The Rockland Report May 18, 2018
Title : The Rockland Report May 18, 2018
link : The Rockland Report May 18, 2018
Sports History |
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Met with Public Services Director and Representative from the Garden Group to coordinate flowers, loam and mulch deliveries to all locations. A BIG THANK YOU to all that make our City vibrant and beautiful place to live, work and play.
Discussions with Jeff Hamilton, Dupont Plant Manager, on the closing of the landfill and other City business.
The Finance Director and I met with our Audit Firm, James W. Wadman CPA, to present FY17 audit and to address the timeliness of audit presentation. The FY18 audit will start in September with hopes of a January 2019 presentation.
The Community Development Director and I met with Beth Fisher, Director of Midcoast School of Technology, on programming and how to help with the workforce shortage.
Met with Rockland Main Street Director, Gordon Page. We meet monthly to discuss City Business and how Rockland Main Street may help with City projects.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Administration –
Attended budget review meetings with other city department heads and city council members.
Chief Boucher attended a Morning on Main St. meeting.
DC Young attended a Knox County service provider meeting at the Knox County EMA Office.
Members of the Department attended the funeral of Corporal Eugene Cole in Bangor last week.
Presented Officer Addison Cox with the Silver Star for Bravery. This award was for his actions at a structure fire in February of this year. The award is from the National Awards Program of the American Police Hall of Fame, a section of the National Chiefs of Police Association.
Continued with the hiring process of a new patrol officer.
Met with potential candidates to fill anticipated vacancies within the department.
DC Young met with the new F.B.I. Agent assigned to this area to discuss resource sharing and conducting joint investigations that are of interest to the federal government.
Completed another segment of department wide mandatory training required by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.
DC Young coordinated police assistance with the Maine Lobster Ride scheduled for this summer.
Criminal Investigations Division –
Det. Gaylor completed a nationally recognized adolescent forensic interview school through the Child Advocacy Center.
Conducted a joint investigation with the Maine State Police concerning
Patrol Division –
Assisted Probation and Parole with an investigation.
Assisted the Maine Warden Service with a complaint on the Bog Rd.
Conducted multiple school visits during times that have been identified by school administrators as the most vulnerable times for students and staff. Met with students and staff to address any concerns they may have.
Conducted bail conditions compliance checks on Rockland residence to ensure they were in compliance with their bail conditions.
Conducted foot patrol in the down town area when resources allowed. Buildings and businesses were found unsecured, owners were called and advised.
Assisted the Knox County Sheriff’s Office with an ongoing investigation.
Conducted on shift training with Rockland Police Officers. The focus of this training was safe and effective procedures for clearing buildings.
Assisted local financial institutions by providing security while ATM’s were being serviced.
Assisted the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with an ongoing investigation.
Conducted alcohol compliance checks at various establishments that serve alcohol to ensure compliance with state laws and city ordinance.
Conducted grant funded distracted driving enforcement details.
Conducted targeted traffic enforcement details at various locations throughout the city. The focus of these details was speed related and unnecessary noise related.
Officers responded to 378 calls for service, investigated 8 traffic accidents and conducted 60 motor vehicle stops. As a result 37 people were either summonsed or arrested for various violations.
Parking Enforcement / Animal Control –
Issued 39 parking tickets.
Spent two days filing and entering tickets as paid or delinquent.
Reprogramed flashing school zone lights
Responded to 14 animal control complaints including 3 dog bites.
OFFICE OF THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR
Once again, Jesse Ellis hosted Silent (Sign Language) Social Hour. It’s a place for people to learn the basics of American Sign Language by doing, and grow by learning. It is a place for people to learn about Deaf Culture. This is a voice-off environment; finger spelling is taught and encouraged.
Catinka Knoth’s art class for adults worked on frogs, lily ponds, herons and egrets; her Children’s Art Class featured marsh & wetlands life.
Primaries, Parties and Ranked Choice Voting: What You Need to Know--The Midcoast Chapter of the League of Women Voters held a public forum on to discuss party primaries, how they work in Maine, who can participate, why they matter, and what people need to know about ranked choice voting for the election in June. The non-partisan forum included a panel discussion, intended to inform voters on these subjects.
