SUMNER SELECTPERSONS
The meeting began at
Attending:
Selectpersons Thomas Standard, Mark Silber, Clifford McNeil, Clerk/Treasurer
Susan Runes, Road Commissioner James Keach, CEO Sidney Abbott, and Secretary
Cynthia Norton.
The Minutes of
Open
Session: Comprehensive Planning Chair
Mary Ann Haxton brought the Board up-to-date on the Plan and the Citizens’
Meeting on July 12. There will be a public hearing on the Plan on August 2 at
the elementary school. Postcards will be sent out to residents and landowners.
The Committee will meet again on July 18. After the hearing, any changes that
need to be made can be done before the Town Meeting on August 14.
She feels the Citizens’ Meetings have been a good venue for airing complaints
as well as ideas and concerns. Residents have asked for current minutes,
CEO Sidney Abbott will be contacting DEP about the debris on the Waterman property.
Clifford Lowe expects to start cleaning up the Wing property the week of July
17. Darryl Starbird came in to ask about McNeil’s and
Abbott’s visits concerning the vehicles and household items in the yard. He
feels he is being unfairly singled out. He is trying to make a living on the
farm. He said the bags are returnable bottles that are handed out to kids, but
he realizes they look like bags of rubbish. He said he didn’t know the cows had
been out. Silber offered barbed wire for fencing. McNeil said the yard is
cluttered with vehicles and the Town is trying to settle this with a
gentlemen’s approach to reaching an agreement. Starbird
said he sometimes uses the vehicles as a temporary corral for the cows when
moving them, but they can’t be left in the pasture near the cows because they
will chew the wiring. Starbird left with no
agreement. McNeil will visit him later and go over the Statute on auto
graveyards.
Abbott took the DEP Notice of Agency Rule-making
Proposal.
Forms and Reports signed:
Warrant
for Annual Town Meeting
Certification
of Dog and Adult Business Ordinances
Budget Committee and Planning
Board Appointments
MMA Ballot for Legislative Policy
Committee
Tree Growth certification for
Kristen and Jennifer Barboza, R14,
Letter of Engagement for
Hoisington and Bean, PA
GA Yearly Review Form and
Quarterly Report
AVCOG Participation Form for
Household Hazardous Waste
Road Report:
Keach signed a driveway permit for Bill Glass on
FEMA sent notification of funds and the need for the project
certification form. Keach and McNeil will finish the work and send the form.
Keach has put up a patch pile and had planks delivered for the
Old Business:
The Town Report bid was awarded to Country Press for a 6x9 format at a
cost of $1566. He will pick up July 14, and return July 28. The reports will be
mailed July 29. The Board gave approval for Runes to write a check for the bulk
mailing fees without a warrant and want this added to the policy.
New Business:
A letter will be sent to Mrs. Lois Gammon advising her of
non-conforming lot transfers. Mrs. Gammon was heir to her husband’s 5.1 acre
parcel and house on Tuell Hill. She has split the property among her three
children creating lots of less than two acres and a subdivision since she has
not lived on or owned the property for more than five years.
The valuation for insurance on the office complex was estimated at
$250,000 to $300,000. An insurance adjuster will be sent by the company.
Standard moved that permission be given for Runes to take a vacation
from July 22-August 5 per the personnel policy. Silber seconded the motion. So voted.
Correspondence:
McNeil took the information on the PUC Public Interest Payphone program
to determine if Litchfield General Store would be an appropriate location.
Other:
July 20-bids are due on a roof over the back deck
July 27-Selectpersons’ meeting at
Account balances as of
There will not be a meeting on August 10.
The
meeting ended at
SUMNER
SELECTPERSONS
The meeting began at
Attending: Selectpersons Thomas Standard, Mark Silber, Clifford
McNeil, Road Commissioner James Keach, Secretary Cynthia Norton, Comprehensive
Planning Committee Chair Mary Ann Haxton, Aranka
Matolcsy of the AdvertiserDemocrat. Clerk Susan Runes
was on vacation.
The Minutes of
Open
Session: Glen Holmes,
Don
Adams, of
Forms and Reports signed:
A Policy
amendment allowing checks for bulk mailing fees to be issued prior to the warrant.
A 3-year contract
with ACO Dannie Paine.
URIP Fund Certification in
the amount of $53,280.
Road Report: Keach asked if he could get a check written for a
State permit. McNeil moved to allow Susan Runes to write a check for Road
Commissioner James Keach for $55.00, to Treasurer, State of
Norton will notify Fields Hill residents that Keach
will be blasting on August 1 to make the road easier to ditch and shim and
alleviate some run-off problems. Keach has replanked
Standard asked about the use
of the excavator on roads and possible damage. Keach thought it was okay.
Old Business:
Michael Litchfield will be
contacted about the PUC Public Interest Payphone program.
John Conway, attorney for Lois Gammon, sent a letter
stating that the Board is being overly technical in their interpretation of
ownership and subdivision law. Norton was asked to write a letter responding
that Sumner is following advice of an MMA attorney concerning subdivision
regulations and ownership.
McNeil took the Hazard Mitigation Plan
grant application.
New Business:
Albert Holden,
To clarify the salary for EMD for 2006-2007, McNeil said
he will take only $200 and sign a waiver. Standard has spoken with a
McNeil moved to set the rate of pay for the Road
Commissioner as a laborer/equipment operator on road work at $12.00 per hour as
of
Other:
Bob Thomas, MMA, inspected the building and workplace
for workers’ comp liability hazards. Batteries are needed for the emergency
lights.
The public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan will be
held on August 2.
There will be a potluck supper on August 14
at
Transfer Station financial
reports were available for review.
The next meeting will be
August 22.
The meeting ended at
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS
The meeting began at
Attending:
Selectpersons Mark Silber and Glenn Hinckley, Road Commissioner James Keach,
Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes, and Mary Standard of the
Frank and Roberta Ackley, and Thomas Standard.
The Minutes of
Open
Session—Invitation to Speak: Ackley
questioned the valuation on his enclosed porch; he said he has not made any
changes since 2003. Silber went over his card and showed him that the porch has
been listed as 50% complete with the expectation that it would be finished.
Ackley said he will not be doing any further work and agreed that 65% condition
is fair.
