state of maine county of york city of saco i. call to ... clerk/council... · sebastian chose the...

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STATE OF MAINE COUNTY OF YORK CITY OF SACO

I. CALL TO ORDER – On Monday, May 13, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. a Council Meeting was held in the City Hall Auditorium.

II. RECOGNITION OF MEMBERS PRESENT – Mayor Marston Lovell recognized the members of the Council and determined that the Councilors present constituted a quorum. Councilors present: Marshall Archer, Roger Gay, William Doyle, Lynn Copeland, Alan Minthorn, Micah Smart, and Nathan Johnston. City Administrator Kevin Sutherland and City Clerk Michele Hughes were also present this evening III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. GENERAL

A. RECOGNITION OF SEBASTIAN SHIELDS, 7TH GRADER AT SACO MIDDLE SCHOOL, MAINE STATE SPELLING BEE WINNER

Mayor Lovell recognized Sebastian Shield, 7th grade student who won the state spelling bee and is going onto the National Spelling Bee, May 27th as follows: On March 23, Saco Middle School student Sebastian Shields had a choice - he could go to a swim meet for which he had qualified at UMaine Orono, or he could go to the Maine State Spelling Bee at USM's Hannaford Hall. Sebastian chose the Bee, knowing that he might qualify for a swim meet at another time, but the Bee might be once in a lifetime!

Because he won his classroom bee in December and the school spelling bee January (winning word was pad thai), Sebastian participated in the York County Spelling Bee in February and won with the word marzipan. This victory sent Sebastian to the State Bee in March.

After battling 14 other talented spellers and competing in 50 rounds in almost four hours, Sebastian Shields WON the Maine State Spelling Bee with the word colloid. I'm certain you already know what colloids are, but just in case: a homogeneous, noncrystalline substance consisting of large molecules or ultramicroscopic particles of one substance dispersed through a second substance. Colloids include gels, sols, and emulsions; the particles do not settle and cannot be separated out by ordinary filtering or centrifuging like those in a suspension.

Sebastian and his family will be traveling to Washington, DC later this month, where Sebastian will compete in the National Spelling Bee against the country's elite spellers! Preliminary rounds on Tuesday, May 27 and Wednesday, May 28 lead to final rounds on Thursday, May 29. Of the ~550 spellers who make it to the National Spelling Bee, 50 will tackle the most challenging words in the final spelling rounds which are televised on ESPN, Thursday May 29 at 8:30pm.

Sebastian has been studying word lists and foreign languages to prepare for this amazing experience. Saco Middle School and the entire Saco community are cheering on Sebastian!

Mayor Lovell presented Sebastian with a Saco Main coin and t-shirt that said, “Saco Friendly by Nature”. Each councilor congratulated Sebastian.

B. NATURALIZATION CEREMONY ON MAY 17TH

On May 17th at 10:00 a.m. at the C.K. Burns School there will be a naturalization ceremony. We want to congratulate all those who will be naturalized.

COUNTY BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING

The county budget public hearing will be held on Wednesday, May 22nd at 6:30 p.m. in the EMA Training Room of the York County Government Building.

RECOGNITIONS

Councilor Doyle noted that this is National Police Officer week. When you see the police, thank them for their service and the hard work they do for this community.

https://www.pressherald.com/2019/03/23/saco-seventh-grader-wins-maine-state-spelling-bee/

https://www.pressherald.com/2019/03/23/saco-seventh-grader-wins-maine-state-spelling-bee/

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Mayor Lovell noted that it is all National Hospital week. So, if you happen to go into a hospital, wish them the best also.

V. PUBLIC COMMENT Stephen Shiman – Hope that you approve our good budget and support it. Barbara Colman, 45B Stockman Ave – Mayor Lovell, I have watched this budget process which has been

chaotic from day one and this time I really can’t put the blame on administration including the administrator. You control the agenda. You have been sitting behind open doors with other members of the council determining the time lines and all that. We have had major issues going along at the same time and instead of calling special meetings which I know is difficult on the council, you have piggybacked them to regular meetings with executive sessions and timing out things so that it makes it very difficult for the public to participate. So, for the evening event that should have occurred on April 29th where the public could have gone through the budget with council, line by line with their concerns at 8:45 p.m. that was not going to be possible. It was too late, and everyone was gone. There was 2 more hours of presentation. I would hope tonight that a councilor or two would put a motion forward that the public could speak during presentation of the budget when each RAD is presented there is input that could be gathered. It is council approved. But, granted the Mayor can veto you down and it requires a 5-2 vote. It is sad because this is one of the biggest budget increases with a huge amount of people. Not that I don’t support some of the staff that is being added. But, we are adding staff to departments that are so dysfunctional that they need to be cleaned up before we add the staff. Adding more staff doesn’t fix the problem, it creates more of a problem. I would hope the city and councilors see that. I need to leave, and I hope by the time I get back I have heard a motion that says we can move forward an speak publicly during the presentation of the budget because that is the only way that people will be able to be heard from the outside. Thank you.

John Harkins, 4 Christopher Terrace – Who is doing due diligence for this community. A lease for a pre-school program has been executed close to $30 a sq. ft. While next door a nicer building is available for $12 a sq. ft. Council, you approve the dollars while the School Board approves the location. However, the use may not be permitted at all according to the zoning requirements. We were told awhile back that we could save money by converting the MUNIS payroll system to another. Since the start up in January the new system has not worked well for all the departments. Countless hours have been spent recording the city payroll by our human resource and finance personnel. A former grant writer working from home a distance away obtained no grant dollars for the community. If setting aside training dollars for another person that has been requested in the budget. Maybe the dollars for contracted maintenance services. Was council approval obtained for this shell game obtained for salaries and benefits? Was this approved in executive session without public knowledge? Moves like this have resulted in 45 new employees added to this administration in 4 years, considering the 17 in this year’s budget. When you require training to learn a job at additional cost, as one department head stated that after 2 years her employee still doesn’t have the skills. In summary taxpayers, if you like what you see how your tax dollars are being used sit back and watch your favorite show. If not, come out and let your voices be heard during the upcoming election. P.S. Stay tuned to the Main Street TIF and Senior Citizen program which is still a problem. Thank you.