Katie Drago presented a Tech Class on the Library’s language learning resource, Pronunciator. Patrons have access to the software on PCs and as an app (which the company was updating just as her class was happening, so not accessible then), and Katie led attendees as they explored what this program has to offer: lessons, drills, quizzes, audiobooks, movies, live teacher-led conversation classes, and more.
The Wednesday Walkers Club continued, with Jessie Blanchard as this week’s walk leader. Part of the Checkout Movement & Healthy Living @ the Library series, walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to meet at the Library every Wednesday morning to go on a 30 to 45 minute walk around town. The Checkout… series is funded by grants from the Maine Public Library Fund and the Rose and Samuel Rudman Library Trust, Friends of Rockland Public Library, and the Library (City).
On Wednesday, guest Storytime reader Judith Andersen was back. Jean Young reports that the children were very happy today to see her, and there was a pile of new books here for her to read. They included Wow! Said the Owl, by Tim Hopgood, Wiggles, by Claire Zucchelli-Romer, and,
chosen by Miss Judith for the group, People Don’t Bite People, by Lisa Wheeler and Rainbow Stew, by Cathryn Falwell. Afterwards Miss Jean led a tour of the Children’s Garden, noting the flowers in bloom, the herbs, the peach blossoms, the growing tadpoles, and their very own lettuce growing in the turtle garden. The littles planted pink and white cosmos.
Patty King began the annual soliciting and scheduling of staff and volunteers for Storytime at the Rockland Farmers’ Market.
As a member of the City Budget Working Group, I attended the third of the series of Budget Workshops, where City Council reviews the proposed budgets of each department.
Katie Drago reports an outstanding Baby Time on Thursday. Two seasoned one-year-olds were joined by three infants to make for a lively hour of wiggles and hugs. Miss Katie read her biggest hit yet, Do Cows Meow? by Salina Yoon. The story was followed by the request to read it two more times. All three times, the crowd hushed and every eye stayed on the book for its entirety. (The book may be magic.)
This was the monthly LEGO™ week, and construction was led by our LEGO™ Master, Jon Newton.
Thanks to Public Services for putting together what will be part of a surprise addition to the Children’s Room—so stay tuned….
The Thursday evening Community was a discussion: Tidying Up, Sparking Joy, and…Swedish Death Cleaning?
Lisa Lyons led a talk and discussion about the insights of bestselling authors Marie Kondo (The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy) and Margareta Magnusson (The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning) — including how to deal with too much stuff in all the wrong places, and how to decide who will inherit the family heirlooms, when your millennial kids don’t share your
taste. Speaker Lisa Lyons is a former professional organizer and aspiring minimalist, who lives in a family of maximalists.
Our technician from Eastern Fire performed maintenance on the Library’s fire suppression system.
On Saturday, Patti Luchetti, continued the Saturday Stretch Series: Balance & Stamina with balance exercises, simple steps, and ending with relaxation. Those who are new to a movement program or who are seeking to regain past abilities are especially encouraged to attend. This sixweek series continues through the first Saturday in June, and is part of the Checkout Movement ... series.
This being the third Saturday of the month, Jessie hosted Adult Coloring; feel free to join in next time—it’s relaxing and colorful.
UPCOMING: STEM Workshop: Airplanes & Helicopters Come learn about aerodynamics with Miss Katie & Ms. Jessie. Create different types of paper gliders and helicopters. Also, Planet Ocean. The documentary captures extraordinary images of our remarkable oceans – the source of all life on our planet. The film aims to explain some of the planet’s greatest natural
mysteries, while reinforcing how essential it is that mankind learns to live in harmony with our oceans.
OFFICE OF THE HARBORMASTER
Floats at the public landing and the south end boat ramp are in.
Please stop by the Harbormaster office for season boat launch stickers.
The American Cruise Lines Constitution will tender into the public landing next Thursday.
The Hebridean Sky will tender into the public landing on the 26th.
Annual Dinghy permits are available for the public landing.
Reminder that annual mooring permits were due in March, if payment and inspections are not up
to date the city will remove the mooring from the harbor.
OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR
The Compactor bid has been Awarded to Atlantic Recycling
A follow up letter to DEP meeting in Augusta regarding landfill closure requirements, remaining cell development, timeline and reimbursement was sent out
Centerline painting was completed
Crosswalks using the new piano key style has started
Leaf and brush pickup zone 3 is almost complete we will finish up zone three next week as well as start zone 4
The Limerock Street Rehabilitation project bid has been posted
The Park and Main Street Pedestrian Crosswalk improvements project continues and is on schedule
The Transfer Station building upgrade bids have been received
Presented the Public Services budget
Attended FEMA reimbursement meeting
The Harbor Trail Icons were painted by members of the Harbor Trail in Buoy Park
Trees that were purchased by the Parks Commission were planted at MacDougal Park
Attended Maine Healthy Beaches meeting.
Ongoing cold patch city wide
City wide street sweeping
City wide trash removal
City basin cleaning
The water fountain was installed at MacDougal
Met with the DEP on Acadia Drive to review the storm water drainage and Stream Determination so we will know our repair options regarding the current erosion problem
Sewer report was sent out
Assisted Library with toy horses
OFFICE OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
John attended and did a presentation at the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission on Short Term Rentals
Bill attended a Comprehensive Planning Board meeting.
John attended a Planning Board Meeting.
We issued four Certificates of Occupancy at 385 Main St, 3 Walker Place, 158 Main St and 25 Oak St.
Bill did seven license inspections: 15 Oak St, 743 Main St, 519 Main St, 399 Main St, 12 Myrtle St, 190 Camden St and 148 Camden 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 twelve building permits. We issued permits for a new fence on Acadia Dr, demolition on Cedar St, new sheds on Fourth St and Suffolk St, new decks on Pleasant St and Third St, renovations on Lake View Dr and new decks on Lake View Dr.
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:
12 Building Permits
8 Electrical Permits
4 Plumbing Permits
1 Driveway Permit
2 Short term Rental(STR1)
2 Sign Permits
2 Excavation Permits
5 Misc/Side Walk Tables/Display
4 Inquiry/ Complaints
OFFICE OF THE FIRE/EMS CHIEF
Over this preceding week, in addition to the response to 65 Fire and EMS calls, conducting apparatus checks, daily cleaning, routine repairs and maintenance to the fleet and of the quarters, the following occurred:
The department finished up our tours of the United States Coast Guard boats last week. Refreshers on their layout and equipment are always well appreciated.
Our mandatory Hazardous Materials refresher class was held last Saturday. This allows us to meet our Department of Labor requirements and brush up on new techniques and skills.
A shift attended “Firefighter Day” at the Rockland Library. The kids were able to see and touch a fire truck while asking questions about our job.
We assisted the North Haven/Vinalhaven departments with training. The participated in Class B burns (propane fires) at the transfer station. They are finishing up their training which will allow some much needed help with their volunteer departments.
This month’s shift trainings are focused around gaining entry into a fire building by means of “forcible entry”
Firefighter Shook attended the Rockland Main Street meeting held at the Landing Place on Park Street. Our goal is to try and make owners aware that we will be conducting pre-plans of some buildings beginning next month and are hoping some owners will contact the fire department to offer up their properties.
Chief Whytock attended the following meetings:
o Site visit with a property owner with a building permit question as it was near a fire hydrant.
o Budget meetings (2) with the budget committee meeting and City Council.
o Department Head meeting at City Hall.
o EMA Directors meeting at the EMA office here in Rockland
o FEMA conference call for possible storm fee coverage for the wind storm back in October of last year. Public Services was also in attendance and hopefully we can generate some revenue back to the City for the clean-up costs.
As we look toward the rest of the year, I would ask that if anyone is interested in volunteering to staff an emergency warming shelter within Rockland, please contact Chief Whytock at the fire station. We will be hosting a training sometime towards September that will give us a volunteer staff list which would be used in the event of a winter storm.
