The Rockland Report January 26, 2018
Title : The Rockland Report January 26, 2018
link : The Rockland Report January 26, 2018
Sports History |
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
I met with Steve Dyer from Ransom Consulting to get an overview of our Brownfields Grant. We talked about how to clean up City owned property at 9 Rockland Street. He will be contacting MCEDD on our behalf to access grant funds to help in the cleanup efforts of 9 Rockland Street.
Will be meeting with the General Manager of the Samoset next week to continue the Public Restroom talks. The City is still trying to resolve the issue of public restrooms for those visiting the Breakwater.
Attended the Rockland Port District meeting where officers were elected for the upcoming year and received update on Lermond Cove.
Met with the Public Services Director and a representative from Knowles Industrial to look at the Library’s North Wall and building envelope. The residents of Rockland approved a 1.1M Library Bond a few years ago to fix the building envelope. We are finally at a stage where we can work this project into our budget.
The Director of Rockland Main Street, Gordon Page, and I had our monthly meeting at City Hall. We find these monthly meetings a benefit to each organization as we work together in fostering a safe and thriving City.
Met with Bill Morong of Yachting Solutions on their proposed marina growth in Rockland Harbor.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Administration –
Chief Boucher met with a council member to finalize a proposed City Ordinance.
Chief Boucher working with the Bureau of Justice Statistics to implement a major grant funding award to benefit the Counties Records management system over the next few months.
DC Young attended the Knox County Steering Committee meeting of Penquist.
DC Young completed the application packet for the FBI National Academy.
Met with Det/Sgt. Neal and potential victims in a theft case to discuss the possibility of re-opening the case because of new evidence.
Facilitated Rockland P.D.’s participation in retired Police Chief Ockenfels funeral service.
Began the process of employee year end evaluations.
Chief Boucher and DC Young met with a representative from the Knox County Community Health Coalition to discuss continued collaboration between our two entities.
Participated in a conference call with special agents from the Coast Guard Investigative Service concerning continued partnership with joint investigations involving Coast Guard personnel.
Criminal Investigations Division –
Coordinated with other local agencies concerning a multi-jurisdictional fraud case.
Continued conducting Sex Offender compliance checks on Sex Offenders living in Rockland.
Began the process of applying for a federal grant to purchase new equipment.
Participated in the first Child Advocacy Center case review.
Completed the restructuring and purging of evidence from the evidence storage room.
Continued investigating on-going criminal investigations.
Patrol Division –
Officer Griffith completed the first week of the full-time law enforcement school at the Maine
Criminal Justice Academy. She will continue training at the Academy for the next 17 weeks.
Officer Robbins continues his field training with Officer Bagley.
Officer Rolerson continues his field training with Officer Redmun.
Officers continued aggressive enforcement of parking violations.
Officers were detailed to Oceanside High School for basketball details.
Officers conducted alcohol compliance checks on establishments in Rockland that serve alcohol to ensure they were in compliance with state law and city ordinance.
Officers conducted bail checks on Rockland residence that are on bail to ensure they were in compliance with their bail conditions.
Officers conducted targeted traffic enforcement details at several locations throughout Rockland. The focus of these details was speed enforcement.
Officers responded to 151 calls for service, investigated 4 traffic accidents and conducted 42 motor vehicle stops. As a result 7 people were either summonsed or arrested for various violations.
Parking Enforcement / Animal Control –
Issued 25 parking tickets.
Responded to 4 animal complaints. As a result one person was issued a summons for dog at large.
OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR
Snow event 1/17, 1/23
Call in or Sand/Salt of roads and sidewalks 1/19, 1/24
Haul accumulated snow from around City to snow dump
Repair of Transfer Station sump pump
Snow equipment maintenance and repairs
Trenching and Excavation training
PPE, Slips trips and Falls Training
Review of 4 gas meter use for trench work
Drainage on Camden Street
Cleaned street basins and building gutters for rainstorm
North pump replacement at landfill
The remediation work at 9 Rockland Street has been scheduled
Met with Jennifer West who is a teacher at the South School in Rockland to review assistance with composting food waste generated at the school
Reviewed needed exterior library repairs with masonry contractor
Bids for C&D disposal were opened and award is pending further review
Continued work on Q2N pump replacement
Reviewed budget with Finance Director
Reviewed lighting improvements with City Manager
Working on garage housekeeping
Worked with engineer on inspection of Transfer Station support in preparation for recycling collection changes
Began work on annual solid waste reports
Waiting on DOT project manager for final review of Park and Main Street intersection cross walk improvements
Working on updating snow and ice control plan
OFFICE OF THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR
We hit the three-digit mark for the first time since the restoration of Sunday hours, with 100
visitors on January 21.
