Fund raisers needed
for PI’s Community Center project
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — City Council continues to look for interested parties to lead fund-raising efforts for the proposed Community Center.
At the June 4 meeting, City Manager Jim Bennett told councilors efforts to find a person or persons willing to head up the project have been unsuccessful.
“Staff (city employees) approached a couple who might be co-chairs, but haven’t had much success. Until we get those, it’s kind of hard to get volunteers,” said Bennett, noting he was “putting the ball back in Council’s court to come up with ideas.”
“We can figure out however you want to work it. In order to make this a reality, we’ll have to have some help,” Bennett said.
City Council Chair Emily Smith indicated councilors would try to come up with some suggestions and would try to think of parties who might be able to aid in leading fund-raising efforts.
The project is expected to cost over $7 million, with half coming from funds raised from donations and outside sources, with taxpayers picking up the remainder of the cost through taxes.
In other business, Council:
• Amended Chapter 16 — Land Use and Development Code, Chapter 1, Section 6 — Aircraft Hazard Zone;
• Held the first public hearing on amending Chapter 48 — General Assistance Ordinance. A second hearing has been scheduled for July’s meeting;
• Approved a special permit for music, dancing and entertainment for KBS Enterprises, d/b/a Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center, located on South Main Street;
• Approved consent agenda items 12-148 through 12-150;
• Approved a pole location permit for Maine Public Service Company;
• Nominated Bennett to Maine Municipal Association’s Legislative Policy Committee;
• Appointed Larry Perry to the Zoning Board of Appeals to fill the unexpired term of Kari Wells-Puckett, with term expiring Dec. 31, 2012;
• Approved a request to permit the police department to back-fill the patrol officer position that will be vacated by the officer selected to fill an MDEA position;
• Approved the reallocation of $6,000 within the Presque Isle Fire Department’s reserve account to permit the purchase of equipment and training for the servicing and inspection of fire extinguishers;
• Heard a presentation on the Capital Improvement Plan presented by Bennett and Deputy City Manager Martin Puckett;
• Discussed a report on staffing at the fire department;
• Authorized the city manager to continue working on a facade grant program which would promote restoration of downtown structures, through a low-interest loan program, with loans reviewed by the Presque Isle Development Fund; and
• Authorized Bennett to provide a letter of commitment from the city for the Presque Isle Snowmobile Club to apply for a grant for funds to buy a new groomer. The terms would be $2,000 a year for five years. Bennett noted that “in reality, the money would come from snowmobile registrations.”
In the manager’s report, Bennett told councilors Police Chief Matt Irwin had submitted paperwork to the proper authorities to decertify the jail cells, thus reducing expenses.
Bennett also indicated in his report that work continues with the consultants regarding the downtown plan and that plans are under way for the consultants to come up and present additional information at a future date.
Council meets the second Monday in July, on the 9th, due to the holiday. The meeting will be held at City Hall at 6 p.m. The public is welcome. For information, call 760-2785 or visit www.presqueisle.govoffice2.com.