Black Mountain ATV Club President Dana Stevens requested permission for
riders to use 5/8 mile of
Notification was received that RS Pidacks will be
crushing rocks at David Bragg’s pit. There have been some complaints from
neighbors about noise, dust and water pollution and a lack of response from
DEP. Hinckley will talk to Bragg.
Forms and Reports:
Gerald Farrar was appointed to the Planning Board
until 2008, and Daniel Perron until 2009; Susan Litchfield was appointed as Tri-Town
Director until
The 2006-2007 agreement with
Trio Software for tax billing and collections was signed.
The Board confirmed an audit request that payments were
made to
The Draft 2006 Town Audit
Report was available for review.
Road Report:
Keach is shimming
Old Business: Bid notices for the old fire truck will be
sent out, with bids due September 26.
New Business:
Silber gave a review of his meeting with the
It was decided to offer a CD of CAMA assessing values
for $5.00 to those who request more information than the valuation book and
building card copies have.
Sumner is waiting for AVCOG’s
bids for the joint purchase of road salt (365 tons for Sumner).
Silber will ask Glen Holmes to look into a Grant
program for Local and Regional Services.
Tom Standard offered to work on the NIMCAST
72-question assessment. He gave Silber information for the next local director.
He gave the Board EMA information for the new
Director.
Noelle Lueck called Standard
to say that she thought laundry soap was being dumped into Labrador Pond.
Other:
August 30:
September 12: David
Hoisington, auditor, will attend meeting
Appointments will be made for various committees at
the next meeting.
The meeting ended at
SUMNER
SELECTPERSONS
The
meeting began at
Attending: Selectpersons Mark Silber, Clifford McNeil and Glenn
Hinckley, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes, Road Commissioner James Keach, CEO
Sidney Abbott, Secretary Cynthia Norton, residents Mary Ann Haxton, Jeffrey
Pfeifer, and David Bragg and Thomas Standard for the Sun Journal.
The
Minutes of
Open Session: Auditor David Hoisington met with the Board to
review his role as an auditor and his recent audit report. He substantiates
balances and checks that expenditures are as voted upon at Town Meeting and
looks at internal controls, checks and balances, that enable the Town to detect
fraud. He explained that it is the responsibility of the Board and the
employees to employ internal controls. He suggested a procedures manual with a
check list of jobs completed and policies for security codes to be changed with
a change in personnel, for computer records to be backed up, and for conflicts
of interest to be avoided when bidding jobs. Another recommendation was that
any changes in bank accounts should be made by vote of the Board. He noted that
the General Fund is declining and should be kept at 35%-40% of the commitment.
Overall the Town does a good job of record keeping. Haxton asked if the Budget
Committee could assist in reviewing account statements. The Board agreed that
would be a good idea and would keep the Committee more involved.
Norton has already begun keeping a list of
assessment changes for year-to-year valuation comparision.
CEO Sidney Abbott will inspect the
Forms and Reports:
Committee
Appointments: McNeil moved to appoint Standard as EMD;
Road: Thomas Standard, George Jones, James Durfee,
Comprehensive Plan Implementation: Lana Pratt to
Ordinance Update: Lana Pratt, Mary Ann Haxton to
Planning Board: Edwin Hinshaw to
Emergency Management: Thomas
Standard, Director, to
Kay Herbert to
Recreation: Diana Tolman to
Scholarship: Clayton Schneider, Phyllis Schneider to
Tree
Growth Certification: David G, Adam D Dupuis—R21,
Revised ACO contract for one year
Sheriff’s
report on local registered sex offenders
Road Report: Keach has patched
Haxton told Keach that
The Office has received complaints about the
blind spot on the corner of Rte. 219 West and
Keach will contact MDOT about the brush on
the corner of Greenwoods and Black Mountain Roads.
Old Business:
Pollution at Labrador Pond-Hinckley talked
to Noelle Lueck who thought someone renting at Dulcie
Brown’s cabin was dumping laundry detergent into the pond. Norton will write to
Brown.
Bragg’s
gravel pit-Hinckley was told by Brenda Bragg that all necessary permits have
been secured.
Emergency Management Committee, NIMCAST 72
question survey-Standard has sent the survey to the Oxford County EMD. He
hosted the first meeting of the Committee and submitted minutes.
Use of town way by ATV club-Silber was
informed by Rebecca Seel of MMA that it is the Town’s prerogative to decide to
allow ATVs on town ways. After some discussion about a recent fatal accident
and an editorial discouraging ATV rider on roads, Silber moved not to grant
permission to the ATV club to use
Hazard Mitigation Plan application-McNeil
will take this to the next Emergency Management Committee meeting.
New
Business:
The
Sumner Board will meet with the
Richard Wiken
asked
Before opening the bids on the
A letter from resident Danny
White asked the Board to reconsider barring trucks from using engine brakes in
West Sumner village; he was very concerned about driver safety on the steep
hills. McNeil felt the brakes saved the truck brakes, but were not a safety
factor. Keach disagreed, but the Board decided that the noise is very
disturbing to the residents and their concerns should be addressed. Norton will send White a letter advising him
of the decision to ban the use of engine brakes.
Spring Road numbering for
E-911 will be adjusted to start at Rte. 140 and include the
Bragg questioned the penalty
assessed on the 12.52 acre parcel he sold to Jeremy Johnson. Norton explained
that 3.92 of the 12.52 acres was in tree growth and
State law requires a withdrawal penalty for less than 10 acres in tree growth.
Norton said she spoke with Johnson and explained it to him and gave him a copy
of an answer from Maine Revenue Services. Bragg said that Johnson had been
given a different answer from OCS&W and thought the Board should waive the
penalty. McNeil agreed with Bragg and
thought Norton had made an error. He will research transferring land from tree growth to
farmland. Silber noted that State law sets the regulations and penalties and it
is procedure to seek advice from the appropriate State agency.
Other:
Projected
mill rate: .01628, with $11,864 overlay, on taxable valuation of $51,511,473
Financial
Account activity as of
Sumner
received $132 dividend from MMA Workers Compensation Fund.
Oxford
County Municipal Officers meeting on TABOR—
Municipal
Shoreland Zoning Update-will be given to Ordinance Update Committee
Invoices reviewed by McNeil.
