Our first online quarterly newsletter was very successful. We have had many new people sign up to receive information regarding the Town of Lisbon. If anyone would like to include events in our newsletter please submit them to rbradley@lisbonme.org. Be sure to include as much information as possible. Ideas and suggestions for this communication tool are always welcome. Enjoy! |
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| Did you know.....you can pick your own strawberries right here in Lisbon at Little Ridge Farm on the Gould Road? Support your local farmers and eat locally grown foods. |
From the Manager's Desk
This is our second quarterly report and the Town of Lisbon has been a very busy place. This time of year is budget time, which is always a challenge in good times, but with the economic times we are experiencing it has become even more of a challenge. I would like to highlight some parts of the budget process and inform you about what we have been doing and outline some of the challenges we are facing.
We started the budget process with the review of the Capital Improvement Process or CIP. The process has always been to look at the life of vehicles, equipment, buildings and roads and determine the replacement time, costs and needs. Most of all the higher priced items have always been financed over a period of years, which also creates interest costs. The Fire Department has in place a "pay as you go" program, which puts money aside each year so when the time comes to replace or repair an item, the money is available in the CIP Account. They are the only department that currently does this. The goal of the committee is to get all of the CIP items on a "pay as you go" program, which will save the town money. That is the basis of our Bond Initiative this year.
The operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year has been the most difficult budget I have worked on and I am sure one of the most difficult for all departments and Council members. The start of the budget this year was to look at our revenue side of the budget and then work into the expense side to determine just what we can afford. This year we began with approximately a $977,000 shortfall, due to the economy. Much of our revenues come from state revenue sharing and other state programs. Excise tax collection is our other larger source of revenue. These sources, along with numerous other smaller areas of revenue, help us to offset what we will need to collect for taxes.
The goal of the management team was foremost to keep the tax level flat, to maintain the same level of service, move our infrastructure forward and address the needed items that have been ignored, move to a "pay as you go" CIP and to maintain as many jobs as we could. I feel that we have successfully done this. This would not have been possible without the commitment of all the employees. I am so impressed with the quality of the people that work for the Town of Lisbon. They have all pulled together and accepted a 0% increase in wages and also accepted a change to the medical insurance program that is less costly to them and the town. All of these measures help save jobs. We are all looking at this upcoming year and how to get through it, but we are also planning for the future. Department heads are working on alternative ideas that will save us money and continue our level of service to the citizens of Lisbon.
Some of these new ideas encompass working with our regional partners, improving our technology and making access to data available to the public without coming to the town office. All of these concepts will enhance our community and will put us in a better position for the future.
Our location in Central Maine, between two major service centers and along the Androscoggin River, is an asset that we must use to grow and attract business and new families. This all ties in to the quality of what we provide in services and quality of place. Even with the down turn in the economy Lisbon has seen business growth and continues to have a lot of interest from businesses looking to expand. I am encouraged by the "can do" attitude of the employees and am confident that we will weather these difficult times and continue to grow and provide a quality place for all.
Respectfully,
Steve Eldridge
Town Manager
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| Did you know.....Lisbon Falls has a hidden gem on Main Street - the Maine Art Glass Studio? There is also an insect and butterfly museum that is unbelievable. It is a must see. |
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Lisbon Shaping Future
The Lisbon Revitalization Committee held the second Community Visioning Session on Saturday, March 14th at Lisbon Community School. Although it was a beautiful, sunny Saturday, committed citizens attended the session to voice their ideas and suggestions and to continue to provide necessary information to create a strategic plan and mission statement for the community.
The topics that were discussed included: parks/recreation, public services, education/cultural, economic/community development, housing/agriculture/land use, municipal services and infrastructure.
The reasons for the visioning sessions were explained and how important it is for a community to have a plan in place. A plan is necessary not only for planning purposes but more importantly to compete for available funding opportunities. Without these funding options it would be nearly impossible for municipalities to complete many projects they pursue. The "matching" funds concept was clarified and explained to the group.
The Main Street Maine program was outlined and an explanation of how beneficial the program can be for a community. There is a lot of preliminary planning that needs to be completed before the town can even apply. Community participation is vital for this program. This program focuses on a four point approach for downtown revitalization: organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring. There are currently nine Main Street communities that include: Bath, Skowhegan, Waterville, Van Buren, Norway, Saco, Gardiner, Biddeford and Eastport.
