Town of Buxton
Minutes for February 4, 2009 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: Butch York, Bruce Mullen, Mike Grovo, Dave Harmon, Peter Burns, Dennis Santolucito, Steve & Lori Anthony and Peter Pinkham.
Meeting Agenda
The Meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance followed.
2. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes.
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes January 21, 2009. Approved 5-0.
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
6:00 – Executive Session 1 MRSA 405 (6) (A) The Selectmen went into Executive Session at 6:10 p.m. and came out at 7:00 p.m.
- Review of Correspondence.
None
- Review of Projects and Issues.
Selectman Collomy reported that the new Town Garage is in the final stages of completion and should be up and running in the next 3-4 weeks.
Selectman Emery reported that he is collecting Town Manager job descriptions and will be using them as a guide as the Board considers a job description for Buxton’s proposed Town Manager.
Selectman Harmon reported that the Selectmen reviewed applications for the Public Works Director and will be holding interviews on Thursday, February 5 and Monday, February 9th starting at 5:30 p.m.
Selectman Harmon also reported that she is reviewing the year end financials.
None
7. New Business.
Selectman Harmon reported that the IRS is decreasing the mileage reimbursement rate from .58 ½ to .55 cents per mile. The Selectmen will discuss this issue.
8. Executive Orders.
E.O.080902003 – An order to approve 32 hours of unpaid Leave for Chet Ouellette.
Approved 5-0.
E.O.080902004 – An order to approve 8 hours of vacation time for Fred Farnham.
Approved 5-0.
E.O.080902005 – An order to approve 32 hours of vacation time to be carried forward for Philip MacVane. Approved 5-0.
9. Executive Orders by Initiative.
E.O.080902006 – An order to approve a Poverty Abatement for case number PA07-008. Approved 5-0.
10. Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants.
E.O.080902001 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #31-09. Approved 5-0.
E.O.080902002 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#31-09. Approved 5-0.
- Next Meeting of the Board.
Planning Board Meeting Monday, February 9, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Meeting Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Public Works Director Interviews February 5 and 9th starting at 5:30 p.m.
The Pythian Sister will be holding a free turkey dinner on February 15 from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Pythian Sisters Hall on Route 22.
Selectman Harmon stated that she will be getting a quote from Parker Productions for new cameras.
- Public Comments and Questions.
Fire Chief Mullen introduced himself and stated that he is doing a series of public service announcements with the Police Chief. He said that he is very pleased to be working for the Town and he finds his work most rewarding with a good Department.
Police Chief Grovo stated that he is in the process of hiring staff. He has one person in the assessment stage and one dispatcher almost through the hiring process with two potential dispatchers in the system.
Peter Burns stated that letters will be going out to all Budget Committee members calling an informational meeting next week after the Selectmen’s Meeting on February 11.
Keith Emery asked the status of the Comprehensive Plan. Selectman Collomy has two people to contact.
Steve Anthony asked if a citizen pays their proper tax early how do they get a credit for interest and what the policy was.
Peter Pinkham took the podium and reiterated his request of last year of the procedure for paying taxes early and how much the discount may be. Selectman Libby said that he had looked at Parsonfield’s policy and money that would be lost by such a procedure would have to be raised by the taxpayers. Selectman Libby said they he would be speaking with the Tax Collector on how this has been handled in the past.
Steve Anthony asked the Selectmen if they would consider turning the Annual Warrant upside down so more people would be at the Annual Town Meeting at the end of the Meeting.
Steve Anthony questioned the fairness of the Franchise fees that are added to the Cable TV bills. Steve indicated that some people rent and do not own property and they are assessed a fee that goes to the Town. Steve indicated that perhaps the Selectmen could ask for a reduction in the Franchise fees so it would help people save a little money.
Selectman Harmon stated that the Franchise fees are revenue generating fees for the Town from the cable company’s use of property in the Town to run lines. If the fees were reduced the Town would have to find the money elsewhere. Selectman Libby stated that the fee can be equated to the cable company’s taxes for the use of property in the Town.
Steve Anthony asked about the Town Manager position and how the process was going to continue. Selectman Emery stated that he is gathering information for the Town Manager position and the costs. At the June election 6 people can run for the Charter Commission to change the Charter and the Selectmen can appoint three people to the Commission and the three individuals do not have to be Buxton residents.
Steve asked Selectman Pulsoni if she was in favor of a Town Manager and she stated that she was on the fence on the issue due to the cost. Selectman Collomy stated that he felt he could not go against the wishes of the people. Selectman Collomy said that the change in the charter would take up to 1 ½ years.
Steve Anthony asked where the income and expenses show up on the Auditors’ report for the Recreation Department. Selectman Harmon stated that the only items that shows up is the salary and expenses for phone and supplies on the report. The income and expenses show up on a Munis report. It was reported that the Recreation Department is now self sufficient.
Dennis Santolucito asked about the Charter Commission. Selectman Harmon stated that nine individuals would be on the Commission and six would be elected and three would be appointed by the Selectmen.
Selectman Pulsoni thanked Chief Mullen and Chief Grovo for attending the Meeting and working together.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 7:50 p.m. Approved 5-0.
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