Minutes
Town of Vassalboro
Select Board Meeting
6:30 P.M. Vassalboro Town Office
Thursday, September 21, 2023

Members Present: Chris French, Rick Denico and Michael Poulin

Others Present: Aaron Miller, Laura Jones, Doug Phillps, Scott Wentworth, Stacy Richmond

1. Call the Meeting to order – The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by C. French.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Minutes: Review and Approve the minutes of the September 7, 2023 meeting – R. Denico motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by M. Poulin; 3-0.

4. Public Hearing – Adopt GA Maximums – M. Poulin motioned to enter the public hearing, seconded by R. Denico; 3-0. The Town Manager reviewed the latest sections of the state’s General Assistance maximum amounts. No public comment. M. Poulin motioned to close the public hearing, seconded by R. Denico; 3-0. The selectboard signed the 2023-2024 GA Maximums.

5. Discuss Committee Policy on Minutes – C. French noted all committees must take minutes. The Town Manager pointed to Title 1, section 406 § 403 says a record of each public proceeding for which notice is required must be made within a reasonable period of time after the proceeding and must be open to public inspection. At minimum the record must include the date, time and place of public proceeding; the members of the body holding the public proceeding recorded as either present or absent; and all motions and votes taken by the individual member. D. Phillips suggested looking at statute and providing that information to all committees. C. French said that he believes that all committee meetings should be televised. The Town Manger will work with L. Jones on this matter. C. French asked the Town Manager to get quotes on upgrading the town office communications including wiring and networking.

6. Town Office Hours – The Town Manager proposed new office hours after discussion with the staff and reviewing hours of other town offices. The proposal would mean the office will be open to the public 39 hours a week rather than 38 and add early morning and evening hours with Fridays closed. S. Richmond said the schedule isn’t bad now, however a four-day work week might be more enticing for new applicants. C. French agreed that a four-day workweek could serve as a recruitment tool and prefers to keep the Thursday hours open until 6:30 p.m. C. French motioned to start a 90-day trial period of a four-day workweek beginning January 2, 2024, seconded by R. Denico; 3-0.

7. Discuss Transfer Station Taskforce Request for RFP – The Town Manager reported the Transfer Station Taskforce agreed to ask the selectboard to send out Requests for Proposals for engineering design and costs for a new transfer station. C. French noted that the group is looking to improve safety and would like to avoid a “backup” design for motorists, adding the taskforce has a design in mind that includes two lanes in the center with compactors on both sides. He added that a representative from DEP met with the group and cautioned everyone about proper ventilation given the proximity to the landfill. The taskforce is recommending an open-ended building. D. Phillips said the group would like to get RFP’s out and look at the concept the crew designed and come up with more concrete ideas. R. Denico motioned to allow the Town Manager to send out an RFP for design for a new transfer station and to open those bids on Nov. 16; seconded by M. Poulin; 3-0.

8. Appointment: Scott Wentworth to Cemetery Committee – S. Wentworth introduced himself, having lived in Vassalboro for 10 years. He explained that he has interest in history and his family genealogy and would like to serve. C. French motioned to appoint S. Wentworth to the cemetery committee, seconded by M. Poulin; 3-0. The Town Manager will introduce Mr. Wentworth to the cemetery committee at their meeting on Oct. 2 at 3:30 p.m. at the Town Office.

9. Reports: Town Manger & Road – R. Denico motioned to accept reports, seconded by C. French; 3-0.

10. Sign Warrants – R. Denico motioned to accept warrants 15, 16, 17, and 18; seconded by M. Poulin; 3-0.

11. Discuss Purchasing Copier – M. Poulin motioned to approve purchasing a Canon DX C5840i with service plan, seconded by R. Denico; 3-0.

12. Other items as may be presented by the Town Manager or Selectboard – No discussion.

13. Adjournment – M. Poulin motioned to adjourn, seconded by R. Denico; 3-0.