Missing: Some July, Aug, Nov
SELECTMEN'S MEETING MINUTES: DECEMBER 21, DECEMBER14, DECEMBER 7, NOVEMBER 30, 2005
SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES: OCTOBER 18, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett and Tim Biggs
Others present: Betty Sienkiewicz, Sallyann Hadyniak, Hilary and Tom Fleming, Dave Schofield, Jay Guber, John Clark, Rhoda Waller, Jim Waterman, and Marion Bowers.
The meeting was opened at 6PM.
Minutes of the October 11th meeting were read and approved after amendments were made.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS
Recycling pickup: This has been done on the last Saturday of the month by Herb Abbott. Since he has been critically ill and may no longer be able to do the job, there have been some inquires regarding this position. Steve Bennett will discuss this with Theressa. A notice regarding this position would be posted if this job is available. This will be put on the agenda of the next meeting. This job also requires record keeping and a year-end report along with monthly meetings as Freedom’s representative to the Unity Area Recycling. It was questioned if this was an elected position or an appointed position. Tim Biggs will inquire as to the required duties.
Sandy Pond Dam: Engineers have been working on Sandy Pond Dam. Steve Bennett spoke about his observations regarding the dam. He feels part of the pipe is still in the base of the dam. In the boat landing area, there is about 75 feet where the pathway is about 8 inches higher than the water level.
There will be a hearing next week for dismissal of the Sadowski suit by the State since he has no grounds.
CITIZEN ISSUES
John Clark and Rhoda Waller were in to voice concern regarding wells that are being put in on Beaver Ridge on land that Dave Pottle owns. Their understanding is that this will become a water business and they are concerned about the potential impact on the area.
There is a good road that has been built to the area, there are eight wells and a pumping station and it is ready to fill semi-trailers. According to Jay Guber there is no requirement by the State to do this. However there may be standards for selling the product. Dave Schofield would be glad to check into this. The scuttlebutt is that Nestles would be involved. Dave Potttle will be invited to a Selectmen’s meeting to discuss his plans. Hilary Fleming spoke that Kingfield had the same problem and they had to make changes. Concerns were expressed as to the water quality, effect on the lands, and how much water can be taken out. John Clark and Rhonda Waller will take this on as a project and get in touch with Eric Kluck at the DEP. They also have joined the Comprehensive Committee. There is a possibility that a referendum related to this will be on the November ballot.
TOWN OFFICERS:
CEO: JAY GUBER
The water in Sandy Stream is hitting Stevens Road and the road is in jeopardy.
Jay will be going to a seminar by Mid-Maine Code Enforcement on Wednesday.
Also there is another seminar in Greenville on subdivision laws and documentation.
Elizabeth Soission has to move back her plans 75ft from the wetland. The DEP has been in this decision. She has a septic design and a plumbing permit.
Documentation needs to be done as to when the Town had stopped doing any maintenance on the Cellar Kitchen Lane. Steve and Tim noted that the road sign called this a Lane.
The Town has never discontinued this road as far as it’s known. Steve Bennett brought up the possibility of abandonment or moving the road seven feet.
PLUMBING INSPECTOR: DAVID SCHOFIELD
He has been busy working with the DEP regarding a complaint and doing all that has
been asked.
Found on Smithton Road a gravel pad and a storage building. Jay Guber knows of this. Another storage building is going to be put in. Property is owned by Jim Davis.
David has 15 plumbing permits out.
He is also setting up Freedom Plumbing on a CD that will have a list by lot number and map number
Steve Bennett informed Dave of the change in compensation that was recently authorized.
TREASURER: HILARY FLEMING
A check for $24,802.82 was recently received from FEMA.
Significant bills that will be in the voucher’s warrant tonight are for Lee Bros., WTW and a tipping fee to PERC of $62,50 per ton of material.
There will also be a check cut for Lorraine Overlock related to the interest in the cemetery account that she has been waiting for.
Taxes continue to be worked on.
Steve Bennett commented that the number of exemptions has increased. There is an increased value of exempt properties amounting to around $500,000.
Bangor Savings Bank: Our checking account is on currently not being swept. . Four repurchase agreements which are similar to a CD but you can add or subtract money anytime and the percentage rate is a little less.
Steve Bennett would like to see the Town accounts go on line. If they were on line access to the checking account and the repurchase agreements would be available. This needs to be signed up for.
FIRE CHIEF: JIM WATERMAN
1. Violations at the recent fire in Albion at Asplundh were discussed. There is a penalty with four of these violations that can be removed by the Town responding as to how to correct the discrepancies. Therefore, the Town needs to respond and have an attachment from the fire chief as to the corrective action that will be taken. This will be taken care of by the end of November according to Jim.
2. The by-laws for the fire department were old and are being revised and reviewed. The original charter is missing. However there is a charter that is renewed each year.
3. The Freedom Fire Department has a separate incorporated group whose members raise money and is a social association.
4. OSHA can look at the Town office and the Town garage and do a walk through and review their findings for the Bureau of Labor.
5. NIMS: National Incident Management System will be required to be certified to receive grants including Federal grants in the future. This will become a requirement in the future.
TOWN BOARDS
COMPREHENSIVE COMMITTEE: HILARY FLEMING
There will be a meeting of this committee on Thursday night, October 20th. They are still waiting for reports from the Recreation Committee. Two new members have joined the committee, John Clark and Rhoda Waller.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Bids on tree removal at Freedom Park: This needs to be posted around Town for two weeks. If payment is required for a job to be done, it needs to have a public bid.
Steve Bennett will write this up for posting.
2. Abatements: Vincent Nadolny and Barbara Chimenti were taxed for two lots and own only one. Their tax bill was sent to someone else’s address, they got a late notice for a lot they don’t own.
Steve Bennett made a motion to approve an abatement for Vincent Nadolny and Barbara Chimenti and that taxes on Lot 10-11-2 for 2004 be rebated. Tim Biggs seconded this and it was approved.
3. Warrants:
a. Payroll: A motion was made seconded and approved to pay the payroll warrant of $3577. 45.
b. Vendor’s: A motion was made seconded and approved to pay the vendors warrant of $20,849.09
The meeting adjourned at 7:35PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES: OCTOBER 11, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett and Tim Biggs.
Others present: Betty Sienkiewicz, Sallyann Hadyniak, Hilary Fleming, Clint Spaulding, Jay Guber, Pete and Marion Bowers
The meeting opened at 6:04 PM.
Minutes of the October 4th meeting were read and accepted.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS:
Taxes: work continues on them. Tony Neves will be helping with the commitment on October 12th. A question was raised as to whether one can prepay their taxes and this is possible.
Steve Bennett said Cindy has said that the liens will go out on the 17th.
Ken Parent has requested a board of appeals hearing. There is no chair to this committee. There will be a meeting on October 20th.
STEVE BENNETT stated that a notice from DEP has been received. There will be a hearing on October 26th in which the attorney for the State will ask that the complaint by Sadowski be dismissed.
The Planning Board will have a hearing regarding the flood plain on November 2nd.
TREASURER’S REPORT: HILARY FLEMING
Personal property, property taxes and assessments are all loaded in the computer. An estimate for the MMA for workers comp has been done.
TOWN OFFICES:
CEO: JAY GUBER
The work done by Klineschmidt on the earthen dam came to $600. So far he has been paid a total of $1,400.
Numerous calls have been made to DEP, DOT and numerous other agencies related to the problem effecting Stevens Rd.
On October 5th the Planning Board approved the model shoreline zoning dated 1997. It would be a good idea to meet with representatives from Montville since part of the pond belongs to them and they could act in a similar way. In this way, no discrepancies in making decisions would occur.
Once the plan is approved we would be entitled to FEMA funding.
They also approved three non-conforming buildings on Sandy Pond.
There is a workshop for members of the Planning Board and the Appeals Board. This will be on November 26th. Cost is $35 per person.
Jay helped Mike Smith with a permit by rule application that had to be made out. The Planning Board needs to approve this.
Regarding the Cellar Kitchen RD: This has probably not been maintained for over 20 years.
Abandonment may be helpful in case related to this road.
Written and notarized statements could be used as legal proof. Several names were mentioned that would know about these roads; Harold Greeley and Ray Rod.
TOWN BOARDS:
ROAD COMMISSIONER: CLINT SPAULDING
The ditches have held up with the rains. The FEMA work is nearly all completed.
The sand is here. And we are waiting for the salt.
Both trucks have been washed.
Pete Bowers asked about Town House RD and was told they are waiting for the grader.
Smithton and Mitchell RD have been ditched further.
FEMA has paid $24,802 and $4,769 will be paid later.
Hilary Fleming spoke of a recent accident on the Greeley RD. Several signs were knocked down and need to be replaced. One was for the speed limit and the other for a blind person.
Also there is a tree on Ayer Ridge RD that is in bad shape. Clint has removed one limb of it. It is unknown if it is in the Town’s right of way.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. The Special election warrant for Nov 8th needs to be signed because of the incorrect year was in it last week. This was signed by both Selectmen.
2. Rick Martin has given an estimate on doing tree work on Freedom Field. Jeff Holmes needs to be involved in this. However, Jay Guber suggested that this be put out to bid.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. A motion was made for the approval of the Planning Board to have a hearing on
November 2nd at 7PM regarding the flood plain.
2. The Budget Committee should have a meeting sometime the first week of
November.
WARRANTS:
A motion was made and seconded to pay the vendors’ warrant for October 11, 2005 in the amount of $2,829.65. This was approved.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35PM
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES: OCTOBER 4, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett and Tim Biggs.
Others present: Ken Parent, Lorraine Overlock, Viola Greeley, Joan Sheldon, Sallyann Hadyniak, Read Brugger, Jay Guber and Marion Bowers.
The meeting was called to order at 6:01PM.
The minutes of September 25 were read and approved.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS
STEVE BENNETT spoke about the new computer received from the State. This has come about because of the Voting Rights Act. All towns received computers, along with a printer, scanner and a label printer. They can network with existing computers and TRIO will be on all units. These will be backed–up by battery and surge protectors.
The Town has an agreement with CNC of Bangor and Unity with Todd Van Tassel. Up grades have been installed along with a larger zip drive
TIM BIGGS: Taxes are still being worked on. The cards are all done except for about three. The real estate transfers are in the books. Hopefully in about a week they will be done. They recently worked on them all day Friday and then again on Saturday.
Tony Neves has been spoken to about updating the tax maps. This will be done once taxes have been completed. There is money budgeted for this, but it is something that should be done on a yearly basis.
STEVE BENNETT suggested that the Selectmen’s meeting be changed to Wednesday, but Payroll has to be considered, so for the present we will be meeting on Tuesday as usual.
CITIZENS ISSUES
LORRAINE OVERLOCK and VIOLAGREELEY came in regards to the Smithton
Cemetery Association. The Thurston account has interest for 2005 of $241.41. They need to use this for the cemetery. The Smithton Account has interest in it of $395. 46 for 2003. The question is: Was this rolled over when the account was switched to Bangor Savings? Presently they have $3,595.46 in this account. Again they need the use of the interest. This needs to be checked on and a warrant written if the money is free and available. The interest should not be rolled over as this is their working capitol.
This will be discussed with Hilary Fleming.
READ BRUGGER was present representing the Sheepscot Valley Associaton. He is the liaison with the group for the Town of Freedom. Anything that impacts on the river, he should be notified. He had brochures that he will leave in the office.
JOAN SHELDON had some issues with addresses in Freedom. Those pertain to Clayton Wentworth and Erwin Nickles. She will speak to Jim Waterman about them.
KEN PARENT was in to discuss the situation he has on Cellar Kitchen RD. He originally had a camper trailer there and decided to build a cabin. He talked with several people about this and someone allegedly told him he would not need a permit. So he is in the process of building a nice cabin in front of the trailer and it is to close to the center of the road. It has to be 50ft. One end of the porch meets this requirement; the other end is only 43 ft. A work stoppage has been sent because of code violations. He admits he should have gotten a permit to begin with.
There was a long discussion related to abandonment of the road, but even if this was proved, it still leaves a public right of way. Steve Bennett was going to check regarding the legal right of way in abandonment of a road. And wonders if it changes the set-back rules.
Jay Guber stated that the town has never abandoned the road, Ken did not have a permit, no septic design and so he issued the work stoppage order. He thinks that the board of appeals should really view the problem. He does feel that as in a previous case, he should be allowed to make the building weather-tight. He also suggested taking off the porch and gable end, but there are reasons why this is not feasible. Steve Bennett will contact Ken after discussing it with the legal department.
TOWN OFFICERS;
CEO: JAY GUBER
Permits
1. Mark and Jody Whitaker: Timber Harvesting permit. Permit from DOT for driveway permit needed at 161 N. Palermo RD.
2. Darren Greenleaf: 788 N. Palermo RD. Building permit at Shaw subdivision. DOT permit applied for. It is stamped and signed. Plumbing permit issued.
3. Tim McCleary 953 N. Palermo RD. Building permit. There was a discussion as to his needing a permit from the DOT. There is an application that is signed and dated.
4. Clifton Lewin: 264 Mitchell RD. Permit for commercial and agriculture building including 2 greenhouses and a cooler.
5. Ken Parent: Cellar Kitchen Rd, Building permit.
Numerous inspections have been made of properties including one with Elizabeth Soission and contractor in which a 75 ft setback was given because of residential resource protection.
Soission was given a septic design for gray water.
Research of the Cellar Kitchen RD has been done by the County Commissioner. Abutting land owner is in total disagreement.
Seminars recently attended:
1. American Disabilities Act
2. NRBA 101 September 13th in Skowhegan.
OLD BUSINESS
1. The 88 truck had no one interested in bidding on it. Since then someone was interested in and wanted to buy it. A motion was made by Tim Biggs to reopen the bidding for the 1988 GMAC Truck with all of its rigging whereas, as is. Motion was seconded and approved by all.
2. Abatements:
A. Bobbie Alley has yet to receiver her abatement. The clerk will check in the minutes for
Amount that is due in interest.
B. Ken Gould has been taxed for nine years for an extra lot. He wanted to be reimbursed for the last three years. According to law he can be reimbursed for only one year. Steve Bennett talked with him and the extra lot has been taken out of the property book.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Election of a chairperson: Tim Biggs made a motion to elect Steve Bennett as the chairman for the remainder of the year taking over the seat of Wilson Hess. Steve Bennett seconded the motion and it carried.
2. Special election to fill vacancy: MMA election laws state that an election can take place twenty four days or longer to fill the Selectmen’s position. A special election warrant was created today, October 4th, 2005 and signed by Tim Biggs and Steve Bennett. This will be posted by October 11 and nomination papers must be turned in by October 25, 2005
3. Election Warrant: Tim Biggs made a motion to accept the election warrant for a special election of a new Selectperson to serve the term to fill the vacancy of an un expired term that terminates at the election of 2008. Motion was seconded by Steve Bennett and accepted by all.
4. Special Town Meeting: Steve Bennett felt that there was a need to have this meeting.
A. Primary reason: Town garage.
B. Reasons to stay with public works and not contract out Winter Road work.
5.Motion for special Town Meeting: Steve Bennett made a motion that the date of
December1, 2005 at 7PM for a special Town Meeting if the Dirigo Grange Hall is available. This was seconded by Tim Biggs and approved by all.
6. Plumbing inspector’s compensation: There were many positive comments in the performance of his duties. The Selectmen would like to change the method of compensation to a lump sum payment for the year disbursed in quarterly payments for a total amount of $4,000. Steve Bennett made a motion to change the method of compensation from paying a portion of the permit fees and change that to a process of a flat compensation of $1,000 quarterly commencing April 1, 2005 thru December1, 2005.Tim Biggs seconded the
motion and it was approved by all.
7. Last week the Selectmen met in executive session in regards to a general assistance request. Steve Bennett made a motion that they appropriate $215.00 out of the general assistance line to pay Thompson oil for an individual in town who needs assistance. Tim Biggs seconded this and it was approved by all.
8. DOT driveway permit: Steve Bennett made a motion that the CEO be instructed
Henceforth from this date, October 4, 2005, that he require a DOT permit before issuing a building and plumbing permit. This was seconded by Tim Biggs and approved by all.
WARRANTS: A motion was made to pay vendor warrants in the amount of $4, 624.92.
Selectmen’s meetings will continue on Tuesday nights.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
Board of Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes: September 13, 2005
The Board of Selectmen present was Wilson Hess, Tim Biggs and Steve Bennett.
Also present were, Mike Turner, Betty Sienkiewicz, Hilary and Tom Fleming and Sallyann Hadyniak.
The meeting was called to order by Wilson Hess at 6:15.
Minutes of the Special Selectmen’s Meeting on September 6, 2005 were approved with the amendments adding Special and the spelling of the name John C Motion made by Steve Bennett and second by Tim Biggs. Motion made and carried.
A review of the agenda consisted of 2 items of abatements, Sullivan’s bill. A report from Tony Musks from Fema. Marjorie Reynolds submitted a letter to be read at the meeting and regarding a bill from/for Tony Neves.
SELECTMEN’S REPORT
STEVE BENNETT
Read a letter from Marjorie Reynolds. He asked Rick Martin to take a look at the trees on Freedom Rec Park and field and to come up with a quote. He received one quote for $2,320.00 which needs to be shown to the Rec. Comm. regarding the cutting behind the ball field.
TIM BIGGS
Nothing to report.
Wilson Hess
Progress was being made regarding the taxes.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Hilary Fleming gave a treasurer’s report stating that as of this day, there was $47,000.00 in the checking account. The bank can combine many of the accounts but will charge $25.00 each month for each account. Each account would be accounted for separately. The bookkeeping can be done by us.
The selectmen are in favor of a new account.
Hilary was shown how to go and do online banking. Oil is locked in at $1.80
NO TOWN BOARDS TO REPORT
There have been no bids for the 1988 GMC Plow Truck
Joe Baker is to organize a group to clean up the Hutchins Cemetery. (Black Hills Account)
OLD BUSINESS
Attached to the minutes are copies of the property lines regarding the house on North Palermo Road. Seems that Tami Swan is saying that Mike Turner’s house in on their property. Wilson Hess will write to Mike Turner to let him know if any permits were issued for Swans lot. Mike has no problem with the board of selectmen.
The Town of Freedom is not going to get involved with Sadoski and the suit he has against the State of Maine.
Steve Bennett stated before we knew about the suit, there was an agreement for $2,000.00 to do an engineering study on the Earthen Dam. A
A motion was made by Steve Bennett and second by Tim Biggs. It cost $800.00 for work already done.
Wilson Hess made the announcement that he will submit his resignation as three year term on the board of selectmen on September 28, 2005.
ROAD COMMISSIONER REPORT
Clint Spaulding
Beaver Ridge, Deer Hill and Mitchell road are being worked on and found out the roads must totally wash away before FEMA steps in. Clint also reported that several roads have brush problems with the school bus drivers. Raven Road is in fine shape. There is still money left to spend on removing the brush. Will get an estimate. There was an evaluation of the Road Commissioner since he was appointed. The job description is being used that was on the agenda for Road Commissioner.
ABATEMENTS
Frank Bagly did not get a check in early February in 2004 therefore he has $154.50 coming to him.
Tim and Hazel Roi received an abatement for 2004 in the amount of $405.00
WARRANT
The vendor warrant was read and signed in the amount of $12,457.59. Steve Bennett made the motion, second by Tim Biggs and all were in favor. Motion made and carried.
Wilson Hess adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Sallyann Hadyniak
Attached are the copies that were given to the Board of Selectmen by Mike Turner regarding the property owned by Mr. Turner and Tami Swans lot in South Freedom. (3 pages)
Board of Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes: September 13, 2005
The Board of Selectmen present was Wilson Hess, Tim Biggs and Steve Bennett.
Also present were, Mike Turner, Betty Sienkiewicz, Hilary and Tom Fleming and Sallyann Hadyniak.
The meeting was called to order by Wilson Hess at 6:15.
Minutes of the Special Selectmen’s Meeting on September 6, 2005 were approved with the amendments adding Special and the spelling of the name John C Motion made by Steve Bennett and second by Tim Biggs. Motion made and carried.
A review of the agenda consisted of 2 items of abatements, Sullivan’s bill. A report from Tony Musks from Fema. Marjorie Reynolds submitted a letter to be read at the meeting and regarding a bill from/for Tony Neves.
SELECTMEN’S REPORT
STEVE BENNETT
Read a letter from Marjorie Reynolds. He asked Rick Martin to take a look at the trees on Freedom Rec Park and field and to come up with a quote. He received one quote for $2,320.00 which needs to be shown to the Rec. Comm. regarding the cutting behind the ball field.
TIM BIGGS
Nothing to report.
Wilson Hess
Progress was being made regarding the taxes.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Hilary Fleming gave a treasurer’s report stating that as of this day, there was $47,000.00 in the checking account. The bank can combine many of the accounts but will charge $25.00 each month for each account. Each account would be accounted for separately. The bookkeeping can be done by us.
The selectmen are in favor of a new account.
Hilary was shown how to go and do online banking. Oil is locked in at $1.80
NO TOWN BOARDS TO REPORT
There have been no bids for the 1988 GMC Plow Truck
Joe Baker is to organize a group to clean up the Hutchins Cemetery. (Black Hills Account)
OLD BUSINESS
Attached to the minutes are copies of the property lines regarding the house on North Palermo Road. Seems that Tami Swan is saying that Mike Turner’s house in on their property. Wilson Hess will write to Mike Turner to let him know if any permits were issued for Swans lot. Mike has no problem with the board of selectmen.
The Town of Freedom is not going to get involved with Sadoski and the suit he has against the State of Maine.
Steve Bennett stated before we knew about the suit, there was an agreement for $2,000.00 to do an engineering study on the Earthen Dam. A
A motion was made by Steve Bennett and second by Tim Biggs. It cost $800.00 for work already done.
Wilson Hess made the announcement that he will submit his resignation as three year term on the board of selectmen on September 28, 2005.
ROAD COMMISSIONER REPORT
Clint Spaulding
Beaver Ridge, Deer Hill and Mitchell road are being worked on and found out the roads must totally wash away before FEMA steps in. Clint also reported that several roads have brush problems with the school bus drivers. Raven Road is in fine shape. There is still money left to spend on removing the brush. Will get an estimate. There was an evaluation of the Road Commissioner since he was appointed. The job description is being used that was on the agenda for Road Commissioner.
ABATEMENTS
Frank Bagly did not get a check in early February in 2004 therefore he has $154.50 coming to him.
Tim and Hazel Roi received an abatement for 2004 in the amount of $405.00
WARRANT
The vendor warrant was read and signed in the amount of $12,457.59. Steve Bennett made the motion, second by Tim Biggs and all were in favor. Motion made and carried.
Wilson Hess adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Sallyann Hadyniak
Attached are the copies that were given to the Board of Selectmen by Mike Turner regarding the property owned by Mr. Turner and Tami Swans lot in South Freedom. (3 pages)
SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES:SEPTEMBER 6, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett and Tim Biggs. Wilson Hess absent.
Also present: Thressa Abbott, Betty Sinekiewicz, Jay Guber and Marion Bowers.
Steve Bennett called the meeting to order at 6:20PM.
Minutes of the August 23rd meeting were read and were approved with amendments.
