TOWN OF GUILFORD SELECTMEN’S MEETING

June 7, 2011

1. Meeting called to order by Chairman Bill Thompson at 7:00 PM. Present were selectmen Michael Dexter, and Rick Lander and guests Bill Pearson from the Piscataquis Observer and Katie Palmer from Katie’s Bar and Grill.

2. Motion made by Lander, seconded by Dexter to approve minutes of the prior meeting. Unanimous.

3. Balance sheets distributed and accepted.

4. Letter from Abaris Club requesting donation read; agreed to pay one month’s rental fee for the Porta-potty at the ball field as has been customary, following a motion by Lander seconded by Dexter. Unanimous.

5. Manager reminded board that the dedication of the C.H.Lightbody Medical Center was scheduled for 9:30 AM Saturday, June 11th. The sign has been installed and will be unveiled at that time. Discussion followed regarding some of the history of the building and the part Doc played in its realization.

6. Manager provided brief update on tax acquired properties’ status. Some showings well attended, more to come.

7. The garden club, populated strictly by volunteers, has expanded with the addition of a team from True Textiles, Inc. Jason Higgins from True had inquired as to a civic project their group could help with and at the suggestion that Melvin Park could use a lot of attention, they agreed to weed, mulch, and otherwise care for the grounds this summer. This will be a tremendous help to the park, the Town and the garden club.

8. Katie Palmer requested that the board approve her off premises liquor license, as necessary by law, for her to operate the beer tent at this summers’ River Festival. On a motion from Dexter, and a Lander second, it was unanimously approved.

9. The Piscataquis Predator’s requested a renewal of their annual permit to operate ATV’s on High Street and North Main Streets as an access route. It was reinforced that the permission was in fact for access and not to create additional piece of trail. It was moved by Lander and seconded by Dexter to approve the route for another season.

10. The American Legion Post #119 requested board approval for the renewal of their Beano license for another three year period. It was agreed to renew this as requested. Moved by Dexter, seconded by Lander, and so voted unanimously.

11. Manager stated that after several occasions of our annual audit being delayed, he had requested a proposal Hollingsworth Associates which proved acceptable to the board. It was decided to proceed with this new company following a Lander motion and a Dexter second.

12. It was reported that Abbot would be closing the Back Road to through traffic for a few days beginning June 13th, for repairs. Some temporary signage would be erected at the intersection of Pine and High Streets to notify vehicles.

13. A reminder was given that the School Budget Validation Referendum would be voted on at the polls of the six SAD#4 towns on June 14th. This process is required for this year and the next two years, by vote of the district, so that voters can skip the school budget meeting, where questions could be asked and answers given, and vote down the budget although having little knowledge of how it was constructed. This is an unnecessary extra expense to all area towns, but it is the will of the people.

14. Joe Gallant will once again be organizing and overseeing the summer recreation program. Permission slips have gone out and the program is scheduled to begin shortly after school closes for the summer.

15. Setting of the mil rate was discussed. Rather than hold a special selectmen’s meeting, it was voted to set the rate at an amount appropriate to raise all funds voted at the annual town meeting and to approach the maximum overlay as per state statute. Manager will advise the board once all assessments are completed and the calculations are made. The motion was made by Lander, seconded by Dexter, and followed by a unanimous vote.

16. Pavement concerns were again discussed. The entire budget available is $420,000.00 and an approximate cost to finish the Guilford Center Road is just under that figure at around $415,000.00. The sidewalk repair quotation has not yet come back, but these are separate funds. Debate continued regarding other possible projects such as sections of Wharff Road and Butter Street, with the result being that the decision would be left to the road commissioner’s discretion.

17. Under assessors’ issues, a tree growth penalty was assessed for some acreage being removed from the program, and an abatement was given for an inadequate calculation on two buildings.

18. Under Other Business, Lander requested a street light be installed at the  Wharff Road and Guilford Center Road intersection, and was advised that the project was in the works.

19. Following a motion from Dexter and a Lander second, the meeting was adjourned at 8:04 PM.