TOWN OF STETSON

SELECTMEN’S MINUTES

Date: December 10, 2008

I. OPEN MEETING

A. ROLL CALL

Gary Bellefleur, Gerald Button, Donald Carroll, Brenda Clark (a few minutes late), and Lois Hawes.

B. MINUTES OF THE MEETING

1. Approve November 26, 2008 Meeting Minutes

Upon motion by Gerald Button, seconded by Lois Hawes, it was voted 3 to 0 to approve the minutes. (Brenda not here yet, and Donald Carroll was absent for the November 26, 2008 meeting)

C. QUIT CLAIM DEEDS

None.

D. WARRANT

1. Payroll Warrant

Upon motion by Don Carroll, seconded by Lois Hawes, it was unanimously voted to approve the Payroll Warrant.

2. Expenditures

Upon motion by Don Carroll, seconded by Gerald Button, it was unanimously voted to approve the Expenditures Warrant.

E. BOARD OF ASSESSORS

Gary reported that Danielle is still working on Mr. Hewitt’s assessment, and will present the findings at the next meeting.

II. OLD BUSINESS

1. Update on missing table at the meeting house – Lois

Lois reported that she has not found the missing table.

2. Prepare MMA’s 3 Survey questions

Both Gary and Don reported that they had gone over the survey and found only a few items of interest: (Community Septic, and Public Buildings and Roads.) Consensus of the Board was to have Gary and Don complete the survey and send it in.

Added

Don Carroll in reading the Minutes of the November 26, 2008 meeting questioned the decision on procedure when there is a potential problem in the office dealing with someone that is out of line. The minutes of November 28, 2008 stated that the staff should call the Selectmen first and then the Authorities (police). Don felt that the procedure should be the reverse; the Authorities (police) first and then the Selectmen. The Selectmen cannot use physical force to contain anyone or they would probably be sued.

Consensus of the Board was to change the procedure to Authorities (police) first, then Selectmen.

III. NEW BUSINESS

1. Holiday Schedule

Upon motion by Don Carroll, seconded by Lois Hawes, it was unanimously voted to adopt Last year’s Holiday Schedule with the exception of the Day after Easter, and to Correct the Spelling of the noted miss spelled Holidays.

2. Review Partridge Trust Fund

Don Carroll reported that the Town gets approximately $1,500.00 each year and those funds go into the General Fund and we cannot use it or even borrow from it. The Partridge Fund is handled by a brokerage firm and decisions are made by them. Don stated that we only get a portion of the interest, not the dividends.

3. Penobscot Valley Council of Governments Membership

Don recommended not paying for the membership. The membership use to have a lot to offer, but the perks have dwindled. EMDC and Penquis off a lot of the same services.

Upon motion by Gerald Button, seconded by Brenda Clark, it was unanimously voted not to pay for this membership.

III. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. ANIMAL CONTROL - Nothing.

B. APPEALS BOARD

1. Looking for a member if any one is interested

Marlene Webber stated she may have some interest, and would think about it.

C. CEMETERY

The problem with the recent burial was discussed. Don Carroll had contacted the undertaker, marked the grave, and the undertaker hand dug the grave for the urn. Don Carroll stated that Mr. Babcock was out of State, thinking there are no burials this time of year, and apologized for the inconveniences. Consensus of the Board was that the Sexton is elected and there is no need to change.

Lois also questioned the deadline for old flowers to be removed from graves. Don Carroll stated May 1^st.

D. CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER - Nothing.

E. E911 - Nothing.

F. EDUCATION - Nothing.

G. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE -Nothing.

H. EMT/RESCUE - Nothing.

I. FIRE DEPARTMENT - Nothing.

J. MEETINGHOUSE - Nothing.

K. PARKS & RECREATION

Kristen Hepler was present and stated concerns that Steve (Parks and Rec Director) does not have anywhere near enough help, therefore there will be no Christmas Party this year.

Kristen also reported that the Brownie Troop will be doing some caroling in Town at places like Cedar Meadows and questioned if the Board knew of any residents in Town that are homebound and would like the carolers to stop by.

L. PLANNING BOARD - Nothing.

M. PLUMBING INSPECTOR - Nothing.

N. RECYCLING & SOLID WASTE COLLECTION - Nothing.

O. ROAD COMMISSIONER

Judy Bigger was present and reported a complaint that was received on the Coboro Road, and the use of 4 – wheelers.

P. STATE LEGISLATIVE CORRESP - Nothing.

Q. TREASURER

Diane Lacadie reported the properties that are coming up for foreclosure. There were approximately 6 potential foreclosures coming due in January.

R. WELFARE DIRECTOR - Nothing.

S. OTHER - Nothing.

IV. TRAINING

Don Carroll, Diane Lacadie, and Catherine Fisher attending a Training on December 4, 2008 at Penquis dealing with all the programs that are available to those in need.

V. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Marlene Webber presented some pictures of sand and gravel being stolen at the Salt and Sand shed. Consensus was to have Don Carroll ask the person to stop; there was no need to prosecute.

Judy Bigger questioned the disposal of TV’s when the change over takes effect in February. Judy requested to be notified if the office hears of any disposal locations.

VI. SELECTMEN COMMENTS

Don Carroll was in Augusta all day and reported 3 citizen’s initiatives that would be of concern to the Town of Stetson. (1) School Consolidation. (2) Tabor II, noted not as bad as the original “Tabor”. It is tailored to LD1, but everything will be subject to referendum to raise any tax. (3) To cut excise tax in half. This would lower revenues in Town and most likely increase real estate taxes.

Gerald Button requested that the flag that he had brought into the Town office that was now outside on the flag pole be replaced, and also the 2 gavels that he has donated. Don Carroll stated that if you donate or give a gift, you should not ask that it be replaced, you gave the gavel to the previous Selectmen, there was no vote taken by the Board. Brenda felt that the flag on the flag pole was Gerald’s and that it should be taken down and returned to him. Consensus of the Board, was when the flags come back from the cleaners, one of them will be given to Mr. Button. Gary also offered to return the gavel he is presently using, because it belongs to Gerald. Gerald declined the offer, and stated he like to do nice things for people.

Brenda Clark reported that a letter was received from Jacob Russell whom is in Iraq. This letter was to give the Town of Stetson a certificate, and a flag that had flown in Iraq. Brenda felt the least the Town of Stetson can do is to display the flag and applaud the people whom serve this country. Brenda feels the present administration is both grateful and appreciative.

Gary Bellefleur noted the need of a committee for the War Memorial. The town received $1,300 last year for the War Memorial, and will probably be $1,400 this year. Those serving our country should be recognized.

VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION

1. General Assistance

Upon motion by Lois Hawes, seconded by Brenda Clark, it was unanimously voted to go in to Executive Session to discuss a General Assistance Application.

Upon motion by Lois Hawes, seconded by Brenda Clark, it was unanimously voted to come out of Executive Session and return to public session.

Upon motion by Don Carroll, seconded by Lois Hawes, it was unanimously voted to accept the recommendation of the General Assistance Administrator to allow and pay only the States maximums.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT

Upon motion by Gerald Button, seconded by Gary Bellefleur, it was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

_______________________________Gary Bellefleur

_______________________________Gerald Button

_______________________________Donald Carroll

_______________________________Brenda Clark

_______________________________Lois Hawes

Minutes recorded by: Diane Lacadie