Members Present: Rob Browne, Lauchlin Titus, and Phil Haines
Others Present: Mary Sabins, Mary Grow, Rick Denico, Jr.; John Melrose, and Gene Field
1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Haines at 6:59 p.m.
2. Minutes – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the 12/17/15 meeting as written.
3. John Melrose stated his reason for requesting time on the agenda was stimulated by receipt of the proposed timeline for budget meetings that was distributed via email by Sabins to all Budget Committee Members recently. As Chairman of the Budget Committee, John stated he would like to see a more organized manner this year when considering capital expenses. He said that the Budget Committee Members feel like referees when considering capital expenditure proposals, while trying to weigh what the Capital Expenses Committee recommends versus what the Department Heads, the town manager, and the Selectmen recommends. John stated the Budget Committee members want the Selectmen to give their capital expenses recommendation, and he wants the proposed budget to be vetted by the Selectmen before the Budget Committee receives it. Selectman Titus agreed that what the Budget Committee receives should be recommendations from the Town Manager and the Selectmen. Discussion ensued with Capital Expenses Committee Chairman Rick Denico, Jr. about the work of his committee.
4. Solid Waste Hauling Contract – Sabins explained that current solid waste hauler Matt Bolster had contacted her several weeks prior to the expiration of his contract and offered to renew the contract at the same price for two more years. After brief discussion and on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to authorize Sabins to sign the contract renewal for two years.
5. Dam Operations Agreement Renewal – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to renew the Outlet Stream Dam Operations Agreement with the Kennebec Water District. Chairman Haines then signed the agreement.
6. Surplus funds – Sabins explained that the town’s money market account at the Credit Union contains more cash than is needed for monthly operational requirements. Discussion was given about investing some of the money into certificates of deposit to gain additional interest income at a higher rate than what is presently earned in the money market account (.30%). After consideration, and on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to invest $100,000 into an 18-month Share Certificate at a return rate of .50%, and also to invest $200,000 into a three-year Share Certificate at a return rate of .95%. Both of these investment certificates are with the Maine Savings Federal Credit Union in Town.
7. Reports – a. Road Report - On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented. b. Police Report - On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented.
8. Other (taken out of agenda order) – Road Commissioner Gene Field stated that he was interested in feedback from the Selectmen on a matter that he has been dealing with. He explained that a few residents have registered concerns about the new configuration of the Reynolds Road and Priest Hill Road intersection that he and his department workers reconstructed last summer. Gene sought the opinion of MDOT Engineer Dave Allen, and after inspection, Dave stated that he felt the intersection had been improved by the project, but felt additional signage could be added to warn west bound motorists on Priest Hill Road of those east bound motorists on that road who might be taking a left hand turn onto Reynolds Road. Dave also suggested that the dip in the Priest Hill Road on the east side of the intersection could be raised to improve sight distance. Gene asked the Selectmen if they wanted him to reconstruct the intersection again, or take the wait and see approach to see if the complaints subside after the public becomes accustomed to the change. Gene stated that he is happy with the results of the reconstruction project and does not feel that further work is needed. Gene has ordered the signs suggested by Dave Allen. After discussion, the Board agreed to take the recommendation of the Road Commissioner, and to take the wait and see approach before making any further changes to the intersection. Gene also informed the Board that he is considering reconstructing the Nelson Road intersection this coming summer so that the Nelson Road intersects with Route #32 at a 90 degree angle. He is concerned there may be public outcry to the change, as has happened in the past with similar changes. On another matter, the Board supported Gene’s investment in the experimental heated wipers that he has installed on one of the town trucks for use during snow storms. If the experiment proves successful, Gene plans to purchase them for all the town trucks.
9. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #42 and #43.
10. Other – 1. A thank you note for memorial flowers from Mrs. Cam Denico was noted. 2. A pay-as-you-throw trash program was briefly discussed to gauge the level of interest of the Board members. Sabins will collect more information and bring the subject back to another meeting for discussion. 3. Wage percent increase for the upcoming proposed budget calculation was briefly discussed.
11. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
/mss
These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on 1/28/16 with the following amendments: None.