Warrant signed and dated by Silber, McNeil and
The meeting ended at
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS
The meeting began at
Attending: Selectpersons Mark Silber, Clifford McNeil,
Glenn Hinckley, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes, Secretary Cynthia Norton. Also attending was resident Mary Ann Haxton.
The Minutes of
CEO/LPI Sidney Abbott is available by phone
Forms and Reports:
Appointments: Haxton requested that the Comprehensive
Plan Committee be reappointed until the State accepts the Plan; she would like
to be reappointed to the Board of Appeals. Haxton asked Silber to sign the Plan
Submittal Form for the State. The Committee will be sending out a newsletter to
residents. Runes was given permission to write a check
to mail the newsletter prior to the warrant. McNeil thanked Haxton for her work
on the Committee.
McNeil will take over as Maintenance Supervisor.
Road Committee: Edwin Hinshaw appointed to
Murray Oil Fixed Price Agreement of $2.29 per gallon.
Silber noted that he thought the agreement was not fixed price. He signed the
agreement, but asked Runes to verify the terms before mailing.
Abatements: Dorothy Crocker Estate R14-5—incorrect
acreage
Supplements: David G Bragg
R16/18-5—TG withdrawal at owner’s request
Tax Commitment signed with a
mill rate of 16.25.
Old Business:
Silber reported on the meeting with the
McNeil researched tree growth withdrawal and penalties
and determined that the correct procedure was followed on R16-18B.
Norton spoke with Dulcie Brown’s husband about the
laundry detergent pollution at Labrador Pond.
He said it was not the renters in their camp; he thought it might be another
camp.
Runes
said that the Animal Shelter contract needs further revision.
New Business:
Don Adams of
Runes reported that Morton Salt got the bid for $51.57
per ton through AVCOG’s purchasing agreement.
McNeil moved to deposit $4,500 from the sale of the
1969 grader into the Road Equipment Account per Town Meeting vote. Silber
seconded. So voted. Runes has closed the Bicentennial
Account and transferred funds to the Scholarship Account.
It was suggested that a committee should be formed to
come up with alternate funding for SAD #39.
McNeil will make sure that Butterfield Estates Mobile
Home Park tenants are submitting Notifications.
It appears that David Bragg has created a subdivision
with the sale of part of R16-18. Norton will send him a letter. Norton will
also contact Lois Gammon again about her property and the division between her
three children.
Resident Danny White sent a second letter again urging
the Board to allow truckers to use engine brakes in Sumner and remove the signs
in East Sumner. He referred to his brother, who is a trucker, and MDOT and
submitted two reports on the use of engine brakes. Silber said that the brakes
are a safety device, but they disturb the residents. McNeil said this is a
judgment call for the Town; MDOT does not require the brakes or adequate
mufflers.
Edwin Hinshaw submitted his resignation from Board of
Appeals so that he can serve on the Planning Board.
There will be a mandatory training session for Clerks
on Thursday, October 12. Runes may have to close the Office if the Deputy Clerk
cannot work.
Other: Glen
Holmes represents Sumner at the MMWAC Executive Committee Meetings.
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS
The meeting began at
Attending: Selectpersons Mark
Silber, Clifford McNeil and Glenn Hinckley, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes, Secretary
Cynthia Norton, Thomas Standard EMA Director and for the Sun Journal.
The Minutes of
Open
Session: Standard presented the EMA
grant application, which Silber signed, and had copies for each Selectperson.
It will be submitted by the deadline of
CEO Sidney Abbott came into the Office before the meeting and reported that he had checked
out a complaint of cutting along Labrador Pond and found that many of the camp
residents were cutting out dead wood.
He will not pursue any further action. He also visited the
Forms and Reports:
Appointments:
Comprehensive
Plan Committee—Mary Ann Haxton, Henri Arsenault, Arlene Silverman, Edwin Hinshaw,
Lana Pratt, Pamela Farrar, Martha Elkin, Bobbie Peters, Joel Babb until the
State accepts the Plan
Comprehensive
Plan Implementation Committee—Mary Ann Haxton to
Board of
Appeals—Mary Ann Haxton to
Emergency Management—Kelly
Affleck to
Abatements: Mark Silber,
R1-10—incorrect acreage for the years 2003, 2004, 2005.
General Assistance Report
July-September 2006—no claims; Appendices A and C were adopted
Road Report:
Old Business:
The Tax Commitment was corrected for valuation total and recommitted
with same rate of 16.25 mills on October 3. Bills went out the same week with a
due date of
New Business:
Runes was
directed by the Board to insure the building for $408,000 for an additional $90
per year.
The Selectpersons voted not to purchase an individual bond on the position of
treasurer/tax collector. This was not budgeted. In addition, the Town already
purchases a corporate bond that covers all employees.
It was decided the Road Committee would meet on November 1 at
Questions from resident Danny White on liability for banning engine
brakes will be referred to the Town’s insurance carrier.
Other:
Next meeting: October 24 at
The Office will be closed
Thursday, October 12, for a mandatory Clerk Training Seminar.
Financial statements as of
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS
The Selectpersons met at
The regular meeting began at
Attending: Selectpersons Mark
Silber, Clifford McNeil, Glenn Hinckley, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes, Road
Commissioner James Keach,
The Minutes of
Open
Session: Peters asked the Board to
please keep the “No Engine Brakes” signs in East Sumner village and not to
confuse East Sumner with West Sumner. He said truckers do not need to use the
brakes in East Sumner and the signs have made a difference in reducing the
noise. He thanked Keach for putting up the signs.
Peters
then brought up concerns with the maintenance of cemetery stones. The
Historical Society is interested in assisting with cleaning stones and has
information on safe methods and cleaners. Peters also said that State law
requires a town to fix leaning stones when notified. He noted that a tree is
leaning in
Peters’ last concern was speeders in East Sumner village; he wants the
Sheriff’s Department to watch for speeders. McNeil suggested Peters attend the
Oxford County Municipal Officers meeting in
Forms and Reports:
Appointments: Emergency
Management—Martha Elkin to
Supplements: Cheryl L Hamm, Jeffrey W Hamm Sr. for
violation of the Building Notification Ordinance in the amount of $3,088.80.
The Municipal Valuation Return was signed and will be
filed with the State; a copy will be placed in the Commitment Book.
