Minutes, Board of Selectmen, Sweden, ME

December 9, 2008

Present: DJ Curtis, Robby Drew, John Clifford, Warren Noble, Jane Gibbons, James Willey, William Jones, Alberta Ridlon. Meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:07 p.m.

The Warrant was read and approved. No one was present from the Tax Committee.

DJ Curtis reported that Kevin Finker had requested a Forest Management Plan. The Assessor stated that Management plans were a private matter between the Forest Manager and land owner. The only thing kept on file by the town is the application. The Assessor has those. DJ stated that the final budget, except for some figures, will need to be completed by the Dec. 23rd meeting for approval right after the beginning of the new year. Discussion of the items for summer and winter roads followed. It was decided to ask for $70,000 for Summer roads. It is estimated that the winter roads item will be fully spent. The suggestion was made to request 168,000 for winter roads with the possibility of taking 10,000 from surplus if needed. Items for Emergency Management, Hobbs Library, Conservation Commission, Harvest Hills, LEA, Sr. Plus, Cemetery Care, and Community Concepts would remain the same. There are appeals from many other organizations that serve residents of our town.

Roads: A sign on Webber Pond Road had been taken from its pole only a few weeks after it had been installed. $7,000 is the estimate for a culvert for Hardscrabble Road. Jersey barriers have been installed.

Fire Chief: Mr. Noble reported that the Association/Department would be working on the budget on Thursday, the 11th. Mr. Noble said that he would request that the town include an article in the Town Meeting warrant asking that money be set aside in a CD for the Fire Station Building. He has invited the Selectpersons to visit the existing Fire Station garage to see its general state of disrepair. Only the chief and captains enter the building now as MMA does not insure the first $50,000 of liability on the building. The outhouse is considered a liability now and Mr. Noble would like it eliminated.

Mr. Noble also distributed some brochures about General Assistance. He said that there were tests which town officials needed to take for National Incident Management Services. These tests could be taken on line.

Minutes were approved (2-0) for the November 11th meeting and (3-0) for the Dec. 2nd meeting with correction concerning the word Internet for interest.

Ms. Gibbons reported on an article in the Bridgton News where it was stated that Sweden was ideally situated for generation of Wind Power. Ms. Gibbons had contacted Mr. Scontros and he would be happy to come to town to tell the citizens about wind power generation and the advantages to the town. Dates were suggested: January 17th and 24th.

Two requests for concealed weapons were received and the Board went into executive session. Results: There was no known reason to deny them as the individuals were unknown to the Selectmen.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.