ROCKLAND — According to the May 25 - 29 Rockland City Manager’s Report, several qualified applicants have applied for the position of Director of Public Service. Two Oceanside High School students were awarded scholarships toward criminal justice training. Patty King participated in WRFR’s monthly Love your Library radio show. According to the Fire Chief’s Report, bark mulch is still an issue, as well as unattended cook stoves. Also, the Friends’ of Rockland Public Library one-day Book, Bake, and Botanicals sale is the weekend of June 13. The Summer Reading kicks off at the same time with local author Eva Murray reading her new children’s book, Island Birthday, which “introduces readers to some of the joys — and some of the exasperation! — of remote island life.

OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

 The City had 13 qualified applicants for the Director of Public Service position after receiving nearly 30 inquiries. I have requested that the Personnel Advisory Board certify the top three candidates. All three of the candidates I have asked to certify are Maine residents and active professionals in the field. Further updates will be made when available.

 The memo regarding options for Order #17, on the agenda, for Monday, needs dialogue and guidance from the City Council. I have very little confidence on the draft document but my time is up to work on it.

 I sent a letter to the editor at the Courier regarding spring cleanup. We are egregiously behind schedule. This is due to the five vacancies in positions and the large amount of work required after a tough winter. It is unavoidable and we plead for forgiveness from people patiently waiting for the crew to come. We will have to consider whether this program is a good use of time and resources. I initiated it this year due to historical considerations and not effectiveness.

 Watering the flowers on light posts is also causing concern. We only have enough manpower to water Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On warm, dry weekends, like last weekend, the flower baskets suffer. At this point it is unavoidable.

OFFICE OF THE CITY ASSESSOR

 Processed Real Estate Transfers, updating parcel cards, sales book, property splits.

 Processed Personal Property accounts, updating ownership, owned items, depreciation, State BETR’S 801 returns, BETE exemptions.

 Processed building permits, reviewing, updating property cards and assessments.

 Analyzing qualified sales of all properties and neighborhoods for a fair and equitable assessment.

 Completing State forms and returning for processing.

 Listening and reviewing properties at the property owner’s request.

 Updating Tax Maps and posting to the web site.

 There are two appeals that I am reviewing. They are, Ocean State Job Lots and Trade Winds.

OFFICE OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY DIRECTOR

Pollution Control Facility

 The Treatment Plant has been running good this week.

 Average treatment plant flows were 2 m.g.d. and there were no C.S.O. events.

 Continued work with Wright-Pierce on the wet weather management plan and the Treatment Plant operations and maintenance manual. The estimated completion date is the beginning of august.

 Met with the pretreatment coordinator for Lewiston Auburn Water Pollution Control Facility Vivian Matkivach to compare and review our sewer use ordinance, Enforcement Response Plan and Industrial Pretreatment Permits. The meeting was productive and we gained some valuable information.

 Provided the Landfill with a spreadsheet to track water levels in Q2N to aid in pumping adjustments and permit compliance.

 Working with an industrial user who that has changed ownership. The IU will have to apply for a new Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit. Currently they will be operating under provisions of the old permit.

 Employee PPE training was completed as a corrective action to a chemical splash incident that happened recently. Safety equipment stations containing protective aprons and face shields have been installed at all chemical use areas.

 The lab did BOD testing for Vinalhaven and BOD and TSS testing for Northhaven.

 Replaced the Variable Frequency Drive on one of the return sludge pumps. The failure was attributed to a power bump the treatment plant experienced on 5/6/15.

 The dry weather pumps were both removed for inspection and cleaning and reinstalled, both are running good at this time.

 Rewired the pumps at Waldo Avenue pump station to allow for easier removal for preventative maintenance and repairs.

Environmental Services

 The vac truck was picked up from C.N. Woods in Portland. It had been brought in for reprogramming after replacement of the automatic speed control for the auxiliary motor.

 Completed cleaning and CCTV inspection of 1400 ft. of sewer main on Atlantic Street, Scott Street and Ocean Street.

 Made some programing adjustments to the collection system flow monitoring equipment with help from tech support at FlowAV the equipment supplier, also had to replace batteries in three of the units.

 Responded to three Dig-Safe requests from Maine Water.

 Used the CCTV equipment to investigate an unknown pipe that was discovered by the contractor working on the Winter Street project for the city. It was determined to be an abandoned pipe and they were instructed to remove it.

Other Projects

Winter Street

 The project resumed Wednesday May 27th; the project has been delayed since May 4th waiting relocation of a utility pole.

 J.B.I. has installed an additional 50 ft. of drain pipe for the city as well as 50 ft. of water main for Maine Water and removal of an old hydrant.

Thorndike Parking Lot

 The planting has been completed on the embankment behind the seating wall and adjacent to the stairway in the northeast corner.

 Completed cleanup and spread loam in the area behind the public restroom building that was used to store materials.

