BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES

 

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2009

 

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. Dennis Richardson, Mr. Kurt Youland, Mr. Richard Keene, Mr. Jeffrey Timberlake, Town Manager Eva Leavitt and several members of the community with interest.

 

2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: None needed

 

3. DISCUSSION - RESOLUTION OPPOSING BILL LD 974: Mrs. Leavitt explained the intent of LD 974, which, if approved by voters in November, will dramatically affect the excise tax revenue throughout the State. The Board discussed this referendum question previously and is opposed. Mrs. Leavitt noted that community managers and administrators have been invited to participate through signing the resolution; which reflects opposing the measure to State Representatives Mr. Timberlake made a motion to approve support of the resolution, Mr. Keene seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

 

4. DISCUSSION RESOLUTION OPPOSING TABOR II: Mrs. Leavitt summarized the resolution and noted that TABOR II is more complex than TABOR I was, however, still an effort to maintain a limit on the amount of property tax levied. Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that the current budget as passed would become the baseline for the tax levy if TABOR II passes. Mr. Timberlake noted that he did some research on TABOR II to get a better understanding of what the impact would be, and, his opinion was that TABOR II appears to be designed to keep the State spending amounts limited, with excessive limits requiring a separate referendum election. Citizens have the opportunity to vote for or against the measure. Mr. Timberlake further explained that since TABOR I passed, the Town has had an article on the warrant to be voted on if necessary, and, to date, the Town has been within the limit as levied.

 

Mr. Richardson questioned whether or not a separate referendum question would need to be addressed by a Special Town Meeting, however, it was noted that an article would be placed on the warrant to be addressed at the annual town meeting, eliminating any possible delay. There was no motion to support the resolution for TABOR II.

 

5. FIRE SUPPRESSION CONTRACT - TOWN OF HARTFORD: Discussion included noting that the Town of Buckfield charges Hartford $5,000 for fire suppression opposed to the $3,500 charged by Turner and, Mr. Youland suggested that the rate charged should reflect a per capita amount. Assn't Fire Chief Ross Gagne was present and noted for the Board that the number of miles covered by Turner is quite a bit less than the number of miles covered by Buckfield. Some additional discussion included noting that the $3,500 figure has already been approved by the voters in Hartford and was paid in July. This document backs up the agreement.

Mr. Richardson made a motion to approve the contract as drafted, but requested a letter be sent with the contract indicating that the contract amount will be re-visited during the budget process. Mr. Youland seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

 

6. TOWN MANAGER'S BUSINESS: 6-1 Q & A WEEKLY MEMO: Mr. Keene noted that the 8/21 memo had an incorrect date for an upcoming event. Mr. Keene then inquired about a price for an additional camera at the Transfer Station, and Mrs. Leavitt noted she received a quote of $650. Mr. Terreri inquired about estimates for fencing needed at the Transfer Station and Mrs. Leavitt noted that she has requested estimates. It was noted during the discussion that the Department of Labor might have specific standards required for the facility that should be determined. Mr. Timberlake noted that a local company, Accidental Anomolies builds fencing of this type as a specialty and that the Town should ask them for an estimate also. Mr. Youland questioned when the Staples Road might be done and Mrs. Leavitt stated that Rampart Paving should be in Town within the week to manufacture 1,000 yards of cold mix. Mr. Youland then noted that the work done by the Highway Department on South Livermore Road indicates a need for some additional training in the use of the equipment and it was determined that the Road Committee should meet later in the month to discuss the work already done and work to be done in the future. 6-2 FINANCE REPORTS: Mrs. Leavitt referenced the additional detail provided regarding the financials for BQMC. Mrs. Leavitt also noted to the Board that the Town's cash flow is sufficient to allow the purchase of some Certificates of Deposit, which she has begun researching for better interest rates than what Androscoggin Bank has had recently for the investment accounts. Mrs. Leavitt indicated that the preliminary figure from Smith & Associates for a fund balance is 1.6 million before deducting the balances carried forward, and it was noted that the recent cash for clunkers program provided an increase in the excise tax revenue. Mrs. Leavitt noted that the tax commitment process went well overall with tax bills already in the mail. The Leavitt Institute building recently experienced some unanticipated repairs due to a leak in the roof, and Mrs. Leavitt will keep the Board informed.

 

The Town has received some of the anticipated revenues from the State for Tree Growth, the Veteran's Exemption, a portion of the Urban Rural Initiative Program and a portion of the Homestead Exemption reimbursement. Following was some limited discussion regarding the breakdown of expenses as submitted for cleaning the Boofy Quimby Memorial Center, however, after reviewing the various dates on a calendar it was noted that the hall is cleaned following the Tuesday Senior Luncheon prior to any other engagements. The Board was provided with a copy of the fees currently charged for the various functions held at BQMC. 6-3 MMA CONVENTION: Mrs. Leavitt inquired whether any Board members would be interested in attending the MMA annual meeting held during the convention, none were.

 

6-4 PUBLICATION MATERIAL: Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that Country Courier owner/publisher Steve Cornelio contacted her to inquire whether the Town would be willing to allow the Manager to provide more information to his local publication, and Mrs. Leavitt referenced the information contained in the weekly memo. Mr. Cornelio is seeking to expand on government/municipal information to residents.

It was discussed that the types of information the Board is provided in the weekly memo might be a good source of material, however, all agreed this might not be the best idea. It was further noted that the agenda is available and published on the web site as well as the minutes once accepted by the Board. The Board was of a general consensus that the newspaper should determine whether or not to send a person to cover the meetings or obtain the information after the fact. No action 6-5 TOWN HOUSE UPDATE: Mrs. Leavitt noted that the restoration work on the Town House is in progress, however, additional work appears to be necessary such as panes of glass and a few other items. Mrs. Leavitt noted that she recently met with Architect David Rogers and Carpenter Rich Lajoie for their input regarding a full restoration proposal, and has also requested the assistance of Tom Perkins and John Zocchi to put together a plan of action to prioritize the projects required. The Selectmen will be kept informed and the cost analysis will be determined accordingly to provide easier funding for the project over a five-year period.

 

7. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: 1. USED COMPACTOR: Mrs. Leavitt noted she has received two offers for the old compactor, (1) $700 from Atlantic Recycling and (2) $1,500 from Peter Bolduc of Harvest Hill Farms. Mr. Terreri made a motion to accept the $1,500 offer from Peter Bolduc, Mr. Keene seconded the motion. It was noted payment should be obtained prior to release of the compactor. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Youland inquired if the Town received any word regarding the application for FEMA funds for the Fish Street project, and Mrs. Leavitt noted no word received to date.

 

8. CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Richardson requested an amendment to the minutes on page 2 noting the comment was made by Mr. Terreri. Mr. Timberlake reviewed the disbursement warrants and questioned the fees charged by Rodney's Repair for the Fire Truck and it was noted Mrs. Leavitt will request a breakdown for the repairs to reflect an hourly rate, Mr. Timberlake recommended their approval. Mr. Youland will review the disbursement warrants for 9/21. There were no abatements, supplements or veterans' exemptions to consider. Mr. Timberlake made a motion to approve the consent agenda with the amendment to the minutes, Mr. Keene seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

 

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1 M. R. S. A. TITLE 36 ss 405 (6) (A): Mr. Youland made a motion to enter executive session at 8:26 pm citing the referenced title, Mr. Keene seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous. Mr. Youland made a motion to come out of executive session at 8:54 pm, Mr. Keene seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous. No action taken.

 

10. ADJOURNMENT: The Board adjourned by mutual consent at 8:55 pm

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

Sandra L Philipon

 

Assessing/Office Assistant