MONDAY DECEMBER 7, 2009

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES

 

SPECIAL MEETING TIME 6:30 PM

 

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG: Chairman Angelo Terreri called the meeting to order at 6:30pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was said. Those present were Mr. Dennis Richardson, Mr. Richard Keene, Mr. Jeffrey Timberlake, Mr. Kurt Youland, Town Manager Eva Leavitt, Code Enforcement Officer Roger Williams and several people with interest.

 

2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Mrs. Leavitt noted receipt of additional information regarding the discussion with the Planning Board Chairman.

 

3. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1 M. R. S. A ss 405(6) (A) - PERSONNEL MATTER: Mr. Richardson made a motion to enter executive session reference to Title 1 at 6:35 pm, Mr. Timberlake seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. Mr. Richardson made a motion to come out of executive at 7:11 pm, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. The Board of Selectmen unanimously agreed to do a follow up in 90 days.

 

4. RENEWAL LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION - A. CHICK-A-DEE B. TURNER HIGHLANDS: The Board reviewed the application provided by the Chick-A-Dee for renewal of their liquor license and Mrs. Leavitt noted no reported problems. Mr. Timberlake made a motion to approve the renewal application for the Chick-A-Dee, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. The Board reviewed the renewal application for Turner Highlands/Fore Seasons Restaurant, which included a separate application for off premises catering. The second application is to cover various golf tournaments through the next season. Noting no known issues or complaints, Mr. Timberlake made a motion to approve both applications for Turner Highlands/Fore Seasons Restaurant, Mr. Keene seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

 

5. DISCUSSION - PLANNING BOARD CHAIRMAN: Planning Board Chairman Gregg Varney was present as well as representatives from DeLucca Hoffman and the Village Preservation Committee. Mr. Terreri explained for those present the reasoning behind a memo sent recently to the Panning Board noting that the memo was simply to suggest precautionary measures to protect the Town from potential future liability. Mr. Terreri & Mr. Youland both acknowledged the outstanding job the Planning Board has done to date on the Hannaford Project. Mr. Varney acknowledged that the specific guidance provided by the Selectmen was appreciated and re-assured the Selectmen that the Planning Board has exercised extreme thoroughness during the process to date. Mr. Varney noted that the Planning Board held a second Public Hearing due to the vast concerns expressed during the initial phase of the project. Mr. Varney further explained that the manner in which the Findings of Facts yet to be prepared for the project should provide a legal safety net for the Town when all is said and done. The representative from Pierce/Atwood also commented on the professionalism of the Planning Board and the cautious approach being taken. No action needed.

 

6. FEMA GRANT AWARD: Mrs. Leavitt announced that the Town was awarded a grant for the relocation of Fish Street in the amount of $41,710 and the Town can now invoice FEMA directly for work completed to date. Mrs. Leavitt was informed that several other approved projects came in under budget, which resulted in more grant money available for Turner's project, and she noted that any unused funds might have to be returned to FEMA. Mr. Keene inquired if Fish Street has been paved yet and Mrs. Leavitt indicated she believes the Highway Department was able to get cold mix on the surface. Mrs. Leavitt further noted that the utility poles have been relocated.

 

7. POST 111 REQUEST: American Legion member Harris Bradeen was present to answer any questions the Board had regarding a request made by Legion Post 111 to have wording added to the existing Veterans Monument to read: "and all future conflicts". Mr. Bradeen noted that the Legion would pay to have the wording added. The Board of Selectmen thought it was a good idea and inquired if any prices have been obtained to date and Mr. Bradeen noted one price has been obtained and they are waiting for a second price. Mr. Timberlake made a motion to allow American Legion Post 111 to have "and all future conflicts" added to the Veteran's Monument, Mr. Youland seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

8. TOWN HOUSE RFP PROJECT PLAN: The Board reviewed the requests for proposals as received to outline the Town House Project Preservation Plan, which ranged from $2,200 - $26,150. Mrs. Leavitt recommended awarding the project plan proposal to resident Engineer Thomas W Perkins and noted the commitment by his employer Barr & Barr, Inc who will allow Mr. Perkins access of the company's resources to complete the project. Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that Mr. Perkins' proposal includes gratuitous efforts for which the Town will not be charged. It was noted that by having a procedural plan in place would allow the Town to seek grant funding to assist in completing the project. Mr. Timberlake inquired about the amount of money set aside for this and Mrs. Leavitt noted the town has $38,000 available in the Historic Building Reserve Account. Mr. Youland asked if Mrs. Leavitt has done any reference checks or research on Mr. Perkins' abilities? Mrs. Leavitt noted she hasn't yet done any reference check on Mr. Perkins personally, but will do so soon, however, she also noted that his employer Barr & Barr, Inc have extensive experience in this type of restoration project. Mr. Timberlake made a motion to award the Project Plan Proposal as presented to Tom Perkins as outlined, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

9. DEMOLITION PROJECT - MAP 40-2 LOT 24: Mrs. Leavitt noted no one has provided any proposal for removal of the above property. Mr. Timberlake noted that one resident formerly indicated a willingness to remove the building at no cost to the Town. There was some discussion regarding waiting until the river freezes before taking steps to demolish the building and remove the debris. Mrs. Leavitt noted that all interested parties have been in the building to inspect materials that may be desired and, former owner Mrs. Rossignol has been in the building and removed items of interest to her. Mrs. Leavitt suggested that any Board member go through the building to view what's inside and determine if any other items should be removed prior to demolition. No action as this time.

