Board of Selectmen
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 11, 2007

1. FIRST SELECTWOMAN CALL MEETING TO ORDER

The regular meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield.

2. EXECUTIVE SESSION: UNION NEGOTIATIONS

Motion was made by Scott Adamsons and seconded by Sharon Gibala to move to Executive Session at 7:31 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.

3. DECISION ON UNION NEGOTIATIONS

Mrs. Bransfield stated that the Board of Selectmen will not take action on the union contract until it is voted on by the union.

4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

5 APPROPVE MINUTES OF: (Special) June 27, 2007

Motion was made by Scott Adamsons and seconded by Brian Flood to approve the minutes of the June 27, 2007 special meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

6. ACCEPT AGENDA

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by Kathleen Richards to accept the agenda as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

7. COMMUNICATIONS / CORRESPONDENCE

• Jeanne Dilworth of the Brownstone Quorum reported that the Quorum worked on clearing a large area of the riverfront property in May and the area is now overgrown with vines. She asked the Board of Selectmen for their permission to allow the Quorum to ask for volunteers from the public who could bring in some heavy equipment to help clear the area. Mr. Finkelstein stated that it was a good idea, but he questioned whether there would be any liability on the town. Rob Buden stated that this is town property which is insured. The consensus of the Board of Selectmen was to seek help from the public. Mrs. Dilworth stated that the Quorum would not be able to pay for the work, but volunteers would be recognized in some way.
• Bill Willinsky of the Veternas Affairs Committee reported that four care packages were sent out on June 13th to four Portland servicemen-Joe DeRing, Andrew Gildersleeve, Mitch Foreman and Jim Pierini. Mr. Willinsky read letters from Joe DeRing and Andrew Gildersleeve expressing their thanks and gratitude. Mr. Willinsky stated that there are still some items left and another mailing will be done in the fall.

8. PUBLIC COMMENT

Carl Fitzgibbons commented that several years ago there was interest in using the reservoir area as a recreation area, but this could not be pursued due to the presence of rattlesnake dens in the area. He voiced concern that many people are now swimming in the reservoir and he questioned whether signs should be posted about the rattlesnakes. Mrs. Bransfield stated that there are "no trespassing" signs posted at the reservoir. She stated that any approval for using the reservoir for recreation must be approved by the Department of Health because the reservoir is a backup water supply for the town. Mr. Fitzgibbons stated that the town should begin thinking about a public recreation area in town where people can swim.

9. OLD BUSINESS

A) Amendment to Pay Plan of Zoning Enforcement Officer Position

Mrs. Bransfield stated that she had originally planned to pay the Zoning Enforcement Officer on a quarterly basis, but she now prefers to pay the person in this position on an hourly basis which will require a change to the Pay Plan. The Zoning Enforcement Officer will be paid $20 per hour and will work 20 hours per week.

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by Scott Adamsons to amend the Pay Plan for the Zoning Enforcement Officer to receive $20 per hour for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Motion passed unanimously.

B) Review Monthly Budget Reports

Mr. Buden reported that the month of May was normal and everything went well. The percentage of expenditures was at 88%. Mrs. Bransfield noted that there is a new purchase order agreement and payment system in effect as of July 31st. Mr. Buden stated that the new system is working well.

C) Update on Delinquent Tax Policy

Mr. Buden stated that he has been working with Rick Kelsey to improve the delinquent water and sewer collections. New software is currently being looked at that will be used by the Water and Sewer Departments to help with this new policy. Mr. Finkelstein asked if the new policy could begin prior to obtaining the new software. Mr. Buden agreed that it could.

D) Appointments to Boards and Commissions

None

10. NEW BUSINESS

A) Proposed Ordinance Providing for Property Tax Relief for Elderly Homeowners

John Anderson reported that the proposed ordinance will freeze taxes for qualified homeowners with assets under $150,000. A lien will be placed on the property in the amount of the total tax relief granted plus a 3% interest charge.

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by Kathleen Richards to send the proposed ordinance to public hearing on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. a the Portland Library. Motion passed unanimously.

B) Approval of Contract for Police Department Roof & Town Hall Clock Tower Repair

Rick Kelsey stated that he had requested $170,000 for repairs to the Police Department roof. A bad leak was discovered in the clock tower at the Town Hall and Mr. Kelsey would like to add this repair as an alternate to the Police Department roof repair. Three bids have been received ranging from $185,000 for the Police Department roof and $46,000 for the clock tower to the low bid of $143,000 for the Police Department roof and $43,800 for the clock tower. Mr. Kelsey recommended that the bid be awarded to the low bidder. The total cost of the project will be approximately $190,000. Rob Buden recommended taking the additional $20,000 from the Town Maintenance Fund.

Mr. Finkelstein asked if consideration has been given to using a paint on the clock tower that protects like vinyl siding. Mr. Kelsey stated that he will look into whether this is cost effective.

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by Kathleen Richards to approve the contract for the Police Department roof and the Town Hall clock tower repair to be funded from the budget that was adopted with the additional $20,000 requested to be transferred from the Town Maintenance Fund. Motion passed unanimously.

C) Amendment to Ordinance: Chapter 12, Section 12-1, "Swimming, underwater swimming or diving in quarries prohibited"

Mrs. Bransfield read the revised ordinance and stated that this will need to be to public heading.

Motion was made by Sharon Gibala and seconded by Brian Flood to send the revised ordinance to public hearing on Wednesday, August 1st at 7:20 p.m. at the Portland Library. Motion passed unanimously.

D) Refunds: Henze, John & Antonella ($414.00)

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by John Anderson to approve the refund of property taxes to John & Antonella Henze for $414. Motion passed unanimously.

11. STATUS & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Anderson reported that the Vehicle Usage Committee has met and there is a lot of information to review. The committee will meet again on August 1, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Portland Library.

12. PUBLIC COMMENT

None

13. BOARD OF SELECTMEN GENERAL INFORMAL DISCUSSION

Mr. Adamsons commented that he has not seen any financial statements regarding the Exploration Park. Mrs. Bransfield stated that she has all of the pertinent information available in her office. She stated that the town is receiving 5% of all gate sales as of May 1, 2007.

Motion was made by John Anderson and seconded by Brian Flood to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Virginia Darna
Recording Clerk