The County Tax Assessment of $36,415 was signed and
will be returned with payment to the
Road Report:
Keach said he has been ditching on
Old Business:
The insurance company response to questions from resident
Danny White on liability for banning engine brakes was that the company would
not accept liability.
A
committee for the Arrabine J. Dunn Relief Fund will
be appointed at the next meeting. A request for funds was made by the Fire
Chief that did not comply with the bylaws. After some discussion, it was
decided to redefine qualifications for recipients and to add a provision for
amendments. The changes were accepted by the Board and the amended Bylaws were
signed. The request for funds was approved.
New Business:
The Board was notified of a name change for Winter
Road Maintenance Contractor Clifford Lowe: Lowe’s Sand & Gravel has been
changed to Lowe’s Auto Sales.
There will be a Road Committee meeting on November 1
at
Reports available for review:
Quarterly Transfer Station Financial statements
2006
MMWAC Financial Statements with Auditor’s Report
The meeting adjourned at
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS
The meeting began at
Attending:
Selectpersons Mark Silber, Clifford McNeil until
The Minutes of
Open
Session: Peters said the Historical
Society voted at their last meeting to help with cleaning and maintenance of
the Town’s cemetery stones. They would like Board approval. Silber would like a
list of people who will be working and expects they will be supervised by
Peters or Cushing. McNeil suggested that all workers should take the stone
maintenance and cleaning course that Cushing has taken. Cushing said she would
like to begin with the Keen(e) cemeteries—cataloging,
mapping, and photos—with all data put into archive books for public viewing.
Runes
had several questions about the fence repairs at the Transfer Station. He had
not been aware that funds had been raised at the Town Meeting as there was no
mention of it during the discussion on the article.
He would like the Warrant to note major expenses with explanations. Runes asked
why a chain link fence was installed and said it was not wide enough for trucks
to get through. He also felt that $12,000 was way too much money. Silber said
the fence was for safety and to take care of nuisance garbage that had been
thrown over the wooden fence. He explained that
Haxton
said the Comprehensive Plan has been submitted to the State Planning Office.
The Committee is working on the maps and Capital Investment Needs portion for
submission by November 25.
Forms and Reports:
Appointments signed:
Comp Plan Implementation: Clayton Schneider
Town Ordinance Update: Clayton Schneider, Phyllis
Schneider to
Board of Appeals: Henri Arsenault
Recreation: Marcia Turcotte
to
Arrabine J. Dunn Relief Fund: Wilda
Dunham to
Abatements granted: Mona Tripp—personal property
removed before
Approved Request for
Background Check for Concealed Firearm Permit: Charles J McCarthy
Traffic Sign Grant Program-Keach will work on a list
and
Road Report:
Keach said the rain on October 29 caused about $12,000 damage in washouts to
the following roads: Decoster, Biron,
Arthur Allen, Andrews, Tuell Hill, Heath Hill, Estes
and Labrador Pond. He has fixed the ditch on
New
Business: The School Board would like
a Selectman representative on the Budget Committee.
The
Proposed 2007 State Valuation is $54,400,000, based on 2005 values. The 2006 actual
value is $51,631,588. Norton will contact Mike Rogers of Maine Revenue Services
to see if he can come to a meeting to explain the process.
Maine Municipal Employee Health Trust sent a copy of
the 2007 Rates effective
The Board authorized Standard to serve as EMD director for Sumner,
The Ordinance Update Committee asked the Board to prioritize
ordinances. Silber will post all the ordinances on the Town’s web page for
public review. Peters said the Planning Board would like to be involved in the update
process.
Other:
Runes distributed the Fiduciary and Reserve Fund Accounts for
Standard will talk to Lee Berry about the position of Local Health
Officer. He handed out updates on the Emergency Operating Procedures manual.
Norton informed the Board of the need to re-number Spring Road to
coordinate with
The Board voted to close out
the Bicentennial Account to the Scholarship Fund.
The meeting ended at
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS AGENDA
The meeting began at
Attending:
Selectpersons Mark Silber, Clifford McNeil, Glenn Hinckley, Clerk/Treasurer
Susan Runes, Road Commissioner James Keach, Secretary Cynthia Norton, and
Thomas Standard for the Sun Journal.
Also residents Jonathan Leavitt, Thomas Obear
and Joanna Reese and Rep.-Elect Teresea Hayes.
The Minutes of
Open
Session: Jonathan Leavitt presented
the Citizen’s Initiative for “An Ordinance to Make Adult Marijuana-Related
Offenses the Lowest Law Enforcement Priority in the Town of
Hayes
said that Sumner’s ability to enforce the County and State budget and law
enforcement is nil; a municipality cannot refuse to pay State and County dues.
Silber
said the document needs to be simplified and suggested that some of the signers
might help.
Runes
noted that State law requires an initiative with enough valid signatures to be
placed on the Town Meeting Warrant. Silber called for a vote to place it on the
next Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The vote was two in favor; McNeil abstained.
Hayes told the Board that she is honored to have won the election. She
has already met with the
Obear
talked to the Board about the dump trucks that drove up and down
Ms. Reese could not get her car out, nor could the person working at Obear’s house. He asked who fixes the road. (Note:
Forms and Reports signed:
Appointments: Health Officer: D. Lee Berry to
Abatements: Corrado Buccheri (R21-29) incorrect acres—66 to 59 per
survey—$56.88 abated in taxes
Road Report:
Keach put the guardrails on the
Old Business:
The
School Board’s first Budget Committee meeting will be Tuesday, January 16.
Silber
called Connie Cushing to thank her for her work on the cemeteries.
New Business:
A resident called to ask if the old fire truck at
Lowe’s Auto Sales was for sale. Silber talked to Fire Chief Robert Stewart who
said it was just parked there. Silber will see what the Department wants for
the truck and notices will be put out.
Silber talked to Murray Oil about the furnace; it
needs maintenance and antifreeze. He estimated the bill would be about
$600-$700 for materials plus labor. The work is scheduled for December 5.
Runes was given authorization to write up a Building Use and Access
Policy for the various committees.
McNeil will take care of a request from Ronald Crocker
to review his house valuation (R17-38).
Other:
The Office received a report
of Darryl Starbird’s cows loose in the road. McNeil
will contact him.
Stuart Cooper has ended his
term on the Board of Appeals. Norton sent a thank you letter.
