The Rockland Report March 13, 2015

OFFICE OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR
 Approved Payroll Warrant
 Attended Council Meeting
 City Manager, Attorney and I met with MLM to discuss future of Museum and
City’s involvement per order #17
 Met with City Manager – Finance Dept. Update
 Met Public Services to discuss Transfer Station Budget
 Worked on FY2016 Budget

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL FISH PIER DIRECTOR
 No permits were issued this week.
 Talked with Prock Marine to acquire updated cost estimates on the proposed
pilings and ladder work that is needed at pier.
 Met with a representative of ECO-ANALYSTS INC. who provides the procedures, process for the dredging project, bottom survey, last known dredging, may be able to use some of the findings from the channel dredging a few years back, etc. to the ARMY CORP. The ARMY CORP will say how many samples will be needed, where the core samples are to be taken, the type of analysis of core samples, etc. The finding of the samples will determine the permitting, dumping at sea dumping ground, or possible land fill.
 Met with Somatex Crane Services to go over the different types of free standing jib cranes and finalize the site locations with cost estimates.
 We are working with Audra Bell to have all required paper work for her to file the EDA Grant application.
 Users of pier are coming into office with general enquiries.

OFFICE OF THE HARBORMASTER
 As we get towards the deadline for “on-time” mooring permit renewals, it's been a steady stream of processing, and people coming in to pay. It's a good chance to talk to many of our boat owners and get reports back about how things are going. We are a bit over three quarters of the way there, after the next few days, they will pay a late fee when they renew.
 Met with a representative of the Lobster Festival to discuss accommodating our newest food vendor in Buoy Park.
 We've received a lease renewal request from Breakwater Kayak and the Sail and Steam Museum for the summer use of the old Sea Scout building.
 Met with contractors to discuss the water damage repairs to the harbor building.

OFFICE OF THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR
 Catinka Knoth’s Adult and the Children’s Art classes drew St. Patrick Day themes this week.
 The Memoir Writing Workshop was held on Tuesday. This group meets weekly, and is open to anyone who wants to write, share, or just listen.
 On Tuesday afternoon, the LEGO Club, led by LEGOMaster Jon, met; their theme this week was pirates. The program is getting so very popular that we are in need of more LEGOs, and would welcome donations.
 Here’s a teaser: we received some very exciting news about the Library’s Summer Reading Program this year; stay tuned to learn more about it as the Opening Celebration gets closer.
 Scott Michaud, of Michaud Electric replaced the lighting in the Community and Board rooms on the lower level, and the shared Staff Office on the main level, with energy efficient LED lighting. We are so happy to have this phase 1 of interior lighting for the Library completed. The light produced is quite lovely, as well as being an ongoing cost-saving measure. Members of the Energy Committee were on hand to pack up and dispose of the old materials.
 Judith Andersen was the guest storyteller once again, and Children’s Librarian
Jean Young reports that we are collecting quite a crowd, some of whom Jean
thinks are home schooled, as a number are older than our former group. Ms.
Young makes both an easy craft (was a large Happy St. Patrick’s Day sign to color for their kitchen fridge) and a more challenging one for the older set (coffee filter shamrocks made with pipe cleaners, filters, and paint ) available. Miss Judy read two St. Patrick’s Day books, Too Many Leprechauns: or How That Pot o’ Gold Got to the End of the Rainbow, by Stephen Krensky and Tomie DePaola’s Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato, an Irish Folktale. Dr. Andersen also read some old standbys: The Owl and the Pussycat, by Edward Lear illustrated by Jan Brett, Teddy’s Snowy Day, by Ian Beck, and Rosebud and Red Flannel, by Ethel Pochocki.
 Jean Young made the weekly trip to the North Haven Community School.
 The weekly Rockland Rhythm Masters Drumming Troupe was cancelled due to illness.
 Also on Thursday afternoon, Creative Crafts with Artist Susan Beebe. This week-- Royal Animals--participants played with collage to create a Queenly Cat or a Dignified Dog, or any animal they chose. Susan will lead a different project each Thursday afternoon in March.
 Patty King worked with Mary Ann Giasson and Howard Lowell (separately), the new part-time/on call/substitute assistants, to complete Mary Ann’s and continue Howard’s training.
 The scheduling of appointments for and hosting of the AARP Tax Aide Volunteer Income Tax continues; there are still some openings in March and April, but they are filling up fast. They are here on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
 The Thursday Evening Arts & Cultural Event was Exploring the Photography
Archives of the Penobscot Marine Museum. Kevin Johnson, photo archivist for the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport, Maine gave a guided tour of the
photography archives of the Penobscot Marine Museum. Penobscot Marine
Museum has the largest photography archives in the state. The slide show and talk looked at the various collections with a special focus on Rockland.
 Planting Seeds with Miss Jean took place on Saturday; this event was rescheduled from an earlier planned event.
 Friends’ Winter Clearance Book Sale—an entire bag of books for just $5.00!, with Bake Sale, was held on Saturday.
 Upcoming events of note: Poetry Month Rockland and a talk from Maine Writers & Publishers Cooperative, Independent Publishing for Maine Writers

