. We met with State officials from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development’s CDBG program staff on Nov 17 to touch base both on existing grants and opportunities for the future. We will be meeting with staff from the Department of Transportation on Nov 20 to discuss the Fish Pier project and the potential availability of DOT grant funds to assist. We also have started the process of identifying grant programs that could be
a fit with Rockland’s longer-term needs.
Homelessness and housing needs. We met with Habitat for Humanity and the Knox County Homeless Coalition to learn about a potential project to help people transition from homelessness to supportive housing to successful independent living.
Comp plan workshops. We attended two public workshops held as part of the Comprehensive Planning process to hear firsthand some of the issues and ideas being raised.
Programs and assistance. At the request of REDAC, we are reviewing program guidelines relevant
to home rehab and weatherization assistance to identify opportunities for clarifying and streamlining the application and approval process.
Passenger rail. Staff from the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) briefed us on the status of their proposed pilot program. They expect to run test trains in December to evaluate the segment from Brunswick to Rockland, and then to undertake more detailed planning this winter. We have suggested a workshop with Council as a potential next step.
Online assistance for new and expanding businesses. In collaboration with the City’s website contractor and the Code Department, we are looking at providing a streamlined online process for identifying and applying for any municipal licenses or permits associated with starting or expanding a business in Rockland.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Administration –
Chief Boucher attended the Spillman Technologies user group quarterly meeting in Augusta.
Chief Boucher attended the Knox County Interagency computer Users meeting to plan for a major grant funded technology implementation.
Chief Boucher met with representatives of Spillman technology IT reps to plan for the County LE Records Management system upgrade.
Chief Boucher met with Councilor Magjik to review the proposed City Ordinance on Medical Marijuana.
Deputy Chief Young participated in a discussion / speaking engagement at Oceanside High School with a group of “at risk” youth.
Deputy Chief Young attended a “round table” discussion with community members and members of the Mid-Coast Recovery Coalition to talk about the stigmatism attached to addiction.
Deputy Chief Young met with a representative from Rockland Main St. to finalize plans for the upcoming Parade of Lights.
Deputy Chief Young was appointed at the Maine Chiefs of Police District 6 representative to the Maine Chiefs of Police Awards Committee.
Met with department supervisors and Field Training Officers for an update on our two current trainees.
Criminal Investigations Division –
Det. Gaylor completed sexual assault investigation training.
Det. Gaylor started a Geo Cell, cell phone training course.
Det/Sgt. Neal attended NIBBRS training for FLEX and the new upgrades to our computer database. All of this training and the upgrades are the result of a federal grant.
Continued with ongoing criminal investigations.
Patrol Division –
Assisted Thomaston PD with an investigation.
Assisted Maine Pre-Trial Services with a bail violation.
Conducted school visits at all local schools.
Assisted the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with an investigation.
Assisted Penbay Christian School with a Lock Down Drill.
Coordinated with AD Electric to repair several traffic lights in town.
Delivered Council Packets.
Found unsecure buildings, located responsible parties to secure the buildings.
Provided mutual aid response to Rockport PD.
Assisted Camden PD with an investigation.
Officers conducted alcohol compliance checks at establishments in Rockland.
Officers conducted targeted traffic enforcement details at various locations throughout the city. The focus of these details was speed enforcement.
Officers conducted probation compliance checks.
Officers conducted bail compliance checks.
Officers responded to 161 calls for service, investigated 7 traffic accidents and conducted 33 motor vehicle stops. As a result 14 people were either arrested or summonsed for various violations.
Traffic Enforcement / Animal Control –
Issued 27 parking tickets.
Reprogramed flashing lights in school zones.
Responded to 4 animal complaints resulting in 2 summonses for Dog at Large.
OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR
Crews completed regular tasks of picking up city wide trash, applying cold patch to potholes in city roads, sign repair and city wide street sweeping.
Fall pick up of leaves and brush in zone one is complete and we are now working on zone two.
Voting booths were setup and taken down at rec center.
Crew worked on parking area improvements at Fish Pier.
Ongoing maintenance at City Library was performed.
Maintenance at Community Center Gym, consisting of light bulbs replacement was completed.
Removal of seasonal flags and banners from Main Street.
Maintenance at City Hall.
Addressed sink hole that was caused by a sub pavement large decomposing stump, on corner of Park Drive and Commercial Street. The stump was removed and replaced with suitable material below grade and repaved.
