Select Board
Minutes of the Meeting
November 14, 2007
Don Breton called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. In attendance were the following: Libby Mitchell, Rob Browne, Eric Rowe, George Gould, Mary Grow and Mike Vashon.
The October 24th minutes were reviewed and approved, Libby/Don 2-0
The Warrant was reviewed and approved, Rob/Libby 3-0.
The Road Report was reviewed and approved, Rob/Libby 3-0.
The Status Report was reviewed and the town manager indicated the Oakland recycling facility should be operational December 1 and a letter has been sent to Ken-A-Set giving them a 30 day notice. The D.O.C. has completed the project on the road leading to the boat launch and has installed new planks for the boat launch. The town manager indicated the picnic area on route 3 has been closed for the season. Town manager indicated that four of the fish screens have been removed by David Landry, Roland Tilton and Ken Quirion.
The Financial Report was reviewed and approved, Rob/Libby, 3-0.
Police Report was reviewed and approved, Libby/Rob, 3-0.
Old Business: The town manager gave a brief update on the route 3 boat launch and the continual problems with men gathering there. KSO and SP have indicated they would patrol periodically and the town manager would have signs erected to enforce use for fishermen only and all other loitering would be prohibited.
New Business: Eric Rowe was recognized and gave an update on a meeting held on November 12th at the Riverside Station, attended by Rep Browne, Rep Cotta, Rep Fletcher and various fire chiefs, including the town manager. There were several concerns regarding the decision by the county to discontinue dispatching services at 125 State Street. The county informed the dispatchers that effective January 31, 2008; KSO would no longer dispatch for the county. The underlying reason was the dispatchers knew that this was inevitable and some have left, leaving the county in a position where they are having difficulty hiring dispatchers. Some of the other concerns were a rumor that the RCC tower was filled to capacity. Another concern was the possibility of a new license from the FCC.
Based on the meeting of November 12, the town manager was asked to research the information discussed at that meeting. The town manager indicated he had a conversation with Cliff Wells, and was told the following;
The tower is only at 46% and there is ample room for additional capacity. The RCC is currently looking at three options for dispatching for KSO. One is a T-1 land line, the other is a radio link, and the third is communicating through Camp Keyes. Cliff has asked the state department Office of Information Technology – Radio Services to research the options. The T-1 line appears to be the most likely option. It was also indicated that whichever option is selected it will be tested before implementation.
Cliff also indicated that licensing should not be an issue. The license only needs to be modified and usually only takes a few weeks.
The RCC is staff and supervisors are also trained for dispatching and pitch in when needed. They currently have openings for dispatching positions and will fill them as needed.
Libby asked how Somerset County could charge only $1.00 as compared to RCC charging $2.50.
The town manger indicated that number was pulled out of the air after a conversation with Mike Smith, director for Somerset County Communication Center, and does not reflect the actual charges and Somerset County may be subsidizing the Kennebec communities.
The town manager indicated he is in the process of coordinating a meeting with the RCC and would let the selectmen and fire chief know of the time and date.
There being no further business, a motion to adjourn the selectmen’s meeting at 8:26 p.m. Libby/Rob, 3-0.
Attest: ______________________________ Michael A. Vashon