Selectmen’s Meeting

Dec. 10, 2007

 

1.0     Meeting convened at 7:00 P.M.; Pledge to Flag followed;

Selectmen present: Muriel Bonin (chair), Glen Ridley and Mark Russell

Guests:         Eric Seaman                    Jim Murphy

                   Steve Ochmanski              Dave Larrabee

                   Stan Labbe                      Harold Burnett

                   Bruce Slattery                Doug Caton

Town Manager Steve Musica also present and served as secretary.

 

2.0     MOTION by Muriel Bonin seconded by Mark Russell to approve minutes of 11/26/07 meeting as submitted.  PASSED: 3-0-0

 

3.0     Black Ash Swamp

          (5.1)   add Robert & Pauline Smith

 

4.1     Deer crossing signs priced out, Board said to send pricing to Bill Quackenbush, 30 day notices just mailed for foreclosure of 2005 tax liens

 

4.2     Steve O. mentioned the “CEO file policy” basically preventing unsupervised (by him preferably) access of his files by public.

Selectmen reviewed a 12/9/07 letter (see files) from Doug Caton detailing what he (Caton) perceived as an unprofessional approach the C.E.O. was taking in notifying and permitting for two structures on his Litchfield Corner property.  Land Use violations and defining what violations exist remained to be contentious.  Board instructed C.E.O. to communicate with certified letters.  C.E.O. reviewed the history of similar problems he and the Town has had with Mr. Caton’s Land Use Violation and also defended his notification methods.  It was left that a consent agreement would be prepared and delivered to Mr. Caton before the next regular meeting, which he should attend.

 

4.4     Mrs. Bonin questioned dispatching and why we need extra help at LFD control center (Trudy Lamoreau was taking calls during an emergency period and unclear if volunteer time or comp time)  Board preferred volunteer time but consensus was this was unique and not an issue.  Bruce Slattery to deliver our Emergency Operation Plan to Selectmen in January 2008

 

4.5     Recreation Committee letter of 12/10/07 read requesting $4,800 for security lighting at Veterans Memorial Ball Fields (See addendum “A”)  Tabled.  Rec Committee to report on efficiency and reliability of lighting

 

6.1     Black Ash Wood Lot

          Dave Larrabee and forester Harold Burnett explained progress (and history) of Town’s attempt to gain access to this lot R9/63A and harvesting wood this winter as described in our Forest Management Plan.  Problem with where Mariner (R9/69) southern lot line is (vs. Lilly’s western line) which we’ll attempt to resolve through Assessor J. Murphy.  No cost involved through Mariners, but $6 to $7 K if through R9/67.  Mr. Burnett lowered his fees from 18 to 15%.  Other terms from 12/04/07 memo to remain same.  Selectmen/assessors agreed: Gib Lilly does not have permanent access (landlocked) to his map R9/64 and 63 lots.

 

5.1     Abatements/Supplements

          Assessor J. Murphy explained and detailed his various recommendations.  Following further review and on MOTION by Mark Russell seconded by Muriel Bonin to approve the following listed abatements for 2007, 2006 and 2005.  See Exhibit A.      PASSED: 3-0-0

MOTION by Mark Russell seconded by Muriel Bonin to approve and sign the following 2007 Supplemental Taxes Commitment totaling $1,795.99.  PASSED: 3-0-0

 

5.4     C.M.P. Upgrades

          Maine’s bulk power system is being upgraded.  C.M.P. and contracted associates visited the Town Manager/Code Officer to explain what to expect when the section of the “corridor” passing through northern Litchfield gets assessed and upgraded.  Selectmen received packets with related information.

 

5.5.1   Garage Addition

          Fully enclosed; awaiting door, electric, and heat duct addition.  Very satisfied with the space.

 

 

5.5.2  Safety Lines

          Double yellow cost between 10 and 11 cents/foot with a mile minimum.  No action.

 

5.5.3  Uniforms

          Manager recommended Town consider uniform service for Public Works.  Area P.W. departments have same or an allowance.  Rates discussed for Unifirst out of Portland.  Board consensus was to include for 2008-09 Budget review.

 

7.1     Peace Pipe Shore Beach Area

          Verbal opinion from M.M.A. was to follow Town Meeting instructions for tax acquired properties and original covenants would follow properties.  Manager said he was opposed to beginning any process under his contract.  MOTION by Mark Russell seconded by Muriel Bonin to advertise both beach areas in Peace Pipe Shores per town Meeting instruction in 2008.  PASSED: 3-0-0

 

10.0   Mr. Seaman felt Board of Selectmen should take enforcement measures more seriously.  It would help with future violations.

 

5.2     Town Manager

          Two interviews scheduled for tomorrow’s Special Meeting@ 6:30 and 7:45 P.M.

 

9.1 & 9.2      MOTION by Glen Ridley seconded by Mark Russell to approve Town Voucher Warrant #12for $150,487.00 and Town Payroll Warrant # 12 for $17073.98.  PASSED: 3-0-0

 

9.3     MOTION by Muriel Bonin seconded by Mark Russell to approve School Payroll Warrant #12 for 145,595.63 and School Voucher Warrant # 12 for $168,286.56                                                      PASSED: 3-0-0

 

12      Adjournment at 9:55 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted

 

Steve Musica Town Manager