The subject of taxes, investment and incentives were discussed. It is difficult for people to understand that money needs to be invested in certain projects that will have a benefit or return but it might not be immediately. Taxpayers are feeling squeezed and we all understand that. Nobody wants taxes to increase. The only way to continue a certain level of services without raising taxes is to increase the tax base. When development occurs and businesses locate here, not only do they provide jobs for the citizens, they pay taxes and increase the revenue to the town. This will impact your taxes directly.
Taxes that citizens pay to their municipality are not just in support of one or two services; they are buying into and supporting their whole community. The visioning sessions are a great way to determine what the "whole community" should include and what it should look like.
Also discussed were infrastructure issues, concerns and planning processes. Development projects and opportunities, smart growth concepts, parking concerns and agriculture ideas were all topics with lively discussions.
Some people have commented that now is not the time for this. We disagree. What better time for this? If we plan now, when things turn around, Lisbon will be ready to move with a plan in place. Other communities will not be ready because they felt that now is not the time. Let's not be one of those communities left behind. Let's be proactive. Let's plan now. Let's be ready when the time does come so we can take advantage of those funding opportunities when they arise.
Each citizen has a responsibility to make your community the best it can be for today and more importantly for future generations. Many communities across the country have totally reformed their towns with a commitment of citizens and institutions that worked collaboratively to make it happen. Lisbon can too.
There will be one more Community Visioning Session held on Thursday, April 2nd from 9am to noon at the Town Hall for citizens to have input. The final session, where the committee provides the data to the community to prioritize and draft a mission statement, takes place on Tuesday, May 12th from 6pm to 9:30pm at Lisbon Community School.
Just imagine for a moment what your community could be at its very best! Let's work together and commit to making Lisbon the best possible place to live, work and play.
For information on joining the revitalization committee or on the visioning sessions contact Rosie Bradley at 353-3000 ext. 122 or by email to rbradley@lisbonme.org. |
| Did you know......there are over 300 acres at Beaver Park? Swimming, hiking, fishing, picnicing all right in your back yard - no need to travel. Play local and save gas! |
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Activities at Beaver Park
Beaver Park was enjoyed by many local residents this past winter season. The abundance of snow provided excellent conditions for cross-country skiing on the 10 miles of groomed ski trails. Snow shoeing was also very popular for families using the park. The snow storms offered beautiful scenery and the signs of wildlife were abundant along the trails.
Now it is time to look forward to spring and summer activities at the park. Although the park does not staff a lifeguard and swimmers swim at their own risk, the two swimming ponds provide a refreshing dip on those hot summer days. The ponds are also stocked with brook trout and have native bass waiting for anglers to come dip a line. The trails are signed and offer an easy hike through the pine oak forest. Dogs are welcomed on walks in the park, but not on the beaches, the field during activities, parking areas or tied to trees. In other words, the park is a great place to come walk your dog, take it for a swim in the pond next to the ranger station, then take the dog home and please clean up after the dog does its business.
Upcoming planned activities are:
May 3, 2009 - The 23rd Annual Beaver Park Fishing Derby.
May 6, 2008 - Guided trail walks every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
May 31, 2009 - Guided Wildflower Walk starting at 3:00 p.m.
June 24, 2009 - Beaver Park Summer Camp for 3rd and 4th graders, meeting on Wednesdays for 6 weeks from 1: 00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
New Beaver Park Family Passes will be available on April 1, 2009. Park user fees are $1.00 per person per day for residents of Lisbon, $3.00 per person per day for non-residents of Lisbon and family passes are $15.00 per year for residents and $30.00 per year for non-residents. The passes are valid from April 1-March 31.
For more information on Beaver Park activities or pass information contact Verla Brooks, Park Ranger at 353-9075.
