Members Present: Rob Browne, Lauchlin Titus, and Phil Haines
Others Present: Mary Sabins, three Erskine Students (6:05), Mary Grow (6:30), and Dan Mayotte (6:45).
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 2/27/14 meeting as written.
3. Mowing bid – Bids were received from four different contractors. After discussion and on a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to award Bid #1 Recreation Fields and Bid #3 Cemeteries to Dwayne Holmes, d/b/a Maine Property Services for $3,560 and $7,600 respectively; and Bid #2 Lawns to Darrell Gagnon, d/b/a Attention 2 Detail Lawn Care for $7,150.
Selectmen Haines and Titus gave a brief introduction of our town government officials and a summary of town operations to the Erskine Academy students in attendance before continuing on with the remaining agenda items. Explanations on each agenda item was also given as the meeting progressed.
4. Quitclaim deed – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to sign the quitclaim deed prepared by Bob Marden, Attorney to Martha B. Schoendorf as new owner of the Scott Brown property on Taber Hill Road. Due to bankruptcy status of the previous owner, the taxes on this property had remained unpaid since 2010 and no town foreclosure had occurred. The property was recently sold by the bankruptcy trustee and, to clear title for the new owner because of town tax liens that had been recorded which gave the appearance of foreclosure, the quitclaim deed was necessary.
5. Spirit of America Award – After discussion and on a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to present the Spirit of America Award to the Vassalboro Business Association. This award recognizes volunteerism with a community and will be presented at the Annual Town Meeting on June 2nd.
6. Town Report contents – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to dedicate the town report this year to Ben Cates, a former Selectman and civic leader who died in January at the age of 93. The town report centerfold story will involve the Quaker history of the Town and Mr. Cates’ connection to it.
7. Subdivision Ordinance – Discussion was given as to the process planned for the adoption of the new proposed Subdivision Ordinance being prepared by the Planning Board and their contracted planner. The Planning Board is proposing a public informational meeting on Tuesday, March 25th at 7:00 p.m. at the town office; an official public hearing on Thursday, May 8th at 7:00 p.m. at the town office; and a final vote by secret ballot on Tuesday, June 10, 2014. The Board supported this proposal, but wants an announcement of the upcoming vote to be given at town meeting on June 2nd to remind voters to come out and vote on June 10th.
8. 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. b. Police Report - On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented.
9. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #46 and #47.
10. Other – 1. Resident and paramedic Dan Mayotte approached the Board to seek their level of interest in starting a First Responder Program where local licensed EMS personnel would respond to emergency calls in Town to provide emergency medical treatment prior to ambulance service arrival. The Selectmen thought the idea warranted further investigation and thanked Dan for bringing the idea to their attention.
11. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m. A Budget Committee meeting was scheduled to begin immediately following the closure of this meeting.
/mss
These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on 3/27/14 with the following amendments: None.