OFFICE OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR
The budget committee has had 3 meetings this month reviewing the City Manager’s recommended budget. The first meeting reviewed budgets for the Legislative, Library, Harbor & Fish Pier and Executive Departments. The review included an overview of the Manager’s budget. This budget scenario represented a 3% increase over the fiscal year 2017’s budget. The Manager’s budget translated into a Municipal mil rate of 9.9151. The only change the City Council made was to increase donations to the Rockland District Nurses Association from $20,000 to $30,000. This increased the Municipal mil rate 0.0129 and would theoretically raise taxes $2.38 on a home valued at $185,000.
The second meeting reviewed budgets of Police, Fire/EMS, Public Services, Code, Contributions and Legal Departments. After a very thorough discussion, the only change made was an increase to the Public Services overtime budget in the amount of $3,500. Although contributions were on the agenda, these were tabled until the next meeting in order to give Councilors time to review the
package of contributions submitted to the City.
The third meeting covered contributions, the Recreation, Waste Water Treatment Facility, Community Development, Assessing, Clerk, City Hall and Finance department budgets. The contribution budget was increased by $23,000. This brought the contribution budget on par with last year’s budget. Waste Water Treatment’s budget was discussed. Budget increases were made to the public restrooms cleaning line ($10,000 to a total of $20,000), and a $30,000 increase was made to the Maintenance Departments professional services line. The Recreation budget was reviewed. This was led-off by a presentation by the YMCA Management. We are in the last year of a multi-year contract that has renewal options. No changes were made to their or any of the other budgets reported that evening. Last year’s Municipal mil rate was 9.6298 currently sits at
9.962.
As of today, the General Fund Account cash balance per the bank: $6.0MM.
OFFICE OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY DIRECTOR
Completed the City of Rockland Net DMR report for April.
Received 2018 Maine Rural Water Association member certification.
Submitted two additional reports to DEP in accordance with our MEPDES permit.
Completed a review of Industrial Pretreatment Program Monthly reports.
Attended a meeting with community development regarding wastewater requirements for potential new business.
Replied to DuPont’s Wastewater Discharge Permit Appeal submitted to industry in 2018.
Currently reviewing a permit application for a potential new business.
Offered guidance to an Industrial user regarding their current permit and future needs.
Plant monthly safety inspection was completed.
Two staff members attended Wastewater Operator Training School.
One staff member attended Environmental Data Training.
Changed the intake filters in aeration blowers #1 and #2.
Checked the gearbox oil levels in secondary clarifiers #1 and #2.
Weekly inspection and testing of the ten pump stations.
Changed the oil in the hydraulic power unit for the gravity belt thickener.
Completed the P.M. service on the screw conveyor in the trailer bay.
Repaired the skimmer arm in secondary clarifier #2.
Replaced the output board in the control panel for belt filter press #1.
Worked with a technician from Neuros Inc. on annual inspection and testing of the aeration blowers.
Replaced the chlorine mixer in the effluent contact chamber.
Completed the P.M. service on primary sludge pumps #1 and #2.
Changed the oil in the euro-drive for the grit removal system.
Sullivan Associates completed testing and calibration of all chemical feed systems.
Electrical Installations Inc. completed the controls upgrade to the chlorination and dechlorination systems.
Took delivery of chemicals in the bulk storage tanks.
Drained and cleaned the west side of the effluent chlorine contact chamber.
Checked calibration of the D.O. monitors in the aeration basins.
Chlorination and dechlorination systems were started on May 15th as required by D.E.P.
Worked on cleanup and landscaping of the grounds in and around the treatment plant.
Completed 1000 ft. of CCTV inspection of sewer mains on Broadway and N. Main Street.
Met with representative from HABITAT to discuss connections to city sewer for a duplex they are
building on the corner of Knox and Warren Streets.
Inspected and approved repairs to a sewer service lateral on Talbot Ave.
Met with the property owner and Rockland Fire Chief at 73 Acadia Drive to review and discuss the proposed location of a fence along the property line.
Received and reviewed proposals from 2 contractors for installation of a sewer manhole on Holmes Street.
Continued work with Wright-Pierce Engineering on finalizing the design for a new storm sewer on
S. Main St. and other sewer repair and improvement projects around the city.
Inspected and approved replacement of failed sewer laterals at three properties on MechanicStreet.