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| Did you know....that Aubuchon Hardware has a new line of Purina Farm & Feed products? No need to drive, it is right here in Lisbon. Shopping local, keeps jobs local. |
Citizen Police Academy in Full Swing
Participants are processing a mock crime scene
Jerry Patch uses the "fatal vision" goggles to
simulate how someone's balance is
affected while under the influence
The Lisbon Police Department has begun its 2nd Citizen Police Academy. There were twenty-two applications received to take part in the CPA however the class is proceeding with eighteen(18) active citizen participants. The CPA meets every Tuesday evening for three(3) hours at the police department and classes will continue thru May 8th. To date, the participants have received instruction in the areas of ethics, hiring process, K-9, dispatch communications, patrol functions and criminal investigations. Upcoming classes will include a mock crime scene, OUI, drug identification, the court system, accident investigations and much more. Further information will be available after the conclusion of the program.
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| Did you know....A Lisbon business was featured in Downeast Magazine? Maurice Bonneau's Sausage Kitchen was featured in the November 2002 edition and called the tastiest sausage in Maine. They were absolutely right! |
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GRAZIANO'S CELEBRATES |
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40TH ANNIVERSARY |
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When people think of Lisbon they typically think of Graziano's or maybe Moxie. Graziano's is celebrating their 40th Anniversary and is a family owned and operated business.
Graziano's boasts the largest collection of boxing and sports memorabilia in the northeast. Along with the relaxing atmosphere and interesting decor, Graziano's serves the best Italian food around and does so with excellent customer service from all of the employees.
Graziano's has catering services and a room to host meetings and parties. Lisbon is very fortunate to have Graziano's as a mainstay and important piece of the community.
During the month of March there will be specials and giveaways in recognition of their 40 years in business. Stop by and congratulate them on this momentous occasion.
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| Did you know.....Dr. Mike's Madness Cafe is now open and the decor' and food is marvelous? Shopping local strengthens your community! |
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UPCOMING EVENTS
April 2
Community Visioning Session
9am - noon Town Hall
May 3
Annual Beaver Park Fishing Derby
9am -11:30 Beaver Park - Middle Pond
May 6 and every Tuesday & Thursday
Guided Walks at Beaver Park
7am - 8am
May 12
Community Visioning Session
Final results presentation
6pm - 9:30pm Lisbon Community School
May 31
Wildflower Walk at Beaver Park
3pm Meet at Park Entrance
June 24
Beaver Park Summer Camp (3rd & 4th grades)1:00pm-3:00pm on Wednesdays for 6 weeks
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| Did you know.....Lisbon Falls has a florist for all your floral and gift needs and they deliver? Contact Lisbon Falls Florist today. Shop Local and keep your community working! |
23rd ANNUAL BEAVER PARK FISHING DERBY
The 23rd Annual Beaver Park Fishing Derby will be held May 3, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All participants must be 15 years old or younger and parents must accompany the children. The derby will take place at the Middle Pond. Parents who will be helping small children fish must have a valid fishing license. Registration for the derby will be the morning of May 3rd and the event is free of charge. Prizes will be awarded. For more information, please call Verla Brooks at 353-9075.
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KORA SHRINE CIRCUS
DISCOUNT TICKETS FOR
LISBON BUSINESSES AND FAMILIES
Great opportunity for businesses and families to obtain circus tickets at a discounted price. Businesses can use them as promotional items for their employees or customers. Everyone loves the circus.
A book of 5 tickets is usually $40. You can get a book of 5 tickets for only $30. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Mike Cote at the Lisbon Town Office or call him at 353-3000 ext. 111 or after 4:30pm call 353-9455.
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We hope you enjoyed this edition of the Lisbon quarterly newsletter. Feedback is always encouraged to improve on this communication tool. Your ideas and suggestions are welcomed. If you have any events you would like to add to our calendar please submit them.
Cheers,
Rosie Bradley
Town of Lisbon | |
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Please take a moment to complete the comprehensive survey on our website at www.lisbonme.org.
This is the Community Visioning survey. If you do not have internet access you may use the public computers at the Library or you may request a paper copy by calling 353-3000 ext. 122.
Your input is invaluable and necessary. Thank you for your time.
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DEPARTMENT REPORTS & UPDATES
Transfer & Recycling
Wayne Ricker, Director |
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The Transfer & Recycling center will be holding the annual sale for backyard compost bins and kitchen scrap pails.