ROAD COMMISSONER: CLINT SPAULDING
Clint was unable to be present, but had given Steve Bennett a report.
John Karnarski has been hard to contact.
WTW has bid on several of the roads; Beaver Hill, Deer Hill and the Mitchell RD. This bid looks good. There have been no bids from Lee Bros or Karnarski.
Beaver Hill Rd will have 300ft of hot top on the shoulder and ditching done.
Deer Hill Rd needs to be rebuilt according to FEMA.
Mitchell RD needs 300 ft of surface done and ditching according to FEMA.
Town House RD needs surfacing
Davis RD needs surfacing.
Waning and Raven RDs are done.
Smithton RD needs 600 to 700 ft of work done.
Rollins Rd still needs riprap.
More culverts are needed.
$82,000 will come from URIP, urban roads improvement project. We get this in installments.
Whalen will deliver the sand.
Trucks: The ‘97 truck is all done except the painting. There are no bids on the ’88.
SELECTMEN REPORTS
STEVE BENNETT
1. Wondered if the heating oil money had been sent to Nelson’s.
2. Town Garage: should it be heated this Winter? If someone were working on a truck it would need to be heated. There was a discussion regarding heating.
3. The Planning Board had presented a bill. Needs to be paid if it wasn’t.
4. Lorraine Overlock had spoken with Steve regarding the Thurston and Smithton Cemetery Accounts. She would like to have access to this information. The Selectmen felt that they were agreeable to this. She would also like to see the Smithton Account broken down. Recently there has been $3,200 added to it. The principle should be maintained at $2,800.
There are two bills related to cemetery upkeep that have not been paid.
5. Frank Bagley still has not been refunded money on an abatement.
6. Audit reports still have not been seen.
7. Sandy Pond Dam: Mr. Sadowski has been in touch with the DEP and is suing them regarding the dam. The Attorney General has taken the action to dismiss the case, since Mr. Sadowwski never did own the dam.
8. Homestead exemption application received.
9. WCAP has $751.72 available of Federal Maine Care Fund if we put up a match of around $400.
10. Eminent domain survey.
11. MMA has informed the Town that because of the low workers comp complaints they will be issuing a dividend.
12. Tax Maps: Tony Neves has never been notified of our desire to have him do this.
TOWN OFFICERS
CEO: JAY GUBER
1. Letter regarding membership dues in the Maine Building Officials. He has sent in the required $25.00 and would like to be reimbursed.
2. Building permit application by Steve Shaw for the North Palermo site was obtained.
3. It appears that Mike Turner’s house is on Tammy Swan’s lot.
4. Need for occupancy permit was recommended to the Selectmen. This needs to be done at a Town Meeting.
5. Need for increase in Permit fees. Steve Bennett asked Jay to write up the rational for this.
6. Reimbursement for travel pay has not been done.
7. Received a call related to a house being built near Larry Turner’s.
PLUMBING INSPECTOR: David Schofield
Steve Bennett had recently seen him and was happy with the work he was doing in Town. He has been investigating leach fields, septic tanks etc. There are some problems in this Town related to this.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Payroll notice: A motion was made by Tim Biggs for the Town of Freedom to accept the notice as written. Seconded by Steve Bennett and approved by all. A copy of this amendment will go with the next paycheck and is attached. Agreed by all.
2. Tax maps: Steve Bennett made a motion that we take $1,000 from the Tax map account to have Tony Neves redo our tax maps. Seconded by Tim Biggs and approved by all.
3. Vendor Warrant A motion was made by Steve Bennett to approve a warrant of
$8,030.81. Tim Biggs seconded this and approved by all. This includes the $25.00 Jay requested.
4. The assessors will meet on Friday, Sept 9th.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:00PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES EMERGENCY MEETING: JULY 29,2005
Selectmen present: Tim Biggs and Wilson Hess.
Others present: Marion Bowers
This emergency meeting was called to order to act on warrants that required payments by the end of the month.
1. Withholding to the IRS for the second quarter
2. Unemployment: quarterly fee due by the 31st.
Tim Biggs made a motion to approve the warrant as written. Wilson Hess seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES: JUNE 7, 2005
Board of Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes: September 13, 2005
The Board of Selectmen present was Wilson Hess, Tim Biggs and Steve Bennett.
Also present were, Mike Turner, Betty Sienkiewicz, Hilary and Tom Fleming and Sallyann Hadyniak.
The meeting was called to order by Wilson Hess at 6:15.
Minutes of the Special Selectmen’s Meeting on September 6, 2005 were approved with the amendments adding Special and the spelling of the name John C Motion made by Steve Bennett and second by Tim Biggs. Motion made and carried.
A review of the agenda consisted of 2 items of abatements, Sullivan’s bill. A report from Tony Musks from Fema. Marjorie Reynolds submitted a letter to be read at the meeting and regarding a bill from/for Tony Neves.
SELECTMEN’S REPORT
STEVE BENNETT
Read a letter from Marjorie Reynolds. He asked Rick Martin to take a look at the trees on Freedom Rec Park and field and to come up with a quote. He received one quote for $2,320.00 which needs to be shown to the Rec. Comm. regarding the cutting behind the ball field.
TIM BIGGS
Nothing to report.
Wilson Hess
Progress was being made regarding the taxes.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Hilary Fleming gave a treasurer’s report stating that as of this day, there was $47,000.00 in the checking account. The bank can combine many of the accounts but will charge $25.00 each month for each account. Each account would be accounted for separately. The bookkeeping can be done by us.
The selectmen are in favor of a new account.
Hilary was shown how to go and do online banking. Oil is locked in at $1.80
NO TOWN BOARDS TO REPORT
There have been no bids for the 1988 GMC Plow Truck
Joe Baker is to organize a group to clean up the Hutchins Cemetery. (Black Hills Account)
OLD BUSINESS
Attached to the minutes are copies of the property lines regarding the house on North Palermo Road. Seems that Tami Swan is saying that Mike Turner’s house in on their property. Wilson Hess will write to Mike Turner to let him know if any permits were issued for Swans lot. Mike has no problem with the board of selectmen.
The Town of Freedom is not going to get involved with Sadoski and the suit he has against the State of Maine.
Steve Bennett stated before we knew about the suit, there was an agreement for $2,000.00 to do an engineering study on the Earthen Dam. A
A motion was made by Steve Bennett and second by Tim Biggs. It cost $800.00 for work already done.
Wilson Hess made the announcement that he will submit his resignation as three year term on the board of selectmen on September 28, 2005.
ROAD COMMISSIONER REPORT
Clint Spaulding
Beaver Ridge, Deer Hill and Mitchell road are being worked on and found out the roads must totally wash away before FEMA steps in. Clint also reported that several roads have brush problems with the school bus drivers. Raven Road is in fine shape. There is still money left to spend on removing the brush. Will get an estimate. There was an evaluation of the Road Commissioner since he was appointed. The job description is being used that was on the agenda for Road Commissioner.
ABATEMENTS
Frank Bagly did not get a check in early February in 2004 therefore he has $154.50 coming to him.
Tim and Hazel Roi received an abatement for 2004 in the amount of $405.00
WARRANT
The vendor warrant was read and signed in the amount of $12,457.59. Steve Bennett made the motion, second by Tim Biggs and all were in favor. Motion made and carried.
Wilson Hess adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Sallyann Hadyniak
Attached are the copies that were given to the Board of Selectmen by Mike Turner regarding the property owned by Mr. Turner and Tami Swans lot in South Freedom. (3 pages)
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett, Tim Biggs, and Wilson Hess. Others present: Sallyann and Wassey Hadyniak, Thressa Abbott, Billy Blaisdell, Dot Waterman, Jay Guber, Dottie and Lendall Chase, Carrie Bennett, Joanne Knowlton, Mike Turner, Pete and Marion Bowers
Wilson Hess called the meeting to order at 5:58PM.
The minutes of the May 6th meeting were accepted with some corrections.
Tonight’s agenda was reviewed.
TREASURER’S REPORT: HILARY FLEMING was not present but had spoken with Steve Bennett regarding a draft of the expense summary report. They had gone over the report line by line. This can be used as an operating budget. Some of the items need to be broken down further such as utilities; this can be more specific.Wilson Hess felt that we need to try to match the budget versus actual according to the Warrant. He also felt that there should be more sub-accounts. The Selectmen commended Hilary for her effort regarding the financial reports.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS:
STEVE BENNETT felt that there is a need for the year to date revenue report. Checks received for $1,000 or more need to have their source documented in the report.
Oil for the coming year needs to be considered. Steve Bennett will call and check with local dealers for their pre-buy cost. According to Jay Guber, it is currently $186.9 with Thompson’s. It would need to be paid for by June 30th.Wilson Hess mentioned that KVCOG would possibly be buying oil by the bulk. However this would not be done before June 30th.
Freedom Park: Warren Spaulding has begun to cut some of the trees behind third bass line. Volunteers are needed to help on June 18th in the same area, so that the trees can be removed from the site on Spring Clean Up Day. They would need to be there early.
WILSON HESS had a letter from the Town Attorney, John Carver that had been sent to the State, stating that the Town of Freedom had in his opinion the best claim to the Earthen Dam. The State needs to honor the issue of a release deed on the Dam. The release deed from Posey Nason was also enclosed. The State has sent all the information to the Attorney General for clarifying the situation.
The Freedom Fire Department has received money from a grant through the MMA for turnout gear in the amount of $2,000. Congratulations to Jim Waterman.
TIM BIGGS spoke for the Road Commissioner. He suggested that they buy a one-ton truck with a wing plow. He also felt that 12feet needed to be added to the two front bays. Also he felt that some thing needed to be done about the sand and salt situation, such as removing it from the current site. This led to a lengthy discussion.
Steve Bennett suggested that the Road Commissioner and his group meet next Tuesday, but this may not be possible because of previous appointments.
TOWN OFFICERS:
CLINT SPAULDIING was unable to attend. His report is attached.
Wilson Hess noted that there is a workshop on gravel work. He felt that Clint Spaulding should attend this. Tim Biggs would like to go as well. Cost would be $25 each.
Prices on an air conditioner are still being checked.
JAY GUBER: C.E.O. On June 1st he met with David Nash, a consulting engineer with Kline Schmidt to evaluate the Earthen Dam and they followed it down stream to the Abbott’s. On Stevens RD. the bank is eroding and will undermine the road. Trees are causing a problem. The engineer suggested that a gate valve be inserted where it originally had been and then another spillway would not be necessary.
He also was in contact with the Planning Board regarding shoreline zoning at Drew Fales and Mike Smith’s. These areas need to be checked before permits can be given.
Fire hydrant replacement: The DEP was called and a permit by rule was needed to move this hydrant which is broken about ten feet. This was approved and the fire department will be asked to pay for this, a $65.00 fee.
Permits were given to:
1. Mike Smith on Cary Lane for an addition of a sunroom on one side of his deck and a mudroom on the other.
2. Craig Harding and Rich Szurpicki for a camp. Dave Schofield has given them a plumbing permit.
JAY GUBER and WILSON HESS met with the Town attorney at Jay’s request. In the recent dispute, the town has no role legally. If it needs to go further it would have to be done by the person directly involved and the person needing legal help could use the Town Attorney if he so requested.
Recommendations and comments from John Carver:
1. It is difficult with the ordinances to do what was done, i.e. stop work on a project. As the ordinance is now written, it is not enforceable, only the court can enforce this.
2. Seek assistance from MMA.
3. Suggested an Occupancy ordinance in this there would be more control.
4. Other advice was related to the rights of private property owners who post or tell people to keep off their land; if you do go on their land, you are trespassing. You must go to court and give reason as to why you need to be on
that land.
Steve Bennett felt that an Occupancy Ordinance need to be looked into and would need to be approved by the Town.
FREEDOM FIELD DAY
Dot Waterman asked that the amount in the budget be changed to $1,200. This specific amount was allotted related to expenses for games and the tent. Wilson Hess asked that they submit a list of their expenditures.
The group has had difficulty getting together because of the need to find a date that was agreeable to all. Some on the committee have had experience doing this and others are novices. Tomorrow night they will have a meeting and come up with a rough estimate and a draft of their plans.This will be a three-day affair, not just for two days as on the original flier. Carrie Bennett had not put some of the activities on the fliers with things that required money from the Town because they felt that they needed the approval of the Selectmen.
Wilson Hess had a question related to the money the fire department made on their activities. This money will have to go to the Town and then to the Fire Department. Also if the Recreation Committee and not the Booster Club makes any money, this too needs to come to the Town and then be allotted to the Recreation budget. The monies need to come to the Town so that the town can account for them. Tim Biggs also wondered about creating a working capital fund. Wilson Hess also thought that they could possibly spend more than they had been budgeted.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Junkyard Ordinance is still being looked at.
2. Planning Board has a vacancy since Bruce Peterson has resigned.
3. Veterans Recognition: no information
4. ACO reimbursement: Wilson Hess made three different inquires related to seat belts. A motion was made by Tim Biggs to approve the bill as previously submitted for
$319. Steve Bennett seconded the motion and it carried. It was suggested that she come in to one of the meetings to give us an update.
5. Recall Warrants were signed
NEW BUSINESS
1. Jay Guber had requested an approval of a permit by rule to move a hydrant. The permit costs $65. Steve Bennett made a motion to approve taking $65 from the fire department for the DEP permit by rule for moving the fire hydrant as requested. Wilson Hess seconded the motion and it carried.
2. Mike Turner presented the permit for CMP. All other permits have been completed. This was given to Jay Guber for signing.
3. Marion Bowers wanted to know if Freedom had a Town Charter. Thressa Abbott knew that many years ago there was a Town Charter. When the towns were incorporated. 200+ years ago they had a charter which was a charter of incorporation according to Wilson Hess. The legal definition of charter today is based upon by-laws. We do not have anything like that today.
The next meeting will be on June 28th.
Wilson Hess suggested on the Tuesday that there is not a Selectmen’s meeting that there be meetings related to workshops. Tim Biggs suggested a meeting to look at the numbers related to the cost of having a public works department.
Sallyann also requested from Wilson Hess a specific time to work on the Web site. He said that he would be there at 9:30.
Thressa Abbott suggested that the Stevens RD be looked at. Both Wilson Hess and Jay Guber felt that the DEP be involved.
Dottie Chase requested that the DEP be involved while here about the trees in the Freedom Falls. Steve Bennett knew that they had already agreed to removing all the trees there.
VENDOR’S WARRANT:
A motion was made and approved to pay warrants amounting to $9490.61.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES: MAY 24, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett, Tim Biggs, and Wilson Hess.
Others present: Betty Sinekiewicz, Billy Blaisdell, Carrie and Libby Bennett, Clint Spaulding, Jay Guber, Sallyann and Wassey Hadyniak, Pete and Marion Bowers.
Wilson Hess opened the meeting at 6:PM.
The minutes of the May 17th meeting were read and approved.
The agenda was reviewed and amended.
TREASURER’S REPORT: not given since she was not present.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS:
The Spring Cleanup mailing should take place this week according to Tim Biggs.
STEVE BENNETT:
1. Bruce Peterson has notified him of his desire to resign from the Planning Board.
2. DHS has inquired as to what ordinance we are using for General Assistance. We need one and it has been requested.
3. Jeff Kendall from the Maine Revenue Services was spoken with regarding the Municipal Value Return. This is just for tree growth, Veterans and exemptions. The amount that came back last year was just over $20,000 for 2003. The report is due November 1st each year or 6 weeks after taxes are due. The report for last year did not get in until last week. There is a fine for each day that it is late assessed by the State of Maine. He was also informed that it would be a big mistake to send the tax bills out early, there could be a claim against the Town by the individual property owner. There is also the question of whether the legislature will overturn this bill.
4. MMA RISK MANAGEMENT: They have questioned as to the valuation of each piece of property the fire department owns. Jim Waterman has given this information to Steve.
They also wanted information on six or seven other questionable items.
5. The Town of Freedom received a fairly severe management letter for the financial statement of 2003 listing many shortcomings. This was received right after the Selectmen began their duties. MMA requested what our management letter response was. There was never one sent, since they had not requested one at that time. We are currently waiting for the Auditor for the year 2004. The accounting procedures manual is still needed. A copy of the response to this letter is attached.
TOWN OFFICERS:
ROAD COMMISSIONER: CLINT SPAULDING is still waiting for FEMA.
There has been no roadwork done this week.
There have been several trees down because of the weather this week. They have been removed.
The gantry is being used currently on truck #7. Petty Letourneau will be looking at the frames for repainting for an estimate.
Replacement of the Greeley culvert has been delayed because of the weather.
Nothing has been done about the air conditioner.
Tim Biggs wondered if it were possible for Clint to drive the dump truck while he is the road commissioner. This would be one way to save some money. This lead to a discussion of whether the road commissioner should be doing work other than supervision. Clint was agreeable to doing any of the work required. Regarding other members of the road crew, they too, should be informed that theyare expected to do any of the work needed done and not just stand around and watch. In other words, a truck driver may have to work as a laborer. Steve Bennett commented that when the position was previously discussed it was felt that the road commissioner should capable of being a multi-task individual. How is he to be compensated as road commissioner or laborer? Also what is the impact on the crew? In the past, the road commissioner had been paid as road commissioner along with the pay for being a laborer or a driver. Tim Biggs and Wilson Hess felt that regardless of the service he was performing, he should be paid as the road commissioner. Currently he has been charging according to the work he has been doing, be it laborer or truck driver, etc. The Town will not object to this. Clint has spoken to various contractors regarding their prices and their equipment.
CEO: JAY GUBER
1. Last week mailed out a letter to the Selectmen and Sandra and Mike Turner that the stop work order had been lifted as of 5/13/05. The name of the contractor was missing. It was assumed to be Mike Turner.
2. From the DOT Mid-Coast Region a permit for a driveway application on the North Palermo RD for James and Sylvia Moody.
3. A.E. Hodgkins, a consulting engineer, has sent in a bid for Sandy Pond Rehabilitation, not to exceed $5,086. We do need the certified geologist, and engineer as has been suggested. They are purposing to put in another emergency spillway. However they is already another spillway there that is plugged. This is really a gate valve. FEMA money has been requested. A discussion continued regarding this problem. Several other opinions are needed.Wilson Hess felt that a day in June or July to discuss this with representatives Knowledgeable would be a good idea.
4. Jim Waterman wants to put in another hydrant over at the milldam. He has permission from the abutting owners. The broken hydrant will be moved about ten feet.
TOWN BOARDS:
FREEDOM FIELD DAY
Carrie and Libby Bennett discussed their plans for the event that is to be held on August 12thand 13th. They are still hoping for a fireman’s muster, woodsmen competition, and a petting zoo. Space and table rentals will be available. Parade registration forms will also be available They are working with a $430 budget. Their next meeting is June 8th.
OLD BUSINESS:
APPOINTMENT UPDATES:
Monica Holmes has been appointed to the Freedom Field Day instead of Jeff Holmes. Matt Bennett, Tim and Tammy Turner have been appointed to the Recreation Committee.
JUNKYARD ORDINANCE: NO ACTION
NEW BUSINESS:
VETERAN’S RECOGNITION
Carrrie Bennett has been looking into some form of recognition for veterans. She has come up with what she calls the Freedom Pole, which is either 4X4 or 6X6. It would list the name, war, etc. She would like to see this displayed in the Park. Lynn Poulin would be the first name on the list. Steve Bennett suggested that she research what we have honoring veterans first.Wilson Hess commended her for her initiative.
ACO AUTO REPAIR REIMBURSEMENT
The seat belt in Tina Freeman’s car was chewed by an animal she was transporting. The estimate by Saturn was for $319. The Selectmen would like to have a total of three estimates.
CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMIT
The Selectmen Oked this.
CEMETERY COMMITTEE CARRY-0VER
Money that has not been spent in the past can be put into this year’s line on the budget. Viola Greeley had recently contacted Steve Bennett for flowers for veterans graves, was given the go ahead to buy flowers. There is a warrant that gives the Selectmen discretion to spend monies, not just for repairs. Steve Bennett made a motion to carry over the unexpended amount of monies from the cemetery fund budget last year and put it to this year’s cemetery fund of 2005. Tim Biggs seconded the motion and it carried.
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
Website update needs to be done. Nothing has been posted for many months.
Wilson Hess needs to meet with Sallyann Hadyniak to get this done or his representative. The disc she has will not work because of many changes.
Reminder that there is a meeting with the Town Attorney in Belfast for 10AM for
Jay Guber and Wilson Hess on Wednesday.
Selectmen’s meeting: Beginning in June the second and fourth Tuesdays would be scheduled for their regular meeting. However June 14th , it would have to be cancelled because of the election. Tim Biggs made a motion that there be no meeting on May 31st, instead there will be a meeting on June 7th. Steve Bennett seconded the motion and it carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
Minutes of the Selectmen’s Meeting: May 10, 2005
The meeting was called to order by Selectmen Wilson Hess at 5:58 p.m. Steve Bennett and Tim Biggs were present.
Also present: Betty Sienkiewicz, Thressa Abbott, Jay Guber, Jon Willette, Thelma Ledden, Clint Spaulding, Billy Blaisdell, Dottie & Lendall Chase, Peter Bowers, Rhoda Waller, Dave Schofield and Sallyann Hadyniak.
The minutes of the May 3rd meeting were read and Tim Biggs made a motion that the discussion regarding last weeks minutes are over and that the minutes be accepted as read with the correction of a misspelled name to Debbie Balmer. Motion made and carried.
Treasurer’s Report:
Steve Bennett spoke on Hilary Fleming’s behalf. He had a discussion with Hilary regarding the Budget Expense Report. He stated it was all good and there is a year to date report.
Payroll Processing Schedule: Wilson Hess stated that the Selectmen agreed to have one signature on the payroll warrant. Therefore, Tim Biggs will sign the payroll on Friday or Steve Bennett on Monday so that the people on the payroll will get paid on Thursday by picking up their checks. They don’t want the workers salaries to be held up. Tim Biggs said he was willing to sign the payroll warrant on Friday’s.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS;
WILSON HESS
1) Starting 2005 ATV registrations will be valid from 2005 and will end June 30th of 2006. They will be registered May 1st of each year and will end June 30th of the following year. If you register one in November it will only be good till June 30th.
2) Also effective May 1, 2005 ATV plates are no longer required. Stickers will be used. ATV’s are not allowed to be used on town roads or public ways.
STEVE BENNETT
1) Spoke to the dispatcher regarding the truck that has been parked on the intersection of Rt. 137 and North Palermo Road. Many have called in about the truck being parked there and if that is what has to be done to get it out of there they will continue to call.
2) Jim Waterman wanted the Fire Grant to be mentioned and Gloria is looking up the receipts for that are what is needed to proceed. There is a couple of thousand dollars that we will be getting back.
3) Mr. Bennett read the correspondence. Because of no claims over the previous years the workmen’s comp. insurance premium has gone down. Last year the premium was based on an estimated payroll. The estimated premium $3,950.00 that the state had given us when we were doing our budget. All employees are covered including the Selectmen. The bill came in for $2,963.00 which was very good. Getting a $1,000.00 break is very good!
4) 4) The actual cash value coverage on the Historical Building was $1.910.00 which was given by MMA Risk Management and Mr. Bennett called and told them to put at least $10,000.00 on it pending an inspection.
