ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MINUTES
TOWN OF VASSALBORO, MAINE
JUNE 8, 2009
At 6:43 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2009, Voter Registrar and Assistant Clerk James K. Schad
called to order the 236th annual meeting of the Town of Vassalboro, at Vassalboro Community
School on the Webber Pond Road, with nearly 400 citizens in attendance. The meeting was scheduled to begin at 6:30, but at that time there were quite a few people in the lobby, waiting to be checked in by the clerks. Each registered voter was given a placard, verifying his eligibility to vote in the meeting. Mr. Schad waited until everyone who was in line by 6:30 had been checked in. Schad read the Return of the Warrant and requested that all cell phones ringers be turned off.
Article 1: The citizens of Vassalboro chose Richard “Dick” Thompson of Palermo to serve as Moderator to preside at the Meeting, and to pay a sum not to exceed $200 for his services. Phil Haines, seconded by Harvey Boatman, nominated Thompson, who was subsequently elected by a unanimous vote. Schad administered the Moderator’s oath to him, then turned the meeting over to Thompson.
Phil Haines, seconded by David Trask, moved that he dispense with the reading of the warrant. Their motion carried without discussion.
Thompson led the assembly in the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. He acknowledged the People sitting at the head tables: Town Manager Mary Sabins, the Select Board, the Budget Committee, the Schads (Jim and Vicki, recording minutes), the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of the AOS, and the School Committee. Two Boy Scouts, Josh and Seth Reed, were to carry cordless microphones to people who wished to speak.
Selectman Rob Browne then honored Elizabeth “Libby” Mitchell, who has served as selectman in Vassalboro for nine years. He presented her with a plaque and the gratitude, of her Town. She responded graciously, citing her continuing responsibilities as President of the Maine State Senate.
Article 2: The citizens of Vassalboro elected from the floor, under the rules of the meeting, five members of the Budget Committee to serve two-year terms, and one member of the Budget Committee to serve one year to fill an unexpired term. Those elected to serve for two years were Don Breton, Bill Browne, John Burke, Lori Fowle, and Bill Whitley. In a separate action, Elizabeth Reuthe was elected to fill the one-year term.
The tellers were called forward: Kay Casey, Molly Melrose, Myra Sinclair, and Pat Sleamaker. They counted the raised placards to determine how many votes were cast for each nominee.
The following were nominated for two-year terms, after which Phil Haines, seconded by Sarah Sugden, moved that nominations cease: Don Breton (received 180 votes), Bill Browne (199 votes), John Burke (173 votes), Lori Fowle (150 votes), Richard Labbe (58 votes), Elizabeth Reuthe (122 votes), Bill Whitley (142 votes), and Tina Wood (104 votes).
The following were nominated for the one-year term, after which Phil Haines, seconded by Harvey Boatman, moved that nominations cease: Elizabeth Reuthe (112 votes), Nicole Wasilewski (58 votes), and Tina Wood (80 votes).
Article 3: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to fix the Due Dates of Taxes as follows, and to set the rate of interest at the prevailing allowable State rate: 9.00%. Interest will begin to accrue 7 days after the due date. The motion was made by Rob Browne and seconded by Phil Haines.
One-fourth of taxes due on 09-28-09
One-fourth of taxes due on 11-23-09
One-fourth of taxes due on 02-22-10
One-fourth of taxes due on 04-26-10
REVENUES
Article 4: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to use the following Anticipated Revenue amounts from the sources named, to reduce the 2009-2010 tax commitment: Phil Haines, seconded by Marianne DePue, moved to accept the article as printed and read.
Excise Tax $ 575,000
Agent Fees 13,000
Snowmobile agent fees 2,500
Boat Excise Tax 4,000
Interest/Penalties 22,000
State Revenue Sharing 200,000
State Road Assistance 70,000
State Road Asst. (prev. yrs.) 25,287
Tree Growth Reimbursement 8,000
State Park Sharing 1,800
Veterans Exemption 1,500
Investment Income 35,000
Miscellaneous 5,000
Permit Fees 8,000
Solid Waste/Recycling 48,000
Franchise Fee/Cable Fees 12,000
Clerk Fees 6,000
Bete Reimbursement 150
Surplus 150,000
TOTAL REVENUES: $1,187,237
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Article 5: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $278,260 for Administration. Libby Mitchell, seconded by Rob Browne, made the motion.