Fixed grade and basin ring/cover then re paved at corner of Broadway and Park Street.
Trimming and pruning at General Berry Park.
Sent in sewer report.
Review of sanding and plowing routes for streets and sidewalks.
The power meter at the transfer station was replaced by CMP.
Attended Energy Committee meeting.
Participated in the Rockland Bog aerial viewing. Special thanks to Mike Grondin and Penobscot Island Air.
Discussed with DEP and Woodard & Curran the tying in of the Q2N Closure to Q2S to create positive drainage for storm water.
Worked with Ecomaine and Woodard & Curran on the facility upgrade and efforts being taken to roll out the new recycle program presentation.
The Park & Main Street crosswalk upgrades will begin in the spring due to contractor availability and DOT review. RFP’s for the project should be ready to go out at the end of December.
Worked with the Police Department on a signaled crosswalk inventory. A&D repaired the pedestrian crosswalk signal at Camden St and Maverick St intersection.
Attended Waste Watcher meeting and met with one of the waste haulers in Rockland in an effort to improve the availability of recycling pick up service once we change to single stream recycling.
Worked with DOT on the pedestrian Safety forum public announcement documents.
Met with Costal Copper to review some maintenance that needs to be done at the Community Building and the Library prior to winter.
Sent out the Winter Parking Ban announcement, the parking ban is as follows:
EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1ST, 2017, NO VEHICLE SHALL BE
PARKED WITHIN THE MAINTAINED LIMITS OF ANY STREET,
MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT, PUBLIC WAY OR SIDEWALK
BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 2AM AND 6AM DURING THE MONTHS
OF DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY AND MARCH.
AND NO VEHICLE SHALL BE PARKED AT ANY OTHER TIME, ON
ANY PUBLIC STREET, MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT, OR PUBLIC
WAY SO AS TO INTERFERE WITH OR HINDER THE REMOVAL OF
SNOW FROM THE STREET, MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT OR
PUBLIC WAY BY THE CITY, PLOWING, LOADING OR HAULING.
VEHICLES IN VIOLATION OF PARKING BAN OR OBSTRUCTING
THE REMOVAL OF SNOW MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE
STREET, MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT, OR PUBLIC WAY AT THE
OWNERS EXPENSE WITHOUT THE CITY BEING LIABLE FOR ANY
DAMAGES.
DURING THIS TIME ROCKLAND RESIDENTS WHO HAVE AND
DISPLAY A VALID PERMIT MAY PARK IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC
PARKING SPACES IN THE FOLLOWING MUNICIPAL PARKING
LOTS BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9:00 P.M. AND 7:00 A.M.:
THORNDIKE PARKING LOT
BUOY PARK
HARBOR PARK
THE PERMIT FEE IS $25.00 AND THE PERMIT MAY BE
OBTAINED FROM THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AT 270 PLEASANT
STREET, ROCKLAND
OFFICE OF THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR
A note from last Saturday—Matthew Young shadowed Patty King, as a project for his Liberal Arts Academy program at Oceanside H.S. Matthew “grew up” in the Library, so it was especially rewarding for Patty to provide this opportunity.
The Library observed World Kindness Day with the start of a food drive. Children and adults are asked to bring in non-perishable foods for the Area Interfaith Outreach Food Pantry in Rockland and help out local neighbors in need. The food drive will last through the end of December. We also have a donation jar for The Diaper Fund and are collecting personal hygiene products for One Less Worry.
This week, Catinka Knoth’s Adult Drawing class drew woodland animals; the Children’s class theme: Let's Draw Woodland Critters - Bears, raccoons, foxes, chipmunks, squirrels, and mice!
Patty began training two new part-time staff members, who will be working on Sundays, when we re-open this day.
Fire Chief Whytock and I looked at the Library’s circuit breaker panels, to see if he thought it would be suitable for a generator hook-up, so that this facility can be designated a (day-time) warming center when needed.
For a special Tuesday Storytime, Miss Katie read We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, by Michael Rosen, and other bear-y good books, followed by a bear hunt around the Library, and wild crafts.
We had the annual inspection of the Library’s fire extinguishers, and Teresa Verrill took the inspector around to all the locations.
