BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES

RE-SCHEDULED FROM DECEMBER 3, 2007

DECEMBER 10, 2007

MONDAY 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 Mrs. Jody Goodwin, Mr. Angelo Terreri, Mr. Kurt Youland, Town Manager Eva Leavitt, Rescue Chief Laurel Gagne, Fire Chief Michael Arsenault, Assn’t Rescue/Fire Chief Ross Gagne and several other residents with interest. Mrs. Bryant-Deschenes was absent.

2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Mrs. Leavitt noted that the finance report for November was available and requested that it be added under the Town Manager’ Business for discussion. The Fire Department requested the opportunity to discuss the possible purchase of a newer unit. The Selectmen agreed to add this to the agenda as item 2A. Mrs. Leavitt also had information to share regarding property abutting the Town Transfer Station, which the Selectmen agreed to discuss as item 3A.

2A. FIRE TRUCK PURCHASE DISCUSSION: Fire Chief Mike Arsenault noted that the fire truck currently being pursued in PA is in the body shop for some necessary repair work caused by a minor accident. Chief Arsenault noted there was no frame damage, but the Chief in PA wants the truck to be totally fixed before any potential sale. Deputy Chief Gagne noted the original asking price of $70,000 is now down to $60,000 and, the Department in PA is anxious to sell. Discussion followed regarding what revenue the Turner Department has available in their reserve account, which is only $58,000. Mrs. Leavitt explained that the purchase of this unit would result in the Turner Department’s ability to replace two units with this one unit. Mrs. Goodwin questioned if there is a possibility of recovering any revenue from the sale of the two units, which Mr. Gagne noted was possible, however, he noted also that a broker might be useful in looking to sell either unit, even though the broker would get a percentage, they know the market and potential buyers.

Further discussion involved questions as to whether or not other options were being pursued, and Mr. Gagne noted that other trucks of the same year have higher asking prices with similar equipment in place. The only negative aspect is that the unit in PA has a manual transmission verses an automatic. There was discussion regarding the steps necessary to bring the unit to Maine and the costs associated with the transport. Mrs. Goodwin inquired whether or not Mr. Gagne and/or Mr. Arsenault would inspect the unit thoroughly before finalizing the sale, which was noted. Mr. Youland suggested that Mr. Gagne offer the $58,000 presently in the equipment reserve account and see what happens. There was additional discussion regarding the sale of property and what legally needs to be done with that revenue, which by law must go to the general fund. There was then some discussion regarding funding requests for the 2008/2009-budget year. Following discussion, Mr. Youland made a motion to authorize the Fire Department to offer $58,000 for the purchase of the 1993 truck in PA, and Mrs. Goodwin made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous. Chief Arsenault and Deputy Chief Gagne hope to have additional information for the 12/17/2007 meeting. No further discussion at this time.

3. INTENT TO PURCHASE - ROSSIGNOL PROPERTY - TURNER CENTER ROAD: Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that she met with Mrs. Rossignol to discuss the possible purchase of property owned by her that abuts the town office property and, Mrs. Rossignol remained firm with the asking price of $5,000. It was noted that Mrs. Rossignol will provide the town with a deed of their choosing, either quit claim or warranty deed and, it was discussed that a warranty deed would be preferred should the Town purchase the property. Mr. Youland expressed his disappointment in the asking price noting that the parcel isn’t worth that much and that nothing can be done with the property. The Board acknowledged that Mrs. Rossignol should probably talk with the Assessor regarding the current value on the property. Mrs. Leavitt went on to inform the Board that Mrs. Rossignol has an additional property located on the corner of Route 117 and North Main Street is currently in a bond for deed agreement with a Ms. Doughty who is presently in arrears on her payments. Mrs. Rossignol indicated that she may be foreclosing on that property and that property may be available to purchase. Mrs. Leavitt indicated there is an approximate $20,000 balance on the bond note. Mr. Youland suggested waiting a while to see what may transpire with the second property and, perhaps the Town could purchase both at the same time. Mr. Terreri questioned the amount in the obsolete building fund account, which Mrs. Leavitt noted is $21,196. Mrs. Goodwin noted that the initial reason for pursing the purchase of this property was to secure the Towns interest in this piece that sits between the Town Office and the Boat Launch, and for no other reason. No action at this time.

3A. NICKERSON PROPERTY: Mrs. Leavitt informed the Board of a letter to Mr. Nickerson regarding the possible purchase of some additional land owned by Mr. Nickerson that abuts the Town Transfer Station. Mr. Nickerson indicated he might be interested in possibly trading some land with the Town but he is not interested in selling any land at this time. No action needed.

4. REVIEW OF 2008/2009 PROPOSED BUDGET: Mrs. Leavitt brought attention to the breakdown she did by department regarding heating fuel use and gas or diesel fuel use to give a better picture of those actual costs. Mrs. Leavitt noted that for the present heating season, we have a locked in price through Murray. Mrs. Leavitt also noted that some items such as the Social Service requests would be ongoing through the budget process. The proposed rate of increase was noted to be 3.5% for wages and the flex benefit. Mrs. Leavitt brought to the Board’s attention some other areas that reflect increases for the proposed year, and she suggested a way to save approximately $1200 by not renewing the subscription for the Maine State Statues. It was noted that MMA provides us with legal opinions when necessary, the Town’s Attorney has them and they are available on line. The Board agreed with this cost saving measure. Mrs. Goodwin noted a fee for a Health Officer included which appears to be a new figure, and Mrs. Leavitt explained that the need for a Certified Health Officer is now necessary; and presently CEO Roger Williams isn’t qualified to carry out those duties, however, any school nurse does have the required qualifications; and, the amount requested is a stipend for those services. Mrs. Leavitt made note of a request made by the Highway Department for a dumpster to be at the highway garage site for disposal purposes, and, it was noted that Mrs. Leavitt will request adding a sixth man to the highway department.

Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that since the ban on commercial waste was imposed at the Transfer Station, it has resulted in approximately $2,000 savings per month. It was also noted at this time that Mrs. Leavitt has been monitoring the activity at the Transfer Station on Tuesdays and will cut back on the number of attendants on Tuesdays from 3 to 2 employees. Mrs. Leavitt also noted that she is attempting to have the attendants do more physical labor than they presently do.

Mr. Terreri noted to the Board that the attendants have inquired about the purchase of a snow blower for the site and have placed a sign to accept donations towards the purchase of one. Mrs. Leavitt expressed her concerns with having such a piece of equipment on site, noting the debris that may lie underneath any snow and the possibility of injury to either the staff or residents that may be on site at any give time. Discussion followed with a suggestion of purchasing scoops to remove snow with as opposed to a snow blower. Mr. Youland noted that there is less physical strain using a scoop as opposed to shoveling. There was some discussion regarding the possibility of changing the hours at the Transfer Station and have the facility be opened for fewer hours, however, Mrs. Leavitt noted that the general public has some difficulty with changing the hours and, went on to note that her intent is to use only two staff members on Tuesdays and cut down on man hours not operating hours. No further discussion at this time. Mrs. Leavitt noted her proposed increase in the property management for BQMC; and indicated there hasn’t been an increase for the managers of the facility in a few years. Mrs. Goodwin verified that Vicky Mason is still managing the facility, which Mrs. Leavitt confirmed. Mrs. Leavitt noted the need to add money back into the unemployment fund as it has been drawn down in the past few years and, the Town is self insured for unemployment. Mrs. Leavitt noted she has scheduled an organization meeting for the Budget Committee Tuesday December 18^th, and will set a schedule at that time. Mr. House encouraged the members of the Board of Selectmen to attend as many budget meetings as possible.

5. DISCUSSION RENEWAL SUBSCRIPTION TO MAINE STATE STATUTES & UPDATES: This item was discussed during the proposed budget review and determined to not renew the subscription.

6. TOWN MANAGERS’ BUSINESS: Q & A WEEKLY MEMO: Mrs. Goodwin asked for clarification regarding a reference made to “dump picking”. Mrs. Leavitt noted she has sent correspondence to two people who have been removing items from the dump, which we have posted. Some discussion regarding the liability issue this type of activity presents. TRI-TOWN SELECTMEN’S MEETING: No discussion needed SURPLUS PROPERTY - PROPOSED LIST: Mrs. Leavitt indicated that the Road Committee suggested using Keenan Auction Company to dispose of the surplus property, however, discussion resulted in a motion made by Mr. Youland to authorize Highway Foreman Charlie Poland to dispose of the surplus property through the bid process. Mrs. Goodwin made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous. Mrs. Leavitt noted it would be worth the time to have the surplus property available to be viewed prior to the bid process. LEGAL ISSUE - CEO: Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that CEO Roger Williams has two ongoing violation issues that have not been resolved. One involving horses being kept by a resident who doesn’t have the proper amount of land for such a use, and a junkyard violation off Wood Street at the Levasseur property. Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that Mr. Williams has followed procedure by issuing the notice of violation, but has not had any cooperation from either party to resolve the issue. Mr. Terreri then made a motion to authorize CEO Roger Williams to pursue legal counsel regarding the two violations and Mrs. Goodwin made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous. SCHOOL USE - TOWN MEETING: Mrs. Leavitt brought to the Boards’ attention some recent action taken by MSAD 52 regarding use of any of the Schools, by noting the concern over registered sex offenders. Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that the Board of Directors for MSAD 52 is placing responsibility in the hands of whoever may request use of the school facility, especially for something like Town Meeting, to be responsible for whoever may attend such an event. Registered sex offenders can still register and vote, which means, if the Town uses the school for Town Meeting, the Town is willing inviting any registered sex offenders who are also registered to vote to be on school property. Mrs. Leavitt will keep the Board informed, as the Town of Leeds is seeking a legal opinion regarding this issue. No further discussion at this time.

7. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that she has received three names for appointment to the TCA Board of Directors; however, she has not yet received their application.

8. CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. House reviewed the disbursement warrants and recommended their approval. Mr. Terreri will review the disbursement warrants for 12/17/2007. Minutes for 11/19/2007 had one error noted by Mrs. Goodwin to change correct a reference to Mrs. House to Mr. House, as it should be. There were no Veteran’s Exemptions or Abatements or Supplements to consider. Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented with the correction to the minutes and Mr. Terreri made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous.

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mr. Terreri made a motion to enter executive session pursuant to Title 1 M.R.S.A. ss 405 (6) (A) - to discuss a personnel matter - evaluation Town Manager at 9:02 pm and Mrs. Goodwin made a second to the motion and the vote was unanimous. Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to come out of executive session at 10:11 pm and Mr. Terreri made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous. No action taken once out of executive session. The evaluation was concluded.

10. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Youland made a motion to adjourn at 10:12 pm, and Mrs. Goodwin made a second to the motion; and the vote was unanimous.

Respectfully submitted:

Sandra L Philipon

Assessing/Office Assistant