Town of Brooklin
Select Board Meetings
June 2010
MINUTES – On June 15, 2010, Roy Moved and Eaton Seconded to accept the Minutes as printed; Vote 3-0 aye.
June 1, 2010, at the Brooklin Town House, Brooklin Maine
Selectmen: Mike Roy, George Eaton, Albie Smith
Attendees at the 4:10 pm portion of the Agenda meeting: Jon Thomas, Weekly Packet; Jane Thomas; Tammy Andrews, Town Treasurer; Hendrick Gideonse; Marsha Eaton; Joyce Barr, Recording Secretary.
Item #1: Call to order: 4:10 pm
A) Adjustments to the Agenda were additions in Old and New Business categories below.
B) Minutes of May 18: Roy moved and Eaton seconded to accept the Minutes with the correction of removing ‘few’ from section D; vote:3-0 aye.
C) Minutes of May 25 : Eaton moved and Roy seconded to accept the Minutes; vote: 3-0 aye.
Item #2: Old Business
A) Update on status of liens: The Selectmen will work with Andrews to get lien letters drafted and out near the end of June.
B) Warrant Articles for special Town Meeting of June 19. Warrant articles ( M2, M7, M8, and M27), lacking background information, were passed over at the April Town Meeting. As the information is now available, the Selectmen can answer questions from the town at the June 19 meeting. The Packet requested the info in time to publish it ahead of June 1 9th. The Shoreland Zoning map, requiring a town vote, will be included.
C) Confirm appointment of:
- Recording Secretary for Selectboard MSV
- Cleaning of the Town House MSV
Smith moved and Roy seconded the hiring of Joyce Barr for Recording Secretary and Sharon Freethey to clean the Town House; vote: 3-0 aye. These costs come out of the Administrative budget.D) Update on office procedures for processing the weekly Warrant and on the backup of the various office positions. Andrews will prepare the weekly Warrants for the Selectmen.
The Treasurer, Clerk, and Tax Collector cross trained in their positions to ensure continued functioning in times of absence. They will attend further training workshops. Hardy backs up for both the Tax collector and Treasurer. Freethey is back up for Hardy.E) Next Staff Meeting: June 15 at 5 PM.
F) Warrant: from May 25th meeting: $87,929. 15 paid out; and receipts were: $ 6, 340.32
G) Other:
- Liquor License for the Brooklin Inn: The hearing was held during Office Hours on May 25th. At that time the Selectmen voted 3-0 aye to permit the license.
- The previous Shellfish Warden returned all remaining articles to the Selectmen.
Item #3: New Business
A) Bangor Daily News “Easing of Property Tax”. This editorial was discussed by the Assessor, Selectmen, and Tax Collector. The Selectmen will study the matter during the next few months. It was tabled for now.
B) Parking center of town – speeding: Smith had several people mention parking and speeding. Selectmen can call the Sheriff to patrol more often. Summer parking at the center of town can present problems. Gideonse said we should get one of the speed monitors set up. Eaton noted lack of proper signage for speed and school approaches. Roy will talk to Bruce Matteson at the State for signage updates. Easy access to town, and sidewalks and safety is something brought up by the Hancock County Planning Commission – Jim Fisher. When the issue of sidewalks came up a few years ago it was turned down by the town.
C) RJD Appraisal and visit by Ellery Bane - Quarterly Review: – An overall status report by Bane completed his quarterly review. His paperwork us up to date. The process is about a month behind schedule. He will talk with the firm to make time to do the internal work done and get the schedule back on track. The normal tax date is July first; but this will be difficult this year. The Selectmen will need to determine properties for the assessors to update. The delay is the gap between the old Board and the New Board putting normal schedules behind about a month.
D) Hancock County Emergency Management communication update. They meet once or twice a year. Smith will find out about this and return with information on duties, etc.
E) Shellfish Warden and the 100 hour course. Husson gives a hundred hour law enforcement course. It takes two weeks. Tierney only did the minimum course this past April. Pitman (former Shellfish Warden) recommended that Tierney attend. Roy moved that Tierney attend as soon as available. Eaton seconded; vote 3-aye.
F) Other:
- General Assistance posting has been updated. Albee Smith is the contact person.
- At 6:30 there is a Clam Committee meeting and Roy will attend.
- Library Board meeting Saturday June 5 will be attended by Eaton.
- Friends for a Warmer Brooklin asked for volunteer advisors to help identify those in need for help with firewood. The Odd Fellows have firewood available to be distributed. Al Hutchins and Wade Dow are available to help advise. It was moved by Roy and Seconded by Smith to distribute wood to an individual that had applied for 2 cord of wood; vote: 3-0 aye.
