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HANCOCK SELECTBOARD MINUTES MAY 24, 2010
PRESENT: John Jordan-Chair, Roberta LaPlante, Carolyn Boland-Selectboard Barbara E. Caverly-Town Administrator/Recording Secretary
OTHERS: Rich LeFebvre, Pat Payne, Marsha Kono, Ben Billings-Budget Advisory Committee; Ric Haskins-Moderator; Lois Haskins-Treasurer; Kurt Grassett-DPW Director
Jordan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Jordan called for approval of the Minutes of May 17th. Some corrections were noted: Page Seven-HEAT: there were three weekend "spikes" in the Police Department; Page Five-top "LaPlante's recollection was that Lee Baker stated...."; Page Six-next to last paragraph: "Some members of the Selectboard...." LaPlante moved to approve the Minutes of May 17th as corrected; seconded by Boland; so voted.
LIAISON REPORTS: Old Home Day: LaPlante met with the committee and reported they are planning to have a climbing wall again and, although she questioned it, the committee felt strongly about it. The Selectboard stated the reminder that they need to stay within budget. Nahida Sherman has asked the committee to send her updates for the web page. LaPlante said she told them Facebook is not an official town site and anything on that would also need to be on the website.
The theme for this year is "Hancock Characters." They are also working in conjunction with the Library's 150th anniversary.
Farmer's Market: Boland reported Market Master Leslie Hartwell gave the town a check for $100 as a donation for the space at the horse sheds. The Selectboard gratefully accepted this donation.
Common Commission: Boland stated the Commissioners are working to determine who is using the Common and for what purpose before they move forward in creating a master plan.
Beach: LaPlante reported the beach looks much better. It was decided not to move the kiosk; the dumpster will be moved out and they will continue the fencing along the whole parking area with plantings behind it to discourage walking down the banking.
Dump: Jordan reported they are looking more seriously into "Pay per Bag". The Dump Committee will invite someone from the state to come to a public meeting to discuss the "pay per bag" concept. He noted the town has to use that money only for dump costs. The compactor rental and possibly one attendant could be paid for by the "Pay per Bag' revenue. The committee will look into the pros and cons, cost-wise.
SELECTBOARD MINUTES MAY 24, 2010 PAGE TWO
Recycling income can be used to set up a fund that could be used for proper stockpiling of baled products.
BUDGET ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The committee had an initial meeting with the Selectboard to discuss some of their thoughts and inquire whether the Selectboard had any particular items they would like to have looked at prior to starting budget work.
Rich LeFebvre suggested that all warrant articles be voted by ballot only. There was concern that the time involved could be substantial so there were some possible scenarios suggested. The committee would like to try and consolidate some of the special accounts. Caverly suggested the Budget Advisory Committee review the wording and intent and make some suggestions regarding whether to terminate them or continue them as is or with some modification.
LeFebvre suggested setting up an elected Finance Board to do the budget and the CIP rather than a separate CIP committee. Kono stated the CIP looks like a "wish list"; however, the Selectboard stated they do look at it and it has a place.
Jordan reported the town's payments to Conval should drop significantly this year because of the more timely use of ADM (average daily membership) figures that are part of the computation.
Other notations made by Jordan:
The committee inquired into the status of wage and salary increases and employee contributions to their health insurance.
Billings and LeFebvre said the mindset of the residents should be considered, noting people will be pleased if the Selectboard is trying even a little bit to lower costs.
Kono raised the topic of current use rates that Ron Mack brought up at the May 3rd meeting. She feels there are many people who would be willing to write letters if they know to whom they should be addressed
Kono also mentioned the forms for property tax relief for low and moderate income homeowners. These are usually due in June and she suggested it be put up on the website. Caverly said she will speak with Linda Coughlan about that. SELECTBOARD MINUTES MAY 24, 2010 PAGE THREE
INVESTMENT POLICY: Lois Haskins brought in a draft of her Investment Policy for the Selectboard to review, noting that she added a section on Qualified Institutions.
Jordan asked if the town is doing collateralization. Haskins said she receives a letter every month confirming the collateralization. One question is how the funds are insured. She also noted some of the banks are starting to earn higher rates.
Haskins would like to talk to another institution to see what they could offer. She is considering the possibility of putting the Water account in another bank so she will look into what some other institutions have to offer. There is a great deal of volatility in the market today. Because of this, Haskins will be keeping the Selectboard apprised of how the investments are doing from month to month.
The Selectboard has agreed to adopt the amended version of the Investment Policy. Haskins will make the corrections noted by the Board and submit a new copy for signatures at the next meeting.
At this point in the meeting those present took a moment to celebrate Kurt's birthday and have a piece of cake.
DPW REPORT: Grassett reported he and Graham Slamin completed the lead training required by EPA. Now, they will need to be very aware of projects that involve those areas where lead paint could exist. Severe fines will be assessed. One important thing they became aware of is when they need to stop a project. When a project goes to bid a lead certification is needed for the subcontractors. Grassett stated these rules and regulations will cause him to put more projects out to bid.
LaPlante noted the townspeople need to know the increased costs coming for the town between the lead issues and the insulation issues that will cause more reviews by the Code Enforcement Officer.
Grassett will determine the best method to be used for painting the Post Office. Most work will be done with lifts now, rather than ladders, because of the required restraints and protective gear for ladders.
Main Street: Grassett reported the Main Street project has begun. There was a Change Order for the flaggers because it was cheaper to hire them than to put in temporary lights.
Miscellaneous: The rubber tired excavator used for ditching has been returned. A lot of roads were able to be done and it was well worth it. Grassett stated the roads look more finished and will last longer. He would like to consider it for future budgets.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES MAY 24, 2010 PAGE FOUR
The weatherization contracts still have not come in.
The photovoltaics will not need the state Historic Preservation approval.
POLICE: One of the part time officers was in to meet with the Board regarding a letter he received from Chief Wood in reference to an incident of illegal dumping at the dump. The officer explained what occurred and why. It was pointed out to him that signs are present stating it is for the use of residents only and stickers are required. The officer apologized but stated he was upset by how the situation was handled.
Grassett was present at the time and noted a separate, similar incident that had taken place a few weeks back with a full time officer.
Recycling Ordinance: The Selectboard reviewed and signed the updated Recycling Ordinance.
Railroad Right of Way: Caverly questioned whether the town had any interest in a piece of railroad bed off Old Dublin Road because a sale is pending. There was no interest on the part of the town or the DPW.
Froling letter requesting clarification: Caverly asked for the Board's input into a letter received from Stephen Froling asking for clarification on some items and questioned one in particular with respect to appointment power.
The Board stated it is their understanding Froling is correct. The Selectboard has exclusive power to make appointments to the Conservation Commission. The statement made by John Jordan in the May 17th meeting was incorrect.
ADJOURNED: Boland moved to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.; seconded by LaPlante, so voted.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara E. Caverly Recording Secretary Hancock Home Page – Town Documents – Select Board Minutes
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