Town of Otisfield
Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
February 18, 2009
1. CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM. All BOS were present.
2. SECRETARY’S REPORT:
A. Meeting Minutes from February 4, 2009. Motion to accept minutes. RM/LA– Unanimous.
B. Workshop Minutes from February 11, 2009. Motion to accept minutes. RM/LA – Unanimous.
3. SPECIAL EVENTS
A. None.
4.COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. None.
5. DEPARTMENT HEADS:
A. EMA Director Frank Blauvelt: Frank Reviewed the EMA Plan with Selectmen. This plan covers more than Otisfield will probably ever use, but it is easier to include more and cut as we see fit. The County has an unsigned copy of the plan at this time. Once BOS approve plan, one copy will be left at the town office, each BOS will have a copy, Mike Hooker, Fire Chief will have a copy at Spurrs Corner and Frank will have one. Motion to sign EMA plan. LA/HF – Unanimous. Discussion: RM would like to have a workshop w/ all interested parties to discuss the roles of the individuals involved.
6. QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:
A. Herb Olsen – Member of the Otisfield Trail Blazers. Looking for support from the public to maintain the trails and asked the BOS if they can place their information / application on the Town’s Web Site under Recreation Dept. to promote interest. BOS: All agreed. The web site is for the town people.
7. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ITEMS:
A. MMWAC tipping fee increase as written in contract effective 2/9/09. 10 year contract for tipping municipal solid waste at Mid Maine Waste Action Corporation. This is adjusted each year when we see the US. Dept of labor statistics. Just went up 3.7%. The tipping fee for each year is to be adjusted in proportion to the increase of the consumer price index (CPI) for all urban consumers, which is published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, bureau of labor statistics. We have a 2% minimum and a 4% cap on what it can be above the CPI.
B. Pine Tree Waste reported excessive damage found while repairing boxes. (2) Boxes are damaged. They haven’t been in need of repair since 1992. Excessive damage to wheel and the inside of the box was corroded. The cost was an additional $640.00 on top of the $1,500.00. The heater needs to be replaced at a cost of $230.00. With labor and replacing the hydraulic fluid it comes to a total of $585.00. Unanimous approval of repair and maintenance.
C. Unpaid taxes interest rate discussion. Currently the interest rate is at 11%. This was voted on at last town meeting. Treasurer of the State of Maine sent out a card notifying us next fiscal year maximum int. rate proposed will be at 9%.
8. ADJUSTMENTS TO AGENDA:
A. None.
9. UNFINISHED /SCHEDULED BUSINESS:
A. Review Bid Process- Given to Ordinance & Policy Review Committee. (3/09)
B. Health Officer Discussion: RM updated public on 2.11.08 Health Officer Workshop which BOS found very informative. The board feels there should be an assistant in place in the event that Lenny is not available. MIM has been involved w/ this for years. Motion for MIM to be Assistant Health Officer. HF/LA – Unanimous. Discussion: Web site should be utilized. If there is a health alert, it can be placed on the web site to inform the town people.
C. Dehumidifiers update: RM: It was recommended that the town buy (2) smaller units at a cost of about $200.00 each. Spending $400.00 in comparison to $5,000.00. BOS agree this sounds more reasonable. RM explained they have calibrated machines that have a digital read out. Suggests we keep an eye on them and empty them out manually. RM will purchase. Town is tax exempt. Motion to follow recommendation. LA/ HF – Unanimous.
D. Headlight Audio and Visual. This audio system is for all board & committee meetings at this location and others, if needed. RM updated Board on final $1,605.76 pricing. Will be on next town warrant. This would be a simplified version of what we used at town meeting. This will ensure that everyone can be heard at public meetings.
E. Performance Appraisals: *WIP
F. Road study - *WIP
G. Town comprehensive Plan. – *WIP
H. Bridge sign posted. – MIM will order signs and update board when complete. Posted bridge ahead, weigh limit to be placed, at the beginning of Scribner’s mills road and at the bridge.
10. SELECTMEN’S ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED & VOTED ON:
A. Motion to sign Warrant # 14 to pay the towns bills. LA/HF – Unanimous
B. License for "Going Out Of Business Sale", Per Maine Townsmen 1/09. RM: The January 2009 Maine townsmen provided advice to all towns regarding this. Currently we do not have a “Going Out of Business” license. We do have some business in town. Do we define Residence Based Businesses as businesses in this sense? In legal review, all Going Out of Business sales, require licenses. Radar screen; to be discussed at another time & send to ORC.
C. Pawnbrokers Licenses issued by Selectmen discussion on licensing
standards & criteria. (30-A M.R.S.A.§§ 3960-3965) RM: Per Maine Townsmen 1/09: This is a civil violation, if not received from Municipal officers. Pass this on to ORC.
D. Discussion on Henry Hamilton's request on behalf of the Historical Society, concerning the future of the Bell Hill Town Hall. More difficult to obtain funding, because it belongs to the town. Stimulus package may have money to put towards this. Caveat; if not maintained, it must be given back to town. RM: Would like to have something from the Historical Society, in writing stating exactly what they are looking for. i.e.; when? how? What purpose? Be prepared to have MMA Attorney look at this. For townspeople protection, send results to Geoffrey Hole. MIM: oxford county email, regarding money from stimulus project if project is ready to go. Coming from the state to county. April 15th the Historical Society will come back to the meeting and inform the BOS of their request. This will require a Town meeting vote.
E. RM: Discussed proposed CEO rules change as written in the Legislative bulletin. State doesn’t want to pay for this. The state is now trying to wiggle their way out of the recertification for all state of Maine CEOs. $700 – $1,000 range for testing. Trying to pass this on to municipalities or CEO. Even if fully certified, every year training is required. More discussions will follow.
11. QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD:
A. RM: The Planning Board approved a high end (14) lot major subdivision, Pleasant Lake Overlook, off of the Powhatan road. RM wanted to wish the developers luck w/ the project and thank them for not abandoning this project during tough economical times. The town should be grateful that the owners had the confidence in knowing that Otisfield is such a desirable place to live, and continued their investment in this subdivision, rather than walking away from it.
B. Fire Truck – James Ring raised his bid on the 1984 Fire Truck from $1,000.00 to $1,500.00. Motion to accept bid. HF/LA – Unanimous. Discussion: Is there a mechanism in place to direct that money? Can be put towards money that was raised for payment. It will go into surplus and decided later where it should be directed. HF: Recommendation to see what finance committee suggests.
C. HF: Winter carnival went well and there was great participation from the town people.
12. ADJOURNMENT:
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM. HF/LJA – Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Tanya Taft, Secretary
Approved by:
Hal Ferguson, Chairman
Rick Micklon
Lenny Adler
Approved 3/04/09
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