MONDAY DECEMBER 6 2010

 

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 residents with interest.

 

2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Mrs. Leavitt noted that a requested executive session was not reflected on the agenda as presented and the Board agreed to add this as Item 9A. Mrs. Leavitt also provided some brief information regarding a specific membership application from the Code Enforcement Officer Roger Williams. She will provide details in the Selectmen's packets as it was indicated there should be three members from the community, a second member to consider would be the Planning Board Chairman and the third member possibly from the Board of Selectmen. No action required.

 

3. LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWAL - CHICK-A-DEE RESTAURANT: Mrs. Leavitt presented the renewal liquor license application, Mr. Timberlake inquired if there have been any complaints filed and none were noted. Mr. Keene made a motion to approve the renewal liquor license application for the Chick-A-Dee Restaurant as presented, Mr. Timberlake seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

4. ILLEGAL DUMPING - PLAINS ROAD: Mrs. Leavitt referenced the pictures provided to the Board, which reflects, the illegal dumping discovered on the Plains Road. It was noted that the property owner inquired if the Town would pick up the debris, however, after review of the area it was determined that the site was too far away from the Town's right of way. Mrs. Leavitt further noted that Public Works has reported that the materials have been cleaned up, however, Mrs. Leavitt inquired if the Board wanted to consider adopting a specific policy to outline steps for illegal dumping. Mrs. Leavitt further noted to the Board that there have been other cases, typically one or two a year. Residents find tires dumped on their property and are allowed to bring them to the Transfer Station at no charge. Discussion resulted in the Board being comfortable with the Town Manager continuing to handle such actions on a case-by-case basis without adopting a formal policy.

 

5. STOCKPILING SALT/SAND: Mrs. Leavitt brought before the Board a request from Public Works to allow a stockpile of salt/sand to be kept at BQMC to make the plow routes more efficient. The down side noted is potential theft of the product and contamination of the product as well. Possibilities in the North Turner area were discussed and Mr. Timberlake suggested a possible location at the Egg Farm complex. Mr. Timberlake will make the initial contact and report to Mrs. Leavitt. Discussed resulted in the need to explore alternate options.

6. SET TOWN MEETING DATE & DEDICATION: The first Saturday in April is the 2nd; Mrs. Leavitt noted that Town Meeting starts on the Friday before. Mr. Richardson made a motion to set Friday April 1st and Saturday April 2nd as Town Meeting dates, Mr. Keene seconded the motion. Mrs. Leavitt explained that setting the date for Town Meeting establishes the date for when nomination papers become available and when they are due back.

 

The vote was unanimous. Mrs. Leavitt then shared a picture of the new Gazebo in Turner Center, which she would like to use as the cover for the annual Town Report, Mr. Richardson made a motion to use the Gazebo picture as the cover picture for the Town Report, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. The dedication of the town report was discussed next and Mr. House suggested that the Board consider the Historical Association as a group for all the work they do. Further discussion included a request to acknowledge through the article some of the key people who go above and beyond. Mr. House then made a motion to dedicate the town report to the Historical Association, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

7. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: 7-1 GRANGE HALL: Mr. Keene acknowledged that he and Mr. House attended the most recent meeting of the Grange which was held 12/4/2010. Carol Shaw Barker - Grange Master was present and stated that at this point in time the Grange hasn't made any decision regarding retaining the building as an asset or move forward with an alternate plan. Also acknowledged that no formal proposals have been received by the Grange to date. Mr. Timberlake questioned that, if the Town was interested in the building, would the Grange donate it to the Town or would they want money for the building? Mr. James Talbot - Grange Member stated for the record that the Grange hasn't had a meeting to discuss any possibilities. Mr. Richardson suggested that the Grange members need to know what their desires are and then approach the Board. Mr. Terreri acknowledged that the Town may be interested in exploring possibilities and, Mrs. Leavitt noted for those present that, if the Grange building is to be offered to the Town it must be placed on the warrant for Town Meeting approval. Mrs. Barker inquired what the time frame might be for warrant articles and Mrs. Leavitt noted that generally the warrant is finalized by March to allow time for printing. Mr. Keene noted that his attendance at the Grange meeting left him with the feeling that members of the Grange were in the dark. There was some discussion regarding the extensive renovations that may be required to bring the building into ADA compliance. No action at this time.

 

8. TOWN MANAGERS' BUSINESS: 8-1 Q & A MEMO: Mr. Richardson commented on the notation regarding some necessary equipment repairs and Mrs. Leavitt noted that it was the spare truck. It was noted that the furnace at the Leavitt Institute building has been repaired for less than the quoted estimate. 8-2 FINANCE REPORT: Mrs. Leavitt noted only one area of concern at this time regarding the amount budgeted for water testing on the various ponds. The budgeted amount was $2,400 and the costs were $2,500 and she inquired if the Board would consider using $100 from contingency to cover the cost. Mr. Timberlake suggesting inquiring if the testing could be done for less money. Mr. Richardson made a motion to approve use of $100 from contingency to cover the cost of the water tests for Conservation, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

8-3 BUDGET PROPOSAL ITEMS: Mrs. Leavitt noted she has sent initial budget request documents to Department Heads and that the Budget Committee has set 12/14/2010 as their organizational meeting date. Mr. Terreri expressed his desire to have actual requested amounts reflected when the budget packets are put together. Further noting that the individual department request must be reflected, then the Town Managers recommendation. The Board seemed to agree with the request. 8-3 TRI TOWN GATHERING DINNER MENU: Mrs. Leavitt noted that there should be approximated 20 - 25 people attending the scheduled December 16th meeting being held in Turner and the menu was finalized.

 

9. PART 1 - CONSENT AGENDA: The minutes from 11/15/2010 and 11/19/2010 were deemed to be in order. Mr. Keene reviewed the disbursement warrants and recommended their approval. There were no Veteran's Exemptions to consider. Mr. Richardson will review for 12/20/2010. Mr. Keene made a motion to approve Part 1 of the consent agenda as presented, Mr. House seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

9. PART 2 - CONSENT AGENDA: Consideration of any abatements or supplements: None to consider.

 

9A. EXECUTIVE SESSION 1 M R S A ss 405 (6)(A): Mr. Richardson made a motion to enter executive session referencing the above at 7:54 pm, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. Mr. Richardson 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 taken

 

10. ADJOURNMENT: The Board adjourned by mutual consent at 9:00 pm

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

Sandra L Philipon

 

Assessing/Office Assistant