BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

 

MONDAY MAY 19, 2008 7:00 PM

 

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. Richard Keene, Mrs. Jody Goodwin, Mr. Kurt Youland, Mr. Lawrence House, Town Manager Eva Leavitt and several residents with interest.

 

2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: None needed

 

3. BEACH ORDINANCE PUBLIC HEARING: Mr. Terreri opened the Public Hearing at 7:00 pm. Mrs. Leavitt noted for those present that any amendments to this Ordinance must also be brought to Town Meeting as the ordinance is not a Selectmen's Ordinance, however, a public hearing was necessary, and will already be done for next Town Meeting. Mrs. Leavitt outlined the proposed amendments as suggested by the Board of Selectmen. ITEM II: ADMINISTRATION: It was discussed at the Selectmen's previous meeting that the requirement for a Board of Directors is almost impossible to retain for the Public Beach as required in the ordinance. Mrs. Leavitt suggested the Board of Directors requirement be eliminated and replaced with a "committee of volunteers" which the Board agreed to. All other areas of the ordinance that reference "directors" will be changed to "committee". IV GENERAL RULES - SECTION B - SANITATION: Wording suggested by Mrs. Goodwin regarding disposable diapers to be changed to "except for those exclusively made for swimming". V - VIOLATION AND PENALTY: Mrs. Goodwin suggested that in addition to the fine of $100 wording be added "or the cost of damages to public property", which Mrs. Leavitt incorporated into the document as well.

 

Following this outline Mr. Terreri asked for public comment, and having none declared the Public Hearing closed at 7:15 pm. Following closure of the public hearing Mr. House made a motion to accept the second reading of the proposed amendments to the Beach Ordinance, Mrs. Goodwin seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

4. CERTIFIED RATIO DECLARATION: Ms. Philipon presented the Certified Ratio Declaration to the Board and offered examples of what aspects of the assessment records are affected. The ratio is determined by the State of Maine using sales data verses assessed value data, which is 18 months prior to tax commitment. The Certified Ratio as provided by the State based on the sales has a 10% variable, which the municipality can apply. Turner's Certified Ratio for the current year is 82% and using the variable for the 08/09-tax year, will drop to 79%. There was some discussion regarding how the economy may affect the Town's ratio in the next few years as well. Ms. Philipon provided a review of the tree growth rates, the veterans' exemption, the exemption for churches and the exemption for blind persons. Mr. Youland then made a motion to approve the certified ratio as presented, Mrs. Goodwin seconded the motion; and the vote was unanimous.

 

5. APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION WORKERS: Mrs. Leavitt provided the Board with a list of those Election Workers as a result of the Democratic caucus held earlier in the year. It was noted that the Republicans did not provide a list. Mrs. Leavitt noted for those present that the law requires an equal number of workers from both parties be provided, however, the Registrar of Voters does have some authority to ensure enough workers during an election. No action required.

 

6. LEGISLATIVE POLICE COMMITTEE - MMA/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: No nominations from Turner.

 

8. TOWN MANAGERS' BUSINESS: 1) Q & A WEEKLY MEMO: Mrs. Goodwin questioned the implications of having the Cattle Pound on the National Historical Registry and Mrs. Leavitt explained that the Town will be required to honor continued maintenance and that no alterations can be made without approval. 2) LIB PAINTING PROJECT: Mrs. Leavitt noted that the request for proposals were sent out on May 9th and that the response time is out of sync with scheduled Board of Selectmen's meetings, and, it was noted that the Leavitt Institute Board of Directors desire to have the project completed in time for the 4th of July festival. Mrs. Leavitt informed the Board and audience that she had a meeting with MSAD 52 Superintendent Darlene Burdin earlier regarding concerns raised during a regular meeting of the MSAD 52 Board of Directors involving contractors on school property. It was brought to Mrs. Leavitt's attention that the MSAD 52 Board of Directors have a policy in place for contractors involved in work on school property; and it is the desire of the Board of Directors that the painting project be delayed until the end of the current school year, which is June 20th. A further concern of the Board of Directors is any items such as ladders that may be required to complete the project noting the number of children that are in the yard where the facility is located. Also noted was the need to keep the driveway area clear for staff and bus traffic.

 

Mrs. Leavitt further explained the need for background checks on any potential contractor before work begins as outlined by the policy in place through the School District. Mr. Caldwell noted that the LIB had not considered this requirement during their process but would definitely do whatever is required by the school district. Mr. Caldwell further explained that the project will be completed with the use of a mechanical lift from WD Matthews and not ladders. It was also noted that LIB has conducted an on site inspection of the project with potential contractors and outlined how the project is to be completed.

