Town of Buxton
Minutes for July 9, 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: Larry Miller, Jack Hanna, Barbara Elwell, Sharon Elwell, Peter Pinkham, Peter Burns, Steve & Lori Anthony, May Schumacher and Keith Emery
Business Meeting Agenda – 7:00 p.m.
1. Call to Order.
The Meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m.
2. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes.
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes July 2, 2008. Approved 5-0.
3. Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Executive Session 6:35 – 6:56 p.m.
4. Review of Correspondence.
· Email from John W. Duncan, PACTS Director – Re: Discuss transportation topics
· Email from Leslie E. Volland – Re: Ten year Plan for Televised Meetings for Buxton
· Email from Sharleen Fields, Librarian West Buxton Public Library – Re: Update of activities at Library
· Email from Maine State Planning Office – Re: Maine Floodplain Management and Mapping News
5. Review of Projects and Issues.
Selectman Libby reported that he has been handling routine issues as they arise.
Selectman Collomy stated that he has been working on the Korean War Monument and the Boston Post Cane ceremony.
Selectman Pulsoni thanked Sharleen Fields for the work that is being done at the West Buxton Library. Linda also reminded everyone that Berry Library is open with a new Librarian and residents can also use that facility. Linda reminded residents to clean up property and junk vehicles are bringing top dollar.
Selectman Emery reported that the Selectmen met Monday night for a workshop. Cliff reported that the paving for the New Town Garage was done on Monday, July 7.
Selectman Harmon reported that a new Recreation Director, Tashia L. Geaumont had been hired to fill the recreation position. A second round of interviews for the Fire Chief position are scheduled for July 22nd. The Selectmen are looking at oil prices for a “lock-in” price for the upcoming heating season.
6. Old Business.
None
7. New Business.
The new backhoe for the Transfer Station arrived this week.
8. Executive Orders.
E.O.080907007 – An order to approve 8 hours of vacation time for Greg Heffernan. Approved
5-0.
E.O.080907008 – An order to approve the hire of Tashia L. Geaumont to the position of Recreation Director effective July 14, 2008 at an annual salary of $33,973. Approved 5-0.
E.O.080907009 – An order to approve an Application for Central Maine Power Company and Pine Tree Networks to place two poles on Woodman Road starting at Pole #12. Approved 5-0.
9. Executive Orders by Initiative.
None
10. Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants.
E.O.080907005 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #02-09. Approved 5-0.
E.O.080907006 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#02-09. Approved 5-0.
11. Next Meeting of the Board.
Selectmen’s Meeting Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
12. Other Business.
The Community Food Co-Op has changed days of operation. The days are: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at the Pythian Sisters Hall on Route 22.
The Boston Post Cane will be presented to the Town’s oldest resident, Murray Eaton, on Wednesday, July 23 at 6:00 p.m. The public is invited.
13. Public Comments and Questions.
Larry Miller asked if the salary being paid to the new Recreation Director was higher than what the prior Director was making. The Selectmen stated that the salary was what was approved at Town Meeting. The new Director is well qualified and has been a Director before. Larry was also notified that the Fire Chief position and the Recreation Director positions did not have a salary amount stated in the employment ad.
Larry Miller asked if Chief Thomas had an employment contract prior to termination. The Selectmen informed Larry that there was no employment contract. The 9 months of salary for Chief Thomas was negotiated and ½ of unused sick time earned was negotiated last year. No benefits will be paid by the Town for the 9 months of salary.
Larry stated that he felt any one that resigned should not get severance pay. Larry felt that he needs to understand the resignation and 9 months of severance pay to see if it is justified.
Peter Burns stated that $70 a month is being paid to cover the food cupboard electricity and it is coming from the occupancy account.
Peter asked if the Chief’s resignation and severance pay included benefits. The Selectmen responded that the severance package did not include medical or disability insurance. The medical insurance will end at midnight on July 31 and the disability insurance will end at midnight on July 20th.
Peter wanted to know how much money the severance pay equaled to. The Selectmen stated approximately $46,000. Peter stated his concern that after the severance pay is paid and the vacation and sick time there will be only about 2 months of salary for a new Chief. Any salary offer will have to be handled through a Special Town Meeting. Peter indicated that all the increases would add approximately .60 cents to the mill rate for the upcoming year.
Steve Anthony asked if the job for the move of the repeater tower would be put out to bid and how was it going to be done as the new location was a non-conforming lot. Selectmen Emery stated that the job will be done with input from Fred Farnham in the Code Office and through the Board of Appeals if necessary.
Steve asked how much the rental fee for the tower was per month. The Selectmen responded that it was in the neighborhood of $1,400 per month and it was in 5 year roll-over increments with increases every 5 years.
Steve asked if the Recreation Director position was a 32 hour per week position with full benefits. The Selectmen responded “yes” it was 32 hours with all benefits.
Steve Anthony questioned the resignation of the Police Chief’s salary to be used as severance pay when it was approved as a line item in the Police Budget and how could it now be legal us use otherwise. Steve stated that he did not see a Warrant Article at Town Meeting for severance pay and he felt the Board was out of order. Selectman Harmon responded that the Warrant Article is one lump sum and the Board has the authority to make agreements and the Board’s action was acted upon with the Town attorney’s advice.
Selectman Libby stated that the Board has handled the matter legally and the Town’s attorney worked with the Chief’s attorney and the package was mutually agreed upon by all parties. If the Town needs more money to pay for a new chief they will call a Special Town Meeting and maybe use undesignated surplus money if necessary. Selectman Harmon stated that all police services will be maintained – the officers and dispatchers will not change.
Steve Anthony asked if the new police vehicle would be purchased as approved at Town Meeting. The answer was “yes”.
Barbara Elwell asked the Board to consider looking at the State Police and County and use their services as it would be cheaper. Other towns around Buxton are using these services and it seems to be working very well. Barbara stated that the dispatch service out of Gray does a good job and they seem to be handling the calls very well.
14. Executive Session
None
15. Adjournment.
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 7:56 p.m. Approved 5-0.
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