MONDAY JANUARY 7, 2008

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

MINUTES

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. Kurt Youland, Mrs. Joan Bryant-Deschenes, Mrs. Jody Goodwin, Mr. Angelo Terreri, Town Manager Eva Leavitt, Fire Chief Michael Arsenault, resident Dennis Richardson and other residents with interest.

2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: No items needed. Mrs. Leavitt noted some additional materials provided prior to the meeting, and that Chief Arsenault has additional information on the fire truck in PA. Mr. House inquired if the Board would discuss this item as 2A, which was agreed to.

2A. FIRE TRUCK PURCHASE - PA: Fire Chief Michael Arsenault noted that the fire truck being looked at in PA has had all the necessary repairs and is now available to purchase. Chief Arsenault informed the Board that there will be three fire fighters traveling to PA to inspect the truck; and they will leave on Friday and return on Saturday. Those traveling will be Assn't Chief Ross Gagne, Firefighter Bob Kalinowski and Firefighter Chris LeBrun. Chairman House noted that information provided on some other available units indicate they may be a little less to purchase and have a manual transmission as opposed to an automatic one for less money than the unit in PA. It was noted however that this other unit is located in TX making it further to travel. No questions at this time, the Board will wait for a report on the unit.

3. CONTRACT WITH ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY DISPATCH SERVICE: Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that the new contract has been received with the proposed increase as mentioned at an earlier time. Mr. Youland inquired what the increase would be and Chief Arsenault indicated it would increase from $17/hour to $27/hour along with an administrative fee equal to an hourly rate. Further inspection of the document indicates that the increase in the hourly rate won't be implemented until 7/1/2008; the $17/hour rate is in effective as of 1/1/2008 through 6/30/2008. Mrs. Goodwin requested clarification on the classification for dispatch. Chief Arsenault noted that only fire calls are presently dispatched through the County Dispatch Service. When people dial 911 their call is screened and, if it is a rescue call; the call is forwarded to either Laurel Gagne's home or to Ross Gagne's home and; rescue is dispatched locally. Chief Arsenault also noted that if and when the Fire Department is toned out for automobile accidents, the billing fee would be for one hour even if the call only takes ½ hour. There was limited additional discussion regarding the cost of this service, which was indicated to be approximately $1,500 for the most recent year. It was also noted that the fee paid for this service is still relatively inexpensive. Mrs. Bryant-Deschenes inquired whether or not the Town is billing for the services provided by the Fire Department for automobile accidents and, it was noted that yes, generally the Town does bill for attending an accident scene, however, Chief Arsenault also noted that if the unit is only on scene for 15 or 20 minutes, they have not been billing. Chief Arsenault also noted that collecting for accident calls through the insurance companies is sometimes difficult, and, some simply refuse to pay the billed amounts. Following discussion, Mr. Terreri made a motion to accept the contract for dispatch services as presented and Mrs. Goodwin made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous.

4. TIMBER HARVEST: Mrs. Leavitt noted the timeline as developed on the prospectus prepared by New England Forestry Consultants Inc for the Timber Sale project. Mrs. Leavitt noted that the showing of the woodlot would be done 1/8/2008 at 9:00 am. It was noted that the bids are due by 1/15/2008 to be opened at 3:00 pm, and Mrs. Leavitt requested that the Board hold a special meeting on 1/16/2008 at 6:45 just prior to the Budget Committee Meeting to award the bid for this project. Mr. Youland inquired if an ad was to be done? Mrs. Leavitt acknowledged that yes, one was done that was drafted by New England Forestry Consultants and, that the ad ran in the Sun/Journal/Sunday on 1/5/2008 and 1/6/2008. Mr. Youland then inquired if Mr. Small could be present on 1/16/2008 and Mrs. Leavitt noted she would request that Mr. Small be present. No action at this time.

5. WARRANT ARTICLE REQUEST - DENNIS RICHARDSON - & SAMPLES TO REVIEW: Resident and former Selectman Dennis Richardson presented to the Board two proposed articles for inclusion on the annual town meeting warrant. Mrs. Leavitt referenced some of the additional material she provided to the Board, which included copies of an e-mail sent by Mr. Richardson with his proposed articles for the warrant. Mr. Richardson noted to the Board the copy of the minutes attached by Mrs. Leavitt which referenced the vote taken at the April 8, 2006 town meeting which created a Board of Directors called "Turner Center Arts Board of Directors and established a Propriety Fund to be know as "The Turner Center for the Arts". Mrs. Leavitt offered also an explanation, which noted that if the article was voted in the affirmative it would dissolve the Board of Directors called Turner Center Arts Board of Directors and dissolve the Propriety Fund known as "The Turner Center for the Arts."

