Town of Buxton
Minutes for August 31, 2011 Selectmen’s Meeting
Prepared by: Beverly Gammon
Members Present: Peter E. W. Burns, Jean C. Harmon, Clifford L. Emery, and Dianne M. Senechal. Robert C. Libby is absent.
Others Present: Mike Grovo, Jack Hanna, Sheridan Bennett and Dennis Sweatt
Selectmen’s Meeting Agenda
The Meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m.
Opened Copier/Printer/Fax Bids (4)
- IKON – Purchase price $5,436.00 or 48 month lease $124.96 per month
- BEU -- $5,554.00
- Portland Computer Copy (PCCI) -- $5,830.00
- Smith Office Systems -- $7,435
The Selectmen will review the bids to make sure they are comparable and make a decision on the copier next week.
- Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
Selectmen Meeting Minutes July 27, 2011. No vote was taken.
Selectmen Meeting Minutes August 24, 2011.
Approved 4-0-1 Selectman Libby was not present.
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
At 5:00 p.m. the Board had the Town’s attorney come in. At 5:08 they went into Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. 405 (6) (E), which is for consultation with attorney. The Board came out of Executive Session at 6:30 p.m.
- We received many Email messages from York County Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, Maine CDC, and other agencies regarding emergency preparedness for Hurricane Irene.
Selectman Burns thanked all those who had a hand in preparing and responding to the storm including Public Works, Fire & Rescue, Police, Dispatch, EMA, Town Office, and the Transfer Station. Meetings started in the Emergency Management Agency building on Friday morning and they were connected with the Weather Service, power companies, and Emergency Management Agencies from all the Towns and Counties. Most of the meetings included Fire and Police, and other agencies.
Selectman Burns talked about some of the storm related issues and said he has asked the Department heads to provide something in writing listing things that went well, things they did not think of, and things that could be improved upon. All in all things went quite well and power has been restored to most main roads and many of the side roads.
Selectman Harmon said everyone worked together; every effort was made to keep people informed, and the coordination by our Departments went extremely well. For those who needed information our Dispatch and 211 were always available to let people know who to call and that we had a place for them to go if they did not have power.
- Review of Projects and Issues
Selectman Harmon said the Selectmen’s big project this week was the storm.
Selectman Senechal talked about the Treasurer position that is still available and will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Information about the position is posted on the Town’s web page and at JobsinME.com
Selectman Burns said the Transfer Station will waive fees during the month of September for people bringing brush from the storm.
None
None
E.O. 111208027 – An order to approve 40 hours vacation time for Michael Grovo.
Approved 4-0-1
E.O.111208028 – An order to terminate the employment of Doreen Haven as a Dispatcher effective August 23, 2011.
Approved 4-0-1
E.O.111208029 – An order to approve 12 hours of vacation time for Tashia Pinkham.
Approved 4-0-1
- Executive Orders by Initiative
None
- Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants
E.O.111208025 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #61 and Warrant #24. Approved 4-0-1
E.O.111208026 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#23. Approved 4-0-1
- Next Meeting of the Board
Appeals Board Meeting Tuesday, September 6, 2011, at 7:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Meeting Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at 7:00 p.m.
The Transfer Station will waive the fees for brush during the month of September.
A reminder that schools are open now. Please be mindful of children at bus stops and crossing the street. Slow down and observe STOP signs.
Town Hall will be closed Monday, September 5, 2011 for Labor Day.
The Transfer Station will be closed Tuesday, September 6, 2011.
- Public Comments and Questions
Dennis Sweatt talked about local shelters and said he felt a better job could have been done getting information about the shelters out to people before the storm started.
A discussion followed about communication regarding the shelters and the Selectmen explained how they will handle this differently in the future to get more specific information out to people before we lose power.
Mr. Sweatt asked questions about the ability to provide food and supplies for the shelters if power goes out for an extended period of time.
After some discussion the Selectmen said they have the authority and the ability to purchase whatever is necessary to man the emergency shelters, provide food, and whatever supplies are needed for however many people are there.
Chief Grovo spoke about increasing patrols now that school is in session. He reminded everyone to slow down, especially in the school zones and places where students are walking.
Chief Grovo shared some details on the 398 calls to Dispatch from August 21-27. He said according to Andy Ward, Communications Supervisor, on the day of the storm our Dispatchers recorded more than 400 calls between 10 AM Sunday morning and Midnight Sunday night. They handled another 250 calls from Midnight Sunday to 11 PM Monday night.
Chief Grovo thanked the Dispatchers for doing an outstanding job. He said they went above and beyond along with the Police officers, Firefighters and Rescue people and Public Works people who were out there. He also thanked the Fire Chief, Public Works Director, and Sheridan Bennett.
Dennis Sweatt asked for an update on Skip’s liquor license. Chief Grovo believes he is appealing the decision and the next step in the process is for the State to come here for a hearing to gather information from both sides.
Dennis Sweatt asked about the Hanson School and said people do not want to pay to heat that building this winter.
Selectman Burns said it is up to the School Board to decide what they are going to do with it. There is an organization that is negotiating with them for the building but he has no idea what the status is.
Sheridan Bennett, Buxton’s EMA Director, thanked all departments that helped get through the hurricane. He said they learned from it and will do a better job next time communicating information about local shelters. He said they have an account with Plummer’s Store and could have provided any amount of food needed for people in the shelter. He ended by thanking the Board of Selectmen and all departments for working with him.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 7:39 p.m.
Approved 4-0-1
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