Article 6: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $45,700 for Assessment Costs. Bill Whitley, seconded by Lauchlin Titus, made the motion, which carried after a short explanation and breakdown of the costs.
Article 7: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $22,275 for Debt Service. Motion was by Libby Mitchell, seconded by Laughlin Titus.
Article 8: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate zero dollars for the Capital Reserve Fund. Motion for the Selectmen’s and Budget Committee’s $-0- recommended amount was made by Phil Haines and seconded by Lauchlin Titus.
Rick Denico asked how much money was in the Capital Reserve Fund; Mary Sabins replied that the account was depleted. Denico then asked about the Surplus Fund; Sabins cited more than $823,000 in Surplus. The motion was carried at zero dollars.
Article 9: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $366,799 for the Public Works Department. Motion by Bill Whitley, seconded by Phil Haines.
Article 10: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $249,000 for Paving Work to allow the Town to pave the following roads: Cemetery Road, Taber Hill Road, and the west section of Hussey Hill Road and for Road Striping and Paved Road Maintenance and if any of said sums remain the Selectmen at their discretion could do additional paving. The motion was made by Libby Mitchell, seconded by Rob Browne.
Jason Meader addressed the group, calling for more signs on Cemetery Street and the Oak Grove road (i.e., speed limit, and stop ahead). Sabins assured him that the Public Works budget included funds for that. The motion carried after brief discussion.
Article 11: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $289,502 for the cost of operating the Town’s Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Facility. The motion, made by Bill Whitley and seconded by Phil Haines, was carried without discussion.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Article 12: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $34,283 for the Police Department and Animal Control. Motion by Libby Mitchell, seconded by Rob Browne. The article carried after a brief question-and-answer period.
In response to a question from Robert Picher, the Town Manager explained that the allowance for our Police Department is for 10 hours a week, but Chief Richard Phippen puts in much more time most weeks. After questions from one or two others, Sabins gave the breakdown of the $34,283, accounting for it “to the dollar.”
Article 13: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $103,758 for the Fire Department. Motion by Mike Vashon, seconded by Don Breton.
Article 14: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to appropriate a sum not to exceed $6,000 from surplus to be used as local match dollars for new Fire Department equipment. These funds will be expended only in the event of a Fire Department Grant Award. Motion by Phil Haines, seconded by Mike Vashon.
Article 15: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $17,545 for Fire Hydrant Rental. The motion was made by Lauchlin Titus and seconded by Bill Whitley. The article was carried after a brief discussion.
Howard Morang of Vassalboro asked whether the Kennebec Water District, which owns the hydrants, pays taxes in Vassalboro. Mike Vashon replied that, while the KWD facility is tax exempt, they do pay some taxes on their land in Town.
Article 16: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $17,500 for Street Lights. Motion by Libby Mitchell, seconded by Bill Whitley.
In response to a question by Robert Picher, Sabins explained that this article covers street lights that are currently in use.
SPECIAL ARTICLES AND TOWN POLICY
Article 17: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the Select Board to sell and dispose of any real estate acquired by the Town for non-payment of taxes thereon, and to execute quit-claim deeds for such property, and to further direct that the sale of such tax-acquired property shall be by public notice which shall be advertised in the local daily newspapers prior to sale, and that this procedure shall apply except in cases where the tax-acquired property is sold back to the former owners or their successors or descendants within the period of sixty (60) days after legal acquisition by the Town. Funds received through the sale of Tax-Acquired Property may be used at the Selectmen’s discretion to reduce previously authorized debt service. Motion by Libby Mitchell, seconded by Bill Whitley.
Article 18: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the Selectmen to submit Applications for State and/or Federal Funding and if said program is approved, authorize the municipal officers to accept said grant funds, to make such assurances, assume such responsibilities, and exercise such authority as are necessary and reasonable to implement such program, and to disburse such funds for the purpose granted. Motion by Libby Mitchell, seconded by Lauchlin Titus.
