MONDAY MARCH 2, 2009

 

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. Kurt Youland and Town Manager Eva Leavitt and Mrs. Jody Goodwin was absent.

 

2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: None needed, although Mrs. Leavitt did provide the Board with a reminder that the Maine Department of Transportation is using the Town Office site for a combined meeting with the utility companies regarding the proposed construction on Route 117 from Route 4 to Turner Center at 1:00 pm 3/3/2009. The second reminder was for the County Commissioners Meeting scheduled for Wednesday March 4th at 1:30 at the County Building.

 

3. LOWER STREET - DISCUSSION - NO THRU TRUCK: Mrs. Leavitt noted that this discussion is a result of a recent Road Committee meeting which brought to light the fact that the pavement on Lower Street has begun to crack and, with the deep frost this year the Committee is concerned that the road is in jeopardy of further damage. Mrs. Leavitt noted the committee discussed the possibility of posting the road to no thru trucks. Several options were discussed including the possibility of posting the road year-round, which will prohibit trucks more than 23,000, and this is the weight limit during the season when roads are posted. Mr. Keene noted that if the road was posted to No Thru Trucks, it is difficult to enforce, however, he also noted there are several ways a road can be posted for heavy traffic such as limiting traffic to home deliveries only. Mr. Keene offered to obtain the proper wording if desired. Mr. Youland suggested that the Town should perhaps review any Ordinances that have allowed expansion of certain businesses in residential areas that may also promote heavy travel over roads such as Lower Street. Discussion included noting that posting Lower Street sooner rather than later may prevent any additional damage this year and trucks can and should re-route over Upper Street or continue on Route 4 to Route 117.

 

Additional discussion included noting that Mrs. Leavitt hasn't received any complaints from residents regarding truck traffic on Lower Street; however, Mr. Ken Butcher who is a member of the Road Committee noted that his observation of Lower Street indicates the road continues to be damaged. It was noted that the heavy trucks currently traveling Fish Street could have contributed to the road damage recently repaired, which cost approximately $20,000 and, if the heavy traffic continues, could cost even more. It was determined that the matter of business expansion and/or new businesses that may involve multiple heavy trucks should be examined by the Planning Board and a plan was made for Mrs. Leavitt to contact the Planning Board next fall when they begin their annual review of proposed ordinance amendments. Mrs. Leavitt will have the Public Works Foreman Charlie Poland post Lower Street now. No further action at this time.

 

4. TOWN MANAGERS' BUSINESS: Q & A WEEKLY MEMO: Mr. Terreri questioned the damage to one of the plow trucks mentioned and Mrs. Leavitt noted the driver hit a tree and she didn't have a repair cost yet, but she also noted that multiple plow trucks have experienced break down events since the beginning of the season. Mr. Youland commented on the quote as received from Rampart for cold mix for this season to remain the same as last season at $43.90/ton which, based on some quick calculations done by Mr. Terreri should perhaps be lower than the $43.90 as quoted. Mr. Youland noted for those present that for the past couple of years the price for cold mix has increased due to the increase in fuel costs and, it was noted that fuel costs have declined and perhaps the Town should look for other prices. Mr. Youland further noted there is still time to go out to bid and compare. Mrs. Leavitt inquired when the next equipment auction is scheduled to search for some used equipment, which Mr. Youland noted the auction is scheduled in late March, no action at this time. 4-2 FINANCIAL REPORT: Mrs. Leavitt noted the financial report for February month end wasn't available for review due to a glitch caused from a software upgrade done by Northern Data on Monday.

 

5. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: None

 

6. CONSENT AGENDA: The minutes from 2/17/2009 were deemed to be in order. Mr. House reviewed the disbursement warrants and recommended their approval. Mr. Keene will review for 3/16/2009. There were no Veteran's Exemptions, Abatements, or Supplements to consider. Mr. Keene then made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, Mr. House seconded the motion; and the vote was unanimous.

 

7. EXECUTIVE SESSION: TITLE 1 M. R. S. A. - PERSONNEL MATTER (404) (6) (A): Mr. Youland made a motion to enter executive session per the referenced title at 7:44 pm, Mr. Keene seconded; and the vote was unanimous. Mr. House made a motion to come out of executive session at 9:07 pm, Mr. Youland seconded the motion; and the vote was unanimous. No action was taken.

 

8. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Keene made a motion to adjourn at 9:08 pm, Mr. House seconded the motion; and the vote was unanimous.

Respectfully submitted:

Sandra L Philipon

Assessing/Office Assistant