The Rockland Report November 18, 2016

Monday, November 21, 2016

The Rockland Report November 18, 2016

OFFICE OF THE ACTING CITY MANAGER/COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
 Today I attended the Midcoast Municipal Association meeting where MMA provided an overview of their 2017-2018 Legislative Agenda. I’ve attached a copy for Council’s reference. It will come as no surprise that reinstating Revenue Sharing to the original 5% level beginning in 2018 is the top priority.
 I’ve attached a copy of results for a survey that was provided to boards/commissions and committees to better understand how the City can improve this experience for community members who choose to volunteer their time on these groups. To summarize we received 16 responses and a lot of very useful feedback on what can be done to make committees/board/commissions more effective and enjoyable for volunteers including:
o Improving communication between different boards/commissions/committees with related or overlapping projects
o More direction on priorities from the City Council
o Providing training and orientation for new members or those with special roles (chair, secretary, etc.)
o I would like to thank REDAC who showed a lot of leadership in directing me to prepare this survey and discussing practical way the City can improve the way we work with our volunteers.
 Related to the above REDAC and Parks had a joint meeting to discuss the future of the former MacDougal School site. Both groups recommended a public workshop be held with the City Council in attendance. Both groups agreed they would like to move past retreading old ground so all information will be provided beforehand on the previous workshop from 2012 where this site
was discussed. Given the interest from 2 committees on the future of this site I would recommend the Council consider holding a workshop in December.
 Funding for one CDBG Downtown Revitalization Grant will be awarded in 2017 and as discussed with REDAC it would be wise for the City to consider applying. However, the past couple of rounds when these funds have been available the focus of the proposed grant projects has been on repairing sidewalks on downtown side streets. None of these grants have been successful and have lost out to projects that contribute to place-making and are done in partnership with the private sector. REDAC recommended exploring the opportunity to implement portions of the redesign of Harbor Park. If the City can find match, and perhaps businesses or not for profits willing to contribute match, this could be a very appealing project from a funding perspective.
 On behalf of the Harbor Trail Committee and with the support of the Georges River Land Trust, I am preparing a grant application to a private foundation for the construction of key segments of the Harbor Trail and way-finding signage and landscaping that will result in 2.5 miles of continuous, unbroken trail from Snow Marine Park to the Apprentice Shop.
 Construction on the bridge over Lindsey Brook will begin on Monday November 21st . We can’t say thank you enough times to our very generous anonymous donors.

OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR
 We have been in continued negotiations with Ecomaine on finalizing the contract.
 Completed the RFP for Winter Snow Hauling.
 Crooker Construction in conjunction with Rockland Public Services has started the second phase of the Old County Road project. This portion of the project will begin at the Route 17 intersection where we ended the first phase of the Old County Road Project and will continue Northerly approximately 2,000 Linear Feet ending at the Lake View Terrace Urban Compact Line. The project will consist of the installation of two storm water culverts, ditching and shouldering, grinding, reclaiming roadway pavement and gravel to 12” in depth. This section of road when complete will be paved to a width of 24 feet with 4 inches of new pavement. The project was set back a day due to rain. The binder coat of pavement will be put in place and the final coat of pavement will be completed in the spring of 2017 to ensure the final product is of the quality we
are expecting.
 Attended Parks Commission meeting in conjunction with the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
 The harbor trail bridge crossing Lindsey Brook is scheduled to take place on 11/21/16.
 The final pavement and ground work on the sand and salt building is now complete and RUBB is scheduled to begin the erection of the structure on 11/28/16.
 Attended Energy Committee meeting. Worked with the Energy Committee on the Weatherize Rockland RFP. Scheduled the Community Building for the Energy Fair on 12/4/16.
 Scheduled Safety Works to conduct noise testing at the Public Services Department. The findings have required us to enroll anyone who mows lawns for more than one hour to be in a hearing conservation program. The baseline readings have been scheduled with health connections in order to be compliant with the standard.
 Prepped and paved basin repair cuts on Broadway, Main & School Streets.
 Repaired several printer tables and workstations at City Hall.
 Worked on replacing 2 culverts on Old County Rd.
 Continued brush and leaf pick-up in zone 4.
 Hung Christmas wreaths on Main St.
 Picked up two trucks from repair shops, one in Ellsworth one in Augusta.
 Continued prepping our fleet for old man winter!
 Coordinated the electrical installation and moved the computer system server rack at City Hall.
 The winter parking ban has been submitted to the local media as a public announcement. The parking ban is as follows:
EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1ST, 2016, NO VEHICLE SHALL BE PARKED WITHIN THE MAINTAINED LIMITS OF ANY STREET, MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT, PUBLIC WAY OR SIDEWALK BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 2AM
AND 6AM DURING THE MONTHS OF JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH AND DECEMBER.
AND NO VEHICLE SHALL BE PARKED AT ANY OTHER TIME, ON ANY PUBLIC STREET, MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT, OR PUBLIC WAY SO AS TO INTERFERE WITH OR HINDER THE REMOVAL OF SNOW FROM THE STREET, MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT OR PUBLIC WAY BY THE CITY, PLOWING, LOADING OR HAULING.
VEHICLES IN VIOLATION OF PARKING BAN OR OBSTRUCTING THE REMOVAL OF SNOW MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE STREET, MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT, OR PUBLIC WAY AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE WITHOUT THE CITY BEING LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES.
DURING THIS TIME ROCKLAND RESIDENTS WHO HAVE AND DISPLAY A VALID PERMIT MAY PARK IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC PARKING SPACES IN THE FOLLOWING MUNICIPAL PARKING LOTS BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9:00 P.M. AND 7:00 A.M.:
THORNDIKE PARKING LOT
BUOY PARK
HARBOR PARK
THE PERMIT FEE IS $25.00 AND THE PERMIT MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AT 270 PLEASANT STREET, ROCKLAND.

OFFICE OF THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR
 World Kindness Day Food Drive began on Monday. Please join us in celebrating World Kindness Day by bringing in non-perishable foods for the AIO Food Pantry and helping out neighbors in need. Non-perishable food items most needed are: canned fish or meat products (protein food), soup, fruit and fruit juices, evaporated milk, powdered milk, and cereals. Also needed: soap -– dish
washing and personal, tooth brushes, and other basic toiletries. The Food Drive will last through the end of December. You can also drop in to learn about some other kindness ideas.
 Patty King and I have been meeting on Mondays, to discuss goals and activities, as well as to begin passing along some of the tasks which I have been doing.
 The Library hosted Dr. Ira Mandel and the Knox County Recovery Coalition (KCRC) presenting another community conversation regarding the opiate addiction epidemic gripping Knox County.
 Children’s Librarian Jean Young attended the Maine Library Association Conference in Sunday River.
 The Service Technician from Eastern Fire performed scheduled preventative maintenance.
 Catinka Knoth’s Adult Drawing class had the general theme of woodland animals, while the participants of her Children’s class drew bears, raccoons, and foxes.
 The final Family Place™ workshop for this fall included giving the littles and caregivers the chance to explore the large collection of toys, dolls, tunnel, and blocks. Also, Hope Hoffman, a local musician and performer, led the group in circle songs and games, entertaining them with lively fiddle music along the way. The handsome toys will be incorporated into the Children’s Room, where families may visit and play anytime, forming a bridge to reading
 While Family Place™ was happening in the Community Room, guest reader Judith Andersen read to an attentive mixed audience: Clifford’s Thanksgiving Visit, by Norman Bridwell, Olivia Forms a Band, by Ian Falconer, and The Sister Child, by the Brothers Grimm among other titles. After the stories, the group moved to the craft table where a Thanksgiving coloring craft awaited.
 Sargent Lock & Safe completed a re-keying of the building interior, which had not been done in many years, and also repaired one of the bolts in the double doors on the Library’s western entrance.
 I met with Callie Black and Connie Hayes regarding the Community Heart & Soul project. I am hoping to partner with them in this process; not only would the Library benefit by hearing and responding to the community input, but we also bring to the table this (from the Maine State Librarian): the Maine State Library commissioned a survey in Maine that models Gallop's annual “Trusted Professionals” survey. Librarians were second only to nurses as the most trusted
professions in Maine!
 This was a week for LEGO™ Club, held on alternating Thursdays; this week’s theme was “Monster Trucks”.
 I attended a meeting of the Board of the Friends of Rockland Public Library.
 The Thursday evening Arts & Cultural Event was the film Batkid Begins, the incredible and touching true story of Miles Scott, a five-year-old cancer patient whose wish to be Batman's sidekick for a day became one of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's most memorable moments.
 On Friday, the Ashwood Waldorf School presented Puppets & More: Old Gnome and the Pumpkin Hotel aimed at an audience of two- to six-year-olds.
 This being the third Saturday of the month, Jessie Blanchard presents Adult Coloring. Upcoming: Save the Date! Saturday, November 26 is the annual Tree Auction & Holiday House Tour. The Friends of Rockland Public Library will hold their annual Tree Auction. Tabletop decorated trees will be “silent auctioned” off in conjunction with The Historic I nns of Rockland Holiday Tour. During the tour, people can visit the inns in the neighborhood of the library. All proceeds from the Tour and Tree Auction will go directly to support the Library! Tickets for the tour will be on sale the day of the event at the Historic Inns (LimeRock, Berry Manor and Granite Inn). $10/person. Children 12 and
under, no charge. Also, in December, music with harpist and educator Lisa Ray Butler. Come enjoy soothing music while sampling the Friends of the Rockland Public Library’s homemade cookies!

OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
 Over the preceding two weeks, in addition to the response to 69 Fire and EMS calls, shift training, conducting apparatus checks, daily cleaning, routine repairs and maintenance to the fleet and of the quarters, the following occurred:
 Friday 11/4 RFD responded to a reported structure fire on Broad St. and found a furnace fire that caused smoke damage to all levels of the home. Three occupants were transported to the hospital, while the fire was quickly extinguished utilizing a fire extinguisher. Significant mutual aid was utilized as RFD transported two of the occupants and Thomaston Ambulance transported the third. An additional EMS call during the incident required South Thomaston ambulance to cover, while Northeast Mobile Health provided coverage for the rest of the City and Owls Head.
 Shifts conducted training on Large Area Search. This is a particularly rare occurrence/high hazard event for us where a fire occurs in a large structure and visibility is hampered. Many firefighters nationwide have been killed by getting lost in large open areas of buildings, hence the need for extensive training utilizing lifelines to the outside and detailed procedures for maintaining constant contact with other crew members.
 FF Sullivan gave fire safety presentation to the Middle School students.
 Off duty members came in on Monday 11/6 to pressure test all of the FD’s large diameter hose. We must test all of the FD’s hose annually per DOL requirements. The rest of the smaller hose is typically tested with on duty shift personnel, but due to the amount of work and the fact that we must take each truck out of service when testing the large supply hose, off duty personnel are
required so on duty staff can handle the normal daily emergency calls.
 All shifts began testing the rest of the departments hose on duty. Each shift is assigned one of the three pumpers to complete.
 On Veterans Day A-Shift hosted a tour of the fire station for a group of home-school children.
 A/C Mazzeo attended the Council Meeting Monday evening.
 Thursday evening 11/17, A/C Miceli attended a meeting between Camden, Rockport, Hope and Lincolnville and their EMS Service Provider Northeast Mobile Health. The meeting sought to address the towns concerns with NEMH’s responses to 911 calls in their area. Our only concern was a noticeable increase in the use of our EMS service for mutual aid and how staffing or coverage model changes could impact our state of readiness for emergencies in Rockland and
Owls Head. We were assured that the increased use of mutual aid was temporary and in fact currently trending down. While we’re not directly involved in the contractual agreement between the 4 towns and NEMH, any changes that result in less 911 call coverage in their area will likely result in our covering more calls through mutual aid. Again, NEMH intends on continuing to make changes that reduce their need to call outside assistance, so we’re hoping for the best. In general, as compared to other communities in the area, our use of NEMH to assist us when we need coverage, and their use of us for the same seems to be close to equal; whereas we typically provide more coverage that we get from other towns. In the end we are paid for all mutual aid requests for emergency medical services.
 A/C Miceli submission for Chief Whytock