Garrett Abrahamson, 18 Blake Ave. – This is teacher appreciation week. When I moved to Saco we had a saying that just felt like “We have great teachers but….”. Over the last couple of years, we have done allot of perspective thinking about our school department turning it into “We have great teachers and….”. That is what I hope you take away from our budget tonight from last year leading into tonight’s budget and moving forward. But, the goal is proactive thinking. So, we have become a “We have great teachers and…”. I’m going to pass this around just as a reminder to what our schools do. It is a list of the things our schools are required to do. Thank you for all you do. Thank you to the board, as well as all the school administrators who have worked on the budget process for the last 5 months. I look forward to tonight. I will be in the back I there are any questions. Thank you.

Don Pilon, 16 Glenhaven Circle – Mr. Mayor I don’t want to preempt you, but can you tell us how you are going to conduct the meeting. Is the public going to be able to comment on the RAD’s? Mayor Lovell replied “No”. My concern is that there are some RAD’s that I have some concern about. Is that something I should address now? Mayor Lovell replied “please”. Mr. Pilon noted there was a position that is suggested to be added for a Cyber Analyst I believe. Yes, I believe it is a position that has to be evaluated. But, perhaps

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we might want to consider talking to our neighbors like Biddeford, Old Orchard Beach, and Scarborough and see if they have this position. If they don’t maybe it is an opportunity to share a person with them. The municipalities do all have the same concern. Does Saco need a full-time position? Maybe there is an economy scale by sharing that same position with other municipalities. There seems to be an accelerated pace of hiring additional people. In 1985 there appeared to be approximately 177 people here in the city and the recommended budget amps it up to about 192.5 people. Obviously, the more people you have payroll and benefits go up. The council, you and the city administrator should seriously reconsider and evaluate the people we have on staff and consider if these are positions that we truly need or is there the ability to share some of these responsibilities with other towns in an effort to look for economies in scale.

Kevin Roche, 18 Vines Road – Over the weekend many people couldn’t ignore the news that came out of Thornton Academy and once the circling firing squad toned down over the weekend, we are all one community. It is not the tie right now for budget, but it is our kids up there that are struggling with some cuts that are dear to their hearts and interest. When this goes back to the original contract that was signed with Thornton Academy coming out of the RSU, some years they win and some years they lose. I really think both parties should get back together and try to level off the funding from the city. You can blame international students, you can blame …. They have their own issues with operations no question. Allot of us saw the writing on the wall. A way to see some of these things coming is when funding drops by $500,000 each year that is going to hit the kids. You are not going to be able to compensate for other things. They don’t deserve any free pass. I left a message directly with Thornton Academy today based on the letter we received as parents. My daughter graduates in 4 weeks and I just want you to take into account if working with the school department and Thornton Academy and bring you guys together a little closer to what is happening right now. All the bad stuff comes out on both sides. It is going to diminish the diploma for my daughter and staying in the community. We are one city, one community. Let’s work together. Thank you.

VI. CONSENT AGENDA VII. AGENDA A. ADOPTION OF THE AMENDED FEE SCHEDULE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020

The City Council establishes and approves all fees and charges required by ordinances or policies in the City of Saco. This includes: permits, licenses, approvals, and applications, as well as fees and charges collected by the City of Saco that are authorized by state law or require the city to set the amounts of such fees and charges.

The Council may establish any new fees or charges that the Council deems necessary or appropriate to offset the cost of operating programs, delivering services, or administering any ordinances or policies. Those fees shall be included in the fee schedule and updated on an as needed basis.

Note for Changes: Eliminations Additions

Councilor Archer moved, Councilor Johnston seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve the amended fee schedule for Fiscal Year 2020.” Further move to approve the Order.

Amendment: Councilor Copeland moved, Councilor Doyle seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council amend the Fee Schedule for FY2020 as follows: Increase Mooring Fee from $137 to $150, Reduce Boat Launch and Daily Parking from $14 to $10, Increase Non-resident parking permit: weekly to $25, and Increase Non-resident parking permit: monthly to $75.”

The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Mayor Lovell called for a vote on the main motion with amendment. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

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B. ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2020 WATER RESOURCE RECOVERY DEPT. BUDGET

The Fiscal Year 2020 operating budget for the Water Resource Recovery Division is $2,755,900 which is supported by a sewer user fee rate of $4.82 per unit. In Fiscal Year 2020, there is a $0 use of Fund Balance. Councilor Gay moved, Councilor Archer seconded “Be it Ordered that the City Council move to adopt an appropriation order for the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2020 Water Resource Recovery Division budget for the City of Saco, Maine as follows: Approve gross expenditures of $2,755,900 to be offset by $2,755,900 in anticipated revenues and other credits, which represents no increase in the sewer use fee rate of $4.82. Further move to approve the order. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

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C. ADOPTION OF UPDATED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM POLICY

In order to facilitate the development of a dedicated Capital Projects Fund to house the Capital Improvement Plan, and to clean up other language that was outdated or no longer relevant, the Finance Director worked with Senior Staff to revise the Capital Improvement Policy.

Councilor Doyle moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve the revised purchasing policy dated May 13, 2019, and further move that Capital Funds be appropriated within transfer accounts for the FY2020 Budget. Further move to approve the order. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

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D. ADOPTION OF THE FY2020-FY2024 CAPITAL PROGRAM

The Capital Plan Committee several times from January through March to develop and recommend a Capital Program that would be included as part of the City Administrator’s recommended budget. On March 25, 2020, the Finance Director presented a recommended FY 2020 budget which included as Section 3 of the overall budget, the five-year Capital Program.