 Received scheduling from MAC electric for CMP to inspect and energize the parking lot lighting on Tuesday 6/2.

Summer Street

 The project has been completed except for final clean-up and paving, paving has been scheduled for the week of June 8th.

Lattin property at 38 Summer Street.

 The new concrete drainage structure and 42 inch drain culvert has been installed at the south end of the property past the property line.

 The drain pipe has been installed and backfilled running north from the drainage structure 80 ft. with 20 ft. remaining to complete.

 Site cleanup and restoration is scheduled to be completed next week.

Rockland Harbor Trail – Mechanic Street

 Granite was delivered from the project at 38 Summer Street to be used along Mechanic Street.

 Farley & Son is planning to start Monday 6/1.

 OFFICE OF THE FIRE CHIEF

In addition to the general response to 35 Fire and EMS calls, conducting apparatus checks, daily cleaning, routine repairs and maintenance to the fleet and of the quarters, the following occurred:

 Fire: On Memorial Day the FD responded to a reported house fire on Camden St. Terrace. Upon arrival the occupants had extinguished the bulk of the fire that had started on an unattended stovetop. The crew extinguished the fire that had gotten in the cabinets and wall and removed smoke from the dwelling. Personnel were tied up just over an hour. This again highlights the very real danger from leaving any cooking unattended. Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires and subsequently injuries and worse. We all should know all too well how easy it is to get sidetracked when we think we can “just be a minute”. Fortunately no one was injured and damage was limited to the area of origin.

 Nuisance Issues: Once again bark mulch has shown to be problematic when not kept moist. Dry weather conditions had us watering landscaping 4 times on the same property over the weekend. As in the past, we will again stress to property owners the dangers of allowing bark mulch to get too dry. Luckily for all parties over the weekend, the area is highly visible and does not directly contact any structures.

 Training: On duty members participated in a webcast training regarding modern construction dangers for firefighters. This was a very informative class that indicates we should be recording more information at the FD level on new homes (we’re already are very involved in new commercial building). All indication are that most new homes are becoming “disposable” as related to their ability to withstand much fire.

 Notable: I attended the first meeting of the County’s “Enhanced Mutual Aid” Study group. It appears all group members are hoping for an honest dialogue about the levels of service each of us can provide in the future and how best to maintain the highest levels at the least amount of tax burden. Working together better and more efficiently is the goal of the group.

OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR

 Trash pick-up City-wide.

 Sweeping City streets.

 Spring clean-up.

 Floats for Harbormaster.

 Watering hanging baskets.

 Picked up waste oil.

 Regular maintenance at Transfer Station. 

OFFICE OF THE RECREATION DIRECTOR

 The new benches were put in place at Mildred Merrill Park Friday. I wanted them in place for the Memorial Day Holiday. They are heavy and solid.

 The float at the beach has been repaired and ready to go in the water. The entire deck had to be rebuilt this year and we added a coat of paint with anti-slip sand in the paint. The buoy lines are also ready to go.

 I met with Public Services and Camden National Bank on Wednesday. They are planning to make their parking lot match the City’s Parking area off Oak Street.

They are also going to install two oak trees.

 I have met with the Parks Commission and they are working on a handful of items that would help the parks look good over the next few years. They are also going to start a conversation with the American Legion about a new flag program.

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE

Officers responded to 269 calls for service. Rockland Police Officers responded to 4 motor vehicle crashes and 3 animal complaints. Eighty-three (83) traffic stops and traffic violations were conducted. Twenty-six (26) parking violations were issued.

Officers charged or made arrests of 41 individuals for various offenses, to include Theft, Warrants of Arrest, Bail violations, Traffic offenses, Alcohol violations and Operating under the Influence.

 D/C Young attended the annual Scholarship committee meeting. Two students from Oceanside High School will each be receiving a $500.00 scholarship on behalf of the department. Both students will be majoring in Criminal Justice in the fall.

 Completed the initial draft of the department survey for review and changes.

 Continued to coordinate with Rockland Main St. Inc. regarding training for downtown merchants and employees. This training will focus on law enforcement topics relevant to issues concerning Main St. merchants (shoplifting, robbery, crime prevention through environmental design, etc.).

 Coordinated the installation of new radar units in the cruisers and worked on a time frame for completion. Our goal is to get this done in the next two weeks or so.

 Sgt. Finnegan attended a Department of Homeland Security “Active Shooter”

Workshop with Det/Sgt. Thompson.

 Prepared for the upcoming two day ARIDE class that the department is hosting.

 Continued our school visits at Oceanside East.

 Off. William Smith conducted school visits at South/Middle School.

 Assisted Probation and Parole regarding a mutual request to transport a prisoner.

 Assisted Fire / EMS with a medical call that turned out to be a deceased person (nothing suspicious)

 Assisted the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in their search for a vehicle that was believed to be in Rockland.

 Assisted Fire/EMS with a medical call involving a vehicle off the road.

