MONDAY JUNE 2, 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. Lawrence House, Mrs. Jody Goodwin, Mr. Richard
Keene, Town Manager Eva Leavitt, several
members of the community including Mr. Ralph Caldwell, Mr. John Zocchi,
Rescue Chief Laurel Gagne and other community members with interest.
2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: No adjustments
requested by the Board or Town Manager Eva Leavitt. Mr. Paul Bernard
requested permission to speak. Mrs. Goodwin made a motion to hear Mr.
Bernard, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and item 2A became a
discussion with Mr. Bernard
2A. DISCUSSION WITH MR. BERNARD: Mr. Paul Bernard
began by reading a prepared statement. The statement included
information regarding some requests made by Mr. Bernard at a previous
meeting of the Board of Selectmen's meeting held in February 2008.
Mr. Bernard noted in his prepared statement a request made by him to
clean both the WWI and WWI memorials. Mr. Bernard also requested that
all Veterans' graves are marked with an American Flag and that the
two memorial stones as mentioned be cleaned and prepared for Memorial
Day. Mr. Bernard's words included noted that the memorials were "
in disgraceful condition". Mr. Bernard noted further that he
sent an e-mail to Town Manager Eva Leavitt, which he noted he
intended to send to the local newspaper, the Sun/Journal regarding
the condition of the memorials and asked Mrs. Leavitt for her
comments. Noting that Mrs. Leavitt did not respond to his e-mail, he
sent it to the newspaper. Mrs. Leavitt noted that by the close of
business on Tuesday, she had not received the e-mail indicated by Mr.
Bernard.
Upon arriving at the office on Wednesday, Mrs.
Leavitt was in receipt of the e-mail referred to by Mr. Bernard and
Mrs. Leavitt contacted Mr. Bernard with some critique, however, the
conversation quickly escalated and Mr. Bernard indicated that he had
already sent the e-mail to the newspaper. Mrs. Leavitt contacted the
newspaper and inquired whether or not they would be running the
editorial; and was told that if the editorial meets the criteria the
newspaper has established then, yes, it would be run. Mrs. Leavitt
noted there were several errors in the information included in
editorial and, she was informed that the Town could respond once
printed.
Chairman Angelo Terreri
noted at this time that he then received a call from Mrs. Leavitt
regarding the conversation she had with Mr. Bernard and that the call
was upsetting to her. Mr. Terreri asked her
to come to his home to discuss the issue. Mr. Terreri
then called Mr. Bernard to voice his concerns regarding the
conversation between Mr. Bernard and Town Manager Eva Leavitt, and
the discussion escalated between Mr. Bernard and Mr. Terreri
Mr. Bernard indicated that he would go to the home
of Mr. Terreri to continue the discussion. Mr. Bernard
and Mr. Warren Clark did go to the home of Mr. Terreri
home. Mr. Terreri requested that any
persons wishing to speak be recognized by the Chairman before
proceeding. Mr. Terreri noted for those
present that he was also a Veteran and apologized for the oversight
on the Town's part for the lack of follow-up on the memorials,
however, he noted that everyone is human and an error was made. The
discussion got intense at times and approximately twenty minutes into
the discussion, Mr. Terreri turned over the gavel to Mrs. Jody
Goodwin - Vice Chairman of the Board. Relating some additional
details of the occurrence at the home of Mr. Terreri
home, it was noted that Mr. Terreri instructed Mrs. Leavitt to call 911 due
to the heated nature of the discussion and Mrs. Leavitt did so.
Besides Mr. Terreri and Mrs. Leavitt, Mr. Bernard was
present as was Mr. Clark and resident David McLaughlin.
It was noted for the record by Mrs. Leavitt that
the stone in North Turner was cleaned and prepared for Memorial Day.
Flags were available to be placed and that information was given to
Mr. Bernard in February. Mrs. Goodwin noted that the situation is an
emotionally charged one and the fact that all the memorials were not
properly cleaned in time for Memorial Day was indeed an oversight.
The error was not intentional and no disrespect was intended, which
as stated wasn't' intended to be an excuse, just the simple truth.
Mr. Clark noted that during the discussion at the home of Mr. Terreri home he felt be-littled
by Mr. Terreri and requested an apology
from Mr. Terreri. There was some discussion regarding the
current budget and costs for some of the items discussed, and Mrs.
