MINUTES March 19, 2009

SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES
March 5, 2009
7:00 P.M.
Town Hall Auditorium

PRESENT: Chairman J. Arthur Boivin, Vice-Chairman Frank DiConzo, Mark Belanger,
Leonard Greaney, Kevin Saisi, James Viger, Vin Caruso, Mary Bradley, Robert
Bradley, Jr., Carlo Puiia, Eric Giroux, Ciara Giroux, Deborah Laurinaitis, Angie
Arsenault, Keith Bickford, Thelma Giberson, Mark Tripp, Kelly Gorham, Stacy
Carter, Bruce Farrin, Maynard Murphy, Phil Blampied, Terry Karkos, Charles Burt,
Linnell Geronda. Absent: Bradford Adley

1. Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman J. Arthur Boivin

2. All present pledged allegiance to the American Flag

3. Approval of Minutes from the Selectmen’s Meeting of February 19, 2009

Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve the minutes of the Selectmen’s Meeting of
February 19, 2009. Vote: 4-0

4. REPORTS

A. SELECTMEN’S REPORT

Mr. Boivin reported that Mr. Adley will not be in attendance as he is away for a
training session.

Mr. Belanger commended Rob Cameron and members of the snowmobile club for their
work on the trails and stated that we have some of the best around. He also
stated that this is a boon to our economy and brings others into the community.

Mr. Cameron had nothing to report.

Mr. DiConzo passed out a top copy to place on the version of the drug policy
that was passed out last week. Mr. DiConzo also researched the cost of a steel
framed building that could house the fire station and ambulance unit in the
future and passed out copies to the Board.

Mr. Boivin reported that there was an error in the Rumford Falls Times on the
vote taken after the Public Safety Director Executive Session of February 19,
2009. The vote reported should have been 3-1.

B. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

The Town Manager thanked the Public Works Department on their fine work in
clearing roads although he has received numerous complaints. Many of the
complaints involved snow removal issues such as having difficulty backing out of
driveways because of the high snow banks. The Public Works Department is going
to demo a sidewalk snow blower that would help us remove the snow more quickly
to provide safety for our children who are walking to school.

Mr. Cameron asked that citizens be advised to back into their driveways and
drive out onto the street instead. Mr. DiConzo asked if the Town could demo the
snow blower for a week’s time frame.

The Town Manager read a prepared statement regarding a mistake that he made
shortly after he became the new Town Manager in regards to the Freedom of
Information Act. At that time a request was made to him by the press and he had
provided the information. Since that time he learned that this information
should not have been provided until the matter was finalized. The Town Manager
apologized to the Rumford Fire Department if the disclosed information brought
on any unnecessary hardship.

C. DEPARTMENT MANAGER REPORTS (as necessary):

There were no department reports given.

5. REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT

There were no requests presented.

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A. Approval of Drug Policy

Mr. DiConzo reported on the status of the proposed Drug Policy. This is a first
stepping stone in a long process that must receive the Department of Labor’s
approval, he stated.

The Town Manager reported that the Town does have a Drug Free Workplace Policy,
but that it had never been approved by the State.

Mr. Belanger made a motion to send the proposed version of the Drug Policy to
the Department of Labor. Vote: 4-0

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval of Town Warrant dated March 6, 2009

Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve the Town Warrant dated March 6, 2009

B. Wind Turbine Health Effects – Dr. Albert Aniel
Mr. Cameron made a motion to allow Dr. Aniel, a non-resident, to speak. Vote:
4-0
Dr. Aniel gave a presentation of his research on wind turbines and their effects
on the public’s health.

C. Appointment of Police Officer
Police Chief Stacy Carter reported that the Police Department has lost 2
officers and another officer will be leaving shortly. He would like to fill the
utility position so that we would not have a lapse in coverage nor need to cover
the vacancies with overtime pay. He suggested hiring one of our reserve
officers, who has been trained, and will also need to fill the utility position
in the near future.

Mr. DiConzo reported on his experience in riding on patrol recently when the
Town was not able to respond to a call because we were backing up the Town of
Mexico on a call. He believes that the position should be filled.

Mr. Belanger asked if the Town could get some kind of guarantee that a police
officer will stay with us when we have paid for their training. Chief Carter
responded that some police departments have drawn up a 3 year pro-rated contract
where the Town would be reimbursed by the new employer or the employee if they
decide to leave before the contract is completed. He is looking into this
process.

Mr. Cameron made a motion to support the hiring. Vote: 4-0

D. Approval of Vacant Building Posting
Mr. DiConzo stated that the notice that has been posted on some of the Town
inspected buildings were “harsh” and he has revised the wording of the notice.
The Town Manager reported that the sign that was posted mentioned that the
building was uninhabitable.

Mr. Belanger made a motion that we approve the wording, based on the opinion of
the Town Attorney.

Mr. Cameron asked if we could hold off on a decision until we speak to the
landlord association.

There was no second to the motion and no vote was taken.

E. Approval of Forester Bid
The Town Manager reported that there is a small forest in our new Puiia Business
Park that we would like to remove for potential clients to have a better view of
the lots. The Forester would develop a forest plan to manage the project and
hire loggers to harvest the wood. The Town would receive a profit from the
harvesting.

The bids received were from Daniel Aleck, who did not follow the specifications
and provided an hour by hour bid. A second bid was from Brian Milligan for
$4,200.00. The Town Manager recommended that we accept the bid from Brian
Milligan, who can start the work immediately.

Mr. Belanger made a motion to award the bid to Brian Milligan for $4,200.00.
Vote: 4-0

F. Approval of St. Patrick’s Day Parade Permit for Le Paresseux Club
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Permit for Le
Paresseux Club. Vote: 4-0

G. Approval of Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament for the Fraternal Order of Eagles

Mr. DiConzo made a motion to approve the Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament for the
Fraternal Order of Eagles. Vote: 4-0

8. Planning Session: Budget Planning Regarding Possible Decreases in Revenue

The Town Manager reported that Tax Collector Carlo Puiia, would be leading the
planning session discussion regarding the incoming revenues for the Town. Mr.
Puiia explained various sources of revenue and projected revenue that the Town
may or may not receive in the next budget year.

9. Executive Session pursuant to 1 MRS § 405 (6) (F) per a request for a General
Assistance Fair Hearing

Mr. Belanger made a motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to 1 MRS § 405
(6) (F) per a request for a General Assistance Fair Hearing at 8:00 p.m. Vote:
4-0

The Board reconvened in the Jury Room for the Executive Session.

The Chairman declared the Board out of Executive Session at 8:13 p.m.

Mr. Belanger made a motion to follow the established General Assistance
guidelines. Vote: 4-0

10. Executive Session pursuant to 1 MRS §405 (6) (A) regarding a personnel
matter with the Town Manager

Mr. DiConzo made a motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to 1 MRS §405
(6) (A) regarding a personnel matter with the Town Manager at 8:18 p.m. Vote:
4-0

The Chairman declared the Board out of Executive Session at 8:40 p.m.

11. Adjournment

Mr. DiConzo made a motion to adjourn at 8:41 p.m. Vote: 4-0



Leonard P. Greaney
Town Manager
LPG/tp