Minutes Board of Selectpersons

Sweden, Maine

July 7, 2009

Present were DJ Curtis, Ken Forde, Jean Bouchard, Julie McQueen, Carroll Murphy, Earl Buker, Mike Bradford, Jim Willey, Bill Jones, Alberta Ridlon, Jane Gibbons and guests Claude Baldwick and Lou Chamberlin of Newburgh Associates The meeting was opened at 6 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Julie McQueen introduced the guests from Newburgh Associates who presented an extensive computer program for management of Assessing, Cash receipts, Reports and Payments. The total program would cost $12,000 or $8,000 without the Assessing. A yearly fee of $2,400 or $1,800 would be imposed after initial set up.

Ken Forde asked about the status of Tax Liens. There was no definitive answer.

Rubbish “ There was uncertainty about the continued collection by Mr. Adamson. It is the Selectmen's understanding that he would pick up until July 21. Sweden residents can take rubbish and recycling to Lovell as of July 1. The Selectmen will take the town office rubbish and recycling to the Lovell Transfer Station.

Mike Bradford asked about road maintenance of the Town Beach Road. He was told that Mrs. Mack had never communicated back to the Selectmen, but that the town had contributed some materials. Mr. Earl Buker reported that Trull Brook Road had washed out in recent storms. Mr. Willey said he would look into it. Mr. Buker stated that heavy logging trucks had damaged the road.

DJ Curtis had copies of the Audit. $55,000 had been taken from surplus this year. There is $95,000 left. She stated that we should have $250,000 in surplus. Mr. Willey moved that 0.01115 be set as the tax rate for the year 2009. It was so voted: 3-0. This represents an increase of $65 per $100,000 valuation.

Jane Gibbons presented information on cost of notary supplies: a record book and raised stamp. The Selectmen authorized purchase. She is also required by the state to attend a two day conference in Bangor concerning voting and elections. She requested hotel accommodations for one night and the cost of the conference.The Selectmen authorized these expenditures. Mrs. Gibbons also reported that she had attempted to correct the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife about their spelling of Keyes Pond. They required proof from the US Board of Geologic names. She has forwarded this to the agency.

Mr. Willey gave notice of his resignation from the Board of Selectmen effective September 30, 2009. He stated that he was secondary on General Assistance and that Warren Noble had resigned from that position so the current Selectmen will need to fill 2 positions there. A special town meeting will need to be called to elect a new Selectman. It was assumed that this could not take place until after his term expired which would mean that the meeting would have to be on October 2.

The minutes from the June 23rd meeting were approved as written.

Jane Gibbons, Clerk