Dr. Ira Mandel and a panel representing the community provided an update regarding: the state of drug addiction in Mid-Coast Maine, progress in addressing unmet needs in the community, the ongoing challenges regarding public perceptions of addiction and of people in recovery, and more. This event doubled as a “Community Advisory” meeting at which feedback, questions, and
suggestions were sought from those in attendance.
Jessie Blanchard and volunteer Katie Syrett worked in concert to weed, and de-accession a number of items from the overflowing cookbook collection.
Jean Young hosted Wednesday Storytime, and read: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, by Bill Martin Jr., Gobble Gobble, by Cathryn Falwell, and Little Tom Turkey, by Frances Bloxam and illustrated by Rockland resident Jim Sollers. Following the stories, Miss Jean joined the littles at the craft table
and all made colorful turkeys, complete with ribbon feathers, for a family Thanksgiving keepsake.
I attended the semi-monthly Rockland Women’s Breakfast meeting.
Katie Drago hosted, or rather played, Baby Time on Thursday morning.
Jessie and I met with Dave Bell, about the Library portion of the new City website.
I attended the monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Friends of Rockland Public Library.
As an adjunct to the “Threads of Our Lives: Maine Folk Fiber Art” travelling exhibit, area spinner Penelope Olson brought her spinning wheel, bulk wool, and spun wool and demonstrated this art. She will be back for two more sessions on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving week, likely with additional spinners.
Patty, Jessie, and I attended the fifth and final joint listening session of the Comprehensive Planning Commission and Rockland Heart & Soul.
The Thursday evening Community Event was a Reading Room Concert: Dusty and Joanna & Friends. Acoustic musicians Dusty and Joanna, blend their voices’ rich harmonies, accompanied by Joanna on the six string guitar and Dusty playing the autoharp, six string guitar, and mandolin. They were joined by Ray Montana on the bass and vocals and Peter Proeller on the five string
banjo and vocals. Our own Patty King, who has sung with these musicians on other occasions, joined in on a couple of the songs.
The recently begun Book Group, Catching Up with the Classics, led by on-call sub Mary Ann Giasson, met on Saturday. Readers explore a variety of classic stories, including non-fiction and modern classics. This month's title was the modern non-fiction classic Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortensen. Future titles will be selected by the group. New members are welcome at any time.
Also on Saturday, Jean hosted S'mores Smorgasbord Storytelling with Jan Zimmerman. Part of The Arts for Kids and their Families @the Rockland Public Library series, attendees had a chance to listen to a local storyteller spin a yarn around a make-believe campfire, while eating real snacks.
Upcoming: Saturday, 11/ 25 The Friends of Rockland Public Library will hold their annual Tree Auction. Tabletop decorated trees will be “silent auctioned” off from 10 AM to 4:15 PM in conjunction with The Historic Inns of Rockland Holiday Tour. During the tour, people can visit the inns in the neighborhood of the Library. All proceeds from the Tour and Tree Auction will go directly to support the Library! House Tour: Suggested $10 donation, though admission is free.
Also, M&M Catapult Construction--Join Miss Katie in celebrating National Absurdity Day (11/20) by building, testing, and battling with your own M&M catapult. Practice your STEM skills by experimenting with fun physics.
OFFICE OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
We received an application for Minor Subdivision Plan Revision at Meadow Brook Subdivision at West Meadow Rd. It is scheduled to be reviewed at the Planning Board’s upcoming December 5, 2017 meeting.
John attended a meeting of the Planning Board.
John attended a MBOIA meeting at Point Lookout.
John attended a City Council Meeting.
Bill performed 20 RV inspections.
Bill performed a victualers’ license inspection, and a routine safety inspection of City Hall.
Bill performed a pre-conveyance inspection of a multi-unit dwelling at 2 Park Drive in conjunction with the Fire Department.
Bill performed an inspection of and issued a Certificate of Occupancy following alterations of a duplex dwelling on Grove Street and John performed the same at 50 Gordon Drive.
John and Bill met with contractors, property, and business owners regarding various proposed projects throughout the city, some of these meetings were in conjunction with the Fire Department and included on-site inspections.
We issued nine building permits. We issued a permit for a Fabric Tent at 400 Old County Rd. We issued a permit for a deck upgrade at 2 Park Dr. Additionally, we issued residential building permits for a new shed at 1 Greenway, adding a dormer on Main St, and demos on Oliver St and Talbot Ave.
