Town of Buxton
Minutes for October 28, 2009 Selectmen’s Meeting
Prepared by: Dianne Senechal
Members Present: Daniel T. Collomy, Robert C. Libby, Linda W. Pulsoni and Peter E.W. Burns. Jean C. Harmon was absent.
Others Present: Lori and Steve Anthony, Robert Elwell, Dennis Santolucito and Larry Miller.
Meeting Agenda
The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
- Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
Selectmen Meeting Minutes October 21, 2009. Approved 4-0-1. (Jean C. Harmon was absent)
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
5:15 p.m. – Mike Robinson – provided an update of the harvesting of the Pleasant Point Park trees and an update of Park Security.
6:00 p.m. – Mike Grovo – In Executive session at 6:10 p.m. per 1MRSA 405 6(A) and out at 6:34 p.m.
- Email from Cyrus McCall, resident – Re: Pedestrian Bridge over Saco River in Salmon Falls area
- Email from Jeff Austin, Maine Municipal Association – Re: DEP Proposed Rule on Culverts
- Email from Sharon Leahy-Lind, Maine Government Health Office – Re: H1N1 Update
- Review of Projects and Issues
Selectman Libby stated that he has been handling business exemptions this week.
Selectman Pulsoni reported the Public Works Department has placed a refurbished ‘V’ plow at the entrance of the new Public Works Garage. Selectman Pulsoni also reported that the Visiting Nurses have been in touch with the Town and we will let the public know when there will be more Flu Clinics scheduled as they are expecting more vaccine in the next couple of weeks. She also reported that the Recreation Director is working with surrounding towns to have more senior trips available.
Selectman Collomy reported that he has been working on the articles for the upcoming November 18 Special Town Meeting.
Town owned property for sale – There is a lot owned by the Town on Upper Egypt Road that was taken by the Town for unpaid taxes. It will probably go back on the market in the spring.
Public Works Garage grinding – Selectman Collomy reported that the engineers have been out and we are paying engineers and nothing is being done to repair the problem with the cement for better drainage.
Antenna situation at EMA building -- Police Chief Mike Grovo informed the Selectmen that he has spoken with the owner of the cell tower and they will meet after Thanksgiving.
Installation of Plexiglas in front office – No action
Carry Forward and account reconciliation date – A Warrant was signed tonight for a Special Town Meeting scheduled for November 18, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. to handle the reconciliation of accounts. The Carry Forwards are handled later in this agenda.
Generator for Fuel Canopy – The Town has received a quote for $25,000 for a 3-phase generator to service the Fuel tanks and the new Public Works Garage. This item will be handled at the Special Town Meeting on November 18.
Update Public Works Drill Press – Two weeks ago the Selectmen reported that Public Works was going to look at a drill press. The items at this auction were going for high prices and the Town did not purchase the drill press.
None
E.O.091010032 – An order to deny a Poverty Abatement for Case No. PA09-007. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010033 – An order to deny a Poverty Abatement for Case No. PA09-003. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010034 – An order to deny a Poverty Abatement for Case No. PA09-005. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010035 – An order to approve 6 hours of vacation time for Fred Farnham. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010036 – An order to appoint Hiram R. Davis as Election Warden for Maine’s Referendum Election on November 3, 2009. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010037 – An order to approve a Poverty Abatement for Case No. PA08-012. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010038 – An order to approve an Abatement for Real Estate taxes for fiscal year 2009/10 in the amount of $229.68 for [Map 10, Lot 30]. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010039 – An order to approve an Abatement for Real Estate taxes for fiscal year 2009/10 in the amount of $131.67 for [Map 10, Lot 31]. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010040 – An order to approve an Abatement for Personal Property for fiscal year 2009/10 in the amount of $118.80 for Case No. 14739. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010041 – An order to approve an Abatement for Real Estate taxes for fiscal year 2006 in the amount of $188.16 for [Map 7, Lot 64]. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010042 – An order to approve an Abatement for Real Estate taxes for fiscal year 2007 in the amount of $188.16 for [Map 7, Lot 64]. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010043 – An order to approve an Abatement for Real Estate taxes for fiscal year 2008 in the amount of $262.26 for [Map 7, Lot 64]. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010044 – An order to approve an Abatement for Real Estate taxes for fiscal year 2009 in the amount of $276.21 for [Map 7, Lot 64]. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010045 – An order to approve an Abatement for Real Estate taxes for fiscal year 2009 in the amount of $115.83 for [Map 4, Lot 52-2]. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010046 – An order to approve 7.5 additional hours of compensation for the Tax Collector. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010047 – An order to approve the ‘Carry Forward’ amount of $144,121.00 as shown on the Carry Forward sheet dated 10/27/09 from Fiscal year 2008/09.
