Vassalboro Select Board
Minutes of the Meeting
September 11, 2014

Members Present: Lauchlin Titus and Phil Haines

Members Absent: Rob Browne

Others Present: Mary Sabins, Mary Grow, Town Clerk Cathy Coyne, and Darrell Gagnon

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

2. Minutes – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the 8/14/14 meeting as written.

3. Procurement Policy amendments – Sabins provided a second draft of amendments to the existing Procurement Policy. After she distributed the first draft of policy amendments to the Board in their agenda packets, she discovered a few more amendments that she felt the Board should consider. Among the changes, the final version of the policy also included an exemption section that included mowing services, joint purchases made with the school, and emergency repairs to public works vehicles and equipment. After brief discussion, and on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to approve draft #2 of the Procurement Policy as written. The Board then signed the approved policy.

4. Personnel Handbook amendments – After brief discussion, and on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to amend the Personnel Handbook Section 23 - Miscellaneous Benefits to reflect an increase in the allowance for work boots for Transfer Station and Public Works employees from $50 to $100 annually, retroactive to July 1, 2014.

5. Registrar of Voters appointment – Town Clerk Cathy Coyne requested an executive session to discuss a personnel matter. On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously at 7:12 p.m. to enter into an executive session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to 1 MRSA, Section 405, Subsection 6(A). The Board returned to open session at 7:30 p.m. on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines. Chairman Haines announced that no action will be taken by the Board as a result of the executive session. On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Cathy Coyne as Registrar of Voters to fill the unexpired term of Jim Schad, who retired.

6. Personal Property Tax Abatement – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to approve an abatement for 2013 personal property taxes for Alvin Lotheridge. The property was not located in Vassalboro as of 4/1/2013 and should not have been assessed.

7. Real Estate Tax abatements – On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to abate the 2012 and 2013 taxes, interest, and fees for Robert & Robin Morton. The mobile home has been dismantled and the tax is considered uncollectible. Also, on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to abate the 2012 and 2013 taxes, interest, and fees for Wayne Picard & Catherine Hughes for the same reasons.

8. Reports – a. Road Report - On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented. b. Police Report - On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented. c. First Responders Report - On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented.

9. Treasurer’s Warrants – Sabins explained that a special warrant (#17) had been created at the last minute this afternoon to cut a check for $500 for a down payment on transmission repair work needed on the town cruiser. On a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #15, #16, and #17.

10. Other – 1. A request from the MRC for nominations for their Board of Directors was noted. No action taken. 2. Sabins asked the Board for direction on the request the Board received from Brad Kelso several months ago concerning Medical Marijuana dispensaries. After discussion, the Board suggested Sabins contact MMA Legal Services to see if towns are authorized to regulate the location of a dispensary within town boundaries. 3. At the request of the DAR, and on a motion made by L. Titus, seconded by P. Haines, the Board voted unanimously to sign the DAR proclamation to declare September 17-23 as Constitution Week. 4. L. Titus stated that Vassalboro Days was deemed a big success by the Vassalboro Business Association, with revenues in excess of $4,000 received.

11. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

/mss

These minutes were read and accepted by the Select Board on 9/25/14 with the following amendments: None.