Group: Lisbon Town Council

Cemetery water

Issue: Water commissioners have implemented changes and improvements required of all cemeteries prior to activation of water service connections for the 2007 season, including installation of water meters. It was noted that this was being done not as much as a revenue issue as a water conservation issue and that the water department will pay the cost of the meters, $68.90.

The scoop: Councilors voted that the town will pick up the remaining $376 each in costs related to the installation of the meters at six cemeteries.

Budget action

Issue: Under the new town charter, the 2007-2008 municipal and school budget proposals must be adopted by May 29.

The scoop: Councilors continued preparations for a final public hearing on the town’s $7,139,295 budget, which is up 4 percent over last year. The proposed school budget is $14,828,288 plus $154,826 for adult education, up 2.2 percent. Taking offsetting revenues into consideration, if adopted, the tax will remain flat at $24.25 per $1,000 valuation, Town Manager Curtis Lunt said.

What’s next: A public hearing on both budgets will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Lisbon Community School on Mill Street.

Community center

Issue: Grounds surrounding MTM Community Center, which is mostly a gravel playground area, is in need of improvements.

The scoop: It was voted to appropriate $15,000 from existing funds to implement a proposal by the recreation director to restore the grounds with landscaping, grass, and adding picnic tables, playground equipment, improve the basketball court and add a volleyball court to make it into the MTM Center Park. The project is expected to be completed within the next two months.

Ordinance updates

Issue: The town is updating and revising numerous ordinances since changing to a town council.

The scoop: Councilors adopted a new ethics and conflicts interest code; adopted minor amendments to two other chapters and amended Chapter 50, traffic and vehicles, to allow two-hour parking on the east side of Booker Street for a distance of 140 feet. Tabled for legal review were proposed changes in the manufactured housing ordinance.

License renewals

Issue: The town requires annual renewal of licenses for various businesses.

The scoop: The liquor license for Good Times Lanes was renewed; and 30 victualers’ licenses were renewed.

– Connie Footman