Vassalboro Select Board
Minutes of the Meeting
July 16, 2008
Members Present: Libby Mitchell, Lauchlin Titus, and Rob Browne (7:35)
Others Present: Mary Sabins, George Gould, Mike Vashon, Gene Field, and Dave Parsons
Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mitchell at 7:05 p.m.
Minutes – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by L. Mitchell, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the 6/18/08 and 6/26/08 meetings as written.
Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by L. Mitchell, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #3 and #4.
Reports – The Road Report was read and questions regarding winter sand screening were answered by Road Commissioner Gene Field. The Board voted unanimously to accept the road report on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by L. Mitchell. The Status Report was reviewed and discussion ensued regarding the current recycling efforts in Town. L. Mitchell requested that the subject of improving the recycling rate in Town be added to the status report for continued discussion. An energy audit and the possible use of wind power were also briefly discussed. Also mentioned during the status report discussion was the remaining work to be done on the Rt. #3 swim area. Libby would like to see the area opened for public swimming by August. The Financial Report and the Police Report were both accepted by unanimous votes on separate motions made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne.
Public Works Truck Bids – A summary sheet with bid amounts was reviewed and discussed. Separate bids were solicited for the truck body and the truck cab & chassis. Of the original bids received, the lowest bid prices for the truck cab & chassis and the body combined exceeded the $144,000 amount approved by the voters. Gene Field called the truck vendors and asked for their price on a truck with the same bid specifications, but with a manual transmission. Three of the four vendors were able to provide a new price before the Selectmen’s meeting. The salesman for the fourth vendor was on vacation and their revised bid would not be available until tomorrow morning. L. Titus stated that he was comfortable authorizing Gene and Mary to make a decision tomorrow on the best package to purchase after the fourth vendor’s price came in, because the bid prices are all so close together. He then made that statement a motion, which was seconded by R. Browne and voted unanimously by the Board.
Welcome to Vassalboro signs – Vassalboro Business Association Member George Gould stated that the Business Association Members wanted to have some “Welcome to Vassalboro” signs made and posted on the two major arteries (Routes #201 and #32). George presented the design the Association had created, which was approved by the Selectmen. George stated the Business Association has some money for the project, but not all of the money. Sabins and George will work together to find funding for the project.
Right to Know Training – New State law requires public officials to have training in the “Right to Know” Law. L. Titus suggested copying the material on the matter that was provided by Sabins for the meeting tonight, mail it to all the people serving Vassalboro that are required to comply, and ask them to return the certificate of completion form by September first. The other Board members agreed.
MMA ballots – After brief discussion, and on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to write-in and cast a vote for Ralph Farnham, Jr. of Oakland, ME as a write-in candidate on the ballot for the Legislative Policy Committee. On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept and vote for the slate of candidates proposed on the ballot for MMA Vice President and Executive Committee.
Mileage reimbursement rate – Discussion was given as to the Town’s current mileage reimbursement rate of .37 per mile compared to reimbursement rates used in some other towns (average .537 per mile). The Board requested to know how many miles had been traveled by employees and had been paid reimbursement last year. The Board requested this information to determine a new reimbursement rate within the allotted budget. This item will be addressed again at the next meeting when further information is available.
CD Investment – After discussion, and on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board authorized M. Sabins to make a Certificate of Deposit investment with TD Banknorth using the maximum amount of General Funds that is financially prudent and within reason after obtaining the lowest monthly balance amount from within the last year. This investment will provide additional interest income for the Town.
Water Cooler – Sabins explained that the water at the Town Office has high sulfur content and is not fit for consumption. Former Manager Mike Vashon used to bring gallon jugs of water from his home for the staff to consume. Now that Mike has retired, the office staff needs a source of water. After discussion and on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve a proposal to have Crystal Spring Water Company provide a water cooler and 5 gallon bottles of water.
August meeting date – The Board agreed to set August 13th as the next Selectmen’s meeting date.
Manager’s items – 1. The Library Trustees have requested to come to the next meeting. 2. Landscaping work around the Town Office will be performed by Victor Esposito and his students in the near future. 3. The Board chose not to act on a solicitation by a resident to pressure wash the Town Office building. 4. A resident inquired about an available space in Town where she could start up a used medical equipment loaner program. Several ideas for locations were swapped. Mike Vashon agreed to speak with the resident to offer the possible locations discussed. 5. The tax lien process will begin on Monday, July 28th with the mailing of the 30-day notices.
Selectmen’s items – 1. L. Mitchell suggested that the Board set aside some time at their next meeting to have a goal setting session with Manager Mary Sabins. 2. L. Mitchell stated there is grant money available through the Rivers Initiative program to develop river access. 3. R. Browne stated that he had heard that the softball team was feeling left out of the recreation program, since new fields have been developed for predominately male sports programs. It was suggested Tim Connolly should be contacted to see if he intends to continue development of the outdoor ice rink. If not, that area could be developed for a softball field.
Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on ____________________with the following amendments: