By Nate Jones

Staff Writer 

Life in Cape Elizabeth is a little more expensive following a unanimous town council vote to increase sewer rates and a number of what council chairman Mary Ann Lynch called “generally minor fees” last week. Town Manager Michael McGovern said increasing sewer rates by 4 percent for the next two years and new sewer connection fees by $500 was in advance of a “major investment” in a new wastewater treatment plant in 2011.

“The storms in recent years have the [Department of Environmental Protection] concerned,” he said. “This will greatly reduce the incidents of overflows.”

The new wastewater plant, capable of handling 2.75 million gallons of wastewater, will also be funded by a $2.7 million bond, at an interest rate of 3.5 percent, to be placed on a 2011 ballot, McGovern said.

In addition to the sewer rates, the council approved increasing fee rates for a number of permits – including a sign permit (from a single $25 fee to $25 per sign), electrical wiring permits for light and receptacle switches, liquor licenses and site plan review – according to the agenda prepared by McGovern, to “ensure that fees are in line with actual costs.” 

“It’s worth noting we are voting to increase fees,” Councilor David Backer said. “This just heightens the awareness of being mindful of ways to provide services although we are in a time of increased financial burden.”

Some electrical permits were also eliminated, and the cost for a parade or race permit to benefit charity dropped from $100 to $25.

NO TO BAN, YES TO SIGNS

Lynch said she was surprised by the Fort Williams Advisory Commission’s recommendation that smoking at the park be dealt with under the current “carry in, carry out” litter policy.

“It is incredibly generous for the residents of Cape Elizabeth to open the doors of Fort Williams,” Councilor Sarah Lennon said. “I’ve never seen anyone put out a cigarette and put it in their pocket. They don’t [carry in and carry out] and they never will.”

Lynch, Lennon and Councilor Cynthia Dill voted to ban smoking from the park despite concerns of other councilors about the enforceability of such an ordinance change and the recommendation of the Fort Williams Advisory Commission.

“I’m more in favor of government trying to steer behavior rather than regulate it,” Councilor James Rowe said. “I didn’t support [banning smoking at Fort Williams] as an ordinance but would be in favor of [no smoking] signs.”

Lynch’s proposal to ban smoking at the park failed to pass in a three-to-three vote with Lynch, Dill and Lennon for and Backer, Rowe and Paul McKenney opposed. Councilor Anne Swift-Kayatta was absent.

“[Smokers] are commonly throwing butts around our lighthouse,” Lynch said. “I would ask the council consider a ban at some point in the future.”

IN WITH THE NEW

After seven years on the council, Lynch announced her resignation. In her absence, the council unanimously agreed to appoint Rowe as chairman.

“He’s done a great job as a finance chairman,” Backer said. “He’s led the council through thick and thin.”

Debra Lane has also taken over as the new town clerk in addition to her duties as assistant town manager. McGovern said adding the town clerk position to the duties of the assistant town manager could save the town up to $17,000.

“It’s a perfect example of what the town does all the time,” he said.