Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — City Council began its Monday night session by presenting the 2008 Library Excellence Award by the Maine State Library Association to the staff of the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
HONORED FOR EXCELLENCE – The Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library was named the recipient of the 2008 Library Excellence Award by the Maine State Library Association. Here, Presque Isle City Council Chairman Ed Nickerson presents Sonja Plummer-Morgan, head librarian, with the award at Monday’s Council meeting.
Newly-elected Chairman Ed Nickerson presented the award to Sonja Plummer-Morgan, head librarian.
The library was selected by a panel of judges based on a number of criteria, including creativity, innovation and leadership programs that serve as models for other libraries.
“The library also received a $500 award with this,” said Plummer-Morgan.
Library employees were credited with going above and beyond to make the facility a topnotch operation.
“The library staff pushes themselves to give the city the best they can. It’s important to realize one of the products is the ability to create and innovate,” said Plummer-Morgan. “The environment in the city of Presque Isle fosters and nurtures creativity.”
Plummer-Morgan thanked City Manager Tom Stevens, the library Board of Trustees and City Council for all they do to make the library the success it is and that the award is proof of the library’s excellence.
“You’ve done an excellent job,” said Nickerson.
Councilors then moved on to other business, with all seven members voting in favor of amending Chapter 48 – General Assistance Ordinance to raise the maximum assistance levels per state requirements and in favor of amending Chapter 25 – International Building Code, Section 108, to increase the minimum building permit fee, adopt 2008 edition of National Electric Code and amend Section 10 to increase the minimum electrical permit fee.
After some discussion on the purpose of re-passing a number of ordinances due to sunset provisions, Council voted 6-1 in favor of re-passing several ordinances. Those supporting the vote included: Nickerson, Deputy Chair Jennifer Trombley, Councilors Walt Elish, Ron McPherson, Don Gardner and G. Melvin Hovey. Councilor Calvin Hall opposed the measure, concerned over the Council’s process.
“If we were truly doing our job, we’d be re-reading these and addressing matters that may have some changes. Instead, we’re just re-passing,” said Hall.
Stevens addressed Hall’s concerns.
“We try really hard to keep municipal ordinances up to date that way. I’ve talked to staff impacted by all these ordinances; they (the ordinances) provide benefit to health and safety. We believe there is a need for all of them (to re-pass),” said Stevens.
In the end, Council re-passed the following ordinances:
• Chapter 1 – City Seal Ordinance;
• Chapter 3 – Council Procedure Ordinance;
• Chapter 5 – Traffic Regulations Ordinance;
• Chapter 9 – License and Public Hearings Fees Ordinance;
• Chapter 18 – Fire Prevention Code Ordinance;
• Chapter 23 – Pawnbrokers Ordinance;
• Chapter 24 – Sidewalk Snow Removal Ordinance;
• Chapter 28 – Hawkers, Peddlers, Itinerant Vendors and Transient Sellers of Consumer Merchandise Ordinance;
• Chapter 29 – Licensing of Juke Boxes Ordinance;
• Chapter 35 – Curb Cuts Ordinance;
• Chapter 36 – Dogs Ordinance;
• Chapter 38 – Flood Management Ordinance;
• Chapter 40 – Conduct in Public Parks, Recreation Areas and Facilities Ordinance;
• Chapter 41 – Bike/Walker’s Path Ordinance;
• Chapter 41A – Special Amusement Ordinance;
• Chapter 46 – Addressing Ordinance;
• Chapter 47 – Restricting Vehicle Weight on Posted Ways Ordinance;
• Chapter 49 – Administration of Government Ordinance;
• Chapter 50 – Advisory Board Ordinance; and
• Chapter 56 – Changeable Sign Ordinance.
Chief Naldo Gagnon addressed Council regarding the position of animal control officer and whether there was a need to increase the ACO’s hours.
“Dan Corey does a fantastic job and is a great employee,” said Gagnon.
McPherson questioned Gagnon on the number of hours such an officer was needed.
“Do you feel, at this time, that his hours and what he is doing is sufficient for your needs?” asked McPherson.
“Yes, it is,” replied Gagnon.
“You (Gagnon) spelled it out. You don’t feel you need additional hours or another person,” noted Nickerson.
Under announcements, Nickerson indicated the following meetings were scheduled: Zoning Board – Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m.; Planning Board – Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.; and Presque Isle Development Fund – Feb. 25, at 4 p.m.
City offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 16, in observation of President’s Day. Offices will re-open for regular hours Feb. 17. The next City Council session is scheduled for Monday, March 2, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. For more information, contact 764-4485, e-mail nmcentee@presqueisleme.us or visit presquisle.goveoffice2.com.
