Town of Buxton
Minutes for April 2, 2014 Selectmen’s Meeting
Prepared by: Beverly Gammon
Members Present: Penny J. Booker, Jean C. Harmon, Peter E. W. Burns
Robert C. Libby and Clifford L. Emery were absent
Others Present: David Harmon
Selectmen’s Meeting Agenda
The meeting was called to order at 7:08 PM.
Selectman Booker led the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
Selectmen Meeting Minutes March 26, 2014
Approved 3-0-2
- Discussion held between 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.
At 5:00 PM Claudine Emerson and the other trustees from Berry Library came in to discuss a sign that needs to be replaced, some trees they hope to see planted, new carpets they plan to put in and a bench that was destroyed when a tree branch fell. They also had questions in regards to the Berry Memorial Library Trust.
Sheridan Bennett came in for the Budget Committee. He was looking for some historical information on the budget that the committee members were asking for.
At 6:10 PM the Board of Selectmen went into Executive Session with Police Chief Grovo, per 1 M.R.S.A. 405 (6) (A) for a brief discussion regarding a personnel matter. The Board came out of session at 6:14 PM.
None
- Review of Projects and Issues
Selectman Harmon came in last night for the Budget Committee meeting. She was there when they went over the Public Works, Berry Library and Red Cross but did not hear all of the other presentations.
Selectman Harmon mentioned some of the items the Board discussed at their workshop this afternoon. Selectman Emery was not able to attend and she said they will catch up with him to make sure they are all on the same page. She has been working on the Warrant and budgets.
Selectman Burns has been in the office every day. He was here for the Budget Committee meeting last night and came in early today to help move things in the Selectmen’s office because they are having the room painted. He said the Board went over a lot of budgets including Administration.
Selectman Burns had asked the Fire Chief to get a quote for some work at the Groveville station and the Fire Chief came in to give that to the Board. Selectman Burns said the Board also had some questions on the Police budget so Chief Grovo and Eulla Brown were in to give the Board the updated copies. Selectman Burns said he has been spending most of his time reviewing budgets and trying to get them ready.
Selectman Booker said the Selectmen’s office was like Grand Central Station throughout most of the workshop. She said they did not get to everything they needed to discuss but they did get through quite a lot. She also attended the Budget Committee meeting last night and said other than that she has been working around budgets.
Selectman Booker reported that the Board had a discussion with Selectman Emery yesterday about the old town garage and learned that the building was leaking more than was first thought so they are not sure what they are going to do with it at the moment.
None
None
E.O. 131404003 – An order to approve Greg Heffernan’s attendance at a DEP Transfer Station Operator’s Training Program
Approved 3-0-2
E.O. 131404004 – An order to approve an Application for Veteran Exemption for [Map 2, Lot 61-8]
Approved 3-0-2
E.O. 131404005 – An order to approve an Application for a Veteran Exemption for [Map 1A, Lot 125-3]
Approved 3-0-2
- Executive Orders by Initiative
None
- Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrants
E. O. 131404001 – An order approving expenditures as documented in the Accounts Payable Warrant #87
Approved 3-0-2
E. O. 131404002 – An order approving expenditures as documented in Payroll Warrant #86
Approved 3-0-2
- Next Meeting of the Board
Budget Committee Meeting Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at 6:30 PM
Public Hearing Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 7:00 PM regarding a Liquor License Application renewal for CHAPS, LLC located at 1301 Long Plains Road in Buxton
Board of Selectmen Meeting Wednesday, April 9, 2014 following the Public Hearing
Planning Board meeting Monday, April 14, 2014 at 7:00 PM
There will be an SAD 6 Budget Advisory Committee Meeting tomorrow night from 5:30 – 9:00 PM.
There will be a Community Potluck lunch Friday, April 11, 2014 at 11:30 AM at the Buxton Town Hall. Contact Tashia Pinkham, Recreation Director at 207-929-8381 for more information.
- Public Comments and Questions
Barry Stevens introduced himself as a resident who lives on Union Falls Road. He shared concerns regarding the full-time firefighters being hired under the SAFER Grant and talked about some possible unintended consequences of doing that. He talked about some experience he has had and voiced concerns as a resident and taxpayer about what he has seen happen in other areas with fire department budgets that have ballooned. Mr. Stevens asked the Board about what will happen at the end of the grant period.
Selectman Harmon said as far as she knows any person who will be hired into those positions will be made aware that there is a possibility that the job may not be here at the end of two years. She explained that the Board will be constantly discussing it. She talked about the difference it will make in response time to people who live in the upper end of town and said that may be enough to convince people that we need to continue some type of program with full-time employees.
Mr. Stevens said he wants people to understand what the consequences might be and that the budget can snowball.
Selectman Harmon agreed that it can change in the blink of an eye.
Selectman Booker said she has tried to be very vocal to make sure taxpayers know that this is a grant with an end date and the residents will have a decision to make at the end of this.
Mr. Stevens asked if that will be contractual.
The Selectmen replied that it will be. Selectman Burns said they fully know the start and end dates and it is up to the taxpayers to say what happens after that. He mentioned things that have been done to comply with codes and said he shares the resident’s concern about the expense and what happens two years down the road. He said right now we are fortunate to have the grant and money that was raised by the town last week to outfit these people He said the process is ongoing and the Board is moving forward with it. He assured us that the Board will be mindful of this and certainly is going to watch it.
Mr. Stevens said he just wanted to share his experiences and talk about the unintended consequences and unforeseen issues and said hopefully that has all been covered.
Selectman Burns invited Mr. Stevens to keep his eye on it and come to the meeting any time to comment.
None
Motion made and seconded to adjourn the Meeting at 7:28 PM
Approved 3-0-2
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