TOWN OF FRYEBURG, MAINE
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES
JULY 6, 2006  

The meeting was called to order and began with the Pledge of Allegiance. Approval of the minutes of the June 15’th meeting was tabled until such time as the Board members could review them.

PUBLIC HEARING- Ordinance Restricting Vehicle Weight on Public Ways:

The Board opened the hearing to public comment on the proposed weight restriction ordinance. The ordinance as proposed is essentially the same as the existing ordinance with provisions for restricting streets permanently to through traffic, and establishing a permit system. Mr. Knapp proposed an amendment to the draft ordinance that would authorize the Code Enforcement Officer to issue permits, after consultation, if necessary, with the Road Commissioner and/or municipal officers. There was some discussion as to the method that would be devised to establish posted bond requirements. It was decided that this would be done on a case by case basis depending on the circumstances of the situation. Mr. Dutton seconded the motion to adopt the ordinance with amendments. The motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC FORUM:

Mr. Krasker gave an update on the latest Fryeburg Water District meeting. He reported that the group was working with Steve Levy of the Maine Rural Water Association in investigating grants for the district to use to hire technical help to evaluate the current condition of the water system and its worth.

Chet Charette, Emergency Management Director, reported that the emergency generator for Molly Ockett School (which also serves as the approved emergency shelter) was recently delivered and that installation would take place within two weeks.

Scott Gamwell, an East Fryeburg resident, appeared seeking support of the Board in setting up a meeting with Department of Transportation officials to discuss concerns with the driveway permit granted to Nestle Waters NA. He cited several concerns such as site distance, speed of traffic, and the ability of loaded vehicles to achieve highway speed in the space allotted. Mr. Knapp commented that it is not logical for DOT to issue driveway permits before local approval of a project. Mr. Gamwell also noted that there had been several accidents over the last few years in the vicinity of the proposed driveway. It was decided to bring these issues up with a DOT representative in the near future, when concerns over the Route 302 and Hemlock Bridge Road intersection would also be discussed.

SCHEDULING OF PUBLIC HEARING ON SEX OFFENDER NOTIFICATION POLICY:

Chief Brooking addressed the Board and members of the public regarding this issue. He requested that the Town host a Public Hearing on the matter to gather citizen input on the matter. Currently, the policy in place is a standard one supplied by the Maine Chiefs of Police Association. State law requires that a written policy be adopted, but the guidelines allow some leeway allowing for adoption of a policy that meets community needs. After discussion, July 27, 2006 at 6 PM, was set as the date for the Public Hearing.

DISPOSITION OF “RETIRED” POLICE CRUISER:

Chief Brooking reported that the vehicle needed between $1,000.00 and $2,500.00 worth of work to enable the vehicle to pass inspection. The exact amount was undetermined as it would be necessary to dismantle suspension system components to see what actually had to be replaced. After discussion regarding the advantages and disadvantages of keeping the vehicle for other uses, Mr. Wilkey made a motion to solicit bids from the two firms that had bid on last year’s retired vehicle. Mr. Knapp seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

ROUTE 302/HEMLOCK BRIDGE ROAD TRAFFIC ISSUES:

The members of the Board discussed what steps could be taken to make the intersection safer for the traveling public. It was noted that over the past 5 years or more, the town has asked the Department of Transportation to install a flashing signal and take some other steps to improve the intersection, but none of these requests have met with any definitive plans proposed by DOT. Mr. Knapp noted that a report entitled Identification of Rural Intersections to Benefit from the Installation of Intersection Collision Warning Systems as prepared by the Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission in 2003, identified this intersection as one of those in the highest category of dangerous intersections in southern Maine.

There was some discussion as to what the Town would be allowed to do if DOT was to fail to take action. It was suggested that the Town may wish to install warning lights after notification to the state. Mr. Wilkey suggested that even if the Town was allowed to put up lights at its own expense, the state should still be lobbied to undertake other intersection improvements such as realigning the road, cutting back brush for improved sight distance, and possibly reducing the speed limit on this section of road. Randy Dunton, the division traffic engineer and the Dave Sherlock, division engineer will be invited to a meeting within the next few weeks to discuss these issues.

REVIEW OF BIDS—FIRE STATION HEATING SYSTEM:

Members of the Board reviewed the two proposals received. The Board felt the need to seek guidance from an objective professional who would review the bids and make a recommendation. The matter was tabled until such time as review of the bids could be accomplished.

CANAL BRIDGE CAMPGROUND LEASE:

The Canal Bridge Campground lease was discussed. Mr. Russell, campground operator was present. Mr. Russell reported that he had made some considerable investments in the Campground over the past two years, and he felt that an extension of the lease would be fair and equitable after he had made such an investment. After discussion Mr. Wilkey moved to extend the lease for an additional two years. Mr. Dutton seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

TENNIS COURT RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE:

The town manger reported that the reconstruction was scheduled to start within the next week and that the courts were due to reopen sometime in mid August.

URBAN RURAL ROAD INITIATIVE PROGRAM:

There was discussion regarding the Town’s participation in the Rural Road Initiative Program. Any participation would require a 1/3 local match. It was decided to invite a DOT representative familiar with the program to an upcoming workshop to discuss the program and any possible projects that would be eligible.

RELOCATION OF FRYEBURG WATER COMPANY PIPELINE ACROSS THE SACO RIVER:

The town manager reported that Mr. Hasting, Fryeburg Water Company President had advised him that there may be a need for a future easement along town land once a definitive course for the new water line was established. The matter will be revisited at a later meeting.

BUILDING DEMOLITION WASTE ISSUES:

Members of the Board discussed how the town handles demolition materials from buildings. There is concern that the town does not recoup the money through disposal fees to cover the cost of having the material hauled off site at the transfer station. Mr. Knapp suggested that the existing Solid Waste Ordinance and fee schedule be reviewed in the near future.

RECREATION DEPARTMENT BUS PROPOSAL:

The Board revisited the possibility of accepting the donation of a retired school bus from the School District to be used by the recreation department. There were still some liability issues to be discussed with the Risk Management Department of the Maine Municipal Association. The town manager suggested that the current School District Bus Operations Policy be adopted by the town and serve as an amendment to the existing Municipal Vehicle Operations Policy. After discussion, Mr. Wilkey moved to accept the bus from the school district. Mr. Dutton seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

LAKE REGION DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ISSUES:

The Lake Region Development Council funding was reviewed, based on reports of the council’s resolution. After discussion as to whether the council was still active, Mr. Dutton suggested that the $5,000 allocation as approved at the 2006 Town Meeting be held until discussions could be had regarding the future of the council. The matter will be revisited after discussions with the Councils directors could be arranged.

NOMINATION FOR MAINE MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE:

Mr. Dutton nominated Mr. Knapp’s name be submitted as a candidate for the Committee. Mr. Wilkey seconded the motion, and the motion passed 2-0 (Mr. Knapp abstaining).

CABLE TV FRANCHISE:

Mr. Knapp gave an update on the transfer of Adelphia Cable assets to Time Warner. The transfer still has to be approved by the Bankruptcy Court. There was some discussion regarding the possibility of future installation of head-end equipment at both the town office and possibly Molly Ockett middle school. The matter will be revisited at a future Board meeting once costs are ascertained.

FOURTH OF JULY PARADE:

Mr. Knapp reported that the parade had gone well, considering that it was a last minute effort. He suggested that a town parade committee be formed next year so that the effort is more organized.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted: P. Covelli, Town Manager