Lebanon Selectmen's Meeting, July 20, 2015, Video Taped Meeting Coversations on Computer Technology, Criminal Records Checks, Assessing Issues, Rescue Flag Poles and MORE.....

 

The Lebanon Selectmen's Meeting of July 20th was friendly, good natured, and there was a lot of work accomplished and decisions made. Congratulating the Lebanon Selectmen on an informative and interesting meeting tonight!!

 

In Part 1 of the video, Selectmen's Assistant, Sue Collins goes over several issues with the board. The first is a trash issue on Depot Road in the area of the Country Store, followed by questions from a Lebanon resident regarding a non-livable mobile home trailer. Ms. Collins then discusses an e mail that she received questioning how Lebanon decided funding for Social Service programs.

 

SEE PART 1 of the VIDEO of the 7/20/15 Selectmen's Meeting HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2mVCgsqyig

 

Part 2 of the evening's video shows Town Treasurer Jeanette Lemay speaking to the Board about computer issues that are plaguing the Town Office, as well as the Fire and EMS Department and the desire to begin working with someone on resolving the issues. The trio would like to see one common "go-to" person or company, working toward a goal of becoming integrated, rather than having everyone just solicit separate people or companies to continue to keep separate computer systems. It is apparent that Lemay has done her homework on this issue and would like to keep things moving with Lebanon's technology, bringing it into current standards. Town Clerk Mandy Grenier, and Lebanon Fire and EMS Chief Daniel Meehan are also present for this conversation, each expressing frustration with the on again, off again, separate computer systems and their inefficiency when attempting to keep records or file reports in a timely manner.

Also on this part of the video, Lemay and Meehan speak to the Board regarding the need for Criminal Records Checks, Driving Checks and License and Certification issues.

During the final minutes of this part of the video, Lebanon Truth Seekers join in the conversation asking permission from the Board to move forward in the desire to collect donations in order to purchase a new flag pole for the Rt. 202 Blaisdell Corner Rescue Building to replace the broken and inefficient current telescoping flag pole. There is quite a bit of discussion regarding how the flag pole would be presented and accepted by the town, but in the end, the Board agrees that the Lebanon Maine Truth Seekers can accept donations and use those donations to purchase a new flag pole for the Station.

 

SEE Part 2 of the Lebanon Maine Selectmen's Meeting Video

from July 20, 2015

HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rRgVYtpvwg

 

The Lebanon Select Board motion to authorize the Town Treasurer, Jeanette Lemay, to pursue a Tax Appropriated Note (TAN) on behalf of the town in the amount of $1 Million Dollars. While the Board is still hoping that they will be able to manage the Town's cash flow dollars without the note, they want to be sure that the line of credit is in place should they need the money to keep the town moving financially with payroll and bill paying.

Lebanon Maine Truth Seekers asks questions regarding the $7,000 budget overage of the Road Commissioner. While Selectman Heath states he doesn't want to discuss it, Selectman Thompson agrees to discuss and  explain the problem the Board is having with this overage.

Because of the way that the project was decided upon at the last minute, the Board can't vote on using the 2014-2015 Contingency Fund to balance out the overage, as that fund expired on July 1, 2015.  In the same way, the Board can not vote to fund a 2014-2015 budget overage with a 2015-2016 Contingency Fund.

Thompson thinks that it's best to leave it as an overage, or a debt, and let the Lebanon Budget Committee go over the reasons for the Budget overage with Road Commissioner Torno, letting him explain for himself the reasons behind his overage.

Talk turns to the expiration of the most recent Metrocast Cable Contract. Selectman Thompson had the original contract with him, and the expiration date is not until December 2016. There was quite a bit of conversation regarding the abilities of the Town of Lebanon to utilize a "Lebanon Channel", as well as cameras and equipment to film meetings and local events, however there are terms that govern the use of these benefits. Mr. Thompson takes the time to discuss and explain the contract, what it allows for, and what it does not.

 

SEE PART 3 of the Lebanon Selectmen's Meeting of 7/20/15 HERE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhd3ENAaOJU

 

The Final portion of video of the 7/20/15 Selectmen's Meeting, Part 4, Follows the Board as they discuss the assessment of the Town's mobile homes.

Select Board Chairman Ben Thompson made a motion to leave the base assessment value for mobile homes at $25,000., which was seconded by Heath and agreed upon by all 3 board members. Chairman Thompson shares with Selectman Nadeau, the State's formula for assessing mobile homes.

The Board said they were going into Executive Session with Lisa Barber, as scheduled on their agenda for the evening, however, Ms. Barber did not arrive, and at 6:15 pm, Selectman Paul Nadeau motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Selectman Heath, and agreed upon by all 3 Board Members.