Compost bins are $37.50 each
Kitchen pails are $8.00 each
We are now taking orders and items will be available for pick up on May 23rd, 2009.
The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at 424 River Road in Lewiston will be opening up in April 2009. Lisbon residents may use this facility with a permit from our facility. The hours are as follows: April -November / 1st & 3rd Saturday / 8am-12am
Lisbon, are you ready for spring clean up? The Transfer Station is ready.
The Lisbon Transfer Stations hours are:
Tuesday
7:30am - 5:00pm
Wednesday- Friday
7:30am - 4:00pm
Saturday
7:00am - 3:00pm
For more information call 353-3009.
Assessing
Jerry Sampson, Assessor
The Town of Lisbon is presently working with John Maloney at AVCOG in rewriting the entire zoning ordinance. This work is being done to bring the current ordinance into compliance with the Town of Lisbon's new Comprehensive Plan. It is a State requirement that the ordinance be in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan within two years of the plans adoption. The deadline for this to be completed is December 2009.
As the various sections of the ordinance are written, The Assessor reviews them and submits them to the Planning Board for review in conjunction with a public hearing. Then they go to the Council for final approval after public comments. This process should be completed by the end of the summer.
Library
Diane Nadeau, Librarian
The Lisbon Library Department is pleased to announce its membership in Maine InfoNet's Download Library through a generous grant from the Friends of the Library. Lisbon Library patrons may now join other library patrons across the state and download audio books directly to their personal computers. The downloaded material can then be transferred to MP3 listening devices or in some cases burned to their own cds.
The URL for the Maine InfoNet Download Library is:
http://download.maineinfonet.org
The site includes information on the books available, the free software needed to download books, and technical support issues through a FAQ section. For more information please call the Lisbon Library Department at 353-6564.
Economic/Community
Development
Rosie Bradley, Director
There has been much activity in the ECD office. This is good news especially during these tough times.
There have been three tours of the old High School on Campus Avenue. All three developers are looking at utilizing the facility for a possible housing project.
The RFP and MOU for the redevelopment project of the Worumbo Mill is being finalized. Once it is completed it will be sent directly to developers and advertised. There are developers interested in the project that have been calling to check on the progress of the RFP and to be sure their name is on the list. The new state historic tax credits in conjunction with the federal historic tax credits, make this project more attractive to developers
The Revitalization Committee continues to meet (see article about the Community Visioning Session). There is still space available on the committee, if anyone is interested contact the ECD office.
The NSP program that has alloted $640,000 to Lisbon for foreclosed and blighted properties is moving forward. Documents, processes, budgets and inventories are being completed. This program allows for acquiring and rehabing properties that will benefit individuals and families whose incomes do not exceed 120% of area median income.
Don't forget the ECD office offers business assitance from business planning through site location. There is also loan monies available for people wanting to start a business or expand a business in Lisbon. Call 353-3000 ext. 122 for an appointment today.
Town Clerk's Office
Twila Lycette, Town Clerk
The Town Clerk's office is busy preparing for the upcoming April 21st Special Referendum Election. The Polling Hours will be from 11AM to 7PM. Ward 1 (Lisbon Center and Lisbon Village) residents will vote at the Town Hall in the public meeting room and Ward 2 (Lisbon Falls) residents will vote at the Marion T. Morse Gym. There will be four questions that deal with purchasing Public Works equipment and upgrading the building, road construction work, matching funds for the MDOT Upland Road project, and matching funds for the Androscoggin River Trail project.
The Maine Moose Permit lottery will no longer send applications to residents by mail. You will need to go on-line to print a registration form or register for the lottery on-line. The Town Clerk's office will assist residents with this new on-line process or you may pick up a printed application at our office.
Dog licenses are still due and the late fee is $25.00. All but approximately 200 residents have licensed their pets. A very special "thank you" goes out to the 1,000 residents who have been so very prompt! It was nice to see you all again this year.
Renewal Victualer's licenses are due by May 31. At this time our Health Officer and local Code Enforcement Officer will be visiting our eating establishments and social clubs in town to be sure they are in compliance with our applicable health and safety rules and ordinances. Notices for renewal mobile home park owners will be going out soon as well, which means mobile home park owners will be required to submit the names of all mobile home owners within their parks as of April 1.