5) MMA Risk Management wants a written response to management letter received by the town of Freedom They want a letter in response to the 2003 Audit April 2, 2004 letter. Mr. Bennett sat down with Hilary Fleming and will try to get it out this coming week.
The audit needs to go back on the agenda.
6) Sandy Pond Dam---Steve Bennett sent a letter to Mr. Merch on March 31, 2005 requesting that the DEP reopen their file to find the owner of the owner of the dam. Because they ran out of DEP funding, they never finished their work. We want to know if the state has any plans and what they are going to do in clarifying the ownership. Sadowsky cannot be found. According to the Maine Tort Claims Law the town is exempt on liability if anything should happen using the washing away of the Abbott’s house.
7) Mike Giggy suggested putting in a security system in the Town Office, Fire Department and will throw in his labor. It would cost somewhere around $1,200.00. Sure sounds like a budge item for next year.
8) The demolition of a car on Freedom Field Day will be covered by MMA. They just need to rope off the area and supply safety equipment, battery removed, etc.
9) Effective June 1, 2005 all monies etc. will be transferred to Bangor Savings Bank including the Black Hill account without charge. The safety deposit box is in place. The Revenue and Expense Statements appear to be accurate. Still waiting for the budget verses actual report. It will be ready to go on May 24th. As of April 30, 2005 there is $80,565.14 in the Town of Freedom checkbook.
10) Mr. Bennett received a call from LT. J. G. James Mc Cloud from the Secretary of the Navy office in Washington, D. C. The U. S. Navy has created a new class of warships to be able to fight in shallow waters. The class of ships were named after all the towns by the name of Freedom which are located in New York , New Hampshire, Indiana, California, Maine, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Wyoming. The first field service laying ceremony is on June 2, 2005 at Marinette Field in Marinette, Wisconsin and a letter will be sent to the Town of Freedom suitable for framing and will be hung in the Town Office.
TIM BIGGS
1) Plastic culverts could be purchased for $100.00 cheaper through KVCOG then Vikings. Three are being purchased from Viking because they need to be replaced soon. Orders come from KVCOG within 10 days and proposed that 10 more from KVCOG. Will no act on until a dollar figure is determined. Tim also reported together with Mr. Spaulding regarding roads, etc.
ROAD COMMISSIONER
CLINT SPAULDING
1) Mr. Spaulding will operate the excavator to do the culvert work and be paid operator’s wages. Excavator is on rubber tracks, and will not damage roads. The cost of renting the excavator is $275.00 per day and $65.00 for pick-up and delivery.
2) Plow wings are off the town trucks.
3) Dig safe has been called for all the repair work that will be done.
4) Clint will talk to Herb Abbott about mowing and will also contact Scot Holmes who volunteered at the town meeting to mow the Rec Park and Mitchell Field.
5) Clint, Hilary and Tim sat down and hammered out pay scale for Public Works Employees that are mostly state wages and Hilary will enter them into Trio.
6) A report was sent into FEMA mostly for damaged roads. Sibley Road culvert (public road) and on Oak Lane 700 feet of washed out road (discontinued) costing $2,400 and public way, $3,000.00. (Grand Total)
7) Private roads are covered under FEMA
8) No plans are in effect regarding the repairing of roads until the amount of money from FEMA is known.
CEO
JAY GUBER
1) Mr. Guber called up the Turners from Montville and requested that they remove the ice shack from the boat landing. He reminded them if it isn’t done soon, a letter will be sent to them and face a possible fine.
2) Mr. Guber gave a report about his meeting with Mr. Rick Kirsten of Hodgkin Engineering Associates of Waterville. Regarding the Earthen Dam. After a lengthy discussion Mr. Guber is waiting for Mr. Kirsten to get back to him with the information they discussed. He is going to set up a cost estimate at no charge.
3) Jay tried to get in touch with Don Harriman to see if things were done that he started but was not able to get a hold of him.
4) Well drilling was going on down on Ledges Lane on May 6. He spoke to the well driller and told him of our habitat and explained the situation and he was very accommodating and stopped everything. The property belongs to Randy Currick of 53 Church Street in Belfast and the property is 41 Ledges Lane in Freedom. No violations. Jim Coddle the biologist from the Inland Fish and Game requested that Jay fax him the documentations
5) Jay also stopped by Mike Turner’s property and stated everything looked good and is now waiting for the DOT permit. (state driveway) Mike had turned in all necessary papers except he didn’t’ note who the builder was. An application was picked up for the DOT permit for him to apply for and when received it will be turned over to the town office.
6) Jay gave out a permit to Jim Moody who is putting in a driveway but will not do anything until he received the DOT permit.
PLUMBING INSPECTOR
DAVID SCHOFIELD
1) Working on a system for Cy Reynolds. Don’t know how that one is going to turn out.
2) The house on the hill has a failed system in it and it’s for sale. Also it has half of a new system but has not been inspected. People should be prevented from moving in until repaired. Waiting for information from the Dept. of Human Services. Freedom has a lot of poor systems and said the complaints should be in writing. There was a lengthy discussion about all the poor systems.
SCHOOL BOARD REPRESENTATIVE
LYNN HADYNIAK
1) Lynn introduced herself to everyone and gave a full report as to all that is going on in the school. She spoke of the new school and did such a thorough job and covered all aspects and was very informative.
2) It was brought to her attention about the swearing and antics on a school bus and she said she will follow up on that for she wants to know what the people’s concerns are and to be of help.
3) The school is costing $35,000.000.00 and will be paid by the state and is not coming out of the residents pockets.
Since no one was there to represent the Freedom Rec. Comm. Mr. Hess went on to say that they scheduled August 13 as Freedom Field Day.
OLD BUSINESS:
Tim Biggs stated he called up Tami and Tim Turner and they want to be a part of the Rec. Committee. Matt Bennett also wants to be on the committee. Tim Biggs made a motion that Tami and Tim Turner and Matt Bennett to be on the Rec. Comm. 2nd by Wilson Hess. Motion made and carried. Tim Biggs also nominated Monica Holmes to be on the Rec. Comm. and Steve Bennett second it. Motion made and carried.
Steve Bennett and Jay Guber attended the Planning Board meeting last week and listened to a speaker named Rich Baker from Maine Shore Land Zoning. Mr. Bennett brought back the junk yard ordinance (condensed and complete version) and handed it to the planning board to look it over and become very familiar with it In order to make sure they know what they are supporting and to bring it back to the Selectmen.
NEW BUSINESS
1) Wilson Hess met with our Animal Control Officer Tina Freeman and Tina wants to know what her compensation will be. Wilson suggested a 10% increase from $9.03 to $9.93 and requested that the Selectmen think about it. This will be put on the agenda next week under old business.
2) Tim Biggs made a motion that the recall petition election or vote be on June 14, the same as the school election. Wilson Hess seconds that motion. Motion made and carried.
3) Saturday June 18, 2005 will be junk pick-up day.
4) After a lengthy discussion regarding the petition Mr. Bennett feels he should be treated fairly and that a separate notice be sent out notifying the residents about the recall.
5) Wilson and Tim will confer with MMA to see that the wording etc. is all correct and this will be brought up at the meeting next week under old business.
VENDERS WARRANT:
Tim Biggs made a motion NOT to pay MMA $7.00 therefore making the vendor warrant $3,041.25. Second by Steve Bennett. Motion made and carried.
PAYROLL WARRANT:
Tim Biggs made a motion to accept the payroll warrant for 05/10/05 as written for a grand total of $11,031.31. Second by Steve Bennett. Motion made and carried.
1) Steve Bennett spoke to Michael Briers the attorney and told him that the Wanning Road is a town road. So he has written a letter to Yankee Title saying he has spoken to officials of the Town of Freedom. He also wrote a letter to David Layland and no leins are outstanding. Steve Bennett made a motion to have the Selectmen sign the Municipal Quick Claim Deed releasing David Layland of Palmyra of any possible liens that occurred long before he owned the property. Tim Biggs second the motion. Motion made and carried.
2) A very long discussion by the Selectmen and Mr. Guber took place because he requested that he have the protection of the town attorney against harassment.
Steve Bennett stated that anyone working for the town should have protection by using the town attorney. MMA can advise but not do it. Wilson made a motion that the Code Enforcement office consult with the town attorney with purposes for determining what type of protection might be available for him. Motion was 2nd by Tim Biggs. Motion made and carried.
Wilson Hess adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sallyann Hadyniak
SELECTMEN’S MEETING APRIL 26, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett &Tim Biggs. Wilson Hess was unable to attend.
Others present: Thelma Ledden, Thressa Abbott, Betty Sienkiewicz, Sallyann Hadyniak,Tom & Hilary Fleming, Jay Guber, Carrie Bennett, Clint Spaulding, Dottie & Lendall Chase, JimWaterman, Jerry & Liz Sullivan and Marion Bowers.
Steve Bennett called the meeting to order at 6PM.
Minutes were read and with modifications were accepted.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS
STEVE BENNETT stated that a hydraulic engineer from Portland has notified the Town that he is willing to inspect the dam. His services are not free.
Unity has just been approved for a $300,000 grant. This is a benefit of having a Comprehensive Plan.
TIM BIGGS spoke about the Junkyard Statute. The planning board had asked for this to be passed. He found it very vague. To qualify to be a junkyard three or more unregistered cars are on your property. Also it means that a yard or field or other outside area used to store, dismantle or other-wise handle discarded worn out or other types of plumbing, heating, electronic or other type of material, furniture, scraps of lumbar, old or scrap copper etc. There is nothing said about volume. Someone would have to have the discretion to make this decision. The need for fences was mentioned. Jay Guber suggested that the Town write their own ordinance. Jay will look into the ordinances of other towns. He also suggested that prior to the Spring Clean up that the Selectmen send anotice with non-offensive wording that we would like to have the Town be picked up and looking nice. An ordinance for dilapidated buildings is needed.
TOWN OFFICERS
TREASURER: HILARY FLEMING
The disc drive will arrive this week and will get inserted.
The papers have been given to Bangor Savings Bank. Jennifer at the Bank needs to sign them.
The new checks have not arrived yet, but all the necessary information has been given to the responsible party.
New Treasurers hours will begin probably in mid-May and will be on Thursday and Friday. She will be doing warrants o n those days.
Hilary has been working on the chart of accounts. Budget vs. actual expenditure is nearly ready.
She has opened a new department called outsource. This will include agreements, grants, contracts, memos of understanding. Examples are the Waterville Humane Society, TRIO agreement, and KVCOG. This will be done as a total unit.
The municipal valuation return is almost done. Wilson Hess needs to fill in the rest of the information.
Recently Steve Bennett found an audit done in 2003 by Gail Chase with many suggestions.He suggested that they soon have a meeting with the Budget Committee.
ROAD COMMISSIONER: CLINT SPAULDING
Rick Ferris from FEMA will not be in his office this week. The roads should not really be touched that are in need of repair until seen by FEMA.
Clint has been unable to talk with someone at KVCOG. They are playing phone tag. So far fifteen culverts have been found that need to be replaced and they are probably more.The cost of vinyl versus galvanized culverts can vary from $50 to $100 according to the research Clint has done. Tim Biggs was given a copy of roads and their conditions.
PUBLIC WORKS
Steve Bennett asked that the public works committee, which consists of five members, get Together soon. Some of the reasons are for pay and to determine an estimate to keep what We have, the public works, or if it is better to contract the work out. Clint agreed to call this meeting. A chairperson could be elected at their first meeting. Members are Dave Bennett, Jay Guber (only in relationship to the buildings), Herb Abbott, Clint Spaulding and Lendall Chase. Steve Bennett also wanted Hilary to obtain all costs related to Public Works, particularly winter roads, salaries, repairs, insurance costs, loans, workers comp and so forth. He also wanted Clint to call the surrounding towns to see what they pay per mile this past yearAnd what they think they are going to need to pay next year. Most of the towns, according to Clint have a three to five year contract. Also asked by Steve Bennett was how long will our trucks last. With annual maintenance Clint felt they should last a long time. Clint wanted to know what we get paid for the State Roads. In 2003, it was $28,000.
CEO, BUILDING INSPECTOR: JAY GUBER
On April 20th Jay met with the Mid-Maine Code Enforcement Officers Association and with The shoreline zoning co-coordinator for the State of Maine, Richard Baker. They now have sixty-two pages of amendments for shoreline zoning. This will affect streams and ponds. The planning board needs to be aware of these changes. The State is requiring and it is the Planning Boards responsibility to make the final decision. This relates to homes, buildings, additions, changes, etc. Jay is willing to work with the Planning Board and they need to work together. They meet the 1st Wednesday of the month.
On April 25th Jay met with the DEP regarding two properties, Mike Smith’s camp regarding a building permit and to Drew Fales property as well. A letter will be sent documenting the discussion and also how to go through this new process. Jay also requested an informational seminar related to the new amendments for the Planning Board and other interested parties. The properties were viewed because they were within the 100-foot setback and a few other things.
There is a property on Carey Lane that David Schofield should check on that has running water and no wastewater disposal. It is the second place on the right. Someone owns it from Ontario.
Permits:
1. Nathan Stumps representing his father, Roland Stumps, of 146 Smithton RD. has requested a permit for an addition consisting of a bedroom, bathroom and a living room. He has his plumbing permit. 4/26
2. Jean Poulin, 1106 North Palermo Rd, permit for a deck.4/26
3. George Butler will be coming in for a permit. He was unaware of size requirements.
The buildings were inspected, sheds and barns by Jay.
A discussion regarding Mike Turner and permits followed for 973 North Palermo Rd took place.When Jay drove by the property there was a full crew working and he chose not to stop and inspect. He would like to go with another individual when he does inspect the property. State Trooper Fowler has already been notified of accusatations and threats of physically removing Jay from the property. The permit was not completely filled out by the acting building inspector. The State DOT driveway information is missing. This should have been obtained first. There was a discussion related to the driveway and a permit for it. Fines can be imposed according to our building ordinance. A letter will be sent telling the consequences if he does not follow protocol. A fine will be imposed if necessary. This will be sent by certified mail. The Selectmen stated that they would back Jay up. He is doing his job as sworn in to do.
Letters and calls have gone to Jay regarding more building in the Shaw sub-division. These are from James and Sylvia Moody, and Tammy Swan. They have all been told to get their DOT Driveway permits first.
FIRECHIEF: JIM WATERMAN
Tim Biggs has signed an MMA grant application for safety turnouts. He would like to order Three sets which would cost $3400and we would receive $2,000 from the State.
On Saturday Jim attended a new state training requirements. They are going with a new curriculum. He has requested funds from the Treasurer so that the training material can be covered.
Approval for a grant from Maine Forest Service has been received for Class A foam and Collapsible Indian tanks. There is a cap assistance program which is requested for the Indian tanks which is a Federally funded program which would be for a third of the cost than if they were purchased privately. This is a $1,500 grant and they will pay back about $700.
Freedom Field Day has a tentative date of June 11th. There will be a chicken barbeque. The site is ample for tents, games and a barbeque. Jim is also in favor of the parade route As previously described.
Grass burning when it is possible is being done. Steve Cross and Betty Sienkiewicz are on the List.
There was a complaint about Delta Ambulance taking to long to get to a residence for a lift assist. According to a phone call he received last night from Bill, the director, it took 29 minutes. There was some delay because the 911 call went to Waldo Dispatch. Waldo Dispatch then called Delta Ambulance. They do have maps in their ambulances now. They also have offered to train the fire department on the ambulance so that they know where equipment is located.
Two incidences of speeding on the North Palermo Road have been noted. One of which was reported to Jim. They were driving in excess of 100 mph. The police have been notified. Signs of 45 mph need to be posted.
Fire extinguishers need to be signed on a monthly basis. Jim does them at the Town Office.These need to be done at the Town Garage as well. Dave Bennett could do this. If there is a safety walk through and they are not signed on the back this is a safety violation.
Fire exit signs are needed at the Town Office and at the Town Garage. Fire escape routes from the building need to be done. These show a floor plan directing the route of exit from the building. These need to be posted by each door.
Burning permits can now be obtained on-line at the cost of $7 this will go into effect in July. It is for all towns and areas south of Bangor and east and west. It does not cover the unincorporated territories north of Bangor. However you can still get a permit free from your Town fire wardens. This would mean Jim Waterman, Herb Abbott or Dave Bennett.
There has been an increase in break-ins. There is a problem with drugs in the area and in the schools. It is important to let our school representative know of problems. Lynn Hadyniak was suppose to come in a few weeks ago and she would be welcome at a Selectmen’s meeting.
Hilary Fleming mentioned that the post office had called about space if there were a disaster, so that they could have space to sort mail, etc. They also are going to approach the Grange. Craig Overlock is our EMA.
TOWN BOARDS:
COMPREHENSIVE PLANING COMMITTEE
They have a meeting planned for Thursday night.
CEMETERY COMMITTEE
THRESSA ABBOTT has received an inquiry regarding information about a burial at the
Cummings Cemetery. Steve Bennett will contact the MMA regarding this.
OLD BUSINESS:
APPOINTMENTS:
Appointees will need to be sworn in by Cindy.
Members of the Comprehensive Plan who have served this past year were asked if they would be willing to continue and they were agreeable.
Cemetery Committee: Thressa Abbott and Betty Sienkiewicz will continue to serve on this Committee.
FREEDOM FIELD DAY
Potential volunteers for this committee are:
1. Libby Bennett
2. Carrie Bennett
3. Dot Waterman
4. Christine Spaulding
5. Kim Holmes
6. Jeff & Monica Holmes
Carrie Bennett is interested in getting those interested together to get this organized. June 11th is the date that has been suggested. This year they would like to have activities for both children and adults. Suggestions have been for a car demolition. Steve Bennett will check on this regarding insurance. A woodsmen’s competition is being researched. It was suggested they check with Unity College regarding this. They have an annual competition. Jaws of Life from Unity was another possibility. Delta Ambulance has already agreed to be present to display their trucks and to be in the parade. There will be a parade and the suggested route would be from Skidgells onto Route 137 to High Street and onto Pleasant St to the Fire Station. A policeman would be needed for Route 137. Games such as volleyball and a tug-of war were a couple of suggestions.
Sallyann Hadyniak mentioned that they would be having two farm teams, #1 and #2 this year since so many youngsters showed up. For some things they will be considered as one team.
SPRING CLEAN UP
Jerry Sullivan was present to answer questions regarding the clean up. It will be a door-to-door. Pick-up on June 18th beginning at 8AM. There is now a fee for getting rid of computers, televisions, paints, fluorescent lights, and other articles. They cannot be put in the garbage. How to charge for this fee need to be discussed further. Steve Bennett asked him to supply us with a list and the charges involved. Freon needs to be removed if it is in the appliance, such as refrigerators, and then a sticker is placed on it. The regular stickers don’t stick very well and it was suggested that they be stapled on. Post cards will be sent out with pertinent information.
Some towns belong to a regional group that will take household hazardous waste.
Steve Bennett also suggested that the Town have a walking roadside pick-up. There has been a lot of litter noted lately. Jay Guber suggested that Waldo County Jail be contacted for prisoners to do this. Steve Bennett will check into this. Scouts were suggested as well as Mt. View students.
NEW BUSINESS:
ORDINANCES
Steve Bennett would like to see a book only for ordinances. When they were voted on And when approved. Also have it entered on the computer as well.
FINANCIAL WARRANTS: The following warrants were approved for: Payroll $719.11, $912.90, Vendors: $53,028.65
MOTION: Tim Biggs made a motion for Dave Bennett to build a gantry and Steve Bennett seconded the motion. The motion carried. This will be on the warrant next week for Dave Bennett. This will become a permanent piece of equipment used so that the bodies will be removed from the truck frames for maintenance.
A motion was made for adjournment at 9:08.
OPEN SESSION:
Complaints of speeding on Pleasant St were discussed as well as motorists not stopping at stop signs.
SELECTMEN’S MEETING APRIL 19,2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett, Tim Biggs, and Wilson Hess.
Others present: Thelma Ledden, Lendall Chase, Mike Turner, Clint & Christine Spaulding, Hilary & Tom Fleming, David Schofield, Pete & Marion Bowers
Wilson Hess called the meeting to order at 6:02PM.
Minutes were read and corrections made. A motion was made to accept the minutes with the modifications. Corrections or modifications will appear in the corrected copy, which is filed in the Selectmen’s reports and on the Web site.
TREASURER’S REPORT: HILARY FLEMING
1. Municipal Valuation Report is still being worked on. Lots of figures have been obtained, but still need to be obtaining information related to open land, tree growth, and veterans information. Also information about homestead categories is needed.
2. Bank account papers have all been signed and clarifications were obtained where needed. Checks from Bangor Savings also have to be taken care of. All necessary paper work has been sent. Arrangements are being made for the checks to be printed on an inkjet printer. The originals need to be located.
3. Expense vs. Revenue Summary is available.
4. The budget vs. actual is still being worked on.
5. A meeting with the road commissioner, Clint Spaulding and Selectmen Tim Biggs needs to be arranged regarding the pay scale.
6. The Clerk’s line is over budget. The money will all be used up by mid-October. The deputy clerk line will be used up by the first of June.
7. Printer request: This has been discussed with TRIO and the people who produce our checks and learned that a laser print is not necessary. An inkjet printer is useable. Prices of printers vary from $72. to $399. The advantages of the higher priced ones do double sides, which would save paper and are faster. They also scan, copy and fax. They come net workable as well.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS:
1. WILSON HESS asked that the letter to the outgoing Selectmen be signed. It will be available tomorrow.
2. TIM BIGGS: Spring Clean up will be on June 18th beginning at 8AM. There was a discussion regarding charging fees for some articles, a decision will have to be made by
the first May meeting of the Selectmen. Some kind of sticker program may need to be instituted. This needs to be investigated. Thelma Ledden inquired about trash left on other people’s property. This becomes A landowner’s problem. The Town is not responsible. Other towns have had programs to dispose of hazardous material.
3. Bangor Savings Bank documents: STEVE BENNETT felt that there was some confusion last week about the signing of documents. The Selectmen do not have to sign them.
4. TIM BIGGS attended the Waldo County Municipal Association Meeting.
This was a meeting to strategize what to say when Isleboro met with the Legislature to secede from the County of Waldo. It was well attended. If Isleboro were to become part of Knox County they may not save any money, since a new jail will be built in that County. A quorum of the Legislature would need to act on this.
5. WILSON HESS discussed a letter from Attorney Michael A Wiers, representing David Leland who owns property in Freedom on the Waning Road. The attorney claims that the Waning Road is a discontinued road. Insuring the title has become a problem because of this. According to information from the State, it is a Town of Freedom Road. Unity and Freedom maintain this road on a seasonal basis. A letter needs to be written to Mr. Weirs affirming that the Waning Road is a Freedom Town Road.
Christine Spaulding thought that the problem might be because prior to 911 there was another Waning Road in Unity. That old Waning Road is a discontinued road. In a conversation that Steve Bennett had with the paralegal, it was pointed out that the tax maps have Waning Road as a discontinued road. However, the tax maps are irrelevant to this situation. He also was asked about the Glidden Road, which is a discontinued road. According to the Freedom map of the Urban Rural Missions Program as of 2002 it is listed as a Town Way. Steve Bennett will respond to this letter.
