Town of Fryeburg
Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2007

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

PUBLIC HEARING – Town Meeting Warrant/calling for referendum election on

11/06/07 .

Mr. Knapp reviewed the procedures to get the two local referendum questions on the warrant. The procedure was as follows:

• The town clerk was notified 45 days ahead of the time.
• The referendum questions and ballot were created within 30 days prior to the election.
• The public hearing is being held at least 10 days before the election.
• The warrant was posted at least 7 days before the election.

The public hearing was opened for discussion. Before taking comments from the public, the selectmen wanted it to be noted that the referendum questions are being put before the town so that the town citizens can make known their feelings. There was considerable discussion regarding both proposals.

Mr. Ted Raymond advocated for defeat of the moratorium question as it opens the town to certain litigation. Mr. Peter Hastings spoke and asked the voters to seriously consider defeating the proposed moratorium as it would make the water bills double if the current transportation of water was halted and the water company lost all revenue from commercial sales. He noted that the measure would certainly incur legal fees in defending its legality.

Mr. Hastings stated that with PUC approval, the water rates have recently gone up 17% and the hydrant fees have gone up approximately 25%. If the moratorium passed and commercial resale was halted, the rates will go up more to cover for the lost revenue. The escalated hydrant fees would affect the entire town.

Mr. Mark Dubois, Poland Springs Natural Resource Manager, stated that he hoped the residents of Fryeburg would carefully consider the vote and the possibility of litigation should the moratorium be approved. He reiterated that Poland Springs wants to try and better their relationships with the town of Fryeburg.

Mr. Wilkey stated that he opposed the moratorium but felt that the townspeople have the right to speak on this matter.

It was suggested that the Planning Board needs to revisit the Land Use Ordinance and suggest possible amendments, and possibly explore the use of impact fees.

Question II.-Public Safety Building

The cost for the new proposed public safety building is approximately $810,000.00. Together with interest at the current Maine Bond Bank estimated rate, the total cost would be $1,232,000.00. The Board of Selectmen previously voted 2-1 vote not to recommend an affirmative vote.

There was public comment regarding the scope of the project and need for a building of the size proposed. Mr. Wilkey commented that a “scaled down” version of the building would probably be proposed should the referendum article be defeated.

Managers Report/Review of Department Report Outlines

• Department Report Forms

The town manager presented a set of “standardized” report forms for each department. Board members will review the forms and suggest edits as necessary before they are distributed.

• The proposed schedule for the Board/ department head meetings will be twice a month, at least initially.

• Contracted Plowing Services

Taking into account the town supplying all sand and/or salt, a statewide survey of similar-sized towns showed an average contract price of $3,900.00 per mile for road plowing and sanding/salting. Clyde Watson of Northeast Pavers was present and reported that he had conferred with the road commissioner and came up with some preliminary figures, although he had not finalized them as of yet. . The town manager was instructed to ask Gary what the specific repairs are that are needed for the small truck that he uses for village plowing.

OLD BUSINESS

Further review of zoning board of appeals decision regarding Bald Peak gravel Pit.

The town’s timeframe for appealing this decision appears to be mid November. The town manager was instructed to seek legal representation immediately.

Haly Town Road – suggested change order – additional underdrain Installation.

The original bid came in for slightly less than budgeted for the project at $515,996.00. The price with the additional proposed under-drain installation would bring the total contract price up to $524,319.00. This amount is well within the budget. Ed Wilkey made a motion to approve the Change Order #1 for the Haley Town Road Phase I. Cliff Hall seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Ed Wilkey also made a motion to allow the Town manager to sign the change order. Cliff Hall seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

There was a request from Anne Perante, general assistance administrator, to put a collection box at the town office for the Brownfield Food Pantry for the annual “ Turkey Drive”. Mr. Knapp made a motion to allow such a collection box to be placed. Mr. Wilkey seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Mr. Knapp suggested that the town manager send a letter to the Fryeburg Water Company stating the laws of obstruction for public ways. This may encourage the Water Company to get some assistance, possibly a flagger when they are flushing out the hydrants into the roadway.

A list of upcoming meetings are as follows:

l. 10/29/07 6:00 workshop

2. 11/01/07 5:00 Selectmen’s meeting

3. 11/13/07 Oxford County Budget Meeting

4. 11/15/07 Selectmen’s meeting

4. 11/30/07 School Budget Meeting

The meeting was adjourned at 8:l0 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ginny Manley

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