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
 I attended the FMC quarterly Community Action Planning Committee meeting on Wed.
 I co-authored a grant with Maine Behavioral Healthcare Embark program to address the opiate problem in the Mid-Coast area.
 Met with a representative from the community Heart and Soul group to discuss the foundation feasibility to work within the City.
 Met with the Knox County Recovery Coalitions Criminal Justice group to explore Law Enforcements’ role in the alternative methods of addressing the opiate problem in the area.
 Met with representatives from the FBI, International Chiefs of Police Association and Bureau of Justice Statistics to explore funding opportunities to assist in the migration to Incident Based crime reporting for the five law enforcement agencies within the county.
D/C Young –
 Facilitated a department supervisors meeting.
 Coordinated with Knox County EMA and received federal grant money to purchase ballistic helmets for all uniformed personnel.
 Continued working to update the city safety manual.
 Continued to coordinate the last block of mandated training from the Criminal Justice Academy.
 Worked with two different organizations concerning the closing of Main St. for winter events.
 Worked with the District Attorney’s Office to enhance communication and information sharing for more efficient court preparation.
Criminal Investigations Division –
 Conducted Sex Offender Compliance checks.
 Conducted a joint investigation with the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit.
 Conducted firearms training for the new officer.
 Det. Neal provided a fraud prevention seminar to a local civic organization.
 Provided resources and information to the juvenile branch of New Hope for Women concerning human trafficking.
 Continued working on active criminal investigations.
Patrol Division –
 Provided a safety assessment of an apartment. The tenant had concerns regarding egress from the apartment during winter months because of snow accumulation. Suggestions were made.
 Ensured voting went smoothly.
 Conducted a walk-through of some local groceries stores with the purpose of addressing any concerns from employees and management and making sure the police department was meeting their service needs.
 Visited the Elks Lodge during a craft fair to make sure there were no issues that needed to be addressed.
 Officers conducted compliance checks at local establishments that serve alcohol to ensure they were in compliance with local ordinance and state law. No violations were found.
 Officers conducted targeted radar enforcement details at several locations throughout the city. Some of these locations included Main St. and school zones.
 Officers conducted school visits at all RSU 13 schools in Rockland. Officers interacted with faculty and students and worked to address any concerns they might have.
 Officers responded to 204 calls for service, investigated 5 traffic accidents and conducted 23 traffic stops. As a result 16 people were either arrested or summonsed for various violations.

OFFICE OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
 In the previous two weeks, John has met with and had telephone conferences with 21 property owners of short-term rentals to discuss requirements and restrictions as well as design a site plan if Planning Board review will be required. We have received 13 applications for Short-Term Rentals, and we have scheduled 8 applicants for Planning Board Review.
 Additionally, John has had two meetings with insurance agents to discuss short-term rental insurance requirements. Amongst other things, he has learned that since the City does not have a financial interest in the short-term rental operations we cannot be named as a Certificate Holder. Therefore, he has drafted a proposed amendment to the ordinance regarding the insurance requirement for the short-term rental permits.
 John and Bill attended VDT training.
 Bill attended a meeting of the Comprehensive Planning Commission.
 John performed one lodging house license inspection in conjunction with the Fire Department.
 John attended a Department Head meeting.
 John attended a MBOIA Board of Directors meeting.
 John met with at least nine contractors, property, and business owners regarding various proposed projects throughout the city.
 Five complaints were filed. Three were regarding trash and junk, one regarding an off-premises sign, and one regarding an unpermitted shed on the property line. We remain very busy investigating and following-up on complaint issues within the city.
 We issued five building permits. One was for adding a bathroom for Cedarworks at 12 Merrill Dr. One was for a new mobile home on Broadway. One for adding a covered porch to the Edna St.Vincent Millay house on Broadway. One for a residential remodel and one for repairing/replacing a residential lean-to on the side of a barn.
 We issued a Notice of Violation for a dangerous and abandoned building at 17 Warren Street.
 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:
 5 Building Permits
 3 Electrical Permits
 3 Plumbing Permits
 1 Sidewalk Display Permit
 1 Sewer Connection Permits
 2 Street Excavation Permits