6. STEVE BENNETT has an up-to-date copy of the Maine Auto and Graveyard Statute.
The previous information we had was not current. Beside the copy of the current statute we have an application for a graveyard, junkyard permits and a permit which must be displayed on the premise. Also included, a sample on how to conduct a hearing on this matter. This material needs to be studied.
7. STEVE BENNETT has sent in the insurance application for MMA. This includes coverage for the map value unknown- in the Town Office, along with Red Mitchell Monument replacement estimate was for $5,000. There were many questions related to the Dam. Coverage amount is not known relative to the Dam.
8. STEVE BENNETT had been in contact with Delta Ambulance today. Everything is all set with Delta.
TIM BIGGS learned from Jim Waterman that he had received a complaint regarding Delta. They had trouble with the lift and had difficulty in finding High Street. It took them forty- five minutes for them to arrive at the location. A map of the Town had been sent to them. Tim will follow up on this
TOWN OFFICERS
CEO: Jay Guber was unavailable but had spoken with the Selectmen earlier regarding permits required by Mike Turner. Cindy had also given them a copy of a message she had taken from Mike Turner. The rapport between the two of them, Jay Guber and Mike Turner are less than desirable. Mike did not want our CEO involved at all regarding property on the North Palermo Rd. However, Jay Guber is the CEO for Freedom and has the backing of the Selectmen. Steve Bennett gave Mike Turner a letter that Jay had written. Originally it was to be sent by certified mail, but since Mike is here, the letter was given to him. Mike did ask if the CEO would meet with him at the Town Office along with a Selectmen present. Wilson Hess felt that this would be possible. He also reminded Mike that there were consequences of removing a town official from one’s property.
ROAD COMMISSIONER: CLINT SPAULDING
Last week the estimate for FEMA was given to Tim Biggs. This has been submitted to Rick Ferris at FEMA with an estimate of $29,250 for roads and $5,000 for the dam. Some of the needed work involves nine culverts need on the Mitchell Rd, five of them are rotted out; Penny Hill Rd has a culvert with the bottom rotted right out of it. Deer Hill also has culverts that are needed.
They have been advised not to do any repairs until they have been inspected by FEMA.
New cones placed on the Greeley Rd are brand new and missing. Barriers, saw horse type would be harder to remove, more visible and reflective tape could help in making them more visible. Stakes had been put in the ground, but are not really very visible.
It was suggested that if FEMA has not been heard from by this Thursday to give them a call.
Shawn Raven wanted to know if the poster could come off and the answer was in the negative.
All the roads have been graded once. They will need to be re-graded.
Plastic culverts are being used by the State. Clint is going to check on the cost of them
PLUMBING INSPECTOR: DAVID SCHOFIELD
Cy and Marjorie Reynolds have come in with a request and the schematic drawing related to problems they have related to a septic system and a well.
He is going to try to apply for a grant for them. According to Steve Bennett there are a multitude of problems. The water is contaminated. David Schofield is going to go over the paper work and see what he can suggest to resolve the problem.
Wilson Hess invited him to a monthly Selectmen’s meeting and welcomed him.
OLD BUSINESS:
Review of appointments: STEVE BENNETT
Last week the following were voted on for the following positions and some of them had not been notified previously.
1. Craig Overlock, EMD
2. CEO & building inspector, Jay Guber
3. Clint Spaulding, road commissioner
4. ACO, Tina Freeman
5. Solid waste, Herb Abbott
6. Dave Schofield, plumbing inspector
7. Addison Chase has agreed to another term, appeals board
8. Judy Bennett, planning board
9. Betty Sienkiewicz, budget committee still needs to be contacted.
10. Audrey Williams, budget committee still needs to be contacted.
11. Recreation Committee will be for a one-year term.
12. Christine Spaulding, Freedom Field Day
13. Kim Holmes, Freedom Field Day
14. Dottie Waterman, Freedom Field Day
15. Jeff Holmes & Monica Holmes,Freedom Field Day.
16. Carrie & Libby Bennett, Freedom Field Day: A letter from Carrie requesting that the Freedom VFW Women’s Aux would like to put on a car demolition during the Freedom Field Day. An old vehicle would be brought in, participants would take turns wrecking with a sledgehammer. Battery would be removed, all fluids would be drained, and the ground would be covered with plastic. Applicable safety precautions would be required, fire helmet, face shield, leather gloves and a fire coat. Wilson Hess questioned about hazardous waste material. As long as all applicable safety considerations are taken he has no problem with it. Steve Bennett will check on this in relationship to insurance.
Steve Bennett did find one form in the manual that could be used for each appointee. He will make Cindy aware of this.
At the last Selectmen’s meeting the division of duties was agreed upon. Tonight all three Selectmen are signing this. A copy is attached.
Scheduling of Selectmen’s meetings:
It has been discussed about meeting twice a month instead of on a weekly basis. Since there are some bills that need to be signed in the middle of the month, the 2nd and 4th Tuesday was suggested by Wilson Hess. Tim Biggs thought that summer time would be a good time. Steve Bennett felt that with the division of duties, there were chores they could be doing in the “off” week. Steve Bennett made a motion that beginning with the month of June that the Selectmen meet in a regular session the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Wilson Hess seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Scheduling of Selectmen’s meetings:
Monday: Steve Bennett 9AM-12N
Tuesday: Wilson Hess 9AM-12N
Friday: Tim Biggs 8AM-10AM
These hours will be posted.
NEW BUSINESS:
Last week BMR payments that need to be made weekly was discussed and after researching this issue, this could be delegated to the Treasurer. A motion was made by Wilson Hess to appoint the Treasurer as an approved officer to authorize warrants for Bureau of Motor Vehicles on a weekly basis. Steve Bennett seconded the motion and it carried.
Background checks to carry a concealed weapon by the Maine State Police have been received. Names are withheld. The applicant has to take a course.
Inkjet printer: Hilary Fleming requested authorization for $400 for an inkjet printer. Tim Biggs made a motion that Hilary Fleming, our Treasurer, spend an amount up to $400 for a printer. Wilson Hess seconded the motion and it carried.
WARRANTS:
A motion were made by Steve Bennett and Tim Biggs seconded it to pay the following warrants: Vendors: $10,092.97.
There was a discussion as to which account the cemetery flags should be put in.
A motion was made by Steve Bennett and seconded by Tim Biggs to pay the warrant of April 19th.
Payroll: $1, 639.48
The meeting adjourned at 7:55PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
Attachment: Division Selectmen’s Duties
SELECTMEN’S MEETING APRIL 5, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett, Tim Biggs, and Wilson Hess.
Also present: Thelma Ledden, Thressa Abbott, Betty Sienkiewicz, Sallyann Hadyniak, Clint Spaulding, Hilary Fleming, Cheryl Grass, Pete & Marion Bowers.
The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m.
Minutes were read and the following amendments were added:
Page 2: Freddie’s last name is Overlock.
Steve Bennett hours in the office on April 1 were different than had been proposed.
Page 3: State junkyard ordinance was changed to law from ordinance.
Regarding a Town Meeting regarding this law, the Planning Board had a hearing and a Town Meeting was held.
CITIZEN ISSUES AND QUESTIONS:
Thelma Ledden expressed concern over her road. The road had been ditched on the incorrect side and she now has a pond on her property. The tar is breaking down along the side of her driveway on the right hand side. It was undercut.
Cheryl Grass was in regarding mowing the Freedom Field. She needs to contact Jeff Holmes or Erna Keller. It was also mentioned that if you were using your own equipment, you would need liability insurance.
CORRESPONDENCE:
One taxable property list arrived postmarked April 4th. This may not be eligible for an abatement because of the late date.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS:
1. Bangor Savings Bank has offered a proposal to the Town. This would include a non-bearing interest checking account associated with a sweep account. A sweep account puts all the money in the checking account into an overnight investment account, which earns interest. The next morning the funds are restored to the checking account. The current interest on the sweep account is 2.7%. We would keep $35,000.00 in the checking account and anything over that would go into the sweep account.
In comparison with Peoples bank, there is no sweep account and we earned on the checking account 1.05 % for a total interest last year of $1,529.40. Our average daily balance last year was $161,000.00 in our checkbook.
Bangor Savings checking account is guaranteed up to $100,000 FDIC and the sweep account is collaterized as high-grade investment and guaranteed in writing by Bangor Savings. Night deposits can be made at any branch. Separate CD’s would need to be set up for various accounts, such as capitol investment accounts, Also separate sub-accounts could be set up at the 2.7% rate. There are no fees involved. They will supply us with computer checks. On-line service will be available. All accounts are free.
If we got down to the $35,000.00 and there was no money to sweep into the overnight account, we could call them and tell them to suspend the sweep account privilege. If this were not done there would be a $25.00 charge monthly.
If this proposal is authorized the bank would need a letter of authorization. Investment accounts would also have to be set up. Currently the Town has $100,000.00 plus in CD’s. These are funds designated to different departments that have been invested in CD’s. There is a small account with Black Hills stock. We also wouldn’t need a surety bond with Bangor Savings.
Hilary Fleming inquired regarding electronic banking. There is no legal way to do this currently. MMA has met with the bank and something is trying to be worked out.
If there is $100.00 in the vault, cash or receipts, it needs to be deposited. Going to Peoples takes longer than going to Unity’s Bangor Saving.
Going with the balance of last year for comparison the interest earned would be over $3,000.00 and with CD’s and the sweep account the return would be between $7,000.00 and $8,000.00.
2. April 1, 2005 property lists are in the folder.
3. MMA insurance inspection was conducted on the Town’s property. There were no negative comments regarding the Town Office, or the Historical Building. The inspector was happy with the Town Park. However, concern about the concrete foundation as a danger was expressed. She did feel that Red’s monument should have a value placed on it as well as the map in the Town Office.
The Fire Department had some GFI receptacles that were not GFI. They will need to be replaced. Also there were a couple of other minor things.
The Town Garage: One clipboard was found, the others are in the trucks according to Clint. The phone was working. She was not happy with the wiring. The “electric”garage doors still don’t work. The fuse box and no GFI were noted. The external entrance had not been fixed. Clint said that it would need a steel insulated door. In comparing it to last year, it was improved. Steve Bennett explained to her that the Town did not want to spend a lot of money on the Garage, because of the possibility of a new Town Garage.
Block out-tag out procedures are going to be emphased by MMA. A written policy and procedure need to be instituted. This is related to an injury which resulted in a death.
The Dam was also viewed. She did not know how to deal with this.
There are pictures that Steve Bennett had recently been taken. The Dam is 350 feet long and there was water over the dam by the town landing and in surrounding areas. Seventy-five percent of the dam was over-topped.
In an insurance questionnaire Steve Bennett has been working on, there are a lot of questions related to the dam. He will discuss it with MMA, regarding liability coverage, how much we need and what it would cost.
4. No action has been taken on the computer disc.
5. Town Garage work: Tim Biggs has been in touch with Bruce Stubbs to do the electrical work related to the box and replace the line up to the weather head for $600.00 on Friday afternoon. A bid on the interior work is being requested.
6. Maritime Energy: Tim Biggs checked this out and no one knows of any permit needed.
7. Town Loader & Trucks: Steve Bennett: A meter has been put in one of the trucks. Both windshields, at the cost of $190.00 each, have been replaced as well as four windows on the loader. It may be possible that insurance will cover the glass repair. MMA will need to be called regarding this. It still had not been inspected. There may be a broken motor to the wipers on it. Otherwise the vehicle is running well.
Dave Bennett feels that the bodies should come off the sanders, be scraped, sandblasted, and repainted. He feels the bodies have never been off the frames.
The bodies need work, how much is an unknown until they are taken apart.
Both trucks need a clutch. The frame on the 97 is in tough shape. Mileage is low but they have not been well maintained. Montville has several bodies they might be willing to sell.
The lighting in the Town Garage makes it difficult to work. A droplight is a necessity, one was bought, but a fluorescent one is needed.
8. Road Work: Clint Spaulding gave a report on the conditions of the roads that need repairs due to the recent heavy rain. Six roads in particularly need attention,
Prioritizing them they are Greeley Road, Deer Hill, and Raven Road. The others are the Mitchell, Beaver Ridge, Rollins and the Penny Hill Road.
Deer Hill has a culvert that needs to be replaced at the top of the hill as well as a cross culvert. The side of the road has washed out with the rain and needs to be fixed. Ditching needs to be done. Part of the road is one-way only. Mitchell Road: This needs a hole fixed just before the dumpsite. Shoulders after the dump need to be repaired. The end of the road also needs to be smoothed to prevent breaking up the hot top.
Beaver Ridger Ridge Road: As Thelma Ledden mentioned at the beginning of the meeting this needs to be ditched on the right hand side. They apparently have ditched on the wrong side of the road. Her back yard is a pond. The shoulder needs to be fixed from the washout. She feels a culvert needs to be put in. It needs rocks put in like was done on the Penney Hill Road.
The Greeley Road was worked on today and temporary fill was put in. A culvert is needed, as the other one is rotted out. A phone line was skinned on the Greeley Road.
The phone lines are working. Looks like someone will have to attend a class with Dig Safe.
Penney Hill Road had a “sink-hole” in it. This has been filled with sand.
Goosepeaker Ridge also needs attention to a culvert.
Raven Road is extremely muddy and he feels it should be closed off to through traffic.
The Rollins Road is real rough. At some point the hill needs to be rip rapped to hold the hill from washing out.
Doug Gould has a backhoe he could bring to work on the Greeley Road on
Wednesday.
9. Plumbing Inspector: This position needs to be acted on immediately. Mike Turner wants to pour a slab and needs a plumbing inspector. He was going to do it with out the plumbing inspector. The fine for this is $2,500.00 He did obtain a permit from Donald Harriman. Possible plumbing inspector candidates are Donald Harriman and David Scofield. Steve Bennett will contact the latter to see if he is interested.
10. Delta Ambulance: Letters have been sent to Waldo County Dispatch, Delta Ambulance, Unity Ambulance and Maria Jacques by Steve Bennett. Also a map of the Town has been sent to Delta. Notices are posted and postcards are being sent to the residents.
11. FEMA Money: Wilson Hess contacted FEMA and because of the recent heavy rains was told to call back in a couple of weeks. There is a form in the office that needs to be made up as soon as possible. There is a possibility that there will be money for this . We will probably need man-hours and an estimate for the repairs.
12. Automobile Graveyard and Junkyard Law discussion was postponed. An updated statue needs to be reviewed.
13. Road Commissioner Notice: This has been posted. Clint Spaulding has applied for the position. Cut-off date for the applications is April 10th.
14. Animal Control Officer: According to MMA no weapon may be carried. A letter to this effect was sent to Tina Freeman.
Montville is looking for someone to fill this position according to Wilson Hess.
Steve Bennett felt that unlicensed dogs need to be followed up on.
15. Wilson Hess had reviewed a grant application from the fire department for turnout gear for seventeen firefighters along with eight air-packs.
TOWN OFFICERS:
TOWN TREASURER:
HILARY FLEMING
The budget has been being put into the computer. Expected revenue needs to be put in. What should she use as a base? Any figure can later be changed. She has wondered about contracts and agreements to be included. Also about a good definition of software and hardware would help to keep track of these things. Some specific information is needed. Craig Costello needs to be contacted about several issues. A detailed copy of the general ledger has been sent to him. A budget versus actual will soon be available
OLD BUSINESS:
ABATEMENT REQUESTS:
WILSON HESS spoke about several requests.
Bruce Morgan requested in November 04 to consider an abate seasonal property that is unfinished inside. This needs to be viewed.
Alley property: Another one that needs to be inspected before an abatement can
considered. George Butler said he had a drilled well.
NEW BUSINESS:
Selectmen’s hours:
Steve Bennett: 3-4 hours on Monday.
Tim Biggs: perhaps Friday afternoon
Wilson Hess Tuesday morning.
Public Works Committee:
Wait for road commissioner.
Freedom Field Day
Lisa Widdoff is not interested.
Cheryl Smith may be interested as well as Christine Spaulding.
Other candidates: unknown response. Anyone interested is welcome.
Spring Clean Up
Discussion as to date between May 21st and June 4th. Tim will check with Sullivan Bros. regarding this date.
A motion was made by Wilson Hess to tentatively make June 4th our Spring Clean Up Day. Tim Biggs seconded the motion with all Selectmen approving. Tim Biggs will contact Sullivan Bros.
Appointments
A motion was made by Wilson Hess to appoint Charlie Porter acting CEO in the absence of Jay Guber. Steve Bennett seconded this motion and all approved it.
There is a question of where the permit books are. He, Charlie Porter, will come in tomorrow morning to get the permits and a copy of our ordinances.
Tax Maps
Tony Neves was the last person to update the tax maps and has offered to do this again. The deeds are here in the file. Cost will be considerable less than $3,000.00.
A motion was made to contact Tony Neves to update our tax maps by Steve Bennett. Wilson Hess seconded the motion and all approved it. Wilson Hess will contact Tony.
Plumbing Inspector:
Discussed under old business.
Problems in the past have been failure of the plumbing inspector to show up and then the lack of the three inspections required by law. One complaint about Dave Schofield was that he did not turn the building permits in until the end of the year. He was also CEO and had lot of family pressures at the time. Steve Bennett will contact him.
Road Work:
Emergency work needs to be done hopefully this week on three roads: Greeley, Deer Hill and close part of Raven Road. Then next week or as soon as possible ditch Beaver Ridge Road. Dig Safe needs to be called every time. With this recent occurrence the wire was not down a foot. A suggestion was made by Wilson Hess to prioritize the first three roads named above and make Beaver Ridge the next work to be worked. Steve Bennett made this into a motion with Tim Biggs seconding the motion. All selectmen approved the motion. Wilson Hess said that the road crew was out a lot working on the roads.
Truck bodies:
A motion was made by Wilson Hess to authorize public works for the removal of the truck bodies from two trucks, the 97 and the 2000 and then to recondition them. Steve Bennett approved and all approved the motion. Dave Bennett will be called to take charge of this.
Town Garage:
It will cost $600.00 to go through the weather- head to the entrance. The wire needs to be replaced. The breaker box will be put inside, take the wires to the outside and then go up to the weather-head. A motion was made by Wilson Hess to authorize the work that Bruce Stubbs estimated at $600.00 and also to get an estimate of rendering the inside wiring safe. Tim Biggs seconded the motion. All approved the motion.
Bangor Savings
Tim Biggs made a motion to adopt Bangor Savings as our new bank for all our financial accounts. Steve Bennett seconded the motion and all passed this.
Election of the Chair
Wilson Hess had said that when he went for the three-year term he would put his hat in the ring. Steve Bennett was still willing to do it. By a toss of a coin, Wilson Hess became chair. A motion was made by Steve Bennett for Wilson Hess to become the Chair for 2005. Motion was seconded by Tim Biggs and approved.
Letter from Carol Richardson
Wilson Hess has a letter from Carol Richardson stating that she has no town records from last year. This is not the letter that had been sent to her. She asked that this be noted in the records and on the Web site.
FINANCIAL WARRANTS:
A motion was made and approved to pay the following:
Vendors: $4,931.32, which included interest from a previous bill.
Payroll: $2,666. 56.
The revenue and expense sheet was gone over. Pay for the Town Clerk, it is higher than had been planned for. This is suppose to be a thirty-four hour position. $3,000.00 is the budget for deputy clerks.
The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
SELECTMEN’S MEETING MARCH 29,2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett, Tim Biggs, and Wilson Hess
Others present: Dave Bennett, Dottie &Lendall Chase, Sallyann Hadyniak, Thressa Abbott, Jay Guber, Hilary Fleming, Clint & Christine Spaulding, Pete & Marion Bowers.
Bill McKenna, a representative from Delta Ambulance was introduced. He requested a letter be sent to Delta with our request, that they service the residents of Freedom. Also a letter needs to be sent to Waldo County Dispatch as well with this change.
Maps of the Town will also be needed.
The effective date of this will be April 15th. Bill McKenna would like copies of both letters sent to him.
Unity Ambulance also needs to know of this change.
Steve Bennett will notify all parties by letter.
Wilson Hess had a very positive perspective on having used Delta from recent personal experience.
A meeting with the fire chief and his department needs to be arranged. A letter was presented for the fire department authorizing the use of Delta’s radio frequency.
Literature along with an emergency information packet was available to take and place on the door of your refrigerator. This would be helpful to those responding to the emergency.
Delta Ambulance is also willing to come out for Freedom Field Day so that people can inspect the ambulance and meet some of the personnel.
The Selectmen’s meeting was called to order at 6:11PM.
The minutes of the March 22nd meeting were approved after one modification. The quarterly loss from MMA relates to workers comp.
Tim Biggs was welcomed. He has had a phone call related to banning personal watercraft from the lake. Wilson Hess felt it was under state control. This could be looked into by calling MMA.
CORREPONDENCE
1. Tax map information from Belfast was given to Wilson Hess.
2. Toby Farrington from Montville has a road grader which could be available for use.
3. Mark M. from Unity is available to do lawn mowing. Several other people volunteered to do mowing at the Town Meeting. This information is being given to Jeff Holmes.
4. KVCOG sent information related to the joint purchase of culverts.
5. CMP letter given to Wilson Hess.
6. A survey request from Cindy Boyd, related to general assistance, will be taken care of by Steve Bennett
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS
ROAD WORK
Clint Spaulding spoke about putting gravel in some of the wet holes. This had good and bad results.
There is a washout by Kellers.
The ditch across from Richardson’s needs to be checked on. This will be done tomorrow.
Another ditch on Young Hill has washed out. Riprap needs to be replaced. This is a State Rd.
Wilson Hess wondered if we should be checking with the Lee Bros. to do grading. He thought it cost about $2,000 last year. There is a $75 charge per hour. Last year it took about 1-&Mac184; days to do this.
Grading needs to be done in the spring. Weather permitting the first and second week of April is a good time to grade.
Dave Bennett said that there was the need for a lot of gravel this summer.
Culverts on Burnham Hill RD. need work.
Clark Rd. also needs gravel and grader work. There are bad potholes there.
Freddie Overlock of Lee Bros. knows the roads.
The roads need to be graded, then gravel placed and then regraded.
Tim Biggs will check with the Lee Bros. regarding the roadwork.
Wilson Hess brought up FEMA and their deadline of July or August. He will check on this. Jay Guber thought that FEMA should be checked with regarding the dam as well. There is a 10% hold back by FEMA.
Sandy Pond Dam: Steve Bennett sent them a letter regarding the dam. Shyka and Grassi will be asked to sign a release as well.
It may be a good idea to consult a hydraulic engineer.
Meetings scheduled for Monday: 10 AM. Bangor Savings with Pam Myrick and another representative to learn of their proposal. One of the main advantages working with this bank is the nearness of it.
1PM. Building inspections with Ann Snyder of the MMA. It was suggested by Wilson Hess that the buildings be given a look around prior to her visit. The meter box at the garage still has not been done. Steve Littlefield of Brooks, an electrician was suggested. Jay Guber will contact him tonight. During the meeting Jay was able to get in contact with an electrician who can be here on Friday. The Town Garage and the Fire Department will need to be open as well for inspection by MMA.
