Vassalboro Board of Selectmen
Minutes of the Meeting
February 17, 2022

Members Present: Rob Browne, Barbara Redmond, and Chris French

Others Present: Mary Sabins, Mary Grow, Mike Poulin, Becky & John Goodrich, Scott Pierz, Ryan Page, Stephen Greene, Melissa Olson, Matt Weaver, Tom Richards, Ray Breton, Paul Mitnik, Abatement applicants (2), a few other unknown attendees, Chad Caron, Kayla Krause, Cathy Coyne, Stacy Richmond, and Gene Field (7:20).

1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Rob Browne at 6:30 pm.

2. Minutes of the 1/20/22 meeting – Chris French stated that in Section 4, the sentence that reads: “Select Board Member Chris French asked why the FD waited 30 years to replace the SCBA if NFPA says the packs are obsolete at 10 years” should be corrected to read: “Select Board Member Chris French asked why the FD waited 30 years to replace the SCBA if FEMA says the packs are obsolete at 10 years.”

Also, Chris French noted that in Section #9, in the last sentence that reads now as follows: C. French moved to expend up to $4,000 from ARPA funding for three people to attend the EMT training. B. Redmond seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously by the Board” should be corrected to read as follows: “C. French moved to expend up to $4,200 from ARPA funding for three people to attend the EMT training. B. Redmond seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously by the Board.”

On a motion made by B. Redmond, seconded by C. French, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the 1/20/22 meeting as amended.

3. Dangerous Building update – CEO Ryan Page stated that he and property owner Chad Caron had met with an engineer from A.E. Hodsdon Engineering at the dangerous building site located at 14 Priest Hill Road. The engineer stated that it would take him 60 days to write a plan of action to preserve the building, and he would only create the plan if a building contractor had been hired. The engineer also indicated to R. Page that the project is too big for one person. Ryan reported that owner Chad Caron stated he has a crane coming to the site next week to remove the steeple. Ryan stated that not a lot of clean up or effort to clean up the site has been made by Mr. Caron. Ryan stated that he does not recommend giving Mr. Caron a 60-day extension, which was listed as an option for the CEO in the Dangerous Building Order signed by the Select Board. Mr. Caron was given an opportunity to speak by Chairman Browne. Mr. Caron complained that he felt the engineer’s inspection was incomplete. He wants the engineer to provide a list of safety violations. Mr. Caron was reminded that a Stop Work Order was issued to him in January 2021 on this project and also that when the Board signed the Dangerous Building Order on January 6, 2022, Selectman French read the Order to Mr. Caron providing step-by-step of what to do. Mr. Caron stated that he will tear down the building himself but he needs 10 more days. He has 6 people ready to help him. If the CEO is satisfied, Chad said he will ask for 10 more days, and maybe 10 more after that. Chairman Browne stated he wants the building down to the ground in 10 days, citing concern for the neighbors. CEO Ryan described the engineer’s findings that the building is unstable. Chad pleaded for 10 more days and claimed he has only known for 15 days that he has to tear the building down. Selectman C. French stated that he supports the CEO’s recommendation not to give Mr. Caron a 60-day extension. Mr. Caron stated several times that he needed a permit to tear the building down. On a motion made by C. French, seconded by B. Redmond, the Board voted unanimously to move forward with the Code Officer’s recommendation not to give the 60-day extension. Mr. Caron continued to argue the point by saying the Board Members had college educations and he did not and that it was not fair. As tensions rose high and Chairman Browne attempted to regain control of the meeting, Mr. Caron stated that he has ADD and he didn’t understand that he had 30 days to file for an appeal [after the original Dangerous Building Order was signed]. Mr. Caron stated he read the material [the Order] several times and that he didn’t understand that he had an opportunity to appeal. The Chairman stated that he planned to move forward with the meeting agenda for the sake of time and that this conversation was done.

4. Investment Portfolio performance update – Investment Advisor Matt Weaver informed the Board that the town’s investment portfolio realized a 4% return in 2021, which is good news. Matt spoke about the bond performances and answered questions provided by the Board. Matt indicated that he recommended no changes to the Annual Investment Policy and Guidelines.

5. Investment Policy and Guidelines – On a motion made by B. Redmond, seconded by C. French, the Board voted unanimously to renew and accept the Investment Policy and Guidelines document as presented.

6. Executive Session (taken out of agenda order) – On a motion made by B. Redmond, seconded by C. French, the Board voted unanimously at 6:55 pm to enter into an executive session pursuant to 36 MRSA Section 841 to discuss an abatement request. The Board returned to open session at 7:02 pm. On a motion made by B. Redmond, seconded by C. French, the Board voted unanimously to abate the 2019 taxes, interest and costs on Case #22-02.

7. China Lake Association President Stephen Greene stated that he came before the Board tonight to introduce the 10-year China Lake Watershed Plan. He is looking for engagement of the communities affected and named in the plan. Discussion was given as to both external and internal sources of phosphorus and how it affects the lake water quality, along with expensive lake treatment options if the problem is severe. More public outreach meetings are planned on this topic in the future, and Mr. Greene welcomed participation and input from Vassalboro representatives.

8. Quitclaim deed – Sabins explained that this deed was needed to clear the title for the current property owner and to discharge a tax lien that was not discharged by the town in 1993. After explanation and on a motion made by B. Redmond, seconded by C. French, the Board voted unanimously to approve and sign the Quit Claim deed for Nicholas Jose.

9. ARPA Workshop – By consensus, the Board agreed to set March 2nd at 6:00 p.m. as the date and time for the special meeting to plan the usage for the America Recovery Plan Act funds. Interested parties will be invited to attend.

10. Reports – On a motion made by B. Redmond, seconded by C. French, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Road, Police, Financial, and Transfer Station Reports as presented.

11. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by C. French, seconded by B. Redmond, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #46, #47, #48 and #49.

12. Proposed budget discussion – PW Director Gene Field inquired about roadside mowing. He has researched leasing the mowing attachment for the loader and gave prices. He thinks something should be done this year. It may take months to get the equipment, once ordered. We also need to add $8,800 to the equipment rental line if the Board wants an additional fall mowing along the roadsides. The Board had made the decision not to include these items in the proposed budget for FY22-23.

13. Other – 1. B. Redmond stated that the Conservation Commission wants to present info on climate control initiatives at a future meeting. 2. C. French asked Sabins to report on the executive session meeting with the MRC Board of Directors held via zoom recently. Sabins said because it was an executive session, she could not give many details. The MRC Board is working still to reopen the trash handling plant in Hampden. 3. Tom Richards asked about next steps in the Chad Caron case. Sabins said the next steps are uncertain at this point, and the town attorney will be contacted.

14. Executive Session – On a motion made by B. Redmond, seconded by C. French, the Board voted unanimously at 7:40 pm to enter into an executive session pursuant to 36 MRSA Section 841 to discuss an abatement request. The Board returned to open session at 7:45 pm. On a motion made by B. Redmond, seconded by C. French, the Board voted unanimously to abate the 2019 taxes, interest and costs on Case #22-01.

15. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Board of Selectmen on 3/3/22 with the following amendments: None.