Met with Jack Kurowski; he, who coordinates the AARP Tax Preparation Assistance volunteers who will be here at the Library, starting February 3.
Following the meeting, staff (who’ve been fielding such calls for a month) began taking appointments for AARP. The organization trains volunteers and offers free tax preparation help to anyone who needs it- with special attention to those who are 50 or older or have low to moderate income. In certain situations, the volunteers may be unable to provide assistance.
This week, Catinka Knoth’s Adult Drawing class focused on winter scenes; Catinka cancelled the Children’s drawing class due to the rainy weather.
Mechanical Services replaced the fuel gauge on the oil tanks.
Dave St Laurent brought Travis Whitehead, of Knowles Industrial Services, by the Library, to see the facility, and propose plans for remediation.
On Tuesday evening, we presented the postponed Camden Conference Talk: Germany in the New World Disorder with Dr. Paul Holman. Over the past 100 years, few countries have changed their policies as sharply as the Germans. Rising from defeat in two world wars and the ashes of Hitler’s Holocaust, they now symbolize tolerance, moderation, and stability. With the recent election of
the first nationalists to Germany’s parliament in many decades, what might this mean for Germany’s future? Dr. Holman is a Visiting Professor of International Relations for the University of Maine, Orono, and an Adjunct Professor at the Naval War College.
Patty King read A Hat for Mrs. Goldman at South School; she’s a weekly guest reader, as the students there work their way through the Chickadee Award nominated books. Students across Maine vote for their favorite in April.
For Wednesday Storytime, Miss Judith read to a new group of little ones. They listened attentively as she read: I’m Big Enough, by Amber Stewart, Minerva Louise and the Red Truck, by Janet Morgan Stoeke, Red Knit Cap Girl and the Reading Tree, by Naoko Stoop, and Gail Carson Levine’s Betsy who Cried Wolf! Being new to the room, they preferred to wander about, rather than participating in the usual craft period which follows--so much to see and read!
Jessie Blanchard and Katie Drago prepared and presented a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) workshop: CD Hovercrafts. This was a tabletop program, where participants created hovercraft using household objects and old scratched library CDs. They learned about propulsion and how to use a cushion of air to reduce friction, while having a great time.
I had a meeting with the City Manager.
I met with Finance Director, as he reviews the first pass of departmental budgets for FY19.
Jessie met with 4H Coordinator, Kathryn Jensen, who is working with Oceanside High School students to have them present a series of STEM programs, some of which will be in conjunction with the upcoming Summer Reading Program.
Katie reports Thursday Baby Time was a big success today. We had 11 attendees, including a parent who came to visit us for the first time. Old MacDonald with puppets, has become a class favorite where everyone can participate. The Children's Room was filled with voices, while all the
parents sang along.
Thank you to Public Services staff (Hutch & Jimmy) for making adjustments in the Board Room. With the lease to Broadreach, the room opposite can no longer be used by the AARP Tax preparers. With just a single room this year, we’d arranged to move the long oak table back towards the wall, and temporarily move a study carrel into the Board Room.
The Thursday evening Community Event, was the film Landfill Harmonic. The movie follows the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, a Paraguayan musical group that plays instruments made entirely out of garbage. When their story goes viral, the orchestra is catapulted into the global spotlight. Under the guidance of idealistic music director Favio Chavez, the orchestra must navigate a strange new world of arenas and sold-out concerts. However, when a natural disaster strikes their community, Favio must find a way to keep the orchestra intact and provide a source of hope for their town. The film is a testimony to the transformative power of music and the resilience of the human spirit. Members of the audience were moved to tears, and the film received a round of applause at the end. For those who missed it, it will be available for borrowing from the Library shortly.
Jessie met with Dan Dunkle with about Poetry Month Rockland, which will be moved to September this year, to correspond with the Millay Festival. The hope is to combine our annual poetry contest with the one which Dan started last year.
Patty and I met with some members and former members of the Friends Board to plan the upcoming Open House/Love Your Library.
