Meeting Minutes

Board of Selectpersons, Sweden, ME
Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Present were C.Wayne Miller, John P. Smith, DJ Curtis, Warren Noble, Wyatt Ridlon, John Clifford, Donald Flint, Laurie Bennett and J. Gibbons.  The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance at 6 p.m. 

Unscheduled citizen business – Donald Flint was present to represent the interests of the Flint family.  He asked to see a copy of the letter sent by the lawyer outlining taxes and legal fees.  He stated that the property was now owned by 5 descendents of Russ and Frances Flint. 

Laurie Bennett was present to drop off bills.

Roads.  Black Mountain Road is being graded several times in order to see that it is being done correctly.  Mr. Ridlon emphasized that another person might be hired for grading if specifications are not met.  Another culvert was to be installed on Lee Gray Road.  It is to replace one that was put in 5 years ago and not put in deeply enough. More gravel will need to be put in on Trull Brook Road. 

A second meeting was held on May 5 with Phil Curtis of Maine Roads Center, with John Clifford and Wyatt Ridlon and the selectmen.  Materials concerning Plummer School Road and Hardscrabble Road were hand delivered to the Selectmen.  A very rough figure was given for work to be done:  (a)  $250-300,000 for reconstruction and paving of Hardscrabble Road for 1.2 miles. (b)  $350,000 to reconstruct Plummer School Road, making it to a grade A gravel road with ditching and culverts installed.  The gravel road would need to be treated with calcium chloride after annual grading for $6,000-$7000.  Polypropylene would be installed over the entire road for $22,000. 

Perry Hill Road, Dan Harris request for underground electrical work:  John P Smith moved that the Selectmen approve digging a trench across Perry Hill Road to install a conduit for electricity.  The conduit would need to be marked and the job done according to CMP specifications by McIver Electric.  Notice of work to be done would need to be given to town and residents on the street.  Approved (2-0).  Mrs. Curtis emphasized that an insurance certificate is need to cover liability. 

Fire Department:  Mr. Noble stated that the Engine will be pump tested on May 12 in Stoneham. 

Finance:  The warrant was signed. 
A Commitment letter for the accountant was signed. 
John P. Smith moved that $150,000 be borrowed from Norway Savings as Tax Anticipation funds.  Passed (2-0) 
Mrs. Curtis reported that 75 warning letters were being sent to those who had not paid their 2009 taxes.
Newburg has offered to meet with the Selectmen again about the new computer software.  Mr. Smith suggested that this be postponed until after Mrs. Ridlon returns from convalescence. 
The bill from Blow Brothers paid last year was not any more than expected.

Old Business:  Mr. Smith reported that Jason Wentworth has seen the work to be done.  His insurance must state that Sweden is named as an additional insured. 
Mr. Smith said that in order to make the back entrance to the town hall truly accessible, a concrete sidewalk would need to be installed with a landing in front of the door.  There are significant expenditures needed for the salt shed where plywood needs to be installed to protect the wooden walls.  Beams have been damaged by high equipment. 
Mr. Smith received a quote for a bulletin board for the outside of the Town Office where legal notices need to be posted.  A carpenter he knows would do it for $500 including installation on the wall and painting.
The Andrews have made a payment on their back taxes.
The Flint/Nason status was addressed earlier in the meeting.
Mr. Noble moved the flags from the vision of the resident who complained about their presence.

New Business:  Mr. Smith stated that we need a grant writer and asked Ms. Gibbons to ask Dell Foss is she would help.
Blaine Chapman, cemetery mower, is to be contacted by DJ Curtis.
A meeting for the Selectmen to tour the Meeting House and town garages will be held May 15 at 9:30 to access the repairs and expenditures.
Ms Gibbons asked the Selectmen to sign the Warrant and Notice of Election for the May 25 School District Meeting.
A complaint had been received concerning a zoning ordinance and this was referred to the Planning Board. 
John Smith moved that a letter be sent to Eric Gulbrandsen asking him to attend at least one Board of Selectmen meeting a month to report on his activities.  (2-0)

The next meeting of the Board will be held in the Town Hall as the School District Election will take place in the Office Building.  Ms. Gibbons will miss the May 25th and June 8th Select board meetings due to elections being run at the same time.
Wayne Miller moved that the minutes of the April 27th meeting be approved.  (voted 2-0)
There was a special meeting of the Select Board on May 5th.  Minutes pending.

Jane Gibbons, Clerk