Mrs. Leavitt also provided sample wording for a warrant article to request a sum of money for TCA should it be necessary. Mr. Richardson referenced the initial article as proposed and noted to the Board of Selectmen that when the TCA Board of Directors was established at Town Meeting the explanations given to those in attendance for establishing themselves as a Town Board are what prompted Mr. Richardson, and, in his opinion, other members of the community to vote in favor to create this Board. Mr. Richardson went on to note that he now believes that what was stated is not what is or has been happening and is thereby requesting that the Board of Selectmen entertain the request to place an article on the warrant to revoke the vote taken to establish TCA as a Town Board. Mr. Richardson noted that he would be willing to seek the necessary signatures on a petition if the Board would not place the article on the warrant. Mrs. Goodwin noted that she felt it was imperative to know that more than just a few people are interested in seeing this type of article on the warrant for town meeting; and that it would be her preference to see a petition circulated for that purpose. There was no support from the other Board members for this request.

Mr. Richardson also provided possible wording for a second proposed article that would adopt of a non competing retail sales policy, which, if passed would prohibit the Town as a municipal government from engaging in retail sales. Mrs. Leavitt noted that Mr. Richardson had no sample policy to offer for possible consideration, and offered some explanation regarding the sale of the clear trash bags by noting that this is a requirement of the Transfer Station to promote recycling throughout Town. Mrs. Leavitt also noted the money used from the Bi-Centennial fund for the publication of a history of Turner Book written by Mr. Rufus Prince with the proceeds of the sales going back into the Bi-Centennial Fund. Following was significant discussion regarding the inception of the TCA Board and what money they obtained as start up costs and where it was obtained from. Mrs. Leavitt clarified for those attending the issue of some salaries being paid to the directors of the TCA Board in the beginning and where that money came from.

Mr. House asked for a motion if anyone was willing and Mrs. Joan Bryant-Deschenes made a motion to place the two articles as presented by Mr. Richardson on the warrant for Town Meeting and Mr. Terreri made a second to the motion. Discussion that followed brought forth information provided by Mrs. Leavitt who noted to the Board the significance in reflecting the date the vote was taken to create the Turner Center for the Arts Board of Directors so townspeople will have all the information up front. Mr. Richardson's article is to request that the vote as taken April 8, 2006 be revoked. As a result of additional discussion, Mr. Richardson noted he would agree to have only the first article he requested.

Mrs. Bryant-Deschenes then amended her motion to include only the request to consider revocation of the vote taken at the April 7, 2006 and April 8 2006 Town Meeting and Mr. Terreri made a second to the amended motion. Mrs. Leavitt noted for the Board the importance of including the dates the action being requested to be revoked was done be reflected in the new warrant article. Mr. Richardson agreed to the wording as provided by Mrs. Leavitt and Mrs. Bryant-Deschenes amended her motion to include the wording as provided by Town Manager Eva Leavitt for the article requested, Mr. Terreri made a second to the amended motion; and the vote was three in favor, Youland, Bryant-Deschenes and Terreri and one opposed, Goodwin, the motion passed.

The Board of Selectmen agreed to place the article on the warrant for the coming Town Meeting. Additional discussion resulted in the consensus from the Board that TCA may request an appropriation from the Town for operating expenses during the next fiscal year for which Mrs. Leavitt also provided possible wording. Selectman Youland inquired about the dollar figure of $20,000 in the request and, Mrs. Leavitt explained that the figure she used was obtained from the prior operating expense history, however, she noted TCA could ask for whatever amount they deemed necessary to reach their goals. No further discussion at this time.

6. REGISTRAR OF VOTERS - RESIGNATION AND APPOINTMENT: Mrs. Leavitt requested that the Board accept her resignation as Registrar of Voters due to many conflicts with time, and, she also requested that the Board consider appointing Mrs. Joyce Moulin as the new registrar noting that Mrs. Moulin is the primary contact person for the Centralized Voter Registration and verifying the signatures as collected on petitions. Mr. Terreri made a motion to accept the resignation of Mrs. Leavitt as the Registrar of Voters and Mr. Youland made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous. Mr. Terreri then made a motion to appoint Mrs. Joyce Moulin as the new Registrar of Voters and Mrs. Goodwin made a second to the motion. Mrs. Goodwin then inquired about pay for this position and Mrs. Leavitt explained that the registrar's duties are part of the job and that no additional compensation is added to the job. The vote was unanimous.

7. TOWN MANAGERS' BUSINESS: Q & A WEEKLY MEMO: Mrs. Goodwin questioned the results of the on-site visit done by CEO Roger Williams to the Dakin property. Mrs. Leavitt noted that not only did the Town CEO inspect the property; a representative from the State Fire Marshall's Office was there as well. Mr. Youland questioned whether or not the horse issue in North Turner has been resolved and Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that the horse violation issue has been referred to the Town's Attorney for further action. Mrs. Goodwin then acknowledged the demand on Fire, Rescue and the Highway Department in recent weeks with all the events they have been involved with. There was a question regarding the roof issue at the Leavitt Institute Building and Mrs. Leavitt noted that repair efforts can't happen until Spring and, for the winter months Mr. Caldwell is keeping a close eye on any ice build up and is having it removed when necessary.