On Saturday, part-time staffer Mary Ann Giasson hosted the Catching Up With the Classics Book Group. Readers explore a variety of classic stories, including non-fiction and modern classics. The group discusses a different title each month. This month's title is Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Future titles are selected by the group. New members are always welcome.
Also on Saturday, Jean hosted Tea & Tots, which consists of songs, active rhymes, and stories – especially for toddlers! It’s followed by playtime with the Family Place™ toys, and a small snack, as well as coffee or tea for the adults.
Upcoming: Library Open House! Love Your Library; Your Library Loves You
We’d love to have you join us! This is always a wonderful, fun-filled, feel-good event. There’ll be delicious food, music, crafts, and much, much more. There will be door prizes, too, though you’ll need a clear, current Rockland Public Library card to put your name in. Free & open to the public.
A scene form last year:
OFFICE OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
John attended a meeting of the Rockland Planning Board.
John attended a City Council Meeting.
John and Bill attended a Comprehensive Planning Board meeting.
We renewed 19 Short Term Rental Applications and processed 8 new applications for Planning Board approval.
John met with the Camden Inn Keepers to discuss Short Term Rentals.
We issued two Certificates of Occupancy, one for 389 Pleasant St #6 and 265 Camden St.
Bill and Fire Department performed a Pre-conveyance Inspection at 171 Main St.
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 three building permits. We issued a permit for a new shed at 312 Broadway. Additionally, we issued residential building permits for renovations on Chestnut St and Limerock St.
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:
3 Building Permits
6 Electrical Permits
8 Plumbing Permits
1 Sign Permit
1 Excavation Permit
3 Complaints
OFFICE OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR
The annual budgeting process is well underway. All information is being directly put into our main system (Munis). This process allows immediate comparative (current and historical) reporting. This week we held a series of initial budget review meetings with all departments. We also put together a budget committee. These folks will begin an in depth department budget
review of all operating and CIP budget requests. These will be held during the month of February.
Our annual audit process, that took a break over the holidays, is back in motion. A few requested items from outside vendors have finally been made available. Our auditor continues to request information as they continue to review our information. Historically this has been completed by the end of March.
W-2’s and 1099’s have been sent out, well within the January 30th deadline.
The General Fund Account cash balance per the bank: $5.1MM.
OFFICE OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY DIRECTOR
The Food and Water class from Oceanside High School toured the treatment plant.
Working on the 2017 Industrial Pretreatment Annual Report.
Working on the 2017 Combined Stormwater Overflow Report.
Working on the2017 TIER II Report.
Submitted the net-DMR Report for December 2017.
Reviewed the industrial users monthly discharge reports for December 2017.
Updated the wet weather management plan.
One staff member attended training for the new Dental Amalgam Regulations.
One staff member attended TIER II training.
Two staff members started Wastewater Operator School.
The January 2018 in house monthly safety audit was completed.
Held the Departmental team meeting for January 2018.
Worked on the preliminary budget for 2018-19.
Submitted the WIMS license renewal.
Interstate Septic pumped and cleaned the wet well at the Waldo Ave. pump station.
Checked the oil levels in the primary and secondary clarifiers.
Ordered spare parts for check valves and plug valves.
Snow plowing and snow removal at the treatment plant and pump stations.
Lubricated the rollers on the Belt Filter Press conveyors.
Tested and repaired emergency exit signs in the sludge handling building.
Repaired a transformer in the COM-2 communications panel.
Replaced the drive motor on the horizontal belt conveyor.
Inspected and lubricated the influent bar screen.
Took delivery of the new vortex underflow pump.
Cleared a clogged pump at the region 8 school pump station.
Repaired the level control instrument at the Waldo Ave. pump station.
Cleaned the floors in the belt filter press pump room.
Interstate Septic pumped the secondary clarifier scum pits.
Cleared a clog from the grit removal system.
Pumped and cleaned the vortex separator and C.S.O. contact chamber.
Replaced the KVM switch for the GraniteNET and G.I.S. computers.
Worked with tech support from CUES Inc. to troubleshoot a problem with the CCTV pipeline camera.
Responded to a Dig-Safe request at the Maine State Ferry Terminal for Maine D.O.T.
Continued working with Wright-Pierce on transfer of the manhole and sewer main inspection database to them.
Attempted CCTV inspection of a Stormwater pipe on Camden St. for Dept. of Public Services.
Responded to a Dig-Safe request on New County Rd. for Maine Water.
