The Rockland Report July 3, 2014

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL FISH PIER DIRECTOR
 The following permits were issued:
o 1 Lobster Vessel
 Submitted user bills to the Finance Department for metered electric and upper lot storage fees.
 The f/v western sea has offloaded 200,000 pounds of herring this week.
 The f/v western wave has offloaded 100,000 pounds of herring this week.
 The price per pound for old shell lobsters is $5.25.

OFFICE OF THE CITY ASSESSOR
 Processing Real Estate Transfers, updating parcel cards, sales book,
property splits.
 Processing Personal Property accounts, updating ownership, owned items,
depreciation, State BETR’S 801 returns, BETE exemptions.
 Processing building permits, reviewing, updating property cards and
assessments.
 Analyzing qualified sales of all properties and neighborhoods for a fair and
equitable assessment.
 Completing State forms and returning for processing.
 Listening and reviewing properties at the owner’s request.
 Updating Tax Maps and posting to the web site.

OFFICE OF THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR
 In last week’s report, I neglected to thank members of Public Works, Frank and
Justin, who checked out the water infiltration in the Historical Society, checked the
gutter above the area (which was clean) and a PVC pipe which is part of the AC
unit, to see what can be done about protecting it. Thanks very much, guys, and
thanks also to Greg Blackwell, for sending them.
 Catinka Knoth’s Adult Drawing class worked on the theme of “Red, White, and
Blues,” (I got last week wrong) and the Children’s drawing class theme was “Let’s
draw favorite Maine cats!”
 I attended the special meeting of the City Council.
 The free summer lunch program continues, though it appears it will take a while
before everyone is aware the library is a site this year.
 I met with a representative of Overdrive (the vendor for the Statewide download
library), about the procedures for purchasing titles/copies for the exclusive use of
Rockland patrons.
 For Wednesday Storytime, guest reader Judith Andersen read patriotic stories--
America the Beautiful, Uncle Sam and Old Glory, and some of Judith’s favorite Mo
Williams’ stories, following which, the kids (and some parents) created red, white, and blue wind socks. Steve Seekins, brought the lovely therapy dog--Scottish Deerhound, Faelan to join the fun.
 Hooray! We were unsure of the forecast, but Jean Young was able to present Storytime at the Farmers’ Market; special thanks to Friends’ Board member (and adjunct) Jeanie, and Jim Schaden for doing the set-up and take-down this year!
 Author Helen Peppe gave a talk on Photographic Memory: An Illustration of Perspective and Imperfect Truth as the Thursday evening’s Arts & Cultural Event. She also brought matted prints and chocolates for all attendees.
 Ongoing—Summer Reading Program, with something for all ages. Check the Library’s website, or visit us in person for more information.
 Upcoming: Author Talk as retired Maine warden John Ford and retired Maine state trooper Mark Nickerson will delight you with hilarious tales of law enforcement – “back in the day.” Also, presented by the Friends-- Our Neighbors' Gardens: A Tour of Gardens in Rockland, will be held on July 12th.

OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
In addition to responding to 40 fire and EMS calls, conducting apparatus checks, daily cleaning, routine repairs and maintenance to the fleet and of the quarters, the following occurred:
 Friday morning we held our bi-weekly staff meeting for all FD officers.
 FF Sullivan manning Tower 3 participated in the “Touch-a-Truck” program at the Coastal Children’s Museum/Sail,Power and Steam Museum on Mechanic Street on Saturday morning. This was cut short by a fire response for a reported house fire that thankfully was out upon arrival.
 Following the small fire on the outside of a home Saturday morning, A/C Mazzeo worked with the State Fire Marshal’s investigator to determine the cause. He also participated in follow-up interviews on Tuesday.
 I’d like to note that we’ve had a hard time convincing the media and public that calling in the State Fire Marshal’s Office does not indicate an intentionally set fire. Typically their inclusion opens up a significant amount of resources and personnel who are far better prepared for legal proceedings that result from numerous types of fires. Often fires caused by faulty equipment lead to messy court cases, thus the better resources offered are often the most prudent choice. Also in the case of juveniles, the Fire Marshal’s Office has excellent referral resources that focus on getting the juveniles help, rather than focusing on punishment.
 On Monday, I met with EMA Director Sisk and the Executive Officer of Maine Task Force 1, the State’s mass casualty EMS resource. We discussed ME TF-1’s scheduled deployment to the Coast Guard base during the Lobster Festival.
 On Monday afternoon, our EMS personnel held a class to review proper documentation and the issues that arise when patients refuse care or transport to the hospital.
 Squad 3 suffered an overheating condition while travelling to Vassalboro for annual pump testing. This required it be towed to O’Connor GMC in Augusta for authorized engine work. It appears at this time the issue is minor and the truck should return to service Thursday afternoon.
 I conducted inspections on Tuesday at the new Cone Home (Home Kitchen Ice Cream shop) and Claws. Both should be open by the time this goes to print.
 On Wednesday evening the FD trained on deploying hose lines for a continuous water supply at structure fires.
 Over the last week, between all the other duties and calls, A/C Elwell and FF Gibbs stripped and re-shingled the roof on our brick out-building as well as replaced the rotten trim boards. The second, wooden out-building is also in need of work and may be beyond repair. We’re in hopes that with the possible sale of equipment that has long been removed from service, the second building’s storage space will be unnecessary.

