Town of Fryeburg
Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
October 18, 2007

• The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm.

Public Forum:

Mr. Ken Brown wanted to know when the vacancies on different boards would be coming up. The Selectmen stated that it would be soon and that they would be advertised in the paper.

Mr. Peter Fletcher gave to the Selectmen a petition signed by 16 property owners on Menotemy Road requesting a ban to be posted on 4 axle vehicles and a ban on trucks over 69,000 pounds, requiring a permit and bonding to be determined by the town. He noted that Menotomy Road is now experiencing a lot of traffic, especially in the summertime. The board will review the petition. Sections of the Vehicle Weight Limit Ordinance are being revised and they will be the subject of a future public hearing.

Mr. Knapp directed that this issue be placed on the agenda as an item for discussion within the next couple of meetings.

Mr. Fletcher also brought up for discussion a question of why the town office has Poland Spring bottling water in the break room. The matter will be revisited once it is determined whether or not there is a contract for that supply of water.

Mr. Fletcher also stated that last Tuesday one of the Fryeburg Water Company employees opened up the hydrant being flushed out by Hastings law office on Main Street. There was no traffic control person present and water was flowing straight across the street, creating a dangerous situation. The selectmen will find out what the regulations are regarding providing traffic control in such situations.

Town Managers Report

The Town Manager reported the following projects in progress: OSHA 300 Logs (listing workplace injuries) are in the process of being prepared.New ADA project specifications for improvements to the American Legion Hall are being developed by Dave Hart of Fish Street Designs. A new request for bids will be advertised.

A town Emergency Operations Plan is being developed so that we are in compliance with Homeland Security Regulations. This is a prerequisite to any future FEMA or Homeland Security funding.

Chet Charette is still working on the generator electrical hookups.

The operator of Canal Bridge Campground has sent a letter expressing his desire to extend the lease for a period of 5 years. His current lease ends in the fall of 2008.

Insurance renewal applications for Liability, Unemployment and Worker’s Compensation coverage have been submitted.

New Business

The Board previously received a letter of resignation from Planning Board Member Gene Bergeoffen. Mr. Bergoffen has since reaffirmed that he is not interested in continuing on the board. Ed Wilkey made

a motion to accept his resignation from the Planning Board effective

10/18/07. Cliff Hall seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Public Hearing – Adoption of New Genera Assistance Appendices.

Members of the Board reviewed the updated Appendices as supplied annually by MMA. These are the maximum rates set for housing, clothing and food assistance for General Assistance recipients. Ed Wilkey made a motion to accept the General Assistance appendices for 2007-2008. Cliff Hall seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Setting Fiscal 2008 Tax Rate

After review of the Municipal Valuation Return as prepared by the Assessing agent Dennis Berube, and after discussion of the amount of tax overlay to be applied, Mr. Hall made a motion to set the mill rate at 12.70 per thousand, which is the same as for the preceding 6 month budget. Mr. Wilkey seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Discussion regarding appointment of representative and alternate to the Mount Washington Valley Economic Council./Appointment – Valley Vision Board-Karla Ficker/Discussion of advertising for other open Positions/applications receiver

Mr. Knapp suggested deferring this to another meeting. All were in agreement.

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant update.

Should the Town wish to participate in the program, a letter of intent, specifying a project and listing preliminary costs is required to be submitted by December 1’st, 2007. The town manager was asked to get a cost estimate on the Hemlock Bridge Road repairs, and have a report for the second meeting in November.

Update on Oxford County Budget Mr. Knapp reported on the ongoing formulation of the Oxford County Budget. The next budget meeting is scheduled for November 16, 2007.

OLD BUSINESS

Route 302 Scoping Survey Response.
This matter was tabled for a workshop discussion on October 25’th, 2007 at 5 PM. Extending the project end point on one map to the Pine Street intersection and installing a sidewalk from Pine Street to the Recreation fields was briefly discussed.

Response to Census data requests.

The town will provide an E-9ll data. The town will not participate in the Software data entry. Ed Wilkey made a motion to sign data request to that effect. Mr. Hall seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

Review of Zoning Board of Appeals decision re- Bald Peak Gravel Pit.

Mr. Wilson is the new operator of the gravel pit. He has stated that he has abandoned the idea of using Haleytown Road for loaded trucks, and will use the Porter Road entrance. The Board will seek a legal opinion as to what the options are as far as appealing the Board of Appeals decision.

Further discussion regarding legal options relative to Fryeburg Water Co.’s rate structure and its effect on municipal fire hydrant fees.

Erica Johansson of Monaghan Leahy sent a lengthy e-mail explaining the 30% formula used in calculating fire hydrant fees. The fees are approximately $20,000.00 more than last year and are a townwide expense. All other rate payer fees were raised approximately 17%. The Selectmen will send letters to the Public Advocates Office and the PUC regarding the apparent inequities in the formula and how to possibly change them.

Utility Pole Bradley Street The pole is to be set 105’ from Main Street. Mr. Wilkey made a motion to approve the pole permit on Bradley Street. Mr. Hall seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

OTHER BUSINESS

• Public Hearing October 25 th on the Town Meeting warrant for Referendum Voting (November 6, 2007) at 6:00 pm. Dave Hart will be asked to attend to answer any questions that might arise regarding the public safety building referendum question.
• Starting on November 15’th the Board will meet with for its regularly scheduled meeting with one department head (per meeting) to go over issues relative to that department and its budget.
• Due to the scheduled Planning Board meeting on November 1’st, the November 1’st Selectboard meeting will start at 5 PM.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Respectfully Submitted.

Ginny Manly

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