MINUTES February 19, 2009

SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES
February 19, 2009
7:00 P.M.
Town Hall Auditorium

PRESENT: Chairman J. Arthur Boivin, Vice-Chairman Frank DiConzo, Mark Belanger, Bradford Adley, Leonard Greaney, Mark Tripp, Heather Sorenson, Kevin Saisi, Gary Wentzell, Henry Zinck, Jennifer Norris, Kirk Thurston, Ed Carey, Jeff Harren, Ben Byam, Bruce Farrin, Stef Wilson, Maynard Murphy, Douten Thomas, Donna Thomas, Rich Scagliola, Eric Giroux, Ciara Giroux, Rick Kent, Terry Karkos, Matt Peterson, Ron Theriault, Calvin Burgess, Carlo Puiia. Absent: Robert Cameron

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 5, 2009

Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve the Minutes of February 5, 2009. Vote: 4-0

4. REPORTS
A. SELECTMEN’S REPORT

Mr. Boivin reported that Mr. Cameron has a course he is taking out of town and will not be able to attend this meeting.

Mr. Adley asked if the list of Town owned properties had been completed. The Town Manager reported that this had been done with the assistance of the Assessor’s Office. A copy is available in the Town Manager’s office.

Mr. Adley asked if Central Maine Power was contacted regarding the lighting at the River Valley Crossing area. The Town Manager received a plan from Tasha Raymond of CMP to upgrade the lighting at a modest cost. This plan will be implemented with a few changes by the Town Manager.

Mr. Adley spent some time at Mars Hill and looked at the wind turbines while there. He has photos if anyone would like to see them. He attended the meeting by the Department of Environmental Protection regarding the Roxbury project. He urged anyone to take a ride to Mars Hill to see the turbines firsthand.

Mr. Belanger attended the RUMMEX meeting last Sunday, and was given a copy of the Norway Rental Occupancy Ordinance. If we are considering rescinding our code, he stated, we may want to consider adopting one like this.

Mr. Belanger stated that he believes it is very important that employees use the chain of command with their concerns rather than going to the Selectmen.

Mr. Belanger reported that he was working in Virginia this morning and noticed the beauty of the valley we live in and commented that we are fortunate to live here.

Mr. DiConzo also attended the RUMMEX meeting and received a lot of information.

Mr. DiConzo passed out information regarding the change of a sign posting and also copies of the proposed Drug Policy for the Town that will be placed on the next Agenda.

Mr. Boivin reported that he also attended the RUMMEX meeting.

Mr. Boivin asked for volunteers to tape the Board meetings for the local access TV station.

Mr. Boivin stated that the timing is off on the light on Portland Street. The light stays green longer on River Street and Portland Street is the busier street, he stated.

Mr. Boivin attended the wind power meeting last night. He also observed wind towers in Worcester Massachusetts and thought that we could use them around here.

B. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

The Town Manager stated that he believes we should protect the beauty of our area rather than placing wind turbines on the mountains.

Regarding the Charter updates, the Town Manager asked for a position from the Town Attorney regarding the voting that took place on the Charter Commission’s Report as some areas were not clearly identified on the ballot last June and may need to be voted on.

The Town Manager reported receiving several calls from people who would like to bid on town owned properties. Presently, he is organizing a policy on the handling of these properties and when it is complete, will begin putting properties out to bid.

The Town Manager reported that Felix Ricci was injured in a fall and has improved significantly but has a long ways to go.

Regarding the Fire Department EMS expansion for Delta and Echo life threatening calls, the Town Manager reported that he and the Fire Department have committed to work on a spreadsheet to document each incident with a narrative and information that would be compatible with Med-Care’s records. Deputy Chief Richard Coulombe has been working on this document and will complete it when the EMS calls begin coming in.

C. DEPARTMENT MANAGER REPORTS:

5. REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT

Mr. Adley made a motion to allow Calvin Burgess, a non-resident to speak. Vote: 4-0

Mr. Burgess thanked the Selectmen that attended the recent RUMMEX meeting. Mr. Burgess reported that inspection compliance sheets were handed out to the landlords at the meeting and he had copies available for the Board at this meeting. He also passed out information regarding the inspection process for Section 8 housing. Mr. Burgess reported that Phil Blampied went around to his buildings with him and filled out a list of items that need to be done. The cost came out to $25,000. If the [2009 Housing Assistance] grant money is awarded, he will receive $12,000 towards this cost. Mr. Burgess requested a tax rebate of 25-50% for the local landlords to help keep their buildings up to code.

Phil Blampied, Economic Development Committee Coordinator, clarified that he was not inspecting the buildings; the Code Enforcement and Fire Chief were doing the inspections, he was present for the purpose of the housing grant application process.

Mr. Blampied reported that billions of dollars are coming into the state from the stimulus package and requested the formation of a group or committee to compete for some of these funds.

Mr. Cameron asked for a report on the time line of the current 2009 Housing Grant. Mr. Blampied answered that we are getting the application in early and the decision should be made in mid-April. The money will be available on July 1st of the next fiscal year.

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A.

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval of Town Warrant dated February 20, 2009

Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve the Town Warrant dated February 20, 2009. Vote: 4-0

B. Town Auditor’s Report – Harold Blake

Mr. Adley made a motion to allow Harold Blake, a non-resident, to speak. Vote: 4-0

Harold Blake, Town Auditor, reported on the recently completed audit for the Town of Rumford’s fiscal year 2007-2008. Mr. Blake reported that the financial statements are clean and accurate and reported on other details of the audit.

C. Tax Collector’s Report

Carlo Puiia, Tax Collector, presented a renewal contract to the Board to continue with the online registration program.