- Warrant for this week $12,439.61 Receipts $24,720.95.
- Training topic: MMA offers a workshop for Freedom of Access Training that is required. Roy will register the Selectmen for December 6th in Bangor.
- Homestead Act information: Filing deadline is June 1st and the Selectmen will sign and send it in today.
- Open Forum topics include: Gideonse wanted some kind of structure to allow a brief presentation with handouts; and recording of the topics brought up. Eaton will be the discussion leader. Topics include: What the Board will be looking into; how they will run things. The Planning Board wants to discuss the issue of Towers and Wind Turbines. The Affordable Housing group has something to discuss. Questions brought forward for the general form were: How long should it last; and Limiting talking times for each person. Smith said it would be good to advertise the topics. Gideonse and Eaton will work together on topics and inform the Packet in time for publication.
Item #4: Date of next agenda meeting (June 15 proposed): The next agenda meeting of the Board will be June 15 at 4:10 pm.
Item # 5: Adjourn 5:13 pm
Submitted by Joyce Barr, Recording Secretary.
Town of Brooklin
Selectman’s Meeting
MINUTES
Eaton moved and Roy seconded to accept these Minutes as printed; Vote: 3-0 aye; 6/29/2010
June 15, 2010, at the Brooklin Town House, Brooklin Maine
Selectmen: Mike Roy, George Eaton, Albie Smith
Attendees at the 4:10 pm Agenda meeting: Jon Thomas, Weekly Packet; Jane Thomas; Tammy Andrews, Town Treasurer; Jerry Gray; Hendrick Gideonse; Robin Alden, of the Stonington Lobster Hatchery; Joyce Barr, Recording Secretary.
Item #1: Call to order:
Chairman Smith called the Agenda meeting to order at 4:10 pm.
A) Adjustments to the Agenda: These Minutes reflect the changes made in the Agenda.
B) Minutes June 1: Roy Moved and Eaton Seconded to accept the June 1, 2010 Minutes as printed; Vote: 3-0 aye.
C) Minutes June 11: Minutes of Special Select Board meeting of June 11, 2010 were tabled until next meeting.
D) Executive Session: The Selectmen reported they had held an Executive Session that resolved a tax abatement issue.
Item # 2: Unfinished Old Business:
A) Draft of Lien Letter: The letter to delinquent tax payers will offer to work out a payment solution instead of going to liens. Selectmen hope to have a final draft soon.
B) Pedestrian and Traffic Safety – including parking and walkways – Smith had two emails about speed on Naskeag Pt. Road recently. Selectmen are working to have the State upgrade the speed signs. The center of town around the general church/stores/library/post office is very dangerous, particularly in summer. The Selectmen urged people to keep the speed to 25 mph.
C) Insurance meeting with Rob Clapp of Merle Grindle Agency (June 8, 2010): Smith reported on the meeting with Clapp which reviewed the town’s policy. No changes were recommended by Clapp. Sam Friend, Fire Chief, will talk with the Agency as well
D) Missing Book of Terms of Appointment from office of Town Clerk: The official book has been missing for two years at least. It came to light recently when the Planning Board needed to refer to it. Ways to backtrack the current appointments were discussed. Roy discovered a file of Appointments in his desk. There is now a new book being kept by the Clerk. Gray asked about the annual appointments, required by State law, of other offices. The Selectmen will see to that immediately.
E) Other: (none discussed)
Item #3: New Business:
A) Lobster Hatchery Funds: Robin Alden spoke about the Zone C Lobster Hatchery supported in the past by this and other local Towns. It has operated for four years. Her overview of the past and present plans for the Hatchery brought the Selectmen up to speed. She stated that while their Steering and Board Committees work out future plans, they are not raising lobsters this year and, therefore, this area will not be getting any baby lobsters this year. The $1000 from Brooklin this year can be returned if the Town wants; however there is overhead for the downgraded operations that could make use of this money. She spoke of some of the future ideas being put forward by their Board. Alden left a pamphlet about the Hatchery with Selectmen.
B) Appointment(s) to Shellfish Conservation Committee: The Shellfish Committee has voted to recommend the following people to the Selectmen for appointment: Alison Dibble as a full member; Tom Hardy to replace Dibble as Alternate; Jim Morse to be a Full Member; Peter Gray as an Alternate to replace Morse; and Chris Gross, Sr. as an Alternate. Because of confusion as to the terms of office (part of the problem with the Appointments Book being missing) Smith suggested the Shellfish Committee clarify the terms of appointment before the appointments are finalized. Moved by Eaton and Roy Seconded to table the appointments until the Clam Committee is consulted about the terms of appointment; Vote: 3-0 aye.
