FRYEBURG BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 14, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 6pm, and began with the Pledge of Allegiance. The board began with the review and approval of minutes from 3/30/2006. Mr. Knapp made a motion to approve the minutes as written, which was seconded by Mr. Dutton. The motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC FORUM

Dick Krasker spoke regarding the water district, and noted that when it comes into existence it will not have any funds. He asked whether it was acceptable if the district applies for grants with the Town acting as the sponsor as long as it does not obligate the town financially. The board did not have a problem with this, as long as any grant requests are subject to board review.

The board also discussed plans for sidewalk reconstruction for the next year, and expressed the intent to see the sidewalks on Portland Street on both sides completed; as well as the sidewalks in front of the medical buildings, the Academy, and the Legion. Gary Whitten said that these should be completed by mid-June.

The board also discussed the effect that water pumping is having on the safety of pedestrians walking by on the Hastings property on Portland Street. The Town Manager will have the Code Enforcement Officer check on this.

Chief Wayne Brooking, the board, and members from the public also discussed the possibility of having a foot patrol to address youth issues—especially during the hours of 11-1. Chief Brooking advised that once the 24-hour coverage issue has been addressed, there will be sporadic coverage for foot patrols.

There was a request for an update on past vandal activity on Ice House Road, and the Chief reported that the vandals discussed in the previous meeting have been charged. In regards to the instillation of street lights, Mr. Covelli said the lease of lights from Central Maine Power is a 20 year commitment and will cost between $16-$20 per month.

There was a discussion regarding safety issues on the crosswalks near Fairgrounds and Academy; as well as double-parking issues. Ms. Holly Foster spoke regarding the hydroseeding on Portland Street, which has apparently never worked. The Town Manager will contact the DOT.

OLD BUSINESS

Transfer Station Agreement

The board discussed the transfer station agreements that needed to go to Stow and Chatham. Mr. Wayne MacAllister from Chatham has called to say that he still wants to meet with the Town; and there is still some confusion on the determination of each town’s responsibility. The board discussed the need to determine a five-year capital plan and the need to send an additional agreement that would state the town’s agreement to contribute to capital improvements to the transfer station. The town manager will ask the Town Counsel to draft up this agreement for a twenty five thousand dollar contribution. The board also agreed to reinstate the yearly meeting to discuss transfer station needs, and set the date for 6/1/2006.

Weight Posting on Haley Town Road

The board continued the discussion whether to have a seasonal or year-round weight posting on Haley Town Road. After extensive discussion and recommendation from the Chief of Police, the board agreed to have signage stating “no thru truck traffic”. Mr. Ed Wilkey made a motion to that effect, which was seconded by Mr. Knapp. The motion passed unanimously. The Town Manager will talk to the Chief of Police regarding the signage and will order it from White Sign.

Town Meeting Vote

The board discussed whether to adopt these minutes, but due to confusion regarding some of the votes, Mr. Knapp moved to table the minutes until the next meeting, which was seconded. The board agreed to obtain the video from Valley Vision to answer these questions regarding the votes on Article 19 and Article 22.

Scheduling of Appointments

So far, advertisements for vacancies have been posted, and letters have been sent to incumbents. The board, after discussion, agreed to meet on May 4 th at 4:00 to Workshop to discuss potential candidates for positions. The board also requested that these vacancies be posted on the town website.

Saco River Task Force Annual Costs

The board discussed the costs and income received for the Saco River Task Force, and discussed with the Chief of Police the portions of it that relate to law enforcement costs. Other costs are associated with trash disposal, trash barrel contracts, road maintenance, and outhouse maintenance. The board also discussed resident and non-resident issues, and the need to devise a plan to address parking issues. Some suggestions to help raise income included having parking attendants and charging parking fees. The board began to discuss the effectiveness of the Task Force currently and agreed to potentially re-direct their goals.

The board had an extensive discussion over enforcement of behavior on the river, in particular, drunken behavior. The board also discussed the need to address unauthorized landings and drunken behavior on Fiddlehead Campground and the liability considerations regarding intoxicated boaters.

Mr. Wilkey agreed to talk to members of the Parks Committee and Recreation Council about a per head or per canoe collection to help raise funds, and will bring their comments to the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Police Department Appointments

The Chief of Police advised that he is suggesting three appointments. The first position is for a full time police officer appointment, for which he is recommending Officer Michael Hall—who has worked for the town in the past. Officer Hall stated that he would be willing to sign an agreement to stay in the area, as he will be receiving training. Officer Hall will be available on 4/28 and will go to the Academy in January of 2007. Mr. Wilkey made a motion to appoint Officer Hall, which was seconded by Mr. Knapp. The motion passed unanimously.

The other candidates are initially for summertime positions, the second of these, the candidate being Carol Clark, will remain as a Reserve Officer thereafter. The first candidate is Joshua King, a Criminal Justice Major. The will be working on an internship, so 20 hours be will be paid, the other 20 unpaid. The starting date for both candidates is May 26 th. Mr. Wilkey made a motion to approve the appointment contingent upon them passing the required courses; which was seconded by Mr. Knapp. The motion passed unanimously.

Highway Department Work Schedule

The board reviewed the materials given to them by the Road Commissioner. The board and Road Commissioner discussed the need for a sidewalk improvement plan. Mr. Knapp said that he would call Pete Coffman from the DOT to confirm which roads are solely the town’s responsibility.

In regards to the Hastings picnic property at the state line, the board wished to see documentation of his ownership.

Quitclaim Deed-Release of Tax Lien

This duplicate quitclaim deed was presented to the board, as the bank lost the previous one. After discussion, Mr. Knapp moved to sign the deed as requested by the clerk, which was seconded by Mr. Dutton. The motion passed unanimously.

Other Business

Representatives from Poland Springs plan to be present at the next Selectmen’s meeting.

Mr. Knapp made a motion to go into executive session to discuss a real estate matter, which was seconded by Mr. Ed Wilkey. The motion passed unanimously, and the board went into executive session.

The Board returned to its regular meeting from its Executive Session discussion. No action was taken. Having no further business, the meeting was then adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lindsay Straw

Recording Secretary