BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY JANUARY 5, 2009

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG: Chairman Angelo Terreri called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was said. Those present were Mr. Lawrence House, Mrs. Jody Goodwin, Mr. Richard Keene, Town Manager Eva Leavitt, Budget Committee Chairman Rodney Shaw, Code Enforcement Officer Roger Williams and Clerk Joyce Moulin. Selectman Kurt Youland was absent.

2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Mrs. Leavitt requested an item be added to the Town Managers' Business regarding the Home Investment Partnership Program; which the Board agreed to add.

3. ORDER 2009-7 HEAVY LOAD LIMIT: Mrs. Leavitt noted that two roads have been added to the list since last year, the Town has adopted Buck Lane and Shire Lane. Mrs. Leavitt further noted that the time to post any road has been left to the discretion of the Road Foreman Charles Poland, who, in the past has not posted any roads sooner than necessary. The criteria for allowing exceptions was noted and Mrs. Leavitt added that she will notify Accidental Anomolies on Wilson Hill Road when the road is posted as this business is generally allowed deliveries to remain in business while roads are posted. Mr. Terreri identified the circumstances under which an over weight vehicle can travel over posted roads such as the outside temperature, and running water on the roads. It was also noted that drivers are encouraged to travel in the early morning hours. Mr. Keene then made a motion to approve the list as presented, Mrs. Goodwin seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

4. APPOINTMENT - REGISTRAR OF VOTERS: Mrs. Leavitt presented an appointment for Joyce Moulin as registrar of voters for the next two years, and further noted this is an appointment that occurs in January by Statute. Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to approve the appointment of Mrs. Moulin as Registrar of Voters, Mr. Keene seconded the motion; and the vote was unanimous.

5. TOWN MANAGER'S BUSINESS: 1. Q & A WEEKLY MEMO: Mrs. Leavitt made a correction to a note regarding the tonnage purchased to date, which was reflected as 1011 yards used during December, and she noted that the salt shed only holds 250 ton. Mrs. Goodwin noted that one memo identified Mr. Charlie Emerson was recognized for 44 years of service and Mr. Winn Coleman was recognized for fire fighter of the year, and inquired whether or not there would also be an acknowledgement made at town meeting? It was noted that Mr. Emerson is very shy, however, Mrs. Goodwin noted that the volunteer of the year gets acknowledged at town meeting. It was also discussed that perhaps some acknowledgement could be made in the town report. Mrs. Goodwin then inquired about the reference to a new skating rink being built near the Village Crossing and Mr. Terreri verified the location for those present. Mrs. Goodwin then inquired about the report of the roof leaking at the Leavitt Institute Building and Mrs. Leavitt confirmed the report of a leak located in the round room area of the building.

Mr. Ralph Caldwell-Chairman of the Leavitt Institute Building Committee has asked Clermont Lessard to look at the damage and provide a repair cost. Mrs. Goodwin then questioned the note regarding funding for the Tripp Bridge, which Mrs. Leavitt deferred to Ms. Philipon as Ms. Philipon attended the meeting for Mrs. Leavitt, and it was mentioned that funding for this project perhaps be considered as a Capital Improvement cost for Budgeting purposes. 5-2 HEATING OIL PRICING: Mrs. Leavitt noted she contacted Murray Oil in an attempt to re-negotiate the fixed rate of $3.56 that we are locked into for the current heating season noting the much lower price per gallon at the present time. Mr. Murray indicated that the town has used approximately 3,500 gallons out of the 10,000 estimated, and that yes the town could buy out the current contract for $10,200 and purchase at the current rate, which as of January 2nd was $1.84 per gallon. Mrs. Leavitt noted she didn't believe it would be in the best interest of the town to play the day to day pricing game, however, she further noted that Mr. Murray would allow the Town to lock in at a lower rate for the next heating season. Discussion included noting that at the current price of $1.97/gallon the town would realize a $16,000 savings over the current year, and it was also noted that the last time the town requested bids for oil prices Murray Oil was the only bid received. Mrs. Goodwin noted that it would be in the best interest for the taxpayers to lock in on a price now. Mr. Terreri requested that Mrs. Leavitt contact the other company in town to see if they would consider a "locked in" price for next year or not. Following the discussion Mr. Keene made a motion to verify with other dealers for a locked in price if willing, or to lock in with Murray Oil for $1.97/gallon + - the current rate. Mrs. Goodwin seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous. 5-3 TRI-TOWN SELECTMEN'S MEETING: Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that the Town of Leeds would host the next tri-town selectmen's meeting on February 12, 2009 at 6:00 pm at the Leeds Town Office. Mr. Terreri inquired about the menu, which Mrs. Leavitt noted has not yet been determined. There was some brief mention regarding the two new county commissioners perhaps visiting each of the communities within the county to introduce themselves and, perhaps be apprised of any issues. Mr. Terreri indicated that this might be in conflict with some of the regulations they are required to follow. 5-4 FINANCE REPORT END OF QUARTER: Mrs. Leavitt initially referenced the 20 reserve accounts, and noted no concerns at this time. It was further noted that interest rates are still low so returns on investment accounts are also low. Mr. Terreri questioned the reserve account for the Nezinscot River Dam and what might be happening with that project. Mrs. Leavitt noted that the committee hasn't been active in recent years, however there were some minor repairs done to the abutments in recent years, and that EMA Director Ross Gagne does review the situation frequently. Mrs. Leavitt further noted that the amount in reserve would probably only cover engineering expenses should any repairs become necessary in the near future. Mrs. Leavitt noted that the tax accounts for fiscal year ending June 2007 foreclosed on 12/29/2008 and there are approximately a dozen accounts still outstanding. It was further explained that most of the properties involved have dwelling units and people living in them, and a couple of businesses; the process would now require a re-purchase agreement between the property owners and the Town. Mrs. Goodwin noted she would like to see re-purchase agreements drafted between the homeowners and the Town and would also like to see the Town work with the business owners on re-purchase agreements.