OFFICE OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY DIRECTOR
 The treatment plant has been experiencing some difficulties this week caused by the snow melt and also some changes to the industrial flows.
 Plant flows increased from the average normal flows of 2 – 3 MGD to over 11 MGD
because of the melting snow.
 The lab did BOD & TSS testing for Northhaven and BOD testing for Vinalhaven.
 The DMR was submitted to the state.
 QC Services calibrated all lab equipment.
 Began experimental process adjustments to combat the snow melt and
troublesome industrial flows.
 Met with the City manager and representatives from Wright-Pierce to discuss their sewer/stormwater study.
 Participated in a presentation to the City Council by Wright-Pierce on the status of the ongoing sewer/stormwater and treatment plant study.
 Coordinated with the Fire Chief to review the facility’s emergency response plan and review and familiarize all fire department personnel with the hazards that exist at the facility.
 The treatment plant experienced a heating system leak in the headworks building that activated a heat detector for the fire alarm system. The fire department responded; the leak had been controlled when they arrived. Thayer Corporation was contacted and were able to make repairs.
 A new electrical outlet was installed near the filter press control panel as part of addressing items noted during the inspection by Allen Agency.
 Posted new copies of the city’s automobile safety rules in all vehicles.
 The new trailer mounted emergency generator was delivered and employees
were trained in how to operate it.
 The painting in the headworks building continues.

OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
 Building and receptacle trash pickup for one day.
 Cold patching potholes on city streets with a hot box crew all week primarily on the major routes.
 Picked up three loads of cold patch at All States Asphalt in Windsor.
 One Public Works crew consisting of 3 dump trucks and 2 loaders were hauling snow from sidewalks, roads, and parking lots to the Transfer Station for four days.
 Set up voting booths and tables at Recreation Center for Tuesday election.
Dismantled and stored the following day.
 Salted sidewalks for two days with sidewalk machine which was serviced with a one ton truck used for reloading the salt spreader.
 Assisted water company opening up catch basins that were plugged with snow
and setting road barricades for an 8 inch water line break on Talbot Avenue at
Lincoln Street.
 Sanding call-in on Thursday morning.
 Meeting with Gartley & Dorsky and CMP regarding coordination of pole #5
relocation on Winter Street as part of the project.
 Transfer Station Western Star tractor engine will need work after test results
determined that coolant is leaking in the oil. Pressure tested and looks to be a
head gasket issue. Currently obtaining estimates.
 Working on mailbox and sign repairs for two days.
 Meeting with City Manager to review Public Works/Transfer Station operations.
 Backhoe crew working most of the week opening brooks, ditches, and catch
basins that were plugged with snow.
 Preparing all trucks and equipment on Friday for predicted snow/rain event over the weekend.
 Michaud Electric repaired wiring in chemical building after a problem with heater thermostat.
 Sewer backup call-in Thursday night on Shaw Avenue. Determined to be a
private lateral issue at this time. Homeowners were going to contact Interstate
Septic.