We are a special community and thank you so much for being so supportive!
Public Works
Elwood Beal, Director
I think winter is finally over! The Public Works Department would like to thank the citizens of Lisbon for being so patient during the rough winter we had. Within the next few weeks, we should be able to start sweeping the streets and sidewalks. right now we are cleaning brush, filling pot holes, thawing culverts and getting to complaint cards on mailboxes and other various things.
I would like to take this time to explain what the referendum vote means to us. Question 2 would mean we would have the funds to rebuild some of the roads in town that are long overdue for major repairs. This is the only way to get these repairs done. Question 3 would enable us to replace a 1995 loader, two rotted out dump bodies that are not able to spread sand anymore and some much needed repairs to the Public Works garage to make it more efficient.
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ADOPT-A-SPOT PROGRAM ADDS CHARM AND BEAUTY TO LISBON COMMUNITY |
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The Green Thumb Gang has provided the town with beautiful gardens for many years. These gardens add so much charm and beauty to the community. They are enjoyed by citizens and visitors alike. Faye Brown has led the Green Thumb Gang by organizing volunteers, soliciting businesses and working with vendors for discounts since the beginning. Faye has asked the town to to take over the program and to continue with the beautification efforts that were started with her group.
The town will institute an Adopt-A-Spot program similar to other communities. This will provide businesses, organization, families and citizens an opportunity to help with beautifying their community while getting some advertising/recognition at the same time.
The number of spots used for this program will depend on the number of interested participants. Letters will be going out to those that participated last year with the first option to continue with their spot. Then it will be opened up to new participants.
Cheryl Haggerty of Haggerty Realty has been instrumental assisting Faye for the past few years. She has also participated in the program by maintaining two spots for several years. Cheryl feels using some of her marketing dollars for this program is a great way to promote her business and her community at the same time.
If anyone is interested in adopting a spot or volunteering to help with upkeep of some of the town gardens please contact Rosie Bradley at 353-3000 ext. 122 or Jody Durisko at ext. 102. |
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MUNICIPAL MEETINGS
Town Council
1st and 3rd Tuesday
7:00 pm at Town Office
School Committee
2nd and 4th Monday
7:00 pm at Town Office
Water Commissioners
2nd and 4th Tuesday 6:30 pm at Water Dept.
Library Governing Board
1st Wednesday
7:00 pm at Library
Main St. Lisbon Falls
Planning Board
4th Thursday
7:00 pm at Town Office
Board of Appeals
3rd Monday
7:00 pm at Town Office
Conservation Commission
2nd Tuesday
7:30 pm at Beaver Park, Pinewoods Road, Lisbon
Recreation Committee
1st Monday
7:00 pm at MTM
School Street
Lisbon Trail Commission
4th Tuesday
7:00 pm at Town Office
Technology Committee
2nd Tuesday
7:00 pm at Town Office
Revoloving Loan Fund
1st Wednesday (or as needed)
4:00pm at Town Office
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TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
AMBULANCE
Emergency 911
Information 353-5437
FIRE
Emergency 911
Chief 353-3000 Ext. 121
Lisbon Falls Fire 353-2141
E.T. Smith Hose 353-2821
POLICE
Emergency 911
Information 353-2500
TOWN OFFICE (353-3000)
Accounts Payable Ext. 114
Assessor/CEO Ext. 110
Economic Dev. Ext. 122
Finance Ext. 115
General Assistance Ext. 124
Sewer Department Ext. 107
Tax Collector Ext. 108
Clerk/Voter Reg Ext. 112
Town Manager Ext. 102
Town Engineer Ext. 116
Vehicle Registration Ext. 106
Electrical Inspector 353-6753
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS
Animal Control 353-2500
Beaver Park 353-9075
Health Officer 353-4385
Library 353-6564
Public Works 353-3016
Recreation Dept. 353-2289
Transfer/Recycling 353-3009
Treatment Plant 353-3013
Water Department 353-3020
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Adult Education 353-3037
Lisbon Community 353-4132
Lisbon High School 353-3030
Sugg Middle 353-3055
Superintendent 353-6711
Superintendent 353 | |
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