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

Others Present: Mary Sabins

1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Haines at 11:00 a.m. This Selectmen’s meeting was rescheduled to an earlier time of day due to inclement weather that was predicted for later in the evening. The Budget Committee Meeting formerly scheduled to convene immediately following the evening Selectmen’s meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, March 29th at 7:00 p.m.

2. Minutes – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the 3/10/16 meeting as written.

3. Cemetery Mowing bid – The Board reviewed a spreadsheet summary of the 10 bids received, with prices ranging from $8,000 to $28,850. Selectman Browne stated that he knows bidder number 7, Scott Bumford, and he felt Scott would do a good job performing the cemetery mowing contract. Rob felt that even though this bidder was not the lowest bidder, Rob felt it would be money well spent to have certainty that the job would be done well. After brief discussion, and on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted two in favor, one abstention (R. Browne) to award the cemetery mowing bid to Scott Bumford, doing business as Scott’s Property Care of Sidney for $24,500.

4. CMP pole permit application – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve and sign the pole permit application for installation of three poles on the Bog Road. Selectman Titus inquired about the process to get poles removed from the roadway. He stated that the flags along Main Street in the summer months get tangled up on projections from old poles that continue to stand next to new poles. Speculation was given that not all of the equipment on the old poles has yet been transferred to the new poles, and therefore the old poles cannot yet be removed by the utility.

5. Reports – a. Road Report - On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented. b. Financial Report - On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented.

6. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #55 and #56.

7. Other – 1. Repairs to the deteriorated boat ramp at China Lake in the East Village was discussed.  The new director of the State’s boat launch projects indicated he may be able to put together an agreement for the state to assist the town with repairs to the ramp this year.  He will calculate the amount needed from the town for the project.  The Selectmen supported the concept of repairing the ramp, as it has been in poor condition for many years.  The Selectmen and the Budget Committee will need to have a joint meeting to approve transferring funds from existing expense lines to put money together to fund the project.  Estimated cost to the town at this point is $20K - $25K; possibly less with in-kind contribution of labor and equipment.  2. George Hamar had requested to spend $1,800 for 30 interlocking cement blocks to build a retaining wall for a canister to handle overflow of MSW at the transfer station.  George is attempting to reconfigure the site for easier disposal of MSW and recyclables in canisters placed next to each other.  The zero-sort canister has already been relocated this week and placed near the canister for MSW.  The Board did not support the purchase of blocks at this time.  They prefer to wait to evaluate the traffic flow at the transfer station as a result of the recent layout changes. 3. Rob Browne has taken out a nomination paper to run for Selectman again.  The other two Board members signed his nomination paper. 4.  L. Titus instigated discussion about the purchase of a fire truck at the emailed request of Mike Vashon.  The Board indicated they support the acquisition of a fire truck and have shown that support by proposing $75K in this year’s proposed budget being discussed now by the Budget Committee.  Nothing further can be done until voter approval is obtained in June at town meeting.  Once received, the Board will decide the method of acquisition (lease or purchase) and whether to use the cooperative purchasing process. 5. The fuel tank at the school was brought up by L. Titus.  Sabins reported that the School Committee Members voted last week at their meeting to repair the school’s tank, and to maintain the current arrangement of having their own fuel supply, rather than using the town tanks at the garage, as was previously considered. 6. P. Haines stated that he had seen Mike Roy, Waterville City Manager, recently.  Mike indicated to him that Waterville does not intend to join the MRC Fiberight proposal for the city’s trash disposal.

8. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 11.52 a.m.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on 4/7/16 with the following amendments: None.