OFFICE OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
 The Code Office received a Site Plan Review Application for Conditional Use from Michael LaPosta and Cheryl Michaelsen to convert a former Nursing
Home/Assisted Living Facility to a Bed & Breakfast at 73 Talbot Avenue. The
Planning Board will review this application at its meeting April 7, 2015.
 John emailed the State Fire Marshall's Office for clarification on short-term rentals in apartment buildings.
 John sent an email to the State Electrical Board asking about adapting existing
fluorescent light fixtures to self-ballasted LED bulbs. New wiring has to bypass the built-in fluorescent ballasts.
 John did a walk-through inspection of the project at O'Hara's 130 Tillson Avenue property. He spoke to the engineer for clarification on one matter and it was discovered that structural plans have been recently updated. An updated set
was requested and received.
 John did a walk-through inspection of the construction of the new hotel at 250
Main Street. He also spoke to the site manager regarding construction notes for
structural masonry.
 John spoke with the owner of 475 Main Street to get a better understanding of the drainage problem at this property.
 John spoke with the owner of a duplex who rents half of the owner-occupied
building by the week in the summer. Questions about the proposed ordinance
were answered to clear up a misunderstanding.
 John spoke to a realtor involved with a property on Grace Street that is going up for auction on Friday. He felt it would not be likely that the bank would receive the violation notices before the auction so the agent will try to get some contact information so that this information is known before the auction.
 The Code Office received a Site Plan Review Application from ADZ, LLC as an amendment request to their approved plan for the Boutique Hotel at 250 Main
Street. The amendment involves stairways to access the rooftop for hotel guests.
The Planning Board will review this request at its meeting April 7, 2015.
 John attended the Comprehensive Planning Commission meeting on 3/12.
 There were two complaints filed this week.
 The following permits were received by the Code Office this week:
o 2 Building permits
o 2 Electrical permits

OFFICE OF THE RECREATION DIRECTOR
 There will be a new art program starting Tuesday the 17th. The instructor is renting the room downstairs next to the game room and running classes on Tuesday and Thursday each week.
 The Saturday Art Studio has finished the panel for the Island Institute and it should be hung up next week. Look for it in the window.
 I have been working with Tim Adams at Rockland Savings Bank on setting up a scholarship program for the Summer Day Camp. This week Tim called to let me know that they are going to sponsor 4 kids for the entire summer. This generous donation is more than I imagined and will be around $4,000.
 We are getting geared up for two big weekends here at the Recreation Building. The last two weekends of March are our 5/6 Grade Invitational Basketball Tournaments. Things will be crazy for the next couple of weeks.

OFFICE OF THE CITY ASSESSOR
 Processed Real Estate Transfers, updating parcel cards, sales book,
property splits.
 Processed Personal Property accounts, updating ownership, owned items,
depreciation, State BETR’S 801 returns, BETE exemptions.
 Processed 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 property owner’s request.
 Updating Tax Maps and posting to the web site.
 There is one appeal from Wal-Mart to the State Board that is waiting
scheduling.
 There are two appeals that I am waiting for information. They are, Ocean
State, Trade Winds.

OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF
In addition to the general response to fire and EMS calls, conducting apparatus
checks, daily cleaning, routine repairs and maintenance to the fleet and of the
quarters, the following occurred:
 C Shift deployed barricades at Oceanside High School to ensure emergency
vehicle access during their Drama Competition over the weekend.
 I met with a member of the Historical Society to review their emergency plans and suggest some modifications.
 Investigated four dispatch “issues” to ensure consistent service is being delivered to those who call 911 for services in Rockland. All issues were addressed satisfactorily.
 During our weekly check on Friday rust was discovered in the rocker panels on
 Car 1. A/C Elwell investigated further and found significant corrosion that will
prevent the vehicle from getting its next inspection sticker. Upon speaking to
Rockland Ford it appeared that the fix would cost over $1,000, so as he’s done so
many times before, A/C Elwell has found aftermarket parts ($89) and will perform the needed surgery in-house at a significant savings.
 On Sunday the Firefighter’s Union (Local #1584) held their third Annual
Chili/Chowder Cook-off at Trackside. The event was another big success, raising
around $2,000 for MDA.
 I met with City Manager Chaousis on Tuesday to provide insight into how we
provide Fire & EMS services to the City and the issues the department faces both
in the short and long term.
 I had a meeting with Jennifer Rockwell to review the prep kitchen facility in the lower level of 435 Main, how it will be used and the requisite safeties that need to be in place. I’m confident that a solution that meets their needs and the Code are well within grasp.
 Wednesday night’s FD drill was over the proper time and procedure for
announcing fireground emergency. These “Mayday” and “Urgent” drill ensure our members know what to do when they need immediate help, see an immediate
hazard or hear a call for help from one of our own. Nationally, we as a fire service have proven that we’re often too proud (most likely) or too stupid (extremely rare) to request help early enough to save ourselves. Being on a limited supply of air in a rapidly deteriorating building requires you have no shame when something goes wrong. We owe it to our Brother and Sister firefighters who’ve died in the line of duty to learn from their mistakes.

