Members Present: Rob Browne, Lauchlin Titus, and John Melrose

Others Present: Mary Sabins, Mary Grow, Matt Streeter, and Mike Poulin

1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Titus at 6:30 p.m.

2. Minutes – On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the 11/14/19 meeting as written.

3. Matt Streeter, representing Maine Rivers, provided a handout of the most recent version of the Access and Construction License Agreement for the fishway project at the Outlet Stream Dam that has been prepared for the Selectmen to approve. A previously provided version contained a few typos and dates that needed correction that were brought to Matt’s attention prior to the meeting by Selectman Melrose. Matt reviewed the revised Agreement with the Board and provided an update on the fishway design work now under consideration. After discussion, and on a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the Town Manager to execute the Access and Construction License Agreement with amendments.

4. Mike Poulin requested discussion amongst the Board members on the TIF amendment topic and articles that he had requested at previous meetings. Mike stated that the topic was tabled at previous meetings and he would like a decision from the Board if they support the concept of changing the TIF Development Plan or not. Mike would like to see TIF funds used toward the transfer station renovations the Board has discussed at length at several meetings. Chairman Titus stated that he is open to the idea of other uses for the TIF fund, but the two uses presently listed in the Plan are the ones we set up. He believes the Transfer Station renovation expenses are likely not authorized from the TIF fund as written. Chairman Titus suggested that the Town could consider hiring Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC) Representative Garvan Donovan to provide suggestions as to what the fund could be used for, and payment for his services could come from the Fund. J. Melrose agreed that Mr. Donovan may know if the Fund could be used for Transfer Station expenses. Mr. Poulin offered that revisions to the TIF Development Plan would make the document an enabling document; the current document is restrictive. Chairman Titus stated that he supports CMGC’s help on this project, and that it may open the door to a future relationship with CMGC. R. Browne expressed reservation that a new relationship with CMGC may be similar to the Town’s past relationship with KVCOG where dues money was paid to belong to the association, but little benefit to the Town was experienced from the expense. After discussion and on a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to hire Central Maine Growth Council to see what amendment to the TIF Development Plan we could entertain that would provide broader benefit to Vassalboro residents.

5. Resolution concerning recycling and support of LD 1431 – The Board members discussed their interpretation of the proposed resolution proposed by the Natural Resources Council of Maine that they were being asked to support. The resolution supports the concept of requiring manufacturers to pay for disposal of packaging. R. Browne stated he was opposed to signing the document because it is too wide open. Chairman Titus commented that rules like that would make Maine a tough place to do business. After discussion, the Board agreed by consensus to pass over this agenda item. No further action was taken.

6. Solar array committee update – John Melrose, Chairman of the Solar Committee, updated the Board on the work of the Committee stating that they have identified four potential sites in town where the array could be located. After discussion and by consensus, the Select Board agreed to include in the RFP all four sites recommended for consideration by the Solar Committee subject to the approval of the School Board and Vassalboro Sanitary District Board.  The School Board will review the Solar Committee’s recommended inclusion of the school campus on Tuesday the 17th.  The Select Board also approved the concept of a power purchase agreement and an outright purchase option to be included in the RFP.

7. BYOB permit – With minimal discussion, and on a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve the permit request made by Christine Nadeau for a birthday party event to be held at St. Bridget Center on 1/11/20.

8. Disbursement policy renewals – On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to renew and adopt both the Policy on Treasurer’s Disbursement Warrants for Education Related expenses, and the Policy on Treasurer’s Disbursement Warrants for Employee Wages and Benefits as presented.

9. Reports – On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by J. Melrose, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Road, Police, Transfer Station, and the Treasurer’s reports as presented.

10. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #34 and #35.

11. Other – 1. Sabins updated the Board on the FEMA grant application for the school generator that she has been working on for quite some time. The application is due on 12/20/19 and will be submitted on time. 2. Chairman Titus reported that the 12/6 Community Tree Lighting was very successful and well attended. 3. It was noted that the library has sent out a fundraising letter with new hours, and new activities listed as being offered by the new librarian. 4. J. Melrose gave a quick update on the work of the trail committee and the good work being done in town by the snowmobile club trail committee.

12. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on 1/9/2020 with the following amendments: None.