News

Town Manager's Report
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
Written and Submitted by Mitchell A. Berkowitz

Town Meets with the Department of Labor:

The Director of Buildings and Grounds and the Town Manager met with a representative of the Departments Bureau of Labor Standards on July 28 to review the Town's efforts to abate the violations that had been cited in their February inspection. As a result of the two hour meeting, the representative indicated that he would recommend to the Commissioner that all fines and penalties be reduced to -$0- since the Town 's response was both thorough and comprehensive. The Town was facing fines and penalties of about $5,025 but through the abatement and compliance process expended over $7,600 in equipment purchases and services plus close to $10,000 of staff time. The Town must assure continued compliance in the future.

Code Enforcement Officer Hired:

Paul White who has been under part time contract with the Town of Gray to provide code enforcement services has accepted the position on a full time basis as an employee of the Town. Effective August 1, Paul will continue his efforts to reduce the turn around time on all requests for permits. In addition, Paul will be working some evenings to complete permit applications.

Paul brings to this position his certifications and several years of Code Officer experience in Raymond and Frye Island as well as having been the Chair of his Planning Board for three years in Raymond. The interview committee unanimously concurred with this appointment.

Public Works Promotion:

It was a privilege to for me to promote Mr. Art St. Cyr to Crew Leader in the Public Works Department. Art has been with the Town for many years and was recommended by Steve LaVallee to fill in for Charlie Kimball who has been on a Family Medical Leave.

During his six month probationary period Art will continue to learn more of being a crew leader and work with Steve as they prepare for the balance of summer road work and preparations for next winter. During the next two months the Town will be advertising for a full time entry level-Driver/Operator position for the Department.

Loss of Power and Gray Village Protocols:

A few weeks ago during an electrical power loss, a citizen voiced their concern about traffic controls when we lose electrical power. Contrary to their comments, both the County and State Police were present at different times during the July 12 power loss. More importantly, Chief Barton has had a protocol in place when such events occur.

This also included the assignment of our own Public Safety personnel when the County or State Police personnel are not available and the duration of the outage is expected to be lengthy.

Annual Report Project:

Each year at this time the new Annual Report is started. It reflects the information, reports and audit for the year just ending June 30, 2005. Included in that report is the Report of the Chair. Because of the turnover in the Council, Chair Foster might consider contacting the previous Chair to discuss the items to be reported on. Staff is also working on their Department reports and all of the reports shall be turned into the Manager's office at the end of August. The Report will be printed and available by the end of October.

Rt. 202 Pavement Markings:

After several calls to both the Turnpike Authority and the MDOT, I have been informed that both agencies will work together to repaint the pavement markings on Rt. 202 in the vicinity of Exit 63. This has become a serious safety issue since vehicle operators are not paying attention to the signage in that area. The work is scheduled for Wednesday, August 3 with a rain date of August 4 in the late evening hours.

Library Hosts Author:

On Saturday, August 6 the Gray Public Library will close at noon so that all may participate in the book signing and lecture by Maine author Tess Gerritsen. Miss Gerritsen has also been on the list by New York Times. Her stories are medical mystery novels. This program commences at 2:00 PM at Stimson Hall. All are invited to attend.

Respectfully,

Mitchell A. Berkowitz
Town Manager