We continue to be busy with various other permits, inspections, and assisting the public with questions. The following permits were issued by the Code Office:
o 9 Building Permits
o 5 Electrical Permits
o 8 Plumbing Permits
o 1 Sign Permit
o 1 Street Excavation Permit
OFFICE OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR
Bids on the $3.0MM BAN were received this week. An RFP went out to 9 Maine banks, and we received 5 bids. The winning bid was from The First and was 1.58%. Other bids ranged from a high of 2.23% to the next lowest bid of 1.74%. All parties have been notified of the results. We anticipate an early December closing.
The lease financing for our 2017/2108 capital improvement programs is now complete, and funding is available. Some equipment bids are due in for review in mid-December.
The Finance Director received an afternoon’s training from Munis on the financial modules. In addition to learning about all the various modules, I will be looking for ways to take advantage of more of the system.
Our annual audit process is still moving along. The auditor’s on-site phase has been completed, and they continue to complete their work back at their office. They requested a confirmation letter be sent to our attorney indicating the audit is in its final phase.
Payroll continues to be completed by HR as the payroll position is temporarily vacant. October 31st was the closing date for all applicants. Interviews have been set-up with the Personnel Committee for the evening of December 4th. 6 (six) candidates will be interviewed at that time.
The General Account cash balance per the bank: $6.1MM. It reached a peak of 7.3MM, but the payment to RSU#13 of $754,000 was cut in the mid-month’s batch. This, of course, will be held until the appropriate due date.
Accounts payable will be reviewing writing checks weekly as opposed to the twice monthly schedule it has been on historically. Weight will be given to the additional time needed for weekly processing and any offsets to cost of funds and discounts.
OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
Over the preceding two weeks, in addition to the response to 69 Fire and EMS calls, conducting apparatus checks, daily cleaning, routine repairs and maintenance to the fleet and of the quarters, the following occurred:
Training for the month of November is Rapid Intervention Teams, or RIT. This function of the fire service is dedicated to saving our own firefighters in the event of an injury, collapse, lost, or downed firefighter. The training is specific to rescue techniques designed to find and remove an injured or unresponsive firefighter. Rockport Fire joined us for some hands on training and we all
took some important lessons from Wednesday nights drill.
Chief Whytock attended council meetings to discuss stairway exemptions in existing multifamily dwellings. The council worked hard to come up with a solution to property owners concerns that existing stairwells were subject to codes that were too strict.
A mutual aid meeting was held at the firehouse to discuss the Knox County Fire Chiefs decision to pay for and stock Cyanide Kits in strategic areas throughout Knox County in the event that a victim or firefighter inhale the toxin.
Chief Whytock met with the Library director to talk about the potential of having the Library serve as the City’s warming center in the event of power outages. The storm a few weeks ago brought forth the need to have such a place and we will be working to institute a program in the near future.
Acknowledgement was received from Medicare that our billing application and license agreement will be renewed for another 5 years. There was a lot of work involved and we wanted to thank our HR/Finance Officer Wanda Harvey for all the follow-up in this process.
With the colder months approaching (already here) Rockland Fire & EMS wants to remind everyone to make sure your chimneys are cleaned and inspected if you are burning solid fuels over the coming months. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a chimney inspection, please call us and we would be glad to set up an appointment. 594-0318
Congratulations are in order for Councilor Valli Geiger and Councilor Elect Lisa Westkaemper. We look forward to working with you all in the coming months and years. To our outgoing Mayor, Will Clayton, thank you Sir for your many years of service and support. Enjoy the time off!!
Phone conversation with Wright Pierce Engineering firm that is handling our South Main Street Sewer Separation Project. We are on target for an April 2018 bid.
Attended the public outreach meeting hosted by Comprehensive Planning Commission held at the Universalist Church. A lot of great discussion on many topics.
Met with Patricia Quinn and Jim Russell of Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority to discuss the Downeaster coming into Rockland. They are proposing weekend only runs from Boston to Rockland starting in May 2018. A public meeting will be held with council sometime mid-December to mid-January.
The Directors of Habitat for Humanity and the Hospitality House stopped by this week to discuss a project on Philbrick Ave. Habitat owns many vacant lots on Philbrick Ave. and discussed their plans on building small homes for people to transition from homelessness to home ownership.
Rockland Main Street Director, Gordon Page, and I had our monthly meeting on Main Street to discuss what is happening in Rockland.
