Town of Mount Desert
Board of Selectmen
Special Meeting Minutes
July 31, 2013
A special meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held this date in the Meeting Room, Town Hall, Northeast Harbor, Maine.
Those present included: Chairman Tom Richardson; Selectmen Martha Dudman, John Macauley (arrived about 8:15 am) and Dennis Shubert; staff members Town Manager Durlin Lunt, Public Works Director Tony Smith, and Police Chief Jim Willis, Town Clerk/Recording Secretary Joelle Nolan; Town Attorney James Collier; and members of the public.
I. Call to order at 8:00 a.m.
Chairman Richardson called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
II. Executive Session
A. Pursuant to 1 MRSA §405 Subsection 6.E Consultation with Town Attorney
MOTION: At 8:10 a.m. Selectman Shubert moved, seconded by Selectman Dudman, to enter into Executive Session Pursuant to 1 MRSA §405 Subsection 6.E Consultation with Town Attorney.
Chairman Richardson explained that questions could not be answered at this time, however he asked for public comment. Several Seal Harbor residents, including some living on Jordan Pond Road, and several business owners, from Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor, were present and expressed their concerns about the Jordan Pond Road closure to all but permitted traffic. Business owners stated that the closure has negatively affected their businesses. Also present were residents from Jordan Pond Road in favor of the limited road use. They strongly urged that the closure continue for the safety of the residents. It was also suggested that the method of awarding permits to traverse Jordan Pond Road could be considered discriminatory.
Chairman Richardson thanked all for their comments.
The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
MOTION: At 8:29 a.m., Selectman Shubert moved, seconded by Selectman Macauley, to close the Executive Session. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Chairman Richardson explained that the Board met with the Town Attorney and they have determined they do not have the right to discriminate as to who uses the Jordan Pond Road.
MOTION: Selectman Dudman moved, seconded by Selectman Shubert to open the Jordan Pond Road to all traffic.
DISCUSSION: The question was asked if the road is being opened forever or just during the construction, and the reply was forever. Various methods of reducing the speed of vehicles on the road were discussed. It was determined that the only option is to increase the police presence, which will be done.
VOTE: The vote was in favor, 3-1 with Chairman Richardson voting against.
MOTION: Selectman Shubert moved, seconded by Selectman Macauley, to request the park service not to post the Jordan Pond Road as a detour. The vote was in favor, 3-1 with Selectman Dudman voting against.
Many of those present thanked the Board, with a round of applause by all, for its diligence and service on this difficult matter.
III. Old Business
A. Closure of Jordan Pond Road, Seal Harbor, discussion
Previously addressed.
B. Such other business as may be legally conducted
None presented.
IV. Adjournment
MOTION: At 8:45 a.m., Selectman Shubert moved, seconded by Selectman Macauley, to adjourn the meeting. The vote was unanimous in favor, 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
John B. Macauley
Secretary
| 
