Town of Hartford

Town of Hartford
Selectmen’s Meeting
April 3, 2008
Minutes

Present: Selectmen David Bowen, Lee Holman, Hope McCabe, Clerk Lianne Bedard, CEO Jack Plumley, Road Commissioner Jeremy Johnson, Comprehensive Committee members Judy Hamilton, Peggy Poskus, Neil Hanley, John Convey, Buckfield Town Manager Glen Holmes, Sun Journal Reporter Mary Standard, residents Tom Hamilton, Vickie Austin, Ron Austin, Willie Bragg, and Arthur Harvey.

I.	David called the meeting to order at 7:01pm
II.	Open Session: Glen attended on behalf of the Nezinscot Valley Purchasing Authority. He discussed items which may be purchased in bulk for Hartford, Buckfield and Sumner. Some ideas suggested were having each town keep a list of printer and copier models and perhaps when purchasing new models order similar brands if recommended that way ink or toner could be purchased in bulk. Glen suggested sharing the grader operator and perhaps trading the use of Buckfield's dump truck to haul winter sand for grader or tractor use. Oil and diesel purchases were discussed. SAD 39 will be accepting bids for oil for the school, Buckfield and Hartford for the next budget year. Glen stated that Buckfield has good mechanics on staff if needed. Lee stated that would assure that the garage would be insured since we have a problem in that area. Glen will attend the Sumner Selectmen's meeting next Tuesday and will email a list to the Hartford Town Office. Glen recently received estimates for paving at $75.00/ton for jobs over 1/2mile and $90.00/ton for jobs less than 1/2 mile. David spoke with R.C paving and was quoted $65.00/ton. Glen stated that Buckfield is expecting to spend $35,000.00 on culverts this year and would like to know how many Hartford expects to order.  
	Selectmen decided to hold a budget meeting on April 15th. Selectmen are to 	meet at 6:00pm and the Budget Committee is to join them at 7:00pm.
III.	Reports
A.	Road Report
	1. Property Damage from Snow removal: Vickie Austin was present to find out who is responsible for the damage to her horse fence on Old Rte. 140. Snow was piled on top of the fence by the winter plow contractor with a bulldozer. Vickie passed photos around of the damages fence and snow pile. Vickie stated that posts, rail and wire were damaged and she does have estimates for material.  The total cost of material should be $169.39. The wire to be replaced is the wide tape style. Jeremy stated that the fence is 31' in the widest area from the center of the road. The road is considered a 4 rod road which means the town owns 33' from the center line. Vickie stated that the snow was placed well beyond the fence. Willie stated that the fence is located in the right of way and that Eddie (equipment operator) was careful not to place any snow on the fence. Vickie was asked to address the board after a confrontation with Willie and it was determined that Vickie could present a claim to Willie's insurance company if he does not feel responsible for the damage. Lianne presented Vickie with the contractor information, and insurance information. Jeremy has replaced a bump sign on Mahoney Road that someone recently removed and he will fill the pothole on Sunday. John Convey stated that during the second half of the winter season Church St. was plowed well. 
B.	CEO Report: Jack shared that he met with Kenneth Mains at Canton Variety on Wednesday April 2, 2008 to discuss the issue of violations on Map U01 Lot 19. Mains told Jack that he does not want to appeal the violation order and he refuses to act on the situation. Jack suggested giving Mains 30 days from the meeting on 4/2/08 to comply with the letter sent on 03/13/08. If Mains has not complied by 05/02/08 Jack would like to put the issue into the hands of our attorney. Jack stated that the building is sitting on a septic system. Jack stated that he has not yet filled out the DEP application for the new parking area. He will work on this with Bob Calawa and Morrill Nason. David reminded him that money was appropriated for the clean up of the site and must be used before June 30, 2008. Jack stated that drainage issues had to be worked out.
C.	ACO Report: not present.
IV.	Old Business
1.	Flood Maps: Lee stated that the clock is ticking to appeal the revised floodplain maps provided by FEMA. Lee has noticed a road name that is missing and would like to hold a hearing to allow residents to review the maps for accuracy. The town has until May 15th to file an appeal. Judy suggested advertising the issue and having the maps available at the town office for review. Lianne is to advertise that the maps are available for review at the town office and that we are open to comments until May 15th. 
