Town of Buxton
Minutes for November 10, 2010 Selectmen’s Meeting
Prepared by: Beverly Gammon
Members Present: Jean C. Harmon, Peter E. W. Burns, Clifford L. Emery and Dianne M. Senechal. Robert C. Libby was absent.
Others Present: Dennis Santolucito, and Jim Libby
Selectmen’s Meeting Agenda
The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
- Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
Selectmen Meeting Minutes November 3, 2010.
Approved 4-0-1. Selectman Libby was absent.
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
At 5:00 p.m. the Board met with two representatives from Central Maine Power. They came in to do a presentation on the Smart Meter Program. They provided a brochure explaining how the meters work, how the installation process will go, and talked about some of the concerns with health issues. It is anticipated that in Buxton the installation will begin between December and February. They run on a very low frequency radio wave that is less than a cell phone or computer. They run less than 5 minutes/day to transmit from the meter to receivers they will place on the pole. They have been approved by the FCC and there is no data supporting that the smart meters that have been installed in other areas around the country have had a
negative impact on anyone’s health. CMP has contracted with VSI Meter Services to install the meters. If you are home at the time of installation, you may choose to opt out. You can tell them when they are there to do the installation, or call CMP to opt out for now. The final decision is up to the PUC to rule on whether you can opt out or must go to the new technology. One of the advantages of the new meters that was brought to the Board’s attention is the improvement in response time if there is an outage.
At 5:45 the Board met with David Pinkham, Public Works Director. He had come to the Board to request a truck and some additional hours for a temporary mechanic. The Board asked Dave to explore alternate pricing for trucks at this time. They had originally hired the temporary mechanic until December 15th but came to the consensus that if the mechanic is needed, because winter is coming on, they can extend the time beyond December 15th based on needs of the Public Works Department.
At 6:30 Chief Grovo spoke with the Board. He had previously presented them with a request for the purchase of an SUV. The Board approved the purchase of a patrol car instead of the SUV at t his time. The Chief was agreeable to that now but hopes that in the future when economics change for the better that it is something that can be reconsidered. Selectman Burns said the money to purchase the vehicle will come from drug forfeiture money the Town receives when there is a drug bust.
- Email from Myranda McGowan with So. Maine Regional Planning – Re: Public Works Meeting November 17th, 9:00 a.m., at the Saco Train Station..
- Email from York County Emergency Management Agency – Re: Veteran’s Day Discounts.
- Email from York County EMA – Re: November 2010 Happenings.
- Email from Maine Public Health – Re: Influenza B.
- Letter from Don R. Boyce, Regional Administrator of FEMA – Re: Invitation to participate in the new RiskMap initiative.
- Review of Projects and Issues
Selectman Burns said he has been in several times just keeping up with mail and correspondence.
Selectman Emery said he has been in some. He talked about our Health Insurance Company offering a Vision Rider. Notices will be going out to all employees who have their health insurance through Maine Municipal Association. There will be no cost to the Town because 100% will be paid by the employee. He said it is a very good program.
Selectman Senechal said the Town started the new contract with Pit Stop Fuel and they have started cleaning Town furnaces. They have done our EMA, and Chicopee Departments.
Selectman Senechal thanked the front office employees who have been working on absentee ballots, taking tax collections and registrations. For the last month the Town Office has been extremely busy. The Board also thanked the Public Works and Police Department for working extra hard and long during the recent windstorm.
Selectman Senechal said Toy Box Applications will be available on November 15, 2010. We will start meeting with applicants on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m., and Fridays from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., starting November 16th.
Selectman Harmon said she has been dealing with day to day issues. Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day and she thanked our Veterans and commended those who serve our country and put their lives on the line.
None.
Selectman Harmon reminded everyone that the Town Office and Transfer Station will be closed Thursday, November 11th for Veteran’s Day.
E.O. 101111016 – An order to approve 16 Hours of Vacation to be I n the form of pay for Ed Hutchinson.
Approved 4-0-1.
E.O. 101111017 – An order to allow Michael Grovo to carry forward 6 Hours of Vacation Time.
Approved 4-0-1.
- Executive Orders by Initiative
None.
- Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants
E.O.101111014 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #19-11. Approved 4-0-1.
E.O.101111015– An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#19-11.Approved 4-0-1.
- Next Meeting of the Board
Public Hearing – Liquor License Renewal for The Roost Inc., D/B/A Personal Touch Catering, Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.
Board of Selectmen Meeting Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 7:05p.m.
None.
- Public Comments and Questions
Jim Libby spoke about last Tuesday’s election and asked the Board some questions. He thanked the people who voted for him and the remaining people for exercising their right to vote. He said he recently had to decide on a recount. He said he took the full five days due him under the law to decide and to find out as much as he could about the way the election went, and decided to ask for the recount. He went back and forth with the Selectmen asking questions and bringing up issues he was concerned with. He asked if there is a discrepancy between the number of State and Town ballots, how many of the absentee voters came in to the Town Hall and voted there, and how many mailed in absentee ballots. He brought up other
concerns and questioned the Board about involvement of an employee in one of the candidate’s campaign. Mr. Libby said he would like to be going to Augusta this year because of the power structure there and the things that could get done by the majority party but he said it is not the end of the world for him and if it turns out that there is no discrepancy he will be the first to apologize. In closing he said he needs 6 or more counters to go with him to Augusta on Tuesday. If anyone is interested he would appreciate the help. He said he believes his opponent will need the same number.
Dennis Santolucito spoke next and asked the Board for an update on the process that will take place on the recount for the Charter changes. He said he understands it will be a long process and wondered if every two weeks or so the Board could update people on how the process is going. Selectman Harmon explained that a recount was asked for on the Charter Change. Our Town Clerk has been told that our recount has to wait until after the State’s recount. Selectman Emery said the process will be the same as what is done in Augusta but it will be done at the Town Office and must be overseen by the Selectmen. The Voter List has to go to Augusta so we have to wait until it comes back so we can check those names against the names on the
petition for the Town recount. The Selectmen agreed they will pass information along to the people when it is available.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 7:45 p.m. Approved 4-0-1.
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