Town of Buxton
Minutes for February 18, 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: Bob Lowell, Keith Emery, Dave Harmon, Robert Elwell, David Pinkham, Peter Burns, Tom Kennie, Dennis Santolucito, Mike Grovo, Sharleen Fields and Tasha Geaumont.
7:00 p.m. Public Hearing – Victualer License
Buxton House of Pizza
Chairman Harmon opened the Public Hearing at 7:01 p.m. by reading the Notice of Public Hearing. Chairman Harmon asked for comments from the public.
Robert Elwell asked if the Town required any proof of insurance from the establishment. Selectman Harmon responded that the business would not be serving liquor only food and no proof of insurance was required.
There were no comments from the Board of Selectmen. The Public Hearing closed at 7:03 p.m.
Meeting Agenda
The Meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. and followed with the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes.
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes February 11, 2009. Approved 5-0.
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. Chief Mullen -- Executive session pursuant to 1MRSA 405(6)A Employee Evaluation In executive session at 5:03 p.m. and out of executive session at 5:46 p.m.
5:30 p.m. Chief Grovo – Executive session pursuant to 1MRSA 405(6)A Potential Employee Hire In executive session at 5:47 p.m. and out at 6:12 p.m.
- Review of Correspondence.
- Letter from Gregory R. Gosselin, Habitat for Humanity – Re: Actively seeking land which may be donated to Habitat for Humanity for future homes
- Flyer from Marian Alexandre – Re: Historic Preservation and Maine Historic Tax Credit Workshop on March 11 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Saco Council Chambers in Saco
- Email from Geoff Herman, Maine Municipal Association – Re: February 27 public hearing on municipal revenue sharing cuts at 9:00 a.m. at the State House - Room 228
- Review of Projects and Issues.
The Selectmen reported that they are reviewing the budgets.
Selectman Collomy reported that the new Town Garage is coming along very well with the telephone and security systems in place. They are still waiting for the lights.
Selectman Emery reported that he attended the Twelve Town Meeting on Monday night. It was well attended by members from all of the Towns present. Selectman Emery reported that most of the towns are flat funding budgets and some are giving no raises to employees. Selectman Emery reported that the County Budget will increase 3.18%. Buxton’s share will be $26,343.38 over last year’s County Budget.
None
7. New Business.
None
8. Executive Orders.
E.O.080902012 – An order to appoint David W. Pinkham to the position of Public Works Director effective February 23, 2009 at a pay rate of $23.60 per hour. Approved 5-0.
E.O.080902013 – An order to approve Tasha Geaumont’s attendance to a Maine Parks & Recreation Association workshop. Approved 5-0.
9. Executive Orders by Initiative.
E.O.080902014 – An order to approve the hire of Kathleen Mullen to the position of full-time Dispatcher effective February 23, 2009 at a pay rate of $15.46 per hour.
E.O.080902015 – An order to approve a Victualer License for the Buxton House of Pizza. Approved 5-0.
10. Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants.
E.O.080902010 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #33-09. ($447,500) Approved 5-0.
E.O.080902011 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#34-09. ($31,000) Approved 5-0.
- Next Meeting of the Board.
Planning Board Meeting Monday, February 23, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Budget Committee Meeting Tuesday, February 24, at 6:30 p.m.
Selectmen’s Meeting Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Workshop Monday, March 2, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
The Selectmen congratulated David Pinkham and asked him to go to the podium. David Pinkham introduced himself and thanked the Selectmen for hiring him and he said he was looking forward to working for the Town of Buxton.
- Public Comments and Questions.
Robert Elwell asked if the new Dispatcher was related to the new Fire Chief. The Selectmen stated “yes”.
Robert wanted to know why the Annual Town Meeting was moved from March to June and if it was moved back to March maybe more people would attend. The Selectmen responded that the Annual Town Meeting was moved to June to coincide with the School Budget year which begins July 1.
Robert asked if the Selectmen had heard anything about redoing Route 112 to Saco. Selectman Harmon said no.
Robert asked when a new employee is hired if they get an employee handbook. If so, Robert would like a copy.
Robert stated that the issue of filming the meeting from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. was not a done issue and he would still like to see it filmed. Selectman Collomy asked Robert to do some research and find out exactly what the intent was when the filming started and what was to be filmed.
Robert asked if there would be an open house when the new garage was open. The Selectmen responded yes.
Robert also asked about the rumor he had heard about wild dogs in area of Buttertown. Police Chief Grovo stated that there was a litter of pups and the Animal Control Officer is working hard to catch them. One of the pups has been caught but one more and the mother is on the loose. The Chief stated the situation would not get out of control.
Keith Emery asked if the new garage was close to running out of money. The Selectmen said the budget is close and they are waiting for the fuel canopy to be finished. The Selectmen decided to put up a fuel canopy that was better than designed to make sure water and snow does not get into the new area.
Dennis Santolucito asked the Selectmen exactly what the examination/cost benefit analysis of dispatch was composed of. Dennis stated that Dispatch is part of Public Safety and he felt the Chief did a great job last week of quantifying the number of calls coming in. Dennis wants the service looked at not just the calls. Dennis stated that the quality of the Dispatch service needs to be taken into account.
Selectman Emery said that he was just looking at what we are spending and what is available cost wise. The Dispatch handles burning permits, concealed weapons and much more. Dennis stated that the Dispatch is the front door to the public safety and he wants to retain that.
Selectman Pulsoni agreed with Dennis and stated that there is no way you can put a number on the personal touch to the services provided by the Dispatch.
Tasha Geaumont introduced herself as the new Recreation Director and reviewed items that were discussed at the last Selectmen’s Meeting. Tasha stated that the recreation activities are run on a fiscal year not a calendar year. The Summer Camp and After School program are both in the black. She also stated that youth sports programs are also in the black. Over 200 kids participated in the Soccer program.
Tasha reported that she is working with the Police Chief with the older folks that call Dispatch. The After School Program children are sending cards and letters to these people.
Peter Burns wanted to know when the final version of the audit was going to be ready and the books were going to be closed for the 07-08 year. Selectman Harmon reported the Selectmen will be meeting with the Auditor next week. Peter also wanted to know where the Town was on reconciling the Enterprise account. Selectman Harmon stated that there will be a Special Town Meeting and approximately $61,000 will be brought to the public for approval.
Robert Elwell asked when the new garage was done if the landscaping was going to be done in the original bid package. Selectman Emery stated yes.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 7:45 p.m. Approved 5-0.
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