April 1, 2005 the office needs to be staffed by the Selectmen for residence to turn in their list of taxable property.
9AM -11AM Wilson Hess
11AM -1PM Steve Bennett, the hours were different than had been proposed.
1PM – 2:30PM Tim Biggs
Maritime Energy requesting permit for driving on posted roads. They need a call.
General Assistance application denied.
Town Report prepared by volunteers was a learning experience. They will learn from their mistakes. Wilson Hess suggested that all information by in by a certain deadline well in advance. This deadline should be set in January.
Steve Bennett thought that a copier that could do two-sided page would be helpful. This needs to be looked into.
Pete Bowers felt that the volunteers should have been thanked for their work at the Town Meeting. They had been thanked in the Town Office.
The only negative comment heard by several people was that salaries were not listed.
There is a need for a disc drive for the Northgate computer. Hilary Fleming was authorized to buy one. It will cost about forty dollars.
Town Garage phone is not working; there is no dial tone. Cindy checked yesterday and there was never a work order. Clint will check on this with Cindy.
Loader needs repair before it can be inspected. Dave Bennett said it needed wipers, windows broken on the sides and the windshield is cracked, lights, the top light is unstable. Glass needs to be replaced and quotes from glass companies need to be obtained.
Town CD Accounts and Investments were briefly discussed.
WILSON HESS
Ideas for future consideration:
1. Appointments to Town Boards and Committees need to be looked at. Cindy has not prepared a list.
2. Hours for Selectmen to be considered.
3. Consider paying vendors biweekly instead of weekly.
4 Discussion as to whether the Selectmen need to meet weekly. A suggestion was made to meet every other week and in the other week meet with different groups.
TOWN OFFICERS
CEO Jay Guber
Bruce Stubbs is the electrician he contacted for the garage. He is a commercial electrician and charges $35 per hour. He will need a key to get into the garage and the CMP account number. He will contact one of the Selectmen on Friday at the Town Office.
Last Tues he met with Tony Neves, Steve Bennett and Wilson Hess regarding town maps. Jay has made copies of all the Town maps and mylars.
Building permit was given to Nathan Stumps of 146 Smithton RD for a garage and a camp.
Jay attended a code enforcement standards seminar in Orono. His mileage was turned in.
State junkyard statue: If the Town is going to enact the junkyard ordinance, Jay would like to have a notice sent to all the residence with the day that it will become effective and have it coincide it with the brown goods and metal pickup so that people have a chance to clean up their yards prior to this date. The junkyard ordinance is not just for vehicles. Of interest is the fact that if you have three cars and two out of the three are not running, two are considered junk. The state ordinance is pretty well defined.
Steve Bennett feels the Selectmen really need to take a good look at this ordinance.
Wilson Hess feels that this requires a Town Meeting. The planning board did have a hearing and a Town meeting was held.
The Comprehensive Planning Committee found that this was a major concern of those that returned their surveys.
Charlie Porter will be covering for Jay while he is away.
TOWN TREASURER, HILARY FLEMING
She has a call in to TRIO to address the municipal valuation return. She has been unable to find it in the system. When she printed as page, it came off as page 8, and Kendall wants all eight pages.
Hilary has sent financial information to Craig and needs to talk to him as well. There were many questions related to the general ledger summary report. The detail information will be sent to him explaining the summary report.
Wilson Hess was asked by Steve Bennett as to money being returned from the State and he estimated a guess as to the amount; Homestead $30,000, Veterans $5,000 and a small amount from Tree Growth.
The financial statement for the Selectmen has not been done yet. The budget versus actual is yet to be seen, but she wants to be sure the numbers are correct.
Hours for Hilary: Presently Tuesdays, summer hours will be Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and Friday. Her responsibilities are currently keeping the checkbook, taking deposits, writing checks, doing the warrant, and financial reports and doing some of the tax liens.
Right now she is concentrating on doing the audit and getting up-to-date the financial information.
TOWN BOARDS
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING; HILARY FLEMING
The inventory continues to be done. Plans are to meet with a person in regards to the natural resources.
Plans are also to meet with interested parties to get plans, ideas, goals, and objectives.
For example, Jim Waterman of the Fire Department, Planning Board, etc. Time frames for meeting their goals needs to be included.
NEW BUSINESS
Division of responsibilities of the Selectmen
Workload and salary are equally divided.
Wilson Hess: Abatements and Exemptions. Tim Biggs should also get involved with the assessments.
Steve Bennett: General Assistance.
Chair needs to be elected: Duties are to make up the agenda and chair the meeting.
Wilson Hess gave Steve Bennett credit for his work.
Road Commissioner needs to be advertised for. Steve Bennett would like to see it in the paper. Wilson Hess was in favor of posting signs locally regarding the position. Tim Biggs felt that advertising in the paper is a time consuming thing. He agreed with Wilson. In any case they need to have a letter of interest, denoting their skills, experience and references would be needed. The consensus is to put signs up. Wilson Hess felt it would be beneficial to put a date by which candidates should have their applications in. Steve Bennett said he would take care of this.
A letter to the outgoing selectman, Steve Cross, needs to be written asking that he return any paper work or keys. The keys have already been given to Tim Biggs. Wilson Hess will create a certificate of appreciation.
Payroll authorization policy when only one selectmen is present was made as a motion by Steve Bennett, seconded by Wilson Hess and approved by all.
Freedom Field Day Committee needs to be formed. Cheryl Smith of Waldo had been very active in this in the past. Tim Biggs will check with her to see if she is interested. Others who may be interested are Dot Waterman, Lisa Widdoff, Christine Spaulding, Pete and Linda Mattson, Libby and Carrrie. Younger people are really needed. The date for this is unknown, but it should be during Little League season.
Clint Spaulding felt that some of the Town Vehicles should be included in the parade as has been done in the past.
The ordinance related to the junkyard will be tabled to a latter time. The planning board has unanimously requested this ordinance be enforced. Jay pointed out that if there were parts of the State ordinance we want changed, a special Town Meeting would need to be called to vote on it. Steve Bennett will call MMA for a copy of the State ordinance.
Spring clean up last year was in June. An earlier date, perhaps in mid-May is a possibility. Tim Biggs will check with Sullivan’s.
The Public Works committee needs to be active. Anyone interested can become a member. Currently members are Dave Bennett, Jay Guber, Clint Spaulding and Herb Abbott. Lendall Chase has agreed to become involved.
There is still the question of contracting this out, versus having a public works committee do the work. Both sides need to be presented at a special Town Meeting.
Other people who may be contacted are Roy Greeley, Roger Littlefield, and Pal Clark.
Tax maps will be postponed.
A concealed weapons permit was signed for Frank Morello.
FINANCIAL WARRANTS
A motion was made, seconded an approved for the following:
Vendors: $3,1916.33
Payroll: $1,735.05
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 8:30PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
SELECTMEN’S MEETING MARCH 22, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett, Steve Cross and Wilson Hess.
Others present: Thelma Ledden, Dottie & Lendall Chase, Sallyann Hadyniak, Betty Sienkiewicz, Pete and Marion Bowers.
Steve Bennett opened the meeting at 6:05 PM.
Minutes of the last meeting, which was held on February 19th, were read. They were accepted as read.
Since it was unknown if Steve Cross and Wilson Hess would be able to attend, no specific agenda was planned.
WARRANTS:
Motions were made, seconded and approved to pay the following:
Payroll: $795.09
Vendors: $8,563.03
Cindy has taken warrants into UPS Mailbox to have 150 copies made for the Town Report. The need for speed in getting this done was the major factor. Last year, it cost $1,553 to have the Town Report prepared and it would have cost more this year to have the same firm do this. Volunteers have done it this year.
Wilson Hess expressed his appreciation for all the work Steve Bennett had done in getting the work done in his absence. Steve in return expressed his gratitude in having him back as well as Steve Cross.
Dave Bennett spoke regarding mud-holes on the Smithton and Mitchell Rd to Steve Bennett. Dave thought that they needed to get some gravel from Roger Littlefield.
They plan on using the #88 truck with the chain drive. They could run it over some of the spots and then back drag the areas with the loader. Steve Bennett has given them the okay to get four or five loads. Steve Cross suggested they need real course gravel.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Bill from the County for $60,000. Two years ago it was $45,000; last year it was for $52,000. This is a 33% increase in two years. Wilson Hess called and spoke with them since they had originally expected a 1% increase. At year end they did not have the expected surplus.
The Freedom Town Budget has a 1% increase over last year, or $5,000. This is the last year of the paving loan.
2. New poverty levels from DHS.
3. Unity Ambulance bill for last year of $500. This year they are requesting $1,000. A note from them requested that $1,500 be paid now or else they would no longer service the Town of Freedom.
There are mixed feelings as to which ambulance service, Unity or Delta the town should have. Representatives from both services have been asked to attend the Town Meeting. At the Budget Committee meeting they did have a representative from Delta present their services.
Steve Cross wondered if individual membership for Unity Ambulance would be available.
4. Received a critical habitat map and information regarding an eagle’s nest in Town.
Permits for building in the area need to be approved by Fish and Wildlife first.
5. Quarterly loss from MMA is zero; this is for workers comp.
6. Notifications from Wells-Fargo on property that should no longer taxed.
7. Request from an attorney regarding what the assessment was for some property.
8. Homestead application from Bo Selleck.
9. This year’s renewal on property inspection with Ann Snyder from the MMA.
Bangor Savings Bank recently has spoken with Steve Bennett regarding a proposal they will offer the Town for our financial needs. A meeting will be set up with them.
Sandy Pond: Rod Luhn’s release deed has been returned. All the private landowners with any water access rights to the dam have signed off. Now the DEP needs to finish their work and this will complete the project of getting the required releases except for the Shyka & Grassi boundary agreement.
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 6:33PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett and Steve Cross. Wilson Hess was ill and absent.
Others present: Sallyann Hadyniak, Thressa Abbott, Thelma Ledden, Tom & Hilary Fleming, Betty Sienkiewicz, Jay Guber, Jim Waterman, Dottie Chase, Pete and Marion Bowers.
Minutes were read and accepted with the following modifications.
1. Page 1, on #3, make the installment, the first installment.
2. Page 3, Turnout gear should cost $1,500.00.
a. Workers comp would cost a total of $250.00 for the Knox firemen.
b. Jim Waterman pointed out that the increased assessment to each town would be $300.00 for fire protection. This would make the increase for the three towns, a total increase of $900.00. Not $900.00 per town.
3. Page 4, the Selectmen never voted on the hour meters.
STEVE BENNETT spoke about the fact that the three selectmen had voted unanimously for a board policy regarding spending money. To spend money a majority would be needed voting in favor of doing so at a public meeting. This is just a reminder.
CORRESPONDANCE:
1. A thank you note from Mid-Coast Mental Health for a check of $315.00 we sent them.
2. Minutes of the Unity Recycling Center. Freedom is being billed $4,000.00. Freedom’s share represents 7% of what all the Towns pay.
3. Better Roads Magazine. We receive two copies and only need one. $24.00 yearly for each one.
4. Invitation to a business breakfast in Searsmont featuring guest speakers from Fairpoint New England. Business support services, hi speed data network, etc
5. Fire Chief’s report
6. Unity Ambulance, request had to go on the warrant.
7. The following correction needs to go in the Warrant. At the March Town Meeting an ordnance was put in to stagger the terms of the Selectmen and to also have an ordnance for recall in it. The wording in the last line needs to have the word, “section” inserted.
8. Request for Waldo County Preschool Family Services of $500.00.
9. Request from American Red Cross of $250.00.
10. Request from Belfast Area Child Care Services of $500.00.
12. Request from Kennebec Valley Mental Health Center $649.80
13. Prospecting letter from Bangor attorneys offering their assistance in tax- exempt bonds and other loans.
14. Letter offering name- plates for sale.
15. Meeting of the American Board of Directors, January 26th.
16. Notice to put addresses of the Representatives in our Town Reports.
17. Request from the Historical Society for funds and a letter they would like to publish in the report.
18. Two letters from COMBAT, one is a thank you letter from last year’s donation of $400.00 and the other is a request for money.
19. Request from Senior Spectrum for $445.00.
20. Humane Society is requesting $739.20.
21. Kno-wal-in is requesting $718.00.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS:
STEVE BENNETT:
He has spoken with Attorney John Carver and there is no need to worry regarding the transfer tax statements on the release deeds related to the dam and their rights. Ron Luhn and Elton Nason deeds are back. On Saturday morning he will meet with Shyka and Grassi and will snow shoe the area from their end of the dam to where they want the right of way or something like it. It may just be a permission they need for access to the dam. They don’t want a road down there. They are willing to give the Town access to the dam.
At a time when we recently had a lot of rain, he inspected the dam and there was a large area where the water was going over, about a foot deep.
The auditor was called yesterday to see when he would like to set a date for the Town audit. We should be prepared sooner than we were last year. Last year the audit was done after the Town Meeting. Hilary Fleming stated that the reports are not ready yet, but can be gotten. Needed are the revenue summary report, expense summary report and a general ledger trial balance summary. These need to be
available before he will come out.
Our checking account is presently with Peoples Bank in Waterville. Previously it was with Bangor Savings. According to Betty Sienkiewicz it was changed because of the charges per check. Steve Bennett called Bangor Savings to see what they could offer. On Monday, the bank rep. will meet with the Selectmen. They do offer a sweep account, checking account; whereby all funds at the end of the day are put into US Treasures and bonds for an overnight rate of return that pays more interest. Plus the fact this bank is much closer.
General Assistance Applications:
He has done probably three of these applications this year and questioned the whole process while he was doing it. A case came up yesterday, that justified assistance. Some of the organizations requesting financial help really kick in to help. The food basket gave immediate assistance. Steve Bennett called the State regarding this application and within five minutes he was called back with multiple suggestions.
Municipal Valuation Report needs to be sent out. Wilson Hess may have this report. The State wants to send Homestead Exemption money to us.
Dave Bennett went out and shopped the best price for a new wheel for #8 truck. The best price he got was at Waterville Tire for $99.00. We don’t have an account with them.
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He also priced 2 sets of chains for both of the plow trucks at the Canadian Chain in Skowhegan. Price was $162.00 per set, cost $324.00 for both sets. With these you get extra traction.
Also the hour meters at Motor Supply, where we do have an account are $47.50 each for a total of $95.00. While Dave Bennett is there he will also pick up oil filters, and fuel filters.
Steve Cross wondered how we were situated for oil. That is unknown.
A question was asked as to what we were doing with our used oil. Was it being recycled? Steve Cross stated that it was being taken to Waterville.
Budget Committee:
Steve Bennett has been in touch with all the members, Doug Van Horn, Brian Mitchell, Betty Sienkiewicz, Audrey Williams and Jay Guber. They will have their first meeting February 1st at 6:30 p.m.
Plow Truck Meeting:
There was a meeting on Friday. Since then Steve Cross has been wondering if a driver quits, what about insurance. Do we have to call the insurance company? Every new hire DHS needs to be checked with to see if they are delinquent in child support. At the meeting they went over the guidelines for the plow truck drivers.
Planning Board Member:
Steve Bennett contacted Helen Tirone on Sunday about her absence. She is busy and did not appear interested. Said she would get back in touch in 24hours.
Town Office Hours:
Hilary Fleming had nothing new to offer. Steve Bennett thought that the Budget Committee had to approve a dollar figure first. A proposal has been made to increase the number of hours the office is open. This would be for five days a week and only one Saturday a month.
TOWN OFFICES:
CEO, JAY GUBER
Jay attended a class regarding legal issues in Skowhegan. It was
educationnal and informational. The class was free, but he will be charging for mileage at some future point.
Letter from the DEP regarding grants for septic systems and disposal of waste water was read last week and he was given files on two candidates. The information was incomplete. He has sent off a letter, because of the short time frame in which to respond, to the DEP, and hopes that they will meet with him on site. The files and a copy of this letter are in the Town Office.
TOWN BOARDS:
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Jim Waterman requested a correction in the minutes of the January 18th meeting. The correction is so noted above.
Freedom’s Fire Department will receive payments in June, September and
December, for three payments of $1,400.00 each. The potential new fireman from Knox is a question. The cost of turnout gear which includes, boots, pants, helmet, coat, gloves and hood is $1,500.00. There is a grant from FEMA in which we are asking for 22 sets of turnout gear. The grant total comes to about $87,000.00. If we are approved the town would pay 10% and this would come out of the Capitol Improvement Fund.
This was applied for last year and we are still waiting. There were 19,000
applicants and there are still about 2,000 grants to be awarded. Also requested is a thermal imaging camera, some portable radios, and some other stuff for the fire department. A question was asked as to where did the current turnout gear come from. Jim said that some of it was used, some are new and some come out of the budget.A replacement is required if it gets a hole in it. It can’t be patched because the material itself is treated. A coat costs $500.00 pants cost $450.00.
The meeting in Knox went well and he feels that it will be approved.
Training is coming up with the fire department. They have fit testing that will occur when people wear SCEBA’s {Self-contained emergency breathing apparatus}; this is an annual requirement and for the fire department only. This will be on February 7th at 5:30. Coastal Medical is doing this. Neighboring towns are invited to this. Blood borne pathogens and hazardous communication which is mandatory on March 7th at 6:30 p.m. MMA is giving this with Ann Snyder of the Risk Assessment program. She also does the EVOC, which is an emergency vehicle operation Operations course. There is no charge for this course. Any town employee, particularly truck drivers, can attend this. If they came across an emergency they should know what precautions to take, for example wear vinyl gloves, and to be aware of what hazards there are out there.
The fire department had an election for officers. Jim Waterman will remain fire chief. He is asking for an increase in his supplies of $400.00 The utilities cost exceeded by more than $218.00 which is related to the increase in, fuel cost. He is requesting an increase of $400.00. Another request is some sort of dial-up or DSL for fire reporting. Steve Bennett wondered if there was some way they could piggy-back on to the Town Office’s DSL. Jim was open to that suggestion.
The Freedom Field Day was a topic of much discussion. Jim Waterman suggested having it put on the Town Warrant and to have a Town Committee to run the affair. This way one can learn if there is an interest in this event. It is always difficult to get workers and in the past some other towns-people have run the affair. The past couple of years, the Freedom Fire Department has organized and run the event. He has looked into getting a tent because of inclement weather in the past and the Grange Hall is not the place to play games. The tent 30’X 75’ would cost $825, seats 175 people, this would include setting it up and taking it down. Last year there were 200 dinners sold. The fire department will take an active roll in it, but he feels others should get involved. The question was asked if he wanted to give it up. He wants to see it continue, but have others involved. He is willing to be the contact person for anyone interested. People with ideas are needed as well as running and setting up games.
The second Saturday of June has been the day for this event. Sallyann Hadyniak was asked to put it in the paper.
Regardless of what group needs help there are few willing workers.
Also the Bicentennial is coming up in 2013 and we need to be thinking about this as well.
Steve Bennett thought that the attendance last year was great. He also thought that there was more volunteerism recently. As Selectmen they need to think about putting an ad in the paper and creating a committee.
Jim said that they had been thinking about having it over a weekend and having a yard sale, auction and the usual events etc.
Jim also wanted to have permission to speak with the Budget Committee. This was agreeable.
The present fire department has been located where it is since 1948. We cover an area of 22 square miles. There are some people in Town that do not fall under a five-mile umbrella for fire protection. The five-mile limit is at Addison Chase’s. There are some people that are beyond that in South Freedom. If the fire department did move to the Mitchell RD corner area and more people would be covered under that radius.
As to the old dump -site, there is a need for electricity, but that is not his concern. His concern is potable water. The water there is contaminated. The EMA directive states that you need potable water, drinkable and showerable. Jim Waterman, for this reason, would not be in favor of moving the fire department to that site. He is satisfied where the department is. Our ISO rating is a 9.10 being the worst.
Jay Guber had questions about how many pond hydrants we have. Jim said that we have the open boat ramp, it doesn’t have a hydrant, and they access it 90% of the time, there are dry hydrants at Rick Martin’s, the milldam, and at James Little’s pond in South Freedom. At the latter site, the water is assessable all year round. There is one on Ayer Ridge, near Bryant Road, plus they are able to draw
draft water out of Penny Brook on Mitchell Road. At the bottom of Young Hill they can draw water from that stream.
Tom Fleming mentioned a place on the top of the hill on Rollins Rd. This pond belongs to John Luniewicz. There have been several calls to the Leeman’s and this would be help.
Steve Bennett spoke about Homeowners Insurance. Many companies won’t insure homes since 9/11. Some companies won’t insurance if it is more than five or six miles and if they do, it costs more. If your home burns down, it is next to impossible to get insurance.
Jim Waterman would like to see sprinkler systems installed in new homes. Since we are an all-volunteer department, this would be an added protection in saving the dwelling.
Jay Guber spoke of someone in Portland who had a sprinkler system installed and it cost $25,000.00 for a 3,000 square foot home. A more feasible idea would be to have it put into key areas that could be potential fire hazards.
Jim Waterman also spoke about the new school and the fact that no one around us has a ladder for a building if it is more than one story. We would have to go to Belfast, Winslow or Waterville to get a ladder truck.
The school district is now talking about $35 million dollars, which 100% would come from the State. It is cheaper to heat the building going up, than all ground floors. The amount of money that school now uses without the portables is 14,000 gallons a month. All of the 6th graders will be attending the new school.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:
Jim Waterman will do the public safety for the Plan.
Hilary Fleming requested that the Budget Committee consider an appropriation of $1,500.00. This would be used for maps, publishing and making up booklets.
OLD BUSINESS:
Planning Board replacement: Helen Tirone is not really interested in continuing with the board. Steve Bennett had spoken with her. He made a motion to inform her that they will replace her position on the Planning Board. The motion was made seconded and accepted. Bill Pickford is interested in the position. Steve Bennett made a motion that was seconded and approved to contact Bill Pickford for appointment to the Planning Board if he is still interested. He is very knowledgeable regarding sub-divisions.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dave Bennett needs a check for $99.00 for a wheel for tomorrow. A motion was made to authorize a check be drawn for the Waterville Tire Company for $99.00. This would have to be put on the Warrant according to Steve Cross. However it was seconded and approved so that David Bennett could pick up this check tomorrow.
Chains were shopped for. Four chains cost $324.00 at the Canadian Chain Company.
Steve Cross declined to vote for this and asked that it be reconsidered at the next meeting.
Hour Meters are also needed. They will be reconsidered at the next meeting also.
Better Roads magazine:
No more than one copy is needed according to both Selectmen.
Warrents:
A motion was made, seconded and approved to pay the following:
Payroll: $1,508.73
Accounts Payable: $4,628.53
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
SELECTMEN’S MEETING February 19, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett and Steve Cross. Wilson Hess was absent because of hospitalization.
Others present: Marion Bowers
An emergency meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m..
Minutes of the meeting on February 15th were read and accepted.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS:
STEVE BENNETT did call Christine, one of the snowplow drivers, and she has quit. Dave Bennett said that she was a good mechanic and would ask for her help if it were needed.
STEVE CROSS said that when the ground is soft the wing on the plow should be carried. Tightening the cable does this.
Loading the truck with sand is a concern because of overloading them. They should be filled to the top of the screen. Otherwise they will be overloaded which is detrimental to the truck. It is hard on the springs and the sander. We have had two broken wheels this winter.
