Members Present: Rob Browne, Lauchlin Titus, and John Melrose
Others Present: Mary Sabins, Mary Grow, Matt Weaver, Jane Aiudi, Jody Kundreskas, and Holly Weidner (6:52).
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 L. Titus, the Board voted two in favor, one abstention (R. Browne who was not present at that meeting) to accept the minutes of the 1/25/18 meeting as written.
3. Matt Weaver, our Investment Advisor from First Advisors, distributed handouts to the Board and proceeded to talk about the success of the past year’s portfolio returns. At 2017 year end, the portfolio had yielded a 6.73% gain. Discussion was given about the current financial market, as well as the composition of our portfolio. Matt confirmed our investments match the instructions in the adopted Investment Policy, which he felt was written well, and Matt had no suggestions for changes to the policy at this time. Additional general discussion ensued regarding financial notes made in the town audit, and risks in investment. The Board thanked Matt for his work with our investments, and for making the annual visit with them to update them on the progress of the investments.
4. Investment Policy – On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to renew the Investment Policy as written.
5. Other (taken out of agenda order) – Cemetery Committee Members Jane Aiudi and Jody Kundreskas were present at the meeting to seek approval for funding for stone restoration work in Cross Hill Cemetery. Jody again explained the stone restoration work to be done in the cemetery by Joseph Ferrannini, doing business as Grave Stone Matters, and gave the prices for the work of the restorer at $700/day as well as his round trip travel fee of $327. Sabins provided an update on the funds available for the stone restoration work. After discussion, and on a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Cemetery Committee to improve the condition of the stones in Cross Hill Cemetery and to retain the services of Joe for six or seven days to perform the work needed.
6. Alewife Harvest Bid specifications – The Board reviewed the bid specification draft and made a few recommendations for amendments. After discussion, and on a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Request for Proposal for River Herring (Alewife) Harvesting Services bid form with amendments made as suggested.
7. Tax bill for Town gravel pit in China – After discussion on the method of increase in valuation from last year to the current year used by the Assessor in China resulting in a large tax bill increase, the Board asked Sabins to inquire of MMA Legal Services if towns are exempt from real estate taxes, and to bring the matter back to the next meeting for additional discussion.
8. Chamber of Commerce membership – Selectman Melrose stated that he felt membership with the Waterville Area Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce would help promote the Town and make us feel less like an island. He further stated that the Chamber membership was less expensive than KVCOG membership. R. Browne wondered about who would attend the meetings. L. Titus stated that the Vassalboro Business Association has been a past member of the Chamber, but not current. After discussion, with more questions than answers, the Board agreed to have the Chamber President come to a future meeting for a presentation about the benefits of membership.
9. Reports – Road Report and Police Reports - On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by J. Melrose, the Board voted unanimously to accept the police and road reports as presented.
10. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by J. Melrose, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #52 and #53.
11. Other – 1. The use of the sand box at the public works garage was discussed. There have been reports of abuse of the two-bucket per person policy again this year. The Board asked Sabins to ask PW Director Gene Field how much sand has been distributed through the sand box this year. 2. J. Melrose stated that he had been asked to serve on the Kennebec County Budget Committee this year. As a result, the County Caucus has been scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15th to elect John to that committee if the vote goes as anticipated. 3. J. Melrose asked if a vote to accept the audit report was needed. The other Board members indicated they have not done so in the past.
12. Budget – The first draft of the 2018-19 budget was distributed without discussion. The budget workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 13th at 12:30 p.m.
13. 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 2/15/18 with the following amendments: None.