SUMNER SELECTPERSONS APRIL 11, 2006

The meeting began at 7:30 PM.

Attending: Selectpersons Thomas Standard, Mark Silber and Clifford McNeil, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes, Road Commissioner James Keach, Secretary Cynthia Norton, CEO Sidney Abbott and George Twine of the Advertiser Democrat.

The Minutes of March 28, 2006 and Warrant #19 were received and approved.

Open Session—Invitation to Speak: Stuart Cooper asked Standard to inquire about recovery costs for Town “rescues”, particularly the snowmachines that went through the ponds last month. The Fire Chief will be asked to submit a bill and the names of those involved and Runes will send the bills out.

CEO Sidney Abbott measured poles 706 and 707 at 18’ from the center of Fields Hill. The form signed by the Board specified they be placed 20’ from the center of the road. Standard will call CMP.

Alice Gagnon filled out a building notification for the mobile homes on her property. Abbott will wait for her to return to Maine before any action is taken on the notification. She will still need to do something about a septic system or contract with a hauler.

Abbott will look at the dismantled mobile home on the Wing property in West Sumner. It needs to be cleaned up; neighbors are concerned about it being a fire hazard.

Abbott noted that the State may have changed the subdivision law again pertaining to lot size.

Forms and Reports:

The letter in support of Community Concepts was signed; this is an annual request.

A supplement was signed for David B Bragg for TG withdrawal-R16/18-13.

Approval was given on a Request for Background Check for Concealed Firearm Permit for Robert A Stewart.

Approval was given for Tree Growth 10-year certification for Donald and Leanne Daley.

Maine State Planning Office would like notification of Sumner’s CEO/LPI appointment. Abbott’s appointment, good to 8/31/06, will be faxed in.

Road Report: Keach has steamed out culverts on Fields Hill and put up the “Bridge Closed” sign on Russell Road; he has not put boulders in front of the bridge. He has hauled gravel on Valley Road and Tuell Hill and started putting up road name signs. He needs a multi-plate culvert for Barrows Road and will be comparing prices as well as gauge for aluminum and galvanized.

Old Business:

A letter of “no action” will be signed at the next meeting for the setback violation on R16/18-2.

New Business:

The Office will be putting cemetery repairs and the back deck out to bid.

There are three possible maturing tax liens for April 12, 2006. However, Runes has been in contact with the owners and expects payment.

The Board gave approval for Personal Automobile Deductible Reimbursement through MMA Risk Management. This will add $50.00 to the Town’s policy.

The Town received the final FEMA payment of $1,568.35 for #1508, Dec. 10-31, 2003.

The Board will not waive the town meeting requirement for McNeil’s mobile home park expansion. The Site Plan Review Ordinance requires a town vote if it is given Planning Board approval, even though the park is approved by the State. The Special Town Meeting will be scheduled for May 9; voters will be advised that the vote is required, but the State has jurisdiction.

Standard sent his draft Preparedness Manual to the State and received recommendations; he also sent it to the Oxford County EMD and picked up materials at the EMA meeting.

Correspondence:

Clifford McNeil has submitted a Notice of Intent to File a Natural Resources Protection Act Permit Application with DEP.

Skelton, Taintor and Abbott sent a reference letter to be considered for bond counsel.

Other:

Account balances to 3/31/06

April 18-Planning Board Public Hearing on Butterfield Estates expansion

April 25-Alan Carr, candidate for Oxford County Sheriff

April 30-Scholarship Applications are available and due

May 10-School Board meeting (changed from May 3)

The meeting ended at 9:00 PM.

SUMNER SELECTPERSONS APRIL 25, 2006

The meeting began at 7:00 PM.

Attending: Selectpersons Thomas Standard, Mark Silber, and Clifford McNeil, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes, Road Commissioner James Keach, Secretary Cynthia Norton, and George Twine of the Advertiser Democrat.

The Minutes of April 11, 2006 and Warrant #20 were received and approved.

Open Session: Alan Carr, candidate for Oxford County Sheriff, spoke to the Board about his platform.
He would like to unite the towns in a vision for change that includes sharing the police forces for criminal investigations. He stressed that the current call sharing system is not effective and that a mutual aid system is needed.

