MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TOWN OF MOUNT DESERT, MAINE
Monday, February 20, 2007
A meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held this date in the Meeting Room at the Town Office, Northeast Harbor, Maine.
Those present included: Chairman Rick Savage, Selectmen Kathy Branch, Ernest Coombs, Patrick Smallidge, Jeffrey Smith; Town Manager Michael MacDonald; Harbormaster Shawn Murphy; Public Works Director Tony Smith; members of the Mount Desert Water District Board of Trustees and staff; Town Clerk/Recording Secretary Pro Tem Joelle Nolan; and members of the public.
I. Call to order.
Chairman Savage called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m.
Public Hearing: Shall fluoride be added to the public water supply for the intended purpose of reducing tooth decay? (Referendum Vote Warrant Article 4)
Chairman Savage opened the Public Hearing at 6:37 p.m. and turned the hearing over to the Superintendent of the Mount Desert Water District, Paul Slack. Mr. Slack gave an overview of the fluoride use in Maine. Michael Connet, Director of Product Research of the Fluoride Action Network presented detailed information regarding fluoride, its use, its health effects, and he reinforced the position of the Water District that the chemical fluoride should no longer be added to our public water supply. Members of the public asked excellent questions and contributed well-informed comments.
Chairman Savage closed the Public Hearing at 7:22 p.m.
II. Minutes
A. Approval of minutes of Regular Meeting of February 5, 2007.
MOTION: Selectman Coombs moved to approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting of February 5, 2007 as corrected, seconded by Selectman Smith. The vote was unanimous in favor.
III. Appointments and Communications
A. Approve Alex Keene internship with the Mount Desert Fire Department through MDI High School beginning the week of March 5, 2007.
MOTION: Selectman Smith moved to approve the above, seconded by Selectman Smallidge. The vote was unanimous in favor.
B. Confirm appointment of Justin Miller as part-time Police Patrol Officer, effective February 21, 2007 at rate of $12.00/hr.
MOTION: Selectman Smallidge moved to confirm the above, seconded by Selectman Branch. The vote was unanimous in favor.
C. Approve appointment of Daniel Falt to the Mount Desert Housing Authority Board of Directors.
MOTION: Selectman Smallidge moved to confirm the above, seconded by Selectman Branch. The vote was unanimous in favor.
D. No action acknowledgement of department reports: Harbor Master, Police, Public Works
Harbormaster Murphy commented on the cooperation between Harbor and Public Works departments, and the benefits gained. Public Works Director Smith made note of Ken Poors’ anniversary; he has worked for the Town 20 years. Congratulations were extended.
E. No action acknowledgement of monthly financial reports, Trial Balance, Revenue Control Report, and Appropriation Control Report.
F. No action acknowledgement of Mount Desert Housing Authority Audit
G. No action acknowledgement of Maine DEP notice of Shoreland Zoning Act clearing violation
Town Manager to forward more detailed information to Board members.
H. Municipal Review Committee notice of second quarter cash distribution of $10,843.72.
No action required. This represents our performance credit.
I. Acadia Disposal District 2006 Annual Report.
Board thanked liaison Tony Smith for the report.
IV. Selectmen Reports
1. Selectman Smith asked for an update on Ripples Road project. Selectman Smallidge noted the Planning Board has detailed information. Town Manager will obtain and forward information to the Board.
V. Old Business
A. Approve nomination of Bryan Dow, Kevin Edgecomb, and Shawn Murphy as Shellfish Wardens.
MOTION: Selectman Smallidge moved to approve the above, seconded by Selectman Smith. The vote was unanimous in favor.
In response to Chairman Savage’s question about recent activity, Shellfish Warden Shawn Murphy said the Shellfish Committee is considering requesting the opening of additional flats.
VI. New Business
A. Award Town Office roofing and siding project; recommend option 1 - Cedar Vinyl
Siding, $37,200.00 and Option 4, $35,200.00 Roofing to Cadillac Builders.
Six bids were received. Chairman Savage offered his opinion in favor of cedar shingles (pre-stained). After a lengthy discussion of the pros/cons of cedar vs. vinyl, Board members agreed as did several members of the public.
MOTION: Selectman Smallidge moved to accept the bids from Cadillac Builders shown on the bid summary sheets as option 2 and 4 for a total of $88, 615.00, seconded by Selectman Smith. The vote was unanimous in favor.
B. Approve Employee Assistance Program (EAP) service agreement with Affiliated
Employee Assistance Program.
Town Manger MacDonald explained the program assists employees in dealing with problems that affect them at home and at work. This benefit provides a set number of counseling sessions per person, including family members. The Town is already associated with Affiliated Employee Assistance Program; it administers the federal mandated drug and alcohol testing for certain employees with commercial driver’s licenses. The estimated annual cost to the Town is $1,200; however, item C. of this agenda, if approved, will provide grant money to subsidize the cost. He also stated that not only will this help with employee productivity, it will also help with employee retention. The program will provide various required training for supervisors, which may otherwise have to be paid for.
MOTION: Selectman Coombs moved to approve the above, seconded by Selectman Branch. The vote was 3 in favor, 2 opposed, Savage and Smallidge.
C. Authorize Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust Employee Assistance Program 2007
Grant Application.
To apply for the grant an affirmative vote by the majority of the Board is required. The Health Trust will provide a grant of $10 per participating employees per year. We have the potential of receiving $350.
MOTION: Selectman Coombs moved to approve the above, seconded by Selectman Smith. The vote was unanimous in favor.
VII. General Issues
Enthusiastic thanks from the public, staff, and Board members to Chairman Savage for his dedication and service to the Town.
VII. Other Business
A. moved to Old Business
B. Changing fiscal year
In response to Mr. Robert Smallidge’s questions regarding the “vote” on changing the fiscal year, Town Manager MacDonald explained that they had determined that the fiscal year is decided by when town meeting is held and the Board can set. Town Manager anticipates the Board to approve a fiscal year of July 1 to June 30 in May 2007.
IX. Treasurer’s Warrants
Approve Treasurer’s Warrant #9 for $250,198.71; #12 for $512,898.30
Signed as presented.
X Executive Session
MOTION: at 7:55 p.m. Selectman Smallidge moved to enter into executive session pursuant to M.R.S.A. Title 1, Chapter 13, §405.6.E, Discussion of attorney work product: evaluation of contract negotiations for provision of wireless broadband service one requested; seconded by Selectman Coombs. The vote was unanimous in favor.
MOTION: at 8:30 p.m. Selectman Smallidge moved to return to regular session, seconded by Selectman Branch. The vote was unanimous in favor.
MOTION: Selectman Smallidge moved to authorize Town Manager MacDonald to continue negotiations with wireless broadband provider to provide 100% coverage to Town of Mount Desert, seconded by Selectman Coombs. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Adjournment
At 8:40 p.m. Selectman Smallidge moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Selectman Coombs. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey Smith
Secretary
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held in conjunction with the Annual Town Meeting, Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at 6:00 P.M. Kelley Auditorium, Mount Desert Elementary School, 8 Joy Road, Northeast Harbor.
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