Vassalboro Board of Selectmen
Minutes of the Meeting
January 5, 2023

Members Present: Barbara Redmond, Chris French, and Rick Denico

Others Present: Aaron Miller, Mike Poulin, David McCarthy, Lennia Ash, Ann White, Harlan White, Pam Lemieux, Bernard Lemieux, Suzanne Putnam, Cathy Coyle and Stacy Richmond.

1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chair Barb Redmond at 6:30 pm.

2. Minutes – C. French asked who made the motion on December 22 to sell outdated soccer goal post equipment as this was not reflected in the minutes. R. Denico made that motion, which was seconded by C. French. Chair B. Redmond motioned to accept the December 22 minutes as amended, seconded by R. Denico; 3-0.

3. Marijuana Ordinance – Chair B. Redmond noted that Planning Board member Paul Mitnik would like to see the 1,000-square-foot requirement removed. C. French said that he is in favor of opening up the discussion again. R. Denico suggested contacting the Town Attorney for advice on this matter and section “M” of the ordinance. C. French suggested including a section for the Fire Chief and Code Enforcement Officer to sign off on license applications.

4. Handicap Accessible Door & Lighting at Town Office – The board agreed to send out Request for Proposals for installation of a handicapped accessible door and exterior lighting at the Town Office. This proposed expense could be paid for through funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

5. Share Certificate Renewal Rates – A. Miller reported that a share certificate special that’s offered by Maine Savings Bank is ending on January 13, 2023. It is paying a rate of 5% with a yield of 5.12%. If the town wanted to take advantage of the 50 month certificate special the bank would waive the early closeout penalty for share certificate “11” which matures on January 19, 2023. The “11” one-year-certificate currently has $110,071 in the account, generating .25%. R. Denico motioned to roll the “11” certificate into the 5%, 50-month certificate at 5%, seconded by C. French; 3-0. A. Miller added that the town’s “12” share certificate expires on February 7, 2023 and the “13” certificate expires in 2024. The board agreed to discuss the “12” certificate, which is currently earning .35% at the February 2, 2023 meeting. Although the 5% offer will have expired by that date, the bank will be offering a 3% rate and 4% rate at that time, he said.

6. Kennebec County EMA Meeting – Kennebec County EMA has reached out to area towns to discuss current endeavors and issues that are facing the towns/cities in Kennebec County and ways that they could assist. C. French suggested Fire Chief Thompson and the Town Manager attend. A. Miller will reach out to Chief Walker and set up a time to make that happen.

7. Reports – On a motion made by C. French, seconded by R. Denico, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Road and Police Reports as presented.

8. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by R. Denico, seconded by C. French, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #40 and #42.

9. Executive Session – On a motion made by C. French, seconded by R. Denico, the Board voted to enter into an executive session with A. Miller to discuss a personnel matter, 1 MRSA, section 405 (6)(A).

10. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.