Poland Board of Selectmen
Minutes of Meeting
February 26, 2007
Additional Monthly Meeting
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Sandra Knowles called the meeting to order at 7:00PM with Selectmen Reginald Jordan, Lionel C. Ferland, Jr., Wendy Sanborn and Erland Torrey present.
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Also present were Town Manager, Richard Chick, Assistant Town Manager Rosemary Roy, Willie Rice, Buffy Morrissette, Norm Beauparlant, Larry Moreau, Mike Whittier, Ron Turcotte, Larry Hancock, Rebecca Moran, Marvin Larrabee, Mark Bosse, Diane Delano, Sue Goss, Debbie Taber, Mike Merrill, Amy Merrill, Art Dunlap, Joan Spitzform, Don Roberts, Steve Robinson, Mr. & Mrs. John Clukey, Mike Walsh, and Jim Porter.
Public Hearing – Amendments to Beach Use Ordinance
Selectman Knowles moved to open the Public Hearing on the proposed changes to the Beach Use Ordinance. Selectman Torrey seconded the motion. Discussion: None.
Vote: 5-yes 0-no
Recreation Director, Scott Segal gave a summary presentation of the proposed amendments to the existing Beach Use Ordinance. The following issues were discussed:
Selectman Sanborn stated that she would like to see a number limit on the group activities permitted on Lower Range.
Resident Mr. Clukey expressed his concern over the wording used in reference to restricting the operation of boats pulling in and out. The Recreation Director stated that the language is there to protect swimming areas and can be changed to specifically state that. Mr. Clukey also expressed his concerns with the YMCA’s use of the town beach on Lower Range and the amount of clean up he and his wife do during the summer to keep the beach clean. Mr. Segal offered to work with Mr. Clukey and the YMCA in taking better care of the area.
It was also a concern of residents that the supervision age of small children was 16 and many babysitters are age 13 and perhaps this should be changed.
Some residents felt paying for a beach monitor would be a waste of tax dollars.
Rebecca Moran asked if life preservers were going to be required. The answer was no.
Selectman Ferland moved to close the public hearing. Selectman Sanborn seconded the motion. Discussion: None.
Vote: 5-yes 0-no
Public Hearing – Proposed Comprehensive Plan Updates
Selectman Torrey moved to open the Public Hearing on the proposed updates to the Town Comprehensive Plan. Selectman Sanborn seconded the motion. Discussion: None.
Vote: 5-yes 0-no
Chairman of the Comprehensive Planning Committee, Buffy Morrissette explained that the proposed statistical updates to the plan is the first step in bringing the plan in to compliance. She stated that 85% of the statistic information has been updated covering population, transportation, economics, etc. It is the committee goal to present these updates at the upcoming town meeting. No further discussion.
Selectman Sanborn moved to close the public hearing. Selectman Jordan seconded the motion. Discussion: None.
Vote: 5-yes 0-no
Recognition of Visitors
Several town employees were present to express their concerns over the Board’s recent decision to change health insurance carriers and employee participation in payment of premiums. Concerns were:
Employees did not feel the overall employee benefit package was considered when implementing the 5% employee participation to the health plan.
Employees only became aware of the change in carriers within the last two weeks.
It was felt that current employees should be grandfathered.
A full health package was one of the benefits to working for the town at a lower pay rate.
Other employee benefits need to be reviewed for improvement.
Selectmen noted that for several years now the Board has discussed the possibility of employee participation and that it is a common practice for most businesses. The Board is now providing a plan with significantly better coverage than the previous plan. Selectman Knowles suggested that an employee committee be formed to review current benefits and policies that directly affect employment with the town and to report findings to the Board.
FYE 2006 – Reserves, Overdrafts & Transfers
The Board agreed with the current status and auditor recommendations for the closing numbers of the reserve accounts, and the town account overdrafts and transfers presented to them. It was also the auditor’s recommendation to remove from the financial books the gravel account, which is used to maintain the current inventory gravel. It is his opinion that this is something that should be maintained separately within the Public Works Department or management department. Members of the Board had different opinions as to whether to leave it on the books or not. In conclusion, Selectmen Sanborn, Jordan and Torrey wanted it off the financial books, and Selectmen Ferland and Knowles wanted it to remain for one year. The Board agreed to go with the majority of the Board’s opinion.
Any Other Business
None.
Adjourn
Selectman Jordan moved to adjourn. Selectman Torrey seconded the motion. Discussion: None.
Vote: 5-yes 0-no
Recorded by: Rosemary E. Roy
Board of Selectmen
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Sandra T. Knowles, Chairman Erland M. Torrey, Vice Chairman
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Wendy S. Sanborn Lionel C. Ferland, Jr.
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