Members Present: Rob Browne, Lauchlin Titus, and John Melrose
Others Present: Mary Sabins, Mary Grow, and Gene Field (7:05)
1. Call to order and election of Chairman– The meeting was called to order by Selectman Lauchlin Titus at 6:30 p.m. Because this is the first meeting after a municipal election, a Chairman needs to be elected for the upcoming year. Selectman Titus stated that Selectman Rob Browne's term will be up at the end of the year, so it would be his turn to Chair the meetings if he is interested. Selectman Browne stated that he has family commitments in the upcoming year that may prevent him from attending every meeting. Selectman Melrose stated he would prefer one of the more experienced Board Members take the Chair position. R. Browne stated he would prefer that Selectman Titus continue on as Chairman if he is willing, to which L. Titus agreed. After discussion, and on a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to elect Lauchlin Titus as Chair of the Board for the upcoming year.
2. Minutes – On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the 5/31/18 meeting as written.
The agenda items were taken out of order until Public Works Director Gene Field arrived at the meeting to discuss paving bids.
3. Disbursement Policy – On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve and sign the annual Treasurer's Disbursement Policy for State Fees. This policy allows one Selectman to sign the Treasurer's Warrant authorizing payment of State fees, rather than a quorum of Selectmen.
4. Reports – a. Road Report - On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented. b. First Responders' Report – no report available. c. Police Report - On a motion made by R. Browne, seconded by J. Melrose, the Board voted unanimously to accept the report as presented.
5. Treasurer's Warrants – On a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve warrants #81 and #82.
6. Other – 1. Sabins informed the Board that medical marijuana rules have changed that now allow medical marijuana storefront businesses. Towns can adopt ordinances to control the location and the number of such businesses in town, if desired. After discussion, the Board agreed by consensus not to pursue holding a special town meeting to adopt an ordinance to regulate medical marijuana businesses in town. 2. A thank you card from Sue Haines expressing her appreciation for dedicating the town report to her late husband and former Selectman Phil Haines, was read. 3. Sabins explained that she had bought out some vacation time for Town Clerk Cathy Coyne and Transfer Station Manager George Hamar. Both employees had maxed out their accrual cap for vacation time. The Board approved this action. 4. Discussion was given about canceling the town's lease with the State for the Rt. #3 rest area and boat launch that was signed in 2006. The State would continue to keep the boat launch open; the town no longer has an interest in the rest area. The Selectmen agreed canceling the lease was a good idea, but felt we should put the subject on the next agenda to give the public notice and an opportunity to provide feedback. 5. Sabins reported that she had received a call from China Selectman Irene Belanger, who offered to have the Town of Vassalboro join the China Transfer Station for trash disposal. The Vassalboro Selectmen expressed no interest in this offer, and no action was taken. 6. The Board agreed to set 10:30 a.m. as the meeting time on August 6th to set the tax mil rate. 7. J. Melrose requested that Sabins send an email thank-you note to Elizabeth Reuthe for her service on the Budget Committee. Mrs. Reuthe declined the nomination at town meeting this year for another term. 8. The Board also suggested that a note of thanks be sent to Cemetery Committee Member Jody Kundreskas for her work in spearheading the headstone restoration work party in Cross Hill Cemetery recently. 9. Chairman Titus reported that he had seen posts on the Community Facebook page where residents in town were planning a gathering at the town ball fields on July 4th. Sabins reported that she had spoken with a resident who inquired about launching fireworks in the ball field area. No formal request has been made for either event. Chairman Titus stated that he was not opposed to a picnic on the grounds, but would not be in favor of a fireworks display due to fire danger.
7. Paving Bid and other public works department updates– Public Works Director Gene Field made the seven bid prices available to the Selectmen, and stated that he recommended the Selectmen award the bid to the low bidder, Wellman Paving, at the prices of $56.43 per ton for shim mix, and $55.58 per ton for surface mix. After discussion, and on a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve the PW Director's recommendation and to award the bid to Wellman Paving. An alternative paving process named chip sealing was discussed briefly. Gene stated that the Town of China also awarded their paving bid to Wellman, after both towns joined together for a joint bid process. Gene also provided an update on the research he has done for culvert replacement or repair on the Cross Hill Road. His research on this project is still a work in progress. Gene stated that he had participated in a salt bid process with the State MDOT, and the low salt price is $52.94 from New England Salt. After discussion, and on a motion made by J. Melrose, seconded by R. Browne, the Board voted unanimously to approve a piggyback purchase with MDOT on the salt bid. Gene then reported on truck repair work that needed to be done. He has entered into an agreement with Bangor Volvo to perform injector repair work on one truck at a cost estimated to be $5,000. Gene also announced that tree removal work on Cross Hill Road is planned for next Wednesday. Cranes will be needed for the work, so the road will be shut down during the tree removal operation. Gene plans to set up signs a day or so before the work is to be done to announce that the road will be closed.
8. Adjourn – There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.