Vassalboro Select Board
Minutes of the Meeting
October 22, 2008

Members Present: Libby Mitchell, Lauchlin Titus, and Rob Browne

Others Present: Mary Sabins, Bill & Theresa Pulver and sons; Dick Phippen, Don Breton, Bill Browne, Cathy St. Pierre, Mary Grow, Bruce Flaherty, Dave Parsons, and several members of the public including members of the recreation department and the baseball team.

1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mitchell at 7:00 p.m. and welcomed the public to a special meeting of the Select Board where a special presentation was planned to recognize the work of two special volunteers from the Town.

2. Spirit of America Award Presentation – Chairman Mitchell introduced the Spirit of America Award as a way to recognize the work done by volunteers in the community. Selectman Lauchlin Titus awarded the first certificate of appreciation and recognition to Eleanor Getchell, a volunteer at the Library. Ms. Getchell chose not to attend the meeting because she did not want to be recognized for her volunteer work. Lauchlin stated that many volunteers don’t perform their work to be recognized; they do it for the enjoyment of helping others. Selectman Rob Browne awarded the second certificate of appreciation and recognition to Bill Pulver, the Town Recreation Director. Many attendants at the meeting spoke of the great progress that has been accomplished in the recreation program offerings and the development of the ball fields under Bill’s leadership. After the presentation, Bill expressed his appreciation for the recognition to all those in attendance. Photos of Bill and his family were taken, along with photos of the presenters. Chairman Mitchell informed Bill that he and Eleanor will be invited to go to the Blaine House next spring, along with other Spirit of America Award recipients from other towns, to celebrate the recognition with the Governor. Chairman Mitchell then declared a recess in the meeting to enjoy cider, donuts, and fellowship.

The meeting reconvened at 7:25 p.m.

3. New Business – a. Pike Industries – Chairman Mitchell gave a brief history of the paving bid process this year resulting in Pike winning the bid but not completing the work due to an increase in raw material prices and Pike could not uphold their bid price. Chairman Mitchell stated that she had met with Pike representatives, the Town Manager, and the Public Works Director in her office recently to discuss a possible solution to resolve the matter. Potential compromises were discussed, but nothing definite was decided upon. At this Board meeting, discussion ensued about the situation, with several members of the audience as well as the Board Members sharing their opinion. The matter will be re-addressed in the spring.
b. Budget process explanation – The Board answered many of Manager Sabins’ questions concerning the budget preparation process as it is conducted in Vassalboro.

4. Minutes – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the 10/8/08 meeting as written.

5. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #22, #23, #24 and #25 as presented.

6. Reports – a. Financial Report – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the financial report as presented.
b. Status Report – Each item on the status report was reviewed by Sabins. After the report was read, L. Titus suggested that the two topics concerning the Route #3 swim area and the Town web site could be removed from the report because they have been completed.
c. Road Report – On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented. It was suggested that Sabins start advertising for the sale of the public works truck that is being replaced, contingent upon the arrival of the new truck. L. Titus reported three streetlights that need bulb replacement in Town, and discussion was given about researching the Efficiency Maine program for more energy efficient street lighting.

7. Other – 1. After discussion, the Board agreed by consensus that the Transfer Station should remain open on the Veteran’s Day Holiday, November 11th. The transfer station staff will be paid at time and a half for the hours they work during the holiday.
2. Sabins requested a vacation day on Monday, November 10th. Chairman Libby stated it wasn’t necessary to request permission from the Board to take a vacation day, only to notify them who will be filling in during her long term absences.

8. Executive session for a personnel matter – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously at 8:30 p.m. to enter into executive session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to 1 MRSA Section 405, subsection 6(a). The Board returned to open session at 8:50 p.m.

9. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on November 5, 2008 with the following amendments: none.