DRAFT Minutes Board of Selectpersons of Sweden, ME

October 13, 2009

Present were William Jones, John P. Smith, DJ Curtis, Jean Bouchard, John Clifford, Warren Noble, Robert Scott, Jane Gibbons, and briefly Frances Flint and James Willey. Mr. Jones chaired the meeting as Mrs. Ridlon is out of town. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance at 6:01,

The Warrant was discussed. Mr. Smith asked why supplies were bought at the Printery vs. Staples and from Lovell Hardware vs. Hayes True Value. He also questioned the purchase of laminated posters costing $47 concerning labor laws when the state supplies them free. It was decided to void #47 and Mr. Smith was to investigate. There was no signature on the trash bag purchase at Lovell Hardware. Mr. Willey came in momentarily and stated that he had purchased them for the Town Hall. The Warrant was signed.

The issue of the credit card was clarified. The application has been submitted to Key Bank, but the card has not been received. The account will be in the name of the Town, but Mrs. Flint will be the signer.

Mr. Scott had indicated willingness to serve on the Planning Board. He will fill a term ending in March of 2011. Mr. Jones moved to appoint Robert Scott to the Planning Board. Voted 2-0. Mr. Scott was sworn in by the clerk.

Roads: Mr. Clifford said that ditching would be done on Black Mt. Road with FEMA money. There is $1,500 from the 2003 storm and $15,000 from the 2007 allotment. He has attempted to contact Mr. Drew who has not returned his calls. Mr. Clifford will contact some other contractor. There is an estimate of $32,000 in the summer roads account, some of which is to be used to shim Plummer School Road.

Mr. Smith reported that he'd had a response to the road survey by FEMA officials. They had submitted a report of potential mitigation projects.

Mr. Clifford had a letter showing that salt can no longer to bought from International, but may be purchased from the Eastern Salt company. Mr. Smith asked why we plow route 93. He was told that we plow it and than are paid by the state for this and other state roads.

Mr. Noble stated that the chiefs were working on a budget and that there would be increases in 4 areas. Figures may be double what they were last year. Mr. Noble said that the new selectman would need to take NIMS courses 100 and 700.

Finances: DJ Curtis gave the selectmen preliminary budget materials for 2010. The only changes projected at this time are in Town charges. If we were to appropriate in entirety the tax rate would increase 9%. The biggest increase is in Assessing which will go to $8,500. There is $194 in surplus. Mr. Smith suggested putting some of the money in CDs to earn better interest. DJ will talk to Key Bank. It was suggested she also talk to Neal Graffen, President of Norway Savings. She will ask the accountant if this is allowed. Mr. Smith also asked if there would be a saving if bills were paid once a month rather than twice a month. It was suggested that a purchase order system might be started. DJ suggested moving Buildings and Grounds maintenance charges from town charges to the Buildings and Grounds account. Mr. Jones moved to move $936.46 from Town charges account 401 to 402 Building and Grounds. (Voted 2-0) The projection for the next year included a recommendation for salary increases by 3.5%. ($2,800) There was no cost of living increase last year. Ms Curtis will do a cash flow analysis for the next 3 months.

Other: Darlene Sterling had expressed concern over the condition of an abandoned road which still had public access.

Ms. Gibbons asked about progress on the shelf order. Mr. Jones said that Ms. Flint had ordered them. Ms Gibbons asked that the voting booths be moved back to the town hall for the Nov. 3 election. Ms. Gibbons also asked about having only 2 meetings a month. Ms Curtis said that at the time when the budget is being prepared there is too much to do.

The Planning Board had asked to meet in the town office building on Thursday evenings, when the office is open to the public. Mr. Smith will suggest that they change the time of meeting to the 3rd Tuesday as no one is in the office building at that time.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15,

Jane Gibbons, Clerk