 

SEE the Final video section of the Lebanon Maine

Board of Selectmen's Meeting of July 20, 2015

HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th0Cx2T7gOs

 

 

 

Honoring the Fallen of Chatanooga Tennessee

For whom our flag flies at half staff today...........
Thank You for your service and your sacrifice.
The hearts and prayers of the good people in your grateful nation are with your friends and families today.

 

HONORING TODAY:

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

GUNNERY SERGEANT THOMAS SULLIVAN

40 years old, from Springfield, Massachusetts.

2 tours in Iraq

Recipient of The Purple Heart

Recipient of the Combat Action Medal

18 year USMC Soldier.

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

SERGEANT CARSON HOLMQUIST

from Grantsburg, Wisconsin

1 tour Afghanistan

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

LANCE CORPORAL SKIP WELLS

21 years old, from Marietta, Georgia

Civil War Reenactor

 

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

STAFF SERGEANT DAVID WYATT

35 years old, from Hixson, Tennessee

formally from Russellville, Arkansas

 

UNITED STATES NAVY

PETTY OFFICER RANDALL SMITH

26 years old, from Pauling, Ohio

 

 

Maine Department of Consumer Protection Offers Publication on Purchase and Finance of Automobiles.

 

 

State Consumer Protection Officials Announce New Publication--Downeaster Common Sense Guide to Automobile Buying and Financing

07/20/2015 11:56 AM EDT

GARDINER - Governor Paul R. LePage joined staff at Maine's Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection, an agency within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, in announcing the release of a new auto buying publication. The Downeaster Common Sense Guide: Automobile Buying and Financing is a 32-page booklet available online or in paper copy free to Maine residents.

"Purchasing a car or truck can be an enjoyable experience, but it can also be complicated," Governor LePage said. "This new guide-the latest in a Downeaster series of consumer protection publications-provides important information and guidance to help individuals and families make sound financial decisions when considering a new vehicle."

Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection Principal Examiner David Leach, who coauthored the new guide, emphasized that an automobile purchase is a significant financial commitment that often involves a large number of issues and considerations. He outlined the topics covered in the guide:

 Determining how much vehicle you can afford;

 Understanding how to conduct auto buying research;

 Learning how to check your credit reports before applying for an auto loan;

 Determining the lowest Annual Percentage Rate or APR for your vehicle loan;

 Understanding why "No money down" financing can be an expensive mistake;

 Learning how to negotiate the best price for your new vehicle and trade in;

 Preparing yourself for the "closing room" at the auto dealership; and

 Evaluating the pros and cons of add-ons like extended warranty programs and credit insurance.

"This publication will help consumers become more comfortable with auto buying and financing by clearly explaining the process in an easy to understand, step-by-step format," David Leach said. "The thought of buying a car or truck makes many people uneasy. This booklet provides Mainers with the tools and tips to understand and succeed in the process."

An online copy of the auto buying guide, and several other Downeaster Common Sense financial publications, can be found at www.Credit.Maine.gov by clicking "Publications." Copies can also be ordered by calling the Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection at 1-800-332-8529 (toll-free in Maine) or 624-8527.

Maine Dept. of Agriculture Announces Annual Maine Farm Day on Sunday, July 26, 2015

 

 

26th Annual Maine Open Farm Day

 A Maine tradition, farms will open their gates to the public this Sunday

AUGUSTA – Visit select Maine farms this Sunday, July 26. All across the State of Maine, close to 100 family farms will open their doors to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Held each year, Open Farm Day is an opportunity for consumers to learn about Maine food producers and for farms to show the public their products.    

“On behalf of Maine citizens, I thank our farmers and producers for their work bringing fresh and natural products to our tables every day,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “This is an exciting time for Maine-made products and Maine agriculture. The number of Maine farms is on the rise and so is the market value of our agricultural products. Since the last Census of Agriculture, the market value of Maine’s agricultural products has increased 24%. At a time when the number of farms in the United States is declining, the number of Maine farms has increased to 8,174, up from 7,196 in 2002. This growth coincides with renewed consumer interest in locally grown foods.”

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb urged families to “take advantage of this day to connect to life on the farm.” “There is a story, even a lesson that surrounds all the food and other farm products that we grow right here in Maine,” said Whitcomb. “While traveling to Maine farms on Open Farm Day, people will drive by hay fields, potato and grain fields, farm wood lots, orchards and large vegetable patches all growing crops that feed the economy before they fill dinner plates or supply other products that are important to our lives.”  

