Town of Buxton
Minutes for January 8, 2014 Selectmen’s Meeting
Prepared by: Beverly Gammon
Members Present: Clifford L. Emery, Jean C. Harmon, Penny J. Booker
Robert C. Libby and Peter E. W. Burns were absent.
Others Present: David Harmon, Mike Grovo
Selectmen’s Meeting Agenda
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
Selectmen Meeting Minutes December 18, 2013
Approved 3-0-2
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
No meetings with the Board were scheduled.
The Selectmen used the time to talk about a lot of points of interest including setting up a Workshop, a memo to Department Heads regarding the upcoming budget, the Safety Works inspection and responses we need to get back to them, and the comprehensive plan. They went over some term expirations that came up at the end of the year and are sending letters to those people to see if they are staying on in their capacity.
The Board thanked Public Works for doing an extremely good job keeping the roads safe. They came out and worked on weekends and have been putting in long hours. Selectman Emery said the storms and cold weather have been tough on the Public Works crews, Fire & Rescue, and Police as well.
Selectman Emery said it has been tough for our residents as well and he encouraged everyone to continue to look out for neighbors and elderly folks
- Letter from Central Maine Power – Re: Tree Work in our community in 2014
- Notice from Superintendent’s Office – Re: There will be no SAD 6 District Budget meeting or Budget Advisory Committee meeting this week
- Review of Projects and Issues
Last week a gentleman, Charles Appleby, who does water quality testing, came in. Selectman Booker talked with Mr. Appleby, Fred Farnham, and Chet Ouellette about some additional water testing that has to be done by the middle of the month. Mr. Appleby came back today to draw the samples that he took to Augusta.
Selectman Booker reported that she is in the process of talking with Greg Heffernan and Tom Kennie to help finalize the information we need to provide for Safety Works.
Selectman Harmon reported on the fundraiser on December 28 at Texas Roadhouse for Keep the Heat On. She does not know how much was donated from dinners from but she collected $253.77 in donations. She talked about interest in doing that again but if they do, they would want more promotion and time to advertise to attract more people.
Selectman Harmon said that a reporter with Channel 6 got in touch with her earlier this week to do a spotlight story on Keep the Heat On. She was able to have one of the residents who have been a recipient of Keep the Heat On talk with Channel 6 about how the program has helped her. Selectman Harmon also talked to them about the program which is in its 9th year. She spoke about how the program started and provided information on the number of families who have been helped. She said she is proud that the program has continued on as strong as it has. She and also talked about the generous support of businesses and other people in the community, and how critical the need is.
Selectman Harmon has been in most every day. She mentioned dealing with some phone calls and said trash pickup was talked about a few times. She reminded people that there is a bag limit. More information about that is on our website or you can call.
Selectman Emery said although the Board did not meet the last two weeks, they still had to come in to approve payroll and accounts payable, to do day to day things and whatever was needed to keep the town running.
Selectman Emery talked about the recent ice storm and said he met with the Fire Chief and with the EMA Director. They decided to take a proactive approach to it and manned the Groveville Station as a shelter area in case it was needed. Selectman Harmon got the information on two television stations so people would know about it. Selectman Emery thanked the men and women who came to help at the shelter along with the Police Department and the Fire Department and everyone else that was involved in that.
Selectman Emery reiterated what good job the Public Works crew has done and said they deserve a pat on the back for the hard work and long hours they have had to work to take care of the roads.
Old Town Garage – The Board has been talking about the possibility of using the bay that is closest to the intersection for the Community Cupboard or the food coop. They are going to have someone take a look at it to see what they would have to do for renovations and what that would cost.
None
E.O. 131401003 – An order to approve 87.5 hours of time off without pay for David Anderson
Approved 3-0-2
E.O. 131401004 – An order to appoint Carolyn A. Snell to the position of Toy Box Member to be effective until December 31, 2016
Approved 3-0-2
E.O. 131401005 – An order to appoint Carole S. Thompson to the position of Toy Box Member to be effective until December 31, 2014
Approved 3-0-2
- Executive Orders by Initiative
None
- Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants
E. O. 131401001 – An order approving expenditures as documented in the Accounts Payable Warrant #62
Approved 3-0-2
E. O. 131401002 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant #61
Approved 3-0-2
- Next Meeting of the Board
Planning Board Meeting Monday, January 13, 2014, at 7:00 PM
Twelve Town Group Meeting Monday, January 13, 2014, at the Waterboro Town Hall at 6:30 PM
Board of Selectmen Meeting Wednesday, January 15, 2014, at 7:00 PM
Reminder: 2014 Dog Licenses were due by December 31, 2013. If you have not licensed your dog(s) for 2014, please take care of it as soon as possible to avoid increasing late fees and penalties.
Buxton Recreation received a donation of 9 pairs of snowshoes from Cabelas. The Town is making these available for a $5.00 rental fee at Town Hall during normal business hours. Please see www.buxtonrec.com for more information.
Buxton Recreation also has discounted ski tickets to Attitash & Wildcat Mountains in New Hampshire. Tickets are available at Buxton Town Hall during normal business hours. Cost is $57 for adults vs. $70 at the gate, $41 for young adults vs. $55 at the gate. Junior or Senior tickets are $35 vs. $50 at the gate. Call the Recreation Director at 929-8381 for more information.
At the Town Hall, we have been getting calls from residents asking if we know of anyone who can shovel snow away from doors and entrances, clean off roofs or put sand and salt on icy driveways. If anyone is interested in helping with this work, please give us a call at 929-5191 so we can put you in touch with those folks who need help.
Selectman Harmon talked about the Maine Residents Property Tax Fairness Credit that replaced the” Circuit Breaker” Tax Refund. The Property Tax Fairness Credit is tied to our State Income Tax.
Thank you from the Buxton Toy Box. This year the Toy Box provided Christmas Magic for 121 children in 55 Buxton families. Of those families all 38 who requested a Christmas Dinner received one. Thank you to the townspeople of Buxton for all your generosity. Elves all over town and beyond donated money, shopped for toys, clothes, books, bedding, dinners, and games; sorted and wrapped presents; ran errands, and spread holiday cheer. We appreciate all the thoughtfulness. Happy New Year from the Toy Box Committee.
- Public Comments and Questions
Chief Mike Grovo has been away for two days of HR Training.
Chief Grovo reported that Officer Adam Ricci will be going to the Maine Criminal Justice Academy for training. Interviews for the Animal Control Officer position have been scheduled for Monday, January 13, and the Department has a new reserve officer.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 7:28 PM
Approved 3-0-2
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