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
The officers responded to 233 calls for service. Rockland Police Officers responded to four motor vehicle crashes. Sixty-four (64) traffic stops and traffic violations were conducted. The officers made 20 arrests of individuals for various offenses, to include Bail violations, Domestic assault offenses, Drug Offenses, Warrants of Arrest, Probation violations, and OUI.
 Last week Parking Officer Troy Peasley met with members of Rockland Main Street and business owners to create a map showing all the non-timed (unlimited) parking areas in the Rockland downtown area. This effort should help downtown merchants to encourage better utilization of parking spaces for customers and employees.
 During the last quarter, officers responded to 31 calls for service for individuals exhibiting psychological or extreme emotionally distressed behavior. Of these contacts 10 were resolved with the consumer being voluntarily transported to a facility for an evaluation, 19 were stabilized at the scene and two were involuntarily committed for evaluation.
 We are keeping busy with the planning and implementation of public safety concerning the upcoming events of the North Atlantic Blues Festival, MLF and Maine Boats, Harbor and Home show over the next few weeks.
 With the Holiday weekend upon us, the Rockland Police Department will continue to crackdown on impaired driving within the city, especially during high-risk nighttime hours.
 “Officers have made impaired driving a major enforcement priority,” said Chief Bruce Boucher. Rockland Police Department officers will be out in full force to help get more impaired drivers off local roadways.”
 Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams per deciliter or higher is illegal in all 50 States. Yet in 2008 alone, nearly 12,000 people were killed in U.S. motor vehicle crashes that involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 g/dL or higher, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 “It’s clear that too many people still don’t understand that impaired driving is no accident — nor is it a victimless crime,” said Chief Boucher. “So our message to motorists is simple and unwavering: if you get caught driving while impaired, you will be arrested. No exceptions.”

OFFICE OF THE SOLID WASTE DIRECTOR
 Packed and shipped out seven boxes containing 646 CFL light bulbs from our Universal Waste building.
 On July 1st all new Transfer Station Fee updates were made to our SMS system.
 Repairs have been made to concrete floor in the Transfer Station.
 Repairs have been made to sub pump in Transfer Station basement.
 All floor drains in Transfer Station have been cleaned and jetted.

OFFICE OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY DIRECTOR
 Cleaned a blocked storm drain pipe and basin on West Gay Street.
 Inspected the sewer lateral at 45 James Street.
 Inspected the sewer lateral at 56 Gay Street.
 Met with the owner at 61 Suffolk Street on Monday 6/30 to discuss connection of the property to the city sewer system.
 Continued investigation of the drainage system in and around Snow Marine Park.
 Worked with April Thibodeau, from the lab at the treatment plant, to set up a protocol for sampling and testing storm water runoff from Snow Marine Park.
 Inspected a new sewer connection at 57 Suffolk Street.

OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
 City receptacle and building trash picked up two days.
 Two catch basins replaced including drain pipes on Clarendon Street at intersection of South Main Street. Three days of work.
 Farley and Sons completed new granite curb and brick pavers for sidewalks on east side of Union Street between Museum Steet and Oak Street. Pavement work is in progress.
 Sweeping streets with Tymco machine for three days.
 Painting yellow lines on City streets for three nights including catch basins and arrows.
 Sign maintenance for two days.
 After hours call in on Thursday to remove a large tree limb that came down across Maple Street Extension.
 Cleaning culvert entrances, checking chain saws, etc. in preparation of potential heavy rain/wind from hurricane Arthur this holiday weekend.

OFFICE OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
 John and Chief Miceli did final inspections at the Claws restaurant and outside dining deck at 734 Main Street and at Cone Home, the ice cream shop next to Home Kitchen Café at 19 Main Street. Certificates of Occupancy and licenses have been issued for both.
 Gordon Page, from Rockland Main Street, forwarded an email from David to downtown businesses reminding them to get their annual Sidewalk Display and
Table permits. We have been busy with their applications and insurance certificates. We expect to check next week to be sure all permits have been secured where needed.
 No complaints were filed this week.
 The following permits were received by the Code Office this week:
o 6 Building permits
o 1 Driveway permit
o 3 Electrical permits
o 2 Plumbing permits
o 3 Street Excavation permit
o 3 Sidewalk Table and Chair permits
o 9 Sidewalk Display permits
o 1 Floodplain permit

OFFICE OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
 Reviewed development options in the City, potential plans, and opportunities to continue to encourage new investments.
 Reviewed and updated TIF investment Schedule, review same with City Manager.
 Reviewed status and advised on proceeding steps for Winter Street redevelopment.
 Organized and followed up for plans on speaker at July REDAC meeting.
 Met with Chair, Harbor Trail, confirmed agenda; followed up on same with consultants to design historic markers.
 Met with staff from MCEDD to review and follow up on projects including regional effort to consider MTI grant to assist IT and New Media companies.
 Met with two property owners in Downtown to review investment and redevelopment options and plans.
 Attended ribbon cutting for two new businesses, reached out to two other new businesses and drafted revised coordination for Welcome to Rockland and Ribbon Cuttings.

OFFICE OF THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE DIRECTOR
 Made referrals to Disability Advocacy Program.
 Updated General Assistance paperwork and client files.
 Handled General Assistance inquiries.
 Met with clients who had scheduled appointments.
 Made appointments for clients who did not have any scheduled.