PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Prior to the beginning of the regular Selectmen's Meeting, the Town Administrator Lloyd Coombs led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of our country.

PREVIOUS MEETING'S MINUTES: Motion by Phillip, seconded by Dale, to accept the minutes of the meeting of September 27, 2004 as printed. The motion passed unanimously.

SELECTMEN'S COMMENTS: David advised that Steve McKay, a resident of Woolwich, has offered to review the town's workers compensation coverage. Todd spoke of the information available at the Maine Municipal Association Convention.

ROAD COMMISSIONER'S REPORT: David, on behalf of the Selectmen, presented Jack Shaw with an official Road Commissioner's badge. The badge was funded by Jack's family in recognition of his many years of service to the town. Jack reported that the material for installation of several dry hydrants has been received and will be installed shortly. Phil said that brush on the Chopps Cross Road needed to be cut. Jack said that it was in the process of being cut.

FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT: Ken Desmond, Fire Chief, reported that a grant in the amount of $15,675.00 has been received. It will be used to increase the capabilities of the First Responders and to fund the replacement Jaws of Life. Ken also reported that six additional firefighters had passed structural fire training. In addition, he reported that work on the hose tower has started.

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER'S REPORT: David advised Larry Mann that he had received numerous reports of dog complaints not being answered. Larry said that some people call ten times in a half hour. Phil said that he has received calls concerning dogs running loose on the Old Stage Road. Todd asked for the status of the Vining's dogs on the Dana Mill Road. Larry said that he turned the information over to the Town Attorney and hadn't heard anything further. David asked Larry to look into the licensing of two dogs on Norway Drive and to give them a summons next time. The Selectmen advised Larry that he needed to be more responsive in returning phone calls and that he needed to provide monthly reports to the Selectmen.

HEALTH OFFICER'S REPORT: Jack Albis, Health Officer, advised the Selectmen that his investigation of the railroad cars being stored on a Woolwich spur has resulted in a finding of no danger to the Town.

OLD BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS

a. Snowplowing Contract Concerns: Dick Holbrook, Snowplowing Contractor for Routes D & E, requested adjustments to his contracts for 2004-2005 because of the increased costs of operation. David advised Dick that there was not any money available to augment the contracts. David also noted that the contracts were fixed price. David said that he would schedule a meeting next month with the potential bidders to discuss possible changes to the new snowplowing contracts. Dick said that the future contracts should require help from the Selectmen in responding to demands by the public. The contracts should also provide for financial relief at the end of the snowplowing season.

b. Public Comment Period: Phil suggested that a "Public Comment" period be set aside at the beginning of each Selectmen's Meeting" to allow the public to comment on any relevant topic that is not already on the agenda. The Selectmen concurred with Phil's suggestion and requested Lloyd to institute this policy at the next meeting. This change will not affect public comment on any agenda item.

c. Appointment of Warden & Deputy Warden: Lloyd recommended that Diane Belanger and Beth Hanscom be appointed Warden and Deputy Warden respectively for the November 2, 2004 election. Motion by Dale, seconded by Rita, to make the recommended appointments. The motion passed unanimously.

d. Election Day Town Office Closure: Lloyd recommended that the Town Office be closed on Tuesday, November 2, 2004, to allow the staff to be performing Election Day duties at the polls. Phil noontime on Wednesday, November 3, 2004, in order to allow the staff to recover. The Selectmen agreed to close the Town Office on Election Day. They decided to have Beth work until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day and to open the office at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Diane will delay reporting for work on Wednesday by the amount of time that she works after 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

e. CPR Committee Report: Phil said that Clark Granger has asked for stepped up enforcement of the trespassing laws.

CODES ENFORCEMENT OFFICER'S REPORT: Lloyd reported that Codes Enforcement Officer Bill Longley was on vacation.

ADJOURNMENT: 7:20 p.m.

Lloyd Coombs

Approved: /s/ David A. King, Sr.

cc: Selectmen/Staff

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