SELECTMEN'S MEETING MINUTES
Woolwich Town Office
August 15, 2005


ATTENDANCE: David King, Dale Chadbourne, Phillip Skillin and Rita Sturtevant

PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED TOWN OF WOOLWICH ORDINANCE RESTRICTING VEHICLE WEIGHT ON POSTED WAYS: Phillip Skillin said that passage of the ordinance would make the Woolwich policy consistent with the surrounding towns. There were not any other comments from the public.

CONSIDERATION OF TOWN OF WOOLWICH ORDINANCE RESTRICTING VEHICLE WEIGHT ON POSTED WAYS: Motion by Phillip, seconded by Rita, to enact the attached ordinance. The motion passed unanimously.

PREVIOUS MEETING'S MINUTES: Motion by Dale, seconded by Rita, to accept the minutes of the meeting of August 1, 2005 as printed. The motion passed unanimously.

SELECTMEN'S COMMENTS: Phillip spoke of the successful Woolwich Day on August 6, 2005. In particular, he advised that 170 Chicken BBQs were served &endash; a new record. David said that he had asked Fire Chief Ken Desmond to compile a list of automobile accidents and associated costs in the Woolwich corridor of Route 1 during the past two years. When David receives the information he plans to send a letter to the Governor and the MDOT Commissioner detailing the unsafe conditions in this area.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: Penny Lewis questioned David's plan as she felt that the matter should be left to the Gateway 1 Project process. David said that the safety needs of the Route 1 driving public required immediate action. Penny suggested placement of crosses at fatality locations. Lloyd read the following in response to a request from Debbie Locke who was unable to be present:

"Personally and on behalf of the Historical Society &endash; thanks to Todd McPhee who did a masterful job of organizing another Woolwich Day! From silent auction items to the water slide and chicken BBQ &endash; set up and cleanup &endash; he did a great job! I really appreciate and commend his efforts! Joyfully! Debbie Locke"

ROAD COMMISSIONER'S REPORT: Road Commissioner Jack Shaw was not present and no report was given.

CEO/FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT: CEO/Fire Chief Ken Desmond reported that there had been four fire and fourteen rescue calls since the last Selectmen's Meeting. Ken advised that the firefighters will be receiving training in the proper techniques of directing traffic. Ken said that he had just attended a site walk at Chop Point School where they plan to erect a new gymnasium. He also said that he had issued four new building permits today. He and the Selectmen agreed that any significant electrical repair work in this building (Municipal/Fire Department) would be put out to bid.

OLD BUSINESS:

a. Consideration of Assessing Agent's Contract: The Selectmen reviewed the renewal contract proposed by the Assessing Agent and decided to meet with her to discuss it on Thursday, August 18, 2005 at 4:00 p.m.

b. Nequasset Park Facilities: Brian Conmy, who is a purveyor of hot dogs, asked about toilet and refuse facilities at Nequasset Park. David advised him of the previous incidents of porta-potty destruction in Nequasset Park. David advised him that the Selectmen might consider a warrant article next year to provide for a permanent solution.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Approval of Accounts Payable Warrant: Motion by Phillip, seconded by Rita, to approve the accounts payable warrant of August 11, 2005. The motion passed unanimously.

b. Approval of Payroll Warrants: Motion by Phillip, seconded by Rita, to approve the payroll warrants of August 8 & 15, 2005. The motion passed unanimously.

c. Appointment of Constable: Motion by Phillip, seconded by Rita, to appoint Jon Hentz as Constable. The motion passed unanimously.

d. Consideration of Tree Growth Applications: Motion by Phillip, seconded by Rita, to approve the following Assessing Agent recommended Tree Growth Applications:

Account No. 884 &endash; Richard Leck

Account No. 885 &endash; Richard Leck

Account No. 886 &endash; Richard Leck

Account No. 888 &endash; Richard Leck

The motion passed unanimously.

e. Consideration of Local Option Petition: Motion by Dale, seconded by Rita, to accept the Local Option Petition and to schedule a secret referendum vote on the questions on Tuesday, November 8, 2005. The motion passed unanimously.

f. CLT Revaluation Status: David noted that CLT had provided the official values for use in establishing the mill rate. He also noted that CLT will be scheduling training for the Assessors and the Assessing Agent. The training will be on a 2-1-2 basis. Lloyd will contact CLT to set up the schedule.

g. Woolwich Community Playground Project: The Selectmen reviewed the report of the Fund Raising Chairperson of the Woolwich Community Playground Project which advised that the sum of $51,217.37 had been raised. As a result, a motion was made by Dale and seconded by Rita that the municipal contribution approved at the May 2005 Town Meeting be established at $18,782.37. The motion passed unanimously.

h. LD 1 Ramifications Meeting: David noted that next year's municipal budget for the Town of Woolwich is likely to need a Town Meeting override vote because of fixed contractual increases in solid waste and snowplowing costs that will exceed LD 1 limitations. Since the Town of Georgetown has experience in this matter, David asked Lloyd to set up a meeting with the Georgetown Board of Selectmen to discuss "lessons learned".

i. Appointment to Town Response Panel: Motion by Phillip, seconded by Rita, to appoint James Collins to the Gateway 1 Town Response Panel. The motion passed unanimously.

j. School Committee Resignation: Lloyd noted that Randolph J. Howell had tendered his resignation from the School Committee effective August 10, 2005. An election to fill the remainder of his term of office will take place on November 8, 2005.

ADJOURNMENT: 6:35 p.m.

Lloyd Coombs

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

cc: Selectmen/Staff

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