BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
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, Mr. Dennis Richardson, Mr. Richard Keene, Mr. Jeffrey
Timberlake, Town Manager Eva Leavitt and several property owners from
Little Wilson Pond.
2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Mr. Timberlake
requested a discussion regarding trailers parked at
2A. DISCUSSION - COMMENTS RECEIVED REGARDING ICE
FISHING ON LITTLE WILSON POND: Mr. Terreri noted to the audience that
people must be recognized before speaking and identify themselves. It
was noted that the Town Manager received several e-mails expressing
concern regarding the meeting held 10/4/2010 when resident Emile
Gagnon approached the Board. Mr. Terreri opened the discussion by
noting to those present that although stated in the newspaper, the
Board of Selectmen made no formal "vote" regarding the request from
Mr. Emile Gagnon to pursue opening Little Wilson Pond to ice fishing,
but did take a straw poll. Mr. Terreri noted also that the Board
acknowledges they have no authority regarding activities on Little
Wilson Pond. Mr. Terreri noted the Board encouraged Mr. Gagnon to
speak with all parties, including the Pond Association. Mark Chasse -
property owner on Little Wilson Pond was acknowledged. Mr. Chasse
owns a summer cottage on the pond and inquired what the purpose of
the straw poll was; which Mr. Terreri noted was simply to end the
discussion. Mr. Timberlake noted that the Board had not previously
discussed the issue and had no prior knowledge of the request to
consider. Resident Angela Tyvoll was
acknowledged and noted that the media may have twisted the context,
however, expressed there was no consultation with any residents of
the pond. Several residents were acknowledged including Colleen
Bennett who also purchased a copy of the audiotape from the meeting.
Ms. Bennett noted she purchased the tape to gain a better
understanding of what took place during the meeting, and noted that
several questions were raised but not answered such as why ice
fishing ceased to begin with. Ms. Bennett also noted a suggestion
made for Mr. Gagnon to approach the association and Inland Fisheries
and Wildlife. Mr. Keene noted that all questions raised would be
answered during the process should Mr. Gagnon pursue his request.
Other discussion included acknowledgement that
there is no public access to the pond, and it was mentioned that
three snowmobile trails cross the pond. Summer resident Abby Gurschick
provided the Board with insight regarding the damage ice fishing
caused in the past by noting the damage caused during the winter
months with vandalism and trash. Additional discussion provided those
residents present with the reassurance they sought regarding the
Selectmen's position. Mr. Timberlake apologized for the miss
understanding caused by the Board, noting that in hindsight, the
discussion may have been handled differently. The Board closed the
discussion by noting to those concerned property owners that Mr.
Gagnon has a right to pursue his request and there are many steps to
be taken throughout the process, including a public hearing; should
the process get that far. The Board took a brief break
3. PUBLIC HEARING - AMENDMENTS TO GENERAL
ASSISTANCE ORDINANCE: Mr. Keene made a motion to open the public
hearing at 7:53 pm, Mr. Richardson seconded the motion and the vote
was unanimous. Mrs. Leavitt noted this hearing is an annual event for
the Board to formally adopt proposed increases to the general
assistance maximum allowed amounts in various areas. It was noted
that the maximum earned income limits have been increased slightly as
well as the maximums allowed for housing, food, heat and lights;
which are the basic areas that General Assistance is designed to
assist with. The increases were minimal in all areas. Mr. Richardson
inquired whether or not the Board could choose not to accept the
proposed increases; Mrs. Leavitt indicated this is a necessary
action. There was some discussion regarding how much the town
actually spent during the past year. Mr. Keene made a motion to close
the public hearing at 8:02 pm, Mr. Timberlake seconded and the vote
was unanimous. Mr. Keene made a motion to accept the increases to the
General Assistance Ordinance as presented, Mr. Richardson seconded
the motion and the vote was unanimous.
4. EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN - NEZINSCOT RIVER DAM
UPDATE: Mrs. Leavitt noted she did not receive the plan as
anticipated. Mr. Richardson made a motion to table the time until
11/1/2010, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
5. DISCUSSION - COMMENTS RECEIVED REGARDING ICE
FISHING ON LITTLE WILSON POND: Previously discussed.
5A. TRAILERS PARKED AT BQMC: Mr. Timberlake noted
that some taxpayers contacted him recently regarding trailers being
parked at BQMC making parking difficult for some patrons have
contacted him. Mrs. Leavitt noted that a broker owns the trailers and
she spoke with one of the drivers but the driver couldn't provide
Mrs. Leavitt with a name or number. Mr. Richardson recommended that
law enforcement be contacted and get the trailers towed away if they
are parked there again. Mrs. Leavitt then informed the Board that she
has been made aware that six tables are missing from BQMC; which
prompted a discussion regarding who rented the building last and the
access through the fire station. Mrs. Leavitt noted that the new fire
rated door is being installed this week and she will stay on top of
the situation.
6. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: 6-1
PERSONNEL POLICY AMENDMENTS: Mrs. Leavitt noted that the suggested
amendments to the Personnel Policy have been made as recommended and
clarified how the pay out for unused sick time will be handled on
June 30th. The Board noted it was their intent to pay out unused time
from the sick time bank as established. 6-2 FISH STREET MITIGATION:
Mrs. Leavitt noted there is still an erosion issue, which Summit
Environmental will provide a study for to mitigate the issue, as the
erosion continues. Mrs. Leavitt noted she had a conference call with
Judy Maloney from FEMA and Joanne Mooney from MEMA who confirmed that
the existing mitigation grant application could be amended and the
time line could remain open for up to a year. Mrs. Leavitt noted the
cost is estimated to be $125,000 based on a review provided by K
& K Excavation, however, it was noted this would reviewed more
thoroughly and the project will be put out to bid. 6-3 ICE SKATING
RINK (TAA FUND RAISER): Mr. Terreri noted he has secured a $500
commitment and also a matching commitment from Mr. Kurt Youland who
noted he would match whatever amount the Board of Selectmen
contribute to the effort. The goal indicated by Mr. Terreri is $1,200
and Mr. Timberlake noted he is confident the goal will be met
7. TOWN MANAGERS' BUSINESS: 7-1: Q & A MEMO:
Mr. Terreri asked if the boards from the dam have been replaced, Mrs.
Leavitt indicated they have not to date. Mr. Terreri also noted that
who ever is taking the waste oil from the Town left the area very
messy, and that the attendants shouldn't have to do extra work. Mrs.
Leavitt wasn't aware of any issues with the new venue for removal of
the oil. Mr. Terreri provided the board with a possible layout for
benches on the east side of the dam. 7-2 INTENT TO FIND: Mrs. Leavitt
noted the letter is an experiment based on some recent changes in the
Purchasing Policy, and noted the letter of intent provided is
referencing a possible piece of equipment for the Highway Department.
The possible equipment purchase will be discussed at a future Road
Committee meeting to be held Thursday October 28th. It was noted that
this type of item needs to be clearly specified. 7-3 MMA RISK
MANAGEMENT DIVIDEND: Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that Turner
received a dividend check in the amount of $3,941. 7-4
8. CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Richardson requested a
correction on item 3 regarding the Little Wilson Pond discussion to
note the action was a straw poll not a vote. Mr. Terreri reviewed the
disbursement warrants and recommended their approval. Mr. House will
review in Mr. Timberlake's place for 11/1/2010. There were no
Veteran's Exemptions, no Abatement requests and no Supplemental
requests. Mr. Timberlake made a motion to approve the consent agenda
with the requested changes, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the
vote was unanimous.
9. ADJOURNMENT: The Board adjourned by mutual
consent at 8:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted:
Sandra L Philipon
Assessing/Office Assistant