Dye tested a Stormwater basin at Fuller Auto to determine the location of the outfall pipe.
Inspected and approved a sewer repair at 77 Masonic Street.
Worked with Leticia VanVuuren from Knox County Emergency Management on updates to our G.I.S.
Ordered repair parts for the CCTV pipeline inspection camera.
OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
Over this preceding week, in addition to the response to 86 Fire and EMS calls, conducting apparatus checks, daily cleaning, routine repairs and maintenance to the fleet and of the quarters, the following occurred:
Members of the department showed our support for the local youth YMCA basketball team and attended a home game for the team that was sponsored by the departments union. The kids were excited to see the fire & EMS department there to watch them win their third game. We love our community and our kids!
The new pick-up truck (Utility 3) has been fitted with its lights and gear and is ready to respond. Please feel free to swing by and check it out.
We have filled the enrollment spaces for our upcoming Confined Space Technician class in March. 11 City staff as well as 10 outside students will partake in the two day class.
A joint training was held here at the station to bring everyone in the county up to date on handling fires that involve houses equipped with solar energy (photovoltaic). Fires within these structures offer a different challenge to personnel and we must be careful with our tactics when extinguishing fires.
Flow testing of the departments 34 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus was done by Fire Tech. This is a required test that we do annually in order to keep our aging equipment functioning safely.
With the upcoming budget time quickly upon us, many hours have been spent updating and fact finding for the FY19 working budget.
Meeting were held this past week at the Emergency Management Office for disaster funding reimbursement for the fall 2017 wind storm we experienced in Maine. Hours of work have gone into trying to re-coup costs associated with the storm and cleanup. We should know more in the coming weeks how much money will be returned from the federal government.
The annual Knox County Fire Chiefs meeting was held and attended by Chief Whytock. We are looking into multiple training opportunities to provide our first responders with quality info/training. We have also agreed to purchase lifesaving medication in order to protect both firefighters and fire victims. More to come on this.
Stay Safe and Warm!!!!!
OFFICE OF THE HARBORMASTER
Mooring owners meeting concerning the Yachting Solutions proposed project and impact on Central mooring fields will be held at City Hall, 6:00 PM, 30 January 2018.
OFFICE OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Relationships and resources. Had the opportunity to meet with or tour several Rockland businesses and resources, including Back Cove Yachts, Fisher Engineering, Camden Printing, Grasshopper Shop, Lowe Hardware, Weatherend Estate Furniture, Yachting Solutions, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Met with two Rockland Main St committees to learn more about current projects, including a possible sign proposal for downtown, update of the Downtown Walking map, and organization of a job fair. Attended the Community Advisory Committee for DuPont (formerly FMC) and will become a member in future.
Business assistance. Assisted a business who is looking for resources to help fund a business expansion, and another looking for a Rockland location.
Brownfields. Met with an outside contractor who supports the City’s Brownfield program, which provides free site assessment services to property owners of eligible brownfield sites. The program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Comprehensive Plan. Met with the City Manager and Chair of Comprehensive Planning Commission to identify what we need for technical support to the Comprehensive Planning Commission’s efforts.
REDAC. Arranged for LCI to brief REDAC on the status of broadband and opportunities in Rockland. Looked into Penquis programs related to home rehab and weatherization to understand how many people they are able to help in Rockland, and whether there might be synergies with the City’s efforts.
Grants. Worked with Midcoast Regional Planning, the Department of Public Services and stakeholders to submit a letter of interest in a small grant to help develop a bike lane along South Main St.
Regional transportation. Participated in a meeting of the Midcoast Transportation arm of the Waldo County Community Action Program on possible routing and stops for a Rockland bus service.
Stakeholder suggestions. Recent suggestions from stakeholders include: invest resources in/focus on developing the City’s brand, and use the brand to attract new businesses and residents; invest in the City’s website to make it more user friendly and up to date; do something to honor the number of women owned businesses in Rockland; provide a City presence at/visibility for local job
fairs; review/update property valuations to ensure fairness across similar structures; ensure a level playing field for short term rentals and inns; leverage the proposed Yachting Solutions expansion to pursue a broader vision for the harbor and Harbor Park; focus on a vision for Rockland without regard to cost, because a compelling vison might attract private funding; develop an amphitheater at Harbor Park as a venue for Rock concerts and other events (taking advantage of this being Rock-land).
