Vassalboro Select Board
Minutes of the Meeting
August 12, 2009
Members Present: Rob Browne, Lauchlin Titus, and Phil Haines
Others Present: Mary Sabins, Mary Grow, Betty Taylor, Julie Lyon, Russell Smith, Richard Kelly, Kent London, Jim Ashton, Rick Denico, Lorraine Bragdon, Jeanine Libby, Mike Vashon, Fred Bragdon, Joe Suga, David Jenney, Bill Whitley, Dick Phippen, Dennis Crosen, and Bill Browne.
1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Browne at 7:00 p.m.
2. Minutes – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the 7/16/09 meeting as written.
3. New Business –
a. Cemetery discussion – Several residents from town were invited to attend the meeting tonight to discuss the concept of re-establishing the Cemetery Committee and the Town Manager’s quest to find old cemetery plot deeds, maps, and other pertinent information. Discussion was given as to records that are known to be in the Historical Society Collection, but historian Betty Taylor stated that there are no known records of deeds to cemetery plots for the cemeteries in town. There is however, a census record of some of the cemeteries in town that is available at the Clerk’s office and at the historical society. Chairman Browne invited the public in attendance to serve on the committee. A sign-up sheet was provided at the exit door and people willing to serve left their names. No other formal action was taken.
b. Foreclosed property – Sabins announced that the taxes have been paid by the former owner of the foreclosed property so there was no need to discuss this item. Once the check clears, the Board will sign a quit-claim deed back to the prior owners..
c. School finances – Resident Rick Denico was present to explain to the Board that he has performed much research since being elected to the School Board this past June to learn the components of the school budget including the state and federal contributions. Rick believes that some of the recent stimulus money received from the State which was turned over to the school should have been retained by the town. Rick also questions the formula to be used for distribution of the state subsidy through the AOS for transportation cost reimbursement. Rick encouraged the Selectmen and town manager to work with the Superintendent and the auditor to resolve these matters.
d. Tax mil rate – After discussion and on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to accept the town manager’s recommendation and set the 2009 mil rate at .010100.
e. Three-mile pond swim area – The swim area is not being used by the public, presumably because of the pond lilies and weeds growing in the designated swim area. Discussion was given about whether to attempt to resolve the weed problem and if we did, would parents bring their children there to swim. After discussion, the Board decided to postpone any action on this item at this time since it is so late in the summer season, and they will address it again at a future meeting.
f .Debit/credit card payments – After explanation from the town manager and brief discussion with the public in attendance at the meeting, and on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the town manager to enter into an agreement with MuniciPay to offer a new credit/debit card payment option to town office customers. The customer will pay a separate convenience fee in addition to the transaction fee. This new service will be provided to customers at no cost to the town.
4. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #8, #9, and #10.
5. Reports – a. Status report – Sabins updated the report and informed the Board that the Barnett trial has been set for August 20th at 8:00 a.m. b. Road report – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus, the Board unanimously approved the road report. c. Police report – on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to approve the police report.
6. Other – Sabins explained that the new GIS contractor recently hired through the bid process to expand our GIS tax mapping project has found multiple errors with the first contractor's work. More money will be needed to rectify the errors. After discussion, the Board decided to instruct Sabins to contact the first vendor for discussion about the errors that have been found and to discuss a resolution.
7. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
/mss
These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on 9/9/09 with the following amendments: None.