Vassalboro Select Board
Minutes of the Meeting
March 11, 2009

Members Present: Libby Mitchell, Rob Browne, and Lauchlin Titus (7:40 p.m.)

Others Present: Mary Sabins, George Gould, Sentinel Reporter Scott Monroe, Mary Grow, Gene Field, Donald Crabtree and several of his employees, Dick Phippen, and Kent London.

1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mitchell at 7:00 p.m.

2. Minutes – On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by L. Mitchell, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the 2/25/09 meeting as written.

3. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #53 and #54.

4. Reports – a. The Status Report was read and discussion was given as to a new option that Gene Field has discovered to help sell the town truck after the high bidder refused to complete the purchase. Stimans in Winslow has offered to attempt to sell the truck through a consignment agreement for a 10% commission. After discussion and on a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by L. Mitchell, the Board voted unanimously to move forward with the proposal to consign the public works truck with Stimans and to attempt to get enough money from the sale of the truck to make the town whole (to at least recoup the high bidder’s price of $25,001, plus attorney’s fees we have spent to collect those funds). b. The Road Report was read and accepted on a motion made R. Browne, seconded by L. Mitchell, and voted unanimously by the Board. c. The Police Report was read and accepted on a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by L. Mitchell, and voted unanimously by the Board.

5. New Business – a. Adult Entertainment Ordinance – The Board briefly reviewed the draft prepared by Sabins, then questioned whether an outright ban of adult entertainment business as proposed in the draft is constitutional. Sabins stated that the proposed ordinance has been adopted in similar forms by two other towns in Maine, and she had also sought the advice of a MMA Legal Staff Attorney who advised that the proposed ordinance would be enforceable. L. Mitchell stated that she was more interested in an ordinance that would restrict the location of adult entertainment type businesses, rather than an outright ban. Sabins will perform more research and report back. Donald Crabtree inquired if the proposed ordinance would affect his already permitted topless coffee shop now in business. Mr. Crabtree’s employee Jen Gagnon expressed her opinion that if the public found the coffee shop objectionable, they shouldn’t come to the coffee shop. Another member of Mr. Crabtree’s supporters in the group expressed his concern that American’s rights and freedoms are being taken away. The Selectmen encouraged Mr. Crabtree and his employees and supporters to come to the public hearing on the proposed ordinance when it is held before the town meeting to share their opinions. b. Mowing bid specifications – Discussion of the two draft mowing bids for lawn mowing and cemetery mowing was given. After discussion that included the opinion of Public Works Director Gene Field, the Board agreed to have Sabins combine the two bid specs together into one set. Once the specifications have been revised, the availability of the bid specs will be advertised and the bid deadline will be Friday, April 3rd at 11:00 a.m.

6. Other – 1. The Budget Committee Meeting dates to review the Town budget were discussed. The Board agreed to change the meeting time of their next meeting on March 25th to 6:00 p.m. to allow time to meet with the Budget Committee following the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Sabins will have a preliminary meeting with the Budget Committee on Thursday, March 19th. The Selectmen’s budget work session originally scheduled for Wednesday, March 18th will be cancelled due to the anticipation that the draft budget proposal will be finalized later tonight. 2. The name of the appraiser selected to appraise the Superintendent’s Office is Dan Dwyer of Dwyer Associates. 3. Town Meeting date was set by the Selectmen for Monday, June 8th.

7. Public Comment – Kent London inquired if the annual appropriation for the Historical Society could be increased this year. The Selectmen encouraged Kent to submit his request in writing as soon as possible for consideration.

8. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Immediately following the meeting, the Board held a work session on the budget and made recommendations for proposed budget adjustments prior to distribution to the Budget Committee.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on 3/25/09 with the following amendments: None.