Information on the MEMA
e-grant for a pre-disaster mitigation program was given to Standard.
Next meeting: December
12-Mike Rogers, Maine Revenue Services, will talk about State valuation.
There will be no meeting on
December 26. The Board will come in to sign the Warrant.
The meeting ended at
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS
The meeting began at
Attending:
Selectpersons Mark Silber, Clifford McNeil, Glenn Hinckley, Clerk/Treasurer
Susan Runes, Road Commissioner James Keach,
Also Comprehensive Plan members Mary Ann Haxton,
Henri Arsenault, Joel Babb. Lana Pratt, Edwin Hinshaw and resident Stephen Peters.
The Minutes of
Open Session:
Arsenault reported on an informational sign for the front lawn for public
announcements.
It would be 6’ x 6’ with a pressure-treated frame and removable letters,
costing $285 plus hardware. He suggested $500 for the Town Meeting Warrant. Hinshaw noted that he would like to see a permanent,
attractive sign. Haxton said the cost would come out
of the Implementation Committee’s budget. Peters suggested Doug Violette might be able to frame and install the sign.
Silber asked the Committee to research other types of signs. Haxton agreed and said they would report back on January 9.
She stressed that public communication is needed now.
Haxton
received a report from the State Planning Office. They have found the
Comprehensive Plan to be inconsistent with the Act in 6 areas. Frank Hample, from SPO, has agreed to meet with the Committee in
January. It is expected that the SPO will have new guidelines for comprehensive
plans in 6 months.
Forms and Reports: McNeil filled out the DHS form seeking information on computerized
data.
Road Report:
Keach picked up 5 bags of rubbish on
The recent MDOT report on the
Old Business:
Silber talked to Chief Stewart about the old fire
truck at Lowe’ Auto Sales. He said to sell it for the best offer. It will be
put out to bid with bids due on January 23.
The furnace
maintenance bill came in at Labor $1455 and Parts $1594. Runes said a Special
Town Meeting will be needed for overdrafts on tax maps, the new computers and
the furnace.
The Board approved the building use and access
guidelines drawn up by Runes. She will post a calendar for meetings and events.
McNeil inspected Ronald Crocker’s house and land and
reviewed his findings with Norton. The Board signed an abatement lowering the
house and land valuation to 37,930 from 53,050. (Dorothy Crocker Estate, R17,
McNeil reported that he responded to a call from
Norton that two of Darryl Starbird’s cows were
walking Rte. 140 headed into the village. He spent about 5 hours before
managing to get them back through the woods and into a wagon and gave them hay
and water.
Standard
researched the MEMA e-grant for pre-disaster mitigation programs. If the Town
were to apply this year, a letter indicating that the Selectpersons would put the
25% match on the next Town Meeting warrant would be good enough. However, the
Town still needs an accurate cost estimate and historic data on damage and
repair cost for
Standard
will serve as the EMD for
New Business:
Norton prepared a draft newsletter for Board input. She
will add the truck bid, information about the Comprehensive Plan and the need
for building notifications and an offer to e-mail Town information to those who
request it.
Bob Runes will be asked to take care of the Dep’t. of Labor building audit violations as he works on fire
station repairs.
Other:
Financial Statements as of
There will be no meeting on
December 26, the Warrant will be ready for signing
December 27.
Abbott brought up the condition of Rte. 219 at Bog
Brook. The road has heaved and cracked and is dangerous. McNeil will call
Norman Haggan, Division Engineer. Norton will send a
letter with a copy of the letter sent in 2005.
The meeting ended at
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS
The meeting began at
Attending: Selectpersons Mark Silber, Clifford McNeil, Glenn
Hinckley, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes,
CEO Sidney Abbott, Secretary Cynthia Norton, Comprehensive Planning Chair Mary
Ann Haxton, resident Stephen Peters and Mary Standard
for the Sun Journal.
The Minutes of
Open Session:
Haxton said the Committee will be meeting with State
Planner Frank Hample on January 13. The public is
invited.
CEO Sidney Abbott reported on buildings on the
Forms and Reports:
McNeil
signed the GA Quarterly Report for October-December 2006. They were no claims.
A
Supplement was signed for Cliff Dennis and Thomas Bacigalupo;
the building was left off the commitment.
Old Business:
Norton
sent letters to Lois Gammon and David Bragg concerning land transfers that have
created subdivisions. Copies were sent to the Planning Board and the CEO.
The SafetyWorks! Building audit recommended panic bars to
replace locking door knobs and dead bolts. Runes will look into levered door
handles that lock and get estimates.
The Safety inspection done by MMA listed 3 ‘uncontrolled hazards’. The
Fire Department has cleared the access to the electrical panel. Norton replaced
the batteries in the emergency lights; however, one of the lights does not
work. The Board approved the electrical work estimate submitted by Matt DeMillo to replace the lights in the Office and garage,
repair the emergency light and replace the outside spot light.
New Business:
McNeil
moved to provide Volunteer Firefighter Blanket Accident Coverage for the
remainder of the year with funds to come from the FD Operations account. Silber
seconded. So voted. It will be added to the next
annual budget. The cost is $52.48 per firefighter per year.
John O’Donnell sent notice that his company will start charging a
yearly $1,000 fee for CAMA updates. Silber would like to research other
companies.
Don Hutchins, MDOT, has inspected the Bog Brook area of Rte 219 and
will put it on the 2007 work list.
The Board asked Norton to also request warning signs and cold patch.
The Board will attend a Transfer Station meeting in
Other:
The financial statements as
The School Budget Committee will meet January 16.
Bids are due on the old fire truck on January 23.
The meeting ended at
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS
The meeting began at
Attending: Selectpersons Mark Silber, Clifford McNeil, Glenn Hinckley,
Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes,
CEO Sidney Abbott, Secretary Cynthia Norton, resident Esther Cooper and Budget
Committee members Connie Cushing and Clayton Schneider.
The Minutes of
Checks 5569-5589, Receipts 1699-1725 were verified by McNeil.
Open Session: Michael Rogers
and Jeffrey Lunsford, Maine Revenue Services, talked to the Board about State
Valuation for municipalities and handed out Property Tax Bulletin 1 that
explains valuation. The 2007 values are
based on the 2005 assessment listed on the Municipal Valuation Return.
