MONDAY FEBRUARY 7 2011

 

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. Richard Keene, Mr. Jeffrey Timberlake and Town Manager Eva Leavitt. Selectman Dennis Richardson was absent.

 

2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Mrs. Leavitt requested an item be added for discussion regarding the area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Terreri requested an item be added regarding the Selectmen's Annual Report. The Chamber discussion will be item 5A and the Selectmen's Report will be item 5B.

 

3. COUNTY TAX ASSESSMENT: Mrs. Leavitt presented the County Tax Assessment in the amount of $478,779.90, which is slightly higher than last year, and payment is due by September 1st. Mr. Keene made a motion to approve the County Tax Assessment as submitted, Mr. House seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

4. SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH: Mrs. Leavitt shared a request from MSAD 52 Board of Directors regarding the search for a new Superintendent and inquired if any Board of Selectmen were interested in serving on a search committee. Having no possible candidates from the Board of Selectmen a couple of resident names were suggested, Ira (Ike) Goodwin, Kurt Youland, Clay McClafferty, and Al Barrett. The Board asked Mrs. Leavitt to call Mr. Goodwin during the meeting, which she did, however, Mr. Goodwin was at a meeting until late and Mrs. Jody Goodwin expressed a possible interest in serving on the committee. The Board then instructed Mrs. Leavitt to work down the list as provided to find a possible candidate for the search committee. No other action needed.

 

5. AMERICAN RED CROSS REAL HERO: Mrs. Leavitt noted the request for any possible candidates for the annual real heroes awards sponsored by the American Red Cross. The Board had no possible names to submit for this year.

 

5A. MEMBERSHIP CHAMBER: Discussion regarding membership in the area Chamber of Commerce brought up by Mrs. Leavitt as the head of the Chamber Chip Morrison inquired why the Town of Turner wasn't a member. The dues are $225 for one year and no money was appropriated for that membership during the last year. There was some discussion regarding what the area Chamber of Commerce does for Turner in general. Mr. Keene made a motion to become a member of the Chamber for $225, Mr. House seconded the motion. Discussion brought up valid points regarding what if anything the Chamber actually does for the Town of Turner. Following discussion Mr. Keene withdrew his motion, Mr. House withdrew his second and the Board tabled the item for additional information.

 

5B. SELECTMEN REPORT: Mr. Terreri gave some examples of items to be included in the Selectmen's Report for the Town Report and asked for any additional input. The Board members had nothing further to add, but may offer insight once the report is written

 

6. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: 6-1 DRAFT POLICY FOR BUDGET PREPARATION & REVIEW: Mr. Terreri provided Mr. Timberlake with background information regarding a newly developed Budget Preparation & Review Procedure Policy and discussion regarding the need for such a policy brought to light the fact that the policy won't be implemented until next years' budget process as the current year is almost completed. 6-2 FUND BALANCE RECOMMENDATION: Mrs. Leavitt referred to the management letter provided by the Town's Auditor in August 2010 regarding the current undesignated surplus. Discussion included noting the need to have a specified limit on how much surplus can be used by the Board of Selectmen to reduce property taxes. The item will be discussed in more detail in April 2011.

 

7. TOWN MANAGER'S BUSINESS: 7-1 Q & A MEMO: Mr. Keene commented on the offer from Almighty Waste to remove all our recyclables at no cost, but they would keep any revenue from those recyclable products. 7-2 FINANCE REPORT: Mrs. Leavitt noted that all appears to be on track for this period of time. The Board had no questions for Mrs. Leavitt. 7-3 ASSESSORS REPORT: Mrs. Leavitt shared the results of the most recent ¼ review of property as done by the Town's Assessor Agent and resulted in a net gain of $404,300 in taxable value, which translates to $5,522.74 at the current mil rate.

 

8. PART 1 - CONSENT AGENDA - SELECTMEN: The minutes from 1/25/2011 were deemed to be in order. Mr. House reviewed the disbursement warrants and found a couple of areas to question, but recommended their approval. Ms. Philipon presented (3) Veteran's Exemptions, Roland Lajoie, Arthur Cates and Ricky Lizotte. Mr. Keene will review for 2/22/2011. Mr. Keene made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, Mr. House seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

8. PART 2 - CONSENT AGENDA - ASSESSORS: ABATEMENTS AND/OR SUPPLEMENTS: None

 

9. ADJOURNMENT: The Board adjourned by mutual consent at 8:09 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

Sandra L Philipon

 

Assessing/Office Assistant