Attended the REDAC meeting where Housing Rehab Loans and Cruise Ship Industry were discussed. Further discussion on both topics will continue at the December REDAC meeting.
Received a survey of Samoset Road where the Public Restroom is being proposed. Discussion with the Samoset and Jameson Point Association will continue on location of restroom.
Congratulations to Roxy LaFrance the City of Rockland Assessor Agent who passed her Assessing exam this week. She will be promoted to the Assessor position in December after council approval.
OFFICE OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Community relationships. Various community stakeholders and officials have reached out to get acquainted. The warmth of the welcome and the variety of thoughts and ideas offered have been very much appreciated. Events such as the Chamber’s business after hours and Rockland Maine Street’s Morning on Main Street have also been great opportunities to meet business and community leaders. Site visits have included Steel House, as well as the Hospitality House with its model tiny house.
Grant relationships. We met with State officials from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development’s CDBG program staff on Nov 17 to touch base both on existing grants and opportunities for the future. We will be meeting with staff from the Department of Transportation on Nov 20 to discuss the Fish Pier project and the potential availability of DOT grant funds to assist. We also have started the process of identifying grant programs that could be
a fit with Rockland’s longer-term needs.
Homelessness and housing needs. We met with Habitat for Humanity and the Knox County Homeless Coalition to learn about a potential project to help people transition from homelessness to supportive housing to successful independent living.
Comp plan workshops. We attended two public workshops held as part of the Comprehensive Planning process to hear firsthand some of the issues and ideas being raised.
Programs and assistance. At the request of REDAC, we are reviewing program guidelines relevant
to home rehab and weatherization assistance to identify opportunities for clarifying and streamlining the application and approval process.
Passenger rail. Staff from the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) briefed us on the status of their proposed pilot program. They expect to run test trains in December to evaluate the segment from Brunswick to Rockland, and then to undertake more detailed planning this winter. We have suggested a workshop with Council as a potential next step.
Online assistance for new and expanding businesses. In collaboration with the City’s website contractor and the Code Department, we are looking at providing a streamlined online process for identifying and applying for any municipal licenses or permits associated with starting or expanding a business in Rockland.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Administration –
Chief Boucher attended the Spillman Technologies user group quarterly meeting in Augusta.
Chief Boucher attended the Knox County Interagency computer Users meeting to plan for a major grant funded technology implementation.
Chief Boucher met with representatives of Spillman technology IT reps to plan for the County LE Records Management system upgrade.
Chief Boucher met with Councilor Magjik to review the proposed City Ordinance on Medical Marijuana.
Deputy Chief Young participated in a discussion / speaking engagement at Oceanside High School with a group of “at risk” youth.
Deputy Chief Young attended a “round table” discussion with community members and members of the Mid-Coast Recovery Coalition to talk about the stigmatism attached to addiction.
Deputy Chief Young met with a representative from Rockland Main St. to finalize plans for the upcoming Parade of Lights.
Deputy Chief Young was appointed at the Maine Chiefs of Police District 6 representative to the Maine Chiefs of Police Awards Committee.
Met with department supervisors and Field Training Officers for an update on our two current trainees.
Criminal Investigations Division –
Det. Gaylor completed sexual assault investigation training.
Det. Gaylor started a Geo Cell, cell phone training course.
Det/Sgt. Neal attended NIBBRS training for FLEX and the new upgrades to our computer database. All of this training and the upgrades are the result of a federal grant.
Continued with ongoing criminal investigations.
Patrol Division –
Assisted Thomaston PD with an investigation.
Assisted Maine Pre-Trial Services with a bail violation.
Conducted school visits at all local schools.
Assisted the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with an investigation.
Assisted Penbay Christian School with a Lock Down Drill.
Coordinated with AD Electric to repair several traffic lights in town.
Delivered Council Packets.
Found unsecure buildings, located responsible parties to secure the buildings.
Provided mutual aid response to Rockport PD.
Assisted Camden PD with an investigation.
Officers conducted alcohol compliance checks at establishments in Rockland.
Officers conducted targeted traffic enforcement details at various locations throughout the city. The focus of these details was speed enforcement.
Officers conducted probation compliance checks.
Officers conducted bail compliance checks.
Officers responded to 161 calls for service, investigated 7 traffic accidents and conducted 33 motor vehicle stops. As a result 14 people were either arrested or summonsed for various violations.
