Vassalboro Select Board
Minutes of the Meeting
February 7, 2019

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

Others Present: Mary Sabins, Mary Grow, Dylan Dillaway, Mike Poulin, Holly Weidner, Janet Babb, and Don Pomelow (6:37)

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 1/24/19 meeting as written.

3. Dispatch options – Sabins updated the Board on the discussion given at the recent Kennebec County Commissioner’s meeting that she had attended where this topic was discussed. It was learned that the RCC dispatch service could be retained as currently utilized if user towns were willing to contribute more money for more dispatchers. The City of Gardiner would be included in this proposal, which under an earlier proposal, they were not. Gardiner would very much like to see this new option taken by the towns and they offered to pay a higher user fee of $185K to offset the costs for the other municipalities to keep the dispatch service intact. Having offered that, the head of the RCC stated he would recalculate the spreadsheet of fees to be owed by the other towns and would report back at the next County Commissioner’s meeting in a week or so. Another update on this ongoing issue will be provided at the next Selectmen’s meeting.

4. Food Sovereignty Ordinance – Dylan Dillaway stated that he thinks the adoption of such an ordinance would benefit the Town of Vassalboro. Chairman Titus clarified for the Board that the Board needs to decide tonight whether to put the proposed food ordinance on the town meeting warrant for adoption or not. If not, Dylan would need to collect 211 signatures on a petition to force the placement of the ordinance on the warrant. Chairman Titus stated he won’t stand in the way, but he does not support the ordinance. Audience member Holly Weidner asked why not, to which Chairman Titus stated it is not difficult to get a kitchen inspected and he thinks we need to not exempt it and keep current rules in place. Dylan agreed but stated he felt some flexibility is needed for public food sales like the library bake sales. J. Melrose inquired who would benefit from this ordinance, to which Dylan responded not him because he carries state certifications. He feels it would be helpful to others in the community where certification is out of reach. The Library food sales are in violation, but no one is complaining. Some wondered out loud if we could continue to get along without new rules in place. A discussion of commercial kitchens was given before Selectman Browne stated that his kitchen at the golf course club house must be inspected and he uses serve safe rules established by the State. After discussion, the Board agreed by consensus to take no action on this request tonight. J. Melrose further stated that he would like to see and hear from others in the community that feel this ordinance is necessary.

5. Speed limit on South Stanley Hill Road – Resident Holly Weidner distributed a handout to the Board members containing statements from residents in the East Vassalboro village area about speeders in the area of the South Stanley Hill Road. Holly requested that the speed limit be reduced from 30 mph to 25 mph. Chairman Titus explained that MDOT needs to contacted for these types of requests to make a determination of the necessary speed limit. After discussion and on a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to make a request of the MDOT traffic division to evaluate the speed limits in the East Vassalboro village area with particular attention to the South Stanley Hill Road area.

6. Exercise Ball class – Resident Janet Babb provided a handout to the Board about these exercise classes and explained the type of exercise ball that is used during these classes. They would like to use the conference room on Wednesday mornings from 10-11 for a six-week class. Music is played while class participants use drum sticks to beat on the ball. Discussion was given about the noise level and if it will interfere with town office operations. On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to have the Town Manager work out the details to allow the exercise ball class as long as it doesn’t disrupt town operations.

The Board paused briefly at this point to inquire of Don Pomelow who arrived late to the meeting, if he had anything further to add on the dispatch topic that had already been discussed. A brief recap of that discussion was given, and Don stated that he had nothing further to add.

7. Solid Waste bid specifications – Board members stated that they had reviewed the fourth edition of the bid specifications that had been provided earlier and there were no suggestions for additional amendments. On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approved the bid specifications as presented. Further discussion ensued with the members of the public in the audience who asked questions about the cessation of the recycling program except cardboard, and the perceived lack of information available about the changes in disposal options.

8. LED Streetlights – Chairman Titus explained to the audience the LED streetlight conversion work that is being planned with CMP in the near future, and he explained that research on the positioning of the streetlights is being conducted. After further discussion and by consensus, the Board agreed to allow Sabins to sign the conversion agreement with CMP and to return the agreement to them to begin the conversion project planning.

9. Reports – a. Road Report - On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented. b. Police Report - On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented. c. First Responders’ Report - On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented.

10. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #45 and #46.

11. Other – 1. Sabins explained that she had received notice today that a lawsuit has been filed against the town in the Feb. 2017 officer involved shooting case. The case will be turned over to the town’s insurance company. 2. J. Melrose stated that as a result of a minor accident at the transfer station, a railing was broken. 3. J. Melrose asked for background information on the former trails committee that is now defunct, and asked the Board to consider reappointing the committee in the future.

12. Proposed budget for FY 2019-20 – Sabins distributed the first draft of the proposed budget for FY 2019-20. Minimal discussion was given. A budget work session is planned for Tuesday, February 12th at 12:30 at the town office.

13. Executive session – Pursuant to 36 MRSA Section 841, and on a motion made by R. Browne at 7:50 p.m., seconded by J. Melrose, the Board voted unanimously to enter into an executive session to discuss an abatement request. The Board returned to open session at 8:02 p.m. On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve the abatement of 2016 real estate taxes, interest, and costs for case #19-01.

14. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on 2/21/19 with the following amendments: None.