Abbott noted that there are a number of campers with illegal or no
septic systems. This will be discussed at the February 13 meeting.
Forms and Reports:
Supplements: David F and Vicki L Dean, R16/18-1, 15,830 x
.01625=$257.24 (left off Commitment)
Road Report:
Donald Hutchins, MDOT, has ordered signs for the Bog Brook area of Rte 219.
Old Business:
Norton
advised the Board that David Bragg did not create a subdivision when he sold a
piece of land on his Fields Hill property. The third piece had been created in
1996, not 2001.
Runes
updated the Board on building repairs to comply with OSHA and
The
Board decided to stay with O’Donnell for assessing and tax maps, and will
purchase the interface for TRIO and CAMA.
New Business:
Gale
Williams submitted the only bid for the old fire truck at Lowe’s Auto Sales.
McNeil moved to accept his bid of $50.00. Silber seconded. So
voted. The money will be deposited in the Fire Truck account.
Silber reported on the Transfer Station meeting. The Swap Shop and
Theodore Dawicki would like house he just
purchased assessed before spring. McNeil will set up an appointment with him
before April 1 to take pictures and go through the house, which will be added
to the spring assessing list.
Runes was directed to prorate the EMD salary as Standard did not start
until September, 2006.
Runes will set up meetings with the FY07 Budget Committee. She had sent
out budget information and worksheets to the Committee and went over the
documents with several members who came in before the meeting and with Cushing
and Schneider at the meeting.
Sheriff Wayne Gallant sent a report on calls and responses in Sumner
during 2006.
Other-notices of meetings:
Oxford County Municipal
Officers meeting, January 24: history of
Maine Municipal Bond Bank
grant program
SAD #39 School Board
MMWAC
AVCOG February meeting
Transfer Station financial
statements
911 public information system
meeting,
The meeting ended at
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS
The meeting began at
Attending: Selectpersons Mark Silber, Clifford McNeil, Glenn
Hinckley, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes,
Secretary Cynthia Norton, resident Edwin Hinshaw and
George Twine reporting for the Advertiser Democrat.
The
Minutes of
Forms and Reports signed:
Supplements: Daniel and
Deborah Pickering-TG withdrawal of 2 AC MW
Appointments: Edwin Hinshaw to Budget Committee to
Homeless count in Sumner as
of
Road Report:
Donald Hutchins, MDOT, has put up the warning signs at the Bog Brook section of
Rte. 219. Hinshaw said the Road Committee wants more
information from the Comprehensive Plan Committee—the Plan needs to have
revisions on the road data.
Old Business:
The
procedure for handling citizen-petitioned ordinances was outlined in a letter
from Kristin Collins, MMA staff attorney. Hearings can be held, but no changes
can be made to the original. A revised document can be petitioned and presented
again for town meeting vote or the selectmen can present their own article.
McNeil stated he is not interested in working on re-wording the marijuana
enforcement proposal. Silber suggested a public hearing on March 27 at the
elementary school at
Norton
informed the Board that the children of Lois Gammon have deeded the property,
R19,
New Business:
A policy was adopted stating that jobs of over $2,500 will go out to bid.
If the job is under $2,500, the Board may bid if so desired. The policy may be
amended in the future at the discretion of the Board.
The Board wants CEO Sidney Abbott to enforce plumbing codes on
long-term situated mobile campers.
Runes advised the Board that 31 automatic foreclosure notices will go
out
Silber talked to Fire Chief Robert Stewart. The Department will use
Operating Funds to pay for the electrical work that needs to be done. They are
looking at a newer pumper in VT and want to talk to
the Selectpersons and Budget Committee. Runes will research bonding costs for
new and used trucks.
McNeil suggested the Town may want to require apartment owners or
owners of rental properties to submit water tests to the Town. As the owner of
a mobile home park, this is something that McNeil is required to do to ensure
the safety of his tenants. Silber responded that without an ordinance, the Town
cannot request anything. Norton will get a sample ordinance for the Ordinance
Committee.
Other:
Financial account balances as
of
Assessing will be done April 19 and 20 by O’Donnell’s
firm. Silber will discuss assessing with the Regionalization Committee.
The MMA informational flyer
will be added to the Town Report.
A FEMA check, DR 1591, in the
amount of $8,861.09 was received
Hinshaw, McNeil and Daniel Perron
are interested in attending a workshop for Planning and Appeals Boards.
The meeting ended at
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS
The meeting began at
Attending: Selectpersons Mark Silber, Clifford McNeil, Glenn
Hinckley, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes, Road Commissioner James Keach, Secretary
Cynthia Norton, Sumner Firemen’s Association members Robert Stewart, Steven McGinty, Robert Walder, Maurice
Hart and Edwin Hinshaw, resident Stephen Peters and
George Twine for the Advertiser Democrat and Mary Standard for the Sun Journal.
The
Minutes of
Open Session:
McGinty introduced Hart as a new member of the Fire
Department and a registered Maine Guide. Hart has offered a raffle for a guided
bear hunt and lodging to benefit the Association. The hunt is geared to
out-of-state hunters for the fall of 2007. The Association wants to place ads
in
Stewart said the Department is expecting a packet on
trucks from
Stewart said at least one member of the Department
will try to attend the meetings more often. He will get information to the
Budget Committee along with a 15-year plan.
Forms and Reports:
An Open Space enrollment application was accepted from Joseph and Linda
glass; the rate will be 20% off the standard value.
The Board received a Draft Emergency Operations Plan from Thomas
Standard, EMD, for review.
Road Report:
Keach said he has been steaming culverts. He has blocked off the
Old Business:
The Public Hearing Notice for the marijuana
enforcement ordinance has been posted and sent to interested parties. Sheriff
Gallant sent a letter stating that a town ordinance cannot be enforced by the
Sheriff’s Office or the State Police. Jonathan Leavitt sent an e-mail to Runes
saying they “can certainly work with the SelectBoard
to change anything that ends up not making sense”. (He had been notified by
Norton and Runes that the petition cannot be changed.) Edwin Hinshaw will moderate the hearing.
New
Business:
The Board reviewed the plowing contract for the Town Office and Fire
Station. The dry hydrants have not been plowed out and the fire station doors
and back deck were not cleared.