Traffic Enforcement / Animal Control –
Issued 27 parking tickets.
Reprogramed flashing lights in school zones.
Responded to 4 animal complaints resulting in 2 summonses for Dog at Large.
OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR
Crews completed regular tasks of picking up city wide trash, applying cold patch to potholes in city roads, sign repair and city wide street sweeping.
Fall pick up of leaves and brush in zone one is complete and we are now working on zone two.
Voting booths were setup and taken down at rec center.
Crew worked on parking area improvements at Fish Pier.
Ongoing maintenance at City Library was performed.
Maintenance at Community Center Gym, consisting of light bulbs replacement was completed.
Removal of seasonal flags and banners from Main Street.
Maintenance at City Hall.
Addressed sink hole that was caused by a sub pavement large decomposing stump, on corner of Park Drive and Commercial Street. The stump was removed and replaced with suitable material below grade and repaved.
Fixed grade and basin ring/cover then re paved at corner of Broadway and Park Street.
Trimming and pruning at General Berry Park.
Sent in sewer report.
Review of sanding and plowing routes for streets and sidewalks.
The power meter at the transfer station was replaced by CMP.
Attended Energy Committee meeting.
Participated in the Rockland Bog aerial viewing. Special thanks to Mike Grondin and Penobscot Island Air.
Discussed with DEP and Woodard & Curran the tying in of the Q2N Closure to Q2S to create positive drainage for storm water.
Worked with Ecomaine and Woodard & Curran on the facility upgrade and efforts being taken to roll out the new recycle program presentation.
The Park & Main Street crosswalk upgrades will begin in the spring due to contractor availability and DOT review. RFP’s for the project should be ready to go out at the end of December.
Worked with the Police Department on a signaled crosswalk inventory. A&D repaired the pedestrian crosswalk signal at Camden St and Maverick St intersection.
Attended Waste Watcher meeting and met with one of the waste haulers in Rockland in an effort to improve the availability of recycling pick up service once we change to single stream recycling.
Worked with DOT on the pedestrian Safety forum public announcement documents.
Met with Costal Copper to review some maintenance that needs to be done at the Community Building and the Library prior to winter.
Sent out the Winter Parking Ban announcement, the parking ban is as follows:
EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1ST, 2017, NO VEHICLE SHALL BE
PARKED WITHIN THE MAINTAINED LIMITS OF ANY STREET,
MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT, PUBLIC WAY OR SIDEWALK
BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 2AM AND 6AM DURING THE MONTHS
OF DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY AND MARCH.
AND NO VEHICLE SHALL BE PARKED AT ANY OTHER TIME, ON
ANY PUBLIC STREET, MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT, OR PUBLIC
WAY SO AS TO INTERFERE WITH OR HINDER THE REMOVAL OF
SNOW FROM THE STREET, MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT OR
PUBLIC WAY BY THE CITY, PLOWING, LOADING OR HAULING.
VEHICLES IN VIOLATION OF PARKING BAN OR OBSTRUCTING
THE REMOVAL OF SNOW MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE
STREET, MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT, OR PUBLIC WAY AT THE
OWNERS EXPENSE WITHOUT THE CITY BEING LIABLE FOR ANY
DAMAGES.
DURING THIS TIME ROCKLAND RESIDENTS WHO HAVE AND
DISPLAY A VALID PERMIT MAY PARK IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC
PARKING SPACES IN THE FOLLOWING MUNICIPAL PARKING
LOTS BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9:00 P.M. AND 7:00 A.M.:
THORNDIKE PARKING LOT
BUOY PARK
HARBOR PARK
THE PERMIT FEE IS $25.00 AND THE PERMIT MAY BE
OBTAINED FROM THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AT 270 PLEASANT
STREET, ROCKLAND
OFFICE OF THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR
A note from last Saturday—Matthew Young shadowed Patty King, as a project for his Liberal Arts Academy program at Oceanside H.S. Matthew “grew up” in the Library, so it was especially rewarding for Patty to provide this opportunity.
The Library observed World Kindness Day with the start of a food drive. Children and adults are asked to bring in non-perishable foods for the Area Interfaith Outreach Food Pantry in Rockland and help out local neighbors in need. The food drive will last through the end of December. We also have a donation jar for The Diaper Fund and are collecting personal hygiene products for One Less Worry.
