TOWN OF STETSON

SELECTMEN’S MINUTES

Date: JUNE 1, 2020

6:00 P.M.



I. OPEN MEETING

Brenda Clark opened the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance and addressed the public with the concerns of so called secret meetings. Brenda informed the Public that with the Governor’s orders of no gatherings of more than 10,

the Board has only met to sign Warrants and pay bills when needed.


  1. ROLL CALL

Brenda Clark, Millard Butler, Leslie Merrill, and Danny Withee were present. Charles Leighton was absent.


B. MINUTES OF THE MEETING

1. Approve May 18, 2020 Meeting Minutes

Upon motion by Danny Withee, seconded by Millard Butler, it was voted 3 to 0 to approve the May 18, 2020 meeting minutes. Brenda Clark did not vote as she was not present at that meeting.


C. QUIT CLAIM DEEDS

None.


D. WARRANT

1. Advantage Payroll Warrant #24

Upon motion by Millard Butler, seconded by Danny Withee, it was unanimously voted to approve Payroll Warrant #24.


  1. Expenditures #34

Upon motion by Danny Withee, seconded by Millard Butler, it was unanimously voted to approve Ap Warrant #34

Brenda Clark noted the Steeple at the Meeting House and the copper surrounding it that was donated by Bellefluers.


E. BOARD OF ASSESSORS

Diane will get the potential mill rate from Danielle for the Public Hearing on the budget.




II. OLD BUSINESS


  1. Any Town Meeting discussion/Budget Discussion

Consensus of the Board was to host the Public Hearing on the proposed Budget and to update present information dealing with the Fire Department and Road Improvement loan on June 10th, at 6:00 p.m. before the Regular Selectmen’s Meeting on that date.

The Board informed the Public that the potential loan for Road improvements has been postponed for a year. Because of all the mandates of the Covid virus, there was not enough information available to present to the residents,

and meetings of no more than 10 people were allowed, the residents could not be informed or allowed to voice their concerns and opinions.

Brent Dorman questioned if the Road Improvement funds that are approved at Town Meeting would be spent only on hot top. Millard Butler stated that road improvements are not only hot top, and felt that it is up to the Road Commissioner

to determine those funds, with the approval of the Board, if over the $10,000 figure.

Irving Gray and Clyde Gray stated that for the first time, the actual slips and bills are turned in for the work and materials that are used on the roads. Brent feels the residents are misled.

George Hockstadter stated that the Burleigh road is the best it has been in 33 years; the improvement funds have not been a waste of money.

Brenda Clark stated that the Coboro road was rough traveling for a while, but sense it has been graded, it is like a highway. She also noted that this spring was a different spring, and the pot holes were very bad. Brenda also stated that the hot top roads are falling apart,

and need attention and should be hot topped.

Danny Withee stated that there are sections of roads that should be re-hot topped.

It was also noted that Taylor grading stated in his bill that the roads looked excellent and that the recycled gravel material that was used on the roads was desperately need and went a long way on improving Stetson’s roads.


  1. Potential Date for Meet the Candidates.

Candidate’s night is scheduled for June 16th, at 7:00 p.m.


III. NEW BUSINESS

Millard Butler questioned if the Town Office would open to the Public next week. Diane stated the office is prepared with the plexi glass, and we will allow one person in the office area at a time, and 2 in the entryway at a time to allow us to enforce the 6 foot distancing rule.

We the office staff will recommend to the residents to make an appointment to prevent long lines waiting outside. Appointments will be considered first, and we will recommend that mask be worn. With the above noted, the office will open to the Public on Monday June 8th.

Brenda Clark thanked the office staff for working hard during this difficult time.


III. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. ANIMAL CONTROL

B. APPEALS BOARD

C. CEMETERY Diane informed the Board that she had received both a complaint and a concern from Julie Brownie. Julie felt that Clark’s Hill cemetery was only ½ mowed, and no weed whacking was done, the cemetery looks horrible.

She also noted that 4 of the stones are tipped over and questioned if the board does anything about stones that are tipped over. Diane informed her she would have to address the board about the stones that are tipped over.

Brenda Clark also stated that the cemeteries were not prepared for Memorial Day. Leaves were not raked and removed, the flags were all tipping in different directions, and all cemeteries were a mess.

Brenda Stated that the contract was awarded to this person because he was local and the lowest bid. Brenda stated that a decision should be made to end the contract. Brenda informed the board that she spoken with the contractor about the cemeteries and there condition.

Danny Withee also stated that this young man was low bidder and the monies should stay in town when possible.

George Hockstadter stated that the lawns are a mess, and that the lowest bid is not always the best way to go.

Danielle Withee stated that Clark’s hill was so bad that families had to rake before planting flowers for their loved one.

Leslie Merrill stated that the contract reads that leaves and branches should be removed.

Millard Butler stated that although he was not present at the time the contract was awarded, the contract is straight forward and if the job is not being done correctly the contractor needs to be spoken to.

He felt that the contractor should be brought in for a discussion during the next Selectmen’s meeting.

D. CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

E. E911

F. EDUCATION

G. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE

H. EMT/RESCUE

I. FIRE DEPARTMENT Irving Gray stated that the town should hire 3 guys and keep the Stetson Fire Department running. Irving has spoken with the Town Manager of Carmel, and felt maybe towns could combine.

Millard Butler informed Mr. Gray respectfully that there is no Stetson Fire Department at this time, and the department did not even have 1 certified interior fighter left in house.

The Board noted that there will be more detailed discussions at the Public Hearing on June 10th.

J. MEETINGHOUSE

K. PARKS & RECREATION

L. PLANNING BOARD

M. PLUMBING INSPECTOR

N. RECYCLING & SOLID WASTE COLLECTION

O. ROAD COMMISSIONER

P. STATE LEGISLATIVE CORRESPONDANCE

Q. TREASURER

R. WELFARE DIRECTOR

S. OTHER

IV. TRAINING

  1. PUBLIC COMMENTS


  1. SELECTMEN COMMENTS


  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Upon motion by Millard Butler, seconded by Brenda Clark, it was unanimously voted to enter into Executive Session per 405 (6)(A) at 7:20 p.m.

Upon motion by Danny Withee, seconded by Millard Butler, it was unanimously voted to come out of Executive Session at 7:55 p.m.

Upon motion by Millard Butler, seconded by Leslie Merrill, it was unanimously voted to not pay the Stipends for all the Fire Department and EMS officers, and only pay the call pay hours.


  1. ADJOURNMENT

Upon motion by Brenda Clark, seconded by Millard Butler, it was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:56 p.m.



__________________________________Brenda Clark


__________________________________Millard Butler


__________________________________Charles Leighton


__________________________________Leslie Merrill


__________________________________Danny Withee


Minutes are recorded by; Diane Lacadie

Diane Lacadie