Draft
Minutes of the
Board of Selectmen - Town of Sweden
May
13, 2008
The
Meeting was called to order at 7:02 by Selectman Willey with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present were Selectmen Willey, Jones and Noble. Representing Sweden
Community Church were Rev. Anita White, Virginia Durr and Carol Sislane.
Road Commissioner Clifford, Administrative Assistant Curtis and Clerk
Gibbons were present.
Mr.
Noble reported that he had discussed the church proposal with MMA. They stated
that the town could work with the church as long as the town had no administrative
part of the fund. Mr. Noble can refer people, including those who
do not meet Town guidelines for General Assistance, to the church. Documentation
is important and Mr. Noble stated that there are confidential records
that he can refer to.It was stated that it would be simpler if the church
received and distributed the funds. In a mailing Mr. Noble is sending out
to tax payers and voters, he would include a note that the Sweden Community
Church is discussing with the selectmen the possibility of setting up
a Community Emergency Fund. The church committee will be given a brief period
of time at the up-coming Information Meeting May 28th to present the idea
after the Selectmen provide information about the Winter Roads deficit and
before the Fire Building Committee presents their material.
D.J. Curtis
reported that the Audit is still not completed, but is being wrapped
up. She said that it is time to set up a line of credit as the check book
only has $17,00 after tonight ‘s bills. Mr. Willey moved that a line of credit
be set up with Norway Savings Bank for $150,000. (3-0) Money is only withdrawn
as needed. The surplus is being depleted. The figure of $50,000 was
suggested to meet the short-fall in Winter Roads. The Special Town Meeting
will inform the citizens of this shortfall. The increase already voted
will mean a tax rate of .01 or $65 per $100,000 valuation. The additional
$50,000 would raise the tax rate to .01055 or a $120 increase per $100,000
valuation. A Fire Building of $400,000 would mean $30-40,000 per year
for a 30 year loan increasing the taxes $155 for $100,000 valuation. Various
scenarios were discussed: A. Appropriate $50,000. B Appropriate some from
increased taxes and some from Summer Roads account which the town voted to
increase to $70,000 this year. It was hoped that none would be taken from surplus
because surplus is needed to avoid extensive borrowing due to cash flow
problems. There is still some money in FEMA accounts ($1,900 from 2003 and
$5,800 from 2007). The salt shed is 1/3 full.
The 5 acres
transfer out of tree growth on the property on Kezar River Road would
incur a $1,876 penalty. The Selectmen did not want to œforgive this penalty.
Mr. Noble requested
a monthly report on the Fire Association budget. DJ Curtis
will email it to Mr. Noble.
Minutes from the
April 22 and May 6 meeting were approved with the correction of
spelling errors.
Mr.
Steve Adamson was not present. Mr. Noble invited him to return to the next
meeting to discuss the contract. Various errors were corrected in the proposed
contact. Bonding insurance and the handling of the base plus gas surcharge
will be discussed.
Roads: Mr. Noble
moved that Rob Drew be released from the Bond he holds for Snow
Plowing. (3-0) Mr. Noble moved that the town look into purchasing the salt
through the Greater Portland Council of Government. (3-0) Mr. Drew will be
asked to clean off the dust from roads.
A court date of
8:30 a.m. May 28th in Bridgton has been set concerning the Knights
Hill Road issue. Jane reported that a neighbor had stated that dogs were
chained without food or water for several days. Mr. Noble and Mr. Willey will
investigate.
A bid for Cemetery
mowing of $1,575 was received from Chapman Lawn and Yard Works.
Mr. Willey moved to accept the bid. (3-0)
Ms Gibbons reported
on various treatments for the office window. Mr. Noble suggested
a film that filters out the direct sun, but allows light in.
Tom Goodman of the
Historical Committee received a bid of $4,460 to replace the
roof on the Brick School House. The bid for the suspended ceiling could not
be found. Another contractor will be asked to bid on the roof.
The
up-coming mailing was discussed. Mr. Willey moved that the town pay for the
printing/copying and postage. (3-0) Mr. Noble will include information about
metal pick-up at resident ‘s homes August 3-9th and bulky waste pick-up to
be brought to the office parking lot July 25-27th. The price for the metal pick-up
has not been determined. The bulky waste pickup will cost the town $250.
Other information will include the short-fall in Winter Roads, General Assistance
information, the statement about the Community Fund and the information
about the Fire Building.
Jane Gibbons, clerk