Members Present: Rob Browne, John Melrose, and Lauchlin Titus (6:40 p.m.)
Others Present: Mary Sabins, Mary Grow, Boy Scout Pack Leader Marc Cote along with four scouts and some of their parents, Fire Chief Eric Rowe and two or three firefighters, Police Chief Mark Brown, Public Works Director Gene Field, First Responder Chief Dan Mayotte, Joe & Mary Presti & Family, Town Clerk Cathy Coyne, and a college student and his companion.
1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Selectman Rob Browne at 6:30 p.m. Prior to the start of the meeting Sabins, and Selectmen Browne and Melrose talked with the fifth grade boy scouts about the functions of the town staff and town departments, and the job of each town citizen to be a responsible resident and helpful to others in need. The scouts attended the meeting to learn about town government so that they could earn a pin.
2. Minutes – On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the 12/14/17 meeting as written.
3. 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 – no report was available. d. Financial Report - On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented.
Chairman Titus arrived at the meeting just after the discussion on the following agenda item ensued. Throughout much of the rest of the agenda, whenever possible, the Selectmen and Manager Sabins gave periodic explanation and background of the agenda items to the college student in the room who was in attendance to fulfill an academic assignment.
4. Emergency Response – Selectman Melrose began the discussion and clarified that he was not specifically desiring a discussion about the wind storm response, more that he wanted to know about the planning process for major emergency events in town, and how the departments interact with one another, and with outside agencies like CMP, during such events. Fire Chief Rowe stated that emergency responders are told not to touch any part of fallen trees that involve downed wires, due to possible electrical hazard. Residents become impatient and don’t understand the danger, so they fire up a chain saw and begin debris removal themselves, not understanding the risk, or just taking unnecessary chances. Gene Field indicated that during the recent wind storm, a metal roof blew off a building on Taber Hill Road. After going airborne, the metal landed overtop a CMP wire and blocked the road for several days. Gene called CMP twice to offer assistance to work with CMP to remove the metal, once it was clear the CMP lines were dead, but CMP did not avail themselves of the offer. Others in the room spoke of similar communication difficulties in working with CMP. Chief Rowe did state that he feels the Town Departments work very well together; they communicate well and work together to remedy and find solutions to emergency situations. When asked, Gene indicated that he generally does not have communication with MDOT. If there is an obstruction in one of the State’s roads, he and his team members just clear the obstruction. Police Chief Mark Brown stated that he did aftermath work of moving cones around where hazards existed, and checked on the elderly. Selectman Melrose asked about any known vulnerabilities that the Town may have, or if there is anything that keeps the emergency responders up at night worrying that a particular disaster may occur, to which there was no response and no specific threat mentioned. First Responder Chief Dan Mayotte mentioned that there is no large shelter available in town with overnight accommodations. Chief Rowe agreed and stated that the school should be looking for a generator. After general discussion, the Board thanked each one for the emergency response work that they do here in Vassalboro, and for coming out to the meeting tonight to share their thoughts.
5. Sale of tax acquired property – Chairman Titus returned to the top of the agenda to complete the unfinished business of finalizing the sale of the twelve tax acquired subdivision lots on Ilona Drive. Buyers Joe and Mary Presti presented the Selectmen with a bank check in the agreed amount of $15,000.00, after which, on a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to proceed to execute the Quitclaim Deed for the Ilona Drive property to Joseph & Mary Presti and family. The Board then signed the Deed, which was notarized by Town Clerk Cathy Coyne; and the Transfer Tax form was signed by Board Members and Mr. & Mrs. Presti.
6. CDBG Letter of Intent – With little discussion, and on a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve and execute the CDBG Letter of Intent to apply for funding in the upcoming grant round. This grant application will help the Sanitary District to pay for their planned sewer main project.
7. KWD Dam Operations Agreement – Chairman Titus gave the history of this nearly ten year annual agreement with the water district to operate the gates and the Outlet Stream Dam to control the level of China Lake. On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve and sign the proposed agreement with Kennebec Water District for Outlet Stream Dam Operations.
8. Tax lien maturity list – The Board reviewed the unpaid 2015 tax lien list that will mature to foreclosure on February 23, 2018. No formal action taken.
9. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #46 and #47.
10. Other – 1. Selectman Melrose referred to a newspaper article that he had seen, which described several towns working together in Aroostook County to pool resources to provide a maintenance pool for LED Streetlights. 2. The Spirit of America Award was briefly discussed, and a couple of possible recipient’s names for the 2018 award were suggested, but no decisions made yet. 3. Chairman Titus mentioned that he had a chance meeting and a recent conversation with the former Superintendent in Fayette, who offered to consult with the Vassalboro School Board during their ongoing planning of the dissolution of AOS92 and the aftermath that will follow. Lauchlin will communicate this offer to the Chair of the School Board. 4. Sabins stated that as the current Vice President of the Maine Municipal Association (MMA), she has received an offer from MMA that they will sponsor her to apply for and to attend Professional Development training in the form of a Leadership Program headed by the Maine Development Foundation. The year-long, once a month training is typically held on Fridays, but also encompasses two three-day mandatory attendance training events during the year. After discussion, all Board members agreed unanimously by consensus to support Sabins as she applies for acceptance into this Leadership Program, saying they felt it would be a good learning and networking opportunity for her and that the town would benefit from the knowledge gained through this training. 5. Selectman Melrose inquired about town membership with the Chamber of Commerce in Waterville and if the other Board members felt it would be beneficial to the Town. Sabins was asked to seek the cost of Chamber membership dues for discussion at upcoming budget meetings. 6. Selectman Browne stated that he will not be able to attend the February 22nd Selectmen’s meeting because it is school vacation week and his family has plans. The Board agreed to move the meeting to February 15th instead.
11. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
/mss
These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on 1/25/18 with the following amendments: None.