Members Present: Barbara Redmond, Chris French, and Rick Denico

Others Present: Mary Sabins, Mary Grow, Mike Poulin, Doug Phillips, John & Becky Goodrich, Brian Lajoie, Richard Green, Melissa Olson, Lauchlin Titus, George Hamar, six or eight unknown residents, Al Roy, John Melrose, Holly Weidner, Tom Richards, Cathy Coyne, Ray Breton, Stacy Richmond, and Gene Field.

1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chair Barb Redmond at 6:30 pm.

2. Minutes – On a motion made by C. French, seconded by R. Denico, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the 11/10/22 meeting as written.

3. Employment contract – Chair B. Redmond announced that the Select Board has chosen Aaron Miller as the next town manager to replace Mary Sabins who plans to retire effective January 2, 2023. Mr. Miller will begin work on December 27, 2022. On a motion made by C. French, seconded by R. Denico, the Board voted unanimously to accept and sign the contract for Mr. Miller as negotiated.

4. Historical Society Building Capital Needs Committee update - Lauchlin Titus, Chair of the Committee, reported that John Melrose had performed much of the research and leg work to be reviewed by the Committee to assist the Committee members in their decision making. An energy report had been sought and produced by Clough Toppan, including a blower door test. Clough recommended caulking around the windows and doors to prevent heat loss. No action has been taken on this yet, but it was suggested this project would make a good community service project. Some lighting changes were completed by the Melrose family. The Efficiency Maine program is offering a major grant for heat pumps, with the town only being required to contribute 10% or a total now estimated at $3,000 for the town portion for 6-8 pumps. Through a bid process, the town would need to obtain a “qualified partner” that is listed on Efficiency Maine’s list who will determine the amount of pumps needed and to install them. Possible installation of heat pumps at the town office was also briefly mentioned. After discussion, and on a motion made by R. Denico, seconded by C. French, the Board voted unanimously to instruct the town manager to find a qualified partner to move the process forward. John Melrose then stated that he was willing to help with the process, if asked.

5. Transfer Station compactor cover – Board member C. French stated that he wants to do an RFP to plan and budget the next steps for a covering over the new compactors at the transfer station for budget purposes next year. He wants an RFP to design a building and make blueprints. Resident Tommy Richards asked if the covering would prevent the freezing of trash inside the compactor and the transporting of the same trash back and forth because the can cannot empty out. Discussion ensued. C. French said that maybe nothing will come of it, but we need to get a price so we can make a decision. C. French motioned to have the town manager work with Transfer Station Manager George Hamar and Public Works Director Gene Field to create an RFP to cover up the compactor at the Transfer Station. The motion was seconded by R. Denico and voted unanimously by the Board.

6. ARPA requests – Sabins distributed a list of ARPA funds usage requests. The Chair reviewed the list line by line, and discussion ensued. The following list of expenditures was approved:

a. Install glass memo board outside the town office	unknown cost
b. Install handicap button for TO front door	unknown cost
c. Replace holding tanks at rec fields	$4,000.00
d. Outdoor security cameras for rec fields	$500.00
e. Install water spigot on rec fields for hydration	$2,000.00
f. Replace basement lighting in Historical Society	$350.00
g. Install 200 amp service in Historical Society	$2,000.00
h. Record/stream Board meetings/post on YouTube	unknown cost
i. Install heat pumps in Town Office	unknown cost
j. Install better lighting in TO parking lot	unknown cost
k. Purchase remaining SCBA packs and bottles	$62,946.00
l. Cardiac monitor for First Responder team	$21,000.00
m. Replace aging mobile data terminal in cruiser	$5,000.00
n. Construct Protective Guardrails around VSD pumps	$11,000.00
o. Window Dressers Event	$11,400.00

The Select Board indicated that it is okay for the Fire Department to order the SCBA gear before an anticipated price increase takes effect, and also for the Sanitary District to begin guardrail installation. This ARPA expenditure topic will be discussed again at the January 19th meeting.

7. Personnel Handbook revisions – Chair Barb Redmond explained the changes she had made to the proposed Personnel Handbooks and the difference between the two versions is that the Compensation Policy and wage scale is included in one model, in the other those items appear as an appendix. After very brief discussion, the Board decided to table action on this topic tonight and to move it to the January 19th agenda after the new Town Manager has arrived.

8. MRC ballot – On a motion made by B. Redmond, seconded by C. French, the Board voted unanimously to cast their ballot for Ellie Bowman, the Oakland Town Manager, for a seat on the Municipal Review Committee Board of Directors.

9. Conservation Commission Appointment – On a motion made by C. French, seconded by R. Denico, the Board voted unanimously to appoint John Reuthe to the Conservation Commission to fill a vacancy.

10. Staff holiday luncheon – After brief discussion and on a motion made by C. French, seconded by R. Denico, the Board voted unanimously to accept the town manager’s proposal to provide a holiday luncheon for town staff in the Town Office conference room on Friday, December 23rd, 2022 at 12:15 pm.

11. Reports – On a motion made by R. Denico, seconded by C. French, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Road, Police, Treasurer, and Transfer Station Reports as presented.

12. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by C. French, seconded by R. Denico, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #34 and #35.

13. Other – 1. On a motion made by B. Redmond, seconded by R. Denico, the Select Board voted unanimously to close the town transfer station at noon on Saturday, December 24th with pay for the remainder of the work day. 2. The Board discussed possible meeting dates for the Stakeholder’s meeting with the Webber Pond Association members to discuss water quality issues. January 25th or 26th were suggested dates. B. Redmond will inquire of the Association members if either of these dates will work and if it is okay for just Barbara to attend representing the Board. 3. C. French suggested the Board should repeal the Town Office Covid policy at the next Board meeting. 4. Tom Richards stated he had inquired at Hammond Lumber in Fairfield to see if anyone had information about the Wreaths Across America day to honor US veterans by placing wreaths on their graves at designated veterans cemeteries. No information was provided to him other than the event is planned for Saturday, December 17th. 5. On a motion made by B. Redmond, seconded by C. French, the Board voted unanimously at 8:50 pm to enter into an executive session with Gene Field to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to 1 MRSA, section 405 (6)(A). The Board returned to open session at 9:12 pm. On a motion made by R. Denico, seconded by C. French, the Board voted unanimously to increase the wage of Brian Lajoie to $21.81 per hour effective the first payroll in January. 6. Gene shared with the Select Board his thoughts on building a covering over the new trash compactors.

14. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Board of Selectmen on 12/22/22 with the following amendments: None.