LISBON — Town councilor gave initial approval Tuesday to increase their annual compensation by 33%.
They unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance amendment which would raise compensation for the chairperson from $1,800 to $2,400 and for other members from $1,500 to $2,000.
Chairman Harry Moore said the new pay would equate to roughly $25 per meeting for the chairperson and $20 per meeting for others. This doesn’t include workshops and other events that councilors participate in, he said.
“This is just a way to try to get a little bit more compensation for our time and our efforts,” Moore said, clarifying that an amended policy would not increase pay for the current council.
“It might encourage more people to run for positions,” Councilor Christine Caine added.
Compensation for councilors was established in 2006 and has not been changed since, according to Councilor Mark Lunt.
Resident Normand Albert questioned the need for the increase.
“I think it’s not unreasonable as a taxpayer to ask, what was your justification?” he said.
At the end of the meeting during a second public comment, Albert indicated he was not satisfied with the councilors’ explanation.
In other business, Councilor JoJean Keller told the council that Library Director Diane Nadeau is retiring after 36 years with the town. Next week is her last week.
Cataloger Cyndi Medlen will also leave Thursday. Children’s Librarian Bill Meakin will be the interim library director.
During the meeting, the council voted to accept a bid from Environmental Restoration Services for $24,000 to demolish a fire-damaged building at 6 Union St.
Owner Hansel Garcia was given 45 days to demolish the dangerous building at a meeting in May following a fire Feb. 4 that left the duplex uninhabitable and two families without a home. Since Garcia did not demolish the building during the allotted period, the town has hired a contractor to do it.
The town plans to place a lien on the property to receive repayment for the work when the property is sold, Town Manager Glenn Michalowski said. The town could also pursue a foreclosure process, he said.
Councilors said previously that they wanted to see the building torn down as soon as possible due to concern for safety. Much of the building’s roof roof has collapsed.
Michalowski said it is unlikely that the demolition will be completed before the Moxie Festival beginning July 9.
The council also accepted a bid to purchase two police cruisers from Massachusetts-based Colonial Municipal Group at $83,335.
Councilors also approved three-year contracts to provide animal control services to Sabattus and Bowdoin. Lisbon also provides animal control services for Durham.
Police Chief Ryan McGee praised the program and said revenue from the three towns helps to offset Lisbon’s animal control costs.
At the start of the meeting, John Curtis was honored as Lisbon’s 2023 recipient of the Spirit of America Award. Curtis has been a longtime volunteer for the MTM center, for the senior center and in many community events.
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