I met with Steve Dyer from Ransom Consulting to get an overview of our Brownfields Grant. We talked about how to clean up City owned property at 9 Rockland Street. He will be contacting MCEDD on our behalf to access grant funds to help in the cleanup efforts of 9 Rockland Street.
Will be meeting with the General Manager of the Samoset next week to continue the Public Restroom talks. The City is still trying to resolve the issue of public restrooms for those visiting the Breakwater.
Attended the Rockland Port District meeting where officers were elected for the upcoming year and received update on Lermond Cove.
Met with the Public Services Director and a representative from Knowles Industrial to look at the Library’s North Wall and building envelope. The residents of Rockland approved a 1.1M Library Bond a few years ago to fix the building envelope. We are finally at a stage where we can work this project into our budget.
The Director of Rockland Main Street, Gordon Page, and I had our monthly meeting at City Hall. We find these monthly meetings a benefit to each organization as we work together in fostering a safe and thriving City.
Met with Bill Morong of Yachting Solutions on their proposed marina growth in Rockland Harbor.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Administration –
Chief Boucher met with a council member to finalize a proposed City Ordinance.
Chief Boucher working with the Bureau of Justice Statistics to implement a major grant funding award to benefit the Counties Records management system over the next few months.
DC Young attended the Knox County Steering Committee meeting of Penquist.
DC Young completed the application packet for the FBI National Academy.
Met with Det/Sgt. Neal and potential victims in a theft case to discuss the possibility of re-opening the case because of new evidence.
Facilitated Rockland P.D.’s participation in retired Police Chief Ockenfels funeral service.
Began the process of employee year end evaluations.
Chief Boucher and DC Young met with a representative from the Knox County Community Health Coalition to discuss continued collaboration between our two entities.
Participated in a conference call with special agents from the Coast Guard Investigative Service concerning continued partnership with joint investigations involving Coast Guard personnel.
Criminal Investigations Division –
Coordinated with other local agencies concerning a multi-jurisdictional fraud case.
Continued conducting Sex Offender compliance checks on Sex Offenders living in Rockland.
Began the process of applying for a federal grant to purchase new equipment.
Participated in the first Child Advocacy Center case review.
Completed the restructuring and purging of evidence from the evidence storage room.
Continued investigating on-going criminal investigations.
Patrol Division –
Officer Griffith completed the first week of the full-time law enforcement school at the Maine
Criminal Justice Academy. She will continue training at the Academy for the next 17 weeks.
Officer Robbins continues his field training with Officer Bagley.
Officer Rolerson continues his field training with Officer Redmun.
Officers continued aggressive enforcement of parking violations.
Officers were detailed to Oceanside High School for basketball details.
Officers conducted alcohol compliance checks on establishments in Rockland that serve alcohol to ensure they were in compliance with state law and city ordinance.
Officers conducted bail checks on Rockland residence that are on bail to ensure they were in compliance with their bail conditions.
Officers conducted targeted traffic enforcement details at several locations throughout Rockland. The focus of these details was speed enforcement.
Officers responded to 151 calls for service, investigated 4 traffic accidents and conducted 42 motor vehicle stops. As a result 7 people were either summonsed or arrested for various violations.
Parking Enforcement / Animal Control –
Issued 25 parking tickets.
Responded to 4 animal complaints. As a result one person was issued a summons for dog at large.
OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR
Snow event 1/17, 1/23
Call in or Sand/Salt of roads and sidewalks 1/19, 1/24
Haul accumulated snow from around City to snow dump
Repair of Transfer Station sump pump
Snow equipment maintenance and repairs
Trenching and Excavation training
PPE, Slips trips and Falls Training
Review of 4 gas meter use for trench work
Drainage on Camden Street
Cleaned street basins and building gutters for rainstorm
North pump replacement at landfill
The remediation work at 9 Rockland Street has been scheduled
Met with Jennifer West who is a teacher at the South School in Rockland to review assistance with composting food waste generated at the school
Reviewed needed exterior library repairs with masonry contractor
Bids for C&D disposal were opened and award is pending further review
Continued work on Q2N pump replacement
Reviewed budget with Finance Director
Reviewed lighting improvements with City Manager
Working on garage housekeeping
Worked with engineer on inspection of Transfer Station support in preparation for recycling collection changes
Began work on annual solid waste reports
Waiting on DOT project manager for final review of Park and Main Street intersection cross walk improvements
Working on updating snow and ice control plan
OFFICE OF THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR
We hit the three-digit mark for the first time since the restoration of Sunday hours, with 100
visitors on January 21.
