Town of Hartford
Selectmen’s Meeting
October18, 2007
Minutes 

Present: Selectmen David Bowen, Hope McCabe, Lee Holman, Deputy Clerk Raeleen York, CEO Jack Plumley, Road Commissioner Jeremy Johnson, Planning Board Chair Arthur Harvey, Plowing Contractor William Bragg, Deputy Treasurer Peggy Poskus, and Reporter Mary Standard.

I.	David called the meeting to order at 7:01pm.
II.	Performance Bond/Winter Road Contract:  Lee excused herself from discussion to avoid conflict of interest.  David and Hope asked Willie aobut his plans for the upcoming season.  Does he have his equipment ready and how does he feel about it.  Willie responded that he has been working on the trucks and getting them ready and that he feels confident about the upcoming season. Dave said that he wanted to make sure everyone is working together. Willie looked over the two papers that selectmen were considering having him sign.  One was requiring that the contractor submit a Performance Bond and the other was an agreement that the contractor would have equipment ready by November 1st or be deemed in breech of contract.  Dave said that they were here to talk and were not requiring the papers to be signed at this time.  Willie expressed that he was not happy when he learned that his check was not going to be given to him on the 15th of October unless he signed these papers.  He was given his check on the 15th as agreed upon but did not like the way things were handled.  Dave told him that it is up to the selectmen to know if a contract is being upheld before making payments. The selectmen allowed Willie to get his check as long as it is agreed that the trucks will be ready by November first as stated in his contract. Nothing was signed at this time.  
III.	Public Hearing General Assistance Ordinance:  Lee stated that every year in October the town needs to adopt ordinance changes regarding the new maximums.  Maximum income at $448.00 for one person to receive assistance.  Amount allowed for food is $37.67 per week Oxford County rent allowance is $295.00 for unheated and $349.00 for heated.  Lee made a motion to accept the General Assistance Ordinance Amendment.  Dave seconded.  Discussion:  Mary Standard asked how many families did we help last year.  Lee said that so far this year we have paid out $12.80 for 5 gallons of fuel in an emergency situation where they had run out of heating fuel during cold weather.  Last year we gave out nothing.  We had some applications but none of them met the requirement guidelines and were not eligible.  Vote: passed to adopt appendices A, B, C, D, E, and F.  
IV.	Open Session:  Request for concealed weapons permit was signed.  Lee made a motion to accept with regrets Morrill Nason's resignation from the Planning Board.  Dave seconded.  Vote 3-0 in favor.  Board asked that we put out word that we are looking for a new member.  Dave read aloud a letter from MMA regarding damage at Samson property.  It was expressed in the letter that the Town of Hartford is not responsible and that it is the responsibility of the contractors, Maynard and Pam Farrar.  Arthur Harvey spoke to the select board regarding the Lakefield Project, which has been before them for 21 months.  MMA responded to Boness’ concerns.  The application is in violation of subdivision law.  The owner had advertised to sell a lot that they cannot sell at this time.  Selectmen could bring this to the attention of the violator and charge a fee.  David asked for a copy of the correspondence between the Planning Board and MMA.  Planning Board needs to make a finding.  Dave wanted to know if there are any time limits.  Arthur said that if applicant pushes time line then the Planning Board could deny them their request.  Arthur is telling the selectmen this as a courtesy.  Dave asked him to make copies of pertinent information and drop off at Town Office.  Arthur agreed.  Dave asked that a note be sent to Mickeriz's that this was discussed at this meeting.  Raeleen mentioned that Sigrid Houlette informed the Town that there is to be free training regarding waste handling and would like someone to see if the transfer station attendant, Gale, would attend.  It is to be held October 30th from 11:30 to 1:30 at 125 Manley Road in Auburn.  Raeleen also brought up the topic of the sticking door in the Town Office.  Dave agreed to take a look at it and see if he can fix it.
V.	Reports:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              	A.  Road Report:  Jeremy submitted report for discussion.    														B.  CEO Report:  Regarding plowing, defended Willie saying all roads were bad at the beginning of last season. Regarding Ken Mains, Jack has received no word from him.  Will send out a second letter telling him of potential fines.  If we still don't hear from him then a 3rd letter will be sent and then an attorney can become involved.  He has an illegal building on his property, not a mobile shed and this is per the DEP.  Letters are being sent certified mail.									Jack met with the DEP about the proposed parking lot on Wednesday.  They will send us a package with requirements.  We need a plan, not necessarily put together by an engineer.  Then the selectmen can go to the DEP with the plan.  Include the bridge cleanup and any other improvements in the plan. The DEP said it was okay to start stockpiling at the site as long as they don't dump over the side.								Ryan Harvey called Jack.  Neighbors bank and attorney approved the sale.  He is going to get a surveyor up there and flag it.  Jack will go up and measure and then he can build. Jack will forego waiting for the title and deed if the selectmen do not have a problem with that.  Selectmen agreed that was all right.											Dry Hydrants:  Dave noted that Jeremy suggested a spot across from Ed Henderson’s.  Dave suggests we put one in.  It would be inexpensive as far as materials go and Jeremy would take care of the excavation.  Convenient location as well.  Lee and Hope agreed.

		C.  ACO report:  none

VI.  	Old Business:
		1.  General Assistance Ordinance Amendment:  already covered
     		2.  Road Committee Ordinance Issue:  Last week the committee measured Tucker Road and determined culvert needs.  Bob Calawa had requested that the selectmen strike the Road Committee Ordinance since the ordinance states that members shall be elected.  Now that members are being appointed this leaves the ordinance invalid.  The selectmen cannot strike an ordinance.  It must go to Town Meeting.  Ordinance committee wants to know what the selectmen want to do.  Dave recommended that we take it to Town Meeting and ask to strike the ordinance.  Selectmen want the Road Committee to work with the Road Commissioner.  Dave made a motion to table until next meeting.  Lee seconded. All in favor.  
		3.  Legal Council:  Selectmen decided to choose 3 law offices to look into:  Brann and Isaacson; Linnell, Choate and Webber; and Skelton, Taintor, and Abbott.  Dave agreed to contact each of them and report back at the next meeting.  If at no cost, the selectmen should meet with them.  If the 3 selectmen decide to meet with the lawyers, they will have to advertise the meetings.
		4. Emergency Operations Manual:  Lee made a motion to accept.  Dave seconded.  Vote – passed 3-0.
		5.  Land Purchase:  It went through and is a done deal.

VII.	New Business:  
		1.  Bank Reconciliations:  Selectmen reviewed.
		2.  Quarterly Reports:  Selectmen reviewed.
		3.  Training:  Dave motioned to appropriate monies to send Jack and Lee to training.  Hope seconded.  Vote – 3-0 approved.
		4.  Minutes:  Dave motioned to approve minutes from the meeting on October 4, 2007.  Hope seconded.  Vote 3-0 approved.
		5.  Approve warrants:  Dave motioned to approve warrants numbered 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36.  Lee seconded.  Vote 3-0 approved.
		6.  Adjourn:  Dave motioned to adjourn at 8:43 p.m.  Hope seconded.  Vote 3-0 to adjourn. 
		 
 	Minutes approved by:

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	David Bowen				Date

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	Hope McCabe				Date

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	Lee Holman				Date