Board of Selectmen Meeting
TOWN OF SEBAGO
TOWN WARRANT
FISCAL YEAR 2018-2019
Just before the start of this meeting, Town Manager, Michele Bukoveckas, presented certificates of appreciation to members of the 4-H Club for their recent participation in placing American flags on the graves of each our veterans in honor of Memorial Day.
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 am by Town Clerk, Maureen Scanlon. Present were Selectmen: Ann Farley, Edythe Harnden, Tim Mayberry, Phil Lowe, Chris Parker, Town Manager, Michele Bukoveckas, Town Clerk and Recorder, Maureen Scanlon, Budget Committee Member, Jerry Holt. There were 39 voting residents in attendance including the Selectmen and Budget Committee Member.
Maureen asked the members of the assembly to turn their phones to either vibrate or silent mode. She then asked the public to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
To Tim Anderson, Resident, in the Town of Sebago, in the County of Cumberland:
Greetings:
In the name of the State of Maine, you are hereby required by law to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Sebago qualified by law to vote in Town affairs, to meet at the Town Hall in said Town of Sebago at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, the 2nd day of June 2018, to act on the following:
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Ann Farley made a motion to nominate Rich Ruhlin as Moderator. It was seconded by Tim Mayberry. There were no other nominations. After a written vote was taken, Rich Ruhlin was sworn in as Moderator.
Mr. Ruhlin stated that he will be using the Maine Moderator’s Manual to govern this proceeding (as opposed to Robert’s Rules). He also mentioned that it was inspiring to see the young residents of Sebago being recognized at the start of this meeting.
Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to accept and apply non-tax revenues against the total amount authorized to be raised by taxation, including:
Excise Tax
$295,000
Boat Excise Tax
$12,000
Local Road Assistance
$50,000
State Revenue Sharing
$58,776
Homestead Exemption
$39,000
Transfer Station Fees (Scrap Metal/Universal Waste)
$22,750
Building Permits
$19,000
Plumbing Permits
$8,500
Real Estate Interest
$35,000
Lien Costs
$8,000
BETE Reimbursement
$1,500
General Assistance Reimbursement
$500
Agent Fees
$8,000
Time Warner Franchise Fees
$12,000
Tree Growth Reimbursement
$30,000
State Park Sharing
$1,000
Douglas Mountain Parking/Donations
$2,500
Veterans Reimbursement
$1,000
Recreation Fees
$1,900
Interest Income
$10,000
Other Non-Tax Revenue
$4,392
Total
$620,818
(Budget Committee and Selectmen so recommend.)
Ann Farley made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Tim Mayberry. Motion carried.
Article 3. Shall the Town appropriate $3,600 from the undesignated fund balance for Administration-Televising and shall the Town reduce the operating budget expenditure Administration by that amount?
(Budget Committee and Selectmen so recommend.)
Tim Mayberry made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Chris Parker. Motion carried.
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate by taxation and other revenues $583,065 ($579,465) to fund wages, salaries, and stipends and other expenses to fund General Government including:
Administration
$340,600 (Reduced to $337,000)
Selectmen
$16,400
Town Manager
$63,300
Clerk/Tax Collector
$87,700
Code Enforcement
$53,400
Health Officer
$1,080
General Assistance
$10,575
Elections
$3,250
Appeals Board
$150
Planning Board
$150
Service Providers
$6,460
(Budget Committee and Selectmen so recommend)
Chris Parker made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Edythe Harnden.
After being recognized and allowed to speak non-resident Town Manager, Michele Bukoveckas, stated that with the passage of Article 3 the dollar amount for this article is now reduced to $579,465 with the Administration line item being reduced to $337,000.
Linda May asked for clarification on what the Undesignated Fund Balance is because she does not see it listed. Town Manager, Michele Bukoveckas, responded that it is not usually listed because it is the surplus funds that are left over at the end of the year after all the revenues have been collected and all of the bills have been paid. Susan Gassett asked what the surplus amount is. Michele Bukoveckas responded that it is approximately 1.9 million dollars. Out of this amount, generally as a rule of thumb, the town usually keeps three months worth of the highest bills which is approximately 1.5 million. This gives you an idea of what is available to spend.
Edythe Harnden made a motion to amend the dollar amount of this article to $579,465. It was seconded by Phil Lowe. Motion carried.