Met with Jack Kurowski; he, who coordinates the AARP Tax Preparation Assistance volunteers who will be here at the Library, starting February 3.
Following the meeting, staff (who’ve been fielding such calls for a month) began taking appointments for AARP. The organization trains volunteers and offers free tax preparation help to anyone who needs it- with special attention to those who are 50 or older or have low to moderate income. In certain situations, the volunteers may be unable to provide assistance.
This week, Catinka Knoth’s Adult Drawing class focused on winter scenes; Catinka cancelled the Children’s drawing class due to the rainy weather.
Mechanical Services replaced the fuel gauge on the oil tanks.
Dave St Laurent brought Travis Whitehead, of Knowles Industrial Services, by the Library, to see the facility, and propose plans for remediation.
On Tuesday evening, we presented the postponed Camden Conference Talk: Germany in the New World Disorder with Dr. Paul Holman. Over the past 100 years, few countries have changed their policies as sharply as the Germans. Rising from defeat in two world wars and the ashes of Hitler’s Holocaust, they now symbolize tolerance, moderation, and stability. With the recent election of
the first nationalists to Germany’s parliament in many decades, what might this mean for Germany’s future? Dr. Holman is a Visiting Professor of International Relations for the University of Maine, Orono, and an Adjunct Professor at the Naval War College.
Patty King read A Hat for Mrs. Goldman at South School; she’s a weekly guest reader, as the students there work their way through the Chickadee Award nominated books. Students across Maine vote for their favorite in April.
For Wednesday Storytime, Miss Judith read to a new group of little ones. They listened attentively as she read: I’m Big Enough, by Amber Stewart, Minerva Louise and the Red Truck, by Janet Morgan Stoeke, Red Knit Cap Girl and the Reading Tree, by Naoko Stoop, and Gail Carson Levine’s Betsy who Cried Wolf! Being new to the room, they preferred to wander about, rather than participating in the usual craft period which follows--so much to see and read!
Jessie Blanchard and Katie Drago prepared and presented a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) workshop: CD Hovercrafts. This was a tabletop program, where participants created hovercraft using household objects and old scratched library CDs. They learned about propulsion and how to use a cushion of air to reduce friction, while having a great time.
I had a meeting with the City Manager.
I met with Finance Director, as he reviews the first pass of departmental budgets for FY19.
Jessie met with 4H Coordinator, Kathryn Jensen, who is working with Oceanside High School students to have them present a series of STEM programs, some of which will be in conjunction with the upcoming Summer Reading Program.
Katie reports Thursday Baby Time was a big success today. We had 11 attendees, including a parent who came to visit us for the first time. Old MacDonald with puppets, has become a class favorite where everyone can participate. The Children's Room was filled with voices, while all the
parents sang along.
Thank you to Public Services staff (Hutch & Jimmy) for making adjustments in the Board Room. With the lease to Broadreach, the room opposite can no longer be used by the AARP Tax preparers. With just a single room this year, we’d arranged to move the long oak table back towards the wall, and temporarily move a study carrel into the Board Room.
The Thursday evening Community Event, was the film Landfill Harmonic. The movie follows the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, a Paraguayan musical group that plays instruments made entirely out of garbage. When their story goes viral, the orchestra is catapulted into the global spotlight. Under the guidance of idealistic music director Favio Chavez, the orchestra must navigate a strange new world of arenas and sold-out concerts. However, when a natural disaster strikes their community, Favio must find a way to keep the orchestra intact and provide a source of hope for their town. The film is a testimony to the transformative power of music and the resilience of the human spirit. Members of the audience were moved to tears, and the film received a round of applause at the end. For those who missed it, it will be available for borrowing from the Library shortly.
Jessie met with Dan Dunkle with about Poetry Month Rockland, which will be moved to September this year, to correspond with the Millay Festival. The hope is to combine our annual poetry contest with the one which Dan started last year.
Patty and I met with some members and former members of the Friends Board to plan the upcoming Open House/Love Your Library.
On Saturday, part-time staffer Mary Ann Giasson hosted the Catching Up With the Classics Book Group. Readers explore a variety of classic stories, including non-fiction and modern classics. The group discusses a different title each month. This month's title is Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Future titles are selected by the group. New members are always welcome.
