Residents seek relief from land-use rules

     PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Members of the City Council were made aware of issues some residents are having with the existing land use and development code. Residential structures within the city are to be at least 30 feet away from the main road. Loosening this requirement is what some citizens suggested at Monday’s regular meeting.
“It will help a lot of people,” Presque Isle resident Jerry Bard said.
Also during public comment portion of the July 7 meeting, residents Carol and Mike MacPherson stated their concerns and opinions about the condition of the concrete steps located in front of City Hall. Carol MacPherson, who works on the second floor of the building, suggested setting money aside for regular maintenance and politely asked the council to handle the situation before the condition of the steps worsened. The estimated cost to permanently fix the stairs is $35,000.
In other business, labor contracts with Teamsters Local 340, Airport Unit, Public Works Unit, Police Sergeants Unit and Solid Waste Unit, were approved. Both Judy Smith and Dwayne Singletary were appointed to the planning board in replacement of those leaving at the end of their term. The agreement with Maine Department of Transportation for sidewalk construction was approved. A sidewalk will soon be installed on the east side of Main Street (U.S. Route 1) from the Hampton Inn to Maysville Street.
A request for proposals for the relocation of municipal offices was discussed and authorized. Council members discussed office space needed as well as what to and not to include in the description as to leave room for a variety of options. The request for proposal for sale and redevelopment of City Hall was authorized as well. A mutual agreement with the Maine Forest Service was authorized. Funding of the indoor pool demolition was approved along with the post insurance compliance policy.
A special permit for music, dancing and entertainment for KBS Enterprises, Inc., dba the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center, was also passed with all council members in favor.
The 2014 warrants 21-25, totaling $1,338,015.65 were approved along with the MSAD 1 budget validation referendum return of votes cast. The Maine Municipal Association Legislative Policy Committee Ballot was approved as well as the request to close portions of Main Street on Aug. 21 during the upcoming Balloon Fest. The resignation of Ronald McArdle from the Presque Isle Housing Authority Board of Commissioners was approved as well.
City Manager Jim Bennett discussed changes in insurance costs that will be taking place in the near future for municipal employees.
Health insurance for 2014 shall be implemented as follows: Single, 85 percent city/15 percent employee; employee and child, 70 percent city/30 percent employee; and family, 70 percent city/30 percent employee. In 2015, the city’s share of the health insurance coverage will drop to 80 percent for single employees and remain at 70 percent for employee plus child and family options.
The city will also contribute towards a health reimbursement account (HRA) for each employee enrolled in the plan as follows: Single, $1,800; employee and child, $3,600; and family, $3,600. However, each employee will be responsible for the first dollars applied to the deductible as follows: $200 for single; and $400 for family and/or employee and child. The figures do not change in 2015.
The stipend for not taking insurance will remain as it currently exists. Also, the city credits employees with 19 or more years of service $25 per week towards health insurance in 2014. The longevity credit increases to $35 per week in 2015.
Bringing the meeting to a close, Councilor Mike Chasse discussed a fund-raising event for the Community Center called the Alumni Challenge. Graduates of Presque Isle High School are encouraged, and will be a part of this fundraiser. More details will become available.
The next City Council Meeting will be held Monday, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. at City Hall in the Council Chambers.