Article 19: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the Selectmen, for the fiscal year 2009-2010, to Transfer Funds between appropriation accounts so long as the grand total of all appropriations is not exceeded. Any such transfers are to be approved only at a properly called public meeting of the Selectmen and Budget Committee. Motion by Libby Mitchell, seconded by Phil Haines.
Article 20: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the Municipal Officers under Maine Statutes, Chapter 12, Section 6131 and amendments thereto, to promulgate such regulations compatible with the General Laws of the State to govern the time and manner in which Alewives shall be taken therein for the calendar year 2010. Motion made by Phil Haines, seconded by Marianne DePue.
Article 21: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the Municipal Officers to sell surplus Alewives for one or more years. Motion by Phil Haines, second by Bill Whitley.
Article 22: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to enact an ordinance entitled “Town of Vassalboro Adult-Only Businesses Ordinance.” Motion was made by Richard Flick and seconded by Rob Browne.
Clerk’s Informational Note: In February, Mr. Donald Crabtree of Ellsworth approached the Planning Board requesting a permit to open a Topless Coffee Bar on Route 3 in Vassalboro. There being no ordinance or law to prohibit such an establishment, the board granted him his license. Since then, controversy has been vigorous, publicity has been nationwide, and opposition has been organized. Meanwhile the business has prospered, and Crabtree approached the Board on June 2 with a request to expand the facility and allow nude dancing. Early the next morning, one or more arsonists destroyed the Coffee Bar. The ordinance before the Town tonight would seek to regulate such establishments in the future, while Mr. Crabtree’s business—should it be rebuilt to its previous specifications—would be “grandfathered.”
As expected, an extensive discussion ensued. Richard Flick, Ann Foshay, Bob Tetreault, Rebecca Murray, Nancy Hinds, Jolene Gamage, and Sarah Luce were among those asking questions or making comments about the ordinance and the process. The Selectmen were forthcoming with information:
All the relevant meetings/hearings held by the Selectmen and the Planning Board have been announced beforehand, in the paper and on the internet.
The ordinance before the Town tonight will be either enacted or defeated as a whole. Should citizens vote it down hoping to adopt more restrictive rules, the entire process would have to begin again, with a petition and a new ordinance, followed by hearings and an eventual vote, either at an annual town meeting or at a special town meeting (requiring a quorum).
Tonight’s ordinance, of course, can be amended at a later date by due process.
In writing the ordinance, the Selectmen sought to produce a document that would be constitutional and would consider all the options available to the Town. A complete ban on nudity is unconstitutional and would not hold up in court when challenged.
The key to the ordinance lies in Section X, where prohibited sites and site requirements are spelled out, and plans are in place moving forward. The Town cannot prohibit a licensed business from continuing. New business (such as a school or day care facility) cannot move in and force an existing establishment out of business on the basis of proximity or use.
When the motion came to a vote, the voice vote was uncertain, so the Moderator called for people to raise their placards. Without an actual count, it was obvious that the motion, and therefore the Ordinance, was carried.
Article 23: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to enact an ordinance entitled “Shoreland Zoning Ordinance for the Town of Vassalboro” revised June 2009. Motion made by Libby Mitchell, seconded by Lauchlin Titus.
A brief discussion ensued, during which the Town Manager introduced Paul Mitnik, our Code Enforcement Officer, to answer questions. Mitnik explained that cities and towns are required by the State to update Shoreland Zoning Ordinances periodically. He said that the changes in this revision are minor, the most important being that specific zoning changes will be put on hold until all the landowners are notified. He encouraged those with individual questions to attend the Planning Board meetings, held every month on the third Tuesday.
Article 24: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to enact an ordinance entitled “Town of Vassalboro Enforcement and Appeals Ordinance.” The motion, made by Phil Haines and seconded by Mike Vashon, was carried without discussion.