Also on Saturday, Jean hosted Tea & Tots, which consists of songs, active rhymes, and stories – especially for toddlers! It’s followed by playtime with the Family Place™ toys, and a small snack, as well as coffee or tea for the adults.
Upcoming: Library Open House! Love Your Library; Your Library Loves You
We’d love to have you join us! This is always a wonderful, fun-filled, feel-good event. There’ll be delicious food, music, crafts, and much, much more. There will be door prizes, too, though you’ll need a clear, current Rockland Public Library card to put your name in. Free & open to the public.
A scene form last year:
OFFICE OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
John attended a meeting of the Rockland Planning Board.
John attended a City Council Meeting.
John and Bill attended a Comprehensive Planning Board meeting.
We renewed 19 Short Term Rental Applications and processed 8 new applications for Planning Board approval.
John met with the Camden Inn Keepers to discuss Short Term Rentals.
We issued two Certificates of Occupancy, one for 389 Pleasant St #6 and 265 Camden St.
Bill and Fire Department performed a Pre-conveyance Inspection at 171 Main St.
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 three building permits. We issued a permit for a new shed at 312 Broadway. Additionally, we issued residential building permits for renovations on Chestnut St and Limerock St.
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:
3 Building Permits
6 Electrical Permits
8 Plumbing Permits
1 Sign Permit
1 Excavation Permit
3 Complaints
OFFICE OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR
The annual budgeting process is well underway. All information is being directly put into our main system (Munis). This process allows immediate comparative (current and historical) reporting. This week we held a series of initial budget review meetings with all departments. We also put together a budget committee. These folks will begin an in depth department budget
review of all operating and CIP budget requests. These will be held during the month of February.
Our annual audit process, that took a break over the holidays, is back in motion. A few requested items from outside vendors have finally been made available. Our auditor continues to request information as they continue to review our information. Historically this has been completed by the end of March.
W-2’s and 1099’s have been sent out, well within the January 30th deadline.
The General Fund Account cash balance per the bank: $5.1MM.
OFFICE OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY DIRECTOR
The Food and Water class from Oceanside High School toured the treatment plant.
Working on the 2017 Industrial Pretreatment Annual Report.
Working on the 2017 Combined Stormwater Overflow Report.
Working on the2017 TIER II Report.
Submitted the net-DMR Report for December 2017.
Reviewed the industrial users monthly discharge reports for December 2017.
Updated the wet weather management plan.
One staff member attended training for the new Dental Amalgam Regulations.
One staff member attended TIER II training.
Two staff members started Wastewater Operator School.
The January 2018 in house monthly safety audit was completed.
Held the Departmental team meeting for January 2018.
Worked on the preliminary budget for 2018-19.
Submitted the WIMS license renewal.
Interstate Septic pumped and cleaned the wet well at the Waldo Ave. pump station.
Checked the oil levels in the primary and secondary clarifiers.
Ordered spare parts for check valves and plug valves.
Snow plowing and snow removal at the treatment plant and pump stations.
Lubricated the rollers on the Belt Filter Press conveyors.
Tested and repaired emergency exit signs in the sludge handling building.
Repaired a transformer in the COM-2 communications panel.
Replaced the drive motor on the horizontal belt conveyor.
Inspected and lubricated the influent bar screen.
Took delivery of the new vortex underflow pump.
Cleared a clogged pump at the region 8 school pump station.
Repaired the level control instrument at the Waldo Ave. pump station.
Cleaned the floors in the belt filter press pump room.
Interstate Septic pumped the secondary clarifier scum pits.
Cleared a clog from the grit removal system.
Pumped and cleaned the vortex separator and C.S.O. contact chamber.
Replaced the KVM switch for the GraniteNET and G.I.S. computers.
Worked with tech support from CUES Inc. to troubleshoot a problem with the CCTV pipeline camera.
Responded to a Dig-Safe request at the Maine State Ferry Terminal for Maine D.O.T.
Continued working with Wright-Pierce on transfer of the manhole and sewer main inspection database to them.
Attempted CCTV inspection of a Stormwater pipe on Camden St. for Dept. of Public Services.
Responded to a Dig-Safe request on New County Rd. for Maine Water.
Dye tested a Stormwater basin at Fuller Auto to determine the location of the outfall pipe.
Inspected and approved a sewer repair at 77 Masonic Street.
