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 Todd, to amend the minutes of the Selectmen's Meeting of January 3, 2006 as printed to reflect that the motion to adopt the 2006 holiday schedule was seconded by Phillip and to approve the amended minutes. The motion passed unanimously.

SELECTMEN'S COMMENTS: Todd reported that the disagreement between the Sagadahoc and Lincoln County Commissioners concerning the budget for the new jail is still unresolved. A meeting is scheduled for January 31, 2006. Phillip displayed a container that could be used as a lock box. Phillip also advised that he had spoken to the Road Commissioner concerning signage on MacKenzie Lane to help curb speeding.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

ROAD COMMISSIONER'S REPORT: Road Commissioner Jack Shaw advised that "Wilder Road" signs have been ordered. Jack also advised that the Milt Carlton Road had overflowed at the Chopp's Creek culvert as a result of the extensive weekend rain.

CEO/FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT: At the request of CEO/Fire Chief Ken Desmond who was not present, Lloyd advised that the installation of the exhaust system in the Fire Station had been completed and was operational.

OLD BUSINESS:

a. COMCAST/SUSCOM Consent Resolution: Roger Baffer reported on the follow up SUSCOM liaison group meeting he attended in Harpswell. The group has asked if the Town of Woolwich wanted to participate in joint extension negotiations. Roger recommended that the answer be "no" and the Selectmen concurred. The group also asked if Woolwich was interested in participating in a joint franchise transfer review and possible negotiations. Roger recommended that the answer be "yes" and the Selectmen concurred. Roger will transmit this information to the group. Roger will also draft a letter from the Selectmen to Congress concerning substantial franchise law changes that are being considered.

NEW BUSINESS:

a. Approval of Accounts Payable Warrant: Motion by Phillip, seconded by Dale, to approve the accounts payable warrants of January 6, 9 and 13, 2006. The motion passed unanimously.

b. Approval of Payroll Warrants: Motion by Phillip, seconded by Dale, to approve the payroll warrants of January 6 and 13, 2006. The motion passed unanimously.

c. Solid Waste Committee Appointment: Motion by Todd, seconded Phillip, to appoint Candace Watson to a term on the Solid Waste Committee that ends on May 1, 2008. The motion passed unanimously.

d. Corrective Abatements: Motion by Todd, seconded by Phillip, to grant the following corrective abatements:

(1) Richard and Marlene Gravelle (Map R09, Lot 014D) $20,000.00
(2) Richard and Lillian Thomas (Map U02, Lot 027)$24,500.00
(3) Steven C. DeWick, Trustee (Map R01, Lot 032)$298,000.00

The motion passed unanimously.

e. Vacation Schedule: Lloyd advised that Diane was requesting seven or eight days vacation commencing January 23, 2006 provided that she was able to complete the mailing of the W-2 and 1099 forms. Lloyd recommended approval and the Selectmen concurred.

f. Personnel Evaluations Schedule: The Selectmen set a date of Friday, February 17, 2006, for their deadline to provide individual personnel evaluations to David.

g. Potential Foreclosure List: The Selectmen reviewed the attached list of prospective foreclosures to determine whether any property on the list should be stricken as a potential liability to the Town. None were identified.

h. Woolwich Citizens' Support Group: Arlene Whitney and Diane Longley spoke in favor of the establishment of a Woolwich Citizens' Support Group (Good Morning Club) that would allow a person in distress to be timely identified and treated. Arlene and Diane asked for the Selectmen's support so that they could continue to identify the needs of the citizens and the means of establishing the Group. The Selectmen concurred in their support. Arlene asked Lloyd to obtain the present list of shut-ins from Dan Skillin.

i. Payroll Schedule: Todd advised that he and the Treasurer were recommending that the payroll schedule for the Town return to biweekly as the weekly schedule was adding more work without any offsetting benefits. The Selectmen requested Lloyd to advise the Treasurer to discuss the matter with the affected employees before implementing.

j. Budget Review Schedule: The Selectmen scheduled a Budget Review Workshop for Monday, January 30, 2006, at 5:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: 6:45 p.m.
Lloyd Coombs
Approved: /s/ David A. King, Sr.

cc: Selectmen/Staff

Back to Selectmen's Minutes Page

BACK TO THE WOOLWICH HOME PAGE