Responded to a Dig-Safe request for Maine D.O.T
Met with Public Services Director and Representative from the Garden Group to coordinate flowers, loam and mulch deliveries to all locations. A BIG THANK YOU to all that make our City vibrant and beautiful place to live, work and play.
Discussions with Jeff Hamilton, Dupont Plant Manager, on the closing of the landfill and other City business.
The Finance Director and I met with our Audit Firm, James W. Wadman CPA, to present FY17 audit and to address the timeliness of audit presentation. The FY18 audit will start in September with hopes of a January 2019 presentation.
The Community Development Director and I met with Beth Fisher, Director of Midcoast School of Technology, on programming and how to help with the workforce shortage.
Met with Rockland Main Street Director, Gordon Page. We meet monthly to discuss City Business and how Rockland Main Street may help with City projects.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Administration –
Attended budget review meetings with other city department heads and city council members.
Chief Boucher attended a Morning on Main St. meeting.
DC Young attended a Knox County service provider meeting at the Knox County EMA Office.
Members of the Department attended the funeral of Corporal Eugene Cole in Bangor last week.
Presented Officer Addison Cox with the Silver Star for Bravery. This award was for his actions at a structure fire in February of this year. The award is from the National Awards Program of the American Police Hall of Fame, a section of the National Chiefs of Police Association.
Continued with the hiring process of a new patrol officer.
Met with potential candidates to fill anticipated vacancies within the department.
DC Young met with the new F.B.I. Agent assigned to this area to discuss resource sharing and conducting joint investigations that are of interest to the federal government.
Completed another segment of department wide mandatory training required by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.
DC Young coordinated police assistance with the Maine Lobster Ride scheduled for this summer.
Criminal Investigations Division –
Det. Gaylor completed a nationally recognized adolescent forensic interview school through the Child Advocacy Center.
Conducted a joint investigation with the Maine State Police concerning
Patrol Division –
Assisted Probation and Parole with an investigation.
Assisted the Maine Warden Service with a complaint on the Bog Rd.
Conducted multiple school visits during times that have been identified by school administrators as the most vulnerable times for students and staff. Met with students and staff to address any concerns they may have.
Conducted bail conditions compliance checks on Rockland residence to ensure they were in compliance with their bail conditions.
Conducted foot patrol in the down town area when resources allowed. Buildings and businesses were found unsecured, owners were called and advised.
Assisted the Knox County Sheriff’s Office with an ongoing investigation.
Conducted on shift training with Rockland Police Officers. The focus of this training was safe and effective procedures for clearing buildings.
Assisted local financial institutions by providing security while ATM’s were being serviced.
Assisted the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with an ongoing investigation.
Conducted alcohol compliance checks at various establishments that serve alcohol to ensure compliance with state laws and city ordinance.
Conducted grant funded distracted driving enforcement details.
Conducted targeted traffic enforcement details at various locations throughout the city. The focus of these details was speed related and unnecessary noise related.
Officers responded to 378 calls for service, investigated 8 traffic accidents and conducted 60 motor vehicle stops. As a result 37 people were either summonsed or arrested for various violations.
Parking Enforcement / Animal Control –
Issued 39 parking tickets.
Spent two days filing and entering tickets as paid or delinquent.
Reprogramed flashing school zone lights
Responded to 14 animal control complaints including 3 dog bites.
OFFICE OF THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR
Once again, Jesse Ellis hosted Silent (Sign Language) Social Hour. It’s a place for people to learn the basics of American Sign Language by doing, and grow by learning. It is a place for people to learn about Deaf Culture. This is a voice-off environment; finger spelling is taught and encouraged.
Catinka Knoth’s art class for adults worked on frogs, lily ponds, herons and egrets; her Children’s Art Class featured marsh & wetlands life.
Primaries, Parties and Ranked Choice Voting: What You Need to Know--The Midcoast Chapter of the League of Women Voters held a public forum on to discuss party primaries, how they work in Maine, who can participate, why they matter, and what people need to know about ranked choice voting for the election in June. The non-partisan forum included a panel discussion, intended to inform voters on these subjects.