Leavitt noted that it the cost to clean the stone is $125 and there
isn't funding in the budget at this time for that expense. Resident
Ralph Caldwell asked for verification for the cost of cleaning which
Mrs. Leavitt re-stated to be $125 and Mr. Caldwell noted that the
issue could not be resolved, there was an oversight and that he would
personally bring a check for $125 to the Town Office on Tuesday to
cover the cost for the cleaning. No further discussion at this time.
Mrs. Goodwin called for a 5 minutes recess at 7:50 pm, the Board
returned at 7:55 pm and Mrs. Goodwin handed the gavel back to
Chairman Terreri.
3. AWARD OF CULVERT BID/PAINTING - LIB & TREE
CUTTING: 3A. CULVERT BID: Mrs. Leavitt referenced the bids received
for culverts for the 2008 season and recommended awarding the bid to
Northland Supply for prices as follows:
15" at a cost of $123.00, 18" at
a cost of $190.00 and 24" at a cost of $285.00. Other bids
were received from Paris Farmers Union, Lowe's and AVCOG. Mr. Keene
made a motion to award the bid to Northland Supply, Mrs. Goodwin
seconded and the vote was unanimous 3B. LEAVITT INSTITUTE PAINTING
PROJECT: Mrs. Leavitt referenced the summary sheet provided noting
that 5 bids were received with a wide range of pricing. Mrs. Leavitt
noted to the Selectmen that the Leavitt Institute Board of Directors
met on May 25th and reviewed the bids received which range in price
from $8,700 to $28,500.
Mrs. Leavitt did check references and relayed the
recommendation from LIB to award the bid to Merchant & Sons for
$11,650. Mr. Ralph Caldwell noted that he met with Superintendent
Darlene Burdin to discuss the current policy for contractors on
school grounds and stated that he has addressed those concerns. Mr.
Caldwell noted that there would not be any stage piping, as W D
Matthews will contribute the use of a lift. At this time it was noted
that some kind of acknowledgement would be made to W D Matthews for
their contributions. Mrs. Leavitt noted that a contract would be
drafted using the scope of work identified for signing by the party
awarded the bid. Mrs. Goodwin then made a motion to award the bid to
Merchant & Sons for $11,650 pending a background check and the
criteria set forth by MSAD 52 Policies, Mr. Keene seconded the motion
and the vote was unanimous. Mr. John Zocchi inquired if Mrs. Leavitt will be
contacting Mr. Merchant with the results, which she acknowledged she
would and have the contract ready for signing at this time.
3C. TREE BID: Mrs. Leavitt noted that initially
only one bid was received from TT Tree Experts in person, however,
she was made aware that Mr. Greg Roy who is a licensed arborist and
operates Green Thumb Landscaping & Tree Services left a bid in
the mailbox at the Town Office for consideration. Mrs. Leavitt also
noted that Mr. Roy has previously done work for the Town. TT Tree
Experts bid was $4,700 and Green Thumb Landscaping bid was $4,100.
Mr. Terreri questioned if each of the
bidders has liability insurance and Mrs. Leavitt noted that proof of
insurance is required once a bid is awarded. Mrs. Goodwin questioned
if there is funding in the current budget for this work, which Mrs.
Leavitt acknowledged there is. Following this discussion Mr. Keene
made a motion to award the tree bid to Green Thumb Landscaping &
Tree Services for $4,100, which Mr. House seconded; and the vote was
unanimous.
5. LANDSCAPING PLAN - TOWN OFFICE: This item was
taken out of order to allow Board members to go outside to review the
plan presented by Mrs. Goodwin during daylight hours. Mrs. Goodwin
explained to those present that she has spoken with Mr. Clark of
4. APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION WARDEN: Mrs. Leavitt
presented an appointment certificate for Mrs. Joyce Moulin to be the
Election Warden for the June 10th primary. Mrs. Goodwin made a motion
to appoint Mrs. Joyce Moulin as Election Warden for the June 10th
primary and Mr. House seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
6. REVIEW OF EXPIRING TERMS (OATHS): Mrs. Leavitt
referenced the list provided to the Board with both the general
annual appointments and those Boards and Committees that have
expiring terms for consideration. Mr. Terreri inquired if all people with expiring
terms have been contacted and Mrs. Leavitt noted that the office
staff is in the process of contact people. Mrs. Goodwin expressed her
concern that the Town gets the word out to the general public
regarding the expiring terms to allow all people with interest the
opportunity to respond. Mr. Terreri
suggested that the Town advertise the expiring terms.
