Draft Minutes Board of Selectmen, Sweden, ME – June 5, 2007

Present:  Selectmen Harris, Willey and Jones, Clerk Jane Gibbons, Annette and Jean Bouchard, Tony Farrington of West Baldwin and a co-worker.  Meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7 p.m.

Metal Pick-up/Waste Contract Adjustment – Jim Willey had put up signs around town to announce the Metal pickup June 11-14 and Bulky Waste collection June 15 and 16.  Mr. Harris moved that the contract with SJA and Sons for rubbish collection be adjusted $600 for 2007.  This increase is due to increase in gas prices and does not include payment of an additional helper. Voted 3-0.  There was noted confusion about how much extra the metal pick-up and bulky waste pick-up will cost.  The contract appears to lack specific numbers.  In March 2007 the town voted $41,000 for rubbish removal and dump operation.

Contract for Trull Brook Bridge – Jim Willey and Jean Bouchard met with all the contractors who had submitted bids.  Mr. Willey moved to accept the contract with Mr. Farrington for repair of Trull Brook Bridge of $22,000.  Voted 3-0.  A payment schedule was approved: 1^st payment June 26, 2^nd payment July 16, 3^rd payment July 23, last payment when work is done and inspection completed.  The contractor was to submit proof of insurance by fax June 6^th.  Contract signed by Selectmen and Tony Farrington and his partner. 

Roads:  Tapawingo Road has been paved and appears to be a great improvement. 

Black Mountain Problem – a culvert has been diverting rainwater onto a property at the corner of Black Mt. Road and Knights Hill Road.  The plan is the have the culvert capped. 

Marr Road – Mr. Shea offered to have his crew move displaced dirt back onto the road.  As this is a project that has been included in our FEMA application for storm damage repairs, we have to decline Mr. Shea’s offer. 

Maureen O’Connell had complaints about storm damage in her driveway.  She will be directed to make application to FEMA as this is not the town’s responsibility.

Wayne Miller and Carroll Murphy will be attending another meeting about FEMA grants.

Knights Hill Road Compliance Status – Ms. Anthony wanted more time to clean up the property and wanted the town to pay for a container for trash.  Mr. Harris has learned that Hugh Hastings has a lien on the property of $5000 from a $1,500 loan he made to Mr. Jewett years ago.  The Selectmen denied Ms. Anthony’s request for an extension of time.  If the town takes over the property, Mr. Hastings will have to understand that the payment of debts on the property will only be made when the town sells the property.

Lien Letters – Status and Unpaid Taxes Issues – Cherry Ezell’s property is going to be bought by Carroll Murphy and he has stated that he will pay the back taxes on the property.  Mr. Harris will follow-up with Fran Flint about this and the Knights Hill Road properties.

MEMIC Insurance – MMA Insurance – MEMIC has not responded to the request for a sample town emergency plan.  Mr. Harris will talk to Diane J. Curtis about the MMA insurance. 

Polling Plan Accessibility – The estimate of $10,000 from Mr. Drew to make the Town Hall meet accessibility standards is impossible at this time given town finances.  Mr. Harris and Mr. Willey will come up with a more limited plan for next week.

6/12 Bond Voting – Mr. Harris moved to accept Annette Bouchard and Shirley Crowe as additional Election Clerks.  Election clerks will be paid $7.00 an hour.  Clerks who served May 1 and 29 will be paid a similar compensation.  Voted 3-0.

Fire Station Status – no new report

Brick School House – Keys were given to Tom Goodman who will give them to Bob Dunning.  Mr. Dunning will start work soon.  It was noted that Patrick Wood had cleared out saplings in back of the schoolhouse last fall.

Other –

1.  Mr. Harris moved that Ms. Gibbons may attend the Municipal Law for Clerks  Workshop on Wednesday, July 18^th.  The town will pay the $50 tuition fee.  Voted 3 – 0.

2.  Minute approval – All the Selectmen’s minutes for 2007 were approved. 3 – 0.  Mr. Jones pointed out that on the question of tax payments going for oldest taxes, a suggestions was that one way to solve the problem was to have the Tax Collector make a request of the Selectmen that this be done.  This may not be the only way it could be handled. 

3.  Mr. Willey will call CN Brown about providing a fuel cap for the upcoming winter season.

4.  Jeff Gagne will be called to clean furnaces.

5.  A Plus Heat and Plumbing came to clean the Town Hall kitchen stove as the pilot lights were blocked.

Meeting adjourned at 8:13.

Jane Gibbons, clerk