TOWN OF FRYEBURG, MAINE
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 29, 2005  

The meeting was called to order at 7pm and began with the Pledge of Allegiance. The board reviewed the minutes of September 1 st, Mr. Knapp made a motion to approve the minutes which was seconded by Mr. Dutton. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Forum

No matters were brought forward at this time

New Business

Appointments : The Chief of Police presented six appointments for temporary traffic control officers for Fryeburg Fair Week at a cost of $3500. Mr. Dutton made a motion to approve the appointments, which was seconded by Mr. Knapp. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Wilkey expressed concern over the potential insurance implications for either the Fair owners or the town with using employees on a public road.

Setting of the Tax Rate : Mr. Covelli presented calculation sheets to the board that showed three different versions of the tax rate, with the minimum and maximum overlay allowed by law, as well as a mid-range rate. The low was $19.80, mid was $19.95 and the high $20.10. The current rate is $19.50. The board and tax collector discussed the implications of having a higher rate, its effect on the surplus, affects of revaluation, and the need to educate the public regarding surpluses. Mr. Dutton made a motion to approve the rate at $19.80, which would include the minimum overlay. This was seconded by Mr. Knapp and the motion passed unanimously.

Vehicle Damage Complaint:

A resident’s vehicle was damaged after running over a culvert ditch on Denmark Road. The board discussed the details of the accident and its location. Mr. Knapp made a motion to send a letter to the resident to ask for the specifics of the desired reimbursement (how much) and a copy of a bill from a mechanic; this was seconded by Mr. Dutton. The motion passed unanimously.

Old Business:

Cable TV Franchise Transfer : Mr. Knapp provided an update on this matter. Concerned communities have sent a letter to Time Warner with a series of demands, to which Time Warner has answered that this is a transfer, not a negotiation. Currently, other towns, represented by the law firm of Bernstein Shur, have prepared a transfer agreement proposal to send to Time Warner. Fryeburg has the option of either sending in this proposal along with possibly 63 other towns, or to sign off on the 394 form. The board agreed to hold on either action until 10/13 when either letter must be sent. In addition, Fryeburg will need to discuss with Time Warner PEG access and remind it that Aldephia had not kept to its agreement with the town.

Mr. Knapp noted that there are currently bills in the federal government that would propose to discontinue franchise fees.

Executive Session

Mr. Dutton moved to go into executive session, which was seconded by Mr. Knapp. The motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment:

Mr. Dutton made a motion to list the old town garage property for sale at $159, 000 as a residential lot with Coldwell Banker. The motion was seconded by Mr. Knapp and the motion passed unanimously.

The motion was made to adjourn for the evening, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted:

Lindsay Straw, Recording Secretary