TOWN OF FRYEBURG, MAINE
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES
JULY 20, 2006 

The meeting was called to order at 6pm and began with the Pledge of Allegiance. After review of previous meeting minutes, Mr. Knapp made a motion to approve the minutes of 6/5/2006 and 7/6/2006. This was seconded by Mr. Wilkey and the motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC FORUM

Ms. Holly Foster made a comment regarding the safety of sidewalks on Portland Street and asked when those will be repaired. The board discussed the need for a sidewalk repair and maintenance plan.

Mr. Angelo Milia spoke regarding his concern of excessive speed on Haley Town Road and the resulting increase in the accident rate. The Police Chief will be directed to devote some resources to the area of concern.

There was an extensive discussion regarding the weight limits on Haley Town Road, and concern was expressed on how strict these limits may become and the possibility of restricting commercial activity on the road. The board ensured the concerned individuals that there will be an extensive review process before any roads are posted. Currently, the two permanently posted roads are Haley Town Road (to through traffic over 28,000 lbs) and Pine Street (limited weight restriction).

As there was no other business, the public forum was closed.

APPOINTMENT:

The board needed to reappoint Eric Root to the Saco River Corridor Commission, as he was unable to reach the proper individuals for swearing in within the allotted time frame since his initial appointment in May. The board agreed and re-signed the appointment papers.

OLD BUSINESS

Fire Station Bids

Mr. Knapp recused himself from the proceedings, as his father reviewed the bids in his capacity as a consultant and rendered a recommendation. There was discussion regarding the bids and their specifications, and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of oil and propane. At the close of this discussion, Mr. Wilkey made a motion to award the bid to Palmer’s Heating and Sheet Metal, for two oil furnaces for a total bid amount of $14,250.00. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dutton and passed unanimously.

Safe Routes to School Grant

The town manager had spoken with the DOT program administrator who confirmed that two separate funding applications could be submitted during the funding cycle. It was decided that one application for crosswalk improvements and signage be submitted and a second be submitted for preliminary engineering of intersection re-design of Pine Street and Route 302, and the installation of sidewalks from Pine Street to the Recreation Field. Mr. Knapp made a motion to submit the two applications. The motion was seconded by Mr. Wilkey and passed unanimously.

MDOT Meeting

The board reviewed the talking points for the pending meeting with Maine DOT representatives. The board also discussed potentially inviting other towns’ representatives to participate. After considerable discussion it was decided to limit the participants to Fryeburg representatives. The board agreed that the town manager would send DOT representatives a copy of the talking points so that they would be prepared to address the concerns noted. Holly Foster also expressed concern over the superintendent’s parking lot flooding issue and the promised hydro seeding of Portland Street.

Mulford Fund Request by EMA Director

This related to a submission by Chet Charrette to the Mulford Fund for radio’s to be used in emergency management operations. The board emphasized that all town departments need to notify the town manager and the board when they are requesting funding. Mr. Knapp stressed that necessary items should appear in department budgets and the expenditure offset only if such solicitations were approved.

Visitor’s Center

Mr. Brad Littlefield inspected the present visitor’s center and noted problems with wood rot of the structure. He does not recommend that the town take possession of the structure as it is unsafe and probably too deteriorated to be moved successfully.

The board directed that a “Closed” sign be erected at the former “state line” rest area.

Fiber Optic Equipment Installation

Adelphia has agreed to install the fiber optic drop as long as the town makes a commitment to buy the equipment. Mr. Knapp made a motion to spend up to $5,500.00 from the existing Public Access TV Account for such a purpose. The motion was seconded by Mr. Wilkey and passed unanimously.

Recreation Department Bus Use Policy

The town manager presented the board with the current MSAD 72 School Bus Policy and recommended it be adopted as an amendment to the current vehicle use policy until such time as a “town-specific” policy could be adopted. Mr. Knapp made a motion to adopt the policy temporarily, which was seconded by Mr. Wilkey. The motion carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

Mutual Aid Agreement

This was proposed by Chief Sheaff of the Fryeburg Fire Department. The policy replaces one currently in place and allows for the agreement to be extended to share other emergency services such as Dive Team members. Mr. Wilkey made a motion to endorse the agreement, which was seconded by Mr. Knapp. The motion passed unanimously.

Oxford House Inn Catering Permit

The application is for a catered function at the new Norway Savings Bank building on August 9, 2006 from 4 to 8 pm. Seventy –five to a hundred people are expected to attend. Mr. Knapp made a motion to approve, which was seconded by Mr. Wilkey. The motion passed unanimously.

Fryeburg Booster Club-Game of Chance Application

The club was requesting one time approval for a game of chance to be held on August 11, 2006 at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds. The event is a fundraiser for the Boosters Club. Mr. Knapp moved to approve the permit, which was seconded by Mr. Wilkey. The motion carried unanimously.

Urban/Rural Road Initiative Program

This concerns the annual certification to Maine DOT that all state aid road funding be used for capital purposes. The amount of funding this year is expected to be $68, 000. Mr. Wilkey made a motion to sign the certification form, which was seconded by Mr. Knapp. The motion passed unanimously.

Peary Park

Subject to a review of the mass gathering ordinance, Mr. Knapp made a motion to approve the Fryeburg Academy’s use of Peary Park for the upcoming alumni reunion, which was seconded by Mr. Wilkey. The motion passed unanimously.

Notice of Public Hearing

The board was notified of a public hearing regarding the RR Grade Crossing for the new Visitor’s Center. The hearing is being held in accordance with state statutory requirements and is scheduled for August 23, 2006 at 7 PM at the Fryeburg town office.

Weston’s Bridge reconstruction updates

The board discussed whether to use boulders or the existing metal fencing for fencing at Weston’s Beach. After an extensive discussion, Mr. David Knapp made a motion to approve the use of boulders, which was seconded by Mr. Dutton. The motion passed 2-1 (Wilkey).

Mr. David Knapp made a motion to go into executive session to discuss personnel matters, which was seconded by Mr. Wilkey. The motion passed unanimously.

The Board exited it Executive Session Discussion. No official actions were taken. Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Lindsay Straw

Recording Secretary