MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TOWN OF MOUNT DESERT, MAINE
Monday, July 20, 2009
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held this date in the Community Room at the Somesville Fire Station in Somesville, Maine.
Those present included: Chairman Jeffrey Smith, Selectmen Rick Mooers, Chuck Bucklin, Jean Bonville and Marilyn Damon, Town Manager Michael MacDonald, Public Works Director Tony Smith, Finance Director John Graves, Fire Chief Michael Bender, Recording Secretary Jennifer McWain and members of the public.
I. Call to order.
Chairman Smith called the meeting to order at 6:30PM.
II. Minutes
A. Approve minutes of June 15, 2009.
Selectman Bonville had minor corrections. Selectman Mooers moved for approval as amended, seconded by Selectman Damon. The motion was approved 5-0.
III. Appointments and Communications
A. None, pending Planning Board Alternate appointment, waiting for comment from Planning Board review of two applicants.
No motion, acknowledged.
IV. Consent Agenda
A. Acknowledge receipt of monthly department reports: Fire, Assessing, Town Clerk, Public Works, and Wastewater.
B. Acknowledge receipt of Somesville WWTF Upgrade Construction Summary for July 3 and July 10, 2009.
C. Acknowledge Bangor Hydro Electric Company MDOT application to install a mid-span pole on Pretty Marsh Road, 1,370 feet northeasterly of intersection with Indian Point.
D. Acknowledge receipt of notice of Seal Harbor VIS and Seal Harbor Old Timers bicentennial celebration on the village green, July 25 between 4:00 and 6:00 PM.
E. Acknowledge receipt of monthly financials for fiscal year 2008-2009 and fiscal year 2009-2010; General Ledger, Revenue Report and Expense Report.
Selectman Mooers moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, no items removed, seconded by Selectman Bucklin. The motion was approved 5-0.
V. Selectmen Reports
Selectman Bucklin inquired about the washout on Sargeant Drive from the storm water coming down Norumbega Ledges. He said that he would discuss further with Public Works Director Smith.
Selectman Bonville said that she had met with Town Manager MacDonald and Finance Director John Graves to address the concerns that she had about the monthly reports format; all involved felt it was a worthwhile meeting, and Selectman Bonville noted that she would await the results. Selectman Bonville was also pleased to see that the surplus fire truck was advertised on the Maine Municipal Association website. Fire Chief Bender advised the Board that one bid has come in so far.
Selectman Bonville mentioned that she would like to schedule a workshop to address Goals and Objectives. Further discussion and scheduling will be at the end of the meeting.
VI. Old Business
None
VII. New Business
A. Cast ballot for MMA election of Vice President and Executive Committee members.
After a brief discussion Selectman Bonville moved to authorize Town Manager MacDonald to cast the following ballots for the MMA Elections: to elect Mark Green as Vice President, and to elect the three candidates for the executive committee as presented by the nominating committee, seconded by Selectman Bucklin. The motion was approved 4-0-1, with Mooers abstaining.
B. Approve Town of Mount Desert participation in AmeriCorps’s Emergency Response Corp Program and authorize Fire Chief Bender to complete and submit grant application.
Selectman Bucklin inquired of Fire Chief Bender of the benefits of participation in AmeriCorps’s Emergency Response Corp Program. Fire Chief Bender summarized the benefits that included recruitment efforts, participation in school programs, Junior Fire League organization, etc. Chief Bender also discussed how the position would be funded. Selectman Mooers stated that this program is a win/win situation for the town’s that participate, money well spent. Selectman Mooers moved to authorize Fire Chief Bender to complete and submit the grant application, seconded by Selectman Bonville. The motion was approved 3-2, with Selectman Bucklin and Selectman Damon opposed.
C. Confirm approval to replace one vacancy at Wastewater Treatment and to increase total WWTP staff to five.
Brief discussion with Selectman Mooers about his concern with the existing employment ad for two plant workers, ad was seen on the Town website and has not been published in the local papers (ads are scheduled to run in this week’s paper). Selectman Mooers moved to approve filling the existing vacancy and to hire a new, fifth employee to work at the WWTP, seconded by Selectman Bonville. The motion was approved 5-0.
VII. General Issues
A. Discussion of parking issue on Rt. 198 at Parkman Mountain parking lot and schedule public hearing (suggest August 17, 2009).
The Board approved adding a Public Hearing for amendments to the Traffic Ordinance August 17, 2009 meeting. There was discussion with a citizen about who has the authority to regulate the parking on Route 198. Also a question as to how Acadia National Park acquired the title and authority to issue traffic easements to the Maine Department of Transportation. The consensus of the Board was to direct Town Manager MacDonald to seek legal advice on who has the authority to regulate the parking. The Board would also like to invite Chief Ranger Stuart West to the public hearing on August 17th.
B. Discussion and decision of November 3, 2009 Special Town Meeting voting; open Town Meeting or referendum for 1. Shoreland Zoning; 2. LUZO Cell Tower; and 3. “Right of first refusal” for MCHT purchase of MD Water District property.
There was a brief discussion as to why a tight deadline would not be helpful to the Planning Board. It was the consensus of the board that each of these topics deserve discussion and debate as offered by an open Town Meeting. Selectman Bonville reminded the Board that a motion from the Town Meeting floor to hold a secret ballot is possible.
IX. Committee Reports
A. Public Protection Committee meeting minutes, May 13, 2009 and June 17, 2009.
No action, acknowledgement of Public Protection meeting minutes.
X. Treasurer’s Warrants
A. Approve 2008-2009 Warrant #104 for $180,599.28 and 2009-2010 Warrant #3 for $753,126.23.
Selectman Mooers moved to approve Treasurer’s warrant #104 for $180,599.28 and 2009-2010 Warrant #3 for $753,126.23, seconded by Selectman Bonville The motion was approved 5-0.
X Executive Session
None
The Board agreed to hold a goals and objective workshop beginning at 5:00PM on August 17, 2009, prior to the regular meeting to be held at 6:30PM in Seal Harbor. Town Staff is welcome to view the boards list of preliminary goals and objectives and add items to the list.
Selectman Mooers motioned for adjournment at 7:07PM, seconded by Selectman Bucklin. The motion was approved 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Bonville
Secretary
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