Minutes Board of Selectmen, Sweden, Maine July 22, 2008

Present: Road Commissioner Clifford, Budget Committee Members Ken Forde, Jean Bouchard, Administrative Assistant Curtis, Clerk Gibbons, Selectmen Jones, Noble and Willey. Annette Bouchard was also present. Meeting was opened at 7 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Warrants were approved. Mr. Willey moved to approve the minutes of the July 8, 2008 meeting. Voted (3-0)

Tax Advisory Committee: A list of the dates for the various steps in the lien process was given to the committee members present. The 30 day notices were sent out to the delinquent tax payers from the 2007 budget year. Liens will be served between August 12 and 16. Ken Forde requested back dates from previous years. A search of records at the Registry of Deeds will be made.

Budget Committee: Mr. Willey moved to appoint a committee consisting of Carroll Murphy, Ron Shorey, Julie McQueen, Jim Carty and Jean Bouchard. Voted (3-0) It is hoped that the committee will help keep track of expenditures and make recommendations throughout the year.

Knights Hill Road Compliance: Mr. Willey reported that the occupants have vacated the property and that on July 31 clean up begins. Norris Bennett and Rob Drew will supply excavator equipment. Mr. Willey will attend the clean-up.

Tynan Property: Nothing has been heard from Mr. Tynan. Carroll Murphy's signed statement has been added to the file.

Planning Board: Mr. Willey moved that the selectmen appoint Grace Keef to serve on the Planning Board until March of 2011 and that David Johnson be appointed a one year alternate member of the Board. Approved (3-0). Robert Slattery has resigned because he is moving. Certificates of Town Officer Oaths were signed. A request has been received from the Planning Board to acquire services of an Attorney specialist in land ordinance recommended by MMA, Natalie Barns of Jenson, Bard, Gardner + Burns. This case concerns the Planning Board's withdrawal of approval on a lot that was already part of a subdivision. Mr. Noble objected stating that the Planning Board should have sent documentation in writing and that the Oxford County Judge of Probate ought to be consulted and not a lawyer from Cumberland County. Mr. Willey moved that the attorney be acquired, but that spending should be limited until they actually need the attorney. Voted (2-1)

DJ Curtis gave the selectmen Tax Abatement and Supplemental Tax papers to sign. DJ reported that there is still money in the FEMA budget for road repairs. Mr. Clifford stated that Riprap needed to be done on Black Mountain Road.

Mr. Noble stated that he would meet with Dennis Berube of the Assessor's office to iron out some of the communication gaps. Ms. Gibbons reported that the Transfer Tax statements for 2008 had not been received in the office.

A ballot for the election of MMA Legislative Policy Committee had been received. The Selectmen voted for Scott Cole and John Madigan Jr.

Ms. Gibbons was asked to check with Fire Chief Miller and Rob Slattery concerning rumors of their resignations.

Discussion concerning the window covering for the window near the clerk's and treasurer's desks ensued. Mr. Jones moved that the window treatment offered by one of the town's citizens be accepted if the treasurer and clerk preferred that treatment. (2-1)

Mr. Noble stated that he would install the new sign for the town office as soon as possible.

Mr. Noble thanked Mr. Jones for his work on helping to clean out the septic system for the Town Meeting House.

The Historical Committee has reported that there is a bat problem in the Old School House.

Bulky waste pick-up is this weekend. Mr. Noble and Jones will assist.

Mr. Willey moved that the mail be opened and the meeting adjourned. (3-0) Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Jane Gibbons, Clerk