BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES
FEBRUARY 2, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 7pm and began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Hearing for Upcoming Water District Referendum VoteThe Board and members of the public had a discussion on the upcoming vote and invited public comment. Jim Curry raised a question whether if your lot borders on the line of the proposed district, and if your house is not within the district, whether you are able to vote. It was determined that you would be allowed to vote in such an instance. The selectmen will have the ultimate decision on who gets to vote before the election. During the election, the Registrar would have final authority.

The Board also discussed the need to create written policies on the voting process and agreed that if a property is located on the boundary, then the owner is able to vote. They also discussed the need and procedures for electing a moderator, as well as the need to draft policies and procedures for the meeting itself. Phil Covelli also said that advertisement for the elections would be in both the Conway Daily Sun and the Bridgton News.

Mr. Arizona Zipper informed the board that Mr. Hugh Hastings is considering sending a private paper expressing his views on these upcoming elections and should be allowed a forum to answer questions. It was noted that Mr. Hastings had ample opportunity to express his views at the numerous Public Informational Meetings that had been held.

Review and Approval of Minutes from 1/5/2006 : Mr. Knapp moved to adopt the minutes as written, which was seconded by Mr. Jim Dutton. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Forum :

Police Chief Wayne Brooking informed the public and the Board that at the last legislative session a law was passed that allowed the creation of specific drug-free zones where drug activity within specific distances would be subject to increased penalties. The Town recreation areas would qualify under this new law, but would need the selectmen’s approval to so designate them. Qualified areas need to be sites that will be frequented by minors; other potential sites include Weston’s Beach and Canal Bridge. The board had a discussion on the specifics of the law itself. The board expressed a desire to include additional areas and decided to table the matter until the next meeting. The Town Manager and Chief of Police. will prepare a list of areas for consideration.

There was a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Course update. The course will start in Fryeburg during the last week in March, either Sunday or Monday. The Town Meeting will be moved toward the end of March.

New Business:

Donation of Vehicle to Town by the Recreation Department : No members of the Recreation Committee were present, so the matter was tabled.

Update on Development of Proposed Water Extraction Ordinance :

According to Mr. Ted Raymond, all copies of the ordinance have been given to members. There is a meeting scheduled on 2/22 to discuss the latest draft, the missing piece being the wellhead protection overlay. Mr. Garrett is finishing up the overlay, and the Committee is hoping to schedule a public hearing shortly.

There was a discussion regarding the water extraction moratorium and whether it can be extended. There was also another discussion regarding the scheduling of this public hearing before the yearly town meeting.

The board and members of the Planning Board present discussed the structure for a wellhead protection ordinance, and methods to modify the existing Land Use Ordinance. They also discussed the potential possibility of having a water district and potential perpetual costs. Mr. Raymond stressed that Emery and Garrett, through their studies, have enhanced the ability of the planning board to make decisions on permit applications.

Discussion Regarding Preparation and Distribution of Town Report:

The board discussed the benefits of either mailing the town report, or letting citizens know that they are available at the town office for pickup. March 17 th is the required completion date, and other towns, such as Conway, have followed the pick up method. The board agreed to mail the reports this year, but to consider having them available for pickup in the future.

Review of Department of Labor Inspection Report :

Mr. Covelli passed out copies of the Department of Labor Inspection Report. The Town has 6 months to correct violations. Some violations are policy/program orientated and others are easily corrected. After discussion, Mr. Covelli said that specific items will be delegated to specific departments for correction.

Review of Draft Letter to Inland Fisheries and Wildlife :

The board reviewed a letter prepared by Mr. Knapp and the board decided that some thought should be given to who would be copied on the letter.

Scheduling Budget Committee Meetings :

The Board and Town Manager discussed the need to ensure that the proper individuals are informed of the meetings. The board set the meeting for 2/15 at 7pm and 2/20 as the back-up meeting.

Meeting Announcement :

The board reminded the public of the meeting on 2/6 at Molly Ockett Middle School at 7pm to discuss the essential programs and services funding model and how it affects and impacts the school district.

Review and Endorsement of Payroll Policy :

The Treasurer has requested that a payroll policy be adopted to specify that all time sheets must be in the town office on Thursdays by 9am. The board discussed how sick and comp time is calculated, and potentially changing the pay period. Mr. Knapp asked why these matters are brought before the selectmen and why the clerk cannot make the decisions.

Old Business

Appointment of MWVEC Representative and Alternate

Mr. Conrad Eastman is the current representative and Mr. Ted Raymond is the alternate—both are willing to serve again, and were so appointed. After discussion, the board agreed to advertise for interested individuals by November 2006, which will be the end of the MWVEC fiscal year, and consequently time for new appointments to be made.

Other Business as Appropriate:

The meeting with Stowe and Chatham to discuss transfer station cost sharing items on 2/16 is still on. The board discussed the need to change the method of calculating shared costs within the contract and agreed to discuss this at next week’s budget meeting.

There was also a discussion regarding the approval of rates of compensation for election workers involved in the February 14’th Water District Election, which could either be done tonight or before the workshop meeting. There was discussion as to whether this was something that could be done by the Town Clerk. There was also extensive discussion of recruitment of ballot counters, people who have done it before are not on the list, and appropriate compensation for those counters.

Mr. Dutton made a motion to go into executive session to discuss Personnel Matters, which was seconded by Mr. Knapp. The motion passed and the board went into executive session.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lindsay Straw, Recording Secretary