DEDICATION OF TOWN REPORT: The Board discussed the possibilities for the dedication of the Town Report and Mr. Terreri made a motion to dedicate this years' report to Mr. Henry Gibbert, Mrs. Bryant-Deschenes made second to the motion and the vote was unanimous. Discussion that followed resulted in noting that Selectman Jody Goodwin will write the dedication and Ms. Philipon will obtain a photo for the Town Report. MISSION STATEMENT: Mrs. Leavitt questioned if the Board had any suggestions for changes to the mission statement; however, the Board felt the statement was fine as written. FINE - DAN RICHARDSON: Mrs. Leavitt brought to the Boards' attention the fine as levied against Mr. Dan Richardson and noted that he had fallen behind, but is now back where he should be. It was clarified for the Board that the fine is in the amount of $250.00 minimum due on a monthly basis. FORECLOSED TAX ACCOUNTS - UPDATE: Mrs. Leavitt updated the Board on the current outstanding debt for those tax accounts, which automatically foreclosed on 12/31/2007, which are those taxes that were outstanding 6/30/2006 and therefore, a lien was placed against the property. The amount currently outstanding is $4,308.87, which is down from over $9,000, and, Mrs. Leavitt noted that resident Dan Richardson has 3 of those accounts in his name. Ms. Philipon offered information on one account that was paid in full 1/7/2008. No further discussion. FINANCIALS AS OF 12/31/2007: Mrs. Leavitt reviewed the financial report as provided and noted that the revenue sharing is in line for this time in the budget process, however, she cautioned that the town may not reach the revenue goals as established. Mrs. Leavitt referred to the unemployment compensation fund has been drawn down considerably and there is one more claim pending for that account. It was noted however, that the general fund working balance is approximately 1.4 million at this time. Mrs. Leavitt brought to the attention of the Board the fact that the Abatement and Supplement account is below average from recent years and gave credit to extra efforts made by Ms. Philipon in the pre-tax commitment review for errors and/or omissions. No action needed.

On the individual department portion of the financials, Mrs. Leavitt reminded the Board that several changes were made in buildings and the value placed on those buildings for insurance purposes, some were lowered and some were increased, which caused an increase to the insurance costs overall. Mrs. Leavitt also noted that Rescue is now maintaining information on the office supplies they used, which is an area they did not previously maintain an accurate breakdown for. WINTER ROADS: Mrs. Leavitt noted that the temporary wage line is overdrawn due to an increased use of temporary to fill a current vacancy and a long term medical leave, which Mrs. Leavitt will be advertising to fill soon. SUMMER ROADS: Mrs. Leavitt noted that she used more temporary help during the last season to assist the Highway Department in getting additional work done during that season. SALT PURCHASE: Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that the town began the winter season with 150 ton of salt in storage to be used and we have purchased 450 ton so far. AVCOG coordinates this purchase and there is a 750-ton commitment. There was some discussion regarding the breakdown of employee wages with vacation, compensatory hours and sick hours reflected in dollars and cents. No action needed.

8. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: TCA VACANCIES: Mrs. Leavitt noted an application received from an Elizabeth Coburn for consideration to serve on the TCA Board of Directors. Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to appoint Ms. Coburn to TCA and Mr. Youland made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous.

SEX OFFENDER - REGISTRY & PROXIMITY TO SCHOOLS: Mrs. Leavitt provided the Board with some additional information regarding the sex offender registry and the possibility of a petition being circulated to endorse a local ordinance regarding sex offenders and the distance to schools or daycare facilities they may reside. Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that she has obtained information from both the Sheriff's Department and the State Police that each person on the registry is a unique situation and, any one of those people on the registry have their own guidelines; an example being that a person on the registry that lives next door to a local daycare facility isn't allowed in his home from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, which includes all hours of operation for the facility. Mrs. Leavitt noted that many of the restrictions place on any of those people involved come directly from the various judges involved. No action at this time.

9. CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Youland reviewed the disbursement warrants for this meeting and, recommended their approval. Mrs. Bryant-Deschenes will review for Tuesday January 22, 2008. There were no Veteran's Exemptions, abatements or supplements to consider. Minutes as prepared for the 12/17/2007 meeting were deemed to be in order. Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented and Mr. Youland made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous. Mrs. Leavitt requested to have 1/18/2008 as a day off and Mr. Terreri made a motion to approve that day off, and Mr. Youland made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous.

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None needed

11. ADJOURNMENT: Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to adjourn at 9:27 pm and Mr. Terreri made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous.

Respectfully submitted:

Sandra L Philipon

Assessing/Office Assistant