The Council discussed the Capital Program as part of April 1st workshop. Councilor Copeland moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve the FY20-FY24 Capital Program.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

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E. CITY OPERATIONS BUDGET MAIN MOTION

To start the fiscal year 2020 budget process, the Finance Director and City Administrator presented a budget forecast in workshop on February 4, 2019, which established a directive for staff. On March 25, 2019, the Finance Director presented the City Administrator's FY 2020 Budget, which included an appropriation for the School Budget as approved by the School Board.

The Council met with departments and agencies to review and discuss budgets in workshops every week through April.

Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Copeland seconded “Be it Ordered that the City Council move to approve an appropriation order for the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2020 budget, excluding all school and county related items, per Section 6.06 and 6.07 of the Charter of the City of Saco, Maine as follows: Approve gross expenditures of:

$24,139,361 in municipal expenditures, $40,190 for the Senior Volunteer Tax Credit Program, $2,035,667 in TIF transfers, and $2,707,257 in capital improvements for municipal operations.

Expenditures are to be offset by $28,922,475 in anticipated revenue and other credits, which represents $8,885,869 in anticipated municipal revenues, $872,669 in transfers from other funds, $148,505 in use of fund balance, and thereby raising gross taxes of $19,015,432.

Note: After all the amendments were made, the final revised motion was voted on, on page 33. i. AMENDMENTS TO CITY OPERATIONS BUDGET

Amendment #1 RAD – 1.1% Increase for Non-Union Employees - Councilor Copeland moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $41,205 in Ongoing Expense to fund a 1.1% Increase for Non-Union Employees as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion failed with three (3) yeas and four (4) nays – Councilors: Minthorn, Doyle, Gay, and Archer.

Amendment #2 RAD – Communications Coordinator - Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council appropriate $43,500 from Cable Television Franchise revenue to fund a Communications Coordinator in the City Administration budget. Furthermore, be it ordered that this appropriation of revenue be offset by savings found through the elimination of the Grants and Projects Specialist role. This motion has $0 net impact on the budget. The motion passed with five (5) yeas and two (2) nays – Councilors: Gay and Doyle.

Amendment #3 RAD – Presidential Primary – March 2020 - Councilor Doyle moved, Councilor Gay seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $13,343 in One-time Expense as requested by City Clerk to fund a Presidential Primary - March 2020 as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion failed with zero (0) yeas and seven (7) nays – Councilors: Archer, Gay, Doyle, Copeland, Minthorn, Smart, and Johnston.

Amendment #4 RAD – Zoning Ordinance Revision - Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $8,000 in One-time Expense as requested by City Clerk to fund a Zoning Ordinance Revision as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget. Furthermore, be it ordered that the $8,000 be paid out of TIF funds as approved by the Planning & Economic Development Director. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #5 RAD – 2% Union Increase for Fire Dept. - Councilor Smart moved, Councilor Copeland seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $40,000 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Fire/Ambulance to fund

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an additional 2% Union Increase above the currently budgeted 3% as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #6 RAD – Increase Stipends for Call Div. Firefighters - Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $5,000 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Fire/Ambulance to fund an Increase in stipends for Call Division Firefighters as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #7 RAD – Comprehensive Training for Assessing - Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $4,000 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Assessing to fund Comprehensive Ongoing Training for New Employees as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.”

Amendment to the Amendment – Councilor Archer moved, Councilor Johnston seconded that this not be available to probationary employees. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas. Amendment to the Amendment – Councilor Archer moved, Councilor Gay seconded to reduce this to $2,000. The motion passed with six (6) yeas and one (1) nay – Councilor Johnston.

Mayor Lovell called for a vote on the main motion with amendments. The motion passed with six (6) yeas and one (1) nay – Councilor Minthorn.

Amendment #8 RAD – Forestry Bucket Truck - Councilor Copeland moved, Councilor Johnston seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council reduce $20,000 in Parks & Recreation Ongoing Expense and increase the Capital program by $29,752 to support a new Forestry Bucket Truck for Parks & Recreation as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #9 RAD – Temporary Election Help - Councilor Gay moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $2,045 in One-time Expense as requested by the City Clerk to fund Temporary Election Help as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #10 RAD – Life Safety Violations Elimination - Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Johnston seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $35,000 in One-time Expense as requested by Code Enforcement to fund an Life Safety violations elimination as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion passed with six (6) yeas and one (1) nay – Councilor Doyle.

Amendment #11 RAD – Headcount Shift Staffing Fire Dept. - Councilor Smart moved, Councilor Johnston seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $126,402 in Ongoing Expense and $17,650 in One-time Expense as requested by Fire/Ambulance to bring Shift Staffing to 9 on all four shifts as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion passed with four (4) yeas and three (3) nays – Councilors: Doyle, Archer, and Gay.

Amendment #12 RAD – Headcount Administrative Assistant - Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $37,196 in Ongoing Expense and $2,305 in One-time Expense as requested by Human Resources to fund an Administrative Assistant as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget. This position is partially funded by savings found in the elimination of the Grants and Project Specialist Role.” The motion failed with three (3) yeas and four (4) nays – Councilors: Archer, Gay, Doyle, and Copeland.

Limit on Comments - Council Archer moved, Councilor Doyle seconded limit comments other than those made by Mayor, Council, and City Administrator to 3 minutes. The motion passed with six (6) yeas and one (1) nay – Councilor Copeland.

Recess meeting: Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Copeland seconded to recess the meeting for 5 minutes. The motion passed with five (5) yeas and two (2) nays – Councilors Johnston and Gay. Time: 8:35 p.m.

