SELECTMEN’S MINUTES
February 5, 2007
PRESENT WERE:
Norman Hutchins, Charles Harrison and Roger Bergeron.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
Anne Bishop & Pauline Nadeau re: Copy charges
Anne Bishop stated that she has requested 609 copies and feels that the charge of $1.00 per page is too much to pay. She doesn’t feel that that is a reasonable fee. She doesn’t have a problem paying 15 or 25 cents per page. She realizes that her request is a large one. The Selectmen stated that the copy charges have been $1.00 per page since January 17, 2006 when Carol Matheson had requested that the Selectmen increase the copy charges. They went on to explain that her request entailed a lot of time and that in addition to their Clerk’s time, they also had someone come in to work on her request. When you add all the time for research and copying along with the paper, toner and machine time, 25 cents per copy wouldn’t even cover the expense. A letter from the Assessor stated that if a property owner comes in and wants a copy of their own property she doesn’t charge them, but if they want a copy of an abutters or other properties, she charges $1.00 per copy. The Selectmen stated that the copy charges are posted. Anne stated that she never saw it and that she never charged anyone anything for copies .
Reports:
Assessor.:
Memo from Carol Matheson stating that in response to the Selectmen’s request regarding Map 3 Lot 24, the lot consists of .18 acres and at this size is unbuildable by itself. It has 50 feet on the road (Route 111) and is approximately 160 feet deep in a rectangular shape. She does not know how or when the Town obtained it.
The Selectmen would like to know if the Conservation Committee has any use for this. Selectman Bergeron motioned to send request to Conservation committee to see if they are interested in the lot. Selectman Harrison second. All in favor.
Treasurer.:
Reports submitted to the Selectmen.
Town Clerk/Tax Collector.:
Shirley Harrison stated that on January 19, 2007 her office received petitions for the recall of Selectmen Charles Harrison, Roger Bergeron and Norman Hutchins. Her Deputy, Vicki Swenson certified the signatures between January 19th and January 23rd, (within ten days of receipt of the petitions) per the recall ordinance adopted November 7, 2006. The signatures were found to be sufficient and turned over to the Board of Selectmen today, February 5, 2007, their next "regular meeting" as specified in the recall ordinance.
Selectmen’s Meeting
February 5, 2007 – Page 2
Per the Recall Ordinance, the Selectmen shall, within 10 days of the receipt of the petitions, order an election to be held no less than 45 days and not more than 60 days. She provided a calendar for the Selectmen and stated that the earliest they could hold a special town meeting is March 21st and the latest is April 5th if they were to accept the petitions tonight.
Building Insp / CEO/ Plumbing Insp.:
Mike Polakewich stated that he has given the Selectmen’s Clerk a letter that he would like read into the record. Selectman Bergeron read the following letter:
Dear Board of Selectman,
I am sending you this letter tonight not only as the Town of Lyman’s Code Enforcement Officer but also as a tax payer. After having the privilege of working for the towns people for the past four plus years, I feel I have earned the right to my opinion.
First of all, a municipal government is not much different than any other type of business, in order to operate properly it has to run like a fine watch. Employees and employers have to get along, and work in tune with each-other. Working together is the key ingredient for a successful mix. For instance, when I issue a permit that action effects every office in Town Hall. The fee goes to the Treasurer for deposit, a copy of the permit goes to the Assessor for an adjustment on taxes, the Assessor sends information to the Tax Collectors office for the collection of taxes, and a report of permits issued goes to the Selectman’s office. A successful business is successful because of a strong team effort between employees and management. That strong relationship is the one thing that makes the difference of getting up in the morning and WANTING to go to work, not getting up and HAVING to go to work. I can assure the citizens of Lyman, the management-employee relations are just fine and the Town Office is now running like a fine tuned machine.
As a tax payer, I would like to thank Shirley for her 30 plus dedicated years of service to the Town of Lyman, her vast knowledge of events over the past 30 years is a valued resource that is irreplaceable.
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February 5, 2007 – Page 3
Vicki for all her help to everyone in the office, and anyone that comes into the office. Carol Sanborn for her hard work and many long and extra hours as the staff person to the Planning Board and Selectman’s Office, as well as being Deputy Treasurer. Carol Matheson for taking over the mess left to her in the Assessors Office from the lack of field inspections, building permit follow-ups, and for taking on a much needed revaluation as an in-house project thus saving taxpayers thousands of dollars.