Fire Chief Robert Stewart and Assistant Chief Steven McGinty spoke about the Board’s decision to charge the riders who went into Sumner’s ponds. The Sumner Volunteer Fire Department policy is that victims are not charged for rescues. McGinty said he does not want anyone to hesitate calling for help for fear of being charged. He volunteers because he wants to help people. Stewart listed the meetings, training sessions and fire calls this year. He said at the Black Mountain Road fire 50 firefighters responded from several towns and all worked together. Stuart Cooper noted that Sumner had men and equipment out in addition to the rescue personnel and equipment for the pond rescues; he felt that was an expense that should be billed. McGinty suggested that the State should bill for machines that end up in public waters. Silber suggested that the Department tell victims what the cost is when the Fire Department responds. McNeil moved to drop the decision to charge for rescues. Silber seconded the motion. So voted. Other firefighters attending: Allan Newton, Walter Litchfield, David Spugnardi, DJ Spugnardi.

CEO Sidney Abbott informed the Office that Clifford Lowe will clean up the dismantled mobile home on Wing property in West Sumner

Forms and Reports signed:

Supplemental tax bill for David B Bragg for TG withdrawal-R16/18-3

Warrant for Special Town Meeting on May 9, 2006

10-year Tree Growth Certification for Troy Bichrest, R22, Lot 12; Angelo Camano, R11, Lot 9

Request for Background Check for Concealed Firearm Permit: William A Peters

GA Quarterly Report-no claims

Road Report: A resident requested a Spring Road sign; Keach noted that signs are needed for Decoster and Paris Hill Roads. He has been grading and patching potholes. The roads are no longer posted for heavy loads.

The Fire Department expressed concern about the closing of the Russell Road outlet bridge and the impact on fire suppression. The Board repeated its decision not to repair the bridge due to cost and the danger of reclassifying it as a town way.

Old Business:

Standard signed the letter of no action for Mark McAlister’s setback violation on R16/18-2. McAlister acted on good faith based on a misunderstanding of the ordinance by the Planning Board. Copies of the letter will be given to Abbott and the Planning Board.

Runes reported that no tax liens foreclosed.

Standard called CMP about the poles on Bonney Road. CMP says the problem is the Town’s fault and the Town will have to pay to have them moved. MDOT advised Standard that CMP is responsible for moving them out of the road limits. Standard will meet with a CMP representative to have the two poles on Fields Hill moved and the two poles on Bonney Road that are a hazard to drivers and the plow.

New Business:

The Office received a call from a Buckfield resident about a large amount of rubbish dumped on Railroad Drive. Standard took pictures and contacted the person believed to be responsible. He denied dumping the rubbish, but agreed to clean it up.

Keach will take care of cleaning up the sand in the parking lot.

Correspondence:

Shoreland Zoning amendments: municipal ordinances must be updated by May 1, 2008

MMA impact analysis on proposed LD 2056, Repeal of Personal Property Tax

Selectman Jolene Lovejoy opinion letter on proposed LD 2056, Repeal of Personal Property Tax

Grant money available for Hazard Mitigation-Standard will look into it

Other:

90^th birthday wishes for Helen Andrews were signed by those in attendance.

Solid Waste Account balances to 3/31/06 were available

May 9 Special Town Meeting at 7:15 PM, Selectpersons’ meeting to start at 7:00 and then resume

May 9 Budget requests due in writing or e-mail to sumnerme@megalink.net

May 10 School Board meeting (changed from May 3)

May 10-Regionalization meeting

May 20 Nomination papers available, due June 30

May 23 Draft Budget work: Selectpersons, Road Commissioner, Fire Department

SUMNER SELECTPERSONS MAY 9, 2006

The meeting began at 7:00 PM and recessed for the Special Town Meeting at 7:15 PM. It reconvened at
8:20 PM.

Attending: Selectpersons Thomas Standard and Mark Silber, Clerk Susan Runes, Road Commissioner James Keach, Secretary Cynthia Norton and George Twine of the Advertiser Democrat. Selectperson Clifford McNeil was in attendance but left during the Special Town Meeting discussion on his proposed mobile home park expansion.