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Reconvene meeting: Mayor Lovell reconvened the meeting with the unanimous consent of the council. Time: 8:40 p.m.

Amendment #13 RAD – Recruitment Advertising - Councilor Copeland moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $11,600 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Human Resources to fund Recruitment Advertising as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” Amendment to the Amendment – Councilor Archer moved, Councilor Doyle seconded transfer from on-going to one-time for $11,600. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Mayor Lovell called for a vote on the main motion with amendment. The motion failed with three (3) yeas and four (4) nays – Councilors: Copeland, Gay, Doyle, and Archer.

Amendment #14 RAD – Headcount Cyber Security Program Manager – Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $115,822 in Ongoing Expense and $5,805 in One-time Expense as requested by Information Technology to fund a(n) Cyber Security Program Manager as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.

Amendment to the Amendment – Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Archer seconded “Be it Ordered that the City Council approve $30,000 in one-time expenses to fund a penetration test or risk assessment.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Mayor Lovell called for a vote on the main motion to spend $30,000 as a one-time expense on a penetration test. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #15 RAD – Sophos Intercept X + EDR - Councilor Archer moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $13,500 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Information Technology to fund Sophos Intercept X + EDR as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #16 RAD – nDiscovery – Managed Threat Protection - Councilor Gay moved, Councilor Doyle seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $10,000 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Information Technology to fund nDiscovery - Managed Threat protection - City wide as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #17 RAD – Aerifier - Councilor Doyle moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $17,907 in One-time Expense as requested by Parks & Recreation to fund an Aerifier as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #18 RAD – Program Coordinator - Councilor Smart moved, Councilor Doyle seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $2,000 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Planning & Econ Dev to fund a Program Coordinator as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #19 RAD – Headcount Increase Police Patrol by 2A - Councilor Copeland moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $137,536 in Ongoing Expense and $1,650 in One-time Expense as requested by Police Department to Increase Police Patrol by 2 as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion failed with three (3) yeas and four (4) nays – Councilors: Archer, Gay, Doyle, and Johnston.

Amendment #20 RAD – Patrol PC Upgrade - Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $12,800 in One-time Expense as requested by the Police Department to fund a Patrol PC Upgrade as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #21 RAD – Solid Waste Curbside Collection Program Enhancement - Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $32,000 in One-time Expense as requested

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by Public Works to fund a Solid Waste Curbside Collection Program as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #22 RAD – Additional Resources to Cover Attorney Fees - Councilor Archer moved, Councilor Gay seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $5,638 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Solicitor to fund Additional resources to cover attorney fees as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion failed with two (2) yeas and five (5) nays – Councilors: Doyle, Minthorn, Johnston, Gay, and Archer.

Amendment #23 RAD – Reduce Ambulance Transfer to Replace Ambulance 3 - Councilor Gay moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council reduce $52,377 in Ongoing Revenue transfers from the Ambulance fund so that the Ambulance Fund can sustainably cover the costs required to Replace Ambulance 3 as recommended by the City Administrator in his FY2020 Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #24 RAD – Dyer Library Salary Increase to Match City - Councilor Doyle moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $4,900 in Ongoing Expense requested by the Dyer Library to fund a Salary Increase to Match the City’s. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with four (4) yeas and three (3) nays – Councilors: Archer, Gay, and Johnston.

Amendment #25 RAD – Make Capital Plan Whole - Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Johnston seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $302,175 in Ongoing Expense requested by Capital Projects to Make Capital Plan Whole. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with four (4) yeas and three (3) nays – Councilors Archer, Gay, and Doyle. Note: See page #30 for reconsideration vote.

Amendment #26 RAD – Senior Tax Relief Program - Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $25,295 in Ongoing Expense requested by the City Administrator to fund an Improved Senior Tax Relief Program. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.”

Amendment to the Amendment - Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Copeland seconded “Be it Ordered that the City Council approve an additional $19,377 in ongoing expense to support increasing the senior volunteer hours to 100 and the volunteer tax credit to $1,200.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.


Amendment #27 RAD – Council Wages - Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Johnston seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $6,500 in Ongoing Expense requested to fund Inflation-based increases to Council Wages. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.”

Mayor Lovell called the motion out of order. The City Administrator cannot by Order change the wages of the City Council. City Administrator Kevin Sutherland stated that he was just trying to put money aside and to have a further debate about changing the Charter. Mayor Lovell stated he would rather change the Charter and then amend the budget.

Amendment #28 RAD – Support for the Council Budget - Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $4,915 in Ongoing Expense requested by City Administration to fund an Improved Council Budget. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with four (4) yeas and three (3) nays – Councilors: Archer, Gay, and Doyle.

Amendment #29 RAD – Increase Internal Auditor Hours - Councilor Smart moved, Councilor Johnston seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $12,600 in Ongoing Expense requested by Finance to fund an Increase to Internal Auditor Hours. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with four (4) yeas and three (3) nays – Councilors: Archer, Gay, and Doyle.

Amendment #30 RAD – Additional Email Licenses - Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Copeland seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $11,020 in Ongoing Expense requested by Information Technology to fund Additional Email licenses. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion failed with seven (7) nays.

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Amendment #31 RAD – Headcount Parks Laborer Position - Councilor Copeland moved, Councilor Johnston seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $30,900 in Ongoing Expense and $825 in One-time Expense requested by Parks & Recreation to fund a(n) Headcount - Parks Laborer position. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion failed with three (3) yeas and four (4) nays – Councilors: Archer, Gay, Doyle, and Minthorn.

Amendment #32 RAD – Headcount Increase Police Patrol by 2B - Councilor Smart moved “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $137,536 in Ongoing Expense and $1,650 in One-time Expense requested by Police Department to Increase Police Patrol by 2, beyond what was already approved by the City Administrator. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” Due to the lack of a second the motion was not considered.

