SELECTMEN’S MEETING
December 9, 2020

6:00pm

1.         CALL MEETING TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR WEEKLY UPDATE

• COVID – The Town Administrator indicated to the Board that there once again needed to be a discussion concerning the Transfer Station and COVID guidelines as the Town has received push back from some of the local residents. The Town Administration spoke with legal regarding the push back items; the Town is acting appropriately.
  
  To reiterate, if a person refuses to wear a mask then they are not permitted at the Transfer Station and will be asked to leave. If a person is unable to wear a mask and cites a medical condition, then there are no questions asked and accommodations are in force to permit that person to use the Transfer Station sans mask. Accommodations are that the Transfer Station will remain open for an additional ½ hour on Wednesday’s from 4:00 – 4:30 pm to permit those residents to use the Transfer Station. This accommodation will be put in force by appointment only.
  
  MMA agrees with these accommodations as acceptable. Selectmen David Winchell reminded the public that the Town is doing what they are required to do. This is not a personal choice for any staff or Board member. The law is being followed. And, anyone who makes legal action threat upon the Town is taking on more than the Town as these are State mandates.
  
  The Town Administrator informed the Board that their follow up to emails is much appreciated. Another item being planned is to mark with placement spots to separate chairs 6 ft. apart in the Election Hall.
  
  Selectmen David Winchell stated to the public to please keep visits to the Town Hall to a minimum and for short durations; only come when you have a need to do so for the business you need to conduct. People hanging around removes opportunities for others to have access. This concept will be discussed further at the Department Heads meeting to come up with plans to move conversations along for expediency.
  
  The Transfer Station has started to complete CDC logs.
  
  
• The Town Administrator notified the Board that there will be an insurance auditor coming out to the facilities to look at the Town Hall, Sand & Salt Building, Rescue Building, and the Lincoln School on Orchard Street on 1/5/2020. There was a recommendation to check fire extinguishers and conduct a pre walk through.
  
  
• The Department Head meeting scheduled for Thursday has been cancelled. The Town Administrator reported she is working on a day when it will be rescheduled.

• Christmas Luncheon/Yankee Swap has been cancelled for this year due to COVID. The funds normally used to support said event, will be utilized and allow each department to hold an independent department luncheon.
  
  
• The Town Administrator asked that the Board support cancelling the Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 as long as not important matters arise.
  
  
• The Town Administrator reported to the Board that the Tanker Truck loan closing was Friday, December 11, 2020.
  
  
• There have been two new signs received and given to the Road Commissioners to place. The first is Raccoon to make sure both signs are consistently spelled the same on both sides of the road. The second is East Hussey Hill Road. This sign was created to assist 911’s responses.

3. WARRANTS/BILLS - Signed.

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA -

Selectmen Dave Winchell made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Selectmen Ed Walsh. No discussion. All in favor.

5. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING  - Tabled.

6. DEPARTMENT HEAD / COMMITTEE CHAIR UPDATES 

Will Langley, District 1 Road Commissioner stepped forward to update the Board regarding the following:

· Guardrail on H Road has been installed.

· Four beaver have been removed from Garvin Road.

· The Road Commissioner was in very good shape during the Saturday/Sunday snow event.

Selectman David Winchell commented that the Board appreciated all the work the Road Commissioners have done. The minor complaints received were unwarranted as when work was checked, everything was in compliance. He asked that road equipment such as cones not be removed when in place as this are aids for the Road Commissioners to keep the roads open and safe.  Again, guys, you did a great job!

7. OLD BUSINESS

A. Capital Improvement Committee - Tabled

B. Workers Comp Policy - Tabled

C. Earned Leave Policy - Tabled

D. Bill of Sale - Thermal Camera
Selectmen Ed Walsh read aloud the Bill of Sale for the Thermal Image Camera to Fryeburg.

Selectmen Dave Winchell made a motion to approve the sale of the Fire Department’s Thermal Image Camera to Fryeburg for $499.99; seconded by Selectmen Ed Walsh. No discussion. All in favor.

E. Tree Lighting Recap

The Recreation Committee’s tree lighting was cancelled on Saturday December 5, 2020 due to weather. However, it was back on Sunday, December 6, 2020 after the storm. There were approximately 26 families in attendance and a new tree was brought in to replace the original tree which was damaged in the storm. After that, the event went smoothly and fun was had by all.

Carol Ward came in after the event and stored everything away. Thank you.

8. NEW BUSINESS

A. School Board Committee Resignation – Linda Cote
The Town Administrator informed the Board that there was a resignation at the school and that the Board needed to make a motion on it to accept. However, the school is responsible for the replacement and has already advertised and appointed a fill in.

Selectmen Dave Winchell made a motion to accept Linda Cote’s resignation from the School Board Committee with regret; seconded by       Selectmen Ed Walsh. No discussion. All in favor.

9. PUBLIC COMMENT

• Dennis Long approached the Board to comment the agenda item Comprehensive Plan Committee needed to be changed to Capital Improvement. The Town Administrator thanked Mr. Long and apologized for the oversight. The minutes reflect Capital Improvement Committee as intended.
  
  The Town Administrator noted that Shapleigh is working on their Comprehensive Plan and has received word from the State that the Comprehensive Plans are not going to be enforced moving forward. Discussion ensued that a working Comprehensive Plan in place is a good idea because it is referenced for changes in zoning.
  
  

· Mr. Long next asked to speak with the Board regarding COVID protocols and the Code Enforcement area downstairs. Mr. Long suggested the Board add protection downstairs the same as given to the upstairs areas. In his observation, this was not being done.

Selectman David Winchell responded that the same measures are in force downstairs as well as upstairs. Regarding Mr. Long’s inquiry about a wall, plexiglass and other extra measures, they are in the works. However, the funds are not there to do these more extensive measures and it is a topic to be discussed at Town meeting.

Selectman David Winchell next inquired that if Mr. Long is so concerned for the Code Areas’ safety, why does he go there and hang out for long extended period of time. All should be going into the Town Hall, doing their business and getting out.

Mr. Long responded it was none of Selectman David Winchell’s business. Selectman David Winchell disagreed. Both parties bantered back and forth on the subject with no resolution.

10. ANNOUNCEMENTS

· There will be no Selectmen Meeting December 23, 2020

· The Town Hall will be closed December 24, December 25, and January 1 for the holidays.

· The Planning Board is still seeking a Planning Board Alternate.

B.   Executive Session pursuant to Title 1 405 (6)(a) Personnel

Selectmen David Winchell made a motion to go into Executive Session at 6:35 pm; seconded by Selectmen Ed Walsh. No discussion. All in favor.

Selectmen David Winchell made a motion to come out of Executive Session at 6:50 pm; seconded by Selectmen Ed Walsh. No discussion. All in favor.

11. MEMBERS PRESENT

Ed Walsh, David Winchell and Jennifer Roux. Kimberly Stacey-Horn was absent.

12. ATTENDANCE

Dennis Long, Mike Long, Robin Ham, William Langley, Rollin Waterhouse, Joseph Ruma, Katelyn Long and Cheryl Drisko.