Members Present: Rob Browne, Lauchlin Titus, and Phil Haines

Others Present: Mary Sabins, Mary Grow, Eric Rowe, Don Breton, Scott Bumford, Mike Stowe, Darrell Gagnon, Al Roy, Ray Breton, Becky Goodrich, and Paul Mitnik

1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Titus at 6:58 p.m.

2. Minutes – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the 3/23/17 meeting as written.

3. Cemetery mowing bid – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to award the cemetery mowing bid to Scott Bumford at a price of $24,500.

4. Fire truck bid – Chairman Titus read the range of bid prices from the seven bids received. On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to award the sale of the 1984 GMC fire truck bid to the high bidder, David Saunders of Orland, ME for the price of $4,125.25. Discussion was given with the fire department members in the room if the bid price was high enough, to which the chief Eric Rowe stated that it was, given the year of the truck. Fire Department Treasurer Don Breton inquired if the proceeds from the sale of the truck could be used to purchase equipment to outfit the new truck. After discussion, all agreed that a warrant article on the June town meeting warrant will be needed to authorize this expenditure.

5. Tax-acquired property tax sale bid – Sabins reported that no bids were received by the 4:00 p.m. deadline today. She did however, have an extended conversation with Earl Vannah just prior to the deadline, who has an interest in the property but was hesitant to give his bid until his attorney had completed his research on the property for sale. Mr. Vannah asked Sabins to inquire of the Board if they would be willing to give Earl some more time for research, as he is very interested in buying the property for the minimum sale price of $15,000. By consensus, the Board agreed to give Mr. Vannah and his attorney two more weeks, until April 20th.

6. Sanitary District Charter revisions – Several members of the Vassalboro Sanitary District Trustees were in the audience at the meeting. Trustee President Ray Breton explained that Charter revisions are necessary due to the funding requirements of the upcoming sewer line project. They have hired an attorney from Bernstein Shur to assist them with the charter revisions. The Selectmen and Sabins offered feedback of some of the changes proposed and others that still needed to be restated in the proposed document. The Board indicated to the Trustees that they are willing to bring to the voters the version of the amended Charter that the group needs to have adopted. All parties agreed on the date of Thursday, May 4th at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Office for a public hearing on this amended Charter, and the revised Shoreland Zone Ordinance that will also be proposed for adoption.

7. Quit Claim Deed – Sabins explained that due to a team effort of folks reaching out to the former property owner, the Town was able to collect all three years of back taxes on the property located at 448 Taber Hill Road. On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to sign the quit claim deed to deed the property back to the former owner.

8. Tax abatement – Chairman Titus read the abatement form prepared by the Town Assessor, which stated that the mobile home had been sold three years prior, and the town was never notified. Therefore, the tax was uncollectible. On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to abate the 2015 tax assessed to Katy Boulette on tax account #187, plus interest and costs.

9. Reports – a. Road Report - On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented. Chairman Titus noted that he and Sabins had attended an awards banquet in Waterville earlier in the day to observe public works employee James Wentworth receive his Road Scholar Award. b. First Responders’ Report - On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented.

10. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #56 and #57.

11. Other – 1. PUT Option – Sabins reported that MMA Legal Staff recommends bringing the article to the voters at the June Town Meeting. 2. Public Hearing date – set earlier in the meeting to Thursday, May 4th at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Office. 3. The Board read and approved the draft dedication story for the town report as prepared by Sabins. 4. The Board read and approved a letter to the School Committee asking them to provide public notice when making an appointment to fill a vacancy on the School Board. On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to sign the letter as prepared by Sabins. 5. The Board approved closure of the Transfer Station on Easter Sunday, April 16th to allow the staff to observe the holiday. 6. Don Breton requested an increase in the warrant article dollar amount match from $20,000 to $25,000 from surplus in the event the fire department is awarded a grant. The Board approved the request. 7. Selectman Haines suggested an article be included on the town meeting warrant to authorize expenditure of excess school revenue to reduce taxes, in the event late notice is given from the State as to what the education subsidy amount will be. No formal action taken on this idea.

12. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on 4/20/17 with the following amendments: None.