C) Walker Bros. Circus, July 12, 2010. This was a solicitation by fax from Walker Brothers Circus of Sarasota Florida requesting the town contract with them for an event July 12th. Smith reviewed some of the terms of the contract and all three Selectmen thought it was not something that should occur without a lot of preparation and checking; and that a month was hardly enough time. It was Moved by Roy and Seconded by Eaton to decline the offer; Vote: 3-0 Aye
D) Preparation for annual audit and meetings with Jim Wadman on June 22, 2010. Wadman met with Smith last week. A Staff Meeting today will clarify what will be required to perform the upcoming Audit.
E) Restroom Toilet in Town Office – Toilet is not working properly. Smith wants to get this fixed right now. A new toilet can be moved into renovated bathroom facilities when the time comes. Roy Moved and Eaton Seconded to get new toilet and have the plumbing work done by Snows Plumbing; Vote: 3-0 aye.
F) Review/discuss draft of notice for “Intent to Construct or Alter Buildings” Our CEO has come up with the draft notice. It facilitates the Assessor’s work in updating taxable property values. Discussion followed with participation by Jerry Gray and Hendrick Gideonse. Eaton felt there is no way to make this happen. It would have to be purely voluntary to fill out the form. Gray said it would be good for the quarterly reviews by the Assessors. If people would start using a form it would help. Gideonse mentioned a few points that need adding/changing on the notice. Smith suggested they consult with the CEO and refine the form and come back next meeting to review it. Since it is a voluntary form it needs not come before the town for review/approval. Gideonse questioned how can this be done without going to the town? Response was that it would be an administrative tool that is logical and straight forward. Blue Hill has such a notice.
G) Select Board Goals for 2010-2011: Some of these can be discussed at the Forum after the Special Town Meeting on Saturday, June 19th at the School. Smith had created a list including: Center Harbor; Dow Property; Village area vehicle parking; 2011 Town budget; old town office building and Town Green; right of ways; affordable housing; roadways; etc. A number of these currently involve volunteers. Volunteers are always needed to move ideas and actions forward in a small town.
H) Other
- Work needed on old town office: Jerry Gray talked about the old town office building. Vegetation needs pruning to 15 -20’ around the bldg. Eaton said he would do the trimming. The property lines need to be found. New regulations on painting pre-1978 buildings mean expensive procedures by certified people to contain lead paint removal. Gray is going to be certified by the end of June. Gray is going to create a list and estimates of costs to repair and paint the building. He suggested it should go onto the 2011 budget. Thomas asked if he is offering his advice as former Selectman, or if he was submitting a work proposal. Answer: yes, he is submitting a proposal as a contractor. The Board has asked for contractors in town to put in proposals.
- Septic Tank pumping policy and procedures were discussed.
- Naskeag Point parking: To remedy unloading and trailer turning problems at the Point, the Fishermen have offered to paint lines that say “No Parking, Loading Zone’ in a designated area opposite the town pier. They are asking Selectmen for a go ahead on the project. Selectmen will talk to the fishermen again to get a better idea of the situation. It was felt to be an idea that could be tried.
Item # 4: Date of next Agenda Meeting: will be June 29th at 4:10 pm.
Item # 5: Warrant:
The Warrant for June 8, 2010 was $48,661.58. Receipts for that date were $8,050.47. The Warrant for June 15, 2010 was $12,941.23. Receipts for that date were $6,214.44.
Item # 6: Adjourn:
Roy moved and Eaton Seconded to adjourn at 5:35 pm;
Vote: 3-0 ayuh.
Submitted by Joyce Barr, Recording Secretary.
Selectman’s Meeting MINUTES
Approved July 13, 2010 –
Moved by Eaton Second by Roy; Vote: 3-0 aye.
June 29, 2010, 4 p.m., at the Brooklin Town House, Brooklin Maine
Selectmen: Mike Roy, George Eaton, Albie Smith
Attendees at the 4:10 pm Agenda meeting: Jon Thomas, Weekly Packet; Jane Thomas; Tammy Andrews, Town Treasurer; Hendrick Gideonse; Mary Cummins; Joyce Barr, Recording Secretary.
Item #1: Call to order:
Chairman Smith called the Agenda meeting to order at 4:10 pm.
- Adjustments to the agenda: Smith outlined the changes that are incorporated below in the “Other” line of Item #3.