Article 25: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the Selectmen to enter into a Boundary Agreement with Philip and Patricia Innes, abutters of the town property at the Webber Pond Boat Launch and parking area, and to appropriate from alewife revenue an amount not to exceed $1,900 for compensation to Philip and Patricia Innes to purchase the land the Town needs to clarify the deeds and to re-establish the parking lot and boat ramp as Town property; and to further authorize the Selectmen to seek and receive grant funding through the Department of Conservation (DOC) valued at approximately $80,000 for improvements that the DOC will conduct at the Webber Pond Boat Launch and parking area. The motion, made by Rob Browne and seconded by Lauchlin Titus, was carried without discussion
LIBRARY
Article 26: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $30,990 for the Town’s share of the Library. Motion by Libby Mitchell, seconded by Phil Haines.
Article 27: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,500 for General Assistance and to authorize Selectmen to expend any and all reimbursement funds received from the State. Motion by Rob Browne, second by Frederick Denico.
Article 28: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500 for the Vassalboro Food Station. Motion by Bill Whitley, second by Dick Phippen.
Article 29: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,600 for the Hospice. Motion made by Doug Phillips, seconded by Dr. John Burke.
Article 30: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,250 for the Family Violence Project. The motion, for the Selectmen’s recommendation, was made by Libby Mitchell and seconded by Lauchlin Titus.
Sarah Luce asked why the monies requested in the petition have been reduced. Mike Vashon of the Budget Committee, former town manager, explained that the municipal leaders are doing everything they can to keep taxes from rising.
Article 31: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,500 for the Kennebec Valley Mental Health Center. The motion, for the Selectmen’s recommendation, was posed by Libby Mitchell and seconded by Bill Whitley.
Jennifer Stevens asked what the Town would lose by authorizing the lesser amount instead of the petition request. Vashon replied that there would be no change in services, due to other monies available to KVMHC. An employee of KVMHC, Lisa Soucie disagreed, citing reduced subsidies and funding on the State level.
Article 32: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $ 2,000 for the Senior Spectrum. The original motion, for the Selectmen’s recommendation of $750, was made by Phil Haines and seconded by Libby Mitchell. During ensuing discussion, Carolyn Allen (seconded by Evalee Kimball) proposed an amendment that would set the appropriation at $2000. The article was carried as amended.
Carmen Bedard, a nonresident, was granted permission to speak to the meeting. Manager at the Muskie Center in Waterville, Ms. Bedard gave us statistics for the numbers of Vassalboro residents who utilize the facility. Dale Richmond, Carolyn Allen, and Evalee Kimball spoke in favor of the program. The amendment for the higher amount was proposed, and carried by a placard vote, 116 to 101. The article was then passed as amended.
Article 33: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $0 (zero dollars) for the KVCAP Child & Family Services. Motion by Bill Whitley, seconded by Mike Vashon, was carried after a very brief discussion.
Article 34: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $15,000 for the Recreation Department. The motion, for the Selectmen’s recommendation of $15,000, was made by Libby Mitchell and seconded by Bill Whitley. During the ensuing discussion, Dale Richmond (seconded by Jane Pronovost) introduced an amendment that would reduce the figure to $13,750. The reduction in this article amount would then pay for the increased appropriation in Article 32. Both Richmond and Pronovost, however, withdrew their amendment as the discussion ensued.
Rob Browne, Ann Foshay, and Nicole Waselewski spoke in favor of the higher amount to fund the Recreation Department, and the citizens of Vassalboro agreed.
Article 35: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500 for the Kennebec Trail Riders Vassalboro Cemeteries for the maintenance of snowmobile trails with the understanding that such trails will be open for the use of snowmobiles during snowmobile season. Motion by Phil Haines; second by Libby Mitchell.
Article 36: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000 for the support of the Vassalboro Historical Society to assist this organization with the maintenance of the Museum located in the former East Vassalboro school building. Motion by Libby Mitchell, second by Bill Whitley.
Article 37: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $14,500 for the Town’s share in the maintenance of Cemeteries and Public Grounds and for Memorial Day Expenses. Motion by Mike Vashon, seconded by Libby Mitchell.
Article 38: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000 for the maintenance of the Three Mile Pond Recreational Area. The motion was made by Libby Mitchell, seconded by Phil Haines.
