Town of Buxton
Minutes for January 14, 2009 Selectmen’s Meeting
Prepared by: Dianne Senechal
Members Present: Jean C. Harmon, Robert C. Libby, Daniel T. Collomy and Linda W. Pulsoni. Clifford L. Emery was absent.
Others Present: Steve & Lori Anthony, Rob Hunt, Keith Emery, Robert Elwell, Peter Pinkham and Chief Grovo.
Meeting Agenda
The Meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance followed.
2. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes.
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes January 7, 2009. Approved 4-0-1. (Selectman Emery was absent)
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m. – Jason Grant – EMA discussion
- Review of Correspondence.
- Memorandum from John J. Sylvester, Chair Twelve Town Group – Re: Meeting January 19, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
- Letter from Robert Hough, Project Manager, So. Region Department of Transportation – Re: Construction of Route 112 & Chicopee Road for summer of 2009
- Review of Projects and Issues.
Selectman Libby reported that he has reviewed the applications for the Public Works Director.
Selectman Collomy is meeting daily with the contractors working on new Town Garage. Everything seems to be going well and they are on schedule for a February 1 completion.
Selectman Pulsoni reported she has been reviewing Public Works applications.
Selectman Harmon stated that the Selectmen held a workshop on Monday night, January 12. They discussed budgets and several other items that needed to be handled.
The Town is still looking for an Editor for the Buxton News. If any one is interested, please call the Town Office.
7. New Business.
None
8. Executive Orders.
E.O.080901009 – An order to approve 16 hours of vacation time for Greg Heffernan.
Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.080901010 – An order to approve an Unpaid Leave of Absence for Joan Weeman.
Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.080901011 – An order to approve 8 hours of vacation time for Fred Farnham.
Approved 4-0-1
E.O.080901012 – An order to approve an Application for Veteran Exemption per Title 36 MRSA, Section 653 for [Map 2, Lot 58V-1]. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.080901013 – An order to approve the road name “Deacon’s Field Road” for property located off Church Hill Road. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.080901014 – An order to approve the road name “Spiritwood Circle” for property located off Webster Road. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.080901015 – An order to rename “Paucek Road” to “Pleasant Ridge Road”.
Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.080901016 – An order to deny a Poverty Abatement for Case PA08-009. Approved 4-0-1.
9. Executive Orders by Initiative.
None
10. Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants.
E.O.080901007 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #29-09. (Total Warrant = $489,063.64) Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.080901008 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#29-09. (Total Warrant = $32,344.81) Approved 4-0-1.
- Next Meeting of the Board.
Twelve Town Meeting Monday, January 19, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in Waterboro
Public Hearing Liquor License Renewal Buxton Tavern Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Meeting Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 7:05 p.m.
Reminder dogs must be licensed before January 31 to avoid a $15 late fee. To license your dog you will need a valid Maine rabies certificate and altering certificate, if appropriate. Altered dog licenses are $6.00 and non-altered dog licenses are $11.00 each.
- Public Comments and Questions.
Representative Rob Hunt reported that the Legislature is working on the Supplemental Budget that has been presented by the Governor. They are looking to reduce salaries at the State level and cutting back the overall budget. Many positions have already been eliminated or jobs have been moved or consolidated with other Departments. Representative Hunt stated there was discussion to eliminate Park Ranger positions, but after looking closer, it was determined the Unemployment would cost the State close to $300,000 and the positions cost the State approximately $315,000 per year.
Representative Hunt stated that he is on the Business Research and Economic Development Committee. The Committee is looking for new ways to generate revenue for the State. One of the things they are looking at is the film industry coming to Maine. He also stated that green energy is a real drive for the economy and they are looking at off-shore windmills.
Selectman Harmon asked if the State was looking at the cuts that they make to minimize the impact on municipalities. Representative Hunt said that the school funding will be flat and that will affect the municipality.
Steve Anthony asked if the State is ready with projects if money from the Federal Government comes to Maine. Representative Hunt stated the transportation/road constructions jobs are ready. At this point there is a $840 M deficit and things will get small according to Representative Hunt.
Keith Emery asked the status of the cell Tower and the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan was discussed by the Selectmen at their Workshop on Monday. Chief Grovo responded that the cell Tower is being held up due to a generator issue.
Robert Elwell asked about the Racino issue that will be discussed at the Twelve Town Meeting and if that was something that will be voted on by the residents. Selectman Harmon will check into it. Robert asked about the construction project at the intersection of Route 112 and Chicopee Road and if that was ahead of the Route 112 rebuild.
Robert also questioned the benefits that the Public Works Director’s position got. Selectman Harmon provided the information.
Robert questioned the February 1 completion date of the Town Garage and the Executive Order to give 16 hours of vacation time to the Transfer Manager.
Selectman Libby asked Robert if he wanted to serve on the Comprehensive Plan. Robert stated that he would like to know more about it.
Keith Emery stated that the road names that were approved for the subdivision would be the same road that went from Buxton to Gorham.
Dianne Senechal stated that the Narragansett Foundation has had some difficulty with their website and applications for the Foundation are available at the Town Office and they can be emailed if some one requests one.
All of the donors that he donated to the ‘Keep The Heat On’ fund were thanked. The donations to the fund are coming in very regular and the fund has money due to the low cost of heating oil now. The public was reminded that the Pythian Sisters are in need of donations for oil to heat the building to keep the Buxton Food Co-Op open.
Steve Anthony read an article from the 1996 Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting regarding the recording of the Selectmen’s Meeting, the Budget and Planning Board Meetings. Steve Anthony would like to see the recording of the meeting in the Selectmen’s Office between 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. There was a discussion of this issue with the Selectmen and it was pointed out that there would be several conversations going on at once and not all the Selectmen are even in the office during that time if no one is scheduled for an appointment. It was also pointed out that some people who speak with the Selectmen do not want to be recorded. It was also pointed out by Selectmen Harmon that the Article the Steve read was open to interpretation as the real Selectmen’s Meeting
takes place at 7:00 p.m. every Wednesday night.
It was pointed out that the discussion with Jason Grant could have been recorded and may be of interest to the public. Steve also spoke of the decision to make the policy on sick time and how he wished he had known that was in the works. The Selectmen stated that they make policy.
Steve Anthony asked about the $5,500 for camera equipment that was mentioned last week and where that figure came from. Selectman Harmon stated that figure came from a prior quote from Parker Productions.
Steve Anthony asked if the Town was pursuing the financial improprieties of the former Recreation Director. Steve stated that he had heard the figure of $60,000. Chief Grovo stated that he is meeting with the D. A’s office in the next two weeks to review the case.
Robert Elwell stated that he would like to see the meetings with the contractor for the new Town Garage recorded as it would be interesting information for the public.
Police Chief Grovo stated that the Police Department is running smoothly. Next week interviews are scheduled for Dispatchers and new Police Officers. There was a question regarding the IMC system and some associated increased costs. Chief Grovo said that he was not aware of any increases. The Chief also stated that Dispatch had been audited and they passed with flying colors. There was a discussion of the importance of keeping the Dispatch in-house.
Peter Pinkham stated that he was very pleased to see a Department Heat attend the Selectmen’s Meeting and a Department Head should be recognized in the audience to speak as was Representative Hunt. In the future the Department Head may want to speak first in case some one in the audience has a question.
14. Executive Session.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 8:06 p.m. Approved 4-0-1.
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