Open Farm Day is an annual family event that connects consumers with the men and women who help produce their food. Farms throughout Maine will open their gates to offer the public an opportunity to learn about the business of agriculture. Many farms will have demonstrations, displays, farm-raised products for sale and animals and crops to experience.

Activities may include barn and field tours, milking, hay rides, petting zoos, nature trails, beautiful scenery, samples for tasting and refreshments. Events like Open Farm Day have an impact on the Agri-Tourism in the State of Maine. According to the USDA, in 2012, AG Tourism & Recreational Services in Maine increased 78% (Increasing from $1,012,000 to $1,803,000) and participating farms increased by 141% (112 to 270 farms).

Now is a great time for consumers to visit and support Maine’s farms and be part of the growing support for locally grown foods. According to Gary Keough, New England Field Office State Statistician, National Agricultural Statistics Service, “the average size of a Maine farm is 178 acres, up seven percent since 2007. Organic production and aquaculture sales increased from the last Census and the value of aquaculture sales increased from $26.3 million to $75.1 million (ranking us eighth nationally); organic products increased from $23.3 million to $36.4 million

Governor LePage Orders Maine Flags to be Flown at Half Staff Through July 24,to Honor Nation's Fallen Marines and Navy Officer Killed In Chatanooga, Tennessee.

 

 

Governor Directs Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of United States Marines and Navy Officer Killed in Chattanooga

07/20/2015 10:20 AM EDT 

AUGUSTA - Governor Paul R. LePage today ordered that the United States flag and the State of Maine flag at all state facilities be flown at half-staff, effective immediately through Friday, July 24, in honor of four United States Marines and a Navy Petty Officer killed in Chattanooga, Tenn. "The shootings in Chattanooga were horrific acts of violence that took five brave Americans who fought to protect the freedoms we all share today," said Governor LePage. "Ann and I join Mainers in sending our thoughts and prayers to the families of the service members whose lives ended too soon because of a senseless and cowardly act. We will honor these heroes with the symbol of our great nation, which they so proudly served. I encourage all Mainers to lower flags in respect for them as we continue to mourn."

LEBANON TRUTH SEEKERS: Springvale Farm Walk

SPRINGVALE FARM WALK

9am to 2 pm-Sunday-July 26

 

Join the Springvale Farm Walk and experience a microcosm of Maine agriculture. The self-guided walk features a concentration of farms found nowhere else in Maine. Farmers raise sheep, beef cattle, Christmas trees, mushrooms, vegetables, berries, apples and hogs. They also train race horses, bottle hard cider, and make maple syrup. The trial is four miles long and leads walkers through, farm fields, pastures, orchards and woods. The path is well marked and generally follows gentle terrain. There are a few rough spots, but certainly walkable by children. Shorter options are also available.

 

Each farm along the way will serve complimentary refreshment drink. A few of the farms also sell produce and prepared food.  Each farmer will stamp the back of your map, you will be entitled to discount at any of the participating farms for the next year. 

 

This event is held rain or shine. Parking and a shuttle service is available.

 

For more information visit...sanfordtrails.org.

Lebanon Maine Truth Seekers to Raise Funds for NEW FLAG POLE at the Rt. 202 Rescue Building.

Some Public Information and an invitation to HELP.........

HELP us put an end to FLAG-GATE in Lebanon

As we all know, there were 4 Marines and a Navy Sailor killed in Tennessee recently.
Our Rescue Station on Route 202 is the ONLY Town building that is located on Rt. 202, the major road through town that we all travel on a daily basis, and the one that we all see, as well as every visitor or passer by through our town.
Over the weekend, I had some time to talk to Windy Rudnicki asking HOW we could best get the American Flag at the Rescue Station to even give the APPEARANCE of flying at half staff.
I haven't been by there today, so I don't know yet if they've figured it out, BUT this is just a reminder that the flag pole is BROKEN.
The flagpole at the Rt. 202 Rescue station is BROKEN. The telescoping pieces are not performing correctly and therefore CAN NOT be maneuvered correctly to bring the flag to half staff.
With the station getting a new paint job soon, I'm HOPING we can all help!!!
Sandy has spoken to a man at Yankee Flagpole and he's sending us an estimate later in the day today.
Lebanon Maine Truth Seekers is going to be putting together a fundraising effort to REPLACE that BROKEN FLAG POLE at the Fire and EMS Rescue Building on Rt 202 in Lebanon.
We want to get a price first, and then as each donation and offer for help comes in, we'll be listing the amounts HERE on our page until we reach our goal of giving our Fire and EMS Rescue building a flag pole that we can be PROUD of here in town!!!