Town of Buxton
Minutes for August 19, 2009 Selectmen’s Meeting
Prepared by: Dianne Senechal
Members Present: Jean C. Harmon, Daniel T. Collomy, Robert C. Libby, Linda W. Pulsoni and Peter E. W. Burns.
Others Present: Robert Elwell, Steve & Lori Anthony, Denis Santolucito, Olive Collomy, Jack Hanna, Peter Pinkham, Fred Farnham and Mike Grovo.
Meeting Agenda
The Meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m.
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes August 12, 2009. Approved 5-0.
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Executive Session into 5:10 p.m. per 1MRSA 405 6(A), out at 5:45 p.m.
Into Executive Session at 5:45 p.m. per 1MRSA 405 6(A), out at 6:29 p.m.
6:30 p.m. – Fred Farnham discussed flood maps and his working hours
- Email from Maine CDC – Re: Update on Novel H1N1
- Letter from Cathy Patnaude, Home Health Visiting Nurses – Re: Upcoming Influenza season and flu vaccine
- Review of Projects and Issues
Selectman Libby reported that he has been reviewing the Public Works applications
Selectman Burns reported that he attended the Public Hearing on the proposed elementary school for Hollis which was held Monday night. Selectman Burns reported that the total cost of the school is projected to be $12,821,765.00. The cost of the project is through the stimulus package and will be interest free with no State Funding. The Towns that compose the district will each be picking up their share of the cost of the building. Selectman Burns reported that the loan will be interest free which means the District will be saving 6 million in interest. Selectman Burns stated that he believed the Town of Buxton’s share could add 30 cents to the mill rate. The concern of Selectman Burns is the District still has four years
before existing debt is retired.
It was also noted that the length of the loan for the funding of the school may be less than 20 years and Superintendent Lukus is dealing with this issue. Selectman Burns stated that the School District wants to purchase 40 acres of land next to the existing school so classes can continue while construction is in process. Voting on the proposed school is September 8th.
Selectman Pulsoni stated that normally the accounts payable is $35,000 - $45,000 and one week each month it is $400,000 as the Town’s share of the school budget has to be paid. Selectman Pulsoni stated that Fred Farnham had spoken to the Selectmen and will be at the Meeting later to make a presentation.
Selectman Harmon stated that the Board of Selectmen met last Friday, August 14th, with the Hollis Selectmen. They discussed the bridge on Route 202, the Rescue and the Dispatch Agreements. The discussion on the bridge centered around the fact that it is a safety issue and what can the Board do to become more proactive. A pedestrian bridge was discussed and Ben Severance would be drafting a letter to the York County DA asking if a bridge was built would they prosecute pedestrian’s crossing over the Route 202 bridge.
The Dispatch and Rescue Service that Hollis is proposing means that they will be leaving Buxton’s services on July 1, 2010.
Selectman Harmon reported that she went on the site walk at the Horr’s property which is part of the land exchange that was discussed at the Special Town Meeting.
The Charter Commission held a Public Hearing to get input from the public on August 18, 2009.
Need to finalize 2008/09 ‘carry forwards’ and reconcile accounts sometime in September.
Selectman Harmon reported that debit and credit cards will be accepted for motor vehicles and licensing with the exception of Recreation. This change will be effective August 20th and there is a fee for the service. The Fee Schedule is posted at the front counter. Recreation will accept debit/credit cards at a later date.
E.O.091008014 – An order to allow Kyrstal Dyer to ‘Carry Forward’ 24 hours of vacation time to be used before December 13, 2009. Approved 5-0.
E.O.091008015 – An order to allow Michael Grovo to ‘Carry Forward’ 40 hours of vacation time to be used before December 13, 2009. Approved 5-0.
- Executive Orders by Initiative
E.O.091008016 – An order to terminate Jason McClure effective immediately.
Approved 5-0.
- Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants
E.O.091008012 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #08-10. Approved 5-0.
E.O.091008013 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#08-10. Approved 5-0.
- Next Meeting of the Board
Planning Board Meeting Monday, August 24, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Meeting Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Charter Commission Meeting Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
SAD6 will be doing a presentation on 8/26 at 7:15 p.m. on the new elementary school in Hollis
York County Community Action is accepting applications for heat assistance for Buxton residents through the LiHeap Program. To make an appointment call 1-800-965-5762 and leave your name and phone number.
Selectman Pulsoni will reschedule Greg Heffernan later as the Meeting next week will be very busy.
- Public Comments and Questions
Fred Farnham stated that he was working 32 hours during a five day work week. His hours are Monday, Tuesday and Friday – 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Wednesday 11:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m. He has reduced hours as the number of homes being built has decreased. Fred reported that the State Planning Office is back in business and the certification program is available for Building Inspectors.
The State Plumbing rules for installing a new septic system now include a $15 surcharge with the $15 going to the DEP.
Fred reported that the major project taking place in the Code Office has been the FEMA flood maps with revisions. Fred reported that Krystal Dyer has done an outstanding job getting the maps with overlays to coincide with the tax maps used by the Town. Residents will get letters explaining information what they can do to dispute their insurer if they feel they are not in a flood zone.
Robert Elwell wanted to know how the Selectmen felt about the Hollis Elementary School. Selectman Burns stated that he needed more information before he could make a decision about the proposed school. Selectman Burns stated that if the proposed school and the Excise Tax issue passed the Town would have to increase the mill rate by $1.00.
Robert stated that he would like to see the ‘No Parking’ signs remain at the bridge
Robert asked about the Rescue and Dispatch service and how it was calculated. The Selectmen responded that it is based on the number of calls to Hollis. The bill this year to Hollis was about $120,000 and 30% of the calls for service.
Robert wanted to know if the microphones for the vote at the Special Town Meeting were turned off during voting as he felt the vote on the land swap was too close to call and he would have preferred a hand count. A member of the audience can challenge the vote and request a hand count.
Robert asked about the Code Car and the Cash for Clunkers program. The program is for private parties and municipalities cannot take part in the program. The car does not qualify as insurance has been off since June.
Steve Anthony asked about the request from the Selectmen for a citizen who has given to the community for more than 20 years. Selectman Harmon responded that he was referring to the Ethel Kennedy award for a person who has worked in a municipality for 20 years and given to the community. The person needed to be employed by the municipality.
Steve asked about the Public Works garage bills and if they had been paid. The bills have been paid and $13,772 was paid to Emery Bros.
Steve wanted to know if the water issue had been handled at the Public Works garage. A meeting has been scheduled for Friday, August 28 with all parties.
Steve wanted to know if the public could ask questions during the presentation by the Superintendent. The public can speak.
Dennis Santolucito had concerns about the pedestrian bridge and personal responsibility. He would like the Selectmen to speak more about the responsibility of the individuals who are jumping from the bridge.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 8:20 p.m. Approved 5-0.
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