Town of Buxton
Minutes for December 3, 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: Joseph Iaconcta, Robert Lowell, Lori & Steve Anthony, Keith Emery and Kevin Fallen.
Public Hearing – 7:00 p.m. Automobile Graveyard or Junkyard Permit
Licensing of Automobile Graveyard or Junkyards
Chairman Harmon opened the Public Hearing at 7:05 p.m. by reading the Notice of Public Hearing for Automobile Graveyard or Junkyard licensing. The Meeting was opened for comments from the public and the Board. There were no comments and the Public Hearing closed at 7:06 p.m.
Meeting Agenda
The Meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m.
2. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes.
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes November 19, 2008. approved 5-0.
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m. – Bob Schwartz – Executive Session per 1MRSA 405 6(A) from 5:33 p.m. – 6:35 p.m. regarding a personnel matter.
- Review of Correspondence.
- Email from Geoff Herman, Maine Municipal Association – Re: Survey on Federal Issues
- Email from So. Maine Regional Planning Commission – Re: Region should prepare a list of possible projects for a stimulus package as the proposal makes its way through Congress
- Review of Projects and Issues.
Selectman Libby reported that he has handled tax issues.
Selectman Pulsoni stated that one of the teachers at the high school passed away over the Thanksgiving weekend. The Board extends their thoughts and prayers for the family.
Selectman Emery reported that the new Town Garage is progressing. The interior doors are on and the sheet rock is going up. The work for the fuel tanks is done. Occupancy is expected by February 1, 2009.
Selectman Harmon reported that the Pythian Sisters served 92 Thanksgiving Dinners and several meals were delivered.
Selectman Harmon also stated that she attended the School Board Meeting Monday night and the name for the new school is ‘Buxton Center Elementary School’. The Library will be named the Paul Vincent Library.
The Gorham By-pass is opening Friday, December 5th.
None
7. New Business.
Selectman Harmon reported that there was some minor roof leakage around the cupolas during the storm last week. She also stated that there was a complaint about the use of salt during the last storm.
8. Executive Orders.
E.O.080912003 – An order to approve the Employee Wage Schedule for fiscal year July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009. Approved 5-0.
E.O.080912004 – An order to approve a Supplemental Tax Warrant and Certificate for tax year 2008 in the amount of $1,418.75 for [Map 11, Lot 31-3]. Approved 5-0.
E.O.080912005 – An order to approve Fred Farnham’s attendance at the MBOIA Annual Meeting. Approved 5-0.
E.O.080912006 – An order to approve 40 hours of vacation time for John Myers. Approved 5-0.
E.O.080912007 – An order to approve Tashia Geaumont’s attendance to the 60th Annual Northern New England Park & Recreation Conference. Approved 5-0.
E.O.080912008 – An order to approve an Abatement for Real Estate taxes for tax year 2008/09 in the amount of $36.63 for [Map 1A, Lot 123C]. Approved 5-0.
9. Executive Orders by Initiative.
E.O.080912009 – An order to approve the applications for a non-transferable automobile graveyard or junkyard for those entities listed on the Notice of Public Hearing dated November 5, 2008. Approved 5-0.
E.O.080912010 – An order to approve the appointment of Michael Grovo to the position of Police Chief at a salary of $58,000 effective immediately. Approved 3-2-0 (Selectmen Pulsoni, Libby and Collomy voted ‘yes’, Selectmen Harmon and Emery voted ‘no’).
10. Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants.
E.O.080912001 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #22-09. Approved 5-0.
E.O.080912002 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#22-09. Approved 5-0.
- Next Meeting of the Board.
Planning Board Meeting Monday, December 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Meeting Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Workshop Monday, December 8 at 6:00 p.m.
The Selectmen’s Meeting for December 17 will be in the Selectmen’s Office and will not be broadcast ‘live’. There will be no Selectmen’s Meeting on December 24 and 31, due to the Holidays.
The Town is looking for a new Editor for the Buxton News. If you are interested in this position, please call the Town Office and leave your name and phone number.
Applications for the Toy Box are being accepted on Tuesday & Thursday 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Fridays. Applications will be accepted through December 12th.
There will be a Rabies Clinic on Saturday, December 6 at the Bar Mills Fire Station from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. All dogs must be on a leash and all cats must be in carriers. Cash only.
Congratulations to the Bonny Eagle Football team and Coaches for winning the Class A Championship.
There will be a free Christmas Dinner December 25 at the Buxton Centre Baptist Church from noon to 2:00 p.m. Call 929-3060 for a reservation.
The Buxton Garden Club is sponsoring the Festival of Trees at the Bar Mills Church on Hermit Thrush Drive from December 8th through the 12th.
- Public Comments and Questions.
Joe Iaconcta stated that there are U turns in front of his garage and he feels it is dangerous and he would like some ‘No U Turns’ signs put up.
Keith Emery asked about the status of the Barstow Case. Selectman Harmon stated that she thought everything was with the York County D. A’s office.
Carol Sanborn thanked the Board for the decision to start the Meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance as it is a good example for our young people and a show of respect for the flag.
Carol also thanked the Bonny Eagle Football team as it is a time commitment for the players, their families and the coaches.
Steve Anthony questioned the water issue on the roof of the Town Office. He wanted to know why the cupolas were on the roof as they were small. Selectman Collomy provided input into the need for the cupolas and the ridge vent that was used on the roof for venting.
Steve asked why Chief Grovo was only given $58,000 in salary. The Selectmen responded that he was not fully trained as a Chief. Steve stated that when the Recreation Director was hired she started at the salary of the old Director. The Selectmen stated that the new Director had prior experience at Old Orchard.
Steve wanted to know why Selectmen Harmon and Emery voted against the hire of Grovo as the new Chief. Selectman Harmon did not want to explain her vote while Selectman Emery stated that he felt there were other candidates that interviewed better and he felt they were better qualified.
Steve questioned why three Selectmen were against a Town Manager, yet they would vote to put the non binding question on the ballot for a Town Manager. Selectman Libby stated that even though he was not for a Town Manager he wanted to know what the people in Town felt about the issue. The Selectmen stated that they did not have to accept the vote, but they have decided to go forward with the issue. Selectman Collomy stated that he needed to feel the pulse of the Town for the Town Manager and the voters have said yes go ahead.
Selectman Pulsoni stated that she was in agreement to explore the option of a Town Manager through a non-binding question.
Steve questioned the meeting process of the Selectmen. He appeared to feel that all proceedings of the Selectmen should be recorded on camera even discussions in the Selectmen’s office. Selectman Emery stated that many people do not want to go on camera to discuss their business and Selectman Emery felt there had never been a vote to record all proceedings.
Steve Anthony asked if the Selectmen were looking at any programs to hold budgets flat.
Kevin Fallen apologized for not being at the meeting last week when his liquor license was discussed. He wanted to address any questionable images that may linger about his business. Kevin stated that his business should not be compared to the Tavern or Skips as his business is not a lounge. He is a licensed caterer with the State of Maine and is licensed to sell liquor. He is not a bottle club.
He stated that he and Cliff are associates and he has never given anyone a reason to deny the liquor license for his establishment. He stated the Buxton Police do visit his establishment. Kevin made it clear that he held 55 functions at the Roost during the past year. The majority of his business is weddings. 35% of his functions serve liquor. Most weddings he serves one drink per person. He also holds corporate functions and 11 country Sundays. 90% of his business is outside of the Roost and he has to check into other Towns and get a liquor license. He has never been declined a license in any other Town. His current license expires on November 7 next year and any one is welcome to visit his establishment.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meet6ing at 8:05 p.m. Approved 5-0.
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