OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
Assistant to the City Manager attended the Midcoast Transportation Committee meeting. Updates on this study can be seen at http://www.midcoastplanning.org/transitstudy.html.
Assistant to the City Manager attended Rockland Main Street’s Economic Restructuring Committee meeting.
“So You Think You Knox Rockland.” Will be at 6:00pm on Wednesday May 1st at the Strand Theater. This year the city has two teams participating, Will’s Warriors, led by our illustrious Mayor Will Clayton, and Rockland Fire Department.
Attended a meeting with the Community Development Director, Deputy Commissioner of Transportation and Senator Mazurek to discuss concerns, solutions, and funding for Old County Road.
Met with the Harbor Master and Frank O'Hara Jr., listened to concerns and discussed possible solutions to benefit all others needing access to the water.
Along with the Community Development Director, I met with a representative from Cape Air and their presence and commitment to the City of Rockland.
Met with representatives from the Jameson Point association. We have decided that due to the controversial nature of port-a-potties along this area, we will not be placing these facilities out this year. Instead, we have discussed with the Samoset, and they have agreed to provide signage to direct visitors to their facilities and visitors to the breakwater will have access to the Samoset restrooms.
Met with school officials to discuss Skate Park.
Attended REDAC meeting.
OFFICE OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY DIRECTOR
We worked on replacing a section of city water line in the main building due to corrosion. The final tie in will take place next week.
We changed out the aeration blowers’ main intake filter this week.
Responded to a sewer backup on Warren Street.
Working with a resident on Talbot Avenue on a new sewer connection.
Replaced the damaged fencing around the Tillson Avenue pump station.
OFFICE OF THE POLICE CHIEF
In addition to responding to 168 calls for services this past week and making seven arrests; summons were made for various offenses, including Theft, Assault, Disorderly conduct, Warrants of Arrest, Bail Violations and traffic offenses. Officers handled four traffic crash investigations and five domestic and wild animal problems. Along with other duties and shift assignments, members of the police department were involved in the following highlights this past week:
Officers conducted a class on Elder Fraud for residents at the Rankin Center.
Chief Boucher attended an executive board meeting of Sexual Assault Support Services of Mid-Coast Maine.
Chief Boucher attended a class at this weeks' Emergency Management Services Conference in Augusta about the Newtown CT school shooting incident.
Officers are preparing for the National Drug Take Back event to be held this Saturday 4/27 between 10 am and 2 pm at Rockland City Council Chambers.
Met with the City Manager and the Finance Director regarding the Police budget.
OFFICE OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Followed up with Downtown property owner on CDBG programs, eligibility, etc.
Continued business and community outreach including meetings with local bank, party interested in potential site in downtown, Cape Air, and others.
Attended Economic Development Council of Maine seminar, focused on energy development.
Met with DECD to confer on changes to Tax Increment Financing District regulations, rules.
Met with Maine DOT to discuss improvements to City transportation infrastructure.
Attended Midcoast Economic Development District Executive Committee meeting.
Followed up with funding agency regarding completion of Project Canopy project (grant).
OFFICE OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
Lincoln Street Center, purchased by Orchid LLC, received Conditional Use Approval from the Planning Board to establish a new Center for Arts, Culture and Education. With excellent planning and outreach to the neighborhood by the owner prior to coming before the Planning Board, approval was obtained after only two meetings. This is a very exciting endeavor, which promises to become a centerpiece for Rockland.
The Planning Board also granted Subdivision Approval for the Navigator Motel to convert nine motel units into three condominiums.
A permit application and plans were submitted for an expansion of office space for Philbook & Associates within the existing building at 17 Walnut Street. This is the third expansion since they moved to this location and will result in 3,000 square feet of office space.
The Sail Power & Steam Museum at Sharps Point South has submitted an application and plans to convert storage space on the third floor of the Museum to a 1,000 sq. ft. library/reading room.
There were two complaints filed this week.
The following permits were received by the Code Office this week:
o Four Building permits
o One Driveway permit
o One Sewer Connection permit
o One Sign permit
o One Street Excavation permit
OFFICE OF THE CITY ASSESSOR
Sales ratio study had an average ratio of 106% and a quality rating of 15.
Processed Personal Property declarations that are being returned.
Reviewed building permits for completion of work done.
Preliminary State Valuation for 2014 is $751,700,000. This is a -1.75% from last year.
OFFICE OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR
Approved Payroll Warrant.
Approved Accounts Payable Warrant.
Budget – continued Department Head meetings.
Finalized AP checks on Laser Stock- next step EFT payments to use even less stock.
OFFICE OF THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE ADMINISTRATOR
Handled 30 different calls, walk-ins and e-mails.
Handled 15 different appointments.
Updated client files.