This week, Catinka Knoth’s Adult Drawing class drew woodland animals; the Children’s class theme: Let's Draw Woodland Critters - Bears, raccoons, foxes, chipmunks, squirrels, and mice!
Patty began training two new part-time staff members, who will be working on Sundays, when we re-open this day.
Fire Chief Whytock and I looked at the Library’s circuit breaker panels, to see if he thought it would be suitable for a generator hook-up, so that this facility can be designated a (day-time) warming center when needed.
For a special Tuesday Storytime, Miss Katie read We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, by Michael Rosen, and other bear-y good books, followed by a bear hunt around the Library, and wild crafts.
We had the annual inspection of the Library’s fire extinguishers, and Teresa Verrill took the inspector around to all the locations.
Dr. Ira Mandel and a panel representing the community provided an update regarding: the state of drug addiction in Mid-Coast Maine, progress in addressing unmet needs in the community, the ongoing challenges regarding public perceptions of addiction and of people in recovery, and more. This event doubled as a “Community Advisory” meeting at which feedback, questions, and
suggestions were sought from those in attendance.
Jessie Blanchard and volunteer Katie Syrett worked in concert to weed, and de-accession a number of items from the overflowing cookbook collection.
Jean Young hosted Wednesday Storytime, and read: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, by Bill Martin Jr., Gobble Gobble, by Cathryn Falwell, and Little Tom Turkey, by Frances Bloxam and illustrated by Rockland resident Jim Sollers. Following the stories, Miss Jean joined the littles at the craft table
and all made colorful turkeys, complete with ribbon feathers, for a family Thanksgiving keepsake.
I attended the semi-monthly Rockland Women’s Breakfast meeting.
Katie Drago hosted, or rather played, Baby Time on Thursday morning.
Jessie and I met with Dave Bell, about the Library portion of the new City website.
I attended the monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Friends of Rockland Public Library.
As an adjunct to the “Threads of Our Lives: Maine Folk Fiber Art” travelling exhibit, area spinner Penelope Olson brought her spinning wheel, bulk wool, and spun wool and demonstrated this art. She will be back for two more sessions on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving week, likely with additional spinners.
Patty, Jessie, and I attended the fifth and final joint listening session of the Comprehensive Planning Commission and Rockland Heart & Soul.
The Thursday evening Community Event was a Reading Room Concert: Dusty and Joanna & Friends. Acoustic musicians Dusty and Joanna, blend their voices’ rich harmonies, accompanied by Joanna on the six string guitar and Dusty playing the autoharp, six string guitar, and mandolin. They were joined by Ray Montana on the bass and vocals and Peter Proeller on the five string
banjo and vocals. Our own Patty King, who has sung with these musicians on other occasions, joined in on a couple of the songs.
The recently begun Book Group, Catching Up with the Classics, led by on-call sub Mary Ann Giasson, met on Saturday. Readers explore a variety of classic stories, including non-fiction and modern classics. This month's title was the modern non-fiction classic Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortensen. Future titles will be selected by the group. New members are welcome at any time.
Also on Saturday, Jean hosted S'mores Smorgasbord Storytelling with Jan Zimmerman. Part of The Arts for Kids and their Families @the Rockland Public Library series, attendees had a chance to listen to a local storyteller spin a yarn around a make-believe campfire, while eating real snacks.
Upcoming: Saturday, 11/ 25 The Friends of Rockland Public Library will hold their annual Tree Auction. Tabletop decorated trees will be “silent auctioned” off from 10 AM to 4:15 PM in conjunction with The Historic Inns of Rockland Holiday Tour. During the tour, people can visit the inns in the neighborhood of the Library. All proceeds from the Tour and Tree Auction will go directly to support the Library! House Tour: Suggested $10 donation, though admission is free.
Also, M&M Catapult Construction--Join Miss Katie in celebrating National Absurdity Day (11/20) by building, testing, and battling with your own M&M catapult. Practice your STEM skills by experimenting with fun physics.
OFFICE OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
We received an application for Minor Subdivision Plan Revision at Meadow Brook Subdivision at West Meadow Rd. It is scheduled to be reviewed at the Planning Board’s upcoming December 5, 2017 meeting.
John attended a meeting of the Planning Board.
John attended a MBOIA meeting at Point Lookout.
John attended a City Council Meeting.
Bill performed 20 RV inspections.
