Board of Selectmen Meeting
MINUTES
SEBAGO BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
6:00 PM
TOWN OFFICE
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2019
ALL REGULAR BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETINGS
ARE HELD THE 1ST AND 3RD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH.
NOTE: During the meeting the Board met with the Budget and CIP Committees
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman, Chris Parker, at 6:02 pm.
(NOTE: Chairman Tim Mayberry arrived at 6:05 pm.)
I. ROLL CALL
Present: Selectmen; Edythe Harnden, Chris Harrington, Phil Lowe, Tim Mayberry and Chris Parker, Town Manager, Michele Bukoveckas, Town Clerk and Recorder, Maureen Scanlon
Guests present: Jerry Holt, Jim Libby, Tina Vanasse, Philip Strike, Jim Jansz, Tammy Robinson, Roger Robinson, Jason Schoolcraft, Claudia Lowe, Ted Greene, Ken Littlefield.
II. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA
There were none.
III. CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of the February 5, 2019 Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
Phil Lowe made a motion to approve the February 5, 2019 meeting minutes as presented. It was seconded by Chris Parker. Motion carried with all in favor and Tim Mayberry absent from the vote.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
Rescue Bunk Room Specifications Discussion/Update
Code Enforcement Officer, Brandon Woolley, reviewed the results of the recent meeting between him, the Town Manager and representatives from the Fire and Rescue Departments. He explained his concern regarding the placing of the bathroom next to the sleeping quarters. A Decontamination Room may be required in the future, which is usually part of the bathroom. However, a Decontamination Room is not allowed to be located too close to any sleeping quarters. He suggested a design that would allow for a future Decontamination Room while also having a bathroom in a desirable location. Phil Lowe stated that we need to provide a facility that is adequate for the needs of our volunteers. There was discussion on this matter with input from representatives from both the Fire and Rescue Departments.
Jim Libby suggested doing a warrant article to have the additional funding for this project approved by the town’s legislative body. He implied that the proposed design that is being discussed is more for the Fire Department than the Rescue Bunk Room project. The Town Manager stated that she has confirmed with the town’s auditors that because this will eventually all be one building there is no issue with taking the funds out of the Public Safety Building account. It will all be part of the overall Public Safety Building project. The reason there are two separate line items in the CIP (Capital Investment Program) is because one was for the planning phase and the other was for the construction phase of the project. Further consideration will be given to this matter by the Board.
The Board agreed that the town needs to build a structure that is adequate, this may mean constructing a larger building than was originally planned.
Phil Lowe made a motion to authorize the Code Enforcement Officer and the Fire and Rescue Departments to get together and come up with a final plan that works, including a Decontamination Room, and specifications that will be put out to bid. It was seconded by Tim Mayberry. Motion carried with all in favor. The bids will be due back prior to the April 16th meeting. A pre-bid meeting will be held with potential contractors.
Appointment to Appeals Board
The Town Manager recommended that Bruce Hart and David McCarthy be reappointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Both of their terms expire this June and they have agreed to continue on the Board. She also recommended that David Welch be appointed to the Board to fill the vacant position due to Edd Fitzgerald’s resignation.
Phil Lowe made a motion to appoint Bruce Hart, David McCarthy and David Welch to the Zoning Board of Appeals. It was seconded by Chris Harrington. Motion carried with all in favor. The Board proceeded to sign the appointment documentation.
V. NEW BUSINESS
Appointment to the Planning Board
The Town Manager recommended that James Jansz be reappointed to the Planning Board. His term expires this June and he has agreed to continue on the Board.
Phil Lowe made a motion to appoint James Jansz to the Planning Board. It was seconded by Chris Harrington. Motion carried with all in favor. The Board proceeded to sign the appointment documentation.
Town Meeting Warrant 1st Draft
The Town Manager proceeded to review new articles that have been added to the draft of this year’s Town Meeting Warrant for the Board’s consideration. She answered the Board’s questions and after the discussion on it, will bring back a second draft, with changes made, at the next meeting for further review.
Schedule Public Hearing Date for Town Meeting Issues
The Town Manager stated that Public Hearings will need to be held for the “Consumer Fire Works” and “Local Food and Community Self-Governance” ordinances that will be brought before the legislative body for approval at the Town Meeting. She recommended that since the School Superintendent will be presenting the School Budget in a Public Hearing to the Board of Selectmen at the beginning of the April 2nd meeting that the public hearings for the two proposed ordinances also be held prior to the regular Selectmen’s meeting on the same night.
Budget Discussion with Budget Committee and CIP Committee
Jerry Holt, who is the Chair of both the Budget and CIP Committees, explained that the Budget Committee approved their proposal and that the CIP Committee found items being underfunded and are recommending making the necessary corrections. Michele Bukoveckas expanded on the line items being addressed this year. There was some discussion regarding the proposed budget for electricity. Phil Lowe suggested lowering the dollar amount due to the potential savings from the installation of the new solar array. It was decided to keep the budget as is for now and review the Central Maine Power Company billing statements over the next two months to see if any impact has taken affect yet. The proposed budget amount can always be lowered at the Town Meeting if applicable.
