Minutes Board of Selectpersons of Sweden, ME

November 24, 2009

Present were John Clifford, Warren Noble, DJ Curtis, Rob Drew, Alberta Ridlon, Bill Jones, John Smith and Jane Gibbons.  The meeting was opened at 6 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The warrant was read, discussed and signed.  The Selectmen suggest that the bills be consolidated when paid, such as Central Maine Power.

Fire Department: Did Sandy Field report from the Fire Association concerning items to be paid?  Mr. Noble stated that the Fire Association wanted a figure from the Select Board.  DJ projected that $2,500 would be needed by the end of the year.  Mr. Noble said that the firemen were willing to be trained without compensation in December.  The difference of $460 in the Scott pack bill might be paid by the Fire Association.  The Selectmen asked if the Association could pay for the seals, gaskets, masks.  Mrs. Field was not at the last Fire Association meeting.  The next meeting is Wednesday, Dec. 16. (b)  Mr. Noble reported that the Fire Chief in Woodstock offered a 1974 Ford F 750 line truck. The truck has 5 speeds, 6 tires, and a 1000 gallon tank.  Work had been done on it recently.  It could be purchased for $1.00.  Mr. Noble said that it would be covered and stored outside at his property during the winter.  It would be ideal for brush fires.  The Selectmen were concerned about cost to the town. Voted 2 no, 1 abstained.  (c)  Mr. Noble has submitted a budget for next year which is $7,000 more than last year. (30% increase) 

Roads: Bids have been received from Pine Tree and Mr. Drew for work on Hardscrabble Ridlonville Road.  Bids include ditching, culverts, crushed gravel.  The road is 18' wide and would have a 1 ½ foot wide shoulder on each side.  The price for Hardscrabble Road includes the base coat.  More estimates were requested from the Selectmen.  There was concern that there are no written specifications.  (b)  Ridlonville Road needs a second coat. (c)  When Mr. Drew was busy, Mr. Clifford called on Mr. Bennett.

Finances: DJ handed out more budget sheets.  The Fire Chief's salary is the only one in a separate category.  She has received requests from a number of agencies.  Lovell Recreation $1000, Community Concepts $600, Seniors Plus $150, Western Maine Veterans Advisory $175,   Sowing Seeds for Life Food pantry.  Financial statements are needed from all agencies.  On Dec. 8 she will go through the warrants, on Dec. 22 it is requested that the budget committee meet with the selectmen, the first meeting in January  they should vote on the budget and it should be printed in February.  DJ will be meeting with Mrs. Flint on Monday to iron out financial reporting issues.  It is unknown what the request from O™Donnell for next year will be, nor for the accountant. 

Other: (1)  Mrs. Ridlon changed the names of those authorized to purchase from Hayes and the Printery.  (2)Julie McQueen requested itemized statements from Mr. Gulbrandsen.  They need to know which items he has charged so that they can charge for items he has not charged.    DJ Curtis will copy expenses to the Planning Board.  (3)Mrs. Ridlon has ordered a sign for Harmon Road.  Mr. Jones stated that posts are in the locked section of the Sand shed. (4)Reports from the Historical Society have been received concerning issues relative to the Central School house. (5)Concern about filling offices for next year:  Will John Clifford want to be reappointed, 2 Selectmen are needed.  Do we need to increase stipend? Go to town manager form of government? (6)A resignation was received from Bobby Silcott effective Dec. 31 as Animal Control Officer. Mrs. Ridlon will contact Meryl Molloy. (7)Mrs. Gibbons reported concern of land owners on Sunset Shore Roads concerning lumbering on the Nevers and Brown properties.  Some were concerned that Keyes Pond has a shoreline easement of 600 feet.  These issues need further clarification with Mr. Gulbrandsen as Mr. Gulbrandsen was only thinking that lumber restrictions apply up to 250' from the shore. (8)The minutes of the November 10th meeting were approved. (9)Mr. Ridlon reported on a FEMA meeting.  Projects on roads can be ongoing projects.  Hours put in for meetings can be applied to the 25% which is the town's share of grants.  (10)Mrs. Gibbons reported that Jim Mathison is concerned about the valuation of the land on his property.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:30. Jane Gibbons