MANAGER’S REPORT
For Council Meeting
Tuesday, December 18, 2007

       TO:   MAYOR ASH & HONORABLE CITY COUNCILORS
FROM:   Joseph J. Slocum, City Manager
 DATE:   Friday, December 14, 2007 

Agenda Items:
11.B  Awarding Harbor Contracts for Chartered Vessels.  The City has broadly embraced the continuance of the working waterfront. Every year the City publically solicits inquiries for Commercial Charter Groups whom may be interested in

operating out of Belfast Harbor.  The attached (Blue) your approval for the coming season. As I understand it there really are no changes from last years Charters. Katherine will be at the meeting if you should have any questions. 

11.C  First Reading of an amendment to the City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 38 Parks and Recreation, Section 38-33.  The Parks and Recreation Commission has recommended that the City expand its Board from 5 to 7 in order to encourage broader participation and support for the Parks Department. Since this Committee’s membership is set up by Ordinance it can only be amended by Ordinance. Ordinance Amendment requires a first reading, second reading and public hearing based upon a notice posted in the paper 7 to 10 days before Council takes action on the matter. City Clerk Roberta Fogg reminded me that we can expedite the first and second reading (do them at the same time) as long as we have complied with the 7 to 10 days notice requirement.  In this case we have not posted the hearing notice so we will have this on your agenda for your first meeting in January.  (Green) 

11.D  Discussion and Action on introduction and first reading of Amendment to General Assistance Ordinance.  Every year the State and Federal government adjust (usually upward) maximum levels of based upon prevailing economic factors. General Assistance Administrator Diane Mende explains this in more detail in her attached note. We need to amend our Ordinance to reflect these updated figures.  (Lilac) 

11.E  Discussion on the recording of Council Minutes. City Clerk Roberta Fogg has an attachment for your consideration.  I point out that the Council is responsible for its minutes, in other words they are yours to define and yours to correct and approve. The City Clerk will always do her best to make them accurate but the responsibility for that accuracy rests ultimately with the Counsel. (Pink) 

11.F  Discussion of Elections:  This item also involves discussion with the City Clerk and I defer to her expertise and experience for discussion. She has an attached memo that highlights the ADA issues with polling places.  (Gray)