Town of Buxton
Minutes for October 26, 2011 Selectmen’s Meeting
Prepared by: Beverly Gammon
Members Present: Peter E. W. Burns, Robert C. Libby, Jean C. Harmon, Clifford L. Emery, Dianne M. Senechal
Others Present: Mike Grovo, Penny Booker, Henry Huntley.
Public Hearing 7:00 p.m. – Secret Ballot Articles
Chairman Burns opened the Public Hearing at 7:05 p.m. He introduced Greg Heffernan, Solid Waste Director; Harry Kavouksorian, Chair of the Planning Board and Jeremiah Ross, also from the Planning Board. Chairman Burns read the Articles allowing public comments and questions after each. Greg Heffernan explained that the only change in Article 2 is to stop people from putting trash on empty lots in Buxton. He said there will be no changes over at Bonny Eagle Pond and those who have had curbside pickup will continue. Selectman Emery said that is not to say changes cannot be made in the future. He said the Selectmen have the right to make changes, particularly if there is new development on private roads or in areas that may be inaccessible.
There were no public comments or questions on Articles 3 and 4 that deal with Shoreland zoning. Chairman Burns closed the Hearing was closed at 7:26 p.m.
Meeting Agenda
The Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
- Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
Selectmen Meeting Minutes October 5, 2011. Approved 3-0-2.
Selectmen Jean Harmon and Dianne Senechal were absent.
Selectmen Meeting Minutes October 19, 2011. Approved 4-0-1.
Selectman Robert Libby was absent.
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
The Board discussed an Abatement, an issue with a resident on route 112, and they discussed whether or not they want to adopt a Fireworks Ordinance. The cities of Portland, Bangor, and many other municipalities around us have an Ordinance. Selectman Emery said the Board would like input from residents who have thoughts on the issue.
At 6:45 the Board met with the new Superintendent, Frank Sherburne.
- Email from Mike Edgecomb, Director or Public Relations for Time Warner – Re: 2012 Pricing Adjustment.
- Email from a Buxton resident expressing concern that trees are obstructing the view on the corner of Towle & Depot streets. Selectman Burns said he contacted Public Works and the problem has been taken care of.
- Review of Projects and Issues
Selectman Robert Libby has been busy dealing with tax issues and valuations. He said the Board knows valuations are high. They were brought in line with 2007 values but they have declined every year since then. The Town’s property valuations are high but our tax rate is the lowest of any of the towns around us. Selectman Libby said they could bring the values down but the tax rate will have to be increased at the same rate so the tax bill would be the same.
Selectman Harmon has been in taking care of day to day issues, checking with Accounts Payable as a result of the audit, taking phone calls, dealing with tax questions, and mail. Work has started at Berry Library. That work is being funded by grants.
Selectman Emery said he has been reviewing Article 2with Greg Heffernan, reviewing mail and keeping up with what is going on.
Selectman Senechal has been keeping up with mail, dealing with people, and working on projects.
Selectman Burns has been working on a government survey, and another survey from FEMA related to the 2010 payout.
The 3rd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The drop off points will be at Hannaford and Rite Aid stores in Buxton. If citizens are unable to drop off on that day they can bring the drugs to the Police Department before October 29, 2011 for disposal. If you have any questions, please contact the Police Department at 920-5151 or 929-6612.
The trees have been taken down at the EMA building and arrangements have been made for the gable ends of the building to be painted, and the damaged soffits repaired.
Selectman Harmon commented that the trees had grown up into the wires and were so large you could not see the front of the building. They were getting old and beginning to deteriorate. She said that was a determining factor in the decision to remove them. She and Selectman Burns said they are optimistic that with the new landscape plan, and new sign that is coming, people will be able to really appreciate how nice the building looks.
None.
E.O.111210022 – An order to rescind E.O.111210010 approving Abatement of Real Estate Taxes in the amount of $801.34 for Map 10, Lot 31. Approved 5-0.
E.O.111210023 – An order to approve Abatement of Real Estate Taxes in the amount of $801.34 for Map 10, Lot 21. Approved 5-0.
E.O.111210024 – An order to approve Abatement in the amount of $103.00 for Map 10, Lot 21, for a Homestead Exemption. Approved 5-0.
E.O.111210025 – An order to approve a Supplemental Tax Warrant in the amount of $698.34 for Map 10, Lot 21. Approved 5-0.
E.O.111210026 – An order to approve Abatement in the amount of $103.00 for Map 4, Lot 71, for a Homestead Exemption. Approved 5-0.
E.O.111210027 – An order to approve Abatement of Personal Property Taxes in the amount of $148.50 for PP#16377. Approved 5-0.
E.O.111210028 – An order to approve Abatement of Personal Property Taxes in the amount of $195.03 for PP#14414. Approved 5-0.
E.O.111210029 – An order to approve Abatement in the amount of $103.00 for Map 2, Lot 13-2, for a Homestead Exemption. Approved 5-0.
E.O.111210030 – An order to approve an Application for a Veteran Exemption for [Map 2, Lot 058U2]. Approved 5-0.
E.O.111210031 – An order to approve an Application for a Veteran Exemption for [Map 4, Lot 44-19]. Approved 5-0.
E.O.111210032 – An order to approve a Poverty Abatement for Case PA11-009. Approved 5-0.
E.O.111210033 – An order to approve 16 hours vacation time for Greg Heffernan. Approved 5-0.
- Executive Orders by Initiative
- Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants
E.O.111210020 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #37. The payables are $84,000. Berry Library construction is $24,700. That is grant money that has to flow through the Town.
Approved 5-0.
E.O.111210021 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#36. Approved 5-0.
- Next Meeting of the Board
Special Town Meeting Wednesday, November 2, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. to reconcile accounts.
Selectmen’s Meeting Wednesday, November 2, 2011, at 7:10 p.m., or immediately following the Special Town Meeting.
None.
- Public Comments and Questions
Chief Grovo spoke about Halloween Monday night. He encouraged everyone to be very cautious, wear reflective clothing, and drive carefully. He will beef up patrols that night.
The Chief shared statistics for last week. He said they received a total of 302 calls for the week. He also mentioned the Prescription Drug Take Back day and encouraged people who cannot make it to the drop off points to bring their drugs to the Police Station before the 29th.
Selectman Burns talked about hunting season that opens to everyone on Saturday. He urged people who are walking or jogging to wear orange, reflective clothing.
Selectman Emery mentioned a program in the elementary schools that encourages children to bring some of their Halloween candy to school to be sent to soldiers in Afghanistan.
There were no comments or questions from the public.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 7:58 p.m.
Approved 5-0.
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