Special Selectmen’s Meeting
July 16, 2007

 

1.0 Meeting convened at 8:34 A.M. Selectmen present: Muriel Bonin (chair), Glen Ridley, and Mark Russell. Steve Musica present and served as secretary.

Guests:

Bruce Slattery                       Kevin Buckmore
Clarence R Gowell III           Stan Labbe
Shawn Romanoski                Bill Quackenbush
Cynthia Burnham                  Jim Murphy
Betsy Fleming
Davene S Luce- Dept of Public Safety
Janet Richards- Dept of Public Safety
Mark Kimball- Gardiner Fire Dept chief

 

3.1 Revaluation Workshop

Manager distributed draft of Town’s 2008 Preliminary State Valuation from State Property Tax Division. Our most recent audit of sales showed an average ratio for waterfront transfers of .40, or said properties were selling for 250% of 1995 values. Also distributed was a study by Lezley Sturtevant and Manager sampling and comparing waterfront assessed valuations from 1995 schedules to current proposed schedule. Water bodies percentages averaged 212% increase. Mr. Murphy discussed sales ratio studies, cautioned how to decipher state data, and compared old vs. new schedules. Board of Selectmen consensus was to make minor adjustments (increases) to waterfront schedules and minor(decreases) adjustments to Additional Acreage Table for larger parcels. The results were a total billable valuation of $284,000,992.

These adjustments could be formalized at the next regular meeting.

3.2 Town’s Dispatching

Bruce Slattery distributed a list summarizing updates of what other area towns are doing for dispatching. None appeared suitable for our future needs. See addendum “A.”

State officials and Chief Kimball explained the technical logistics and methodology of calls received at Central Maine Regional Comm. Center and how Litchfield needed a new means to dispatch Fire and Rescue members. Mr. Slattery again covered equipment and programming costs to implement having our own transmitting frequency. (about $18K).

Ms. Richards distributed data and explained rational behind yearly dispatching fees (proposed at $31K). Mr. Russell was disturbed that Legislature appeared unaware of dispatching cost increases associated with regionalization, especially for towns like Litchfield. Fire chief Labbe felt we’ve been receiving a good deal for years ($7,500./year)- working off Gardiner’s frequency.

State Interoperability Coordinator Shawn Romanoski explained technical side of us using C.M.R.C.C. tower and reasons for monthly tower access fee, depreciation of radio fee, and available support capabilities of State personnel. Every Town must be on “narrow band” frequency by 2013 in an attempt to standardize radios. Litchfield’s new radios are narrow band.

MOTION by Muriel Bonin seconded by Mark Russell authorized purchase of equipment as estimated in a 6/4/07 memoto Board of Selectmen from Bruce Slattery allowing us to dispatch off our own frequency and fund from remaining monies from the communications equipment Homeland Security Grant and F.E.M.A. Reserve Fund at Gardiner Savings Inst. PASSED: 3-0-0

3.1 Revaluation

Preliminary mill rate data will also be available 7/23. Overlay figure of $30K to $50K will be considered.

5.0 Maine Turnpike Authority to meet with Town Manager 7/18/07 at Town Office 8:30 A.M.; Mrs. Bonin referenced a letter from conservation Commission on vernal pools; Mr. Russell would still like to see a School Regionalization/Consolidation presentation at next meeting.

6.0 Meeting adjourned at 11:28 A.M.

 

           

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Musica