This should be another consideration as to moving the salt-sand pile nearer to the center of town.
STEVE BENNETT was told by Dave Bennett that there is a need to replace the hopper on one of the trucks; it is badly rusted. It is a possibility that it could be repaired and sandblasted. If it were replaced with a stainless steel or aluminum one it would cost in the vicinity of $10,000.00. If a dump body were purchased this would be around $19.000.00 and could be used for sand in the winter and as needed in the summer.
WILSON HESS had spoken with George Mandel of Montville regarding a piece of equipment, thought to be a hopper, that Montville is selling. They also had a small truck but this has been in an accident and the frame, even though repaired, is not
straight.
NEW BUSINESS:
The selectmen met because of a need to consider a new policy. The only way that money can be disbursed is in a public meeting; whereby the warrants are voted on and signed. However there is an exception. The treasurer or one of the selectmen, in the absence of a majority of the board, can sign the payroll warrant for town employees. A motion was made as follows; “ the Board of Selectmen of Freedom do hereby authorize one of the Selectmen, in the absence of a majority of said board, to sign the payroll warrant for town employees.” This was seconded and approved.
A copy is attached.
Consideration of a bi-weekly payroll in the future was briefly spoken about.
The meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m..
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
SELECTMEN’S MEETING FEB 8, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett, Steve Cross and Wilson Hess.
Also present: Thelma Ledden, Thressa Abbott, Betty Sienkiewicz, Sallyann Hadyniak, Dave Bennett, Dottie Chase, Lorraine Overlock, Viola Greeley, Jay Guber, Pete and Marion Bowers.
Steve Bennett opened the meeting at 5:56 p.m.
Minutes of the February 1st meeting were read and approved with two corrections.
Page 1. Corrected spelling: KVCOG
Wilson Hess spoke about KVCOG. We had not availed ourselves of their services. However, Steve Bennett spoke about the Comprehensive Plan making use of their services.
CORRESPONDANCE:
1. Erna Keller, of the Recreational Committee, contacted Steve Bennett and told him she would not be able to mow the Town field this year. They will need to ask for funds this year to have this done. Steve Bennett is meeting with them on Thursday night and will talk with them regarding this budget request.
2. Steve Bennett asked Wilson Hess if they were any closer to getting a revenue summary report, expense summary report, and general ledger trial balance summary report, for the auditors. He replied that he had spoken about that today to Cindy. It should not be a complicated thing to do. He will review it with them, Cindy and Hilary. It is needed for the auditors.
3. Steve Bennett did get some information from Peoples Bank. The checkbook has an average daily balance of $161,000.00. We averaged 13 deposits a month, an average of 68 checks per month, January had the largest number of checks, and February had the largest number of deposits. There was no fee paid related to the checking account. The interest the Town earned was $1,529.40. The current yield on their interest-bearing checking account is 1.05%. Peoples supply the electronic checks at no cost. We do not participate in on-line banking and if we did there might be a small charge or no charge. They also paid the cost for the surety bond. The issue with Peoples is not the service, it is the distance. According to State law, any time you have over $100 it needs to be deposited. Currently this takes an hour to one and a half hours, plus the mileage, compared to a 30 minute round trip to Bangor Savings.
Bangor Savings has been met with and they are coming up with a proposal. They were told that Freedom would not consider switching unless their proposal was equal or better. We are awaiting their proposal.
4. Cindy has request that a credit account at Sam’s Club for office supplies be
established since they no longer take checks. Wilson Hess thought it was that we cannot get an invoice from them and that is needed to cut a check. Membership is $35.00.
Steve Bennett was asked how he paid for purchases at Sam’s Club. He uses his private business debit card. Wilson Hess said that you have to have a check in hand from the business or else a debit card or Sam’s in house card.
It was a possibility that the Town of Freedom could get a debit card from their bank account. The pros and cons were talked about. It is going to be discussed under new business.
5. An abatement request was given to Wilson Hess. This person has a building that has been appraised at $18,300.00. It has no heat, no windows, no water, and it is classified as in the “E” class.
6. Nomination papers are in; the deadline was today.
Selectmen:
3 year term: Wilson Hess, unopposed
2 year term: Steve Bennett and Carol Richardson
1 year term: Steve Cross and Tim Biggs
Staggered terms allows for continuity of experience. It takes three years to put this into motion. There is also a recall provision related to the Selectmen’s position.
Town clerk, tax collector and excise tax collector: Cindy Abbott, unopposed
Treasurer: Hilary Fleming, unopposed
School Board: Lynn Hadyniak and Brian Jones. This led to a discussion regarding length of the term. The Town understands Lynn Hadyniak’s position runs to the end of June, 2005 according to Reed Brugger. It is also consistent with our Town Reports. The School Superintendent says it goes to 2006. The nomination papers say it is a three-year term.
Wilson Hess believes that ultimately the School Board is the entity that sets the term.
7. Proposed amendments to the shoreline zoning. There is a hearing soon
8. PUC new rules for emergency service engagement.
9. From the Office of Domestic Preparedness to the Freedom Fire Department: The grant application has been denied at this time.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS
STEVE BENNETT
The Budget Committee met last week and got a good start on the budget for 2005. Budgets should really be prepared prior to the current year.
WILSON HESS:
The budget needs to be looked at from both the revenue aspect and expenditures aspect. Expenditures were looked at in various groups.
Functional categories
General town government
Public works, which includes the roads, trash pickup, etc.
Public safety, which includes the fire department, health nurse, etc.
Social services which includes the general assistance funds which the town awards, as well as those charitable activities which we contribute to and the historical society
County government and SAD #3 which are two very large expenditures.
Based upon the initial very preliminary illustration, if the school budget is reasonable, a budget can be produced that won’t have any additional expenditures. Some of the requests will get passed onto the voters of the Town and some of them might be approved.
Sallyann Hadyniak commented on the nice presentation of the Budget by Wilson Hess.
STEVE BENNETT spoke about the meeting for the new school in which about 130 people were present. Chairman of the School Committee is Glen Couturier.
Three pieces of land need approval to be bought. The school would be situated on 80 acres. There was a straw vote approving this purchase.
STEVE BENNETT was looking for input when he displayed two forms for doing town reports, one was the usual one the Town has been using and the other was the one Knox uses. The cost last year for The Freedom Town Report was $1,500.OO and was in a 6” by 9" booklet. The one from Knox was in 8 _” by 11” binder and the cost was considerably less. The latter could be done in the office using the copier and supplies that we have and we would save around $1000.00. Wilson Hess commented that toner for the copier is cheaper than ink and he would like to see it remain with the same size we have always had, but to do it ourselves and use a binder. There were several volunteers who would be willing to help to do this.
The Town has delivered the Report to each household. Steve Cross recalls when this was not so. Several people commented on the positive aspect of delivering them. Knox does not deliver them.
TOWN OFFICES
CEO: JAY GUBER:
He has been in touch with Richard Green via a phone call, regarding the Small
Community Grant and the fact that we are in a #1 category of shore land zoning and that our village has malfunctioning septic systems. The stream runs right through it and the septic systems are right next to it. They have not got the funding yet. Regardless, he would like to meet with Richard Green because the septic problem is not a normal scenario. The abutting owner, in one case will not give permission to put a septic system that is designed because of the closeness to a well. It looks like a holding tank is one possibility unless Richard Green comes up with something else. Jay will be going to a seminar regarding such situations. There is an over-board system, which is a much smaller system; these are used when you can’t put in a leach field. The DEP would then have to be involved.
There are two building permits:
1. Gregory White, 123 Rollins Road for a house and a shop.
2. Casey Poor, shed has already been built without a permit. They will get a permit.
Steve Bennett had a question regarding the Plumbing Inspector and wanted to know if Jay had worked with him. The answer was in the affirmative and he has sent people to him. There are other plumbing inspectors in the area and Jay will put a list of them together.
KVCOG has a shoreline zoning ordnance seminar that Jay will be attending.
ROAD COMMISSIONER: DAVE BENNETT
There are some things that need to be done before the Town Meeting. Some solution to the garage needs to be done; “it is falling down.” Garage doors need to be replaced. He feels that a lot of money should not be put into it, since it was voted on to sell it. The hopper sander on truck #7 needs to be replaced before next winter. He has called Howard Fairfield and has information on salt brine. It is very costly. They put a 100-gallon tank on the truck and spray the solution on the sand. The pre-mixed solution is from $1.00 to $1.50 per gallon. It is possible to make your own using the BAT system, this costs $.06 per gallon. It is very corrosive on the equipment. This would require a stainless steel hopper sander on truck #7. This could be an option on a dump body, like the old #88 was. It could be used for hauling gravel. He has asked for quotes on these pieces of equipment, but has not received them. Wilson Hess said that with the things that have to be done, the salt-brine system will probably have to wait.
There are other issues that need to be discussed. Time needs to be set aside to do this.
Dave is requesting direction on the building. Also the job description as a deputy, the past month, still needs to be worked on. A work session on Monday, February 14th is planned. He has been working on some proposals for a facility. After the Budget work has been done, then work on what to do related to the garage, etc can take place.
Wilson Hess asked him to bring to the Budget Committee the information he has requested particularly relating to the equipment mentioned earlier tonight.
The Canadian Chains were supposed to be in today, they weren’t. $40.00 per set is saved with this company. They will be sent out by UPS.
The hour meters have not been installed.
Jay Guber mentioned that Ken Boulier has not yet worked on the meter at the Garage.
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE:
Lorraine Overlock had received a call from Betty Caton from the Bayview Gallery in Camden, {they did the frame for the map} related to a 1099form with her name on it. This should not have her name on it. It should have had only the Bayview Gallery name on it. The Gallery is owned by John & Susan Starr. She questioned why they should get a 1099 when it was grant money from the MBNA. Steve Bennett will follow up on this. It maybe that it is related to the labor cost of doing the frame. The other request she had was if the grant money from MBNA could be kept in a separate account from the fund raising account. How much is left from the 2003 account? There have been two different map grants. Wilson Hess told her that there is a line that says MBNA grant. The various grants need to be separated out and only spent on what it was meant for. This will be discussed with Hilary Fleming.
The brass plaques need to be put up by the map. The area where they are to go has already been marked. The map requires special solution to clean it; we do have this.
OLD BUSINESS:
At the January 25th meeting it was voted on to appoint Bill Pickford to replace Helen Tirone on the Planning Board. The appointment needs to be signed. Helen’s term was not up until 2008. This was signed tonight.
NEW BUSINESS:
Wilson Hess felt that if a reasonable limit could be put on a credit account at Sam’s Club he would be in favor of it. Dave Bennett commented that you could get an excellent deal on oil there by the barrel. The business membership costs $30.00 or $35.00.
A limit needs to be set such as $500 and authorize who does the signing. Who would carry the card? It would have to be paid monthly. More information is needed as to what the limit would be and other information.
ABATEMENTS:
Three abatements were considered:
Lot 7, 1305 recommended abatement of $98.75 related to a charge on a corrected deed.
Lot 7, 4-1 the individual was charged for two base-lots. Even though there is more than one dwelling, we have not been charging for 2 base-lots. It was approved for $93.75.
Map11, lot 52. A survey was provided showing acreage of 15 acres not 46 acres. It was recommended for an abatement of $154.50. This needs to be researched. Some of the property is in Unity; also some of it may belong to abutters. All abatements were seconded and approved.
Road Commissioner Applications:
There is the need for an advertisement to be put in the paper. This will be discussed Monday.
Tax Maps:
There are two dates, one stamped in 1979; this one is referred to as aerial map. In the late 90’s Tony Neves had them done. They need to be updated. Wilson Hess said that it would probably cost around $2,500 to do this. If it were done on a yearly basis it would be around $500 once it was updated.
WARRANTS:
Payroll: $809.59 Motion made, seconded and approved.
Vendors: $3,927.09 Motion was made, seconded and approved after changes of entries #80, #26, # 221, & #2 were made.
The next Selectmen’s meeting will be another short one so that the budget can be worked on.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
SELECTMEN’S MEETING FEBRUARY 1, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett, Steve Cross and Wilson Hess.
Also present: Hilary & Tom Fleming, Thelma Ledden, Betty Sinkiewicz, Theressa Abbott, Sallyann Haydniak, Lillian Philips, Audrey Williams, Jessica Breault, Pete and Marion Bowers.
Steve Bennett opened the meeting at 6 p.m. This would only be a brief meeting because the Budget Committee was meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Minutes of the January 25, 2005 meeting were read and accepted with the following corrections:
1. Page 2 the charge of $ 0.75 was deleted
2. Relating to the new wheel, it should read for truck #8
3. Page 3. The last sentence related to the Planning Board member should be stricken.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. KVCOG letter: We have not derived a benefit from them in the past simply
because we have not availed ourselves of the opportunity. Steve Bennett noted that the Comprehensive Committee has used their services. However they do have a joint purchasing agreement for a variety of things, calcium chloride, sand, road salt, etc. We may want to look into this in the future. They also have free weight limit signs, frost heave signs, cost sharing on culverts, and similar things.
2. Thank you from Unity College for the $100 for the library.
3. Northeast Foundation, representing Kno-wal-in, thanking us for the donation of $646.00.
4. Abatement request. That maybe discussed on Monday. More details are needed.
5. Proposed shore guidelines will be discussed in a public meeting in Bangor on February 16th. This takes place at 1 Cumberland Place from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. All shoreline-zoning ordnances are affected across the State whether a town has adopted them or not; they are in effect.
6. Letter from Attorney Carver, reminding the Luhn’s to send the release deed back to the Town.
7. Letter from the DEP relating to the salt and sand facility. Freedom is classified as a #2 or #3 priority. Number #2 towns should let the DEP know if they are interested in a loan. Our time for that has lapsed, making us a #3 priority. According to Wilson Hess this is only a loan program. It is to encourage towns to get in line to borrow the money in anticipation that the State will have money for a reimbursement program.
There are ten towns that have already constructed facilities and are waiting for
reimbursement. There is no guarantee when they will be reimbursed.
8. A training workshop for tractor, loader, and backhoe operators. There is a fee to attend. This will be given to the Public Works to see if anyone is interested.
9. Eastern Maine Development Program has a community block program. Application deadlines for 2005 are in February and March.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS:
STEVE BENNETT:
Shyka and Grassi walked to the dam with him. They are willing to grant the Town access to the dam by permission. Her father is a surveyor and is willing to create a survey.
Meeting with Bangor Savings: The Selectmen met with their representatives to see what their offer might be for a checking account, and an investment account. The bank will offer them a proposal.
WILSON HESS:
The KVCOG met last week. There was a briefing on what the likely effect of the new tax legislation would be. Freedom and other small rural towns will receive less in revenue sharing money, in this proposal as the plan is structured. Service towns, such as Belfast, Waterville, Fairfield, Winslow, etc would benefit more.
The effect on Homestead Provision will increase the amount of money from $7,000 to $13,500. This is good news for the homeowners, but the Towns basically have to cover fifty percent of that money. It will probably be a wash for Freedom.
Steve Bennett commented that the Homestead Provision looked like the State passed a State benefit but left it up to the Town to pay for it. It is not helpful to people with vacation homes.
School districts will have to wait and see; it may be that it goes district, by district.
Over time there will be some savings to the small towns and the school district, there may be some small savings. There is need for a lot of clarification.
Steve Bennett spoke about people who did not pay their property taxes, how there was a process created whereby the taxes would be absorbed by the Town and in the process; a loan to the State was created by the homeowner.
Wilson Hess after looking at the numbers, if you live in Belfast, etc, it will make a difference in your property taxes. We really have to wait and see. He also said that the school spending is one thing that drives our taxes; in 2005 there will be no real relief.
The rest has to do with the County and that is only up 1%; also what the Town does with their budget. The Homestead exemption for those that don’t have year-round homes will have some modest increase, along with commercial and personal property.
WARRANTS:
The following warrants were presented and approved by all.
1. Payroll: $1667. 71
2. Vendors: $6,318.93
The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
SELECTMEN’S MEETING FEBRUARY 1, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett, Steve Cross and Wilson Hess.
Also present: Hilary & Tom Fleming, Thelma Ledden, Betty Sinkiewicz, Theressa Abbott, Sallyann Haydniak, Lillian Philips, Audrey Williams, Jessica Breault, Pete and Marion Bowers.
Steve Bennett opened the meeting at 6 p.m. This would only be a brief meeting because the Budget Committee was meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Minutes of the January 25, 2005 meeting were read and accepted with the following corrections:
1. Page 2 the charge of $ 0.75 was deleted
2. Relating to the new wheel, it should read for truck #8
3. Page 3. The last sentence related to the Planning Board member should be stricken.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. KVCOG letter: We have not derived a benefit from them in the past simply
because we have not availed ourselves of the opportunity. Steve Bennett noted that the Comprehensive Committee has used their services. However they do have a joint purchasing agreement for a variety of things, calcium chloride, sand, road salt, etc. We may want to look into this in the future. They also have free weight limit signs, frost heave signs, cost sharing on culverts, and similar things.
2. Thank you from Unity College for the $100 for the library.
3. Northeast Foundation, representing Kno-wal-in, thanking us for the donation of $646.00.
4. Abatement request. That maybe discussed on Monday. More details are needed.
5. Proposed shore guidelines will be discussed in a public meeting in Bangor on February 16th. This takes place at 1 Cumberland Place from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. All shoreline-zoning ordnances are affected across the State whether a town has adopted them or not; they are in effect.
6. Letter from Attorney Carver, reminding the Luhn’s to send the release deed back to the Town.
7. Letter from the DEP relating to the salt and sand facility. Freedom is classified as a #2 or #3 priority. Number #2 towns should let the DEP know if they are interested in a loan. Our time for that has lapsed, making us a #3 priority. According to Wilson Hess this is only a loan program. It is to encourage towns to get in line to borrow the money in anticipation that the State will have money for a reimbursement program.
There are ten towns that have already constructed facilities and are waiting for
reimbursement. There is no guarantee when they will be reimbursed.
8. A training workshop for tractor, loader, and backhoe operators. There is a fee to attend. This will be given to the Public Works to see if anyone is interested.
9. Eastern Maine Development Program has a community block program. Application deadlines for 2005 are in February and March.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS:
STEVE BENNETT:
Shyka and Grassi walked to the dam with him. They are willing to grant the Town access to the dam by permission. Her father is a surveyor and is willing to create a survey.
Meeting with Bangor Savings: The Selectmen met with their representatives to see what their offer might be for a checking account, and an investment account. The bank will offer them a proposal.
WILSON HESS:
The KVCOG met last week. There was a briefing on what the likely effect of the new tax legislation would be. Freedom and other small rural towns will receive less in revenue sharing money, in this proposal as the plan is structured. Service towns, such as Belfast, Waterville, Fairfield, Winslow, etc would benefit more.
The effect on Homestead Provision will increase the amount of money from $7,000 to $13,500. This is good news for the homeowners, but the Towns basically have to cover fifty percent of that money. It will probably be a wash for Freedom.
Steve Bennett commented that the Homestead Provision looked like the State passed a State benefit but left it up to the Town to pay for it. It is not helpful to people with vacation homes.
School districts will have to wait and see; it may be that it goes district, by district.
Over time there will be some savings to the small towns and the school district, there may be some small savings. There is need for a lot of clarification.
Steve Bennett spoke about people who did not pay their property taxes, how there was a process created whereby the taxes would be absorbed by the Town and in the process; a loan to the State was created by the homeowner.
Wilson Hess after looking at the numbers, if you live in Belfast, etc, it will make a difference in your property taxes. We really have to wait and see. He also said that the school spending is one thing that drives our taxes; in 2005 there will be no real relief.
The rest has to do with the County and that is only up 1%; also what the Town does with their budget. The Homestead exemption for those that don’t have year-round homes will have some modest increase, along with commercial and personal property.
WARRANTS:
The following warrants were presented and approved by all.
1. Payroll: $1667. 71
2. Vendors: $6,318.93
The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
SELECTMEN’S MEETING JANUARY 25, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett and Steve Cross. Wilson Hess was ill and absent.
Others present: Sallyann Hadyniak, Theressa Abbott, Thelma Ledden, Tom & Hilary Fleming, Betty Sienkiewicz, Jay Guber, Jim Waterman, Dottie Chase, Pete and Marion Bowers.
Minutes were read and accepted with the following modifications.
1. Page 1, on #3, make the installment, the first installment.
2. Page 3, Turnout gear should cost $1,500.
a. Workers comp would cost a total of $250 for the Knox firemen.
b. Jim Waterman pointed out that the increased assessment to each town would be $300.00 for fire protection. This would make the increase for the three towns, a total increase of $900.00. Not $900.00 per town.
3. Page 4, the Selectmen never voted on the hour meters.
STEVE BENNETT spoke about the fact that the three selectmen had voted unanimously for a board policy regarding spending money. To spend money a majority would be needed voting in favor of doing so at a public meeting. This is just a reminder.
CORRESPONDENCE
1. A thank you note from Mid-Coast Mental Health for a check of $315 we sent them.
2. Minutes of the Unity Recycling Center. Freedom is being billed $4,000.00.
Freedom’s share represents 7% of what all the Towns pay.
4. Better Roads Magazine. We receive two copies and only need one. $24.00 yearly for each one.
5. Invitation to a business breakfast in Searsmont featuring guest speakers from Fairpoint New England. Business support services, hi speed data network, etc
6. Fire Chief’s report
7. Unity Ambulance, request had to go on the warrant.
8. The following correction needs to go in the Warrant. At the March Town Meeting an ordinance was put in to stagger the terms of the Selectmen and to also have an ordnance for recall in it. The wording in the last line needs to have the word, “section” inserted.
9. Request for Waldo County Preschool Family Services of $500.00.
10. Request from American Red Cross of $250.00.
11. Request from Belfast Area Child Care Services of $500.00,
12. Request from Kennebec Valley Mental Health Center $649.80.
13. Prospecting letter from Bangor attorneys offering their assistance in tax- exempt bonds and other loans.
14. Letter offering name- plates for sale.
15. Meeting of the American Board of Directors, January 26th.
16. Notice to put addresses of the Representatives in our Town Reports.
17. Request from the Historical Society for funds and a letter they would like to publish in the report.
18. Two letters from COMBAT, one is a thank you letter from last year’s donation of $400.00 and the other is a request for money.
19. Request from Senior Spectrum for $445.00.
20. Humane Society is requesting $739.20.
21. Kno-wal-in is requesting $718.00.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS
STEVE BENNETT:
He has spoken with Attorney John Carver and there is no need to worry regarding the transfer tax statements on the release deeds related to the dam and their rights. Ron Luhn and Elton Nason deeds are back. On Saturday morning he will meet with Shyka and Grassi and will snow shoe the area from their end of the dam to where they want the right of way or something like it. It may just be a permission they need for access to the dam. They don’t want a road down there. They are willing to give the Town access to the dam.
At a time when we recently had a lot of rain, he inspected the dam and there was a large area where the water was going over, about a foot deep.
The auditor was called yesterday to see when he would like to set a date for the Town audit. We should be prepared sooner than we were last year. Last year the audit was done after the Town Meeting. Hilary Fleming stated that the reports are not ready yet, but can be gotten. Needed are the revenue summary report, expense summary report and a general ledger trial balance summary. These need to be made available before he will come out.
