Vassalboro Select Board
Minutes of the Meeting
March 1, 2013

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

Others Present: Mary Sabins, Mary Grow, Jim Schad, Gene Field, and James Wentworth

1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Browne at 9:00 a.m. This meeting had been rescheduled from the regular 2/28 evening meeting due to a pending snow storm.

2. Minutes – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the 2/14/13 meeting as written.

3. Town Report – The format and contents of the town report was discussed. By consensus, the Board agreed they would like to feature an article on the history of the old Woolen Mill in the centerfold of the report. Candidates for the dedication page were also discussed, and Jim Schad provided historical information on some of the candidate’s accomplishments and contributions to the community. After discussion and on a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted unanimously to dedicate this year’s town report to Carlton “Ikey” and Reny Fournier for establishing the Credit Union in town, among other accomplishments.

4. Spirit of America Award – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted unanimously to recognize Ray Breton this year at town meeting for his work in developing outdoor recreational opportunities for residents on his property in the North Village area.

5. Quit Claim Deed – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted unanimously to sign a quit claim deed for Rebecca Richards to return tax acquired property to her after payment of taxes.

6. Outlet Stream Dam Operation Agreement – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to sign the Outlet Dam Operational Agreement with the Kennebec Water District for the annual fee of $1,200.

7. Reports – a. Status Report – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented. b. Road Report - On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented. P. Haines expressed appreciation to the PW Department members for their tireless effort in plowing and sanding the roads this winter. c. Financial Report - On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented.

8. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #57 and #58.

9. Other – 1. After lengthy discussion and on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to abate half of the real estate taxes owed on a tax acquired mobile home in Leo Barnett’s trailer park. Leo will pay half the taxes owed on this trailer that he acquired through the abandonment laws. A bill of sale for the trailer will be given to David and Kathleen Mclean, the new owners that Leo sold the trailer to a day before the town foreclosure. 2. Sabins read a letter from DEP Representative Mike Parker concerning the site review he conducted along with town staff on the land for sale that abuts the transfer station. The town was interested in purchasing the land for a future inert fill site to bury glass. The DEP has found the land is comprised of mostly wetlands and is unsuitable for our needs. Sabins will contact the landowner to let him know we are no longer interested in the property. 3. Sabins distributed a list of tax acquired property for unpaid 2010 taxes, and gave an explanation of her collection attempts and a status update for each account. The Board reviewed the list and took no formal action at this time until the additional 60-day redemption period expires in April.

10. Proposed budget discussion – The Board reviewed the proposed budget and agreed by consensus on amounts for each expense to be recommended to the Budget Committee. Public Works Director Gene Field and his assistant James (JJ) Wentworth joined in conversation with the Board about their proposed budget and requests for equipment and vehicle replacement funds. The Board agreed to support a request for $50,000 for a public works equipment/vehicle replacement fund that could potentially be used next year to purchase a used excavator to replace the aging backhoe if one is found. These proposed funds would appear in the Public Works budget instead of the Capital Improvement budget as a reserve fund.

11. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on 3/14/13 with the following amendments: None.