Katie Drago presented a Tech Class on the Library’s language learning resource, Pronunciator. Patrons have access to the software on PCs and as an app (which the company was updating just as her class was happening, so not accessible then), and Katie led attendees as they explored what this program has to offer: lessons, drills, quizzes, audiobooks, movies, live teacher-led conversation classes, and more.
The Wednesday Walkers Club continued, with Jessie Blanchard as this week’s walk leader. Part of the Checkout Movement & Healthy Living @ the Library series, walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to meet at the Library every Wednesday morning to go on a 30 to 45 minute walk around town. The Checkout… series is funded by grants from the Maine Public Library Fund and the Rose and Samuel Rudman Library Trust, Friends of Rockland Public Library, and the Library (City).
On Wednesday, guest Storytime reader Judith Andersen was back. Jean Young reports that the children were very happy today to see her, and there was a pile of new books here for her to read. They included Wow! Said the Owl, by Tim Hopgood, Wiggles, by Claire Zucchelli-Romer, and,
chosen by Miss Judith for the group, People Don’t Bite People, by Lisa Wheeler and Rainbow Stew, by Cathryn Falwell. Afterwards Miss Jean led a tour of the Children’s Garden, noting the flowers in bloom, the herbs, the peach blossoms, the growing tadpoles, and their very own lettuce growing in the turtle garden. The littles planted pink and white cosmos.
Patty King began the annual soliciting and scheduling of staff and volunteers for Storytime at the Rockland Farmers’ Market.
As a member of the City Budget Working Group, I attended the third of the series of Budget Workshops, where City Council reviews the proposed budgets of each department.
Katie Drago reports an outstanding Baby Time on Thursday. Two seasoned one-year-olds were joined by three infants to make for a lively hour of wiggles and hugs. Miss Katie read her biggest hit yet, Do Cows Meow? by Salina Yoon. The story was followed by the request to read it two more times. All three times, the crowd hushed and every eye stayed on the book for its entirety. (The book may be magic.)
This was the monthly LEGO™ week, and construction was led by our LEGO™ Master, Jon Newton.
Thanks to Public Services for putting together what will be part of a surprise addition to the Children’s Room—so stay tuned….
The Thursday evening Community was a discussion: Tidying Up, Sparking Joy, and…Swedish Death Cleaning?
Lisa Lyons led a talk and discussion about the insights of bestselling authors Marie Kondo (The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy) and Margareta Magnusson (The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning) — including how to deal with too much stuff in all the wrong places, and how to decide who will inherit the family heirlooms, when your millennial kids don’t share your
taste. Speaker Lisa Lyons is a former professional organizer and aspiring minimalist, who lives in a family of maximalists.
Our technician from Eastern Fire performed maintenance on the Library’s fire suppression system.
On Saturday, Patti Luchetti, continued the Saturday Stretch Series: Balance & Stamina with balance exercises, simple steps, and ending with relaxation. Those who are new to a movement program or who are seeking to regain past abilities are especially encouraged to attend. This sixweek series continues through the first Saturday in June, and is part of the Checkout Movement ... series.
This being the third Saturday of the month, Jessie hosted Adult Coloring; feel free to join in next time—it’s relaxing and colorful.
UPCOMING: STEM Workshop: Airplanes & Helicopters Come learn about aerodynamics with Miss Katie & Ms. Jessie. Create different types of paper gliders and helicopters. Also, Planet Ocean. The documentary captures extraordinary images of our remarkable oceans – the source of all life on our planet. The film aims to explain some of the planet’s greatest natural
mysteries, while reinforcing how essential it is that mankind learns to live in harmony with our oceans.
OFFICE OF THE HARBORMASTER
Floats at the public landing and the south end boat ramp are in.
Please stop by the Harbormaster office for season boat launch stickers.
The American Cruise Lines Constitution will tender into the public landing next Thursday.
The Hebridean Sky will tender into the public landing on the 26th.
Annual Dinghy permits are available for the public landing.
Reminder that annual mooring permits were due in March, if payment and inspections are not up
to date the city will remove the mooring from the harbor.
OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR
The Compactor bid has been Awarded to Atlantic Recycling
A follow up letter to DEP meeting in Augusta regarding landfill closure requirements, remaining cell development, timeline and reimbursement was sent out
Centerline painting was completed
Crosswalks using the new piano key style has started
Leaf and brush pickup zone 3 is almost complete we will finish up zone three next week as well as start zone 4
The Limerock Street Rehabilitation project bid has been posted
The Park and Main Street Pedestrian Crosswalk improvements project continues and is on schedule
The Transfer Station building upgrade bids have been received
Presented the Public Services budget
Attended FEMA reimbursement meeting
The Harbor Trail Icons were painted by members of the Harbor Trail in Buoy Park
Trees that were purchased by the Parks Commission were planted at MacDougal Park
Attended Maine Healthy Beaches meeting.
Ongoing cold patch city wide
City wide street sweeping
City wide trash removal
City basin cleaning
The water fountain was installed at MacDougal
Met with the DEP on Acadia Drive to review the storm water drainage and Stream Determination so we will know our repair options regarding the current erosion problem
Sewer report was sent out
Assisted Library with toy horses
OFFICE OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
John attended and did a presentation at the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission on Short Term Rentals
Bill attended a Comprehensive Planning Board meeting.
John attended a Planning Board Meeting.
We issued four Certificates of Occupancy at 385 Main St, 3 Walker Place, 158 Main St and 25 Oak St.
Bill did seven license inspections: 15 Oak St, 743 Main St, 519 Main St, 399 Main St, 12 Myrtle St, 190 Camden St and 148 Camden 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 twelve building permits. We issued permits for a new fence on Acadia Dr, demolition on Cedar St, new sheds on Fourth St and Suffolk St, new decks on Pleasant St and Third St, renovations on Lake View Dr and new decks on Lake View Dr.
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:
12 Building Permits
8 Electrical Permits
4 Plumbing Permits
1 Driveway Permit
2 Short term Rental(STR1)
2 Sign Permits
2 Excavation Permits
5 Misc/Side Walk Tables/Display
4 Inquiry/ Complaints
OFFICE OF THE FIRE/EMS CHIEF
Over this preceding week, in addition to the response to 65 Fire and EMS calls, conducting apparatus checks, daily cleaning, routine repairs and maintenance to the fleet and of the quarters, the following occurred:
The department finished up our tours of the United States Coast Guard boats last week. Refreshers on their layout and equipment are always well appreciated.
Our mandatory Hazardous Materials refresher class was held last Saturday. This allows us to meet our Department of Labor requirements and brush up on new techniques and skills.
A shift attended “Firefighter Day” at the Rockland Library. The kids were able to see and touch a fire truck while asking questions about our job.
We assisted the North Haven/Vinalhaven departments with training. The participated in Class B burns (propane fires) at the transfer station. They are finishing up their training which will allow some much needed help with their volunteer departments.
This month’s shift trainings are focused around gaining entry into a fire building by means of “forcible entry”
Firefighter Shook attended the Rockland Main Street meeting held at the Landing Place on Park Street. Our goal is to try and make owners aware that we will be conducting pre-plans of some buildings beginning next month and are hoping some owners will contact the fire department to offer up their properties.
Chief Whytock attended the following meetings:
o Site visit with a property owner with a building permit question as it was near a fire hydrant.
o Budget meetings (2) with the budget committee meeting and City Council.
o Department Head meeting at City Hall.
o EMA Directors meeting at the EMA office here in Rockland
o FEMA conference call for possible storm fee coverage for the wind storm back in October of last year. Public Services was also in attendance and hopefully we can generate some revenue back to the City for the clean-up costs.
As we look toward the rest of the year, I would ask that if anyone is interested in volunteering to staff an emergency warming shelter within Rockland, please contact Chief Whytock at the fire station. We will be hosting a training sometime towards September that will give us a volunteer staff list which would be used in the event of a winter storm.
OFFICE OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR
The budget committee has had 3 meetings this month reviewing the City Manager’s recommended budget. The first meeting reviewed budgets for the Legislative, Library, Harbor & Fish Pier and Executive Departments. The review included an overview of the Manager’s budget. This budget scenario represented a 3% increase over the fiscal year 2017’s budget. The Manager’s budget translated into a Municipal mil rate of 9.9151. The only change the City Council made was to increase donations to the Rockland District Nurses Association from $20,000 to $30,000. This increased the Municipal mil rate 0.0129 and would theoretically raise taxes $2.38 on a home valued at $185,000.