 

10: TOWN MANAGERS' BUSINESS: 10-1 Q & A MEMO: No questions 10-2 FINANCE REPORT PERIOD ENDING 11/30/2009: Mrs. Leavitt noted that excise tax revenue is higher than projected for this time in the budget as well as revenue for BQMC bookings. As a follow up to a question asked by Mr. Richardson previously regarding the impact of the third employee for Rescue, Mrs. Leavitt noted that there is an impact on their overall budget and may be cause for concern. Mrs. Leavitt further noted that delayed billing from United Ambulance has caused expenses to be slightly higher than usual for this time of the budget year. Mr. Richardson offered some personal information regarding Volunteers for Rescue by noting the costs for people to test to become EMT certified is approximately $600, which plays a role in people "volunteering" for something that will cost them to become certified. Mr. Richardson further suggested that sometime in the future perhaps the Town might offer to reimburse people for the cost of this training. Mrs. Leavitt further noted that having a third person at the Transfer Station is drawing down that line. Also noted was the Leavitt Institute Building Fund, which has been drawn down significantly, however, the Board of Directors doesn't foresee any other major repairs to be necessary in the near future. 10-3 OFFICE CLOSING 12/24/2009: Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board the request made by the Office Staff to close the office at 1:00 pm 12/24 and use personal time. Mr. Richardson suggested that the Town authorized closing at 1:00 pm for all departments and pays all employees for the remainder of the day. Mrs. Leavitt cautioned that not all departments work the same hours, however, further discussion among the Board members resulted in Mr. Timberlake making a motion to close all Town Departments at 1:00 pm 12/24/2009 and pay employees through the remainder of their normal work day. Mr. Youland seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. 10-4: SET DATE/TIME POLICY REVIEW WORKSHOP: The Board reviewed the January calendar and determined to continue the Personnel Policy Review at a workshop on Tuesday January 5, 2010 at 6:00 pm. 10-5 TOWN MEETING DATE: Mrs. Leavitt suggested April 9th & 10th for Town meeting and discussion among the Board members resulted in a mutual agreement to set Friday April 9th for balloting and Saturday April 10th for open town meeting. Mrs. Leavitt noted she will schedule an organizational meeting of the Budget Committee for mid December, and it was noted there are two expiring terms for the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Youland and Mr. Terreri. A memo will outline the availability of nomination papers.

 

11. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: GAR HALL: Mrs. Leavitt referenced the written inspection provided by GAR/Community Hall Board member Harris Bradeen. Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that the newly formed Board of Directors held their first meeting and have a general agreement that one aspect of necessary maintenance, the toilet facility needs to be replaced. It was noted that the GAR Hall isn't used during the winter months, so that project can wait until spring. Mrs. Leavitt shared photos taken by Mr. Bradeen of various aspects of the building that require attention soon. No action necessary at this time.

 

12. CONSENT AGENDA: The minutes from 11/16/2009 had one amendment noted to be necessary. Mr. Keene reviewed the disbursement warrants in place of Mr. Youland. Mr. Keene recommended the approval of the disbursement warrant. Mr. Keene will review for 12/21/2009. There were no Veteran's Exemptions to consider. Ms. Philipon presented an abatement for Paul & Penny Caouette in the amount of $1,191.26 which was billed in error and Supplemented to; David R Brown in the same amount. An abatement in the amount of $80.40 for an entry error to the Heirs of Harlan Richardson, and an abatement for $79.06 to Lynette Rossignol as un-collectible. Mr. Keene made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented with the noted amendment to the minutes, Mr. Timberlake seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

13. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1 M. R. S. A. ss 405 (6) (D) LABOR NEGOTIATIONS: Mr. Timberlake made a motion to enter executive session citing the above title at 8:32 pm, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. Mr. Youland made a motion to come out of executive session at 9:28 pm Mr. Timberlake seconded motion and the vote was unanimous. Mr. Timberlake made a motion to appoint Mr. Terreri & Mr. Youland as the negotiating team for the Labor Negotiations, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1 M. R. S. A. ss 405 (6) (A) PERSONNEL/CONTRACT: The Board passed over this item, to be re-scheduled.

 

15. ADJOURNMENT: The Board adjourned by mutual consent at 9:44 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

Sandra L Philipon

 

Assessing/Office Assistant