Members Present: Rob Browne and Phil Haines

Members Absent: Lauchlin Titus

Others Present: Mary Sabins, Mary Grow, George Hamar, and the family members of one of the abatement applicants.

1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Selectman Haines in the absence of Chairman Titus at 9:27 a.m. The meeting was moved to an earlier start time in the day, due to a severe storm predicted for arrival later in the day. Chairman Titus had a previous commitment already scheduled and could not attend this meeting, but he did provide his written comments for the Board members about the items on this agenda to be considered during the meeting.

2. Minutes – On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the 1/26/17 meeting as written.

3. Executive session – On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously at 9:28 a.m. to enter into an executive session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A., Section 45, Subsection 6(A). On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to return to open session at 9:43 a.m. No action was taken by the Board as a result of the executive session.

4. Personnel Handbook revisions – Without discussion and on a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to revise the Personnel Handbook as prepared by the Town Manager. The changes allow employees to accrue sick and vacation time during extended sick leave absences, and the receipt of holiday pay during such absences.

5. Streetlight conversion – This item was placed on the agenda at Chairman Titus’ request and since he was unable to attend the meeting Selectman Haines read from his written comments about this matter. Chairman Titus provided comment in his notes that after the last meeting he was fired up to proceed immediately with this project, but has since cooled off and feels we should take a more cautious approach. He suggests having discussions with the budget committee to seek their blessing to move forward with a possible lease to own (or other finance options) that results in the LED streetlight conversion. After the reading of the Chairman’s comments, Selectmen Browne and Haines agreed with this strategy. Sabins stated that she has contacted CMP representatives and they are working on putting together the buy-out amount for the existing streetlights, which is required information in the equation to determine overall cost of the project.

6. Reports – a. Road Report - On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented. b. Police Report - On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented. c. First Responders’ Report – No report available.

The Board agreed to take agenda item #9 out of order as the family was waiting in the room.

9. Executive session – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously at 9:50 a.m. to enter into an executive session pursuant to 36 MRSA Section 841 to discuss an abatement request (case #17-02). The Board returned to open session at 9:55 a.m. on a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by P. Haines. On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to deny the abatement request.

7. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #43 and #44.

8. Other – 1. Sabins shared a list of properties that will be tax-acquired if not paid by the end of the business day. The 2014 tax liens will mature as of 2/10/17. She described the effort that has been given to reach the parties involved. 2. Sabins distributed the completed 6/30/16 audit booklets.

10 Executive session - On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously at 10:20 a.m. to enter into an executive session pursuant to 36 MRSA Section 841 to discuss an abatement request (case #17-03). The Board returned to open session at 10:22 a.m. on a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by P. Haines. On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to approve the request to abate the 2014 taxes, interest, and costs.

11 Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 10:22 am.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on _3/2/17_ with the following amendments: None.