Board of Selectmen
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 10, 2007

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

1. FIRST SELECTWOMAN CALL MEETING TO ORDER

The regular meeting was called to order at 7:42 p.m. by First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. APPROVE MINUTES

Motion was made by John Anderson and seconded by Sharon Gibala to approve the minutes of the September 4, 2007 meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

4. ACCEPT AGENDA

Mrs. Bransfield proposed adding "Initial Draft Charter Revisions" as item B) under New Business.

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

5. COMMUNICATIONS / CORRESPONDENCE

None

6. PUBLIC COMMENT

None

7. OLD BUSINESS

A) Amendment to Ordinance - Chapter 12, Article II, Section 12-34 "Minimum Distances from Youth Facilities (for Adult-Oriented Establishments)

Mrs. Bransfield commented that a good public hearing was held prior to this meeting. Mrs. Gibala suggested scheduling another public hearing and to have Town Planner Deanna Rhodes attend the hearing to review the maps. She also suggested that this issue be referred to the town attorney to address the question of constitutional rights. Mrs. Bransfield stated that she will obtain copies of ordinances from other towns and will speak to Attorney D'Aquila.

Motion was made by Sharon Gibala and seconded by Scott Adamsons to schedule a public hearing for Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Adamsons proposed amending the proposed ordinance to include the words "or residential use" before this goes to public hearing. The consensus of the Board was to send the ordinance to public hearing as is.

Mr. Flood commented that the Board of Selectmen needs to review the maps before determining a proper distance.

B) Appoints to Boards and Commissions

None

8. NEW BUSINESS

A) Appointment of Assessor (Nicole Linteruer)

Mrs. Bransfield introduced Nicole Linteruer to the Board of Selectmen.

Motion was made by John Anderson and seconded by Kathleen Richards to accept the appointment of Nicole Linteruer as the full-time Assessor for the Town of Portland. Motion passed unanimously.

B) Initial Draft Charter Revisions

Mrs. Bransfield stated that there will be a public hearing regarding the initial draft charter revisions on Wednesday, October 16, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. She advised that the revisions are available in draft form at the Town Clerk's office.

Mrs. Bransfield read a letter from the Charter Revision Commission outlining some of the proposed changes to the Charter. A copy of the letter was given to the Board of Selectmen.

Richard Murphy, Chairman of the Charter Revision, distributed copies of a spread sheet to help the Board of Selectmen review the changes that were made to the prior version. He stated that the present document is a new document that is easier to read and beneficial to the citizens of Portland.

C) Proclamation to Margaret "Peg" Harper

Mrs. Bransfield reported that a proclamation was presented to Margaret "Peg" Harper in honor on her 100th birthday.

D) Proclamation to Captain Amanda Catherine Cone

Mrs. Bransfield reported that a proclamation was presented to Captain Cone at her welcome home party in honor of her service to her country.

E) Refund of Excess Payments

Motion was made by Sharon Gibala and seconded by Scott Adamsons to approve the refund of property taxes to Edward W. McGann for $4.04. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion was made by Brian Flood and seconded by Kathleen Richards to approve the refund of property taxes to Rose Aletta for $7.96. Motion passed unanimously.

9. STATUS & COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

10. PUBLIC COMMENT

None

11. BOARD OF SELECTMEN GENERAL INFORMATION DISCUSSION

Mr. Adamsons commented that the Charter Revision Commission has done a very good job and complimented them for their work on the document.

12. FOLLOW UP ITEMS

No discussion.

Motion was made by Scott Adamsons and seconded by Kathleen Richards to adjourn the meeting at 8:16 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Virginia Darna
Recording Clerk