Others Present: Mary Sabins, David Jenney, George Gould, Howard Morang, Mary Grow, Gary Coull, and abatement applicant.

1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Titus at 7:01 p.m.

2. Minutes – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted two in favor and one abstention (Browne who was not present at the 4/14/11 meeting) to approve the minutes of the 4/14/11 meeting as written.

3. New Business – a. Gary Coull presented a check for $1,000 from the Vassalboro Business Association to benefit the China Lake Outlet Dam repair project. The Association held a public fundraising supper on April 15th, which raised $412; the remaining funds came from the Association’s treasury. Coull stated that the Association is trying to get the message out that their group contributes to the quality of life in town. The Selectmen and the Manager thanked Gary and his Association for the monetary gift and the work that they have done on behalf of the town. A photo session of the check presentation followed. b. Financial Investment Management Services – The Board discussed the two proposals received by the bid deadline from Kennebec Savings Bank of Augusta and First Advisors of Damariscotta. After discussion and on a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the proposal from First Advisors. c. Animal Control Ordinance – The Board reviewed the second draft of the proposed ordinance with changes made as a result of the public hearing at the 4/14/11 Selectmen’s meeting. The new revised version was found to be acceptable to the Board and will be presented to the voters at the June Town Meeting for possible adoption. d. Town meeting warrant draft – The Board reviewed the warrant articles and made a few wording changes. The final draft will be signed at the next meeting. Resident David Jenney encouraged the Selectmen to consider keeping the mil rate the same at $10.10 per thousand, rather than reducing the rate to the planned $10.00 per thousand to keep the rate consistent. Selectman Browne responded that it was particularly important to him to reduce the rate even if only a small amount to send a message to the residents of fiscal responsibility. e. Paul Mitnik resignation – Planning Board member Paul Mitnik submitted his resignation from the Board due to the fact that he has taken a Code Officer job in Manchester and the Planning Board in that town meets the same night as this town. Chairman Titus suggested it might not be necessary to accept Paul’s resignation if the Vassalboro Planning Board were to agree to meet on another night, which would allow Paul to continue to attend. Further inquiry will be made before action is taken on this resignation. f. Audit – Chairman Titus stated that he had received a phone call from the Superintendent and the School Finance Director to discuss the selection process for an audit firm. They would prefer to reduce the number of auditors they need to work with, given the fact that all three schools in the AOS district require a separate audit. The Finance Director reported that MacDonald Page has performed a very satisfactory audit for the Waterville School system and that firm will be conducting their audit again this year. The AOS Finance Director and Superintendent encouraged the Selectmen to consider hiring the MacDonald Page firm to perform the town audit this year, and the Superintendent would hire them as well to perform the school audit. After discussion and on a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to move forward with the MacDonald Page firm for the town audit.

4. Reports – a. Status Report – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Status Report as written. b. Road Report – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Road Report as written. c. Financial Report – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Financial Report as written.

5. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #61 and #62.

6. Other – 1. Personnel Workshop – Selectman Titus explained that he and Manager Sabins had attended a personnel workshop where the development or update of a personnel policy was discussed. Both Titus and Sabins agreed legal assistance is needed in order to help us create a viable policy. After discussion and on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to authorize Manager Sabins to have the freedom to seek legal assistance wherever she feels comfortable obtaining it to craft the personnel policy. 2. David Jenney provided comment on trees in the cemeteries that need removal. 3. Sabins updated the Board that work on the fence removal near the China Lake Dam began today in anticipation of the upcoming gate replacement work.

7. Executive Session – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously at 8:25 p.m. to enter into an executive session pursuant to 36 MRSA Section 841(2) to deliberate over an abatement.

8. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on 5/12/11 with the following amendments: Section seven concerning the Executive Session should include the following:

The Board returned to open session at 8:45 p.m. and on a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to deny the application for abatement.