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

Others Present: Mary Sabins, Mary Grow, and Marianne Stevens

1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Titus at 7:00 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 10/20/16 meeting as written.

3. Alternate Planning Board Member appointment – Five candidates expressed interest in serving on the Planning Board. Those interested were: Joe Suga, Paul Mitnik, Tyler Brown, John Blais, and Marianne Stevens. Ms. Stevens attended the meeting and shared with the Board her background and experience. The Board discussed the qualifications of each candidate, and expressed appreciation that so many have expressed interest. After discussion, and on a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Marianne Stevens to the alternate position on the Planning Board to fill the unexpired term of Paul Breton who resigned.

4. Personnel Handbook revisions - Due to a change in staffing in the Police Chief position, revisions were needed to the Personnel Handbook to eliminate the classification of a part-time exempt employee category. The new Police Chief will not be classified in this category. Other minor typographical errors were corrected as well. With little discussion and on a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Personnel Handbook changes as prepared by the Town Manager.

5. Legalization of marijuana – Given that the recent State-wide referendum question on the legalization of marijuana in Maine has passed by a close margin, and towns are given an opportunity in the law to set rules to regulate or prohibit the retail sale of the product within town boundaries, the Board discussed what action to take. Not knowing what direction the residents of Vassalboro would have the Selectmen take on this matter, R. Browne suggested that the Board hold a public forum to gather public input. After discussion, the Board set December 1st at 7:00 p.m. at the town office as the date and time for the public forum to be held. The regular Selectmen’s meeting will be held early that evening at 6:30 p.m.

6. Cemetery lot buy-back – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to buy back two cemetery lots (Section B, Lots #28 and #29) in the North Vassalboro Village Cemetery for $150 each, or $300 total, from Rosalie Burns. She and her husband have made other plans and no longer need the lots.

7. Hometown Veterinary Care invoice – An invoice was received from Hometown Veterinary Care in Fairfield for emergency services rendered to a Windsor resident’s dog in July 2015 to remove porcupine quills. The Veterinary office staff stated that the Vassalboro Animal Control Officer brought the animal in. The owner did not pay the invoice, so the Vet office stated the Town was responsible to pay. Sabins called the Vet office to discuss the issue with staff. Staff was not able to provide answers as to why the dog was released to the owner without collecting the debt owed. After discussion, the Selectmen agreed the invoice was not the town’s responsibility.

8. MRC Board of Directors’ vacancy – After brief discussion of the candidates running for office, and on a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to cast the Town’s ballot for Irene Belanger of China.

9. Selectmen’s meeting on December 29th – The Board decided since the December 29th meeting would be the third meeting of the month and just after the Christmas holiday that it would not be necessary to meet on December 29th.

10. 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. c. First Responders’ Report – No report was available. d. Financial Report - On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented.

11. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #28 and #29.

12. Other – 1. Sabins stated that she had received an inquiry from Rick Denico, Jr. about the status of the Capital Expenses Committee appointments. The Selectmen confirmed that they felt the Committee had fulfilled its assignment and was no longer needed. 2. The Selectmen approved JMG Instructor Victor Esposito’s request to put a giving tree in the lobby at the town office. 3. L. Titus mentioned the sudden death tragedy of a teenager in town. 4. L. Titus stated that he would like to see the town do something to help the pedestrians who walk in the East Vassalboro Village area to feel safe, given that the sidewalk article failed. The Board considered the possibility of some alternative measures to mark the areas as follows: 1. Erect large diamond yellow signs that state “Congested Area”, or 2. Obtain solar yellow flashing lights with a sign that says “village area ahead”, and/or 3. Post the new electronic speed sign obtained from MDOT in that area on a permanent basis. Sabins will confer with PW Director Gene Field for his thoughts on this matter. 5. The Board agreed to bring back the failed proposed Shoreland Zone Ordinance for a re-vote at the June Annual Town Meeting.

13. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on 12/1/16 with the following amendments: None.