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

Others Present: Mary Sabins, and the abatement applicant.

1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Titus at 6:55 p.m.

2. Executive Session – Given there was no public in attendance at the meeting and the abatement applicant was present, the Board decided to reverse the agenda and take the last agenda item first. On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously at 6:56 p.m. to enter into an executive session pursuant to 36 MRSA Section 841 to discuss an abatement request. The Board returned to open session at 7:00 p.m. Selectman Haines announced that no action on this abatement request will be taken at this meeting, but action is expected to be taken on January 26th. The applicant then left the meeting and the town office.

3. Minutes – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the 12/1/16 meeting as written.

4. Special Town Meeting Warrant – After brief discussion about the content and order of the articles, and on a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to sign the Special Town Meeting Warrant for January 9, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the School. The articles in the warrant concern whether to prohibit the now legalized retail sale of marijuana and social clubs in Vassalboro, or whether to adopt a Moratorium Ordinance until rules that allow such activity can be created and adopted.

5. Registrar of Voters reappointment – Without discussion, and on a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to reappoint Catherine Coyne as the Registrar of Voters until December 31, 2018. The Board signed the appointment papers.

6. Treasurer’s Disbursement policies – Without discussion, and on a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to renew and sign the two Treasurer’s Disbursement Policies for Employees Wages & Benefits, and for Education Related Expenses.

7. LED Streetlights – Chairman Titus stated that he had reviewed the material and prices from Central Maine Power, and it appears their prices to swap out light fixtures would be much more expensive than prices given by a private firm the Board had spoken with several months ago. When Selectman Titus asked if the Board had any interest in pursuing a private contractor, Selectman Haines stated yes. The Manager and Selectman Browne expressed concern about once the Town owned all the streetlights, the private company may go out of business and possibly leave the Town in a position to maintain the lights. Selectman Haines stated that electricians could be called to perform this maintenance. Sabins offered to call the contractor that some towns in the southern part of the state have been working with to convert to LED streetlights, to arrange a meeting with the Selectmen in January.

8. 2014 Tax Lien Maturity List – The Board reviewed the list of the 2014 tax liens that will mature to foreclosure in February 2017 as provided by Town Treasurer Mary Sabins. Discussion was given; no parcel on the list other than the abandoned Tree Free Fiber quarry was identified as a detriment to the town that should be considered for a waiver of foreclosure.

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. b. Police Report - On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented. c. Financial 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 #32 and #33.

11. Other – 1. Sabins informed the Board that at an upcoming future meeting, the Board will be asked to consider the disposal of the wooden picnic table roofs that the town inherited from the State when the Route #3 picnic area was closed several years ago. The recreation department does not want them at the recreation facility, and PW Director Gene Field has received several inquiries from people who want them.

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 1/12/17 with the following amendments: None.