Town of Buxton
Minutes for January 23, 2008 Selectmen’s Meeting
Prepared by: Dianne Senechal
Members Present: Jean C. Harmon, Clifford L. Emery, Robert C. Libby, Daniel T. Collomy and Linda W. Pulsoni.
Others Present: Carl Littlefield, Peter Pinkham, Nick Pinkham, Dennis Sweat, Larry Miller, Peter Burns, Steve Anthony, Keith Emery, Sheridan Bennett, Dennis Santolucito, Olive Collomy, Robert Shepard and Carol Sanborn.
Public Hearing Buxton Tavern Liquor License Renewal – 7:00 p.m.
Chairman Harmon opened the Public Hearing at 7:04 p.m. by reading the Notice of Public Hearing. Chairman Harmon asked for comments from the public. There were no comments from the public or the Board of Selectmen. The Public Hearing closed at 7:05 p.m.
Business Meeting Agenda
1. Call to Order.
The Meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
2. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes.
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes January 16, 2008. Approved 5-0.
3. Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Lary Owen discuss budget issues.
4. Review of Correspondence.
· Email from Benjamin Stacy, Maine State Planning Office – Re: Proposed Amendment to Chapter 220 of 30-A MRSA section 4301, sub section 14-A regarding municipalities serving as regional service centers of census data
5. Review of Projects and Issues.
The Selectmen reported they are all working on gathering information for various budget items.
Selectman Emery reported that he attended an Eleven Town Meeting on January 21. The discussions centered around roads and the County Commissioners. A representative of the DOT informed the group about further developments for the Turnpike. Future development to the west is envisioned for the turnpike from Biddeford to Sanford and a spur from Scarborough towards Gorham. Another individual from Alfred spoke about an on-going project they use in Alfred using a GPS system which captures data regarding when culverts were installed and need replacement, to when paving was done and when ditching of roads took place.
Another item discussed at the meeting is that the Head of the County is out on medical leave and a temporary person is now in the position and may be there for a long term.
Selectman Harmon reported that she had been working with the DOT on road issues on Route 22 and 112. The Town has received a number of complaints and she was following up on the plans for these roads.
Selectman Harmon also reported that some computer server issues were being handled this week.
6. Old Business.
None
7. New Business.
The Selectmen will meet with the Budget Committee tonight for an organizational meeting.
8. Executive Orders.
E.O.070801019 – An order to approve 48 hours of vacation time be carried forward for Philip A. MacVane. Approved 5-0.
E.O.070801020 – An order to approve 8 hours of vacation time for Greg Heffernan.
Approved 5-0.
9. Executive Orders by Initiative.
E.O.070801021 -- An order to approve an application for renewal for a Class A Liquor License for Robert L. Shepard and Carl A. Littlefield doing business as the Buxton Tavern.
Approved 4-1-0.
10. Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants.
E.O.070801017 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #29-08. Approved 5-0.
E.O.070801018 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#29-08. Approved 5-0.
11. Next Meeting of the Board.
Planning Board Meeting Monday, January 28, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Garage Building Committee Meeting January 29, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Meeting Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
12. Other Business.
The former 3-D Variety store at the corner of Route 22 and 202 is re-opening.
13. Public Comments and Questions.
Larry Miller voiced his opinion that Route 22 is in horrible shape and needs work.
Peter Pinkham stated he was pleased to see that the Board was working with DOT on the roads and that he agrees Route 22 and 112 are in very bad shape. The roads are a hazard to the residents who travel them and the plow driver.
Peter Pinkham also asked the Selectmen if they would reschedule the Community Day Committee Meeting so he will know what is happening.
Dennis Santolucito asked the Selectmen if they would contact the State Representative and Senator for Buxton and ask them to get involved in the road issue. Dennis also stated that the Republican caucus is scheduled in Sanford February 2. Dennis also questioned the budget increase for the next year.
Dennis Sweat has an issue with the huge Police Department budget. Dennis indicated the Police Department budget increases every year. Dennis stated that he believes there are enough County and State Police to handle the issues in Town. He would like to see increases in the budget voted by a percentage of the voters as opposed to open Town Meeting. He would like to see March voting rather than June for the Annual Town Meeting.
Dennis also voiced his opinion that the New Town Garage cost too much money. He stated that the garage passed by 6 votes and he would like to see the garage on the ballot again and have a certain amount voters required to vote on big ticket items.
Peter Pinkham stated that he would like to see Department Heads come to the meetings and speak as he would like to hear how many calls are handled by the Police Department so he could hear information first hand.
Peter Pinkham also asked Selectmen Libby what the plans are for the Old Town Garage. Selectman Libby said that some ideas had been discussed but nothing had been decided. Selectman Libby stated that whatever was decided regarding the Old Town Garage would have to be put before the voters and approved. Some of the ideas discussed thus far include:
1) Tear the building down
2) Take roof off and renovate
3) Store equipment
4) Store signs
5) Use as a paint bay
6) Food pantry location
7) Keep town trucks loaded with sand to save travel time in winter
Larry Miller requested that whatever proposal(s) that are put forth before the voters should include the price tag and the amount of money needed going forward.
14. Adjournment.
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 7:50 p.m. Approved 5-0.
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