Article 4 carried as amended.
Article 5. Shall the Town appropriate $48,300 from the undesignated fund balance for EMS Bunk Room Addition and $15,000 from the undesignated fund balance for Dispatch Radio Upgrades and shall the Town reduce the operating budget expenditure (Alarms Rescue and Dispatch) by those amounts?
(Budget Committee and Selectmen so recommend)
Phil Lowe made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Chris Parker.
Town Manager, Michele Bukoveckas, stated that the wording “Alarms and Dispatch” should be replaced with “Rescue and Dispatch”.
Ann Farley made a motion to approve the language of “Alarms and Dispatch” to “Rescue and Dispatch” as amended. It was seconded by Tim Mayberry. Motion carried.
Article 5 carried as amended.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $414,624 ($351,324) by taxation and other revenues to fund Public Safety, including:
Alarms
$8,100
Animal Control
$3,619
Rescue
$112,850 (Reduced to $64,550)
Daytime Rescue
$153,800
Fire
$106,655
Dispatch
$29,600 (Reduced to $14,600)
(Budget Committee and Selectmen so recommend.)
Phil Lowe made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Chris Parker.
Town Manager, Michele Bukoveckas, stated that with the passage of Article 5 the dollar amount for this article is now reduced to $351,324. The “Rescue” line item is reduced to $64,550 and the “Dispatch” line item is reduced to $14,600.
Chris Parker made a motion to amend the dollar amount of this article to $414,624. It was seconded by Edythe Harnden. Motion carried.
Article 6 carried as amended.
Article 7. Shall the Town appropriate $7,000 from the undesignated fund balance for Bulky Waste and shall the Town reduce the operating budget expenditure (Bulky Waste) by those amounts? (Budget Committee and Selectmen so recommend.)
Edythe Harnden made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Phil Lowe. It was noted that this falls under the category of Hazardous Waste/Universal Waste in Article 8, but will be listed as a separate line in the budget. Motion carried.
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $153,520 ($146,520)
by taxation and other revenues to fund Health and Sanitations, including:
Solid Waste
$145,420
Hazardous Waste/Universal Waste
$8,100 (Reduced to $1,100)
(Budget Committee and Selectmen so recommend.)
Phil Lowe made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Ann Farley.
Town Manager, Michele Bukoveckas, stated that with the passage of Article 7 the dollar amount for this article is now reduced to $146,520. The “Hazardous Waste/Universal Waste” line item is reduced to $1,100.
Ann Farley made a motion to amend the dollar amount of this article to $146,520. It was seconded by Tim Mayberry. Motion carried.
Article 8 carried as amended.
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $575,800 by taxation and other revenues to fund Public Works including:
Roads
$285,700
Snow Removal
$290,100
(Budget Committee and Selectmen so recommend.)
Tim Mayberry made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Chris Parker.
There was a question from the assembly as to why the dollar amount for the “Roads” line item has significantly decreased from last year. Michele Bukoveckas stated that in an upcoming article (Article 14) you will be asked to carry over funds that are left over from this year into this budget which allows this budget to be reduced.
Motion carried.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $45,985 by taxation and other revenues to fund Maintenance, Repairs, and Improvements of Town Properties, including:
Street Lights
$7,600
Town Hall
$11,600
Town Office
$11,350
Town Garage
$10,150
Sebago Veterans’ Memorial Park
$700
Sebago Cemetery
$150
Associated Cemeteries
$585
Small Cemeteries
$1,500
Historical Society
$2,350
(Budget Committee and Selectmen so recommend.)
Chris Parker made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Edythe Harnden. Motion carried.
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $64,995 by taxation and other revenues to fund Recreation and Community Organizations, including:
Sebago Days
$6,000
Memorial Day
$865
Recreation Administration
$18,000
Douglas Mountain
$1,330
Town Beach
$4,000
SYAA
$4,500
Soccer
$3,000
Basketball
$2,000
Library
$22,000
Food Pantry
$3,300
(Budget Committee and Selectmen so recommend.)
Edythe Harnden made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Phil Lowe. Motion carried.
Article 12. Shall the Town appropriate $53,084 from the undesignated fund balance to fund the following Capital Investment Program items: Fire SCBA (3) and Public Safety Building Construction by those amounts?
(Budget Committee and Selectmen so recommend.)
