Board of Selectmen Meeting

MINUTES

SEBAGO BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING

6:00 PM

TOWN OFFICE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2018       

ALL REGULAR BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETINGS

ARE HELD THE 1ST AND 3RD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman, Chris Parker, at 6:05 pm.

I.      ROLL CALL

Present: Selectmen; Edythe Harnden, Chris Harrington, Phil Lowe and Chris Parker, Town Manager, Michele Bukoveckas, Town Clerk and Recorder, Maureen Scanlon

        Absent: Tim Mayberry

Guests present: Claudia Lowe, Jim Libby, James & Jane MacDonald, Charles & Karen Frechette, Maurice Davies, Nicole Prescott, Code Enforcement Officer Brandon Woolley, Tim Economides, Michael Jarbeau, Michael & Jane Foye, John Gillis, Ann Burns, Susan Gassett, June Johnson, Carl Dolloff, Zoe Greene, Cindy & Dave Wilson, Bill Gill, Bruce Hart, Ryan Anderson, Joe McMahon, Public Works Director Wayne Allen, Transfer Station Attendants David Twombly & Michael Kelly, Glenn, Charlotte & Mackenzie Dodge.   

II.     ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA

        There were none.

III.    CONSENT AGENDA

Approval of the November 6, 2018 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

Phil Lowe made a motion to approve the November 6, 2018 meeting minutes as presented.  It was seconded by Chris Parker.  Motion carried with all in favor.

RECORDER’S NOTE:  

Prior to the commencement of the Old Business Agenda items a moment of silence was observed in honor of the passing of President George H.W. Bush.

IV.     OLD BUSINESS

Public Safety Building Discussion/Update

Town Manager Michele Bukoveckas stated that estimates are currently being obtained for modular units for this proposed project.

Due to the fact that there were no members of the Fire or Rescue departments present at this meeting this agenda item will be addressed at the next regular meeting.  

Transfer Station Safety Concerns Discussion

Transfer Station Attendant Mike Kelly proceeded to review some of the safety concerns that have been noted at the Transfer Station.  He stated that the number one concern is speed.  People are driving too fast.  

Transfer Station Attendant David Twombly stated that repainting of traffic lines would help the situation.  

A list of their concerns was submitted to the Board of Selectmen by the Transfer Station staff members.  There was discussion on some of the other concerns that have been identified as needing to be addressed.  The list of concerns will be reviewed by the Board and addressed at a later date.  

Edie Harnden thanked David Twombly for always being so helpful to residents.  She has personally benefited from his helpful services.  

V.      NEW BUSINESS

A.      Long Beach Crosswalks Discussion

Bruce Hart, President of the Long Beach Community Association, stated that for the past twenty-five years or so they have been contracting to have someone paint the crosswalks in the Long Beach area which was approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT).  This year the Association has been approached to make this process more compliant with the traffic rules.  The walkways will be painted a little differently than what has been done in the past and two signage options have been presented.  Bruce proceed to explain the difference between the two signage options and stated that the Long Beach Community Association is in favor of option number two which consists of signs located at each end of the beach and rubber signs located within the crosswalk.  The DOT will pay for the supplies and materials, but is requesting that the town do the actual installation of the signs.  After the initial installation, the Long Beach Community Association will be responsible, once again, for maintaining the painting of the crosswalks on a yearly basis.  

Bruce also informed the Board of speed radar signs that are available for use through the DOT.  The town would be responsible for any ongoing maintenance.

Phil Lowe made a motion that the town assist with this endeavor to the extent needed.  It was seconded by Chris Harrington.  Motion carried with all in favor.

Code Enforcement Officer Brandon Woolley expanded on the subject of speed limits by stating that they are set throughout town by the DOT and that the municipality essentially has no say in the matter unless they want to file a request for a reduction.  Brandon identified a couple of locations where speed is of a concern.  These locations are; the bottom of Long Hill Road (by Fitch Road) and Hancock Pond Road.  He requested permission to make a request of the DOT for a reduction in the speed limits in these areas.  Edie Harnden asked that Brandon add Convene Road to this list.    

Chris Parker made a motion to allow Brandon to pursue the matter of speed limit signs for Long Hill Road, Hancock Pond Road and Convene Road with the DOT.  It was seconded by Phil Lowe.  Motion carried with all in favor.    