Amendment #33 RAD – 4 Headcount Additional Staffing Fire Dept. - Councilor Copeland moved “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $252,805 in Ongoing Expense and $3,300 in One-time Expense requested by Fire/Ambulance to fund Additional Staffing to work towards 40 members/10 per shift. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” Due to the lack of a second the motion was not considered.

Amendment #34 RAD – Garage Fabrication Equipment - Councilor Doyle moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $30,000 in One-time Expense requested by Public Works to fund Garage Fabrication Equipment. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.”

Amendment to the Amendment – Councilor Doyle moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve an additional $80,000 in one-time use of surplus for a total of $110,000 one-time use of surplus for outfitting the new Public Works facility.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.


Amendment #35 RAD – Membership with GPCPG – “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $32,000 in Ongoing Expense requested by the City Administrator to fund a Membership with GPCOG. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” Council did not consider this RAD.

Amendment #36 RAD – End Use of Economic Development Funds for Operations - Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve a reduction of $187,646 in Ongoing Revenue requested by Planning & Economic Development to End Use of Economic Development Funds for Operations. This increases the amount of taxes levied in the City Administrator's Budget by reducing transfer revenue.” The motion passed with four (4) yeas and three (3) nays – Councilors: Smart, Minthorn, and Gay.

Amendment #37 RAD – Remove Duplicate Headcount - Councilor Gay moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council reduce $49,025 in Ongoing Expense requested by Public Works to Remove a Duplicate Headcount. This decreases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #38 RAD – Leverage TIF Funding for ShuttleBus-Zoom Increase – Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Copeland seconded “Be it ordered that Planning & Economic Development Leverage TIF Funding to support the annual ShuttleBus-Zoom Increase of $25,000 for FY2020. This has no effect on the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #39 RAD – Savings in Capacity Costing - Councilor Smart moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council reduce $9,973 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Public Works due to Savings in Capacity Costing. This decreases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #40 RAD – Lower than Estimated Demand and Usage Fees from CMP - Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Copeland seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council reduce $15,914 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Public Works due to Lower than estimated Demand and Usage fees from CMP. This decreases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Recess meeting: Mayor Lovell called for a 5-minute recess. Time: 10:28 p.m.

Reconvene meeting: Mayor Lovell reconvened the meeting. Time: 10:32 p.m.

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Reconsideration Amendment #25 RAD – Make the Capital Plan Whole – Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Smart seconded to reconsider the motion “Be it Ordered that the City Council approve $302,175 in Ongoing Expense requested by Capital Projects to make Capital Plan whole.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment to the Amendment - Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it Ordered that the City Council approve $150,000 in Ongoing expense requested by the Capital Projects to make Capital Plan half-whole. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.


Amendment #41 RAD – Missed Step COLA Increase for Planning & Economic Dev. Director - Councilor Archer moved, Councilor Copeland seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $935 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Planning & Econ Dev to fund a Missed step COLA Increase for Planning & Economic Development Director. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #42 RAD – Biddeford Saco Chamber Paid Out of TIF’S - Councilor Gay moved, Councilor Copeland seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council reduce $5,000 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Planning & Economic Development due to Biddeford Saco Chamber being paid out of TIFs. This decreases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #43 RAD - Split EDC Separate from SMFA - Councilor Doyle moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council Split EDC Separate from SMFA. This has no effect on the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas. Amendment #44 RAD - Realign Use of TIF Funds - Councilor Copeland moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council Realign Use of TIF Funds as recommended by Planning & Economic Development. This has no effect on the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #45 RAD - Adjust Line Items to Reflect the Correct Funding for Electrical Inspector - Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $7,000 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Code Enforcement to reflect the correct funding for the electrical inspector. This increases the City Administrator's Budget. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #46 RAD - Maine Municipal Association 2% Increase - Councilor Smart moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $662 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Maine Municipal Association to fund a 2% Increase. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #47 RAD - Saco Pathfinders Increase - Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $179 in Ongoing Expense to fund a Saco Pathfinders Increase due to more snowmobiles registered - 428 last year. This is funded by increased snowmobile registrations.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #48 RAD - Seeds of Hope Incremental Request - Councilor Archer moved, Councilor Copeland seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $2,000 in Ongoing Expense to fund a Seeds of Hope Incremental Request. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #49 RAD – America Red Cross Request - Councilor Gay moved, Councilor Johnston seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $500 in Ongoing Expense as requested by the America Red Cross. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #50 RAD - Southern Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery Association - Councilor Doyle moved, Councilor Gay seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $1,000 in Ongoing Expense as requested by the Southern Maine Veteran's Memorial Cemetery Association. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #51 RAD - Caring Unlimited: York County’s Domestic Violence Program - Councilor Copeland

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moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $5,545 in Ongoing Expense as r requested by Caring Unlimited: York County's Domestic Violence Program. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #52 RAD- Make Internal Auditor Full Time – “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $43,156 in Ongoing Expense and $2,305 in One-time Expense as requested by Finance to Make the Internal Auditor Full Time. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” Due to the lack of a second the motion was not considered.

Amendment #53 RAD- Make Second Code Enforcement Office Full Time - Councilor Smart moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $30,364 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Code Enforcement to Make the Second Code Enforcement Officer Full time. This ongoing expense is offset by $23,000 in anticipated incremental revenue related to additional inspections made possible by the position. Net impact to the City administrator’s budget is an estimated $7,364.” The motion passed with five (5) yeas and two (2) nays – Councilors Doyle and Gay.

Amendment #54 RAD - TIF Valuations - Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $11,173 in Ongoing Expense to fund updated TIF Valuations. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #55 RAD- A Grant Match for Age Friendly Saco - Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Johnston seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $2,500 in Ongoing Expense as requested by Age Friendly Saco to fund A Grant Match. This increases the City Administrator's Budget.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #56 RAD- 1 Free Cubic Yard - Councilor Gay moved, Councilor Archer seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $30,000 in reduced Ongoing Revenue and $8,000 increase to Ongoing Expense to support the printing, distribution, and execution of offering 1 free yard at the transfer station to the citizens of Saco. This represents a net increase to the tax commitment of $38,000.”

Amendment to the Amendment – Councilor Gay moved, Councilor Doyle seconded to offer 1 free cubic yard to senior citizens of Saco with projected revenue loss of $5,000 and projected expense drops from $8,000 to $0. The motion failed with two (2) yeas and five (5) nays – Johnston, Smart, Minthorn, Copeland, and Archer.

Mayor Lovell called for a vote on the main motion. The motion failed with one (1) yea and six (6) nays – Councilors: Johnston, Smart, Minthorn, Copeland, Doyle, Archer.

Amendment #57 - Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine - Councilor Copeland moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council approve $1500 in Ongoing Expense to support the organization Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas. Amendment #58 – Reductions to Various Department Budgets - Councilor Doyle moved, Councilor Archer seconded “Be it Ordered that the City Council decrease the following department budgets by the following reduction amounts:

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The motion passed with four (4) yeas and three (3) nays – Councilors: Johnston, Smart, and Copeland. ii. ADOPTION OF CITY OPERATIONS BUDGET

Revised motion (original motion on page 25) - Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Copeland seconded “Be it Ordered that the City Council move to approve an appropriation order for the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2020 budget, excluding all school and county related items, per Section 6.06 and 6.07 of the Charter of the City of Saco, Maine as follows:

Approve gross expenditures of: $23,725,956 in municipal expenditures, $84,862 for the Senior Volunteer Tax Credit Program, $2,046,840 in TIF transfers, and $2,967,257 in capital improvements for municipal operations.

Expenditures are to be offset by $28,824,915 in anticipated revenue and other credits, which represents: $8,908,869 in anticipated municipal revenues, $685,023 in transfers from other funds. $257,402 in use of fund balance,

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And thereby raising gross taxes of $18,973,621. Further move to approve the order. The motion passed with five (5) yeas and two (2) nays – Councilors Doyle and Archer. F. FY2020 SCHOOL BUDGET – APPROPRIATIONS MANDATED BY STATE STATUTE

The School Board’s recommended FY2020 budget totals $41,853,513 plus $122,977 for Saco’s portion of the Adult Education. The FY2019 budget was: $39,348,973.

Note: Title 20-A, section 15671-A(5)(B) requires a separate, recorded vote for additional local funds above the Local Share EPS and approval by a majority of the full council. Section 15690 provides for the School board’s Statement of Reasons to accompany the article as provided to the Council. i. AMENDMENTS TO SCHOOL BUDGET

Councilor Smart moved, Councilor Copeland seconded “Be it Ordered, pursuant to Title 20-A, sections 2307, 1485 and 15690, that: 1. The following school budget cost centers be adopted and approved for expenditure for fiscal year 2019-2020:

FY 2019-20 Proposed K-12 Saco Budget by 11 Cost Centers and Adult Education: Regular Instruction (K-8 teachers, GT, Alt ed, TA tuition)

$24,157,748.00

Special Education Instruction (All SPED expenses)

$8,240,956.00

CTE Instruction $0.00 Other Instruction (Before & After school, Summer School, Extra & Co-Curriculum)

$215,623.00

Student & Staff Support (Technology, Curriculum, Health, & Student Servs)

$2,536,374.46

System Administration (Board of Education, Superintendent, Business Office)

$766,479.84

School Administration (School Principal and Secretaries)

$1,377,742.92

Transportation (Operating, staff and contingency)

$2,044,787.35

Facilities Maintenance (Schools, District, Capital, and Contingency)

$2,198,151.85

Debt Service $315,650.00 All Other Expenditures $0.00 Total K-12 Budget $41,853,513.00

2. The sum of $41,853,513 be appropriated for the total cost of funding public education from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 as described in the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act and the sum of $18,014,520 be raised as the City’s contribution to the total cost of funding public education from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 as described in the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act in accordance with the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 15688;

State Mandated Explanation: The City’s contribution to the total cost of funding public education from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 as described in the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act is the amount of money determined by state law to be the minimum amount that the City must raise in order to receive the full amount of state dollars.

3. The sum of $315,650 be raised and appropriated for the annual payments on debt service previously approved by the City’s voters for non-state-funded school construction projects and non-state-funded portions of school construction projects in addition to the funds appropriated as the local share of the City’s contribution to the total cost of funding public education from kindergarten to grade 12;

State Mandated Explanation: Non-state-funded debt service is the amount of money needed for the annual payments on

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the City’s long-term debt for major capital school construction projects that are not approved for state subsidy. The bonding of this long-term debt was previously approved by the City voters or other legislative body.

4. The School Board be authorized to expend $41,853,513 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2020 from the City’s contribution to the total cost of funding public education from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 as described in the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act, non-state-funded school construction projects, additional local funds for school purposes under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 15690, unexpended balances, tuition receipts, state subsidy and other receipts for the support of schools; and

5. The School Board be authorized to expend such other sums as may be received from federal and state grants and/or programs and/or other sources during the fiscal year for school purposes provided that such grants, programs or other sources do not require the expenditures of other funds not previously appropriated.

Further move to approve the order.

