Upcoming Agenda
   
Minutes

 

SELECTMEN’S MEETING

September 20, 2016

5:00pm



General Assistance Public Hearing: Jennifer Roux explained to the Board that the packet provided outlines changes made to the General Assistance criteria, which is gathered from many different sources. She pointed out that the monthly income per household increased, there is no change on the food maximum, the housing maximum was increased and the table to be used to quickly to assess how much general assistance is allowed remains the same.


William Williams inquired if General Assistance applicants are directed to other resources throughout the County, especially the agencies that request funding from the Town. Mrs. Roux replied that while every situation is different, the list of available resources are reviewed to direct applicants when possible.


Moved by Bill Shields, seconded by Elise Miller, to close the Public Hearing portion of the meeting. The motion passed 3-0.


1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Moved by Bill Shields, seconded by Elise Miller, to accept the agenda as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

 

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Moved by Bill Shields, seconded by Elise Miller, to approve the minutes of the meeting of September 13, 2016 as written. The motion passed 3-0.


3. DEPARTMENT HEAD / COMMITTEE CHAIR UPDATES

A. Cemetery Committee Update: On behalf of Lois Michaud, Jennifer Roux gave a brief update on the committee. It was reported that Lois had been in contact with Steve Perello and he indicated that he was able to get permission from property owners to enter cemetery sites on private property. Mrs. Roux also reported that Mrs. Michaud has been working with Ken Paul on identifying sites on the town tax maps. The Committee really needs more members. William Williams stated that the Warrant and Finance Committee is trying to assign liaisons to every Town Committee that submits an annual budget. He will bring up the subject at the regular meeting on Monday. Mrs. Roux requested a list of liaisons that have been assigned from Warrant and Finance to maintain the Town's records.


4. OLD BUSINESS:


A. Fire Station Roof Bids: Mrs. Roux requested that the subject be tabled to the next meeting to allow for more time to check on references and insurances and to get answers to questions that she has regarding the bids. The Chairman noted that there is a $7,000 difference in the two bids so it is important to take the time necessary to consider the two bids.


B. Library Walkway: Mrs. Roux reported that the building permit is posted and the project has been started. Materials have been delivered and Ken Paul will start the preparation work at the beginning of the week. Additionally, Fairpoint Communications will come on Monday, September 26th to move the wires.


C. Old Sand/Salt Building: Mrs. Roux reported that both Road Commissioners will be available to meet on Tuesday, September 27th at 4:00 p.m. to discuss the bids.


D. Fire Tanker Purchase: Mrs. Roux stated that the Warrant and Finance Committee will meet on Monday, September 26th. The Treasurer and Fire Chief will forward any information they have available to the Committee prior to the meeting.


E. Dam Update: Bill Shields reported that the current water levels are too low to do repair work. The subject will be discussed at the next meeting.


5. NEW BUSINESS:


A. Bureau of Parks and Lands Letter: Mrs. Roux informed Board Members that the cover letter was forwarded from Larissa Crockett on behalf of the Three Rivers Land Trust to sign in regards to the grant application for Goat Hill.


Paul Poyant reminded the Board that because the Ordinance stipulates that no encumbrances can be placed on the Town, if the requirements of the grant place the Town in that position, the grant can be refused. Mrs. Roux noted that the Treasurer asked the Town Attorney to review the application.


Motion by Elise Miller, seconded by Bill Shields, to approve and sign the cover letter accompanying the application. The motion passed 3-0 and the letter was signed by the Chairman.


B. Abatement: The abatement requested by John and Virginia Bradshaw was based on Homestead and Veterans Exemptions that were not transferred to property they purchased at 63 Patriots Lane. The abatement reads:


“The Town of Acton has reviewed the assessed value of your Acton property. As a result of our review, we have granted an abatement on Acton map 234, Lot 060. The reason for the abatement is that the Homestead and Veterans Exemptions were missed in the original commitment. The revised evaluation and tax are $23,100 in valuation and $259 in tax dollars on real estate.”


Moved by Elise Miller, seconded by Bill Shields, to approve the abatement on property at map 234, lot 060 in amount of $259. The motion passed and the abatement was signed by all three selectmen.


C. BOS Meeting Times: Mrs. Roux reported that the York County Sheriff’s Department is putting together a 12 week class for hand chosen officials to better learn about the YCSD. Although specific details of the class are not being released at this time, the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen has been requested to attend. In order to make this happen the Board would need to change their Tuesday meetings from October 4 through December 6th to 4:00pm.


Consensus of the Board Members was to schedule regular meetings of the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, October 6th though to the end of the year at 4:15 p.m.


D. General Assistance: Moved by Elise Miller, seconded by Bill Shields to approve and sign the General Assistance Ordinance, Appendix A-D 2016 – 2017 which reads:


“The Municipality of Acton adopts the MMA model ordinance, General Assistance Appendix A – D for the period of October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017. These Appendix are filed with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in compliance with Title 22 MRSA ยง 4305(4), signed the twentieth day of September, 2016 by the Municipal Officers.”


The motion passed 3-0 and the document was signed by all three Selectmen.


7. PUBLIC COMMENT: William Williams noted that the CDC has made announcements regarding flu vaccines for people over 65 years of age.


8. ANNOUCEMENTS:


A. Volunteers Needed for Recreation, Cemetery and Road Committee

C. Flu Shots September 26 at 12:00 noon

D. Town Report Letters Due September 30th

E. 2016-2017 Winter Sand Bids accepted until Wednesday, October 12th at 4:00 p.m.


9. MEMBERS PRESENT: Ed Walsh, Bill Shields, Elise Miller


10. OTHERS PRESENT: Jennifer Roux, Paul Poyant, William Williams