Vassalboro Select Board
Minutes of the Meeting
June 7, 2012

Members Present: Rob Browne, Lauchlin Titus, and Phil Haines

Others Present: Mary Sabins, Mary Grow, George Gould, two Erskine Academy Students, Tom O’Rourke, David Barden, Renee Cook, Dean McCausland, Marc Cote, Michael Farrell, Barbara Farrell, Richard Garland, Jr., John Marden, Willis Moody, Charles O’Neal, Susan O’Neal, Joan Pierce, Eric James, Lance Cloutier, and Nikki Wasilewski.

1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Haines at 7:00 p.m. He gave a brief tutorial on Vassalboro Town Government functions for the Erskine Academy students in the room who were completing a homework assignment by being present at the meeting.

2. Minutes – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the 5/24/12 meeting as written.

3. General Assistance Ordinance Public Hearing – Chairman Haines opened the public hearing at 7:01 p.m. and explained the purpose of the general assistance program for the members of the public in the room and the need for annual updates to the program’s qualification parameters. There being no public comment, the Chairman closed the public hearing at 7:02 p.m. On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept and adopt the proposed changes to the General Assistance Ordinance and Appendices.

4. Quit claim deed – It was noted that Lance Cloutier has submitted the remaining fee to complete the purchase of the tax acquired property on the Cushnoc Road. On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to sign the Quit Claim Deed to Lance Cloutier. Notary Jim Schad notarized the Selectmen’s signatures.

5. Coyote Ridge consent agreement – For the benefit of the public in the meeting room not familiar with the problems in the Coyote Ridge subdivision, Chairman Haines briefly summarized the scenario that has taken place in the last four or five years leading up to the signing of this agreement by stating that the subdivision road was not in compliance with the town’s ordinances. The subdivision developer is now insolvent and cannot remedy the problem, leaving a hardship for the landowners in the subdivision. Until the signing of this agreement, the landowners have not been able to obtain building permits because the subdivision is non-compliant. Chairman Haines stated he is thrilled that all parties have now come to an agreement. On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve and sign the consent agreement with the Coyote Ridge Subdivision Residents. The Selectmen’s signatures were notarized by Notary Jim Schad. All but three land owners of Coyote Ridge Subdivision were present at the meeting, and each one present stepped up to the table to sign the agreement as their name was called. Coyote Ridge Road Association President Mike Farrell agreed to take the original document to collect the three remaining signatures. Once the completed document is returned to the Town, the Selectmen will sign quit claim deeds to the Coyote Ridge Road Association for the nine remaining lots of land in the subdivision that were recently tax acquired by the Town. The Selectmen will also then authorize the Town Code Enforcement Officer to process requests for building permits in that subdivision. By signing the agreement, the Coyote Ridge landowners agree they will not pursue litigation with the town, and will never ask the Town to accept the subdivision road as a town road. The signed Consent Agreement will be recorded in the Kennebec Registry of Deeds.

6. Propane gas bid – Sabins distributed a summary sheet of the six propane gas bids received. On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the low bid price of $1.68 per gallon from Augusta Fuel Company (AFC). Lauchlin also expressed disappointment with Augusta Fuel Company because they are our present propane supplier and have been charging the Town $3.43 per gallon. The highest price of all bidders in this bid process was $2.479, which is still nearly a dollar a gallon lower than our price paid to AFC until this bid process.

7. Tractor bid – The Board reviewed a summary sheet of the seven tractor bids received for a tractor with a bucket loader to be used by the Recreation Department in maintaining the recreation fields area. In the absence of the Recreation Director, Nikki Wasilewski, who had not arrived at the meeting in time enough for this discussion, Recreation Committee Member Lance Cloutier stated that he had spoken with Nikki and she had indicated to him that the committee had not yet raised enough funds to purchase any of the tractors at the prices submitted in the bid process. On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to reject all of the tractor bids. Discussion was given regarding the Recreation Committee members’ plan to search in Uncle Henry’s and other sources locally to find a tractor that they have sufficient funds to purchase.

8. Spirit of America Award – Chairman Haines explained to the Erskine Students in the room about the Spirit of America Award program, and that this award is to recognize volunteers. On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously that this year’s Vassalboro Spirit of America Award will be presented to Holly Weidner. The Board then signed the certificate that will be presented by Lauchlin at town meeting, along with a summary of all of Holly’s accomplishments.

9. July meeting date – Chairman Haines stated that he has a conflict with the date of the July 19th meeting set at the last Board meeting. After discussion, the Board agreed to meet on Thursday, July 12th at 6:00 p.m. (an hour earlier than usual).

10. Reports – a. Status Report – The email update from the DEP regarding the Quick Stop case was briefly discussed. No formal action was taken by the Board. b. Road Report - On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented. c. Police Report - On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented.

11. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #63, #64, and #65.

12. Other – 1. On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to sign a CMP pole permit. 2. On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve an addition of $1,500 to be paid to the mowing contractor for the additional work the town added to the contract after the bid process due to the resignation of mower Greg Seamans. 3. Sabins stated that she has received more complaints about the use of fireworks in the North end of town. More discussion about the few options to control the use of fireworks was given. No action taken at this time. 4. Nikki Wasilewski distributed copies of a list of people who have expressed an interest in being appointed to the Recreation Committee.

13. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on 6/21/12 with the following amendments: None.