Amendment #1 -Flat Insurance Premiums Reduce by $290,130 - Councilor Smart moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it Ordered that the City Council approve a decrease to the FY2020 Saco School Budget thanks to Flat Insurance Premiums year over year in the amount of $24,481 for Fairfield, $28,790 for Young, $44,956 for Burns, $62, 245 for Saco Middle School, $5,618 for Health, $3,643 for Technology, $8,913 for Central Office, $10, 876 for Operations and Maintenance, $18,287 for Transportation, $76,731 for Special Education, $1,307 for Gifted and Talented, $72 for ESO, $4,210 for Pre-School Instruction only. Further move to approve the Order. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Amendment #2 - Cost Centers Decrease – Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Doyle seconded to decrease FY2020 by $137,500 among the 8 active cost centers, does not affect 2 inactive cost centers nor debt service for a total of $1,100,000.00 (Regular Instruction, Special Education Instruction, Other Instruction, Student & Staff Support, System Administration, School Administration, Transportation, Facilities Maintenance). The motion passed with five (5) yeas and two (2) nays – Councilors: Minthorn and Smart.

ii. ADOPTION OF THE SCHOOL BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS ORDER 1

Mayor Lovell called for a vote on the main motion with amendments. The motion passed with five (5) yeas and two (2) nays – Councilors Minthorn and Smart.

Note: Reconsideration vote on page 36.

G. FY2020 SCHOOL BUDGET – APPROPRIATION BEYOND THE STATE MANDATE


Note: Title 20-A, section 15671-A(5)(B) requires a separate, recorded vote for additional local funds above the Local Share EPS and approval by a majority of the full council. Section 15690 provides for the School board’s Statement of Reasons to accompany the article as provided to the Council.

Councilor Smart moved, Councilor Archer seconded “Be it Ordered that $7,651,438.00 be raised and appropriated in additional local funds, which exceeds the State’s Essential Programs and Services allocation model by $7,651,438.00 as required to fund the budget recommended by the School board. State Mandated Explanation: The additional local funds are those locally raised funds over and above the City’s local contribution to the total cost of funding public education from pre-kindergarten to grade 12 as described in the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act and local amounts raised for the annual payment on non-state funded debt service that will help achieve the school department budget for educational programs.

School board’s Statement of Reasons for Exceeding Essential Programs and Services allocation model: The school budget proposed for the fiscal year exceeds the state’s funding allocation model for various reasons. In general, (i) the model does not recognize the actual costs to operate and maintain the school program and curriculum; (ii) the state is not funding the model at 55% of the actual total cost of education; (iii) the state has added certain costs to the

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model without increasing available funding such as the state share of teacher retirement costs; (iv) the state has reduced or eliminated funding of costs necessary to operate the schools by such means as changing the student: teacher ratio, the student: ed tech, and other student: staff ratios and reducing funding of administrative costs.”

Further move to approve the order. The motion passed with five (5) yeas and two (2) nays – Councilors Minthorn and Smart.

Note: Reconsideration motion listed below item #H.

H. FY2020 SCHOOL BUDGET APPROPRIATION – ADULT EDUCATION


Note: The adult education budget is separate from the school operating budget.

Councilor Smart moved, Councilor Copeland seconded “Be it Ordered that $122,977 be appropriated for adult education and that $122,977 be raised as the local share; with authorization to expend any additional, incidental, or miscellaneous receipts in the interest and for well-being of the adult education program. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

G. FY2020 SCHOOL BUDGET – APPROPRIATION BEYOND THE STATE MANDATE

Reconsideration – Councilor Copeland moved, Councilor Archer seconded to reconsider item #G. The motion passed with six (6) yeas and one (1) nay – Councilor Gay.

Councilor Smart moved, Councilor Archer seconded “Be it Ordered that $7,941,568.00 be raised and appropriated in additional local funds, which exceeds the State’s Essential Programs and Services allocation model by $7,651,438.00 as required to fund the budget recommended by the School board.” The motion passed with five (5) yeas and two (2) nays – Councilors Minthorn and Smart.

Recess the meeting: Mayor Lovell recessed the meeting for 5 minutes. Time: 12:37 a.m.

Reconvene the meeting: Mayor Lovell reconvened the meeting. Time: 1:26 a.m.

F. FY2020 SCHOOL BUDGET – APPROPRIATIONS MANDATED BY STATE STATUTE

Reconsideration - Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Copeland seconded to reconsider item #F. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

Councilor Smart moved, Councilor Johnston seconded the School Board’s recommended FY2020 budget totals $40,463,384 plus the $122,977 for Saco’s portion of the Adult Education. Further move to approve the order. The motion passed with five (5) yeas and two (2) nays – Councilors Smart and Minthorn.

I. FINAL ADOPTION OF MUNICIPAL BUDGET

The City Council has reviewed and amended the City Operations budget for FY2020. The City Council has also reviewed and amended the budget for Saco Schools.

Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Minthorn seconded “Be it ordered that the Approved amounts set in the following attached schedule titled CITY OF SACO FY 2020 BUDGET OVERVIEW shall become a part of the City Clerk's records and shall designate the form of the City of Saco Budget for Fiscal Year2020 as authorized under Section 6.04 of the Charter of the City of Saco, Maine. I move to approve $28,824,915 in Municipal Expenditures, $26,079,064 in School Appropriations, and $1,236,890 in County Appropriations. Let the record show that the departmental budgets presented in the attached exhibit should be amended to reflect various council motions. The motion passed with six (6) yeas and one (1) nay – Councilor Doyle. Mayor Lovell stated it is an estimated mill rate of $19.49.

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J. FISCAL YEAR 2020 PROPERTY TAX DUE DATES AND INTEREST RATES

Under Title 36, MRSA, Section 505, a municipality may, by vote, determine the interest rate that shall apply to delinquent taxes committed during the taxable year until those taxes are paid in full. The Treasurer of the State of Maine determined that the maximum rate of interest that can be charged per Title 36, MRSA, Section 505 (4) for the taxable year 2019 (tax date 4/1/2019) is 9.0%. Therefore, for the FY2020 tax commitment, the maximum rate allowed is 9.0%. As a normal course of business, the City has adopted the maximum rate as its rate.

