Vassalboro Select Board
Minutes of the Meeting
September 9, 2009

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

Others Present: Mary Sabins, David Jenney, Mary Grow, Scott Oliver, Ed Scholz, Mike White, Chuck O’Neal, Mike Farrell, and two other owners of Coyote Ridge Road property.

  1. Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Browne at 7:00 p.m.

  2. Minutes – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the 8/12/09 meeting as written.

  3. New Business –
    a. Glacial Energy representative Mike White introduced himself and his colleagues Ed Scholz and Scott Oliver. He then described the Glacial Energy program as one that has been recently licensed to wholesale energy in Maine. The program has been licensed in other larger states for many years. Glacial Energy proposes that they are able to supply energy to the town at a proposed 14% savings over the Standard Offer due to the fact that they invoice and receive payments electronically. No contract agreement is required and transition from the Standard Offer supplier (CMP) to Glacial Energy supplier is reported to be seamless and without interruption. After discussion, and on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted two in favor with one abstention (R. Browne), to have the Town Manager work with the representatives from Glacial Energy to have them become the energy supplier for the Town of Vassalboro.

    b. Conservation Commission update – Commission member David Jenney gave an update on the work that the Commission members have done to identify a parcel of land to allow a hand-carry boat access down a steep 20’ embankment to the Kennebec River. The chosen site will be under the railroad tracks near the Seven Mile stream access to the Kennebec River. Feasibility studies are still being undertaken and DEP permits will be pursued.

    c. Wells Fargo – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted unanimously to approve signing a new bank resolution which will add Mary Sabins and Jean Poulin’s names to the Cemetery Account. The change was needed as the bank still had the former town manager Mike Vashon’s name on the account.

    d. Cemetery committee – After discussion and on a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted unanimously to have Sabins ask Tim Giroux, Jim Ashton, Richard Kelly, and Julie Lyon if they would be willing to serve a one year term on the committee. The Board also chose Tim Giroux as the first Chairman, if he is willing to serve.

    e. Quitclaim deeds – The Selectmen signed two quitclaim deeds – one for Daren & Melisa McKee; the other for James & Jerri Crays who recently purchased property belonging to Daniel Robideau and the title to the property was not clear due to some undischarged tax liens from the 1950’s and the 1970’s.

  4. Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #16 and #17.

  5. Reports – a. Status report – Sabins read through the items on the status report, which includes the subject of the Coyote Ridge Road subdivision. Several residents of the subdivision were present and participated in the discussion on this subject matter. The town recently won a court judgment against the subdivision owner, but it remains uncertain how and when the road problems in the subdivision will be corrected. Sabins will contact the town attorney for advice on future action on this case. b. Road report – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to accept the road report as written. c. Police report – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to accept the police report as presented. d. Financial report – no discussion.

  6. Other – a. David Jenney explained that he had found an opportunity for an energy grant. Discussion was given about the possible locations within the town government to apply a use for the grant, should it be granted. After discussion, Lauchlin and David agreed to work together to prepare a grant application. b. The Mayor of the City of Augusta invited the Selectmen and the Town Manager to a Municipal Managers meeting at the Augusta Civic Center on Wednesday, October 14th at 7:00 p.m. for a discussion on possible cooperative efforts. c. At the Manager’s request, the Board agreed to have a discussion at the next meeting about a possible change to the Transfer Station hours.

  7. Executive session – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously at 8:34 p.m. to enter into an executive session to deliberate on an abatement request pursuant to 36 MRSA 841(2). The Board returned to open session at 8:40 p.m. on a motion made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus. A motion was then made by P. Haines, seconded by L. Titus, and voted unanimously by the Board to deny the abatement request based on the fact that the applicant is in no imminent danger of losing their home.

  8. 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 9/23/09 with the following amendments: None.