Vassalboro Select Board
Minutes of the Meeting
September 10, 2008

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

Others Present: Mary Sabins, CEO Paul Mitnik, George Gould, Mary Grow, Chuck O’Neal, and Mike Farrell.

1.Call to order – The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mitchell at 6:30 p.m.

2.Executive Session - On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously at 6:30 p.m. to enter into an executive session pursuant to 36 MRSA 841(2e). On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to return to open session at 6:45 p.m.

A fifteen minute intermission was taken until it was time for the regular Board meeting to begin at 7:00 p.m. During the intermission, L. Mitchell informed the Board that she has a scheduling conflict with the Sept. 24th Board meeting and will be unable to attend. The other Selectmen will conduct the meeting without her. R. Browne stated that he will be away from Nov. 7th – Nov. 15th, but will not miss any Board Meetings.

3.Reconvene – Chairman Mitchell reconvened the meeting into open session at 7:00 p.m.

4.Results of the Executive Session – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to deny the request for abatement.

5.Minutes – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the 8/13/08 meeting as written.

6.Treasurer’s Warrants – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #12, #13, and #14.

7.Reports – The Road Report was read and approved on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, and voted unanimously by the Board. Discussion was also given regarding the price for paving. The cost of liquid asphalt has increased drastically from the original bid price in March and the vendor (Pike) states they cannot fulfill the contract. After deliberation with the vendor and other competitive vendors whose price is no lower, and in light of the fact that the roads are not in severe and dangerous condition, Sabins and Road Commissioner Gene Field have decided to postpone the paving activity until next spring in hopes the price will go down. After discussion, the Board supported the decision to postpone paving. The Status Report was reviewed and discussion given. The Board reviewed and approved the Financial Report on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne. Sabins reported that the excise tax and investment income figures for the month of July has changed (increased) since last month’s report was completed and submitted, due to late posting. The Police Report was also reviewed and approved unanimously by the Board on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne.

8.Coyote Ridge Drive – Code Officer Paul Mitnik explained that the Coyote Ridge Subdivision had been approved by the Planning Board in October 2006. The subdivision road does not meet the Town’s road construction ordinance. The road needs to be in the center of the right-of-way and the sub base is not adequate. The road is also required to be paved. P. Mitnik stated that the principal owner of the subdivision cannot be located, so Paul contacted the mortgage holder about the noted violations. P. Mitnik also stated that he should not issue any more building permits in the subdivision until the road violations are resolved. Subdivision property owners Chuck O’Neal and Mike Farrell were present and registered their concerns about being told when they bought the property that the road would be paved and would become a town road. Neither of which has happened. Mr. Farrell stated that the value of his property has been reduced drastically because of the status of the subdivision road, and he cannot recoup his investment in his property if he sells now without a solution to the road issue. Mr. O’Neal shared Mr. Farrell’s concern, and also expressed his concern over a large Hammond Lumber construction sign that has been propped up at the opening to the subdivision quite some time ago when his house was built, and the sign has remained there ever since. Attempts by Mr. O’Neal to have Hammond Lumber remove the sign have failed. The Selectmen requested that the Manager attempt to have the sign removed, and to contact the Town Attorney to move toward resolving the road issues. Chairman Mitchell recommended that Sabins write a letter to the Planning Board requesting that, in the future, the Planning Board require a performance bond from the developer for all roads built in subdivisions before final approval for the subdivision is given.

9.School Window Bids – One bid for the 53 used windows recently removed from the elementary school was received. That bid was from Hammond Lumber for $1,000. The Board felt the windows were probably worth more than the bid price, but the space being utilized for the window storage in the Town Garage is needed. Ideas of selling the windows on Ebay was explored, but not considered cost or time effective. After discussion and on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted 2-1 (Titus) to accept Hammond Lumber’s bid of $1,000.

10.Spirit of America Award – Chairman Mitchell stated that she would like to participate again this year in this program designed to recognize community volunteers. Other Board members agreed. The names of two regular town volunteers were offered and approved by the Board Members. Chairman Mitchell provided the name of Bruce Flaherty as the State contact person for the Spirit of America Award. Sabins will move forward with the information and make plans for the presentation.

11.Silver Star Day – At the faxed request of a Mom who has lost her son in the War in Iraq, and on a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted unanimously to sign the Silver Star Banner Day Proclamation 2009, declaring May 1st of each year as “Silver Star Banner Day”, in appreciation of our wounded Armed Forces members.

12.Other items –
1. The Board opted not to pursue additional (new) MMA insurance coverage to cover well contamination from winter salt application.
2. A thank you letter from Senior Spectrum was read.
3. A reminder of the School Board meeting on September 15th in Waterville was read.
4. The upcoming MMA Convention was discussed. The Board stated they prefer not to close the office that day.
5. At the request of Evelyn Dutil and on behalf of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Board signed a proclamation declaring September 17-23, 2008 as Constitution Week.
6. On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the order and to sign the warrants, notice of public hearing, and orders calling for a referendum vote to re-vote the bonding issue for the replacement windows at the elementary school. The issue needs to be re-voted due to a technical error in the article for the vote held in June 2008.

13.Executive session – On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by L. Titus, the Board voted unanimously to enter into an executive session at 8:45 p.m. pursuant to 1 MRSA, Section 405, subsection 6(a). The Board returned to open session at 10:24 p.m. on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by R. Browne, and voted unanimously by the Board.

14.Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 10:24 p.m.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on ___________ with the following amendments: