April 22, 2008

Meeting was called to order by Selectman Willey at 7 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was said.  Present were Selectmen Willey, Jones and Noble, Road Commissioner Clifford, Administrative Assistant Curtis,   Contractor Scott Noble, and Clerk Gibbons.

 The minutes of the previous meeting were discussed.   Mr. Noble clarified his previous statement saying that in a situation where there was a disagreement between two selectmen, the chair would break the tie.   Mr. Jones stated that he had disagreed with Mr. Noble’s previous statement.   The minutes were approved with administrative assistant’s corrections and correction of spelling errors.   (3-0)

 Roads: (1) Mr. Clifford requested a form for Norman Brackett to replace a culvert on Black Mountain Road .(2) Mr. Clifford stated that he would request a price for only ½ of the work on Ridlonville Road (3) Mr. Noble discussed the use of inert fill supplied by the DOT to go to the Sanderson and Haskell Cemeteries and the area behind the Town Office.  (4) The price for cutting trees at the Ridlonville Cemetery was discussed. Mr. Jones gave the name of Dan Drew as someone to ask. (5) Carroll Murphy has volunteered to clear wood behind the town office, if he could have the wood. 

  Knights Hill Rd Compliance:  A phone message on the town office answering machine had come from Melissa Anthony, requesting an extension to 30 days.  She had received the 7 day notice to vacate the property.  The notice had been sent from the lawyer on April 17^th.  Mr. Willey moved that she not be given any more time.  Passed  (3-0).  Mr. Willey reported that Judith Smith signed the quit claim deed April 9.  A court date some time after May 14 will be set. The property has been included in the town’s liability insurance.

  Fire Station Building Committee:  The date May 31^st had been suggested for the Town Informational Meeting to begin at 9 a.m.  This date was approved (3-0) by the Selectmen.  The first item of information will be the selectmen’s presentation concerning the over expenditure on winter roads.  The second item will be the Fire Station Building Committee’s background information and request for funding for the design.  The committee requested that the selectmen answer three questions: (a) Would surplus buildings be available such as from Brunswick Naval Air station? (b) Would Bridgton provide service to Sweden under contract thereby eliminating need to build a station here?  (c) Would Lovell provide service to Sweden under contract thereby eliminating need to build a station here.  Mr. Willey said that he would write a letter to Senator Susan Collins about the surplus buildings.  An informal e-mail response from Bridgton indicates that they would not be interested in covering Sweden fire protection.  An informal response from Lowell indicated that they could not provide such service at this time.

 Possible Town Meeting date would be June 14^th, but no action was taken on the date.

 Town Meeting Hall Roof Contract: Scott Noble presented a contact for roofing of the Town Meeting Hall.  It was moved by Mr. Jones that the contract be approved with the inclusion of the Town additionally be listed as insured, that the contract include removal of the asphalt shingles, ice and water shield installed, and crickets around the chimney.  That the payments be made in three installments: April 29 $4,800, May 13 $4,800, Balance of $4,921.07 after inspection by CEO and Selectmen.  Work would begin in 2 weeks with completion by May 21.  The contractor stated that if sub-roofing needed repair that that would be billed on a time and material basis.  The contractor was to supply to the town a statement of liability insurance for 1 million dollars and proof of workmen’s comp insurance.  Approved (2 for, 1 abstention).  Contract was signed. Mr. Noble abstained due to his relationship to the contractor.

 Financial concerns:  (1) D.J. Curtis stated that this month we had received invoices for $5,392 from International Salt and $7552.75 from Rob Drew.  This included the back pay mentioned at the last meeting. She said we are $17,000 in the hole for winter roads with a $10,000 contract yet to pay.  She projected that we needed $40,000 to $55,000 before Dec. 31^st.  (2)  She reported that the auditor hopes to complete the work on our town books in a few weeks. (3) There is money left in the account for the Town Office Building .  Ms. Gibbons told of the need for a window covering by the Treasurer’s and Clerk’s desks. 

 Cemeteries: (1) Mr. Willey suggested a clean-up day for raking of town cemeteries. The clean-up day will be May 3 at 8:30 a.m. followed by a cook-out.  Ms. Gibbons was asked to write an article for the Bridgton News.  (2) Mr. Willey also stated that we needed to have a contract for mowing.  (3) The sign and posts at the Steven’s Cemetery were damaged by winter snow removal.  Mr. Willey and Mr. Noble volunteered to do the physical labor and charge the town for materials.

 Metal and Bulky Waste Pick-Up:  Mr. Noble proposed a mailing to go out to all tax payers before the Informational meeting that include information about metal and bulky waste pick-up, rubbish in proper containers, recycling information, disposal of household hazardous waste etc.

 Other:  (1) Ms. Gibbons reminded the board about unfilled offices. Mr. Willey stated that he would call on some of the new residents and suggested names this week to recruit people to committees  (2) Ms. Gibbons stated that she had spoken to Sandra Weygandt of First Impressions Cleaning about the cleaning of the Office and Town Meeting Hall.  Ms. Weygandt will come on Tuesday, April 29 to inspect the buildings to give a bid for monthly cleaning. (3) Ms. Gibbons reported that the State is now sending copies of rabies certificates to the towns of residence.  She had received 20, 10 of whom had not registered their dogs.  She sent out a letter to each to remind them that their dog needs to be registered with the town.  (4)  Ms. Gibbons informed the Selectmen that a proposal for a Sweden Community Emergency Fund would be presented that may be a cooperative effort by the town and the Sweden Community Church . Mr. Willey said that Virginia Durr would present a proposal at the May 3^rd meeting.

 Meeting was adjourned at 9:15.

Jane Gibbons, Clerk