BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES

 

MONDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2007 7:00 PM

 

 

 

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG: Chairman Lawrence House called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was said. Those present were Mr. Angelo Terreri, Mrs. Jody Goodwin, Town Manager Eva Leavitt, Fire Chief Michael Arsenault, Assn't Fire Chief Ross Gagne, Budget Committee Members Rodney Shaw and Ralph Caldwell and several other residents with interest. Selectman Kurt Youland was absent and Mrs. Bryant Deschenes was not present for the beginning of the meeting.

 

2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Town Manager Eva Leavitt requested one item be added to the Managers' Business regarding a fire truck, which the Board agreed to consider.

 

3. LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWAL APPLICATION - CHICK - A - DEE: Mrs. Leavitt made reference to the renewal liquor license application for the Chick - A - Dee Restaurant noting she hasn't received any complaints regarding this establishment. Mrs. Bryant-Deschenes arrived at 7:05 pm during this discussion. Noting no complaints about alcohol related incidents for this establishment, Mr. Terreri made a motion to approve the renewal liquor license application and Mrs. Goodwin made a second to the motion; and the vote was three in favor, Terreri, Goodwin and House, Mrs. Bryant-Deschenes abstained as she was not present during the beginning of the discussion. The vote was unanimous.

 

4. DISCUSSION WITH PLANNING BOARD/BUDGET COMMITTEE - FPL CENTER BRIDGE BOAT LAUNCH: It was noted by Mrs. Leavitt that at the Selectmen's request, the Planning Board and Budget Committee were invited to this meeting to discuss the proposed improvements to the Center Bridge Road Boat Launch. Mrs. Leavitt went on to explain that FPL presented some proposed improvements to the Center Bridge Boat Launch that may include a dock for loading and unloading, picnic tables, sanitation and some parking improvements. The annual cost to the Town was estimated to be approximately $1500 for maintenance, which may include putting the docks in, and removing them in the fall and trash pick up. It was noted that the Selectmen discussed sanitation at the facility at great length weighing the different possibilities and, after all discussion, it was noted to the Board that FPL would provide portable toilets for the season if the Town did not desire to actually build a facility, which would be at no cost to the Town. The State would have them placed in the spring and removed in the fall. Trash removal and mowing would be the only ongoing item to be maintained by the Town and, it was noted that the person who handles trash removal from the Public Beach could also take care of the Boat Launch area. Mrs. Leavitt noted that this area would be added to the mowing contract.

 

Mrs. Goodwin noted for those present that an idea of approaching the Bass Masters who conduct fishing tournaments at this location for a donation was discussed when FPL was present, and that the Board of Selectmen will be discussing some possible donation from Leeds and Greene at the next Tri-Town Selectmen's meeting in December. Mrs. Leavitt shared the proposed improvements to the parking facility, which Mr. Terreri noted was opposed by the Board of Selectmen during the presentation as it appeared the improvements wouldn't allow as many vehicles as there is now room for.

 

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Mr. Caldwell noted that he previously served on an advisory committee during the initial construction of the Boat Launch and, it is his belief that the local use of this facility is limited in nature and that there are more out of town people who use the facility. Mr. Caldwell stated that it is his belief that the Town of Turner is not in a position to spend a lot of money to maintain such a facility. Mrs. Goodwin noted that FPL assured the Town that should any aspect of the facility gets out of hand; the Town can change the method of how the facility is managed. Resident Dennis Richardson noted that FPL has more money than Turner and expressed his concern as a taxpayer, and, noted that the boat launch doesn't appear to benefit the community as a whole and doesn't benefit him personally. Mr. Richardson further stated that he doesn't believe the Town should be spending money on items such as this.

