Town of Buxton
Minutes for December 7, 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: Dave Harmon
Meeting Agenda
The Meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m.
After reciting the Pledge, Selectman Burns reminded us of a Franklin D. Roosevelt quote that this is “a day that lives on in infamy”. He acknowledged all World War II veterans and thanked all who have served and currently serve in the military.
- Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
Selectmen Meeting Minutes November 30, 2011.
Approved 4-0-2. Selectman Libby was absent last week.
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
The Board discussed department budgets and putting tax information up on the Town’s web site including map and lot numbers, addresses, assessed values, and taxes owed. This would help realtors who now call us for this information, and it would allow individuals to check the status of their own property tax including the amount and date due. Selectman Burns said the Board hopes to start doing this soon.
The Selectmen also talked about the Keep the Heat on accounts, and the quote for upgrading the lighting at the Transfer Station.
Selectman Burns spoke about Bernie Groves and read his obituary that was selected by the Portland Press Herald.
- Fax from Cathy DeSouza, Assistant Traffic Engineer at Maine D.O.T. Re: Bridge work on the Route 4A Bridge rescheduled for Friday December 9, 2011.
- Email from Lana LaPlant-Ellis @Maine.gov – Re: Proposed Reorganization of the State Planning Office.
After reading correspondence, Selectman Burns read the Warrant for a Special Town Meeting December 28, 2011 to act on the following Articles: Article 1. To choose a moderator; Article 2. Shall an ordinance entitled ‘Town of Buxton Consumer Fireworks Ordinance’, prohibiting the sale and use of Consumer Fireworks be enacted?
Selectman Harmon explained that the Board has been talking about enacting a Fireworks Ordinance as many towns around us have done. The Board has to act on this before January 1, 2012.
Selectman Burns added said the Board has heard from many residents who do not want fireworks in this Town which is the purpose of this ordinance. Copies of the proposed ordinance are available at the Town Hall.
- Review of Projects and Issues
Selectman Libby completed the State Sales Ratio report this week and sent it out today. He has been busy with letters, phone calls and people dropping by.
Selectman Harmon reported that a couple of FEMA representatives came in last Thursday. She said some of the information the Town provided originally was never passed on so she, the Public Works Director, Fire Chief, Police Chief, and our Treasurer have been filling out the paperwork to get that submitted. Our Fire Chief was also told that some things the town has never been eligible to receive, we now qualify for.
Selectman Harmon attended the District 6 Budget Forum that the new Superintendent had last week. She said the format was different from anything they have done in the past and not a lot of information was available to share. She stated that Buxton was well represented at the meeting but she was disappointed other towns in the district were not.
Selectman Harmon has been working this week on the Fireworks Ordinance and spent time talking with the Town attorney regarding a real estate transaction that will be done after the first of the year or at Town Meeting in June.
The Wreaths across America ceremony will be held at the South Buxton Cemetery on December 10th. Selectman Harmon said it is moving tribute to men and women who have served in the past, and who currently serve in the military.
Selectman Emery reported that he has been in a few days this week having conversations with people who were in and keeping up with what is going on.
Selectman Senechal said she was busy last week preparing for the Town’s Christmas party that was held last Friday evening. She thanked everyone who participated and Tashia for the idea of doing a murder mystery.
Selectman Senechal expressed condolences to Audrey Groves for the loss of her husband Bernie.
Selectman Burns shared more thoughts on the SAD 6 Budget Forum. He said he asked about the budget vote and the District is going to have the vote in June. He said many people have requested that and it worked quite well so they are going to do it the same way this year.
Selectman Burns said that some weeks ago the Saco River Cable Committee was negotiating the franchise agreement with Time Warner. He met with local reps in this state and their lawyer from Washington D.C. and went through the contract, marked it up, and their proposal has come back to us. He spent about 3 hours yesterday going through it line by line, comparing it to the new one that had been marked up as a result of that meeting. He typed up his comments to that and sent it along to Tony Vigue. He expects the cable company to have another meeting in the near future and thinks it may take several months to get it finally wrapped up.
None
Selectman Harmon read the schedule for the rest of the week for the Festival of Trees being held at the Bar Mills Community Church on Hermit Thrush Drive. All proceeds from the festival are donated to the Keep the Heat on Program.
E.O. 111212003 – An order to approve 8 hours vacation time for David Pinkham.
E.O.111212004 – An order to approve 16 hours vacation time for Beverly Gammon.
E.O.111212005 – An order to approve 24 hours vacation time for Greg Heffernan.
E.O.111212006 – An order to approve abatement of real estate taxes in the amount of $211.15 for Map 10 Lot 123A.
- Executive Orders by Initiative
- Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants
E.O.111212001– An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #54. Approved 5-0. The Warrant was $49,700.
E.O.111211002 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant
#53. Approved 5-0.
- Next Meeting of the Board
Planning Board Meeting Monday, December 12, 2011, at 7:00 p.m.
Selectmen’s Meeting Wednesday, December 14, 2011, at 7:00 p.m.
Effective January 1, 2012 there will be an opening on the Planning Board. If anyone is interested, please contact the Selectmen. One person has already expressed interest and that name has been sent to the Chair.
Toy Box applications will end December 9th,, and the Toy Box will move in to Town Hall on December 15th.
The rabies clinic that was held Saturday at the Public Works garage went very well.
Rescue subscription forms were sent to everyone with the tax bills. If you have not returned it please do so. The subscription is for a calendar year. If you subscribed in 2011, your subscription will run out on January 1st.
- Public Comments and Questions
No public comments.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 7:39 p.m.
Approved 5-0.
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