COUNCIL PRESENT: Peter Haskell, Roger Brawn, Rick Goodwin, Judy Craig, Sharon Mountain, Fred Banks and Dean Thompson

STAFF PRESENT: Bob Simpson, Shelley Watson, Mike Delaware, Andy Conway, Duke Leighton, Melvin Wyman, Bill Murphy, Maurice Neal and Gary Rees

The invocation was led by Pastor Maurice Neal, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

1. Swear in New Councilors
The Town Clerk swore in Councilors elect, Rick Goodwin and Judy Craig.

2. Election of Chairman & Vice-Chairman
Fred Banks nominated Peter Haskell as Chairman, second by Roger Brawn. No further nominations, unanimous in favor.

Dean Thompson nominated Roger Brawn as Vice-Chairman, second by Fred Banks, unanimous in favor.

I. PUBLIC HEARING
1. Ordinance C2003-1 Airport Lease for Pride Manufacturing
Mr. Simpson explained that this was a standard lease agreement except that the sale of the hangar from Al Tempesta has not been finalized. Mr. Simpson requested the Council approve the lease contingent upon the successful sale of the hangar. No further comments.

2. Application for Automobile Graveyard/Junkyard Permits for the following:

a. John & Gloria Poulin dba Poulin Salvage, Charleston Rd.
b. Dave Berry dba Dave Berry's, 51 Winter Street
c. Randy Gudroe & Roger Belanger dba Gudroe's Auto Salvage, 456 Garland Road
d. Everett Wooster dba Edge of Town Auto, 135 Line Road
e. Howard L. Davis dba B & K Auto, Keaton Pond Rd
f. Linda Oakes dba L & E auto Salvage, 498 Charleston Rd
g. Leslie Woodard dba Woodard's Garage, 55 Winter Street
h. Mark Nelson dba R & M Auto Salvage, 49 Nelson Road

3. Application for Taxi Cab License for Harlan Akerson dba Country Taxi, 630 North Dexter Road.
No public comments.

4. Application for Special Entertainment Permit for the following:

a. Belinda Roberts dba Rubin's Pub, Inc., 24 Water Street
b. James Rattigan representing Shirley B. Carter Post #4298, 20 Cedar Street.
c. Larry Glidden dba Dexter Motor Lodge, Route 7

III. NOMINATION, APPOINTMENTS & ELECTIONS
1. Order A2003-1 Appointment of Recreation Committee Members
BE IT ORDERED, that the Dexter Town Council hereby appoints Elizabeth Perkins and Missy Smith to serve on the Recreation Committee for a three-year term expiring December 31, 2005.

2. Order A2003-2 Appointment of Ambulance Director
BE IT ORDERED, that the Dexter Town Council hereby approves the appointment made by the Town Manager of William Hesketh as Ambulance Director for the year ending December 31, 2003.

Filed January 9, 2003
DEAN THOMPSON Second Fred Banks, unanimous in favor, motion passes.

IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Departmental Reports
Mr. Simpson commenced his report with finances, stating that the Town was half way through the fiscal year with expenses right on target of projections. Mr. Simpson informed the Council that revenues still had some areas of concern with revenue sharing coming in at below projections. Mr. Simpson predicted the Town would receive $30 - $40,000 less than anticipated from the State in the form of revenue sharing. Ambulance expenses were above the line due to some unfunded expenditures as well as personnel overtime costs. Ambulance revenues were very solid being $5,000 above projections! The Town Manager reported that golf course expenses were above projections due to the off-season which will, hopefully, level out at the end of the fiscal year. Mr. Simpson announced that the Town Report was at the printer's and should hit the streets next week. The Water Street study was received from the engineers today, and the item would be included on the agenda if the Council chooses to hold a special meeting on January 16th. Mr. Simpson mentioned the EDI Grant was going forward with the next phase and the Town was awaiting final word on the EDA Grant, which will help pay for the Engineers study. The Town Manager remarked that the Auditor, Mr. Horton, made the following recommendations: back-up in the Finance Office; continuity manual for finance; GASB (fixed assets record); and an automated excise tax system. The Audit also identified the fiscal issue with Dexter Day Care which received 4 months free rent due to a shortage of funds related to Dexter Shoe's closure. Mr. Horton also was concerned with payroll management at the Fire Department, which Mr. Simpson will correct with the Fire Chief. The Auditor noted the change in Cemetery financial management as well as favorable comments on the Public Safety Review Committee. Mr. Simpson made reference to the employees' effort to unionize with a meeting date set for February 5th in Augusta. Mr. Simpson announced that the RFP's for Ambulance Service were due next Wednesday, and the Winter Festival has been scheduled for February 15th and 16th with snowmobile races; snow sculptures, fireworks, a dance and a snowmobile parade. Mr. Simpson stated he had sent a letter to the Planning Board requesting they look at amending the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance banning marinas. Mr. Simpson has prepared the bond bank application for $500,000 to pave all streets and sidewalks in Town as well as the taxiway at the airport. Mr. Simpson remarked that the work on the cell phone tower would begin next week. In conclusion, the Town Manager reported the passing of Mike Blake's mother and informed the Council he had sent flowers on their behalf.

2. Ordinance C2003-1 Airport Lease for Pride Manufacturing
BE IT ORDAINED, that the Dexter Town Council, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in an agreement for the lease of property at the Dexter Municipal Airport, hereby approves the lease of lot 128H-4, currently leased by Al Tempesta, to Pride Manufacturing.