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Officers responded to 224 calls for service. Rockland Police Officers responded to 11 motor vehicle crashes and 4 animal complaints. Forty-One (41) traffic stops and traffic violations were conducted. Officers charged or made arrests of 15 individuals for various offenses, to include Warrant of Arrest, Criminal Mischief, Domestic Assault, Bail violations Traffic offenses and Operating under the Influence.
 The Rockland Police Department and Bureau of Highway Safety wish to remind you of some General Safety Tips for all Pedestrians
 Look and Listen
Accidents involving pedestrians occur throughout the year because of pedestrian
inattention and carelessness. Always be alert while walking and don’t assume that motorists, bikers and other pedestrians can see you.
 See and be seen - Dress brightly
o Do not assume that motorists can see you.
o Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking at dusk, dawn, or
night.
o Carry a flashlight if you are walking at night.
o Stay out of a driver's blind spot at all times.
o Make eye contact with motorists when crossing the street.
o Do not let children play near traffic or cross the street by themselves.
Children are small, and drivers may not see them if they run into the street.
 Walk on the sidewalk - Walk against traffic if necessary
The sidewalk is the safest place for pedestrians to walk. You should always walk on the sidewalk if one is available. If you must walk on or near a road, remember to walk against the flow of traffic. This allows you to see oncoming traffic and to
react if necessary.
 When crossing the street, use a crosswalk
Properly located and warranted marked crosswalks are the safest places for
pedestrians to cross the road because they are more visible and motorists are
more aware that a pedestrian may be crossing. Maine law requires motorists to
yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Even though motorists must yield, it is important to wait, look both ways, make eye contact, and proceed only when you know it is safe. When at a crosswalk with a signal, wait for the WALK signal before crossing the street. It is very unsafe to jaywalk diagonally across any intersection. The safest crossing points will have:
o Enough room for you to stand back from the roadway
o Crosswalks that are clearly defined on the pavement
o Crossing signals that indicate when you should cross
o A crossing guard to stop traffic to allow you to cross
o Allow plenty of time to cross streets
When crossing the street it is important to allow enough time to cross from
one side to the other even when using a crosswalk. A signalized crosswalk
usually allows plenty of time to cross the street, however be aware of how
much time the signal allows you. A crossing guard gives you as much time
as you need to cross the street.
 Walk defensively
Don't simply assume that motorists know that by law, pedestrians have the right-ofway.
Many of them don't. Be on guard at all times as a pedestrian.
 Don’t be distracted
As a pedestrian, it is easy to be distracted by your environment, listening to music, talking on a cell phone. However it is important to remain alert and aware of your surroundings in order to remain safe. Pay attention to traffic and other hazards of the road.
 Watch out for cars
Both pedestrians and motorists have responsibilities when using the roadways.
Operating a motor vehicle is very difficult. It is easy to become distracted behind
the wheel. Motorist distractions are a primary cause of pedestrian crashes.
Therefore as a pedestrian, do not assume that motorists see you. Make yourself
visible and don’t assume the right of way.
 Be alert to engine noise
Parked vehicles pose a major threat to pedestrians. Be aware of cars that have
turned on their engines, they will be pulling out soon. Be alert
For More Information
 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Pedestrian Safety
Resources
 MaineDOT Resources

OFFICE OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
 Met with Arts in Rockland to discuss collaborations on projects (i.e. Arts & Cultural Plan & Public Art).
 Met with the Farnsworth regarding potential partnership on downtown
infrastructure projects.
 Meeting on reuse and redevelopment planning of assessed brownfields sites with waterfront property owner.
 Discussion with Camden National Bank on partnership to develop a program that will provide technical assistance, training and business advice to start up,
emerging and growing businesses in Rockland.
 Progressed discussions with neighboring communities on regional high speed
internet planning study.
 Attended the Harbor Trail Ad Hoc Committee Meeting.
 Attended FMC’s Community Advisory Panel Meeting.
 Attended the Comprehensive Planning Commission Meeting.

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