Board of Selectmen
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 14, 2007

Present: Scott Adamsons, John Anderson, Susan Bransfield, Mark Finkelstein, Brian Flood, Sharon Gibala and Kathleen Richards

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

Motion was made by John Anderson and seconded by Sharon Gibala to approve the minutes of the February 7, 2007 financial meeting.

AYES: Scott Adamsons, John Anderson, Susan Bransfield, Brian Flood, Sharon Gibala and Kathleen Richards
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: Mark Finkelstein

Motion carried.

Motion was made by Kathleen Richards and seconded by Brian Flood to approve the minutes of the February 28, 2007 regular meeting.

AYES: John Anderson, Susan Bransfield, Brian Flood, Sharon Gibala, Mark Finkelstein and Kathleen Richards
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: Scott Adams

Motion carried.

Mrs. Bransfield stated that there was an error on the agenda and the update of the brownstone arch under Correspondence should be deleted.

Motion was made by John Anderson and seconded by Kathleen Richards to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously.

COMMUNICATIONS / CORRESPONDENCE

None

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

OLD BUSINESS

A) Bartlett Street Sewer Assessment

Mrs. Bransfield stated that two errors were noted at the public hearing. The assessment for 1 Pear Orchard Road was changed from $3,610 to $3,230 and the assessment for 7 Plumrose Court was changed from $4,085 to $3,515.

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by Kathleen Richards to approve the supplemental benefit sewer assessments for the Bartlett Hill properties as presented at the public hearing. Motion passed unanimously.

B) Abandoned & Inoperable Motor Vehicle Ordinance

Mrs. Bransfield commented that there was a lengthy discussion at the public hearing and some good points were raised which included clarifying what is required by the State of CT regarding the registration of motor vehicles; the suggested deletion of "shall be completely screened from streets and adjoining properties" on pg. 2 of the proposed ordinance; the inclusion of other types of businesses other than motor vehicle businesses; the question from the Police Department about whether the abandoned motor vehicle stickers will be used; and it was pointed out that there is a cost associated with the implementation of the ordinance.

Mrs. Gibala suggested adding wording to the section about other businesses and associated trailers to exempt these properties with some type of zoning approval.

Mrs. Bransfield stated that she will send the ordinance back to Deanna Rhodes to work on the changes.

Mrs. Gibala questioned if properties could be liened if there are other ordinance violations. Mrs. Bransfield stated that she will check on this.

C) Review Monthly Budget Reports

Mrs. Bransfield stated that the budget reports were provided to the Board of Selectmen. Mrs. Richards commented that the font was difficult to read. Mrs. Bransfield will discuss this with the Director of Finance.

D) Proposed Ordinance: Portland Fire Department Water Tank Ordinance & Requirement

Mrs. Bransfield asked the Board of Selectmen to review the ordinance and this will be discussed at a later meeting.

D) Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by Sharon Gibala to appoint Louis Pear as an alternate on the Energy Task Force. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion was made by Kathleen Richards and seconded by Brian Flood to appoint Allen Kenney as an alternate on Planning & Zoning. Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

A) Refunds

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by Scott Adamsons to approve the refund of property taxes to Thor A. & Patricia L. Hyyppa for $2,321.96. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by Scott Adamsons to approve the refund of property taxes to Federal National Mortgage Assoc. for $2,144.87. Motion passed unanimously.

STATUS & COMMITTEE REPORTS

John Anderson stated that the Senior Citizens Task Relief committee will meet after the budget meetings have concluded.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Question was raised as to why the ordinance is being sent back to Deanna Rhodes. Mrs. Bransfield stated that Deanna will make the suggested changes and the revised ordinance will be reviewed by the Board of Selectmen.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN GENERAL INFORMAL DISCUSSION

Scott Adamsons commented on an ordinance that has been passed in Bangor, Maine that bans smoking in a vehicle where there are minors. He felt that Portland might want to look at this and be proactive.

FOLLOW UP ITEMS

The Firefighter Pension will be addressed by the Director of Finance over the next few months because it has been a recommendation from the accountants to do an actuarial study.

Mr. Finkelstein asked if an update on the town pension fund could be done during budget deliberations.

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by Kathleen Richards to adjourn the meeting at 7:49 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Virginia Darna
Recording Clerk