The meeting ended at
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS AGENDA
The meeting began at
Attending: Selectpersons Mark Silber, Clifford McNeil, Glenn
Hinckley, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes, Road Commissioner James Keach, CEO
Sidney Abbott, Secretary Cynthia Norton, EMD Thomas Standard, residents Mary Ann Haxton
and Stephen Peters, George Twine for the Advertiser Democrat.
The Minutes of
CEO Sidney Abbott received a faxed copy of the Consent Agreement signed by Daniel and
Deborah Pickering. Mrs. Pickering told Runes that she will mail the original
and that she has contacted Nickerson’s to pump out the tank.
The Board wants Abbott enforce plumbing codes for long-term mobile
campers. He said he can’t do anything until the snow is gone.
Forms and Reports:
The Board signed an Application for a Veteran’s Exemption for Robert H
Gregory and appointed Abbott as CEO/LPI to
The Board discussed the Draft Emergency Operations Plan from Thomas
Standard, EMD. Standard is looking for comments and suggestions.
Norton will call about the AVCOG participation form for HHW and UW; the
Transfer Station should be fully functional very soon.
Road Report:
Keach asked Norton to forward the request for a “School Bus Stop Ahead” sign to
Donald Hutchins at MDOT. The sign was requested by MSAD #39. Keach has been
steaming frozen culverts.
Old Business:
McNeil
contacted Richard Flewelling, MMA attorney, about the
marijuana enforcement ordinance and received a copy of his advice to
Lt. Donald Pomelow, Maine State Police, wrote, “Where this proposal is
solely a municipal ordinance, it would not be enforced by members of the State
Police. It would only affect municipal law enforcement officers
working directly for the Town of
New Business:
A Sumner resident came in before the meeting to discuss problems
between residents on Arthur Allen and Kitridge Roads
with maintenance. He would like to have a meeting at the Office called by the
Town to work out maintenance and reimbursement. The Board stated the Town
cannot be involved in matters concerning a public easement road, which is what
the resident had been told.
McNeil moved to authorize Runes to send out a bulk mailing between
warrants for the EMA Committee. Silber seconded. So voted.
Animal Control Officer Dannie Paine is very concerned about the number
of stray cats being dropped off at his shelter. He has no more room and the
cats must be euthanized.
Standard submitted a request for EMA funds. Silber offered to donate an
old laptop. McNeil moved to authorize Standard to spend $675 to pick up
necessary items for the EMA account. Silber seconded. So
voted. Standard will also check into Maine Surplus Property.
McNeil responded to a call about a dog carcass dumped on
Other:
Runes gave the Account Activity Report through
McNeil, Haxton, Edwin Hinshaw
and Daniel Perron will attend the MMA
Planning/Appeals Board Workshop.
Keach took the information on AVCOG bid specs for culverts, signs and
vehicles.
Public Hearing on proposed marijuana enforcement ordinance-March 27,
SAD #39 Budget Meeting-March 28,
SAD #39 Ad Hoc Meeting-March 29,
EMA 3-town meeting for selectmen and fire departments-April 25
AVCOG Spring General Assembly meeting-April 27
The meeting ended at
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS
The meeting began at
Attending: Selectpersons Mark Silber, Clifford McNeil, Glenn
Hinckley, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes, Road Commissioner James Keach, CEO
Sidney Abbott, Secretary Cynthia Norton, resident Mary Ann Haxton
and George Twine for the Advertiser Democrat.
Warrant #19 was signed by the Board. Checks 5676—5703 and
Receipts 1815—1839 were verified by McNeil.
Open Session:
Haxton reported that the Ordinance Update Committee
is half-way through Shoreland Zoning.
CEO Sidney Abbott received the contract between Nickerson’s and Daniel and Deborah
Pickering to pump the tank when requested.
Forms and Reports:
A Farmland Application was accepted from Jeremy and Tanya Johnson on
R16,
Tree Growth Applications were accepted for Tanya and Kai Vlahos on R15,
R20,
Road Report:
Keach shoveled a ditch on Sumner Hill and steamed culverts. He will check out
the potholes on
Old Business:
McNeil moved to accept the revised CEO Job Description. Silber seconded. So voted.
The Description will be signed at the next meeting and forwarded to the SPO
with the notice of appointment.
New Business:
Runes reported that new
The Board approved the installation of a large framed tax map in the
Planning Board room and expressed appreciation to Henri Arsenault for his work
on it. They also approved selling small copies of the map for
$10.00 and contributing $5.50 to the Sumner Scholarship Fund.
Other:
March 28-SAD #39 Budget Meeting
March 29-SAD #39 Ad Hoc Meeting
April 14 and 28-CERT Training
April 19 and 20-assesssing
April 25-EMA meeting for selectmen and fire departments
McNeil noted that he had met with Standard and made a few changes in
the Emergency Operations Plan.
The meeting ended at
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS APRIL10,
2007
The meeting began at
Attending: Selectpersons Mark Silber, Clifford McNeil, Glenn
Hinckley, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes, Secretary Cynthia
Norton, Committee members Mary Ann Haxton and Martha
Elkin and George Twine for the Advertiser Democrat.
The Minutes of March 13 and
27, 2007 and Warrant 20 were reviewed and approved. Checks 5704—5731 and Receipts
1840—1882 were verified by McNeil
Open Session:
Haxton said that the Comprehensive Plan
Implementation Committee met and decided to combine with the Plan Committee as
the Implementation Committee. They will have a proposal for the Budget
Committee and expect the informational sign to cost $1,500. The Ordinance
Committee had a productive meeting and will meet again May 15. They hope to
have the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance ready for Annual
Town Meeting.
Elkin said that she is concerned about the EMA Committee and the lack
of agreement and discussion on the Plan. EMD Thomas Standard is moving the Plan
forward rapidly—she expected the Committee would help Standard plan the Town’s
response. McNeil noted that the Plan is based on a template and that Standard
is revising it to fit Sumner and asking for input from various groups that would
be part of the implementation. Standard will probably ask the Committee to help
with specific sections of the Plan, such as setting up the Neighbors Care
Program. Elkin will try to attend the combined meeting for the 3 towns’
selectmen and fire departments.
