Town of Buxton
Minutes for March 25, 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: Peter Burns, Larry Miller, Mike Grovo, Lori & Steve Anthony, Ron Smith, Peter Pinkham, Dave Harmon, Keith Emery, Dennis Santolucito and Carol Sanborn.
Meeting Agenda
The Meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m.
and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
2. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes.
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes March 16, 2009. Approved 5-0.
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – Fire Chief Mullen & Deputy Chief Greg Jones discussed rotation of Rescue Units and FEMA grant with Gorham
5:30 p.m. – John Myers discussed budget information and computer use policy
- Review of Correspondence.
- Letter from Michael J. Goetz, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FEMA – Re: Map Updates of Flood Insurance Rate Maps
- Email from Daniel Rose, Drummond & Woodsum – Re: Notice of COBRA forms for qualifying individuals under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
- Email from Tony Vigue, Saco River Cable Committee – Re: Channel 43, Movie Plex
- Review of Projects and Issues.
Selectman Libby reported that there have been many inquiries on property valuations and tree growth this week as the property values will be set on April 1.
Selectman Collomy reported that he has been working at the new Town Garage finishing up storage units and hanging bulletin boards.
Selectman Pulsoni reported that the Board of Selectmen held a Workshop on Monday night, March 23 to discuss budgets.
Selectman Emery reported that he had spoken to the Town Manager at Standish to get a feel for why they had decided to work a four day work week.
Selectman Harmon stated that the Board has reviewed all of the Department Heads budgets and several are ready for release to the Budget Committee. Selectman Harmon also stated that the new Public Works Garage is now in the hands of the Town and all the equipment has been moved from the old garage to the new garage.
None
7. New Business.
The Selectmen are working on establishing the Comprehensive Plan Committee.
Selectman Emery reported that 64 addresses that had individuals sign up last year for the Rescue
Subscription program did not sign up this year. Post cards will be sent out to these individuals as it appeared to be a large number.
8. Executive Orders.
E.O.080903030 – An order to approve an Application for Veteran Exemption for
[Map 2, Lot 58-5]. Approved 5-0.
9. Executive Orders by Initiative.
None
10. Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants.
E.O.080903028 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #38-09. Approved 5-0.
E.O.080903029 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#38-09. Approved 5-0.
- Next Meeting of the Board.
Budget Committee Meeting Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Selectmen’s Workshop Monday, March 30, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
Budget Committee Meeting Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Selectmen’s Meeting Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Nomination papers are available from the Town Clerk’s Office for the following positions: One Selectman, six Charter Commission Members, three Planning Board Members and two School Board Members. All candidate nomination papers must be filed in the Town Clerk’s Office by 4:30 p.m. April 27th.
Ron Smith, the Town’s Auditor, reported on the financial condition of the Town as a result of the June 30, 2008 Audit that was completed. Overall the Town of Buxton is in very good financial shape with a 2.1M dollar surplus. He stated that the residents should be very proud of the surplus funds. Ron has recommended to the Selectmen that they have a Capital Funds Plan for the funds that have been set aside.
Larry Miller asked about the two month cushion that the Town has set aside for operating funds. Larry wanted to know what other Towns do and with their funds and the ratio. Ron stated that the Town of Buxton is in line with other Towns. Ron reiterated that the Town does need a Capital Funds Policy and items should be placed beside the amounts that are set aside in the surplus fund. The Capital Plan should contain 3 year, 5 year and 10 year projection of capital items and the infrastructure costs. Ron stated that the $600,000 in reserve is enough seed money to put a long term plan in place.
Peter Burns questioned the $141,000 that was carried forward this year. How much should we carry forward and what is the limit. Ron stated that there are three accounts that can be carried forward. Every time a fiscal year starts, the budget should be reset. General Warrant articles should lapse.
Peter Burns asked about the $15,400 left in the new Town Garage account. Before the voters are asked for more money for the new Town Garage, can the $15,400 be spent to be used for the building. ‘Yes’ the money can be spent.
Peter questioned the Recreation Department issue. Ron said that the final numbers are not in and $6,000 - $8,000 is still being looked into. Another $1,000 may be collected. During April and May an exhaustive collection process will take place. Up to $18,000 may have to be written off.
- Public Comments and Questions.
Larry Miller gave a presentation of information he had from the School Board. Larry presented an update of information that was presented at the Budget Committee Meeting. He stated the school had three goals:
- preserve existing education programs
- no layoffs
- no increase in costs to local towns
The local share for the towns is 19M. Buxton’s share is 25.86% of the total which is a .95% decrease. Hollis, Frye Island and Limington will experience an increase. The actual number from the State has not arrived and the School Board meets Monday to hear State funding.
The schedule for the budget process is as follows: review and adopt the budget March 30; approve Warrant Article April 6 and get Warrant to Towns two days later. April 23rd posted for Referendum Public Hearing on May 5th.
Peter Pinkham asked how the public was going to be notified of the Rescue Subscription program. Selectman Harmon stated post cards. Peter would like to have the information sent to the elderly so they could complete and return rather than come to the Town Office.
Keith Emery stated that Cliff said he had been to Standish to look at how Standish arrived at the decision they made. Keith said that maybe other towns may have other pieces of input.
Steve Anthony asked the Selectmen to consider reducing the amount going into retirement for the employees. He said rather than looking at small items take a look at the big ticket items that could save some money.
Steve stated that Scarborough’s Police Department had agreed to no pay increase to avoid layoffs. Could anything further be done with Police salaries?
Steve asked about the Executive Order that took place two weeks ago regarding Anne Robishaw appointed to the Health Officer position. Steve wanted to know if that was a paid position. The Selectmen said ‘no’. He asked if the Records Restoration appointment was a paid position. The Selectmen stated ‘no’, Joan Weeman is the maintains the records.
The Selectmen stated that they are working on revenues and expenditures and will know more by the first of the week for projections. The Town Budget depends on the School budget and the County has increased $26,000 this year.
Chief Grovo stated that he has viewed the new Town Garage and the guys were very happy with the new building.
The Chief said that Route 112 had been posted and he has asked the DOT to put signs up on Route 202 in Saco not to use Route 112.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 7:59 p.m.
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