Regular Meeting (12-21-2020)
Selectmen Present: Jared Fitts, Douglas Small, Isaac Raymond and Daniel Frye
Absent: Suzan Rudnicki
Town Manager/CEO: Kevin Howell
Rec. Secretary (Remote): Coreen Sylvester
Guests Present: Fire Chief Ralph Shaw
7:30 PM: Jared Fitts called the Selectmen’s meeting to order.
MINUTES: Douglas Small made a motion to accept the minutes of December 7, 2020 as written Isaac Raymond seconded. Three voted in favor. Jared Fitts abstained as he was not present for that meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Treasurer’s Report: The Town Manager gave a treasurer’s report as of December 21, 2020 and gave an update on the town’s financial situation, which is very good. There was discussion between the Selectmen, Town Manager and Fire Chief regarding the 2021 budget.
2021 Budget: Kevin presented the Board with a draft of his 2021 budget. There was a brief discussion and Kevin said a final draft will be presented at the next meeting in January.
Fire Academy at Carmel Fire Department: Fire Chief Shaw stated there are twenty-eight students in the fire academy that Assistant Chief Michael Azevedo is instructing.
Ideal Recycling Fire Suppression Costs (May 2018 fire): Kevin Howell said he spoke with Keith Drost of Ideal Recycling, and he apologized and said he will start making payments again.
Solar Farm: Kevin let the Board know the Planning Board approved the special use permit for the proposed solar farm, with conditions including surety bonding, noise control, emergency response and maintenance.
County Commissioner Retirement: The Town Manager said County Commissioner Bill Collins is retiring after eighteen years of service, and provided Selectmen with a letter to sign if they wish for Mr. Collins thanking him for his service.
Murray Road: Kevin said Mark Reed called to see if we could plow past his driveway. The town way stops just before his driveway, and Kevin asked if Selectmen had any knowledge of when the road was closed and how far. After discussion, Kevin said he would do more research.
Town Internet Access: Kevin said Murray Road is the only town road that does not have internet access. He reached out to Spectrum and they got Kevin in touch with their construction manager. Spectrum is in the process of a build out in Newburgh and Etna and had not thought of going up the Murray Road. It is not guaranteed, but after talking with Kevin, now they are looking into going up the Murray Road.
Early Closing Christmas Eve: The Town Manager asked if Selectmen would approve having the town office close at 1:00 pm on Christmas Eve. Selectmen had no objections, as long as the townspeople are notified and staff understands it is without pay.
Town Manager Evaluation: Kevin Howell explained that even though his contract is for five years, it is recommended that Selectmen do an evaluation every year, and he provided them with evaluation forms to be completed..
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Jared Fitts made a motion to go into executive session pursuant to 1MRSA §405(6)(A) to discuss the Town Manager’s evaluation. Douglas Small seconded. Four voted in favor. Selectmen went into executive session at 8:28 pm. Selectmen reconvened in regular session at 8:58 pm. No action taken. Informational only.
WARRANT: Isaac Raymond made a motion to accept the payroll warrant of December 14, 2020 in the amount of $8,843.87. Daniel Frye seconded. Four voted in favor.
WARRANT: Isaac Raymond made a motion to accept the payroll warrant of December 21, 2020 in the amount of $4,846.02. Daniel Frye seconded. Four voted in favor.
WARRANT: Isaac Raymond made a motion to accept the accounts payable warrant of December 21, 2020 in the amount of $39,644.14. Daniel Frye seconded. Four voted in favor.
ADJOURNMENT: Isaac Raymond made a motion to adjourn. Daniel Frye seconded. Four voted in favor. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.