Mr. Belanger made a motion to allow the Town Manager to sign this contract. Vote: 4-0

D. Financial Reports – Budget vs. Actual and Excise Tax

The Town Manager reported that the budget vs. actual has one area of concern with the Winter Roads Accounts budget currently at 93%. This is due to the way the information is tracked and the Town Manager stated that he is working with the Finance Director to address this.

E. Request from Social Security Administration for Video Display Terminal in Town Hall

Mr. Adley made a motion to allow Kurt Czarnowski , a non-resident, to speak. Vote: 4-0

Mr. Czarnowski, Regional Communications Director for the Social Security Administration in New England located in Boston, introduced Jennifer Bowie, Manager of the Social Security Office in Auburn and the branch in Rumford.

Mr. DiConzo made a motion to allow Jennifer Bowie, a non-resident, to speak. Vote: 4-0

Ms. Bowie explained that the pilot program would entail the installation of a video display terminal to provide face to face communication in the town of Rumford for specific types of services that people would otherwise have to travel out of town for.

The Town Manager reported that the estimate to retrofit a room in the basement would be approximately $4500. Mr. Czarnowski explained that he did not know if there were any funds available for this purpose. If funding is not available, he would still like to locate somewhere in Rumford. The Town Manager suggested that if room was not found in the Town Hall, that perhaps there may be room in the Technology Center.

Mr. Belanger made a motion to attempt to find a place within the Town Hall to locate the video display terminal. Vote: 4-0

F. Wall of Fame Discussion – Ronald M. Russell
Mr. Russell explained that the Wall of Fame currently has 3 items on the Wall at the Information Center. The River Valley Chamber of Commerce recently relocated to that building and he would like to have that space available for the Chamber’s use. The plaque was put up in 2002 and lists only one name.

Mr. DiConzo would like to see the committee that started the Wall of Fame to continue.

Mr. Russell also stated that the Information Center needs some sprucing up, such as painting of the walls, moving of some cabinets and repair of some hinges on the benches.

The Town Manager will meet with Mr. Russell and report back to the Board.

G. Request for Dirigo Girls State Funding from American Legion Auxiliary
Mr. Belanger made a motion to sponsor one girl at $230.00 to attend Dirigo Girls State. Vote: 4-0
H. Request from Black Mountain of Maine for Winterfest Funding – Roger Arsenault
Roger Arsenault gave an update on the Winterfest event scheduled at Black Mountain of Maine that would include a fireworks display and many other activities. He requested a sponsorship of $1,000.00. The event is open to anyone and is family oriented. Mr. Arsenault stated that they intend to make this an annual event and are asking for donations at the gate.

Mr. Belanger made a motion to sponsor the Winterfest event at Black Mountain of Maine for $800.00. The Town Manager stated that the funds would come from the Town’s economic development account. Vote: 2-1, Mr. DiConzo was opposed and Mr. Adley abstained.

I. Approval of Municipal Warrant for Prosecuting Unlicensed Dog Owners-Keepers
Mr. Adley made a motion to approve the Municipal Warrant for Prosecuting Unlicensed Dog Owners-Keepers. Vote: 4-0

J. Discussion on Intersection of Franklin Street, Rumford Avenue, and Prospect Avenue

Mr. DiConzo reported seeing several near collisions at this intersection and asked for another stop sign on Franklin Street.

Chief Carter explained that the appropriate place for the stop sign would be on Rumford Avenue.

Mr. DiConzo made a motion to place a stop sign on Rumford Avenue where it intersects with Franklin Street. Vote: 4-0

K. Request from Eric Giroux for Snow Removal for Antique Fire Engine

Mr. Belanger made a motion to allow the Public Works Department to remove the snow. Vote: 4-0

8. Executive Session pursuant to 1 MRS §405 (6) (A) regarding a personnel matter with the Town Manager, Fire Chief, Police Chief and Town Attorney

Mr. DiConzo made a motion to go into Executive Session at 8:54 p.m. pursuant to 1 MRS §405 (6) (A) regarding a personnel matter with the Town Manager, Fire Chief, Police Chief and Town Attorney. Vote: 4-0

Chairman Boivin declared the Board out of Executive Session at 10:26 p.m.

Mr. Belanger made a motion to propose hiring Stacy Carter as the Rumford “Interim Public Safety Director” reporting to the Rumford Town Manager. Chief Carter will continue to be the Rumford Police Chief and Gary Wentzell will continue as Rumford Fire Chief. Chief Carter will be responsible for the budgets, policies, and management oversight for both the Police and Fire Departments. His annual rate of pay will increase from $59,000 to $72,000. Additionally, Lieutenant Daniel Garbarini will be promoted to the position of Police Captain with an annual wage increase of $5,000. Vote: 3-1, Mr. Boivin opposed.

9. Executive Session pursuant to 1 MRS §405 (6) (D) regarding union mediation with the Town Manager, Fire Chief, Police Chief and Local Union 1601 Representatives

Mr. DiConzo made a motion to go into Executive Session at 10:30 p.m. pursuant to 1 MRS §405 (6) (D) regarding union mediation with the Town Manager, Fire Chief, Police Chief and Local Union 1601 Representatives

Chairman Boivin declared the Board out of Executive Session at 10:48 p.m.

Mr. DiConzo made a motion to sign the “Side Letter” agreement between the Local 1601 Union and the Town staffing each shift at three full time Fire Fighters until the expiration date of the agreement on June 30, 2009. Vote: 4-0

10. Adjournment

Mr. Adley made a motion to adjourn at 10:50 p.m. Vote: 4-0



Leonard P. Greaney
Town Manager
LPG/tp