The Minutes of April 25, 2006 and Warrant #21 were received and approved.

Road Report: Keach has been ditching and hauling gravel for FEMA work and grading town ways. He has ordered a culvert for Barrows Road and bridge planks for River Road.

Old Business:

Bid requests went out for deck roof and are due May 23.

The Building Notification was revised with suggestions from the Planning Board.

Silber will get CMP pole numbers on Bonney Road. Standard reported that CMP will move the pole on Fields Hill.

New Business: The Board discussed purchasing the used generator that Bryant Pond has for $3000. It was decided that a small battery-powered generator would be good for the Complex.

The Board discussed how to let the State know about the Special Town Meeting vote to pass over the article allowing expansion and the general feeling about Home Rule being suspended. No action was taken.

Standard moved to make the Budget Committee a standing Budget Committee of six with three-year staggered appointments. Silber seconded. So voted. Norton will draw up a list of possible committee members. The Board would like the Committee to be involved in the budget process throughout the year and speak at Town Meeting.

Correspondence:

May 10 School Board agenda

MMA nomination requests for Executive Committee

Other:

Account Activity Report to April 30, 2006

May 10 Regionalization meeting

May 16 MMWAC Executive Committee meeting

May 20 Nomination papers available, due June 30

May 23 Draft Budget work: Selectpersons, Road Commissioner, Fire Department

June 14 District Budget Meeting at BHS 7:00 PM

June 24 2^nd annual summer solstice party

June 27 Sumner Budget Committee meeting

SUMNER SELECTPERSONS MAY 23, 2006

The meeting began at 7:00 PM.

Attending: Selectpersons Thomas Standard, Mark Silber and Clifford McNeil, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes, Road Commissioner James Keach, Secretary Cynthia Norton and George Twine of the Advertiser Democrat. Also attending: residents Stephen Peters, Ellery Corson, Mary Ann Haxton, Martha Elkin and Edwin Hinshaw.

The Minutes of May 9, 2006 and Warrant #22 were received and approved.

Open Session: SAD 39 Sup’t. Richard Colpitts and Board Chair Colleen Bullecks attended to talk about the District budget which will be voted on June 14. New programs account for a 7.52% increase and static programming for 5.42%. Fixed costs account for a $30,000 increase.

Fire Department members Robert Stewart, Robert Walder and Steven McGinty had concerns and questions about the decision to close the bridge on Russell Road. McGinty said the Department wants the road open through to Hartford for fire suppression and questioned if the Board has the right to not repair the bridge.
He also asked if there could be a warrant article at Town Meeting to vote on the bridge and if the Board had an estimate on replacement. Silber replied that the Board does have the right to decide and that an article could be added by request or petition. He went on to explain the prohibitive costs and the danger of a precedent in changing ownership and responsibilities for a public easement road. He added that Jerry Gilbert had an estimate of about $25,000 10-15 years ago on replacing the bridge. Standard said that the camp and back acres can be accessed through Savage’s land or his land from Fields Hill. McGinty suggested that the Selectpersons explain the decision in their annual Selectpersons’ Report. Haxton would like a meeting to discuss roads, future plans and decisions.

Peters asked again to have the “No Engine Brakes” signs put up in the village and noted that the “Stop” sign is gone at the Labrador Pond/Valley Road intersection creating a dangerous situation. He said speed is increasing through the village and wants letters sent to MDOT, the Sheriff and State Police. McGinty agreed that noise and speed have increased in the village. Norton will send letters to the Sheriff and State Police. There was discussion about Keach calling MDOT before the signs are put up.

CEO Sidney Abbott called in before the meeting and asked that a letter be sent to the Waterman family for improper disposal of rubbish. It was decided that Abbott should send the letter as he has the proper forms.

Forms and Reports:

The Nezinscot Valley Purchasing Authority Agreement will be voted on at Town Meeting.

New Scholarship Committee members will need to be appointed in July.

The Homestead Exemption Certification was signed at 100% certified ratio for 288 properties.

