Board of Selectmen Meeting
MINUTES
SEBAGO BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
6:00 PM
TOWN OFFICE
TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2019
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 Chairman, Tim Mayberry, at 6:00 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: Karen Moore, Jim Libby, Carol Mayberry, Ann Burns, Claudia Lowe, Dave McCarthy, Tammy Robinson, Roger Robinson, Donelle Allen, Tina Vanasse, Audrey Schoolcraft, Mark Gendron, Joseph McMahon, Allen Crabtree, Philip Strike, Brandon Woolley, Ted Greene, Loretta Greene, Zoe Greene, June Allen
PUBLIC HEARING #1 - “TOWN OF SEBAGO LOCAL FOOD AND COMMUNITY SELF- GOVERNANCE ORDINANCE”
Code Enforcement Officer, Brandon Woolley was asked to explain this proposed ordinance which is largely due to the food safety laws in the State. He proceeded to review the reasons for creating it. This ordinance will help protect the ability of local residents to sell their products such as eggs, farm stand produce and maple syrup. It was noted that this is not the same as a “Farmer’s Market”. He distributed information on common questions regarding “Farmer’s Markets” which he intends to address later in the meeting, at the request of an interested party.
Brandon addressed questions/comments from the Board and audience.
PUBLIC HEARING #2 - “TOWN OF SEBAGO CONSUMER FIREWORKS ORDINANCE”
Brandon Woolley was asked to explain the need for this proposed ordinance. He stated that this is to provide some structure and rules in instances, that have previously occurred, with people being inconsiderate and generally having complete disregard for others and animals. He reviewed several items that are addressed in this new ordinance. It was noted that this would not cover the firing of “cannons” which has been done in the past, due to the fact that they are not considered fireworks. However, this is something that can be addressed if the Board decides to do so.
Brandon addressed questions/comments from the Board and audience. There was some discussion on how this ordinance will be enforced.
PUBLIC HEARING #3 - PROPOSED SEBAGO SCHOOL BUDGET FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2019-2020
Sebago School Superintendent, Marc Gendron, proceeded to present the proposed school budget for school year 2019-2020. He reviewed the funding sources for this budget which includes a request for “flat” funding (with no increase from last year) from the town. He then reviewed this year’s anticipated expenses. He also reviewed some of the longer term goals that have been developed to address both building and grounds improvements. Mr. Gendron addressed questions/comments from the Board and audience.
It was noted that this budget will be presented to the town’s legislative body at the Annual School Budget meeting which is scheduled to be held immediately after the Annual Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 6:30 pm at the Town Hall building. The referendum election to approve this budget will coincide with the municipal election on May 28, 2019 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Town Office building.
The Public Hearings were closed at 6:54 p.m.
II. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA
There were none.
III. CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of the March 19, 2019 Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
Chris Harrington made a motion to approve the March 19, 2019 meeting minutes as presented. It was seconded by Chris Parker. Motion carried with all in favor.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
Town Meeting Warrant 3rd Draft
Town Manager, Michele Bukoveckas reviewed the final changes that were made to the Town Meeting Warrant as requested by the Board. She asked if there were any other changes/corrections to be made.
There were none, except for a suggestion from Phil Lowe for a warrant article to not adjust the funding schedule as was recommended by the CIP (Capital Investment Program) Committee and use those funds towards the funding needed for the EMS/Public Safety Building project. Basically, he suggested delaying the CIP corrections in order to complete the project sooner.
After some discussion on this matter it was determined that this would not be a feasible option at this time due to the fact that the warrant is scheduled to be approved (and signed) by the Board of Selectmen at their next meeting.
Tim Mayberry made a motion to use this 3rd draft of the Town Meeting Warrant as written. It was seconded by Chris Parker. Motion carried with all in favor.
Town of Sebago Local Food and Community Self-Governance Ordinance
Tim Mayberry made a motion to include this proposed ordinance in the Town Meeting Warrant. It was seconded by Chris Parker. Motion carried with all in favor.
Town of Sebago Consumer Fireworks Ordinance
Tim Mayberry made a motion to include this proposed ordinance in the Town Meeting Warrant. It was seconded by Chris Parker. Motion carried with all in favor.
V. NEW BUSINESS
Proposed Sebago School Budget for School Year 2019-2020 Discussion
There was no further discussion than what was already discussed during the public hearing on this matter.
Spirit of America Award Discussion
Town Manager, Michele Bukoveckas, asked if the Board wanted to nominate any individual volunteer or organization for the Spirit of America award. Edie Harnden suggested Corinne Aucoin who is the president of the Food Pantry/Clothing Closet and also runs the Medical Equipment Lending Closet. The Board unanimously agreed. Michele will forward the Board’s nomination to Bruce Flaherty, who is the President of the Maine chapter of the Spirit of America Foundation.