 

It was noted that following the completion of a recent project at the Institute Building, contact was made to the Superintendent's Office and there were no problems noted. Mr. Youland then noted that the details need to be worked out between the LIB and the MSAD 52 Board of Directors for the project prior to making a decision on the contractor. The bids are due by May 22nd and the LIB has a meeting scheduled for May 25th to review any proposals received. Mrs. Leavitt noted it would be a good idea to share the contractor information with the School Board for peace of mind. It was also noted that request of a list of personnel who would be on site during the project would be appropriate.

3) ROSSIGNOL REAL ESTATE: Mrs. Leavitt noted that previously the Board of Selectmen discussed an inquiry from abutting property owner Lynette Rossignol to purchase the piece of land abutting the east side of the Town Office property. It was noted that previously Mrs. Rossignol requested $5,000 for the property she currently owns, however, the Board of Selectmen were unanimous in rejecting that amount of money for her parcel. Previous discussion included noting Mrs. Rossignol may also desire to dispose of a second parcel located on the corner of Route 117 and North Main Street; and that perhaps the Town could purchase both at the same time.

 

Mrs. Leavitt noted that Mrs. Rossignol only inquired about the property on the East boundary line. The Board of Selectmen were unanimous in their prior decision that the $5,000 asking price was too high. Some discussion followed regarding a suggestion from the Board that Mrs. Rossignol inquire through the Assessor about a possible reduction in the taxable value of that property. No further discussion. 4) MSAD 52 BUDGET VALIDATION REFERENDUM: Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board the requirement for validation of the proposed MSAD 52 Budget for the coming year with the changes as implemented by the State. This action is a reflection only that the proposed budget has been presented to the Board of Selectmen. It was noted there are five copies to be signed and posted at various locations throughout Town. Mrs. Leavitt noted for those present that the School Budget Referendum will take place on June 10th, which is the same day as the Primary Election. No further action necessary.

 

8. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: FLAG POLE AND CORNER STONE: Mrs. Leavitt requested input from the Board regarding placement of the flag pole and the corner stone as provided. Mrs. Leavitt referenced an earlier discussion regarding a new flag pole and the offer from Mr. Youland for the one located at the Pit Stop Convenience Store, however, it was determined that pole is too large for this site. Some discussion regarding possible placement of the pole and the corner stone resulted in an agreement that the stone and the pole should go along the east side of the building with a couple of benches also, which would isolate the area and also maintain the yard as designed for winter maintenance. Mr. Caldwell suggested the center of the parking lot between the two handicap parking spaces; however, Mr. Youland noted that the parking lot was designed as a rectangular shape to provide easier winter maintenance. GAGNE MEMORIAL: Mrs. Leavitt addressed the Gagne memorial fund as initiated by former Board member Dennis Richardson and, it was noted that Mrs. Gagne's preference for placement of the Gagne memorial to be at the Town Office site, however, further discussion resulted in acknowledging there may be more memorials over time and the Town Office site is not the ideal place for such items. Mrs. Leavitt noted there is a Town owned parcel on the South side of Main Street that would be an ideal spot for such a memorial. Mrs. Goodwin noted also that the parcel on Main Street could be considered a "gateway" into the community and thereby qualifies for use of some of the grant money the Town presently has. No further discussion at this time. SECOND READING - PROPOSED PERSONNEL POLICY AMENDMENTS: Mrs. Leavitt provided the Board with a comparison of benefits with other communities along with copies of previous editions of the Personnel Policy, the current Union Contract and other related documents for comparison purposes. Mrs. Leavitt began the review by highlighting some definitions as discussed at the previous meeting with regards to immediate family members defined.

 

Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that a review of the Personnel Policy in 2002 resulted in some changes presently reflected such as accrued sick leave disbursement upon termination or retirement. This prompted discussion from the Board members regarding the financial liability accrued sick and vacation time may impose on the Town.

 

The general opinion among the Board members is that sick time should not be paid out at termination or retirement, and, there was some discussion regarding the possibility of implementing a "sick time bank" which employees could voluntarily contribute to and draw from in the event the need should arise. Discussion also included the possibility of loosing any unused sick time at fiscal year end and beginning accumulation with each new fiscal year. Following some additional discussion the Board of Selectmen determined a need to postpone action on some aspects of the Personnel Policy until after the next Union Contract with the Highway Department is negotiated. Mrs. Goodwin then made a motion to approve the language amendments and the mileage reimbursement as stated, which Mr. Keene seconded; and the vote was unanimous. The final document will be ready for the June 2, 2008 meeting

 

9. CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Terreri reviewed the disbursement warrants and recommended their approval. Mr. Youland will review for June 2nd. Minutes from 4/22/08 and 5/5/08 were deemed to be in order, and there were no Veterans' Exemptions or Abatements or Supplements to consider at this time. Mrs. Goodwin then made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, which Mr. House seconded; and the vote was unanimous.

 

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None needed

 

11. ADJOURNMENT: Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to adjourn at 9:00 pm, which Mr. Keene seconded; and the vote was unanimous.

 

Respectfully submitted:

Sandra L Philipon

Assessing/Office Assistant