2.	Polling Place Reimbursement Program: Jeremy will get estimates to pave the accessible parking area at the Town Office. David motioned to move up to $4,375.00 from the Capital Outlay Fund to pay for the polling place parking upgrade and possibly the Town Office door upgrade for Polling Place Accessibility Reimbursement Program. Hope second. All in favor=3. The work will go out to bid when the specs are ready. 
3.	Property Damage: Chimney removal/replacement was discussed. If removed Lee suggested donating the woodstove to the Hartford Heritage Society.  Tabled. 
4.	Tree Growth Penalty Policy: Selectmen signed a policy to require supplement bills be issued each October to property owners removing land from tree growth. The reason October was chosen was to coincide with the annual tax commitment for lien schedule reasons. 
5.	Comprehensive Plan Meeting date: Neil shared that he was pleased to announce that the revised plan is ready to be submitted to the state for approval and to the Board of Selectmen. It could take up to 75 days to hear back from the state. Judy stated that the committee would like to hold a separate town meeting to vote on the plan once it has been approved by the state. Judy would like to place the revised plan on the website but it is large and hard to open. Glen offered to include a link on our website to a blank page of Buckfield's website John Convey thanked Neil for his chairmanship and thanked god that the committee had Judy. Selectmen received a copy of the final draft of the plan and David signed a submittal form to the State of Maine.
6.	Lakefield Subdivison/Conditions of Approval language: Richard Dunton of Mainland sent a letter requesting clarification on the decision of the Board of Selectmen at the March 20th meeting. He asked whether the performance guarantee was required before the sale of lots or before the construction of the road began. Selectmen agreed that the performance bond is required before either the sale of any lots or construction of the road begins. Lianne is to send a letter to Mr. Dunton and the Planning Board with this clarification.
V.	New Business
1.	Community Concepts letter of support: Selectmen signed a letter supporting their application to Rural Development for funds to assist low income homeowners with major home repair needs.
2.	Resignations: David motioned to accept the resignation of David Kraske from the Road Committee with great regrets. Hope second. All in favor=3. 
	David motioned to accept the resignation of Roland Downing from the School Board. Hope second. All in favor=3.
3.	Appointments: David motioned to nominate Thomas Hamilton as a replacement of Roland Downing on the School Board with a term expiring 06/30/2009. Lee second. All in favor=3.
	 David motioned to nominate William Bragg to the Road Committee with a term expiring 06/30/2008. Hope second. All in favor=3.
	 David motioned to have nomination papers for the school board member position expiring 06/30/2009 available from April 4, 2008 to April 26, 2008. Hope second. All in favor=3.
4.	State valuation report: Selectmen reviewed the report.
5.	Oxford County Tax year: the county is considering changing to a fiscal year (July to June). Lee does not agree with this idea since she serves on the county budget committee is busy in the spring as it is. She will reply to the letter.
6.	Office Equipment purchase: David motioned to purchase extended warranties for the four computers in the amount of $904.66 and an adding machine up to $72.99. Hope second. All in favor=3.
7. 	Workshops: Selectmen Okayed the workshop for managing storm water with low impact development for any Planning Board or Ordinance Committee member.
VI.	 David motioned to approve March 20, 2008 Selectmen minutes. Hope second. All in favor=3.
VII.	David motioned to approve Warrants 86, 87, 88, 89, & 90. Hope second. All in favor=3.
VIII.	David motioned to adjourn at 8:45pm. Hope second. All in favor=3.

Minutes approved by:

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David Bowen						Date

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Lee Holman						Date

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Hope McCabe						Date