When Nancy Hinds asked why the Recreational Area is not open, Selectman Lauchlin Titus explained that the area is very popular on gay websites, and has become the location of activity that is inappropriate for families. Resident families, therefore, are not using the boat landing or swimming area. Libby Mitchell explained that the Selectmen are definitely trying to maintain public access to the lake, and have partnered with the State to solve the problems that have arisen recently. Meanwhile, the area is not a legal liability to the Town of Vassalboro. Hinds suggested that there might be a better solution than complete closure of the Recreational Area..
Article 39: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $293,055 for the support of Kennebec County Government. The motion was by Lauchlin Titus, seconded by Phil Haines.
Article 40: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $7,500 for the support of the China Region Lakes Alliance. Motion by Bill Whitley, second by Dick Phippen.
Article 41: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,761 for the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG). Motion by Mike Vashon, seconded by Phil Haines..
Article 42: The citizens of Vassalboro voted pass over article 42, since it was rendered unnecessary by the evening’s other decisions. The motion to pass over was made by Phil Haines and seconded by Harvey Boatman.
ARTICLES PURSUANT TO 20-A M.R.S.A. SECTION 1485
Article 43: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the School Committee to expend the sum of $4,102,577 for Regular Instruction. The motion was made by Lori Fowle, seconded by Libby Mitchell.
A lengthy discussion ensued, largely centered on questions raised by consolidation (AOS) being forced upon the Town from the State level.
Charles Jankowski asked by what percentage our taxes are going up this year, and the proportions of increase due to AOS, the town, and the school. Mike Vashon: Taxes are up generally by 14%, with 80% of the increase going to school-related expenses. Lori Fowle: 70% of the school increase is from AOS; 18% from High School tuition; and 11% from the Vassalboro Community School.
Harvey Boatman believes that we’ve made a mistake by joining the AOS (which goes into effect July 1, 2009) with Waterville and Winslow. Waterville and Winslow have realized decreases in expenses; while Vassalboro’s school expenses have increased dramatically as a result of the consolidation.
David Trask, Lori Fowle, Linda Kingdon, John Flynn, and Jennifer Jones spoke in favor of passing the school budget this year “for the children,” perhaps attempting to change our situation next year. They encouraged local participation in the periodic AOS meetings, for which Thor Swenson pointed out our tax bills will be a powerful reminder.
David Jenney, Tom Richard, Rick Denico, and Nicole Wasilewski were among those who expressed concern, asking if it will even be possible to “fix” things in the future. Lori Fowle, chairman of the School Committee, said they really can’t guarantee it, but that the AOS board is “looking into” their transportation calculations, the source of the greatest increase to Vassalboro.
Lori Fowle pointed out that State funding for Vassalboro schools is down by more than $206,000 this year, largely due to a decrease in the number of students. She further explained that articles 44, 48, and 50 in this warrant have already been voted by the Town in a town meeting and secret-ballot election held in Winslow on April 8. If, as some suggested, we refuse to join with the consolidation, the State government will levy heavy penalties. If, as Tony Dutil suggested, we take some money from Surplus to help pay these expenses, Sabins reminded him that there are consequences to the Town’s cash flow in lowering the Surplus Account.
After considerable discussion, Mike Vashon (seconded by Phil Haines) moved the question. The meeting agreed to stop debate, and Article 43 was passed.
At this point in the meeting Kervyn Willett, seconded by Trudy Dorval, moved that we consolidate our discussion and our vote on Articles 44 through 54, considering them as a group. Although a few people (e.g. Mat Freytag, Ann Foshay, Evalee Kimball) expressed concern that the resulting discussion would be limited, the assembly voted to consider the articles as a group.
Articles 44 through 54: Kervyn Willette, seconded by Nancy Hinds, moved that we accept Articles 44 through 54 at the recommended sums. The discussion that followed was minimal. Frank Dunlap (seconded by Coleen Dunlap) proposed an amendment that would have directed $250,000 of the total school expenses (as defined in Article 54) to come from Surplus. Mike Vashon and Phil Haines both spoke against the Dunlaps’ amendment, which was ultimately defeated. Articles 44 through 54 were carried as a group, by a voice vote.
