Lisbon Town Council

Met Tuesday Night

Wage increase

Scoop: Following an executive session, councilors ratified a three-year labor contract with the Association of Federal, State and Municipal Employees which will increase wages for 10 employees (eight town office staff, one teen center employee, and the town park ranger) by 10 percent over the life of the pact which runs from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2010.

Wages will go up 3.5 percent the first year, 3.5 percent the second year, and 3 percent in the last year.

Fire damage

Issue: The owner of a house on Frost Hill Avenue that was heavily damaged by fire in January who was ordered to have it demolished under the town’s dangerous building ordinance, has been given several extensions in order to negotiate with his insurance company.
Scoop: Councilors tabled the issue until their Oct. 30 meeting noting that things appear to be moving along more positively for the owner, Raymond Siegler.

Absentee ballots

Scoop: An addendum to the Nov. election warrant was approved, allowing for absentee ballots to be cast on the day prior to the election.

Parks and rec ordinance

Scoop: New wording was approved in the parks and recreation ordinance adding the Bookworm garden behind the Lisbon Falls Library to the list of town parks.

General assistance rules

Issue: State law requires every municipality to update its general assistance ordinance each year to meet updated state guidelines.
Scoop: Councilors approved most of the updates, but did not adopt the portion pertaining to rental costs, which will be taken up at a later time.

American Legion rules

Scoop: Following public hearings, special entertainment and liquor license renewals were approved for the Slovak Catholic Association and Coombs’ Mountfort American Legion Post 158.

Library renovations

Scoop: Interim Town Manager David Brooks reported that the cost for renovations at the Lisbon Falls Library could come in under $10,000, well below the original projected cost of $26,800. This could change, he cautioned, because the condition of the foundation will not be known until it is excavated.
— Connie Footman