Kim Reed, thank you for bringing the professionalism and much needed knowledge to the Treasurers Office. It’s nice to have someone working as part of the team, reporting to the Selectmen, and working as well as you do with all the staff and the general public. I find your door is always open, and what was a major task in the past, is now never a problem.
And for me, I have not had to listen to "I am the treasurer, I have the power". What a relief!
I want to say thanks to the Planning Board, the Staff Review Committee and the Ordinance Review Committee for all the hours you put in, you help make my job a joy. Thank-you Zoning Board of Appeals we don’t meet very often, which tells me I must be doing things right. In all honesty your professionalism as a board speaks for itself. Keep up the good work.
Thanks to Lee & Karen for all your work in Parks & Rec. bringing wholesome programs to the children of Lyman.
Maurice thanks for your many years of service to the Town as Road Commissioner, Representative to RWS, budget committee, staff review and the ordinance review committee.
Most of all I want to thank the Board of Selectman for their support and dedication to the Town of Lyman. Being on the inside of Town Hall, I know all the long hours you all put in and the hard work you do trying to make Lyman a Town for it’s citizens to be proud of. Your leadership has been what makes Town Hall run as smooth as it does.
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February 5, 2007 – Page 4
As for the Recall Committee, sorry folks, my opinion is you’re like a bunch of kids playing in the sandbox that never learned to share. It’s your way or no way. Some of you had your turn working here in Town Hall, and the Town has moved on. I have to agree with the Journal Tribune Editor, Thumbs Down Recall Committee. Why spend so many taxpayer dollars on a recall election when town meeting will only be a couple of months away.
The citizens of Lyman should know that even with everyone in Town Hall working well together, the stress of this recall takes it toll. In my case, I have been told by a number of Lyman citizens that one Recall Committee member is saying that the first thing he is going to do once the Selectmen are recalled and he is elected selectman is to fire the Code Enforcement Officer.
Now in my case, I have worked close to half my working life for Municipal Government and with that many years of service, and with age, you learn that no matter how hard you try and what you do, you can’t fix stupid, so you’re best to just ignore it and do your job.
I would hope that the majority of the people in Lyman think I am doing a good job. I have always tried to have an open door and help people with their projects as long as they were willing to do it within the regulations. Like Leo Ruel said to me about a zoning interpretation I wrongly made, at least you stand up and admit it when you make a mistake, thanks Leo.
With that said, come on Recall Committee tell us, is this a power play by some and revenge from others? Sorry, but in the 34 years I have lived in this area, I have met and got to know a lot of people and I feel when push comes to shove, the voters of Lyman will see through the smoke screen and support the Board of Selectmen and Town Employees.
Now that I have had my opportunity to state my opinions, I must say that I have been reviewing my life’s goals. Being what they are, it’s time to move to the next chapter.
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February 5, 2007 – Page 5
It is with a very heavy heart, I would request that the Board of Selectmen except this letter as my letter of resignation as fulltime Code Enforcement Officer for the Town of Lyman effective 28 February 2007. I would be willing to assist in the office part-time until a replacement can be found."
Selectman Bergeron stated that it is with deepest regret that he motions to accept his letter of resignation. He stated that the Town of Lyman is loosing a valuable person. He has worked well with all offices. Selectman Hutchins thanked Mike for working on the ordinances with the Ordinance Review and with the Staff Review Committee as well as attending all the Eleven Towns meeting and negotiating the PSAP Contract. He has saved the Town a lot of money. Selectman Hutchins second. All in favor.
Mike stated Jim Roberts, CEO for Dayton, can help out and that he will be around to assist on a part time basis until the position is filled.
Ordinance Review.:
Mike Polakewich stated that members of the Ordinance Review Committee are working on Shoreland Zoning.
Road Commissioner.:
. Nothing to report.
Regional Waste Systems Rep
.: Nothing to report.
Planning Board.:
Rod Tetu stated that things have started to slow down for the Planning Board . Mike Polakewich stated that the gravel pits renewals will be starting up soon.
Parks and Recreation.:
Lee Schatz gave the Selectmen an application from Tony Ellsworth for a Parks and Rec. member.
Selectman Bergeron motioned to appoint Tony Ellsworth to the Parks & Rec. Committee. Selectman Harrison second. All in favor. Lee Schatz submitted Purchase Order requests for the Selectmen’s approval.
Conservation Committee.:
Nothing to report.