- Minutes:
a) June 15 Agenda Meeting: Eaton moved and Roy seconded to accept the Minutes as printed; Vote: 3-0 aye.
b) June 11 Signing of Warrant: Smith read the brief Minutes of this five minute meeting. Roy moved and Eaton seconded to accept the Minutes as read; Vote: 3-0 aye.
c) June 19th Open Town Meeting: Eaton moved and Roy seconded to accept the June 19th Special Town Meeting Minutes as corrected (Article 2 in the Amendment, a typo correction of the word ‘amount’); Vote: 3-0 aye.
Item #2: Unfinished Old Business:
- Draft of Lien Letter: The draft invites delinquent property tax payers to individually discuss, with Selectmen, a payment schedule agreement within thirty days of receipt of letter. The Selectmen hope to address the problem as ‘friends’ before costly legal lien action. The hope is to mail a finalized letter in about a month.
- Intent to Construct or Alter Notice: Smith will take the draft to the Planning Board on Thursday. This will be a voluntary notice giving Assessors somewhere to start in viewing taxable alterations to properties during a given quarter. Gideonse suggested the April 1 notification should be underlined (already part of a State requirement for landowners).
- Terms of Appointment of Town Officials: Roy will go to the Clam Meeting in July and review the Clam Committee’s recommendations for appointments to the Shellfish Conservation Committee by the Selectmen.
- Other: Old Town Building: One quote has been received that includes repairs and a complete exterior building paint job. The Selectmen are hoping to get more quotes in the near future.
Item # 3: New Business:
- 1) Discussion of Special Town Meeting and Open Forum: Selectmen agreed that the Forum was excellent with good ideas and topics. They plan to start discussions and seek volunteers for some projects. Smith said people have approached him to volunteer help. Gideonse suggested on going committees for Budget, etc.; and ‘specific projects’ committees such as the center of town projects. Smith felt the need for written project descriptions with definite time lines for each.
- 2) Peninsula Power and ‘grant application’: An Email was received from Paul Trowbridge about applying for a $10,000 block grant. It arrived on June 22 with deadline of the 24th so there was no way to make the deadline.
- 3) Other:
a) Selectmen have signed the agreement with Wadman for the coming year
b) Neil Allen: Allen discussed the paving of Harriman Point Road earlier in the day. This week, July 2nd the Flye Point end of the road will be closed in sections. Notifications by signs will be posted. Allen has also been cutting brush along the Naskeag Rd. to Wooden Boat where walkers need more room. Cummins reported it is a really good and needed trimming.
c) Fire Chief Sam Friend: Earlier in the day Friend came in to describe training for Fire Truck drivers. Two of our good Volunteers are now trained and they can train others. He spoke also of the many rules and regulations that need to be known by the Fire Department.
The Selectmen have asked that Friend and Allen come in and update them on a regular basis to continue good communication with these two important parts of the Town. The Selectmen were very complimentary of both men, their dedication, and hard work.
d) Town House signage: Richard Freethey, also, was in earlier to discuss signage being developed for the Town House, Keeping Society, Veterans Memorial, and also the Firehouse. The new memorial will be centered and the Towns’ official Signs will probably be moved towards the cemetery.
e) Roy talked about the ‘End of Accounts’: Computer Trio development was discussed with the Town’s contact person. They worked from 8 – 1 today. Books can now be closed Wednesday and opened for July 1st.
f) Property Tax School: Earlier Peter Sly spoke to the Selectmen about a Property Tax School scheduled for August in Belfast for Assessors and Selectmen. The Selectmen agreed it was the wrong time of year as summer is too busy. They expressed the hope there would be another session scheduled in the ‘off season’ that would work better. The Town’s Assessors attend these sessions to keep up to date.
g) HCPC Winter Salt: Smith discussed with Dave Webb the Town’s requirements for salt. Nov. 15th will be the first delivery. The bulk buying through the HCPC gives the town a better deal on salt. Roy moved and Eaton seconded to enter into the HCPC salt buying program. Vote: 3-0.
h) Brooklin Community Housing: They asked for a statement of support from the Town to be put in a fund raising brochure Smith read a beginning draft. Gideonse and Cummins had helpful suggestions of wording outlining tangible things already done for the project by the Town (land donation, and $10,000).
Item #4: Date of Next Agenda Meeting:
July 13 is the next Agenda Meeting.
Item #5: Warrant for June 22, 2010:
Warrant: $66,646.46.
Receipts: $16,949.11.
Item #6: Adjourn:
Roy moved and Eaton seconded to adjourn at 4:50 p.m.; Vote: 3-0 ayuh.
Submitted by: Joyce Barr, Recording Secretary.