Mrs. Leavitt cautioned the Board regarding a petition drive that could go out to a Statewide referendum this coming November to cut the excise tax in half. Mrs. Leavitt further noted that the Town is noticing a steady decline in the amount of excise tax collected and if the referendum passed it could be a tremendous loss of revenue for the town that would then have to be raised in taxes. The Town Office reserve account has a balance of $67,000, which can lapse into the general fund, and, it was noted there isn't much revenue being generated at the Leavitt Institute Building. The benefit time as reflected by Mrs. Leavitt was represented in error previously and noted that the actual payout today would be approximately $40,000. It was further noted that cash flow will be addressed through spending restrictions for essential purchase for operations and gave an example. The uncertainty in the economy may require some other cut backs that Mrs. Leavitt will address in a meeting to be held on 1/6/2009, and she noted that she intends to restrict overtime a well. 5-5 FPL LETTER FROM US DEPT OF INTERIOR: Mrs. Goodwin simply noted this is a copy of the letter she indicated would be sent from the Dept of the Interior regarding the licensing application from FPL. 5-6 HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP: Mrs. Leavitt referenced a presentation she attended at the City of Auburn on 12/4/2008 regarding the Home Investment Program which is a federal program to fund rehabilitation of homes through a loan process to residents. She further noted that the funding received per community is based on population, and that the downside to Turner is that staff would be necessary to monitor the loans and provide administrative functions. It was further noted that the Rural Community Action Ministry (RCAM), and Community Concepts now provide benefits of this type to our residents. Mrs. Goodwin questioned if money is designated to Turner residents through these groups and Mrs. Leavitt indicated that if and when Turner residents apply, if they qualify then yes, money would go to Turner residents. Mrs. Leavitt noted there is a three-year window for participation in this program. No action needed.

6. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: ROOF - PUBLIC WORKS: Mrs. Leavitt requested guidance from the Board regarding the three estimates she received for the repairs to the roof on the Public Works Garage. It was noted that there is approximately $1,700 available to get the work done and, the total cost which could be as high as $2,900 and includes replacing all the screws and the ridge cap. One estimate included the cost to rent a lift and that total was $2,200 and a third estimate to replace only the needed screws and doesn't address the vent issue. Mrs. Leavitt noted the importance of preventing any additional leaks through the remainder of the winter, as there is already evidence of damage inside the building. Mr. Terreri noted his concern in the building shifting and that perhaps the screws put in may not be long enough. Mrs. Goodwin suggested that Mrs. Leavitt speak with the contractor personally to make a determination of the need and Mrs. Leavitt noted she would outline the scope of work to be done. Mr. Shaw inquired whether or not Mr. Levesque or Mr. Harris have inspected the roof and Mrs. Leavitt indicated that neither of them have contacted her to do an inspection. It was noted also that two of the three estimates are quite close in the amounts quoted for the work outlined. Mr. Terreri suggested that Mrs. Leavitt speak with Mr. Dick Boutin to see if he would do the necessary work, and noted that a box of screws would need to be purchased regardless of how many may need to be used and if Mr. Boutin is willing to do the work, will he? If so, when can he get the job done? Additional discussion indicted the possible need to clear the roof of any snow that may accumulate. Mrs. Leavitt will move forward.

7. CONSENT AGENDA: The minutes from 12/15/2008 were deemed to be in order. Mr. Keene reviewed the disbursement warrants and recommended their approval. Mr. Terreri will review the disbursement warrants for 1/20/2009. There were no Veteran's Exemptions to consider and there were no abatements or supplements to consider. Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, Mr. House seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

8. EXECUTIVE SESSION: TITLE 1 M.R.S.A. - PERSONNEL MATTER (405) (6) (A): Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to go into executive session at 8:05 pm, seconded by Mr. Keene and the vote was unanimous. Ms. Philipon was recognized by Chairman Terreri to inquired why the Board would go into executive session regarding a personnel matter without a full board present? Mrs. Goodwin noted it was simply a discussion and Mr. Terreri noted that he and absent board member Mr. Kurt Youland spoke before Mr. Youland left for vacation. Ms. Philipon stated that she has witnessed the Board of Selectmen table items of far less significance for lack of a full board and further stated that if she were asked to enter an executive session with less than a full board, it wouldn't be desirable to her. Ms. Philipon then asked if any action or decision was anticipated following the discussion and Mr. Terreri indicated he didn't expect any, but that action could be possible. Ms. Philipon noted her intent to remain until the Board came out of executive session on her own time, which was acknowledged by the Board. Code Enforcement Officer Roger Williams handed each Board member a written statement and the Board requested that Mr. Williams allow the Board five minutes. Mr. Williams then left the meeting area. Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to come out of executive session at 8:30 pm, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. A motion was then made and seconded to re-schedule the executive session with Mr. Williams until January 20th.

Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to re-enter executive session for Title 1 M. R. S. A. (405) (6) (A) at 8:31 pm, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. (Note: this item was not list on agenda and this information was provided by Town Manager Eva Leavitt). Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to come out of executive session at 8:55 pm, Mr. House seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. No action was taken.

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: TITLE 1 M. R. S. A. - LABOR NEGOTIATIONS (405) (6) (D): This item was not identified as being addressed by information provided by Mrs. Leavitt.

10. ADJOURNMENT: Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to adjourn at 8:56, Mr. Keene seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

Respectfully submitted:

Sandra L Philipon

Assessing/Office Assistant