Article 44: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the School Committee to expend the sum of $1,182,052 for Special Education. Motion by Kervyn Willette, second by Nancy Hinds.
Article 45: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the School Committee to expend the sum of $80,100 for Career and Technical Education. Motion by Kervyn Willette, second by Nancy Hinds.
Article 46: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the School Committee to expend the sum of $63,967 for Other Instruction. Motion by Kervyn Willette, second by Nancy Hinds.
Article 47: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the School Committee to expend the sum of $207,524 for Student and Staff Support. Motion by Kervyn Willette, second by Nancy Hinds.
Article 48: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the School Committee to expend the sum of $269,028 for System Administration. Motion by Kervyn Willette, second by Nancy Hinds.
Article 49: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the School Committee to expend the sum of $239,725 for School Administration. Motion by Kervyn Willette, second by Nancy Hinds.
Article 50: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the School Committee to expend the sum of $500,268 for Transportation and Buses. Motion by Kervyn Willette, second by Nancy Hinds.
Article 51: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the School Committee to expend the sum of $433,607 for Facilities Maintenance. Motion by Kervyn Willette, second by Nancy Hinds.
Article 52: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the School Committee to expend the sum of $360,174 for Debt Service and Other Commitments. Motion by Kervyn Willette, second by Nancy Hinds.
Article 53: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the School Committee to expend the sum of $17,800 for All Other Expenditures. Motion by Kervyn Willette, second by Nancy Hinds.
ARTICLES PURSUANT TO 20-A M.R.S.A. Section 15690
Article 54: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to appropriate the sum of $1,843,797 for the total cost of funding public education from kindergarten to grade 12 as described in the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act (Recommend $6,282,271) and to raise the sum of $1,843,797 as the municipality’s contribution to the total cost of funding public education from kindergarten to grade 12 as described in the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act in accordance with the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 15688. Motion by Kervyn Willette, second by Nancy Hinds.
The following statement must accompany this article in subparagraph:
Explanation: The school administrative unit’s contribution to the total cost of funding public education from kindergarten to grade 12 as described in the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act is the amount of money determined by state law to be the minimum amount that a municipality must raise in order to receive the full amount of state dollars.
Article 55: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to raise and appropriate $810,455 in additional local funds, which exceeds the State’s Essential Programs and Services allocation model by $660,441 as required to fund the budget recommended by the school committee. The motion was made by Phil Haines and seconded by Lori Fowle. The decision required a written ballot; the motion carried by 113 to 37.
Article 56 The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the school committee to expend the sum of $7,456,822 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009, and ending June 30, 2010, from the school administrative unit’s contribution to the Total Cost of Funding Public Education from kindergarten to grade 12 as described in the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act, non-state-funded school construction projects, additional local funds for school purposes under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 15690, unexpended balances, tuition receipts, state subsidy and other receipts for the support of schools. The motion was made by Phil Haines, seconded by David Trask, and carried with no discussion.
Article 57: The citizens of Vassalboro voted to authorize the School Committee to expend such other sums as may be received from federal or state grants or programs or other sources during the fiscal year for School Purposes provided that such grants, programs or other sources do not require the expenditure of other funds not previously appropriated. The motion was made by David Trask, seconded by Phil Haines, and carried with no discussion.
Libby Mitchell, seconded by Phil Haines, moved that we recess till Tuesday, June 9, at 8:00 a.m. Their motion was carried, and the town meeting dismissed at 10:04 p.m.
At 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, the meeting was reconvened by Moderator Richard Thompson at the Vassalboro Town Office. He administered the Deputy Moderator’s oath of office to Molly Melrose, warden for the election. Ballot clerks for the day were Kay Casey, Trudy Dorval, and Mary Morneau; counters (arriving at 8:00 p.m.) were Donna Jacobs and Glennis Michaud.
Article 58: The citizens of Vassalboro elected all necessary municipal officers/officials by secret ballot at the polls, which were open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on June 9, 2009.