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

Others Present: Mary Sabins, Jane Aiudi, David Jenney, and Mary Grow (approx. 6:30)

1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Titus at 6:00 p.m.

2. Minutes – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the 3/2/17 meeting as written.

3. Matt Weaver, Financial Advisor for First Advisors, distributed a handout containing the annual report and summary of the Town’s investment portfolio. On average, the portfolio experienced a 5.5% interest gain. Matt spoke briefly about the market trends and how the components of our portfolio are performing and reacting to the market. Matt also provided comment on the Town’s existing Investment Policy. He stated that the portfolio is in compliance with the policy, and he makes no recommendation for any policy amendments at this time. On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to renew the Investment Policy as written for another year.

4. Quit Claim Deed – After brief discussion and verification from the Town Treasurer that the Town had received the three years of back taxes and the account is now paid in full, the Board voted unanimously on a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, to sign the Quit Claim Deed to return the 639 Oak Grove Property back to TD Bank.

5. Cemetery Mapping and Inventory Project – Sabins reported that the grant application for the cemetery mapping work for nearly $50K she had submitted to the Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation was denied. Discussion was given as to whether to ask the voters at town meeting to support the project and raise funds from taxation to complete the work. Cemetery Committee Chairman Jane Aiudi and Committee Member David Jenney both spoke in favor of putting the article forward. David described how a young resident in town has stepped forward to volunteer to clean and erect old cemetery stones, and how she has brought new energy to the committee. He’d like to see that momentum continue, which may lead to other younger community members taking an interest in the project and getting involved in the community. P. Haines and L. Titus both expressed interest in presenting the mapping and inventory project to the budget committee and town meeting; R. Browne stated he thought the project was well intended, but remains concerned about the budget and how this increase would affect taxes. A suggestion was made to possibly use the cemetery perpetual care interest fund as partial revenue to pay for the project. Another suggestion was to investigate the use of students during the annual Erskine Day of Caring event for cemetery maintenance projects.

6. Town Report – L. Titus offered two suggestions for the theme and centerfold story of this year’s town report: idea number one was to feature the historical Mill Agent’s House in the North; idea number two was to research the origin of the village settlements that became the Town of Vassalboro. After discussion, the Board agreed on using the Mill Agent idea this year, and will plan to use the other idea for next year which may take longer to research. The Board also decided to dedicate this year’s town report to Jim Mitchell.

7. Reports – a. Road Report - On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented.

8. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #49, #50 and #51.

9. Other – 1. None.

10. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m., with a Budget Committee Meeting immediately following this meeting.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on 3/23/17 with the following amendments: None.