Town of Buxton
Minutes for August 29, 2012 Selectmen’s Meeting
Prepared by: Beverly Gammon
Members Present: Dianne M. Senechal, Clifford Emery, Jean C. Harmon, Penny J. Booker. Robert C. Libby was absent.
Others Present: Bernie Page, Dan Collomy, Michael Robinson
Meeting Agenda
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m.
- Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
Selectmen Meeting Minutes August 22, 2012. Approved 3-2.
Jean Harmon was absent last week and Robert Libby is absent this week.
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Tom Kennie came in to discuss the motor for the new truck which was in a Warrant article at Town Meeting. They discussed setting up interviews September 6, 2012, for the Public Works position.
The Tax Collector came in to give the Board a copy of the tax bill and the wording that will be attached to it. The Board previously reviewed two pages of written material which is also going out with the tax bills. They will go to the printer tomorrow so the bills should be out by September 15.
The Selectmen discussed a proposed Dog Licensing Ordinance that they are working on.
- Email from a resident – Re: Notification of Ordinance change.
Selectman Senechal explained that the message was about a public hearing on a gravel pit. He wants the ordinance changed so that not only abutters but all the neighbors in the surrounding area are also notified. The Selectmen are not going to do an ordinance change but they will pass this on to the Planning Board.
- Review of Projects and Issues
Selectman Harmon was out sick last week. When she came in this week she talked with the Animal Control Officer in regards to the ordinance and made sure she brought up tonight whether or not the Board is going to put that on the ballot in November. The Board is in agreement that they can get it together in time to put it on the ballot.
Selectman Harmon said it has been kind of quiet with the holiday weekend coming up. She talked about the kids being back in school and said that our officers are out patrolling in the morning. She cautioned everyone to look out for the children and remember busses are on the roads in the morning and afternoon.
Selectman Emery is supposed to meet next Thursday with a gentleman from Maine Department of Transportation to go over the road improvements on Route 4A.
Selectman Booker has been coming in, checking on mail and trying to get caught up and keep up with everything that is going on. Last night she talked with Bev about the Municipal Valuation Return, had a discussion with the Treasurer, and did some work revising a dog licensing letter.
Selectman Senechal reminded the Board that Bev is setting up interviews for Public Works for September 6. She has been in handling phone calls and correspondence. She reported that our new Fire Chief will be starting next Tuesday. The Board is extremely happy about that.
Personnel Policy –Board Workshop Tuesday, September 11 at 6 PM.
The Selectmen will take up the Internal Control Document after they finish the Personnel Policy.
There is a vacant position on the Planning Board. If anyone is interested, please send a letter to the Board of Selectmen, or Email selectsecbuxton@sacoriver.net
E.O.121308024 – An order to approve 8 hours vacation time for Fred Farnham.
Approved 4-1.
E.O.121308025 – An order to set the Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2012/13 at $11.90 per thousand. Approved 4-1.
- Executive Orders by Initiative
None.
- Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants
E.O.121308022 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Accounts Payable Warrant #18. Approved 4-1.
E.O.121308023 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant #17. Approved 4-1.
- Next Meeting of the Board
Board of Appeals Meeting Tuesday, September 4, 2012, at 7 PM.
Board of Selectmen meeting Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at 7 PM.
Board Interviewing for Highway Worker Thursday, September 6, 2012, starting at 6 PM.
The Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing Monday, September 10, 2012, at 7 PM to discuss proposed amendments to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance.
Cliff Emery will attend the York County Budget Meeting next Wednesday at 6 PM at the Alfred Town Hall.
The Town Office will be closed Monday, September 3, 2012, for Labor Day.
The Transfer Station will be closed Tuesday, September 4, 2012, for the holiday.
- Public Comments and Questions
Michael Robinson introduced himself as a member of the Commission that oversees Pleasant Point Park. He updated the Board and the Town on happenings at the Park this summer.
He reported that the Commission did not receive the Narragansett Number One Grant for the fourth archaeological dig in the park. Mr. Robinson said they graciously donated for the first three digs. He talked about some of the findings including a 1724 lead stained glass window that was brought over from England and started our Town. Most of the artifacts found were between 1750 and 1780 and the Commission would like to display them at Town Hall so that taxpayers can come in and see the things. He said they will apply for another Grant next year.
Mr. Robinson provided details about the multiple fires that have occurred in the Park this summer; all of them were illegal. One of the fires started moving toward a neighbor’s home. It was tough to get the fire trucks in. As a result the Commission made a quick decision to put in an emergency access road so they can get fire trucks and heavy equipment into the Park. They did not cut a new road; they used one of the old logging roads that winds in through the Park. They are looking to put up signs that say “No fires”.
Michael Robinson said this is a beautiful park and it has been discovered. There have been multiple write-ups by various journalists, and local campgrounds are sending people there.
Mr. Robinson thanked people who are paying attention to the signs and using the little bags to clean up after their dogs. He said some people are still not putting their dogs on a leash or keeping them within their control. He asked the public to self-govern the Park and tell those who are not obeying the rules that it is not allowed in this Park, and asking them to please stop doing that.
Selectman Senechal asked if Public Works built the road. Mr. Robinson said they did not. A contractor did the job and the money came from the logging fund.
None.
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 7:26 p.m. Approved 4-1.
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