The second meeting reviewed budgets of Police, Fire/EMS, Public Services, Code, Contributions and Legal Departments. After a very thorough discussion, the only change made was an increase to the Public Services overtime budget in the amount of $3,500. Although contributions were on the agenda, these were tabled until the next meeting in order to give Councilors time to review the
package of contributions submitted to the City.
The third meeting covered contributions, the Recreation, Waste Water Treatment Facility, Community Development, Assessing, Clerk, City Hall and Finance department budgets. The contribution budget was increased by $23,000. This brought the contribution budget on par with last year’s budget. Waste Water Treatment’s budget was discussed. Budget increases were made to the public restrooms cleaning line ($10,000 to a total of $20,000), and a $30,000 increase was made to the Maintenance Departments professional services line. The Recreation budget was reviewed. This was led-off by a presentation by the YMCA Management. We are in the last year of a multi-year contract that has renewal options. No changes were made to their or any of the other budgets reported that evening. Last year’s Municipal mil rate was 9.6298 currently sits at
9.962.
As of today, the General Fund Account cash balance per the bank: $6.0MM.
OFFICE OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY DIRECTOR
Completed the City of Rockland Net DMR report for April.
Received 2018 Maine Rural Water Association member certification.
Submitted two additional reports to DEP in accordance with our MEPDES permit.
Completed a review of Industrial Pretreatment Program Monthly reports.
Attended a meeting with community development regarding wastewater requirements for potential new business.
Replied to DuPont’s Wastewater Discharge Permit Appeal submitted to industry in 2018.
Currently reviewing a permit application for a potential new business.
Offered guidance to an Industrial user regarding their current permit and future needs.
Plant monthly safety inspection was completed.
Two staff members attended Wastewater Operator Training School.
One staff member attended Environmental Data Training.
Changed the intake filters in aeration blowers #1 and #2.
Checked the gearbox oil levels in secondary clarifiers #1 and #2.
Weekly inspection and testing of the ten pump stations.
Changed the oil in the hydraulic power unit for the gravity belt thickener.
Completed the P.M. service on the screw conveyor in the trailer bay.
Repaired the skimmer arm in secondary clarifier #2.
Replaced the output board in the control panel for belt filter press #1.
Worked with a technician from Neuros Inc. on annual inspection and testing of the aeration blowers.
Replaced the chlorine mixer in the effluent contact chamber.
Completed the P.M. service on primary sludge pumps #1 and #2.
Changed the oil in the euro-drive for the grit removal system.
Sullivan Associates completed testing and calibration of all chemical feed systems.
Electrical Installations Inc. completed the controls upgrade to the chlorination and dechlorination systems.
Took delivery of chemicals in the bulk storage tanks.
Drained and cleaned the west side of the effluent chlorine contact chamber.
Checked calibration of the D.O. monitors in the aeration basins.
Chlorination and dechlorination systems were started on May 15th as required by D.E.P.
Worked on cleanup and landscaping of the grounds in and around the treatment plant.
Completed 1000 ft. of CCTV inspection of sewer mains on Broadway and N. Main Street.
Met with representative from HABITAT to discuss connections to city sewer for a duplex they are
building on the corner of Knox and Warren Streets.
Inspected and approved repairs to a sewer service lateral on Talbot Ave.
Met with the property owner and Rockland Fire Chief at 73 Acadia Drive to review and discuss the proposed location of a fence along the property line.
Received and reviewed proposals from 2 contractors for installation of a sewer manhole on Holmes Street.
Continued work with Wright-Pierce Engineering on finalizing the design for a new storm sewer on
S. Main St. and other sewer repair and improvement projects around the city.
Inspected and approved replacement of failed sewer laterals at three properties on MechanicStreet.
Responded to a Dig-Safe request for Maine D.O.T
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.This historical archive is available to museums and for historical research.
For more info contact: dougmills@shootmainestudios.com
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