Our checking account is presently with Peoples Bank in Waterville. Previously it was with Bangor Savings. According to Betty Sienkiewicz it was changed because of the charges per check. Steve Bennett called Bangor Savings to see what they could offer. On Monday, the bank rep. will meet with the Selectmen. They do offer a sweep account, checking account; whereby all funds at the end of the day are put into US Treasures and bonds for an overnight rate of return that pays more interest. Plus the fact this bank is much closer.
General Assistance Applications. He has done probably three of these applications this year and questioned the whole process while he was doing it. A case came up yesterday, that justified assistance. Some of the organizations requesting financial help really kick in to help. The food basket gave immediate assistance. Steve Bennett called the State regarding this application and within five minutes he was called back with multiple suggestions.
Municipal Valuation Report needs to be sent out. Wilson Hess may have this report. The State wants to send Homestead Exemption money to us.
Dave Bennett went out and shopped the best price for a new wheel for #8 truck. The best price he got was at Waterville Tire for $99.00. We don’t have an account with them
.
He also priced 2 sets of chains for both of the plow trucks at the Canadian Chain in Skowhegan. Price was $162 per set, cost $324 for both sets. With these you get extra traction.
Also the hour meters at Motor Supply, where we do have an account are $47.50 each for a total of $95.00. While Dave Bennett is there he will also pick up oil filters, and fuel filters.
Steve Cross wondered how we were situated for oil. That is unknown.
A question was asked as to what we were doing with our used oil. Was it being recycled? Steve Cross stated that it was being taken to Waterville.
Budget Committee:
Steve Bennett has been in touch with all the members, Doug Van Horn, Brian Mitchell, Betty Sienkiewicz, Audrey Williams and Jay Guber. They will have their first meeting February 1st at 6:30 PM.
Plow Truck Meeting:
There was a meeting on Friday. Since then Steve Cross has been wondering if a driver quits, what about insurance. Do we have to call the insurance company?
Every new hire DHS needs to be checked with to see if they are delinquent in child support.
At the meeting they went over the guidelines for the plow truck drivers.
Planning Board Member:
Steve Bennett contacted Helen Tirone on Sunday about her absence. She is busy and did not appear interested. Said she would get back in touch in 24hours.
Town Office Hours:
Hilary Fleming had nothing new to offer. Steve Bennett thought that the Budget Committee had to approve a dollar figure first. A proposal has been made to increase the number of hours the office is open. This would be for five days a week and only one Saturday a month.
TOWN OFFICES: CEO
JAY GUBER attended a class regarding legal issues in Skowhegan. It was educational and informational. The class was free, but he will be charging for mileage at some future point.
Letter from the DEP regarding grants for septic systems and disposal of waste water was read last week and he was given files on two candidates. The information was incomplete. He has sent off a letter, because of the short time frame in which to respond, to the DEP, and hopes that they will meet with him on site.
The files and a copy of this letter are in the Town Office.
TOWN BOARDS: FIRE DEPARTMENT
Jim Waterman requested a correction in the minutes of the January 18th meeting. The correction is so noted above.
Freedom’s Fire Department will receive payments in June September and December for three payments of $1,400.00 each.
The potential new fireman from Knox is a question.
The cost of turnout gear which includes, boots, pants, helmet, coat, gloves and hood is $1,500.00. There is a grant from FEMA in which we are asking for 22 sets of turnout gear. The grant total comes to about $87,000. If we are approved the town would pay 10% and this would come out of the Capitol Improvement Fund.
This was applied for last year and we are still waiting. There were 19,000 applicants and there are still about 2,000 grants to be awarded. Also requested is a thermal imaging camera, some portable radios, and some other stuff for the fire department.
A question was asked as to where did the current turnout gear come from. Jim said that some of it was used, some are new and some come out of the budget.
A replacement is required if it gets a hole in it. It can’t be patched because the material itself is treated. A coat costs $500.00. Pants cost $450.00.
The meeting in Knox went well and he feels that it will be approved.
Training is coming up with the fire department. They have fit testing that will occur when people wear SCEBA’s {Self-contained emergency breathing apparatus}; this is an annual requirement and for the fire department only. This will be on February 7th at 5:30. Coastal Medical is doing this. Neighboring towns are invited to this. Blood borne pathogens and hazardous communication
which is mandatory on March 7th at 6:30PM. MMA is giving this with Ann Snyder of the Risk Assessment program. She also does the EVOC, which is an emergency vehicle operation Operations course. There is no charge for this course. Any town employee, particularly truck drivers, can attend this. If they came across an emergency they should know what precautions to take, for example wear vinyl gloves, and to be aware of what hazards there are out there.
The fire department had an election for officers. Jim Waterman will remain fire chief. He is asking for an increase in his supplies of $400.00. The utilities cost exceeded by more than $218.00 which is related to the increase in, fuel cost. He is requesting an increase of $400.00. Another request is some sort of dial-up or DSL for fire reporting. Steve Bennett wondered if there was some way they could piggy-back on to the Town Office’s DSL. Jim was open to that suggestion.
The Freedom Field Day was a topic of much discussion. Jim Waterman suggested having it put on the Town Warrant and to have a Town Committee to run the affair. This way one can learn if there is an interest in this event. It is always difficult to get workers and in the past some other towns-people have run the affair. The past couple of years, the Freedom Fire Department has organized and run the event. He has looked into getting a tent because of inclement weather in the past and the Grange Hall is not the place to play games. The tent 30’X 75’ would cost $825,00 seats 175 people, this would include setting it up and taking it down. Last year there were 200 dinners sold. The fire department will take an active roll in it, but he feels others should get involved. The question was asked if he wanted to give it up. He wants to see it continue, but have others involved. He is willing to be the contact person for anyone interested. People with ideas are needed as well as running and setting up games.
The second Saturday of June has been the day for this event. Sallyann Hadyniak was asked to put it in the paper.
Regardless of what group needs help there are few willing workers.
Also the Bicentennial is coming up in 2013 and we need to be thinking about this as well.
Steve Bennett thought that the attendance last year was great. He also thought that there was more volunteerism recently. As Selectmen they need to think about putting an ad in the paper and creating a committee.
Jim said that they had been thinking about having it over a weekend and having a yard sale, auction and the usual events etc.
Jim also wanted to have permission to speak with the Budget Committee. This was agreeable.
The present fire department has been located where it is since 1948. We cover an area of 22 square miles. There are some people in Town that do not fall under a five-mile umbrella for fire protection. The five-mile limit is at Addison Chase’s.
There are some people that are beyond that in South Freedom. If the fire department did move to the Mitchell Road corner area amore people would be covered under that radius.
As to the old dump-site, there is a need for electricity, but that is not his concern. His concern is potable water. The water there is contaminated. The EMA directive states that you need potable water, drinkable and showerable. Jim Waterman, for this reason, would not be in favor of moving the fire department to that site. He is satisfied where the department is. Our ISO rating is a 9, 10 being the worst.
Jay Guber had questions about how many pond hydrants we have. Jim said that we have the open boat ramp, it doesn’t have a hydrant, and they access it 90% of the time, there are dry hydrants at Rick Martin’s, the milldam, and at James Little’s pond in South Freedom. At the latter site, the water is assessable all year round. There is one on Ayer Ridge, near Bryant Road, plus they are able to draw
draft water out of Penny Brook on Mitchell Road. At the bottom of Young Hill they can draw water from that stream.
Tom Fleming mentioned a place on the top of the hill on Rollins Rd. This pond belongs to John Luniewicz. There have been several calls to the Leeman’s and this would be help.
Steve Bennett spoke about Homeowners Insurance. Many companies won’t insure homes since 9/11. Some companies won’t insurance if it is more than five or six miles and if they do, it costs more. If your home burns down, it is next to impossible to get insurance.
Jim Waterman would like to see sprinkler systems installed in new homes. Since we are an all-volunteer department, this would be an added protection in saving the dwelling.
Jay Guber spoke of someone in Portland who had a sprinkler system installed and it cost $25,000 for a 3,000 square foot home. A more feasible idea would be to have it put into key areas that could be potential fire hazards.
Jim Waterman also spoke about the new school and the fact that no one around us has a ladder for a building if it is more than one story. We would have to go to Belfast, Winslow or Waterville to get a ladder truck.
The school district is now talking about $35 million dollars, which 100% would come from the State. It is cheaper to heat the building going up, than all ground floors. The amount of money that school now uses without the portables is 14,000 gallons a month. All of the 6th graders will be attending the new school.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN;
Jim Waterman will do the public safety for the Plan.
Hilary Fleming requested that the Budget Committee consider an appropriation of $1,500.00. This would be used for maps, publishing and making up booklets.
OLD BUSINESS:
Planning Board replacement: Helen Tirone is not really interested in continuing with the board. Steve Bennett had spoken with her. He made a motion to inform her that they will replace her position on the Planning Board. The motion was made seconded and accepted.
Bill Pickford is interested in the position. Steve Bennett made a motion that was seconded and approved to contact Bill Pickford for appointment to the Planning Board if he is still interested. He is very knowledgeable regarding sub-divisions.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dave Bennett needs a check for $99.00 for a wheel for tomorrow. A motion was made to authorize a check be drawn for the Waterville Tire Company for $99.00.
This would have to be put on the Warrant according to Steve Cross. However it was seconded and approved so that David Bennett could pick up this check tomorrow.
Chains were shopped for. Four chains cost $324.00 at the Canadian Chain Company
Steve Cross declined to vote for this and asked that it be reconsidered at the next meeting.
Hour Meters are also needed.They will be reconsidered at the next meeting also.
Better Roads magazine: No more than one copy is needed according to both Selectmen.
WARRANTS:
A motion was made, seconded and approved to pay the following:
Payroll: $1,508.73
Accounts Payable: $4,628.53
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
SELECTMEN’S MEETING JANUARY 18, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett, Steve Cross and Wilson Hess.
Also present: Tom and Hilary Fleming, Sallyann Hadyniak, Thelma Ledden, Jay Guber, Dottie Chase, Pete and Marion Bowers.
Steve Bennett opened the meeting at 6 p.m.
Minutes of the January 11, 2005 meeting were read and accepted with three additions. In the catch up warrants through the end of December these were added:
1. FICA
2. State withholding
3. Federal withholding
CORRESPONDENCE:
Steve Bennett
1. Letter from the Unity Recycling Center requesting a balance of $3,533.73. This is based upon usage, cost per capita, and population. According to Wilson Hess this is pretty close to last year’s. There is a 10% reduction from all towns. In the past it had been dealt with as if it were a charity when it should be considered an obligation related to waste.
2. Building permits report for 2004 from Jay Guber.
3. MMA premium from risk management. The premium for workers comp for 2005 is $3,950. 00. This is a slight increase from last year. This is based upon an estimated payroll of $81,612.00. This includes all town employees who are on the payroll. We will also be covering 5 and maybe 6 firemen. There is a Knox fireman that will need to be covered, that cost will be $50.00. This first installment is due quite soon.
4. MMA dues for membership: $1,123.
5. Humane Society of Waterville has sent an animal housing contract based on $1.10 per capita, with an estimated population of 672 people. The contract fee is $739.20. It would be nice to know how much we use this facility. The animal control officer should have this information.
6. Raynor Garage Doors, a prospecting letter. Steve Cross stated that they were the ones who installed the garage doors.
7. DOT letter putting everyone on notice that installing, or physically changing a driveway on a State Highway must get a permit from the DOT first. In addition state law requires the planning board have entrance approval documentation from the DOT prior to granting a sub-division approval. Jay Guber said that he requires the permit if they are on a State Highway prior to his giving them a building permit. A copy of this will be given to the Planning Board.
8. Belfast Area Children’s Center and Starrett Center requesting an appropriation of $450.
9. Project Canopy Assistance Grant, a two part grant, one of which would grant up to $8,000 for planning and education projects that support sustainable community forest management and efforts to increase awareness of trees and forest. A $3,000.00 maximum award for projects that increase the livability through sound tree planting. It was suggested that the Recreation group might be interested or the Scouts. The Recreation Committee has recently been given a grant application. Wilson Hess doesn’t think that the recreation committee is interested in this grant that was discussed tonight.
It was suggested that a planning grant application for the Town might be a good idea which would cover from the Town Landing right around to the dam and on downstream. In this way we could hire a landscape architect to plan the area. This would encompass the ball field. We then could pick up on some of the other grants and make known what we would like to do. We really need to have a plan in place to take advantage of grants.
10. Letter from John Carver asking if the town needed him to make up a bid form related to selling the Town Garage.
Steve Bennett needs to get back to the attorney regarding the earthen dam. Luhn with a slight change has agreed to sign off. Nason has agreed to sign off, but a transfer form needs to be made out and signed. The whereabouts of Joseph Sadowski is still unknown. Hilary Fleming suggested checking on the Internet and she will do this.
11. Unity Ambulance has requested an appropriation of $1000.00. Last year the same amount was requested, but only $500.00 was approved. This lead to a discussion of the ambulance service, Unity vs. Delta. In the near future, the Wilson Hess will have some one from the communication center come to a meeting. This will help in clarification.
12. A budget request for $300.00 for the Planning Board for education is sought.
13. MMA Bulletin requested whether the Selectmen wants a hard copy or e-mail or both. Each Selectman got a request.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS:
STEVE BENNETT
A Letter from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles regarding late payments was read. The records of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles indicate that transactions completed for that office dating from 9/23/04 through the current date {January 5, 2005} remain in your office. See attached copy.
In speaking with the Town Clerk and asking about registration transactions she stated that she was all caught up when she was asked about different dates.
Steve Bennett contacted the bureau and spoke with Sue McCormick, head auditor. He learned that were hand delivered for September, October and November payments last Friday, January 14th. December is still due in the amount of $489.90. Even though a warrant had been approved to pay November and December, December wasn’t paid. November is also short by $47.00 due to an addition error. Furthermore the checks for September and October were actually dated November 11th and November 16th. They must have sat in the vault for a couple of months. Total collections for 2004 so far are $37,702.73. Total collections for 2003 vehicle registrations were $39,027.35. In the view of the head auditor these collections don’t go down, they go up. A copy was faxed to Steve Bennett of the registrations through the end of December 2004 with less than $31,000 collected. Over $39,000 was collected in 20003. This is a $9,000 difference. It is expected that the State Office will be having an audit of the Town of Freedom auto registrations and how they are handled.
They, the BMV, require that reported transactions be submitted on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
Hilary Fleming was given a copy of the details as suggested by Wilson Hess.
Knox meeting:
This was attended by the fire department, the 1st Selectman from Knox and Steve Bennett. It was an interesting meeting. The purpose of the meeting was that the towns of Brooks, Thorndike and Freedom have a contractual agreement with the Town of Knox to provide fire protection. The three fire departments agreed that they wanted to go up on the assessment to the Town of Knox by $300.00 for each town, a total of $900.00 increase for a total of $12,600.00. This did not sit well with Knox selectman. The fire chiefs from all the towns were there and they all gave a well-done presentation. Steve Bennett spoke to the fact that we have a well-run professional fire department; one that we can be proud of. None of our men get paid, come out in all kinds of weather, day or night, to fight fires. The equipment and the building are well maintained. Wilson Hess spoke of the fact is that more than $150,000.00 was put into new equipment for use on the road in 2004. They also have a phone capacity that did not exist previously. There is also one building still standing because they were able to get in there with foam, that otherwise would be gone.
It costs $1500.00 for turnout gear for one fireman and we do have a new fireman joining our department from Knox. It will also cost us $50 for workers comp for him, making a total of $250 for the Knox firemen.
The outcome of this meeting is that the request of money will be put in the Knox warrant and let the town of Knox decide.
In reviewing the minutes regarding tax liens, there was a difference of opinions previously on whether tax liens had been filed. Wilson Hess, in the meantime, did some checking on this and agreed that liens for 2003 were not filed. Hilary Fleming said that they are now in the process of doing this. There are letters all signed, waiting to go out. Then there is a 30-day period before they get filed. People have an opportunity to pay in that 30-day period. On the 30th day they will be filed with the Register of Deeds and then there is a 10-day period. There are 31 notices that are going out.
Alan Kaplan called and spoke with Steve Bennett just prior to the meeting. He expressed that the road crew is doing a better job, but he would prefer they don’t use the wing of the plow in front of his house. In one of the previous Selectmen’s meeting, Dave Bennett reported that he had been out to follow up on Mr. Kaplan’s complaint. Dave has been investigating the width of the Burnham Hill Rd. The boulders that Mr. Kaplan spoke about are on the town road. The county should have a record of the width of the road according to the gentleman that Dave spoke with at the MMA. Wilson Hess suggested that since Mr. Kaplan lived in Montville, that perhaps Bill Terry should be checked with. Someone asked why we were plowing in Montville and it is because of turn-around agreement with that Town.
WILSON HESS:
A preliminary draft report of a budget review was presented. This was something that he and Hilary Fleming had worked on. It is a snapshot of where we are financially and a presentation that makes sense. There are two levels of detail beneath this, which will be necessary to do. The information comes from the system and is listed in categories.
Five categories are listed: Administration, Public Safety, Public Works, Social Services and External Governmental Appropriations. Each of these categories has a variety of subcategories. These were gone over, comments made and questions answered. We actually made money because the State pays us for taking care of the North Palermo Road, Main Street, and Pleasant Street in the winter. We were $82,000.00 to the good in relationship to the roads. We also have one more year of paying off the paving loan.
Hopefully, we can hold the line on the budget for 2005 when we compare the figures to last year.
Steve Bennett also expressed his thanks to Hilary Fleming and to Wilson Hess for the work they have done.
The first meeting of the Budget Committee needs to be scheduled. A motion was made to have the Budget Committee meet on February 1, 2005 at 6:30. This was seconded and approved. It was also suggested that they have three or four meetings instead of one or two long meetings. The members of the committee are Jay Guber, Betty Sienkiewicz, Doug Van Horn, Audrey Williams and Brian Mitchell. Steve Bennett will contact them. This meeting will take place after the Selectmen sign warrants on February 1st.
During the past week, Wilson Hess has been down to the Town Garage three to four times. The drivers have been having trouble getting the vehicles in and out of the garage without causing damage to the building. Currently the door that Dave Bennett is to fix has been hit from the inside with the loader. Another door, where the loader has been moved from, is barely operational. He, Wilson Hess, got a call from one of the drivers informing him the door was stuck up and he had to get out on the road. They were having a difficult time contacting Dave at that time, so Wilson Hess was called. He was able to get it down with using the loader from up above. Basically it wouldn’t come down because it, the door, was struck, also the jamb up above it, 14-15 feet in the air, has been hit, the side jamb has been hit and the fascia board has been broken. It is a tight fit, but the doors need to be fixed. One of them has been damaged for a couple of weeks. If Dave can’t get over to do it, we need to get someone to do it. Steve Bennett said that Dave had planned on being there the next day. The garage has had damage done in the past according to Steve Bennett but not as bad as what has happened this year. These are the same trucks for the past three to four years using the garage according to Steve Cross. With the doors open the heat escapes readily.
The need to revisit the Town Garage, salt and sand shed needs to be addressed in the future.
STEVE CROSS:
A town employee he had contacted took down the stop signs and also took care of cutting the bushes on Waning Road. This was done without the interim road agent being involved, however Wilson Hess had been contacted which made a majority of the Selectmen. Steve Bennett felt that they had voted to have Dave Bennett, interim road commissioner or road agent be responsible for being the contact person in things related to public works. Wilson Hess felt that the road agent should be more on top of these things than be reactive; he also would prefer to have the road agent present to discuss the situation. This should be said to him and not in this setting. Steve Cross felt that the Selectmen had the authority, as acting road commissioners, over the interim road agent. He was adamant that they had an obligation as Selectmen to the people to see that things were done that required attention. Steve Bennett felt that the interim road agent should have been contacted and asked why things weren’t done. Among the list of things that had been neglected were the stop signs removal, cutting bushes, and the hour meters for the truck. The hour meters were suggested more than a month ago; they were never voted on. These have still have not been installed. Thelma Ledden said that she had tried to get in touch with the road agent to no avail.
Wilson Hess asked Steve Bennett what he would do if he had received three phone calls from people trying to contact the road agent and they were unable to reach him. He replied that he did not know except for trying to get a hold of him. Wilson Hess also stated that the Selectmen have an obligation to see that the job gets done, as did Steve Cross and he also felt that Steve Bennett would agree to that. Instead of going around the road agent they need to have a talk with him. This would be the better way to deal with the problem.
Jay Guber thinks that the bottom line is that there is a personality conflict amongst workers, employees in the town. One way the problem has been handled is not to call that person.
Pete Bowers recalled that Dave Bennett had expressed in the past that he has been so busy he had not been able to get to some of the tasks.
Wilson Hess felt that it would be wise to have this discussion with Dave Bennett, not in an open forum. He is not comfortable doing this as it has been done tonight and Dave needs to be present.
TOWN OFFICERS:
JAY GUBER, CEO
The building permit report along with a permit book was turned in to the Selectmen. From February 24, 2004 to December 28, 2004 there were 26 permits issued.
There is currently a grant from DEP that is for a small community program, which is to help low and modern families with septic system control. There is a short time frame in which to apply for this grant that allows from $5,000.00 to $10,000.00 per unit. We currently have on file two families whom would be eligible. This information was given to Jay.
A legal issue course related to Section 80 is being held this Wednesday in Skowhegan. Jay was told to go and then submit the cost of his attending.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING BOARD:
HILARY FLEMING, CHAIR
They currently are having the large maps priced to see what it would cost to reduce them in size. On Thursday they will be looking at the maps KVCOG gave them that are on a disc. Jay Guber said that he would help with some of the maps and pointed out one in this room that is of the wetlands in Freedom. When asked what percentage of the plan is done she said about 22%. A presentation at the Annual Town Meeting to try to convince the Town people to be positive, a sales pitch, about such a plan was suggested.
Wilson Hess thought it would be a good idea to have something in the Town Report from the Comprehensive Board.
Their budget request also needs to be considered.
OLD BUSINESS:
Abatements: none
Long distance phone service:
Marion Bowers spoke on the information she had obtained. This was looking at TouchTone versus Fairpoint. First of all the long distance service is broken down into instate, also called intrastate and out of state, called interstate. The intrastate calls are the calls most frequently made. If a switch is made to another company, we pay $5.00 per line to Fairpoint for a PICC charge, also called a pass thru charge. The $5.00 charge would include both in and out of state PICC. Also if there were more than one line we would pay an additional $1.50 PICC to TouchTone.
In comparing numbers there would be only a $5.31 savings on one of the bills she looked at. Steve Bennett wondered if it would really be worthwhile switching.
When asked what she would do, she replied she would consider doing it on one line only.
Wilson Hess suggested she look at the amounts charged on the FAX line and report back on that.
Truck driver guidelines
Steve Bennett read a draft written by the interim road commissioner for guidelines for winter roads. This was carefully gone over to make sure everyone could understand it. There had been some additions to it by Steve Bennett, however it was felt that the original draft was acceptable. A motion to accept the original draft of guidelines for Winter Roads was made. This was seconded and approved by all. A copy is attached.
