Town of Buxton
Minutes for May 13, 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: Robert Elwell, Carol Sanborn, Mike Grovo, Jack Hanna, Dennis Santolucito, Lori & Steve Anthony and Julie Micucci
Meeting Agenda
The Meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.
Public Hearing Liquor License – Just Julie’s
Selectman Harmon read the Notice of Public Hearing and opened the Hearing at 7:03 p.m. Chairman Harmon asked for comments from the audience and the Board. Selectman Emery asked the Police Chief, Mike Grovo, if there had been any incidents at the establishment. The Chief stated ‘no’.
The Public Hearing closed at 7:04 p.m.
3. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes.
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes May 6, 2009. Approved 5-0.
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – Chief Grovo – discuss on-going issue regarding a resident.
- Review of Correspondence.
- Email from Maine Municipal – Re: Flags flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Friday, May 15 in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week
May 10 – 16
- Email from Sharon Leahy, Maine State Government – Re: Local Health Officer Training
- Email from Maine Municipal – Re: Proposed adjustments to the biennial budget bill – LD 353
- Email from Maine Municipal – Re: Change of Use, Downsizing or Closure of Correctional Facilities
- Email advisory from Maine Center for Disease Control – Re: Update H1N1
- Email from Maine Municipal – Re: Action alert on URIP Funding and Changes to the Homestead Exemption Proposal
- Notice from Leavitt’s Mill Health Center – Grand Opening Celebration Saturday, July 25, 2009
- Review of Projects and Issues.
Selectman Libby reported that the collection of taxes is down by only 1% from what was collected at this time last year.
Selectman Pulsoni thanked Jack Hanna for mowing the Korean War Memorial. She also thanked unknown persons who placed flowers at the Memorial and had mowed the grass.
Selectman Emery stated that there will be a Public Hearing on May 20th on the Secret Ballot Article 3 item.
Selectman Harmon stated that there will be a Special Town Meeting on May 27 to reconcile the over spent amount of $61,645.12.
None
8. New Business.
Public Works Garage open house this Saturday May 16 from 10:00 – 2:00 p.m. The garage
will also be open on Town Meeting day 6/13/09 for viewing.
E.O.080905011 – An order to allow Fred Farnham to voluntarily donate 5.20 hours of vacation time to another employee. Approved 5-0.
E.O.080905012 – An order to approve 8 hours of vacation time for John Myers.
Approved 5-0.
10. Executive Orders by Initiative.
E.O.080905013 -- An order to appoint Randy Porter to the position of Trustee at Town Farm Park effective until December 31, 2012.
E.O.080905014 – An order to approve a Liquor License Renewal for Just Julie’s.
Approved 5-0.
11 Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants.
E.O.080905009 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #46-09. Approved 5-0.
E.O.080905010 -- An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#46-09. Approved 5-0.
- Next Meeting of the Board.
Twelve Town Meeting Monday, May 18, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in Waterboro
Public Hearing Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. for Secret Ballot Article for the
June 9, 2009 Annual Town Meeting
Selectmen’s Meeting Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 7:15 p.m.
Special Town Meeting Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 7:15 p.m.
Dedication of the Town Report will be held May 27, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
Selectman Harmon read the non-budgetary Articles that are shown on the 2009 – 2010 Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
- Public Comments and Questions.
Robert Elwell asked if the ad for the tax property had gone out to bid. Selectman Harmon responded ‘no’ as they were checking to see if it was a buildable lot.
Robert was still concerned about the difference in the paving mark up amount. Robert indicated that the overall amount that was paid by the Town was higher than the original bid. Robert indicated that it was totally unacceptable to him and the Town on how it was handled. Selectman Harmon stated that it was the cost of doing business.
Robert asked about the wash bay and if it was still leaking. The Selectmen stated there appears to be some leakage and it may be around the covers as they are not sealed.
Dennis Santolucito asked if Representative Hunt could take the podium and outline some of the challenges facing the State Budget and how it will affect towns.
Representative Robert Hunt stated that Governor Baldacci’s stand is not to increase taxes. However, indirectly he is increasing taxes on the local level by decreasing municipal funding. There is a projected $570 million deficit in the three year period. There is a shortfall of 129 million projected in the current fiscal year. The three items that will impact Buxton is the additional 5% cut to municipal revenue sharing on top of the 10% reduction already announced; a 10%
reduction in the Homestead Exemption from $13,000 to $11,700 and a 5% cut to the Tree Growth reimbursement.
Additionally, education cuts will occur in the next biennial budget.
Steve Anthony asked for a breakdown of the items that make up the $61,645.12 that will be handled at the Special Town Meeting on May 27th.
Steve asked who managed the bids for the Town Garage. Did Deluca-Hoffman handle all the bids and the sub-contractors? Selectman Harmon stated that all bids came to the Town Office and were opened and Deluca-Hoffman analyzed all the bids to make sure they conformed to the bid specifications.
Steve asked where the savings were as Deluca-Hoffman received 8 – 10% of the cost of the project. The voters are now asked to spend another 1% and he felt there was no savings. The project was more expensive than what was brought to the voters.
Steve asked how much the State cuts would affect the Town. Selectman Libby responded that the cuts are not officially in place and they did not have enough information to project anything at this time.
Selectman Pulsoni stated that the Town Garage is up and it is what it is. She indicated the Selectmen did the best they could and they were now at a point where some things have to be left alone. Do not sit here and do this any more.
Selectman Libby added that for a 1.8 million dollar job and a cost over run of $15,000 or 1% was very good.
15. Executive Session.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 8:09 p.m. Approved 5-0.
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