Bill performed a victualers’ license inspection, and a routine safety inspection of City Hall.
Bill performed a pre-conveyance inspection of a multi-unit dwelling at 2 Park Drive in conjunction with the Fire Department.
Bill performed an inspection of and issued a Certificate of Occupancy following alterations of a duplex dwelling on Grove Street and John performed the same at 50 Gordon Drive.
John and Bill met with contractors, property, and business owners regarding various proposed projects throughout the city, some of these meetings were in conjunction with the Fire Department and included on-site inspections.
We issued nine building permits. We issued a permit for a Fabric Tent at 400 Old County Rd. We issued a permit for a deck upgrade at 2 Park Dr. Additionally, we issued residential building permits for a new shed at 1 Greenway, adding a dormer on Main St, and demos on Oliver St and Talbot Ave.
We continue to be busy with various other permits, inspections, and assisting the public with questions. The following permits were issued by the Code Office:
o 9 Building Permits
o 5 Electrical Permits
o 8 Plumbing Permits
o 1 Sign Permit
o 1 Street Excavation Permit
OFFICE OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR
Bids on the $3.0MM BAN were received this week. An RFP went out to 9 Maine banks, and we received 5 bids. The winning bid was from The First and was 1.58%. Other bids ranged from a high of 2.23% to the next lowest bid of 1.74%. All parties have been notified of the results. We anticipate an early December closing.
The lease financing for our 2017/2108 capital improvement programs is now complete, and funding is available. Some equipment bids are due in for review in mid-December.
The Finance Director received an afternoon’s training from Munis on the financial modules. In addition to learning about all the various modules, I will be looking for ways to take advantage of more of the system.
Our annual audit process is still moving along. The auditor’s on-site phase has been completed, and they continue to complete their work back at their office. They requested a confirmation letter be sent to our attorney indicating the audit is in its final phase.
Payroll continues to be completed by HR as the payroll position is temporarily vacant. October 31st was the closing date for all applicants. Interviews have been set-up with the Personnel Committee for the evening of December 4th. 6 (six) candidates will be interviewed at that time.
The General Account cash balance per the bank: $6.1MM. It reached a peak of 7.3MM, but the payment to RSU#13 of $754,000 was cut in the mid-month’s batch. This, of course, will be held until the appropriate due date.
Accounts payable will be reviewing writing checks weekly as opposed to the twice monthly schedule it has been on historically. Weight will be given to the additional time needed for weekly processing and any offsets to cost of funds and discounts.
OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
Over the preceding two weeks, in addition to the response to 69 Fire and EMS calls, conducting apparatus checks, daily cleaning, routine repairs and maintenance to the fleet and of the quarters, the following occurred:
Training for the month of November is Rapid Intervention Teams, or RIT. This function of the fire service is dedicated to saving our own firefighters in the event of an injury, collapse, lost, or downed firefighter. The training is specific to rescue techniques designed to find and remove an injured or unresponsive firefighter. Rockport Fire joined us for some hands on training and we all
took some important lessons from Wednesday nights drill.
Chief Whytock attended council meetings to discuss stairway exemptions in existing multifamily dwellings. The council worked hard to come up with a solution to property owners concerns that existing stairwells were subject to codes that were too strict.
A mutual aid meeting was held at the firehouse to discuss the Knox County Fire Chiefs decision to pay for and stock Cyanide Kits in strategic areas throughout Knox County in the event that a victim or firefighter inhale the toxin.
Chief Whytock met with the Library director to talk about the potential of having the Library serve as the City’s warming center in the event of power outages. The storm a few weeks ago brought forth the need to have such a place and we will be working to institute a program in the near future.
Acknowledgement was received from Medicare that our billing application and license agreement will be renewed for another 5 years. There was a lot of work involved and we wanted to thank our HR/Finance Officer Wanda Harvey for all the follow-up in this process.
With the colder months approaching (already here) Rockland Fire & EMS wants to remind everyone to make sure your chimneys are cleaned and inspected if you are burning solid fuels over the coming months. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a chimney inspection, please call us and we would be glad to set up an appointment. 594-0318
Congratulations are in order for Councilor Valli Geiger and Councilor Elect Lisa Westkaemper. We look forward to working with you all in the coming months and years. To our outgoing Mayor, Will Clayton, thank you Sir for your many years of service and support. Enjoy the time off!!
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