Wilson Hess wanted to relay to Lendall Chase that Reed was happy with the way the plowing had been done on his road.
Wilson Hess also felt that the road crew did a good job on this last storm. Dottie Chase commented on the corners on Pleasant St. She learned that the drivers were
aware of this and had discussed it.
NEW BUSINESS:
Warrants for payroll and accounts payable were examined. A motion was made and approved by all for payment.
Payroll $1779.25
Accounts payable $1691.40
Total warrant: $2,949.22
Abatements were included in this.
Town auditor engagement letter.
Brantner and Thibodeau had sent an engagement letter to see if we will again have them as the auditors. The cost would be $2,700.00 plus $2,000 gas compliance. The maximum cost could not exceed $4,700.00 A motion was made to authorize the Chairman to sign the agreement. This was seconded and approved.
The audit should be done sooner than it was last year.
Wilson Hess said that the audits from the past two years should be published for the
Town Meeting as the Selectman have a reporting responsibility.
Date of the Annual Town Meeting:
The date of this meeting will be for March 25 and March 26, 2005. A motion stating this was made, seconded and approved. March 25th will be for the Australian ballot and March 26th will be for the Annual Town Meeting.
Printing of Annual Report.
There was some question as to who would be doing this. Steve Bennett had been told by the Troy Town Clerk that it would be cheaper to put it on full size paper.
Brooks also does this according to Wilson Hess.
Position of Road Commissioner
There was a discussion of how to advertise for this position. Sallyann Hadyniak will be asked to put it in the Freedom news. Notices will be posted. It will also need to be put in the classified ads. All notices need to state that it is a part-time position and it is modestly funded. The best-qualified person would be hired. Someone asked if they receive State wages or was it straight salary based. This decision has not been made yet. The Budget Committee can recommend compensation, but it is set at the Town Meeting.
Planning Board Member
A request from the Planning Board to replace Helen Tirone has been requested. In their by-laws a member may be replaced if they are absent from five consecutive meetings. This has been true in this case. Wilson Hess suggested that she be sent a letter and would act if no response was received. Steve Bennett said he would call her and if unable to reach her would send her a letter with a final warning.
Workers Compensation Payment
Currently there is a payment of $1,580.00 due. This would be our first payment this year. A motion was made, seconded and approved to instruct the Treasurer to pay this.
Executive Session:
A motion was made to go into an executive session to discuss a personal issue regarding an employee of the Town. This motion was seconded and approved. No action was taken.
OPEN DISCUSSION:
Change of Town Office Hours
Hilary Fleming suggested changing the Town Office Hours beginning on Feb. 1st.
Tentatively they are: Monday 10AM –7PM
Tuesday though Friday 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
First Saturday of the month 8 a.m.-12 noon.
These hours will be discussed next week. The Selectmen have the perogative to act on the changes. They also may be changing their schedules.
Site for Town Garage and Salt-Shed facility
There was much discussion regarding potential property for these buildings. The discussion was triggered when Tom Fleming felt the vote was unfair because he could not attend, along with others. Then Pete Bowers brought up the fact that the home on the corner was for sale.
Pros and cons of the sites were talked about including the work that would need to be done at the old dumpsite on Mitchell Road, which would need to have electricity and potable water. Also the fact that it is in a rather secluded area, making break-ins a possibility. It was also mentioned that the Fire Chief would like to move the fire department to a more centrally located area. This would help with home insurance.
Currently if you are more than 5 to 6 miles from the fire department you pay a higher premium. Also the fire department serves as an emergency shelter.
Jay Guber felt that you should check with people in the area you have in mind for a site to see how they feel about it.
Steve Bennett wondered about and up and down vote, between the two sites: old dump site and the corner lot on Route 137 and Mitchell Road.
Wilson Hess felt that they need to do their homework more thoroughly as Gerry Spaulding had suggested. Also mentioned was the fact that we would not be eligible for grants unless we had a comprehensive plan.
The budget currently demands attention now and the site for the Town Garage and Salt-Shed Facility will have to wait.
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
Attachments
BMR letter
Guidelines draft
SELECTMEN’S MEETING JANUARY 11, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Cross and Wilson Hess. Steve Bennett was absent due to illness.
Also present: Thressa Abbott, Hilary and Tom Fleming, Dave Bennett, Dottie Chase, Pete and Marion Bowers.
The meeting was opened at 6 p.m. with Wilson Hess chairing the meeting.
The minutes of last week were read and approved.
CORRESPONDENCE:
None
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS:
WILSON HESS has met with Hilary and Cindy separately. It was to have been a joint meeting but that was not possible. Hilary is here tonight in her role as deputy and will help with any questions related to the warrant. The year to date budget versus actual has been done and is here tonight.
STEVE CROSS: No report.
ROAD DEPUTY:
DAVE BENNETT:
There is a need to order more salt. Dave has spoken to Clint regarding this. Harcross will deliver in 36 hours after the order is placed. There is the need for one load. A lot of the salt has leached out of what was left last year. The sand needs to be spiked in some spots. The salt seems to be in layers. There is a lot of sand, some of which was left from last year. The ratio of salt and sand is not quite what was wanted. A bulldozer or backhoe would be helpful to get a good mix of the salt and sand.
There have been problems with the snow and ice glazing over on the Smithton Rd and the dirt roads.
One load of salt is thirty tons. When it is delivered it will be covered up with a tarp so that it doesn’t wash away.
The 88 is already to go. People are getting trained on this vehicle. It would be useful for short distances around the village and the North Palermo Road if we had a big storm.
Last year, the money we got from DOT for taking care of that road basically covered all of our winter expenses according to Wilson Hess.
Dave has written up a draft of guidelines for winter road drivers. Wilson Hess did change some of the order of the rules. Steve Bennett will change some of the wording. The drivers are aware of what is gong on.
Damage to the Town Garage door will be repaired. The loader hit it. The stop signs on Pleasant Street have not been removed yet.
Wilson Hess brought up the subject of chains for the vehicles. He felt it only made sense to buy them in January and to get two sets. Dave Bennett felt that he could get one set out of the older chains.
There is brush that needs to be removed on the Waning Road.
Wilson Hess has been out on the roads and can tell which driver has been plowing the roads.
Dave Bennett has been investigating the width of the Burnham Hill Road. The boulders that Mr. Kaplan spoke about are on the town Road. The county should have a record of the width of the road according to the gentleman that he spoke with at MMA.
COMPREHENSIVE BOARD:
HILARY FLEMING
There has been no major action because of the holidays. Thressa has been trying to find someone that can reproduce maps in a smaller size, which will be needed.
Wilson Hess reminded them that if they wanted to submit a budget request for next year, it would be a timely item.
OLD BUSINESS:
STEVE CROSS had recently talked with Steve Bennett and learned that the Registry of Deeds did not have any tax liens for the year 2003, which should have been put on in 2004; not one was put on. This puts us back to square one. This needs additional follow-up and Hilary has been asked to clarify this and work with the Registry and Cindy. The understanding that Wilson Hess had was that he felt that the liens had been done in May or June.
Tax liens are the duty of the Tax Collector.
Hilary Fleming will be at the Selectmen’s meeting more often to assist with financial items.
ABATEMENTS & SUPPLEMENTS
WILSON HESS
Abatements
1. Mark Boudreau: $199.63
2. Lester and Judith Hodgkin: $475. 65
3. Donna Sporry: $93.75
A motion was made, seconded and approved to make these payments.
Long Distance Phone Service
Marion Bowers has contacted Fairpoint concerning whether the Town has the Premium Plan which allows calls to the surrounding towns around Freedom without addition fees.
It was learned that we do have this and she inquired if this would change if we went to a different provider for our intrastate and interstate calls and was told that the Premium Plan would continue.
In reviewing the phone bills, the long distance calls are minimal. The intrastate calls are the ones that add up. Fairpoint charges, with the business plan, 14cents a minute for intrastate calls. The major cost of the phone bill is related to the basic service and the USF charges. With the TouchTone service there will be a charge of 4.62 cents a minutes plus an 8.7% USF charge.
Knox mutual aid agreement:
Wilson Hess reported that the First Selectman of Knox, Basil Wentworth, does not like the dollar amount that had been included in the agreement. There will be a meeting on Thursday night at the Knox Town Office at 6PM. According to Dave Bennett at a meeting last night, the Freedom Fire Department recommended an increase to $4,200.00from Knox. The Selectmen have been asked to send a representative to this meeting. Matt Shaw will present the Knox viewpoint.
NEW BUSINESS:
Wilson Hess said that there had been talk of changing the Selectmen’s hours and office hours. Steve Bennett would like to switch to Mondays. Wilson Hess would switch to another day. Hilary Fleming had mentioned doing away with the third Saturday hours of the month and maybe closing at 7PM instead of 8 p.m. on Monday evenings. Nothing is settled yet.
Wilson Hess and Steve Cross asked Thressa Abbott if this, Town hours, had ever been taken to the annual Town Meeting. It has been discussed and voted on at the annual Town Meeting, but how long ago is unknown. It was felt that it would be nice to share this at the Town Meeting. Steve Cross will check the old Town Reports.
Road Salt: One load of road salt is needed. It is $47 per ton. They come in 30-ton loads.
This would cost $1410 delivered. A motion was made to approve purchase of 30 tons of road salt for $47 per ton. Motion was made, seconded and approved.
Clint Spaulding offered a tarp he had, but would ask to be reimbursed. The Selectmen expressed their thanks but will have Dave Bennett look into getting a tarp for it. Wilson Hess will call tomorrow and order it for delivery on Friday. Dave Bennett will be available that day.
Financial Warrants:
A brief memo from Cindy reads as follows:
Attached are three carbon copies of the expense revenue summary report for fiscal year 2005, that is year to date. I am working to refine this report, which will be presented to you on a periodic basis. I would also like to report that Hilary Fleming and I have begun to plan for her to assist me in the Treasurers position. We are setting up a list of responsibilities that Hilary will assume on January 31, 2005. There will be more on that at the next meeting of the Selectmen.
Attached is a copy of expenses to date. The budget category is zero in all categories because we do not have a budget. We do know what expenses we have encumbered at this particular time.
We have two warrants.
1. Payroll warrant in the amount of $2,427.59. It does include payments to the building inspector, Donald Harriman, of $408.64. Wilson Hess thinks this is his flat fee minus taxes. A motion was made to approve the payroll warrant in the amount of $2,427.59. This was seconded and approved.
2. Accounts payable in the amount of $18,146.10.
The Fairpoint bill has adjustments that have been made.
The Recreation Dept had an adjustment of 15 cents.
There is an amount for $34.00 for the P.O. Box 88 for six months. No mail will be forwarded to the Town Office but will be returning it to the sender because of the expiration of time for forwarding mail. Our address has not been changed on everything to our current street address.
Included in the accounts payable were catch up warrants through the end of December:
State auto, Bureaus of motor vehicles
Dog licenses
State Recreational Vehicles
Inland Fisheries
FICA, Federal and State withholding
A motion was made to approve the warrant. It was seconded and approved.
These items had been gone over with Hilary Fleming assisting.
Wilson Hess stated that we did have an expense revenue summary report
The Waldo County Selectmen’s Association has called for an emergency meeting for Thursday night regarding the tax reform package, which will be voted on next week in Augusta. They are pushing for a big turnout. This may present a conflict with the meeting with Mr. Wentworth of Knox.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers
SELECTMEN’S MEETING January 4, 2005
Selectmen present: Steve Bennett, Steve Cross and Wilson Hess.
Also present: Thressa Abbott, Betty Sienkiewicz, Sallyann Hadyniak, Thelma Ledden, Lillian Phillips, Cindy and Tim Abbott, Pete and Marion Bowers.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted with the following corrections.
Page 1 No tax liens have been filed for 2004 according to Delores Page, from the registry of deeds.
This is the duty of the tax collector, not the town clerk.
Page 2 Paragraph 3. The meeting should be the assessors’ meeting.
The word recondition should have been recognition in relationship to Lynn Poulin.
CORRESPONDENCE:
STEVE BENNETT
1. A letter from the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife was read to notify the Town regarding a bald eagle nest in the area. The Selectmen and the Code Enforcement Officer should be made aware that the one or more nests are being purposed for essential habitat in accordance with Maine’s endangered species act. A rule making package applies to the bald eagle site.
2. Letter from MMA Risk Management regarding the audited financial pool statement for the year ending June 30th 2004. They had a good year and included is a long financial statement.
3. A newsletter from Maine State Housing.
4. KVCOG letter making the Town aware of the membership fee. Wilson Hess stated that we had received a notice earlier regarding a 2% increase in the membership. Steve Bennett said that it would be $16 or $17 more. Steve Cross said that it had been $791. A brochure with information as to why we are a member and what roles they perform are available. The Comprehensive Committee has made use of KVOG this past year.
WILSON HESS
The annual report of the financial condition of the County of Waldo in the State of Maine fiscal year ending December 31, 2003 was in his work packet for the Budget Committee and he felt it might be useful to have in the Town files.
According to Wilson Hess, Jethro Pease had done a good job and they are in much better shape than they had been prior to this.
SELECTMEN’S REPORTS:
STEVE BENNETT
Positive comments were made about the response of the Town related to the late Lynn Poulin. The benefit supper raised a substantial amount of money. About 300 people attended. The Town did it self proud according to one individual. There were two additional checks that Steve Bennett had received for a total of $40 00.
Also Paul, at the Freedom General Store, in cleaning out his cash register found an envelope with donations that had been for Red Mitchell. He made a decision, knowing Red, and divided the money up. Half went to the Recreational Committee and the other half went to the Poulin Fund.
Jay Guber had been informed by the VFW Legion # 50, as to the proper protocol regarding lowering the flag to half-mast. Normally the Governor tells you when to do this. However, there is nothing that states that the Town can’t do that for one of their residents.
TRIO had been in the Town Office for two full days to get a handle on the Town finances. They originally thought it would be one full day, but at the end of the first day they could only reconcile Town finances to the end of 2003. According to Wilson Hess some of the auditors recommendations caused the TRIO software to go awry. Assumptions had to be made for 2001 and 2002. An entire day was spent on 2004. It has been a real struggle to get a handle on the finances.
WILSON HESS:
A work session on the budget with the Selectmen was held this week. A draft budget was presented. He questioned if the budget categories made sense. The various categories were gone over and they were discussed. This draft was related to revenues only. The amount on the bottom of the page of $625,935.51 is the revenues if you take away those one-time grants. This is one small step in a multi-layered budget process.
Pete Bowers commented on the amount of money that came from dump stickers. He wanted to know if it went to the Sullivan Bros. It becomes Town money, and goes into the general fund, but we do use it to pay off the charges from Sullivan’s. There were lots of comments and questions.
Jay Guber had some questions about the taxes. Wilson Hess said that it was his understanding that when real estate taxes get committed, they commit that number and then you have unpaid balances but the accounting of it is, that they are booked. Every year there are taxes that don’t get paid, also every year there are previous taxes that are being paid. That entry on the general ledger, according to his understanding it is not always cash. He would have to do more to be sure.
Pete Bowers wanted to know if there were unpaid taxes by the same people year after year. The answer was yes. Wilson Hess explained the process related to unpaid taxes. Unpaid taxes accrue interest from sixty days after commitment. This particular year this was December 22nd. They are posted in the Town Report as being delinquent. They are given a notice after180 days, then they are given a lien after the first year. After a total of three years the Town can foreclose. Earlier in the meeting it was stated that there were no tax liens filed in 2004 according to Steve Bennett who had spoken with Delores Page at the Registry of Deeds. Wilson Hess pointed out that that would be consistent with the commitment date in October. You have 180 days from the commitment date before you file a lien. That date in which you need to file a lien has not arrived yet.
There are lots of people who respond to the final notice and pay their taxes. Notices did go out this fall and people did respond by paying their taxes.
Steve Cross asked if there was a time limit in which a lien should be filed. Betty Sienkiewicz said yes. If it is two days beyond the required time, you have to start all over. Wilson Hess also stated that you have to file a lien in a certain time frame. He also believes that you have to file notice all over again.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICE
JAY GUBER
A building permit was given to Joe and Lynn Ascrizzi of 95 North Palermo Rd. An existing shed had been converted to a shed-shop with a poured floor and enclosed it in.
PUBLIC WORKS:
Steve Bennett had three items to be discussed.
1. Pleasant Street stop sign: There have been a lot of complaints related to the two stop signs on Pleasant St. It was discussed at last weeks Selectmen’s meeting. When you stop at the base of the hill, truckers have to grind to get up the hill. It was a trucker who had complained. Thressa Abbott felt that there needed to be one stop sign on Pleasant Street. It was suggested that the stop signs on Mill and Main Street remain. A motion was made to remove the two stop signs on Pleasant Street at the foot of the hill. The motion was seconded and it passed with Wilson Hess abstaining.
2. Snow Plow Drivers: Wilson Hess was to bring something Dave Bennett had written up and he did not bring it tonight. The Selectmen will have to pass over this tonight.
2. Members of the Public Works had requested that the locks be replaced and have a limited number of keys for the Town Garage. Jay Guber and Steve Bennett turned their keys in. Wilson Hess does have a key. When asked why the need to do this, Steve Bennett said that the concern voiced to him by two or three guys in public works, was that there might be people getting in there who did not have a need to. Jay Guber suggested that a notice on the door telling them that they would be prosecuted if they did not belong in there. The locks had been changed in 2003. No action was taken on it.
Jay Guber did ask if we were selling the garage property and the answer was no. The Town has expressed the desire to leave that area, but we would need a place to go and at this time there are other more pressing issues to be concerned with.
Preparing the budget for next year is really foremost in the Selectmen’s minds right now. There will be a budget meeting as soon as they are able.
Wilson Hess was asked how close they were to be able to present to the Budget Committee fairly decent year-end numbers and maybe some projections for next year that would give them a context for moving ahead. He felt this could be done by the end of the month. He also said that if the Budget Committee wanted to get together in the next few weeks they could have numbers carried forward in all of the line items. If they wanted to look at the charitable items and get a general snapshot, this could be done in the next couple of weeks.
In discussing the budget with the other Selectmen, one or two marathon meetings is not the way to go; three, four or five meetings would be the better way to go. This requires you start the process earlier.
Steve Bennett and Wilson Hess had both served on the Budget Committee in the past. One of their prime interests in being Selectmen was to try to get a clearer picture of what was going on in relationship to the financial interest of the Town. It had been hoped that the Budget Committee would have quarterly meetings with the Selectmen. The Selectmen have not been in a position to do this.
Wilson Hess spoke about his intent and bias related to the budget. He started with revenue because one of the misconceptions of municipal government is that you look at your proposed expenditures and then you raise the money to meet them. He would prefer to have the Budget Committee see how much money we raised last year from these sources; this is what we might be reasonably able to do next year, given no increase in the mil rate and such. These are the revenues we produce, and if those are our assumptions, now, we produce expenditures to meet those and if we decide to go over those we increase taxes. He would like to go with the assumption that we don’t do anything to increase taxes. The County doesn’t look like they will significantly increase taxes, the School Board remains to be seen. If he remembers correctly, as reminded by Steve Cross, we have made our last payment on the Town truck. The brown and white goods were way over. The summer and winter roads were way under.
OLD BUSINESS:
ABATEMENTS:
Wilson Hess wanted to know if anyone had moved his abatement file. There are three that would have been brought up tonight, but without his file, it is not possible.
Long distance phone service: A motion was made last week to have
Marion look into long distance service. We are currently paying 0.14 a minute. AB Tolls has a lot of different companies listed through out the country. however, many are not applicable to Maine. Areas previously covered by GTE are excluded. So far the possibilities are TouchTone S49 @ 4.62 cents per minute with USF rate of 8.7%. The other possibility is OneSuite.com which is really a calling card @ 2.9cents per minute. There is a way to avoid repeatedly putting numbers in by using zipdial or rapidial with OneSuite. A motion was made to have Marion look further into the two phone companies. . Motion was made, seconded and passed. She asked to have copies of some of the past phone bills. This was agreeable to the Selectmen.
NEW BUSINESS:
Jim Waterman presented an agreement previously to the Selectmen. This is something that he had written up. This contractual agreement is between Freedom, Thorndike and Brooks for Knox’s fire department. We pay the workers comp on the Knox firemen. In the agreement, it provides that the Town of Knox shall render payments yearly; amount at present is blank, for contractual fire protection and disaster response provided by the three named towns and payable to the Towns of Freedom, Thorndike and Brooks on the first day of the month of June, September and December. A fee of, unknown amount, will be assessed for each late payment.
The dollar figures need to be filled in and it can be changed from last year according to Steve Bennett. Tonight they are being asked to approve of the language.
The Budget Committee needs to decide on an amount along with Jim. Wilson Hess reviewed it and hoped that it did not have to be run through a legal review. He also wanted to know if any of the other Towns wanted to run it through a legal review. A motion was made by Wilson Hess recommending that we return the contractual aid agreement to the fire chief with our approval and ask that he supply the specific details for signing when appropriate. It was seconded and approved.
The post office will no longer be delivering mail to the post office box.
FINANCIAL WARRANTS:
1. Payroll warrant for $1,153.46. A motion was made seconded and approved to pay this warrant of January 4th, 2005.
2. Vendor warrants. There was some discussion related to Fairpoint New England as to whether we had overpaid them. This needs to be clarified before it is paid. A bill from H.L. Keay was also discussed. It was paid last week. However, the credit goes to the Recreational Department. $204.02 for parts is the amount that needs to be paid by the Town. Ingraham’s had submitted a bill that was related to some equipment that Dave had needed for the truck.
3. Timmy Turner of Creative Sounds and Video supplies services for the dances at the Grange. He had problems with his equipment and the Recreation Department voted to pay him for 50% of the cost to repair or replace the damaged equipment. This bill is coming out of their funds. The money that comes from their dances, 50 % goes to the organization they are sponsoring. The rest comes to the Town. Steve Bennett and Steve Cross wanted to know if they had enough money in their budget before they would pay the invoice. They have turned in $771.00.
Waldo County Register of Deeds had been passed over last week because of questions. The late charge of $10.00 is all that needs to be paid. That amount is approved.
Cindy answered questions related to various invoices which was helpful.
A motion was made and approved to pay the January 4, 2005 Accounts Payable of $1,923.89. Page 6 of last week’s warrants was missing. A new revised page 6 of warrants has been made up. The new one is the correct one except for H.L.Keay’s invoice of $185.19.
Steve Bennett stated that the amount on the warrant for one week is equal to one-quarter of the amount of money raised in taxes, therefore it is behooves a close look at expenditures.
A motion was made, seconded and approved to accept the revised and corrected warrant. The amount of the warrant was $97,886.31
Town Officers:
TOWN CLERK/TOWN TREASURER:
Cindy Abbott asked to speak before the Selectmen. Steve Bennett said she could speak in open session if she wanted to but she was agreeable to go into an executive session. A motion was made to go into executive session. The motion made by Steve Bennett was to go into executive session pursuant to Title 1, Section 405,6A, specifically to discuss the duties of a Town employee. Steve Cross seconded the motion and it was approved with Wilson Hess abstaining.
The Selectmen took no action when they returned from the executive session.
The meeting adjourned at 10:15PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Marion Bowers