 

Mrs. Leavitt then explained that the Boat Launch facility is a good reflection of the Town's Comprehensive Plan, which outlines the need for recreational facilities within the community. Mrs. Leavitt also commented on the Planning Boards' actions during their review process for open space sub-divisions and their efforts to maintain some open space recreational facilities within these sub-divisions, again, as directed by the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Terreri noted that the Turner Boat Launch site is one of many FPL is currently working on making improvements to at this time. There was additional discussion regarding the proposed plans for the improvement which included what material the dock, which, Mr. Terreri explained is projected to be composite material that doesn't need any maintenance. Mr. House noted that no decision is required at this time, and Mr. Shaw asked if there were any complaints during the tournaments held? Mrs. Goodwin noted none have been brought to the Board's attention. Mr. Caldwell acknowledged he is personally in favor of docks, but noted also that no action is needed at this time. No further discussion

 

5. ELECTRICAL FEE - UPDATE: Mrs. Leavitt presented a proposal for an updated fee chart for electrical permits and noted that, at the present time there is no fee established for commercial structures. The other additional item on the new chart is to establish a fee for transformer installation and a fee for temporary service. Mrs. Goodwin then made a motion to approve the proposed fees for electrical permits and, Mr. House made a second to the motion. Mr. Caldwell questioned whether or not the CEO is required to inspect a temporary service and, Mrs. Leavitt acknowledged that, yes he is expected to inspect before Central Maine Power will energize. Mrs. Leavitt also noted that there are no fee increases being requested, simply the two new categories. Mr. House then called for a vote and the vote was 2 in favor, Goodwin and Terreri and one opposed, Bryant-Deschenes, the motion passed.

 

6. TOWN MANAGERS' BUSINESS: Q & A WEEKLY MEMO: None. FIRE TRUCK: Chief Arsenault noted that as requested he and Assn't Chief Gagne have worked a 25-year replacement time-line for the equipment presently in their possession. After review of the fleet presently in place and the amount of repairs to date, it is time to look at possibly upgrading at least one of the units. Assn't Chief Gagne has found a 1993 International in Pennsylvania that was completely refurbished in 1998 that they are asking $70,000 for. It was noted there presently is $58,000 in the equipment reserve and that possibilities are still being discussed between our department and the PA department. Mrs. Leavitt noted that the Fire Department has been working towards downsizing the fleet and, if this unit were to be purchased, it would replace two units presently being used. Mrs. Bryant-Deschenes questioned if either of the units has any re-sale value and, Chief Arsenault acknowledged that they both probably do, however, he isn't qualified to determine what that value might be. Chief Arsenault explained that guidance is what's being sought at this time. Mrs. Goodwin noted that Chief Arsenault should inquire what Engine 2 might be worth.

 

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Assn't Chief Gagne noted that he has reviewed some units similar to Engine 2 and they have asking prices between $9,000 - $12,000. Mrs. Goodwin questioned if the Fire Chief has a figure he is considering for the reserve account at this time and Chief Arsenault noted that the figure might be determined by whether or not any proceeds from the sale of any existing units could be placed in the reserve account. Mrs. Leavitt noted that any sale of property has it's own line in the budget process and all proceeds from sale of property are receipted to that account. No further discussion at this time. PRELIMINARY 2008 STATE VALUATION: Mrs. Leavitt referred to the preliminary State Valuation as provided to the Selectmen and asked Ms. Philipon to explain how the figure is determined. Ms. Philipon went on to note that the State Valuation is a culmination of sales data verses assessed values and, it was noted the figures used are 18 months in arrears. To further explain it was noted the figures being used to determine the 2008 Valuation reflect sales data only up to July 2006. No action required. OFFICE CLOSING DECEMBER 24TH: Mrs. Leavitt noted that the office staff is willing to use personal time to have 12/24/07 off for the Christmas Holiday, as Christmas is on Tuesday this year. There was little discussion before Mr. Terreri made a motion to authorize the Town Office to close 12/24 and Mrs. Goodwin made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous. SURPLUS PROPERTY - PROPOSED LIST: Mrs. Leavitt referenced a list she prepared of those surplus items that could be placed out to bid and noted that the sand blaster previously mentioned has now been put to use by the highway department and will not be placed on the list. Mrs. Goodwin noted the fertilizer spreader on the list and inquired with Mr. Terreri if the Athletic Association could use such a piece of equipment. Mr. Terreri noted however, that the Athletic Association doesn't have a tractor to attach the spreader to and, so will continue to do their job by hand. Mr. Gagne was asked if the generator on the list is an item that could be used for an emergency shelter, and, Mr. Gagne noted there is already a generator in place that works. It was suggested that descriptions of the items available be drafted before placing them out to bid. DISCUSSION OF TOWN MEETING DATE: Mrs. Leavitt referenced the calendar as provided to review possible dates for 2008 Town Meeting, and, it was noted that except for last year, town meeting has been held traditionally on the 1st or 2nd Saturday in April, and suggested April 4th and 5th. Mrs. Goodwin then made a motion to set April 4th and 5th as the dates for Town Meeting and Mrs. Bryant-Deschenes made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous.