VI. REPORTS FROM TOWN OFFICALS
A. Town Manager
The winter plowing contract expires on April 15, 2019 and has been put out to bid and are due back at the end of the month.
As I am sure you are aware, the new plow trucks are larger and therefore some modifications will need to be done to the town garage for the new truck. Therefore, I am soliciting bids for that as well.
The Town Manager was asked to inquire about having the same contractor perform the minor repairs needed to the small lean-to building that is used by the residents to obtain sand/salt for their walkways.
F.R. Carroll, now All State Materials Group, stopped by to see me and sign a new contract for the Hogfat Hill road paving job. I am pleased to announce that the new price is $7,840 lower. If Wayne is able to do the fine grading, there will be an additional $4,704 in savings.
Workshop on April 11, 2019 at 3pm to open the EMS Bunk Room Bids.
B. Selectmen
Phil Lowe stated that he has three items to address.
He asked about the development of a Public Easement for the properties located on Webster Way. It was explained that there is no need for a Public Easement because research shows that they have a right-of-way over the town owned property (it was noted that this is not considered a town road, it is town owned property) which is recorded in their deeds. This allows them to maintain their access over the right-of-way.
He stated that the channel which leads from the marina past the town beach/boat launch area needs to be dredged again. There was quite a bit of discussion on this matter including discussion on the historical development of the beach and the need for improvements at it.
He asked about the status of the list of Transfer Station items that needed to be addressed. He was informed that most of the items pertained to signage issues. Funding has been included in the budget for next year (which starts on July 1st) to address the signage needs.
Edie Harnden had several items to address.
She stated that people should be required to identify themselves when addressing the Board. This has not been being done and can be frustrating.
Prior to the start of the last meeting she observed profanity being used and she does not think this is appropriate language to be used at the Town Office building.
She is willing to fill the position that was recently vacated by Ann Farley on the small cemeteries committee.
Tim Mayberry made a motion to appoint Edie Harnden to the Small Cemeteries Committee. It was seconded by Chris Harrington. Motion carried with all in favor.
Chris Harrington had a couple of items to address.
He congratulated the Town of Sebago on winning first place in the recent Clynk Drive that the school did. It was noted that this competition also included much larger schools.
He also asked about the advertising for the Beach Attendant’s position for the coming season. The Town Manager reported that it is on her “to do” list.
Chris Parker had nothing to report.
Tim Mayberry had nothing to report.
C. Committees
Nothing reported.
VII. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Claudia Lowe mentioned that another “Meet the Candidates Night” is being sponsored by the Spaulding Library. It will be held on Thursday, April 25th at the Elementary School from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. This will be for the candidates that are running for the two Board of Selectmen positions and the one School Board position.
Jim Libby asked about the town’s right-of-way at the end of Douglas Mountain road where the plow trucks turn around. He noticed a new house that was built there and wanted to know if the town’s right-of-way was still in place. The Code Enforcement Officer stated that he does not believe that is a new house and that he will look into the matter.
David McCarthy mentioned that at the last meeting it was stated that the Town Manager would consult with the town’s attorney regarding the question he asked as to whether Public Easements could be rescinded. The Town Manager stated that she did speak to the town’s attorney about this matter, but she has not heard back from him yet.
David McCarthy also asked if the matter of proper Planning Board fees has been addressed. He implied that the proposed gravel pit which is currently being reviewed by the Planning Board has not been charged the appropriate fees. Phil Lowe read aloud a section of the Land Use Ordinance that he feels applies to what David is talking about. Brandon Woolley responded with an explanation as to the intent of the ordinance. As the former Executive Secretary for the Planning Board, Maureen Scanlon asked to speak regarding the procedure of collecting Planning Board fees. She explained that Planning Board fees are not collected “up front” as would be done for Code Enforcement permit fees. The Planning Board’s review process is an ongoing and evolving process. The correct fees are determined by the Planning Board and collected throughout the process as each phase of the review are deliberated and addressed. David expressed his frustration with the town in this whole process. The Board agreed to look into the matter to confirm the proper procedures are being followed.
Brandon Woolley stated that he has been asked about starting a Farmer’s Market in Sebago. They are asking for the Board to approve the use of a location on town property where it can be held. Brandon explained that the town would have nothing further to do with it. The association of people that will run the Farmer’s Market will be responsible for the organizational tasks such as procuring insurance and advertising.
Phil Lowe made a motion to approve a Farmer’s Market at the Veteran’s Park. It was seconded by Tim Mayberry. Motion carried with all in favor.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Tim Mayberry made a motion to adjourn at 8:14 pm. It was seconded by Chris Harrington. Motion carried with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen F. Scanlon
Town Clerk