By Tim Hunter, Councilperson, Ward 1, Stevensville
I am writing in response to the letter “Fool me once” in your March 21, 2015 issue, submitted by Bob Michalson. I would like to respond to a few of the points in the letter.
• Regarding the sewer project referred to as being “over budget”, the remarks are misleading. The potential contractor’s bids did come in significantly higher than the engineer’s estimate. This is common for projects like this. Current bids for other similar projects around the state have also been higher than expected. The engineer’s estimate and the bid amounts are almost completely out of the control of the Mayor and Council. At the Council meeting we all listened to the engineers from HDR explain that the current rates would be able to absorb the increased cost in the near-term and that because of the excellent standing the Town has with the funding agencies, the proposed grant and loan package presented is very advantageous to the Town. Approximately 75% of the project will be funded with grants and low-interest loans. I say, great work. Thank you, Mr. Mayor!
• Regarding the Mayor’s compensation, Mr. Michalson, you have attended most of the meetings of the Ad-hoc Executive Compensation Committee. This committee was established to address what you call the “extra bonus” for the mayor. I have chaired this committee and as a group, we participated in an extensive evaluation of mayoral duties and responsibilities. Having attended the meetings and provided public comment, you, of all people, should be familiar with what is being done about this issue. At our last meeting you stated that you were OK with a proposed increase in the Mayor’s honorarium from $400 to $800 per month and an additional amount up to $800 per month when the Mayor is involved in special projects. This will be one of three options that the Committee will recommend to Council in our final report.
• Sidewalks are expensive to repair and as mandated by Stevensville Town Ordinance, the abutting property owner is responsible for the cost of maintaining them in good repair to allow safe travel by pedestrians. As major repairs are made, the property owner may be responsible to pay for 50% of the cost. Therefore, it is important to consider the monetary impact of these repairs on property owners and to set priorities wisely. As for the liability of bicycle riders and skateboarders using the street because the sidewalks are in disrepair, I think the comments are inaccurate. According to the Town Ordinances, bicycles and skateboards are not to be ridden on sidewalks in the central business district of the Town. On residential sidewalks, pedestrians always have the right of way. So, it appears to me that the proper, lawful place to ride bicycles and skateboards is in the street.
• Stevensville’s Main Street and Historic Downtown are indeed special and something to be proud of. Stevensville’s Main Street Association has played a major role in the success and vitality of our downtown. They are deserving of our support. A thriving business community is vital for the success of our Town and benefits all, regardless of income.
• The fact that things are running well at Town Hall and that the books are in order etc. would not be of major consequence except that this has not been the case in our recent past. This is indeed “new and improved” and the Mayor and Town staff should be commended for these major accomplishments. This is one of the reasons that the Town is in good standing with the funding agencies as mentioned in #1 above.
• The Town of Stevensville Personnel Policy Manual is a document that was developed by many individuals over several months. It was in need of revision, to comply with current laws and standards. It was reviewed and changes were made based on comments from council members, town employees and the general public. The approval of the manual was delayed due to concerns over job description protocols that were removed from the manual. These concerns were dealt with in Resolution 366, approved at the March 12 council meeting. Resolution 365, adopting the Personnel Policy Manual, was also approved at that meeting by unanimous vote of the Council. I am glad that we finally have these important documents in place, for the benefit of the Town and more importantly the Town’s employees.