Forms and Reports:
ACO warrant for unlicensed dogs
CEO Job Description and
Notice of Appointment for SPO-accepted and signed
Veterans Exemption Application: Larry Conant, correction on Robert Gregory-did not serve in a
federally recognized war period—he will be notified
GA Quarterly Report—one claim
of $213.56 @ 50% reimbursement
Notification of Utility
Location Permit at Rte. 219, west of
Old Business:
The
Runes
notified the Board of the expired lien on the Herbert Ellis Estate, which has
tenants in residence.
A notice will be sent by certified mail to the tenants advising them that they
must vacate the property by
New Business:
Standard brought in paperwork notifying the town of a MEMA
grant of $8,100 for Public Awareness and Preparedness Publications and
Distribution.
The Board is not interested
in the MSAD #39 lottery for used ½ ton pickup which needs considerable work.
McNeil is not sure the used air conditioner he had
offered will be suitable for the Office. He would like to research central air.
Gary Paradis came in before
the meeting and said that
Other:
McNeil opened a discussion about a larger fire station
and a town-owned location for the salt pile. Silber is concerned about
increasing the budget and taxes to add on to the station. Several locations
were mentioned for the salt pile; McNeil will talk to Clifford Lowe about
buying the land where the pile is stored.
Account fund balances through
Upcoming
meetings were listed.
The meeting ended at
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS
The meeting began at
Attending: Selectpersons Mark
Silber, Clifford McNeil, Glenn Hinckley, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes, Road
Commissioner James Keach, Secretary Cynthia Norton, EMD Thomas Standard, Budget
Committee members Edwin Hinshaw and Mary Ann Haxton, residents Stephen Peters and Maurice Hart and
George Twine for the Advertiser Democrat.
The Minutes of
Open Session:
Resident Richard Rosenbluth called to say he is very
concerned about the environmental impact of the proposed low flying training
jets. Silber suggested a resolution at Town Meeting, but due to time
constraints, the Board will write to legislators and the agency.
Peters asked where notices for Town business are posted now that
Litchfield’s Store is closed. They are posted at the Town Office and Post
Office and online. Peters and Silber offered to post in
McNeil told the Board that Hart is very interested in
taking over as ACO when Dannie Paine gives notice as his health is failing. He
said the position would need to be posted and that Hart needs to take care of
the barking dog problem. McNeil thinks the Town can continue to use Paine’s
shelter and said the Town needs to address the issue of Paine’s health. Hart
said he is taking wild animal rescue and can get a wild animal permit. He has a
relative who is an ACO who would assist him when needed. He assured Silber that
he does know how to deal with the public; it is part of his job as a registered
guide. He said that he has 8 dogs plus pups.
He is using bark collars, but they cannot be left on for more than a day or
two. He is doing what he can, but the dogs are restless in the spring. McNeil
suggested that if Hart wants to be considered for ACO, he should put up a large
dog shelter that would keep the nuisance barkers inside so they would not be
heard.
Forms and Reports:
The Estate Tax Return for Lien Discharge on the former Ellis property
was signed.
FEMA-1592-DR-ME, sent notice of payment coming in the
amount of $4,771.35 for March 28-
The Board agreed to pay dues to Oxford County Municipal Officers
Association in the amount of $15.00.
GA reimbursement of $106.78 was received.
Standard submitted a Revised Emergency Management Manual. He asked if
there was a chance of storing fuel at Litchfield’s Store or another place for
emergencies. Possibilities were suggested; no decision made.
Road Report: Keach has a sweeper for roads and Office parking lots on his list of projects.
He reported on the April 16-17 storm damage. Upper
Sumner Hill, Barrows and Arthur Allen Roads received the worst damage. He has
put $1300 into preliminary repairs and noted that the roads are very soft. He
has been grading and hauling gravel on Bradeen, Tuell Hill, and Valley Roads. He is asking for State input
on a large hole at the bridge on
pre-mitigation plan.
There will be a Road Committee meeting on May 3. Runes
will notify the members.
Old Business:
Bid notices on the tax acquired property
will be sent out asking for a minimum bid of $25,000.
New Business:
The Town is taking part in Operation Cleanup through the Sheriff’s
Department. On May 3, a crew will be cleaning up the flower beds and lawns.
Other:
Account fund balances through
The meeting ended at
SUMNER SELECTPERSONS AGENDA
Attending: Selectpersons Mark
Silber, Clifford McNeil, Glenn Hinckley, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes, Road
Commissioner James Keach, Secretary Cynthia Norton, EMD Thomas Standard, Budget
Committee member Mary Ann Haxton, resident Stephen
Peters, George Twine for the Advertiser Democrat.
1. Minutes of
2. Warrant #22: Checks
5762-5793, Receipts 1903-1937
3. Open
Session—Invitation to Speak: Historical Society cleaning stones in Valley
Road cemetery, will map out locations and research families, Keach will reset
stone in wall
4.
(Abbott not at meeting)
5. Forms and Reports:
10-year Tree Growth
Certification for George and Martha Jones, R22,
FEMA-1592-DR-ME received payment of $4,771.35 for
March 28-
MDOT Biennial Capital Work
Plan 2008-2009 @ www.mainedot.gov
6. Road Report: sweeper for roads and Office parking lots-done
Maintenance
of
“Children Playing” sign for Barrows Road/ball field-will check
Bid on tar
for
7.
Old Business:
Air
conditioner/central air-salesman will give a price for central air
Land for salt pile-nothing yet
Removal of Labrador Pond Outlet Bridge on
Impact of the proposed low flying training jets- 1-800-223-5612
for public concerns
8. New Business:
Information on executive
sessions-need to post notice and cite statute
Will put article on warrant
asking if voters want to change road commissioner from elected to appointed
Request from Carey &
Assoc. to meet and discuss resort casino in Oxford County-July 10
Nomination papers available
May 15 for selectperson, road commissioner, school board
9. Other:
Account fund balances through
AVCOG annual report
May 9—School Board meeting and Town Budget Committee
May 15—John O’Donnell will come in to go over changes
in CAMA
May 16—EMA meeting for 3 towns’ selectmen and fire
departments,
May 19—Dedication of Vietnam War Memorial
for
May 22—Jonathan Leavitt, marijuana policy
ordinance, Selectpersons’ meeting
May 23—
June 12—Referendum voting in meeting room
(regular meeting night)