7. TOWN MANAGERS' BUSINESS: Q & A WEEKLY MEMO:
Mrs. Goodwin noted an item identified regarding an article in the
Maine Townsmen magazine published by the Maine Municipal Association
on LD 1298 and that she didn't receive a copy in her packet. Mrs.
Leavitt will provide copies to the Board. REVIEW OF FINANCIALS: Mrs.
Leavitt began the review of the financials for the period ending May
31, 2008 and noted that the tax revenue is at 95%, which is typical
of this time of year. Excise tax may fall short of the anticipated
amount by year-end and will continue to be monitored. The Town Office
building account is anticipated to have approximately $70,000 left
following the remaining bills and Mrs. Leavitt noted that the granite
curb in the parking lot was donated by K & K along with some
labor to instruct the Highway Department on how to install it. A
bench was hand crafted and donated to the Town by the Leavitt Family
and there will be a weathervane on top donated by Mr. Youland. Mrs.
Leavitt noted that earned interest is much lower than anticipated also,
however, revenue from the recyclables is up. Revenue for Rescue is
below estimates and that there is approximately $10,000 - $15,000 in
revenue still to be received, however, overall revenue for rescue is
still below the projected amounts. Mrs. Leavitt noted that
Administrations budget is healthy for this time of year.
Mrs. Goodwin questioned if MSAD 52 would be
contributing to the cost of the 6/10/08 election, and Mrs. Leavitt
acknowledged that yes there would be an amount that MSAD 52 would pay
the Town for this election. There was additional discussion regarding
various accounts and those that will overdraw by year-end. Mrs.
Leavitt noted that the Transfer Station has a healthy balance due to
prohibiting contractors from bringing materials to the Transfer
Station and that checking with the Town Auditor she noted it is
permissible for the Board to hold a Special Town Meeting to transfer
funds between departments to handle any potential overdrafts. Mrs.
Goodwin questioned what happens to any unused balances at year-end
and Mrs. Leavitt confirmed that any unused balances would lapse into
the General Fund. Mrs. Leavitt noted that the Board could hold a
Special Town Meeting to address the overdrafts or carry them to next
Town Meeting. The general consensus among the Board members was that
it would be better to hold a special town meeting rather than carry
the overdrafts to the next town meeting. Discussion then followed
regarding the time frame for a town meeting and Mrs. Leavitt noted
that the warrant must be posted for 7 days prior to the meeting; and
that the warrant could be ready to be signed at the 6/16/08 meeting;
which would allow the meeting to be held on June 24th.
Discussion continued regarding those departments
that will overdraw which included winter roads, general assistance
and the
8. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: PERSONNEL
POLICY: Mrs. Leavitt referenced the final draft of the amended
personnel policy and Mr. Keene requested acknowledgement that it was
the desire of the Board to not make any changes to the sick leave
article of the Personnel Policy until after the next Union Contract
has been negotiated; which Mrs. Leavitt confirmed was the desire of
the Board based on discussion. Mrs. Goodwin then made a motion to
approve the amended Personnel Policy as presented, Mr. Keene seconded
the motion; and the vote was unanimous.
9. CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Keene reviewed the
disbursement warrants with Mrs. Leavitt and recommended their
approval. Mr. Youland will review for 6/16/08. Mrs. Goodwin noted
that the minutes from May 19, 2008 did not reflect Mr. Terreri
as being present and the Board determined this was the only
correction. There were no Veteran's Exemptions, abatements or
supplements for consideration. Mr. Terreri noted there was no need to provide
copies of the corrected minutes to the Board, simply show them to
Mrs. Leavitt. Mrs. Goodwin then made a motion to approve the consent
agenda with the amendment, Mr. House seconded; and the vote was
unanimous.
Mrs. Goodwin noted at this time that the Cattle
Pound located on General Turner Hill has been deemed to meet the
criteria to be placed on the National Registry of Historic places.
Mrs. Leavitt noted at this time a memo received from MDOT regarding
two bridges in Turner that are in need of repair, one known as the
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None needed
11. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Keene made a motion to
adjourn at 9:07 pm, Mrs. Goodwin seconded and the vote was unanimous.
Respectfully submitted:
Sandra L Philipon
Assessing/Office Assistant