Concealed Firearm Permit Request for Background Checks: Steven F McGinty, Laurie E McGinty

Road Report: Jonathan Leavitt requested repairs on Damon Road, which is a public easement road. The road has a culvert that has pushed up and a very large puddle across the road. Keach thinks beavers may have a dam at one of the culverts. Norton will call a game warden and ask for information on relocating the beavers. Keach will bury the culvert that has come up. Keach reported that the public easement section of Heath Hill washed into Rte. 219. He has been ditching Decoster Road; Maynard Farrar donated 12 yards of gravel.

Old Business: No bids were received for a deck roof

New Business:

There will be a Special Town Meeting on June 27 for two Site Plan Applications approved by the Planning Board. The Selectpersons will meet at 6:30, the Special Town Meeting will start at 7:15 and the Budget Committee will be scheduled for 7:45.

The Board will go over the Draft budget on May 30 and will call residents for Budget Committee candidates.

Silber brought up junk yards—specifically the Starbird property on Bonney Road. The cows have been getting out of the pasture, garbage is overflowing the porch and there are many junk vehicles. McNeil will talk to Starbird and Abbott. Standard mentioned that Hartford has an ACO and LPI who might work with Sumner.

Town report format and publishers were discussed as well as the dedication.

Correspondence:

MMWAC Executive Committee Meeting May 16, 11:30 AM and minutes

AVCOG General Assembly Representatives

Oxford County Municipal Officers meeting May 24 Porter 7:00 PM

Genealogical Society of Utah has Sumner records

Other:

May 20 Nomination papers available, due June 30

June 24 2^nd annual summer solstice party at 5:00 PM at Tom and Mary Standard’s

The meeting ended at 9:50 PM.

SUMNER SELECTPERSONS JUNE 13, 2006

The meeting began at 7:00 PM.

Attending: Selectpersons Thomas Standard and Mark Silber, Road Commissioner James Keach, Secretary Cynthia Norton, CEO Sidney Abbott, Comprehensive Plan Chair Mary Ann Haxton and George Twine of the Advertiser Democrat. Clerk Susan Runes was working as warden at the primary election.

The Minutes of May 23, 2006 and Warrant #23 were received and approved.

Open Session: Haxton brought in samples of warrant articles for the Comprehensive Plan for review. The full Plan will not be in the Town Report, but will be posted with the copies of the Warrant and available at the Town Office. The Committee will also have the Plan available on CDs. She reported that the two citizens’ meetings went well and brought out quite a few suggestions and concerns for better communication between the Town Office and the community. Norton noted that citizens who wish to receive the agenda and minutes by e-mail just need to let the Office know. Norton added that it is difficult to keep the web page up-to-date because she works part time and the agenda is not finalized until the day of the meeting.

CEO Sidney Abbott will inspect Darryl Starbird’s property to see if he cleaned up the junk vehicles and rubbish in his yard; McNeil had spoken with Starbird after the meeting on May 23. Abbott will send a certified letter to the Waterman family with a 2-week deadline to clean up their Front Street property. He has already visited and talked to them two or three times. He said the Wing property, which is next door, will be cleaned up when the ground dries up and Clifford Lowe can drive a truck in.

Forms and Reports:

The Warrant for a Special Town Meeting on June 27, 7:15 PM, was signed.

A Supplement was signed for David B Bragg for TG withdrawal in his subdivision, R16, Lot 18-4.

Road Report: Keach will talk to the Webbers about the shrubs on the corner at Greenwoods and Labrador Pond Roads. Visibility is very poor. Keach will also speak with Nicole Bedard about her land on Bonney Road. She thinks there is a problem with culverts draining onto her land, but Silber and Keach said the land is always very wet. Changing the culverts would mean digging up the road.

Keach dug out the Damon Road culvert and put in a 2” grate to keep the beavers from totally blocking it.
He has done some ditching on Decoster Road and Upper Sumner Hill and needs to shim several roads.

Standard spoke with CMP about three poles on Fields Hill. Two of them are okay but one needs to be moved. CMP wants permission from the Hinshaws to run a guy wire on their property and will then move the pole back to the road limit.

Old Business: No bids were received for the deck roof. Bid requests will be sent again, due July 20 and to be built by October 15. Haxton suggested that volunteers might be able to build it if no bids come in.