Approved 4-0-1.
- Executive Orders by Initiative
None
- Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants
E.O.091010030 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #18-10. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.091010031 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#18-10. Approved 4-0-1.
- Next Meeting of the Board
Appeals Board Meeting Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Meeting Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Comprehensive Plan Committee Meeting Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
Absentee ballot applications are available at the Town Hall. Absentee ballots can be picked up at the Town Hall or phone or on line at the following address: http://www.maine.gov:80/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl. Absentee ballots can also be mailed out at the request of the voter by calling the Town Clerk’s Office at 929-6171.
York County Community Action is taking applications for fuel assistance through the LiHeap Program. Applicants must pay their own heat and not live in subsidized housing. To make an appointment, call 1-800-965-5762.
The Charter Commission has Resident Surveys available at the Town Office and on line and is requesting input from the public on Buxton’s form of government and any changes they would like to see made to the Town’s Charter.
Selectman Burns announced that 671 Absentee Ballots have been issued.
- Public Comments and Questions
Robert Elwell questioned the park security that Mike Robinson discussed with the Selectmen prior. The security is the cable that has to be secured across the road. Even though the Park closes at sunset, people do not leave the area.
Robert questioned the citizen issue that was discussed at Executive Session prior to the meeting. The Selectmen stated that is was a personnel issue.
Robert wanted to know when the letter was sent to the DA about the prosecution of kids jumping off the Salmon Falls Bridge. The Selectmen stated that it was a combination letter with Hollis and sent after the accident.
Robert questioned the Business Exemption and was informed by Selectman Libby that the 801 forms are available for equipment for small businesses.
Robert wanted to know if the trips planned by the Recreation Director for seniors are just for seniors. He is a taxpayer and wanted to know if others could join. They can if they want.
Robert asked about the Town property and if the Town will be asking a minimum bid when it goes up for sale again. Selectman Libby stated that it would probably go out for sale in the spring and there will not be a minimum bid.
Robert asked if the generator for the garage is in addition to the budgeted items. The Selectmen stated that it is additional as the generator was pulled from the specs when they had to go out for a rebid as they were unsure if there was enough money to build the garage.
Robert asked about the Executive Orders that all relate to Map 7, Lot 64 and the four Abatements that were approved. Selectman Libby stated that the land was common land on a sub-division and it is being divided amongst the landowners in the subdivision.
Robert stated that he believed everyone should be charged $10 for the Rescue Subscription and not have three different prices.
Larry Miller provided his views on Questions 2, 3 and 4 on the Referendum last week and he wanted to follow up with the 55% question for education. Part of LD1 was the 55% requirement for education. The State has never lived up the 55% requirement as it appears to be a law with no teeth and no compliance.
Question No. 4 establishes a platform for spending and the State is at a low as the State’s revenue from taxes is down. If question No. 4 passes Larry indicated that education will not get funded by the State as it should be and the local property taxes will have to pick up the slack. Last year the State used Stimulus money to fund education, but this year the funding will be down $750,000 - $800,000 of which $200,000 will be Buxton’s share.
Steve Anthony asked about the future use of the old Town Garage and if it will be sold. Selectman Burns stated that the lot is a non-conforming lot and could not be used for anything. It has no water or sewerage as it is shared with EMA.
Steve voiced his discontent with the Charter Commission. He is still not happy with the Board’s decision to put the Charter question on the ballot with the explanatory note beneath the question and he continues to see the explanatory note.
Steve asked Larry Miller about the Hollis Elementary School and how the space issues were being addressed. Larry Miller stated that the School Board will be going ahead with an appraisal of the land which abuts the Hollis School. This decision is long term thinking ahead. The Buxton Center School will open in the fall of 2010 and there will be some places where overflow of kids can be moved a little.
Steve asked the Board of Selectmen if they would be open to placing a salary freeze and hiring freeze for 2010, 2011 and 2012 on the June ballot.
Steve questioned the lack of progress on the new Public Works garage doors and stated that the snow would soon be falling and the issue has not been resolved.
Robert Elwell asked why the need for a generator as the old Town Garage had been in operations for years and a generator was not requested. The new Garage has a 3-phase system and it would be difficult to run around and get a generator whenever the power went out. It is necessary to run the gas pumps and open the garage doors.
Dennis Santolucito asked about Hollis getting their own Ambulance Service. The Selectmen stated that this has been tried before and they are going to wait and see what happens.
Dennis stated that he was in favor of giving the seniors a discounted price for the Rescue Subscription service.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 8:07 p.m. Approved 4-0-1.
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