B.      Sebago Days-Spirit of America Award

Carl Dolloff, President of the Sebago Days Committee, explained that last month the Sebago Days Committee was awarded the Spirit of America award in Southern Maine.  This award is based on volunteerism and he and several other members; Ann Burns, Susan Gassett, June Johnson and Mike Foye, were here this evening to present the town with this award.  Carl proceeded to read aloud the declaration of this award and presented it Town Manager, Michele Bukoveckas on behalf of the town.  Carl thanked everyone involved in helping the committee members in continuing to make this such a successful endeavor.  The Board thanked the committee members for their ongoing efforts in making this such a wonderful event.

                C.      Appointment to Budget Committee to fill vacancy (term expires 6/19)

Town Manager, Michele Bukoveckas, stated that she was advised by Lisa Johnson that she is moving out of town and is unable to continue her term on the Budget Committee which expires this coming June.  Michele recommended Gerry Holt for the position in light of the fact that he has served on this committee in the past.  It was noted that he also ran for a Budget Committee position in the past election and is interested in serving in this capacity once again.       

Chris Parker made a motion to appoint Gerry Holt to the vacant position of Budget Committee member.  It was seconded by Phil Lowe.  Motion carried with all in favor.  

VI.     REPORTS FROM TOWN OFFICALS

A       Town Manager

Encroachment letters have gone out and I have spoken with 3 of the individuals already.  

One will move his fence and would like to inquire if purchasing some of the land is a possibility.

The Board declined on the offer to purchase the land.

The other one is currently in Florida and when he returns in the spring we will discuss/sign documents regarding the deck not being re-built.

Will be signing a document that when needed, the shed will be replaced according to building standards/setbacks.

Will also sign a document that when needed, the shed will be replaced according to building standards/setbacks.

I’ve been working on updating the Emergency Operations Plan with Fire Chief Ken Littlefield and will be meeting with School Superintendent Marc Gendron in January to help them update their plan.

Spoke with EMA (Emergency Maine Agency) regarding possible grants for the Public Safety Building.  We have missed the deadline for this year, but as soon as it re-opens in the spring, I plan on applying now that we are NIMS compliant.

Heat ducts at the Town Hall have been cleaned.  It was recommended that this be done every 2-3 years.

Still trying to get a hood installed at the Town Hall.  I am having trouble acquiring estimates.

Budget templates have been distributed to Department Heads and Town Organizations.  Budget worksheets are due back to me by December 27th.  The first Budget meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 6:30 pm.

I’d like to take a moment to remind Board members that should they have any questions regarding budgets and/or employees, that the questions should be directed to me and not the employees or Department Heads.  If more information is required, I will reach out and speak with the department.

I have been approached by an individual that is interested in purchasing the “old landfill” property from the Town.  I checked with the Department of Environmental Protection, and the only issue they brought up was that the Town would have continued liability even if we no longer owned the land.  Your thoughts?

The Board is not interest in selling this land due to the potential for liability issues down the road.

                B.      Selectmen

Chris Parker had nothing to report.    

Phil Lowe had nothing to report.

Edie Harnden had nothing to report.  

Chris Harrington had nothing to report.

C.      Committees

        Nothing reported.

VII.    COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Claudia Lowe brought up the subject of perhaps changing the time and date of the annual Town Meeting in the hopes of having a higher attendance.  The months of April or May were suggested.  A survey on this matter will be done during the next election.  

Jim Libby stated that he was saddened to hear about the passing of Barbara Thorne. She was the current holder of the Boston Post Cane as the oldest citizen in Sebago.  She would have been 99 years old this month.  He informed everyone present of Barbara’s funeral services which will be held on Sunday.  It was noted that she was also the town’s librarian for many years.  

VIII.   ADJOURNMENT

Chris Parker closed the regular Selectmen’s meeting at 6:44 pm.  

WINTER MAINTENANCE ON PUBLIC EASEMENTS DISCUSSION WORKSHOP

The Winter Maintenance on Public Easements Discussion Workshop commenced at 6:45 pm.

The workshop closed at 8:22 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen F. Scanlon

Town Clerk