New Business: Town Report bid requests will go out asking for bids on a smaller format, 5.5 x 8.5, and offered to the bidder as a pdf file.

Standard will have 150 copies of the FEMA booklets on emergency preparedness for the town meeting.

Correspondence:

Buckfield Town Manager Glen Holmes sent a copy of changes in the Transfer Station budget.

The June 27 meeting will start at 6:30 PM, with the Special Town Meeting at 7:15 PM and the Budget Committee at approximately 7:45 PM.

The meeting ended at 9:00 PM.

SUMNER SELECTPERSONS JUNE 27, 2006

The meeting began at 6:35.

Attending: Selectpersons Thomas Standard, Mark Silber and Clifford McNeil, Clerk/Treasurer Susan Runes, Road Commissioner James Keach, Secretary Cynthia Norton, resident Earle Simpson, and George Twine of the Advertiser Democrat. Also attending for the Special Town Meeting: Edwin Hinshaw, Dorothy Hinshaw, Daniel Perron, Holly Perron, Glenn Hinckley, Jen Otterson of the Lewiston Sun Journal.

The Minutes of June 13, 2006 and Warrant #24 were received and approved.

Forms and Reports: Tree Growth certification was approved for Paul and Judith Trudeau, R6-15A.

Road Report: Keach talked to Alan Webber about the shrubs on the corner of Greenwoods and Labrador Pond Roads; Webber has not responded yet. He has contracted with Rampart for 300 yards of cold mix to shim several roads. He has ditched half of Decoster Road and is working on Tuell Hill. Eugene Corson asked about hiring Keach and the grader for Cottage Road. After some discussion it was decided that McNeil will seek advice from MMA, but that Keach does not have time to work on private roads. Russell Chesley spoke to Standard before the meeting about the ditching that was done in front of his house on Gammon Road. He is concerned that the big pines have been undercut and will fall into the road at some point. Standard asked Keach to stop in to talk to Chesley; Keach thought maybe rip rap would help hold the trees. (Chesley had complained about the ditching in June of 2005. See Minutes of 6/14/05.)

New Business:

Three companies submitted Town Report bids on 6x9 and 5x8 formats. Standard moved that Silber and Norton make the decision on size and format. McNeil seconded. So voted. The decision was to go with the traditional 6x9. The bids were Country Press-$1566.00; Xpress Copy-$1600.50; Walch Printing-$1634.50.

The Country Press bid will be accepted.

Runes received insurance bids for municipal coverage. It was decided to go with WJ Wheeler for all coverage except Workers Comp; that will remain with MMA. MMA also offers Volunteer Accident Insurance. A list of specific individuals will be generated for future consideration.

The Board gave Runes and Norton approval to hire someone for repairs to the Black Mountain Cemetery fence. The funds will be taken from the Cemetery’s trust fund.

The Office received a copy of David Bragg’s Notice of Intent to File for a variance application with DEP for his gravel pit.

Karen Dan wants to set up an accounting/tax service at home; she will be advised to meet with the Planning Board.

Correspondence:

June 28 School Board agenda--no bidding process for boiler or asbestos removal. Standard will contact Superintendent Colpitts about that decision.

David Bragg’s resignation from the Planning Board was accepted with regrets.

Scholarship Committee minutes were received.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program information was taken by McNeil.

Other:

The Sumner Town Office and Transfer Station will be closed on July 4.

The meeting recessed at 7:15 for the Special Town Meeting. Voters gave approval for Glenn Hinckley to develop Beep’s Bakery and for Daniel and Holly Perron to develop Sumner Valley Farm Market.

It resumed at 7:45 PM with Budget Committee; the Board set up terms from 1 to 3 years. Appointments will be made at the next meeting: Candi Rousseau-2009, Lana Pratt-2009, Connie Cushing-2009, Clayton Schneider-2009, Arlene Silverman-2008, Mike Trenoweth-2008, Mary Ann Haxton-2007, Kathi Pewitt-2007, Sheri Fowler-2007.

The Selectpersons will be meeting at 7:00 PM on Thursday, July 13 and 27.