Phil Lowe made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Ann Farley. Motion carried.
Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $380,184 ($327,100) by taxation and other revenues to fund the Capital Investment Program. If funding is reduced it must be cut from the bottom up. (This account is funded by priority from the top down)
Pick up truck
V17
$2,178
Forestry 1
V09
$11,812
Tank 2
V11
$34,582
Small Plow Truck w/ Sander
V05
$13,737
Engine 4
V13
$31,640
Rescue Boat, motor, trailer
V20
$2,741
Engine 3
V07
$17,254
Large Wheeler Plow Truck w/ Sander
V03
$11,507
Grader
V18
$2,082
Ambulance
V06
$19,524
Excavator
V19
$14,215
Roll-off Container Truck
V16
$3,649
4x4 Backhoe
V04
$12,993
Large 6-Wheel Plow Truck w/ Sander
V14
$13,434
Tank 1
V08
$23,560
Large Wheeler Plow Truck w/ Sander
V01
$16,877
Engine 1
V12
$20,550
Fire Department SCBA (Qty: X)
P30
$6,686
Fire Department SCBA (Qty: Y)
P30
$23,400 (Reduced to 0)
EMS Cardiac Monitor
P24
$3,750
Emergency Generators
P25
$4,513
Town Buildings Maintenance
P23
$15,282
Replace Radio Repeater
P07
$1,018
Cascade System
P26
$7,468
50 Yard Container for Transfer
P21
$993
Revise Tax Tables
P10
$28,615
Town Office Server
P16
$3,774
Public Safety Building Construction
P28
$29,684 (Reduced to 0)
Town Parking Paving
P05
$2,666
(Budget Committee, CIP Committee and Selectmen so recommend.)
Ann Farley made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Tim Mayberry.
A question was asked from the assembly as to what the Cascade System and Revise Tax Tables line items are.
Deputy Fire Chief, Alan Greene, explained that the Cascade System is used to re-fill the oxygen bottles that the firefighters use.
Town Manager, Michele Bukoveckas explained that the Revise Tax Tables is in preparation for a re-valuation. The last one was performed in 2004, so these funds are set aside for that project to take place. A question was asked from the assembly as to how that is a capital investment. Michele explained that this is not something that is going to be done right away and that there is currently approximately $29,000 in that account and a re-valuation costs upwards of $186,000. A capital investment is not necessarily an item; it is also a long term project (of seven years or more) that is being planned.
Michele Bukoveckas, stated that with the passage of Article 12 the dollar amount for this article is now reduced to $327,100 with the Fire Department SCBA (Qty: Y) and Public Safety Building line items being reduced to zero.
Tim Mayberry made a motion to amend the dollar amount of this article to $327,100. It was seconded by Chris Parker.
Deputy Rescue Chief, Jason Schoolcraft, asked why the funding amount for the Public Safety Building Construction line item is different than what had been discussed at the Budget meetings. Michele Bukoveckas stated that initially when we started the process we were looking at putting $100,000 into it again, but because of some of the other projects that came forward this year, the Budget and CIP (Capital Investment Program) Committees thought it would be best to reduce this one, as well as others, throughout the budget. Jason then asked why this information wasn’t relayed back to them. Michele stated that she could not answer that question.
There was quite a bit of discussion on this subject including funding balances for this project. Ted Greene suggested that a workshop be held with the Board of Selectmen, Fire Department and Budget Committee in order to come to a meeting of the minds.
Article 13 carried as amended.
Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the transfer of unencumbered surplus balance on June 30, 2018 from the Road Paving Expense Account to the FY19 Road Paving Expense Account?
(Budget Committee and Selectmen so recommend.)
Edythe Harnden made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Phil Lowe. Motion carried.
~~~~~~~~~
Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to fund the Branch-Duckers Snowmobile Club with funds received from the State’s snowmobile registrations refund.
(Selectmen so recommend.)
Phil Lowe made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Ann Farley. Motion carried.
Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to authorize winter maintenance (snow and ice control) on the public easement roads, subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen.
(Selectmen so recommend.)
Ann Farley made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Tim Mayberry. Motion carried.
Article 17. To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to 36 M.R.S.A. § 506, to authorize the tax collector and treasurer to accept the prepayment of taxes not yet committed.
(Selectmen so recommend.)
Tim Mayberry made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Chris Parker. Motion carried.
Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to establish an interest rate of 7% on delinquent property tax bills and establish property tax due dates on the first Tuesday in November 2018 and on the first Tuesday of May 2019 for two equal payments.
(Selectmen so recommend.)
Chris Parker made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Edythe Harnden.
Susan Gassett asked if there is an interest rate now. Michele Bukoveckas stated that there is and it is 7%. This is a statute that is voted on every year. The State Treasurer’s Office recommended 8% for this coming year, but she and the Board of Selectmen felt that 7% was adequate. Upon request from a member of the assembly, Michele explained that for the past nineteen years there it has been pretty consistent for approximately 100 accounts to go to lien each year.
Motion carried.
Article 19. To see if the Town will vote to pay for tax abatements and applicable interest granted during the fiscal year of 2018/2019 from Overlay.~ (Explanation: The Selectmen, as Assessors, are authorized to raise Overlay under Title 36 MRSA section 710 but require voter authorization to spend Overlay. Overlay cannot be more than 5% of the Tax Commitment.) (Selectmen so recommend).
Edythe Harnden made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Phil Lowe. Motion carried.
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen for and on behalf of the Town, to execute quit claim deeds of the Town’s interest in any real estate acquired by virtue of matured tax liens and to fix the terms and conditions thereof.
(Selectmen so recommend.)
Phil Lowe made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Ann Farley. Motion carried.
Article 21. To see if the town will vote to authorize the municipal officers to sell or dispose of surplus town-owned personal property (something that remains above what is used or needed), including vehicles and equipment, under such terms and conditions as they deem advisable.~ Town owned land would only be disposed of with voter approval at an Annual or Special Town Meeting.
(Selectmen so recommend.)
Ann Farley made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Tim Mayberry.
A question was asked from the assembly as to where those funds go. Michele Bukoveckas explained the different accounts that the funds would go into according to what the item is.
Moderator, Rich Ruhlin, summarized a question from Ted Greene that relates to the language in preapproved Article 20 in relation to Article 21. Article 20 was authorizing the execution of Quit Claim Deeds and Article 21 is discussing the disposal of town owned lands. Michele Bukoveckas stated that this is an article that is on the warrant every year, however she would like to defer this issue to the town’s attorney for clarification. Moderator, Rich Ruhlin, stated that he cannot interfere with describing the difference between Articles 20 & 21, he can only clarify. He clarified that the first half of Article 21 relates to authorizing the Selectmen to set terms to dispose of town owned personal property, such as a vehicle. The second portion of the article relates to town owned property. As it relates to Article 21, you are executing the Quit Claim Deed which allows you to then make that property become town owned property. Paul White made a statement verifying what Mr. Ruhlin stated. There was quite a bit of conversation on this matter.
Ted Greene made a motion to amend the wording of this Article to remove the wording that pertains to town owned land. There was no second to this motion.
Ann Farley mentioned that she believes it was approximately three years ago that Ted asked to have the wording changed to the current wording. Ted did not recall it.
Ted Greene made a motion to table Article 21 until consultation with the town’s attorney occurs. It was seconded by Alan Greene. It was noted that if this article is tabled then none of the town owned personal property or land can be disposed of until either a special town meeting is held, at the annual town meeting next year, or it could be added as a referendum question for the November election. There was some discussion on several items that are slated to be disposed of at this time.
Motion to table Article 21 failed.
Motion to approve the article as originally read carried.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen for, and on behalf of the Town, to ratify article overdrafts of less than 5%.
(Selectmen so recommend.)
Chris Parker made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Edythe Harnden. Motion carried.
Article 23. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen for and on behalf of the Town to apply funds received from FEMA grants for storm damage to supplement the Public Works, Fire and EMS annual budgets.
(Selectmen so recommend.)
Edythe Harnden made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Phil Lowe.
Upon request, the Town Manager explained where these funds are applied upon receipt of FEMA funds.
Motion carried.
Article 24. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for and accept State and Federal grants, grants from non-profit organizations, donations, real estate, and certain funds, including trust funds or other revenues, on behalf of the Town for municipal purposes, including when necessary, the authority to sign grant contracts, documents and or other paperwork and accept the conditions that accompany grant funds, and to appropriate and expend grant funds and or other funds for authorized purposes as the Board of Selectmen deem in the best interest of the Town during the fiscal year 2018-2019.~
(Selectmen so recommend.)