3. Application for Automobile Graveyard/Junkyard Permits for the following:

a. John & Gloria Poulin dba Poulin Salvage, Charleston Rd.
  Motion to approve Roger Brawn, second Dean Thompson, unanimous in favor, approved.
b. Dave Berry dba Dave Berry's, 51 Winter Street
  Motion to approve Dean Thompson, second Fred Banks, unanimous in favor, approved.
c. Randy Gudroe & Roger Belanger dba Gudroe's Auto Salvage, 456 Garland Road
  Motion to approve Dean Thompson, second Roger Brawn, 0-7 opposed, denied. d. Everett Wooster dba Edge of Town Auto, 135 Line Road
  Motion to approve Roger Brawn, second Sharon Mountain, unanimous in favor, approved.
e. Howard L. Davis dba B & K Auto, Keaton Pond Rd
  Motion to approve Dean Thompson, second Roger Brawn 0-7 opposed, denied.
f. Linda Oakes dba L & E auto Salvage, 498 Charleston Rd
  Motion to approve Dean Thompson, second Roger Brawn, unanimous in favor, approved.
g. Leslie Woodard dba Woodard's Garage, 55 Winter Street
  Motion to approve Rick Goodwin, second Roger Brawn, unanimous in favor, approved.
h. Mark Nelson dba R & M Auto Salvage, 49 Nelson Road
  Motion to approve, Dean Thompson, second Roger Brawn, unanimous in favor, approved.

5. Application for Special Entertainment Permit for the following:

a. Belinda Roberts dba Rubin's Pub, Inc., 24 Water Street
b. James Rattigan representing Shirley B. Carter Post #4298, 20 Cedar Street
c. Larry Glidden dba Dexter Motor Lodge, Route 7

V. NEW BUSINESS
1. Presentation by Joel Costonis
Joel Costonis presented a plan for usage of the Town's camping area indicating he would like to build between eight and twelve 8' X 12' cabins on the north side of the property. Mr. Costonis stated that his company, Costonis & Co. would upgrade the bath house with infrared fixtures, and he would add security cameras and lights to help deter vandalism. Fred Banks asked what would happen after a few years if the business did not do well? Joel remarked that the Town could acquire the cabins. Rick Goodwin was concerned with the small size of the cabins which would not be able to house a family. Rick Goodwin also asked how the cabins would be heated? Mr. Costonis replied that they would have electric heat with a maximum control of 68 degrees, and he planned to run underground electrical cables. Roger Brawn commented that he was in favor of privatization however the proposed project would require a significant financial investment, and he wondered if the project would be feasible? Mr. Costonis stated that any business venture required a risk, and he added he was willing to take that risk. Peter Haskell asked if Joel had conducted any public polls? Mr. Costonis remarked that he had not had any negative feedback. Mr. Brawn suggested Mr. Costonis submit a business plan. Mr. Simpson stated that in order to lease the land a public hearing would need to be held. Mr. Thompson added that a lot of questions had been raised and felt a plan showing compliance with the septic system and square footage for each cabin be included. Joel stated he would furnish the business plan at the Council's next meeting and address the Councilors questions.

2. Order A2003-3 Formation of Ad-Hoc Committee
BE IT ORDERED, that the Dexter Town Council authorizes the creation of an ad-hoc committee to be known as the Dexter Municipal Review Committee. The committee shall be composed of one representative from each municipal department that is subject to committee review, as well as the Town Manager, representation from the Town Council, and a minimum of six members at large to be appointed by the Dexter Town Council. The at large members must be residents of Dexter and will be selected after appropriate public notice. The committee will be tasked to undertake a review of the structure, manning, funding, and programs associated with each of the departments comprising Dexter's municipal operations (excluding Fire, Ambulance, and Police). Following the conclusion of a review, the committee will provide a written report to the Town Council, to include findings and recommendations to be considered for incorporation in future municipal operations. The committee shall serve in an advisory capacity only, and shall be active for a term not to exceed 12 months from the date of appointment of committee members.

3. Order A2003-4 Bangor Hydro Proposal
BE IT ORDERED, that the Dexter Town Council hereby agrees to permit Bangor Hydro to institute a “Permit-by-Rule” process for the placement of utility poles within their operating area.

4. Discussion of Golf Course Operations
Mr. Simpson explained that at last month's meeting a request was made to look into golf course operations. The Town Manager remarked that when the Town first took over the golf course operation he informed the Council it would take 3-5 years to determine the financial status of the golf course which came to the Town with a very negative financial picture with no capital reserve and equipment in poor condition. Mr. Simpson felt the question of privation of the golf course should fall to the Review Committee

5. Treasurer's Warrants
Motion to approve Roger Brawn, second Fred Banks, unanimous in favor, motion passes.

VI. PUBLIC FORUM
Mr. Simpson requested the Council set up a special meeting for January 16th at 6:30 P.M.
Roger Brawn: Motion to place the item on the agenda, second Dean Thompson, unanimous in favor, so done.

Roger Brawn motion to hold a special Council meeting January 16, 2003 at 6:30 P.M., second Dean Thompson, unanimous in favor, motion passes.

VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Application for a poverty abatement
Dean Thompson motion to adjourn to executive session for consideration of a poverty abatement, second Roger Brawn, unanimous in favor, so done at approximately 8:40 P.M.

Motion to come out of executive session by Dean Thompson, second Roger Brawn, unanimous in favor so done at 9:35 P.M.

Dean Thompson motion to decline the poverty abatement application, second Judy Craig, unanimous in favor.

Dean Thompson motion to adjourn, second Fred Banks, so done.

Respectfully submitted,

Shelley L. Watson
Council Secretary