VI. REPORTS FROM TOWN OFFICALS
A. Town Manager
I met with Peter Coughlan from MDOT to go over our road inventory since it has been 14 years since the last one. We will be getting some additional funding. We also reviewed some upcoming MDOT projects in town. (Ditching on Long Hill Rd). We also discussed getting a “flashing” STOP sign for the top of Long Hill Rd where it joins Rte. 107. He stated a study might be done to “T” the intersection.
Peter went over the bridge reports with me. We discussed the bridge on Dyke Mountain Rd, which I mentioned that I would be budgeting for this year. Peter asked what our intentions were with regard to the Fitch Road Bridge. He stated that both sides should have a distinction of N, S, E, W or different names for 911 purposes. In addition, Peter mentioned that since the bridge is not being maintained by the Town and does not serve as a public way for motor vehicles, MDOT will no longer inspect it. If we choose to repair it and re-open it, the State would resume inspections. Currently if you choose to remove it, he stated the State could remove it at their cost.
Tim Mayberry made a motion to see if the State will remove the Fitch Road Bridge at no cost to the town. It was seconded by Phil Lowe. Motion carried with all in favor.
A grant for the regionalization of communication services is now available. I have submitted my invoices for the conversion and upgrades we had to make to our radios when Standish closed and we joined County. If all goes well, we could be getting roughly $12,000 +/- back.
The insurance has paid $61,254 for the plow truck. The new plow truck has been ordered. It is a 2020 Western Star.
I have been working on updating the Tax Acquired Property, Municipal Purchasing, and a Resident Sand Policies. I would like to have a policy committee to discuss prior to bringing the polices before the Board. Ann Farley was a member of the policy committee, so whom would like to replace her. The policy members were: Town Manager, Town Clerk, Ann Farley and Phil Lowe.
Several Board members stated that they would not be available to serve on the Policy Committee. This will be brought back before the Board at a later date.
GWI has applied for a Federal loan to expand broadband to Sebago, Casco and Raymond. They are currently asking people to fill out a brief survey (on the town’s web) to see what the interest in the project would be and whether or not people might subscribe. They would like at least 100 replies and the survey will be available until March 15. They will know in about 6 months whether or not they have been approved.
The new Utility 1 truck should be delivered sometime next week.
Per our Conservation Easement for the property on the Swamp Road, we are required to have a forestry management plan. I have contacted Jesse Duplin and he read our requirements for the easement and stated that such a plan would cost about $500-$600. I would like to proceed and use funds from the Land Acquisition Fund. We might want to also consider our other forests in Town such as the landfill and Douglas Mountain.
Tim Mayberry made a motion to allow the Town Manager to use funds from the Land Acquisition Fund for the acquisition of a conservation easement forestry plan for the Swamp Road location. It was seconded by Phil Lowe. Motion carried with all in favor.
Spoke with Shelley Winchenbach from Charter (Spectrum) regarding our franchise negations. She is still reviewing it and will be sending it back to the Town for our review. Once I receive it, I will forward to our consultant, and report back to the board.
CMP is still working on converting our credits from the solar array and the LED street lights. We will receive a credit for the past months.
B. Selectmen
Chris Parker had nothing to report.
Chris Harrington had nothing to report.
Edie Harnden had nothing to report.
Phil Lowe stated that when he recently went down to look at the EMS building (to get a better idea of what the proposed project entailed), he also stopped by the Public Works building. He noticed that the air tank for the well pump needs to be repaired. The Town Manager will look into this matter.
Phil suggested that an easement be created for Webster Way which will allow the residents of the two properties to maintain the town owned property.
Phil reported that the school’s sidewalk is crumbling and is in need of repair. Estimates are being obtained. There was some discussion on the funding for the repairs.
Tim Mayberry mentioned that the ice build up at the Transfer Station needs to be addressed. The Town Manager will address this matter.
C. Committees
Nothing reported.
VII. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Claudia Lowe asked about the safety issues at the Transfer Station that were previously reported. Michele Bukoveckas stated that funding was put into the budget to address purchasing more signs for the Transfer Station.
Jim Libby asked if there was any word on when the school budget would be forthcoming. Michele Bukoveckas responded that Marc Gendron, the school Superintendent, will be presenting the budget to the Board of Selectmen on April 2nd.
Jim Libby reported that the Republican Caucus will be held on Saturday, March 9th at 10:00 am at the Town Hall building.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Edie Harnden made a motion to adjourn at 7:28 pm. It was seconded by Chris Harrington. Motion carried with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen F. Scanlon
Town Clerk