Village Safety.:
Nothing to report.
Transfer Station.:
Steve Marble stated that the T.V’s, monitors and fluorescent tubes were shipped out.
Zoning Board of Appeals.:
Nothing to report.
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February 5, 2007 – Page 6
Recycling and Waste Committee.:
James Hawthorne gave the report for the Committee. He stated that they received a $7,000 grant to hopefully be used towards an e-waste building.
Minutes.:
Roger Bergeron motioned to approve the January 16, 2007 minutes. Charles Harrison second. All in favor.
Unfinished Business.:
Selectman Hutchins would like their Clerk to contact the Committee Chairs for a meeting on March 6, at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall.
Ron Stewart said that he has received the paperwork that he has to fill out for Gibbons Kimball, the soldier that was dug up on Rumery Road, in order to get the graveside marker. There are 5 other bodies buried in that location. Pauline Nadeau said that she will get the name of the guy that has the ground radar.
New Business.:
Selectman Bergeron motioned to set the Public Hearing for Roland Fortin Junkyard Permit application for February 20, 2007 at 6:45 PM. Selectman Harrison second. All in favor.
Selectman Hutchins stated that the back doors at the Salt Shed either needs repairs or needs to be replaced and the front door is hanging by the hinges. There were comments about the poor design of the Salt Shed and that it is what is causing the problems. They will get proposals on the doors.
Selectman Hutchins updated the other Selectmen about the York County Budget.
Selectmen Hutchins stated that the next order of business is to set the date for the Special Town meeting to recall Selectmen Charles Harrison, Roger Bergeron and Norman Hutchins.
Roger Irving stated that he was led to believe that this was in the best interest of the town. How can it be in the best interest of the Town to hold an election so close to the Annual Town meeting? It’s a waste of money. Why not handle things the way it’s been run for years. The Towns people elect their Selectmen and they serve their terms, if you don’t like the way they perform, don’t re-elect them. Charles Kokernak said that it was a stalling tactic. A discussion ensued. It was stated that common sense tells you that you cannot collect signatures before something has passed. Mr. Kokernak stated that it is perfectly permissible. Mike Polakewich stated that it’s a power play on the recall committees part.
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Shirley Harrison asked the Selectmen for permission to speak.
She stated that "Day one" when they came with the first recall petitions, her husband was one of the Selectmen being recalled so she had her Assistant take over. As her Deputy was accepting the petitions, comments were made about the collection of signatures before the recall ordinance was voted on and passed. Her Deputy contacted MMA and it was recommended not to accept the petitions. She felt that there were flaws. The signatures were gathered prior to - It’s not appropriate, you don’t put the cart before the horse. Later on, her Deputy received a call from the Attorney Generals Office stating the majority of the affidavits on the back of the first set of petitions were improperly filled out.
Through all of this, there has never been any concrete reasons given to recall the three Selectmen. What laws have they broken, what ordinances haven’t they followed?? What is the reason for the recall?
George Howitt of Howitt Road said that he has lived here for 17 years and has been reading about this and would like to hear the reasons. He stated that this is serious stuff.
Steve Marble stated that he has lived here since 1986 and he believes they are just being vindictive. Someone else stated that it’s because the Selectmen did not re-appoint the Treasurer.
When numerous people asked Charles Kokernak what the direct reasons were for the recall of the three Selectmen, he stated that he would have to convene with the committee before answering.
The Selectmen set the date for the Special Town Meeting for the Recall Election to be held March 30, 2007.
Roger Irving asked what the cost will be to print the ballots and having the election so close to Town meeting?
A comment from Steve Gray regarding the budget meeting.
The Selectmen asked the Treasurer, Kim Reed, to send out bid proposals for the 2007 annual audit.
Mail.:
The mail folder was reviewed.
The Purchase Requisitions and Time Off slips were reviewed and signed by the Selectmen.
Selectmen’s Meeting
February 5, 2007 – Page 8
Warrant:
The Selectmen approved the following amount for payroll: Gross $ 5,190.45
The Selectmen approved the following amount for payroll: Net $ 4,012.00.
The Selectmen approved the following amount for Accounts payable: $ 84,390.95.
Selectman Bergeron motioned to adjourn at 9:25 PM. Selectman Harrison second. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol A. Sanborn
Selectmen’s Clerk
Norman I. Hutchins, Chairman
Roger Bergeron
Charles Harrison
LYMAN BOARD SELECTMEN