Town of Buxton
Minutes for September 23, 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: Olive Collomy, Peter Pinkham, Mike Grovo, Tashia Geaumont, Aaron Smith, Jack Hanna and Keith Emery.
Meeting Agenda
The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
- Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
Selectmen Meeting Minutes September 16, 2009. Approved 5-0.
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m. Tashia Geaumont gave a presentation of the programs that are being run by the Recreation Department
- Email from Paul Schlein, Board of Pesticides Control – Re: Press Release ‘Want to Know About Pesticides Sprayed Near Your Home’
- Email from Maine Health Alert – Re: Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Supply Delay
- Review of Projects and Issues
Selectman Libby reported he has been working on the tax commitment and tax forms that need to be submitted to the State.
Selectman Collomy reported he did some repair work on the Korean War Memorial. The contractors will be at the Public Works Garage tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. to start the grinding work of the ramps.
Selectman Burns reported that he attended the Twelve Town Meeting in Waterboro on Monday night. Two items that were discussed was question 2 (Excise Tax) and question 4 (TABOR II).
Selectman Burns stated that the proposed Excise Tax question would hurt the Town of Buxton as the Town brings in approximately 1.1 Million each year in excise taxes. That money is used to fund the Public Works Department by maintaining roads, plowing and capital improvements. If this question passes, the annual budget for the Town will have to be trimmed by $500,000. This question would take effect on January 1, 2010, if passed, and the Town would have to trim an additional $200,000 - $250,000 from the budget that has already been approved.
Selectman Burns also reported on the TABOR II question. It is a very lengthy and complicated bill that would affect the State and also municipalities. It was defeated in 2006 and would limit State spending for the General Revenue account and 350 other dedicated funds. If a fund was exceeded, it would have to go to referendum and every taxpayer would get a letter. The cost of the mailing alone would be $800,000. MMA is against the measure and the bill would use as a baseline the year 2010.
There was also a discussion of the layoffs at the County. The layoffs included 7 deputies and others in the Court House and District Attorney’s office. To get the old level of staffing back the County would need 1.3 million. There is some discussion of an assessment to the Towns to hire employees back. The assessment would not affect the Town of Buxton as we have our own Police Department.
It was also noted that on October 14 there will be an election of members to the County Budget Committee. Anyone interested can contact John Sylvester. Selectman Burns has a packet of information regarding the Excise Tax and TABOR II questions and it is in the front office at Town Hall if anyone would like to review it.
Selectman Harmon reported she has been working on Carry Forward items from the last fiscal year. The Selectmen set a Workshop date for October 5 at 6:00 p.m. Selectman Harmon also reported that she and Selectman Burns attended the luncheon at Drummond & Woodsum. There was a discussion of some new laws and how private industry is gearing up to handle the Swine Flu if it should hit a business.
None
Selectman Harmon reported that she has been in touch with the DOT regarding the traffic light situation at the intersection of Route 22 and 202.
None
- Executive Orders by Initiative
None
- Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants
E.O.091009022 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #13-10. Approved 5-0.
E.O.091009023 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#12-10. Approved 5-0.
- Next Meeting of the Board
Charter Commission Meeting Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
Selectmen’s Meeting Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Workshop Monday, October 5 at 6:00 p.m.
Hazardous Waste Day is Saturday September 26 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Buxton Transfer Station. This event is for Buxton residents only and only residential hazardous waste will be accepted.
Reminder the Maine Board of pesticides Control is urging Mainers to sign up for free disposal of banned, unusable pesticides. Preregistration for this free pesticide collection is required by September 25. To register call 287-2731 or go to www.thinkfirstspraylast.org.
The Boy Scouts will be collecting bottles in the Town Office parking lot this weekend.
- Public Comments and Questions
Tashia Geaumont, Recreation Director, introduced Aaron Smith who is interning with Tashia. Aaron is a student at Plymouth State College and he is majoring in Self Design and Exercise Science.
Tashia stated that she is working with Chief Mullen and Chief Grovo on the Community Cares Program with her after school program. The kids are writing letters and sending pictures to the seniors that participate in the Community Cares Program.
Tashia reported that she is overseeing a Health/Wellness program through MMA for the employees. Four times a year different topics are covered. Tomorrow a session on Living Wills and Stress Management is scheduled. Other topics have included healthy eating and lifestyles and cardio vascular health.
Other programs include Baby Sitting, Basketball and Soccer. There are presently 18 soccer teams and 300 children enrolled. The After School program is held at the Frank Jewett School and is open until 6:00 p.m. This program includes snacks.
Senior trips are planned, along with a sports trip to see the Celtics. Fifty-five tickets to the Red Claws have been purchased. The tickets are $21 and are located at side center.
There is horseback riding for the kids and a program on live stock is planned. The sessions include raising chickens, pigs, sheep and goats.
Keith Emery reported that the Planning Board had a Workshop on Shore land Zoning. Keith thought the vote could wait until next June. Selectman Harmon asked for clarification in writing.
Keith asked if the Board had done any more with getting an aerial photo of the Municipal Complex now that the Public Works building is complete.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 7:40 p.m. Approved 5-0.
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