Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — City Council voted Dec. 21 to approve the net budget for 2010 of $6,194,825 — up $136,350 over 2009’s final figure. Department heads were asked to hold down spending, which they were able to do, in part, due to fuel prices stabilizing, compared to last year’s fluctuation in prices.
Council ended the year voting unanimously to approve a number of items, including:
• The Appropriation Ordinance for the 2010 Municipal Budget;
• The Five-Year Capital Program summary;
• To set a public hearing to consider amending Chapter 48 of the City’s General Assistance Ordinance to remain in compliance with Title 22 M.R.S.A. Section 4305(4) to be held the next two regularly-scheduled meetings;
• Authorizing the purchase and sale agreement and release deed for property located at 189 Academy St.;
• Solid waste collector license for Gilford A. Berube, d/b/a Gil’s Sanitation Inc., 47 Washburn Rd., Presque Isle, with conditions;
• Solid waste collector license for Edgar LeBlanc, d/b/a Star City Sanitation, Inc., 218 Parsons Rd., Presque Isle, with conditions;
• Scheduling two public hearings for the next two regular Council meetings to amend the Land Use and Development Code, Chapter 16, Chapter 1, Section VIII Suburban Residence (SRZ), Section C(5) Special Exception — neighborhood convenience commercial facilities;
• Authorizing a levy of tax against real and personal property for the calendar year 2010. The rate of tax shall be calculated on or before June 30, 2010 and set at the first City Council meeting in July which is scheduled for July 7;
• Expenditure of $8,155 from the Unclassified Contingent Account to Oak Leaf Systems Inc. for computer software upgrades for City Hall computers;
• City Council meeting minutes of Dec. 7, 2009 as well as 2009 warrants 47-49 totaling $913,063.26 and written monthly departmental reports for October and November;
• Manager’s Report as presented, which included tax acquired property on Allen St. that has gone out to bid and if there are no bids submitted, it will be demolished; and discussion of an ongoing Aroostook transportation study that City Council should keep updated on and focused on the various proposals;
• Following executive session discussion, appointed Dana Fowler as interim city manager for Presque Isle.
Councilors voted 5-1 on two items, with Councilor Ron McPherson voting in opposition to both:
• Solid waste collector license for Jack S. Herbert, d/b/a McNeal’s Trucking, 73 Soloman St., Caribou, with conditions; and
• Solid waste collector license for Pine Tree Waste, Florence Ave., Houlton, with conditions.
Council opted to continue discussion of a possible financial request for an air show event scheduled for July 24, citing further discussion was needed before action could be taken.