Phil Lowe made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Ann Farley.
Upon request, the Town Manager explained what grants have been received this year and who initiates the requests for grant funds.
Motion carried.
Article 25. To see if the Town will authorize the Select Board to enter into boundary line agreements with abutting property owners to establish the boundary line of any property of the Town, including the boundary lines of the rights-of-way of roads.
(Selectmen so recommend.)
Ann Farley made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Tim Mayberry. It was noted that this only applies to town owned land, not private properties. Motion carried.
Article 26. To see if the Town will amend Article 24 of the June 3, 2017 town meeting by authorizing the Board of Selectmen to borrow funds in an amount not to exceed $145,000 and authorize the expenditure of those funds under the terms and conditions deemed necessary to purchase and install the necessary equipment for a fully operational solar array system that will produce electricity. The Board is authorized to enter into a loan repayment and amortization schedule with a funding or lending institution that provides the most favorable terms to the Town and allowing for the value of the generated electricity to offset the cost of such electricity as soon as reasonable to the Board.
(Selectmen so recommend)
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Total Town Indebtedness
Bonds outstanding and unpaid: $0
Obligations to Lake Region School District
per withdrawal agreement: $1,238,334
Bonds authorized and unissued: $0
Bonds to be issued if Article # 26 is approved $145,000
Total indebtedness: $1,383,334
Costs
At an estimated maximum interest rate of 2.8% and with an estimated maximum term of five (5) years, the estimated costs of this bond issue will be:
Estimated Annual Debt Service: $31,481.11
Total Bond Principal: $145,000.00
Total Estimated Interest: $12,405.58
Total Estimated Debt Service: $157,405.58
The validity of the bonds and of the voters’ ratification of the bonds may not be affected by any errors in the above estimates. If the actual amount of the total debt service for the bond issue varies from the estimate, the ratification by the electors is nevertheless conclusive and the validity of the bond issue is not affected by reason of the variance.
_____________________________________
Michele A. Bukoveckas- Treasurer
Town of Sebago
Tim Mayberry made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Chris Parker.
Comments in favor and against were heard from the assembly regarding the subject of this article.
Motion carried.
Article 27. Shall the Town of Sebago adopt an ordinance entitled “Town of Sebago Special Amusement Ordinance”? (Copies are attached)
(Selectmen so recommend)
Chris Parker made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Edythe Harnden.
The Town Manager explained the reason for the development of this ordinance and answered questions from the assembly regarding it.
Motion carried.
Article 28. Shall the Town of Sebago adopt an ordinance entitled “Town of Sebago Ordinance Prohibiting Retail Marijuana Establishments and Retail Marijuana Social Clubs”? (Copies are attached)
(Selectmen so recommend)
Edythe Harnden made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Phil Lowe.
The Town Manager explained the reason for the development of this ordinance and answered questions from the assembly regarding it.
Motion carried.
Article 29. Shall an ordinance entitled “Town of Sebago, 2018 Amendments to the Sebago Land Use Ordinance” be enacted? (Selectmen and Planning Board so recommend.) Proposed amendments are attached.
Planning Board Chair, Paul White, explained the proposed amendments to the Land Use Ordinance.
Phil Lowe made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Ann Farley. Motion carried.
Article 30. Shall an ordinance entitled “Town of Sebago, 2018 Amendments to the Sebago Shoreland Zoning Ordinance” be enacted? (Selectmen and Planning Board so recommend.) Proposed amendments are attached.
Planning Board Chair, Paul White, explained the proposed State required amendments to the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance in order to assure compliance.
Ann Farley made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Tim Mayberry. Motion carried.
Article 31. To see if the Town wishes to accept Erik’s Way as a Town way in accordance with the Town’s Road Acceptance Policy.
(Selectmen so recommend)
Chris Parker made a motion to approve the article as read. It was seconded by Edythe Harnden. Motion carried.
Upon requesting to be recognized and allowed to speak, State Representative, Rich Cebra, briefly reviewed for the assembly some of the things that are being addressed at the State level and informed them of how he can be contacted.
Moderator, Rich Ruhlin, reminded the assembly that the Sebago School Budget Validation meeting is being held immediately after this meeting and invited all to remain for that meeting.
Adjournment was at 11:00 am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maureen F. Scanlon
Town Clerk