Town of Buxton
Minutes for March 2, 2011 Selectmen’s Meeting
Prepared by: Beverly Gammon
Members Present: Jean C. Harmon, Peter E. W. Burns, Robert C. Libby, Clifford L. Emery, Dianne M. Senechal.
Others Present: Mike Grovo, Steve Anthony and Lori Anthony
Selectmen’s Meeting Agenda
The meeting was called to order at 7:04p.m.
- Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
Selectmen Meeting Minutes February 23, 2011.
Approved 4-1-0. Selectman Burns was absent last week.
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
At 5:37 p.m. the Board went into Executive Session pursuant to M.R.S.A. 4065A regarding a personnel issue. They came out of that session at 6:02 p.m.
After that the Board had Chief Mike Grovo come in and introduce them to a new Dispatcher, Tracey Plympton, who he is hiring
The Selectmen had some discussion on budgets.
- Email from Dave Francoeur, Deputy Director York County EMA – Re: Emergency Management Training.
- Email from Laura Veilleux with Maine Municipal – Re: Notice of Request for Proposals from the Land for Maine’s Future Board.
- Selectman Harmon said the Board received an email from a Buxton resident who complimented Public Works on the plowing they have done this winter.
- Review of Projects and Issues
Selectman Libby reported that he has been working on budgets. He said it takes a long time to go through each and every one of them and the Board still has a lot of meetings to go.
Selectman Burns said he took a vacation last week. Since returning he has been working on budgets and trying to finish up the last changes and additions to the equipment list for the Saco River Cable TV contract with Time Warner.
Selectman Emery has been working on budgets.. He attended the Selectmen’s Workshop last night. He reported the Board worked until after 10:00 p.m. going over the Code Enforcement and Public Works budgets.
Selectman Senechal said she has also been working on budgets and a lot of day-to-day issues. She attended the Selectmen’s Workshop Monday night. She said this was the first budget meeting between the Board and Department Heads and she thought it went extremely well.
Selectman Harmon talked with the other Selectmen about having another Workshop. The Board agreed to Workshop Monday night at 5:30. They will go over the Fire & Rescue budget. Selectman Harmon said this is the only one they will do Monday night because it is a long budget with a lot of details to it.
Selectman Harmon said the Board has received budgets for the Transfer Station, part of Administration, and Recreation. The Selectmen decided to have a second Workshop on Thursday, March 10th at 5:30 to go through the Recreation and Transfer Station budgets.
None
Selectman Harmon said when the Town Office roof was re-shingled and we were still having issues with the roof, the Board talked about having someone come in and inspect the attic space. The inspectors were here today doing an inspection and they will issue a report as to what we can do to help with the ventilation.
E.O.101103003 – An order to approve Beverly Gammon’s attendance at the Maine Welfare Directors Advanced GA Workshop.
Approved 5-0-0.
E.O.101103004 – An order to approve abatement in the amount of $762.30 for Map 10, Lot 109C.
Approved 4-1-0. One Selectman opposed.
E.O.101103005 – An order to approve the hire of Tracey Plympton as a full-time Dispatcher, at a pay rate of $16.71 per hour, effective March 1, 2011.
Approved 5-0-0.
- Executive Orders by Initiative
None.
- Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants
E.O.101103001 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #35-11. Approved 5-0-0.
E.O.101103002 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#35-11. Approved 5-0-0.
- Next Meeting of the Board
Selectmen’s Workshop Monday, March 7, 2011, at 5:30 p.m.
Budget Committee Meeting Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at 6:30 p.m.
Selectmen’s Meeting Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at 7:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Workshop Thursday, March 10, 2011, at 7:00 p.m.
None
- Public Comments and Questions
Police Chief, Mike Grovo, gave some statistics and reported that there have been 2,256 phone calls in the last two months.
Steve Anthony asked the Board if a final decision has been made to demolish the old Town Garage. Selectman Harmon said the Board has not made any final decision on that.
Mr. Anthony asked about the Energy Efficiency program. Selectman Senechal talked about some changes that have been made and things that are being worked on.
Steve Anthony asked about the replacement of the tower at the Elden Store and wanted to know if the Board is still working on that project. Selectman Harmon said there are some logistics that have to be worked out. Selectman Burns said the money for that was put back into undesignated surplus so the Board will come out with another warrant article with a new estimate. Selectman Emery explained the options on where the tower can be placed.
Steve Anthony asked the Board if they are going to revisit the topic of acquiring the Hanson School and a lengthy discussion followed.
Selectman Harmon said the wording on the petition being circulated by the Historical Society is different from what the Town’s attorney recommended the Board should use should they decide to put an article on the warrant. She said there will be a question on the ballot and there may be two so the Board can explain why the wording of the question they put on is considered to be in the best interest of the Town.
Selectman Burns explained his concerns about what it will cost the Town to make the building habitable for use, cost of occupancy, lights, heat, and ongoing maintenance.
Steve Anthony asked the Selectmen if they have changed their minds or if the issues have changed since the Board rejected the building last year. He is concerned that if the Board puts their question on the ballot it may appear that they are supporting the idea.
Selectman Harmon said the issues have not changed. The issues with the Planning Board and their findings of fact still exist. She said people have not changed their minds but if the Town’s attorney advises the Town should have better wording, she feels the Board is obligated to use it because it is in the best interest of the Town. She said that does not mean they agree with the lease or that they have to vote for it.
Selectman Libby said he thinks the building is solid but it needs a lot of work. He said the voters need to be fully aware of what they would be getting because there is going to be a cost associated with it every single year. He feels it is important to let the taxpayers know that.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at7:49 p.m.
Approved 4-0-1.
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