Worked with Leticia VanVuuren from Knox County Emergency Management on updates to our G.I.S.
Ordered repair parts for the CCTV pipeline inspection camera.
OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
Over this preceding week, in addition to the response to 86 Fire and EMS calls, conducting apparatus checks, daily cleaning, routine repairs and maintenance to the fleet and of the quarters, the following occurred:
Members of the department showed our support for the local youth YMCA basketball team and attended a home game for the team that was sponsored by the departments union. The kids were excited to see the fire & EMS department there to watch them win their third game. We love our community and our kids!
The new pick-up truck (Utility 3) has been fitted with its lights and gear and is ready to respond. Please feel free to swing by and check it out.
We have filled the enrollment spaces for our upcoming Confined Space Technician class in March. 11 City staff as well as 10 outside students will partake in the two day class.
A joint training was held here at the station to bring everyone in the county up to date on handling fires that involve houses equipped with solar energy (photovoltaic). Fires within these structures offer a different challenge to personnel and we must be careful with our tactics when extinguishing fires.
Flow testing of the departments 34 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus was done by Fire Tech. This is a required test that we do annually in order to keep our aging equipment functioning safely.
With the upcoming budget time quickly upon us, many hours have been spent updating and fact finding for the FY19 working budget.
Meeting were held this past week at the Emergency Management Office for disaster funding reimbursement for the fall 2017 wind storm we experienced in Maine. Hours of work have gone into trying to re-coup costs associated with the storm and cleanup. We should know more in the coming weeks how much money will be returned from the federal government.
The annual Knox County Fire Chiefs meeting was held and attended by Chief Whytock. We are looking into multiple training opportunities to provide our first responders with quality info/training. We have also agreed to purchase lifesaving medication in order to protect both firefighters and fire victims. More to come on this.
Stay Safe and Warm!!!!!
OFFICE OF THE HARBORMASTER
Mooring owners meeting concerning the Yachting Solutions proposed project and impact on Central mooring fields will be held at City Hall, 6:00 PM, 30 January 2018.
OFFICE OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Relationships and resources. Had the opportunity to meet with or tour several Rockland businesses and resources, including Back Cove Yachts, Fisher Engineering, Camden Printing, Grasshopper Shop, Lowe Hardware, Weatherend Estate Furniture, Yachting Solutions, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Met with two Rockland Main St committees to learn more about current projects, including a possible sign proposal for downtown, update of the Downtown Walking map, and organization of a job fair. Attended the Community Advisory Committee for DuPont (formerly FMC) and will become a member in future.
Business assistance. Assisted a business who is looking for resources to help fund a business expansion, and another looking for a Rockland location.
Brownfields. Met with an outside contractor who supports the City’s Brownfield program, which provides free site assessment services to property owners of eligible brownfield sites. The program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Comprehensive Plan. Met with the City Manager and Chair of Comprehensive Planning Commission to identify what we need for technical support to the Comprehensive Planning Commission’s efforts.
REDAC. Arranged for LCI to brief REDAC on the status of broadband and opportunities in Rockland. Looked into Penquis programs related to home rehab and weatherization to understand how many people they are able to help in Rockland, and whether there might be synergies with the City’s efforts.
Grants. Worked with Midcoast Regional Planning, the Department of Public Services and stakeholders to submit a letter of interest in a small grant to help develop a bike lane along South Main St.
Regional transportation. Participated in a meeting of the Midcoast Transportation arm of the Waldo County Community Action Program on possible routing and stops for a Rockland bus service.
Stakeholder suggestions. Recent suggestions from stakeholders include: invest resources in/focus on developing the City’s brand, and use the brand to attract new businesses and residents; invest in the City’s website to make it more user friendly and up to date; do something to honor the number of women owned businesses in Rockland; provide a City presence at/visibility for local job
fairs; review/update property valuations to ensure fairness across similar structures; ensure a level playing field for short term rentals and inns; leverage the proposed Yachting Solutions expansion to pursue a broader vision for the harbor and Harbor Park; focus on a vision for Rockland without regard to cost, because a compelling vison might attract private funding; develop an amphitheater at Harbor Park as a venue for Rock concerts and other events (taking advantage of this being Rock-land).
Photos provided by Maine Windjammer Project
The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.
The Maine Windjammer Project started in 2007 to preserve the modern history of the Maine Windjammer and to make it available to the generations to come.
This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.
For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com
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