Under Title 36, MRSA, Section 506, a municipality may set the interest rates and authorize the prepayment of taxes. Therefore, we are requesting that City Council set the interest rate of 0% for the overpayment of the FY2020 taxes and authorize the application of any prepayment of taxes directly to the tax account as they are received without having to pay interest on these prepayments.

The tax payment due dates are as follows: First half due: 9/13/19 (interest accruing from 9/16/19) Second half due: 3/13/20 (interest accruing from 3/16/20) Amendment to EZ Pay due date: Continuation of the EZ Pay program for fiscal year 2020 with 8 monthly payments starting September 15, 2019 and ending April 15, 2020.

Councilor Johnston moved, Councilor Gay seconded “Be it ordered that the City Council set the interest rate for delinquent FY2020 property taxes at 9.0%, set the refund interest rate of FY2019 tax payments at 0.0% and authorize the tax collector to accept prepayment of taxes not yet committed without having to pay interest on these prepayments, and to establish the due dates for tax payments as follows: payment for the first half due on September 13, 2019, with interest occurring from September 16, 2019, and payment for the second half due on March 13, 2020, with interest accruing from March 16, 2020.” Further move to approve the Order. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas.

K. RECONFIRM THE AUTHORITY TO APPLY TAX PAYMENTS TO THE OLDEST OUTSTANDING TAX

On October 6, 1986, the City Council approved a tax collection policy which allowed the Treasurer or the Tax Collector to apply tax payments received from an individual to the oldest unpaid tax bill first. We would like to reconfirm the existing policy with the onset of a new tax year.

Tax Collection Policy The municipal officers of the City of Saco have approved the request of the municipal treasurer and the tax collector that any tax payment received from an individual as payment for any property tax, personal property, and sewer user fees be applied against outstanding or delinquent taxes due on that property in chronological order beginning with the oldest unpaid tax bill. Taxes may not be applied to a period for which abatement request or appeal has not been resolved unless approved in writing by the taxpayer. Also, on the 30-day lien notice or 45-30 day foreclosure notice, a statement will be added indicating the City’s tax collection policy.

Councilor Gay moved, Councilor Doyle seconded “Be it Ordered that the City Council accept the tax collection policy as presented pursuant to title 36 MRSA Section 906.” Further move to approve the Order. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas. Recess the meeting until Thursday May 16, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. - Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Smart seconded to recess the meeting until Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas. Time: 1:38 a.m.

Reconvene the meeting - Mayor Lovell reconvened the meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.

Mayor Lovell noted that all Councilors were present. City Administrator Kevin Sutherland and City Clerk Michele Hughes were also present.

VII. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE City Administrator Kevin Sutherland provided the following update:

http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/36/title36sec505.html

http://www.maine.gov/treasurer/revenue_sharing/delinquent_tax_rates.html

http://www.maine.gov/treasurer/revenue_sharing/delinquent_tax_rates.html

http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/36/title36sec506.html

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Civility – The recommended budget while not entirely in line with what I thought council’s preferences, I was pleased with the level of discourse and the respect everyone displayed throughout the process. Good questions were asked, and council assisted in fixing some clean up efforts and our Finance Director identified after the budget was submitted that will ensure an accurate budget and overall the council was supportive of an increase to the mill rate for needs on the municipal side. Thank you. At the last few council meetings however, I have been discouraged by the lack of dignity and respect from members of the public during public comment. One would expect speakers to conduct themselves with civility. But, unfortunately many times it leads to personal attacks on councilors and most recently city staff. No one deserves to be treated like that, staff especially. As this is their workplace. They are more often than not required to be in attendance at these specific meetings. Harassment does not have to be tolerated even in a public setting such as this. You as council have the power to change this. So, I would ask the council to consider amending it rules and order of business to restrict personal attacks on any person. Be it councilors, mayor, city staff, or other elected officials or even other members of the public during public comment. Having this support from council and lining it in your rules and order of business would provide discretion for the mayor to end the speakers time at the podium or removing them from the meeting. Mayor Lovell noted that is something that may be considered in a workshop in July or August.

IX. COUNCIL DISCUSSION AND COMMENT Councilor Minthorn – It probably would take less than $50 of hardware to give you and on and off switch

for the podium microphone. Councilor Archer – If the City Administrator wants to put the language and motion together for civility, I

will support it. Mayor Lovell noted, when the time comes it will be in a workshop and we will be asking for a resource.

Councilor Copeland – I would like to add that this is not a toll that will be used to stifle people’s voice, it is just when they are disrespectful. Mayor Lovell agreed.

X. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Smart seconded “Be it Ordered that the City Council enter into executive session, pursuant to [M.R.S.A. Title1, Chapter 13, Subchapter 1, §405(6)]: (A) Personnel Matter and (E) Consultation with Counsel regarding a pending matter.” The motion passed with seven (7) yeas. Time: 6:36 p.m.

XI. REPORT FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Lovell, Councilors: Archer, Gay, Doyle, Copeland, Minthorn, Smart, Johnston and the City Administrator were all present.

Councilor Minthorn moved, Councilor Gay seconded to come out of Executive Session. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas. Time: 9:28 p.m. Councilor Minthorn stated “Pursuant to [M.R.S.A. Title1, Chapter 13, Subchapter 1, §405(6)]:

(A) Personnel Matter – No report. (E) Consultation with Counsel regarding a pending matter – No report.

XII. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Doyle moved, Councilor Copeland seconded to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed with seven (7) yeas. Time: 9:30 p.m. Attest: ___________________________________ Michele L. Hughes, City Clerk

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