WENA Monthly Meeting
April 14, 2021, 6:00pm. Zoom
Present: Kim Sutton, Barbara DeSerres, Liz Persons, Pamela Shaw, Gwynne Williams
Secretary’s Report: Please review March Meeting minutes on wenamaine.org
Treasurer’s Report: No change
April 14, 2021, 6:00pm. Zoom
Present: Kim Sutton, Barbara DeSerres, Liz Persons, Pamela Shaw, Gwynne Williams
Secretary’s Report: Please review March Meeting minutes on wenamaine.org
Treasurer’s Report: No change
| Available Funds by Source | ||
| Norway Savings | $17,125 | |
| Paypal | $224 | |
| Petty Cash | $30.00 | |
| Less outstanding debits | $535.00 | andrea southworth $500 and Bryan Van Dussen $35 |
| Plus outstanding credits | ||
| Total Available Funds | $16,844 | |
| Earmarks | ||
| WECANAIP | $228 | |
| Swim for Life | $2,304 | |
| Harbor view | $11,754 | |
| General fund | $2,528 | |
| Petty Cash | $30 | |
| Total Earmarks | $16,844 |
Presentations were made by District 2 City Charter committee candidates Em Burnett and Robert Ryan. Also present was Catherine Buxton, an at-large candidate.
Agenda Items:
1. Community Announcements:
A. Harbor View Park Pamela gave an overview of progress on this project.
~ Work has resumed on projects begun last year.
~ Grant money has been received from Maine Med.
~ The park will benefit from a landscape consultation.
~ A work day is scheduled for May 15.
~ An invasive plant study is underway.
~ There is money available for markers to label plants and trees.
~ Wild Seed Project, April 24. Six native trees and pollinator friendly ground cover will be planted
at the corner of York and Brackett.
B. Spring Cleanup Sarah gave an update.
~ 10:00 – Noon, April 24
~ Meet at the Clark Street entrance to Reiche School.
~ Coffee will be available. Trash bags and gloves will be provided.
~ Volunteers will be given street assignments.
~ Needle Disposal. There is a needle disposal box in the ‘circle’ at Harbor View Park. For
needles found elsewhere, it was suggested to put it in an empty plastic bottle, record the
location and alert the city via Click Fix.
C. Graffiti. Learning Works on Brackett St. does free graffiti removal. An application form will be
posted on the WENA website.
2. Community Policing: no report
3. School Budget: Update from Steven Scharf
~ A property tax increase of 7.2% has been adjusted to 6.2%.
~ The school board has approved the budget. It will go to city council for a May 17 vote.
~ Opportunity for public comment will be available one week before the May 17 vote.
~ City Council will vote on a final budget at the 2nd meeting in July. More clarity is needed on
federal funds available.
~ New property tax valuations will arrive by mail in late May.
4. MMC Community Grant: no update
5. Reiche Community Center. The health facility may be moved to the new city services office
building proposed on Forest Ave.
Agenda Items:
1. Community Announcements:
A. Harbor View Park Pamela gave an overview of progress on this project.
~ Work has resumed on projects begun last year.
~ Grant money has been received from Maine Med.
~ The park will benefit from a landscape consultation.
~ A work day is scheduled for May 15.
~ An invasive plant study is underway.
~ There is money available for markers to label plants and trees.
~ Wild Seed Project, April 24. Six native trees and pollinator friendly ground cover will be planted
at the corner of York and Brackett.
B. Spring Cleanup Sarah gave an update.
~ 10:00 – Noon, April 24
~ Meet at the Clark Street entrance to Reiche School.
~ Coffee will be available. Trash bags and gloves will be provided.
~ Volunteers will be given street assignments.
~ Needle Disposal. There is a needle disposal box in the ‘circle’ at Harbor View Park. For
needles found elsewhere, it was suggested to put it in an empty plastic bottle, record the
location and alert the city via Click Fix.
C. Graffiti. Learning Works on Brackett St. does free graffiti removal. An application form will be
posted on the WENA website.
2. Community Policing: no report
3. School Budget: Update from Steven Scharf
~ A property tax increase of 7.2% has been adjusted to 6.2%.
~ The school board has approved the budget. It will go to city council for a May 17 vote.
~ Opportunity for public comment will be available one week before the May 17 vote.
~ City Council will vote on a final budget at the 2nd meeting in July. More clarity is needed on
federal funds available.
~ New property tax valuations will arrive by mail in late May.
4. MMC Community Grant: no update
5. Reiche Community Center. The health facility may be moved to the new city services office
building proposed on Forest Ave.
Next WENA meeting: May 12, 2021 6:00pm.
Barbara DeSerres, Secretary