 

7. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: ROSSIGNOL PROPERTY - ROUTE 117: Mrs. Leavitt referenced the note provided to the Board from Mrs. Rossignol suggesting a $5,000 asking price for her property that abuts the town property. Mr. Caldwell referenced an obsolete building fund that was established in the 1990s for such purchases to enable the Town to clean up any old buildings prior to their collapse. Mrs. Leavitt noted that the last time this account was utilized was during the re-construction of the entrance to the Conant Road. Budget Committee member Rodney Shaw questioned if the Selectmen have the authority to use this fund without Town Meeting Approval, and, it was acknowledged that yes, the Board does have the authority to use those funds being the Trustees of all Reserve Accounts. Discussion regarding Mrs. Rossignol's asking price verses the assessed value of the property and, it was determined that the Town has the property assessed for $6,400. There was a question regarding why the Town might be interested in this property and, it was noted that it would add to the Town Office site and the property next to that which belongs to Dale Talbot may also eventually become available to the Town. Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to offer Mrs. Rossignol the $5000 she is asking for her property, however, the motion failed due to the lack of a second. Further discussion resulted in Mrs. Leavitt being instructed to meet with Mrs. Rossignol and make a reasonable offer for the property.

 

 

 

 

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8. CONSENT AGENDA: Mrs. Goodwin reviewed the disbursement warrants and noted there were a couple of questions that were answered by Mrs. Leavitt and Mrs. Goodwin recommended their approval. The minutes from November 5, 2007 were deemed to be in order. Ms. Philipon presented abatements for Alvin & Wilma Barrett for an assessing error in the amount of $189.46, one for Stearns Bank for a duplicate tax bill in the amount of $267.54 and one for Brad Varney Jr for a duplicate tax bill in the amount of 301.67. There were no Veteran's Exemptions for consideration. Mr. House will review the disbursement warrants for December 3rd. Mrs. Goodwin then made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented and Mr. Terreri made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous.

 

Mrs. Leavitt made a request for approval of vacation days for December 10th, 11th and 12th, and following limited discussion, Mr. Terreri made a motion to approve her request. Mrs. Goodwin made a second to the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

At this point also it was acknowledged that Sheriff Guy Desjardins was present and Mr. House inquired whether he had any questions. Sheriff Desjardins noted that he was simply in the area and wanted to remind the Board of the County Budget process has begun and will conclude at the end of November. The Board extended an invitation to Sheriff Desjardins for the next Tri-Town Selectmen's meeting scheduled for Thursday December 6th at the Turner Town Office. There was also a brief discussion regarding notification to the PUC about the proposal for the centralized dispatch issue the County is presently contemplating. It was noted that an action of this type might not even be a legal move.

 

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mr. House state the need for an executive session according to Title 1 M.R.S.A ss 405 (6) (A) - being a personnel issue. Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to go into Executive Session at 8:35 pm and Mr. Terreri made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous. Mr. Terreri made a motion to come out of executive session at 9:20 pm and Mrs. Bryant-Deschenes made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous. No action taken at this time and this item will be on the agenda for the 12/3/2007 meeting for further discussion.

 

10. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Terreri made a motion to adjourn at 9:21 pm and Mrs. Goodwin made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

 

 

Sandra L Philipon

 

Assessing/Office Assistant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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