 Several officers participated in grant funded seatbelt details over the course of the week. These details resulted in 28 traffic summonses issued and 17 warnings issued.

 Several officers performed radar details over the course of the week. These details were performed in six different locations within the city including school zones.

 Det/Sgt. Thompson participated in a seminar for Trekkers which focused on internet harassment.

 Det. Neal attended the bi-monthly meeting of the Sexual Assault Response Team, which is a collaborative group consisting of Law Enforcement, Prosecutors, Victim Witness Advocates, and Sexual Abuse Advocates. The primary goal of this team is to produce best case practices for investigating sexual assault complaints while keeping the victims health and welfare at the forefront of the investigation and to ensure that victims receive the services and support they need during the very lengthy multi-faceted process.

 Det/Sgt. Thompson and Det. Neal conducted annual firearms training for department members.

OFFICE OF THE HARBORMASTER

 Another great week, the docks at the public landing are all in and boats are sprouting in the harbor like dandelions. Water and electricity is all hooked up and there are a few boats starting to come and go. Still some repairs to do, but that's on-going as everything gets used.

 The water in the harbor is clearer than I've ever seen before. I doubt that's a matter of no pollution so much as it is too early for a lot of plankton and pollen, and it has been so dry and calm that there isn't a lot of sediment adrift in the water. Best chance to see the harbor bottom in years.

 People have discovered the warm weather and they are all out walking in the park, it is great to see.

 They held the second Farmer's Market in the oval, and the first visit of the Independence is scheduled for next Wednesday evening. It's grand to see summer in Rockland.

OFFICE OF THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR

 With the Monday holiday, there was no Adult Drawing class, however, Catinka Knoth’s Children’s class this week drew migratory birds.

 The Memoir Writing Workshop was held on Tuesday. This group meets weekly, and is open to anyone who wants to write, share, or just listen.

 A reminder--next time you are in the Library, please take a look at the new signs for shelving; with the completion of shelve range signs in the Children’s Room, Keith Drago has just finished this project. The results look terrific, and it is so much easier to find material.

 Judith Andersen was guest reader for Wednesday Storytime once again. Miss Judy read many stories about animals and used Eric Carle’s collection of poetry to lead the children in mimicking all the familiar animal sounds. She then read a few books about gardening and tomatoes-- Grow Your Own Sandwich, by John Malam, Laughing Tomatoes and other Spring Poems, by Francisco Alarcon, How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers, Grandpa’s Tractor, by Michael Garland.

Afterwards the children gathered in the garden and planted tomatoes, generously supplied by former deputy librarian, Linda Barnes.

 I presented alternatives to the originally presented Library budget, to the City Council.

 Jean Young made the weekly trip to North Haven Community School Library.

 Jessie Blanchard presented What’s In The Trunk?: Butterflies and Bugs, where kids were able to explore a Science Trunk from the Cornerstones of Science program.

This trunk included learning the difference between an insect and spider, and about insects, metamorphosis, migration, and more in this science trunk. Activities included Bug Mixer, What is a Bug?, Metamorphosis, Butterfly Feeding Station, Butterfly Dress-ups & Butterfly Fans, Bug Walk, Bug Poems, Bug Trivia Catch.

 The Thursday Evening Arts and Cultural Event was the foreign film: Sciuscia (Shoeshine). In post WWII Italy, Giuseppe and Pasquale work on the street, shining the shoes of American troops to save up to buy a horse, but their involvement in a burglary lands them in juvenile prison, where the experience takes a devastating toll on their friendship.

 Patty King participated in the monthly Love My Library radio show on WRFR.

 Upcoming events—Friends’ one-day Book, Bake, and Botanicals sale is the weekend of June 13th, and the Summer Reading Kickoff --Local author Eva Murray will open the Summer Reading Program events by reading her new children’s book, Island Birthday which “introduces readers to some of the joys--and some of the exasperation!--of remote island life.” Afterwards children may sign up for the reading program and take home their first reading logs and activity guide. Please do note that there will be Summer Reading programs for all ages—from the youngest children (who are read to) through adulthood.

OFFICE OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR

 Approved Payroll Warrant.

 Approved Accounts Payable Warrant.

 Attended Budget Workshop.

 Worked on Recreation Department historical budget comparison.

 Updated Project Sheets for Summer Street.

 EMS Reconciliations.

 Balance Sheet Account Reconciliations.

 Accounts Receivable Department working on setting up Vendors for emailing invoices through Munis Program.

OFFICE OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

 John and Dave attended the Midcoast Code Enforcement Officers Association meeting in Union 5/26/15.

 Dave did an inspection of an apartment building on Camden Street after there were complaints from a tenant.

 Dave attended the Comprehensive Planning Commission Meeting on 5/28/15.

 There were no complaints filed this week.

 The following permits were received by the Code Office this week:

 5 Building permits

 2 Electrical permits

 1 Home Occupation Level 2 permit

 3 Sign permits