Two Ice Cream Parlors on the Lebanon / Rochester Border. Both GREAT!!

 

 

Lick Me Ice Cream

Rt 202, Lebanon ME

Open until 8 pm

 

BUT if you get there and they're closed...

Don't forget

 

 

Lone Oak Ice Cream

Rt 125 Rochester NH

Stays Open until 9 pm 

 

 

 

2013 Brochure Surfaces Promoting the 24 Hour a Day Staffing of Lebanon Fire and Rescue Departments.

 

A former member of the Lebanon Rescue Department back in 2013 has confirmed the fact that Chief Samantha Cole and Assistant Chief Jason Cole had, indeed planned to have the town vote on staffing the Rescue Department on a full time basis.

As a matter of fact, they still had the ALREADY printed up brochure that the Coles had planned on using to convince the voters that this was an idea who's time had come!!

Read the attached materials and let the Cole Family convince you that funding our Fire and Rescue Department's plans on a 24 hour staffed Station!!

 

 

Once you see the expense that was laid out before the question had even been placed on the ballot, the cries about Chief Daniel Meehan's "unfair" tax burdens on the Town of Lebanon by funding a 24 hour staffed Fire and Rescue Department will seem like the nonsense that it is.

This IS an idea that's time has come for Lebanon Maine. With over 7,000 residents now in our town, it's time to give the protection that 24 hour coverage would bring!!

 

 

 

Lebanon Family Fun Center Weekend Batting Cage Special!!

Lebanon Family Fun Center

Weekend Special

May 30 - May 31

 

ALL BATTING CAGES

15 Balls for $1.00!!!

Train's Tavern Hosts The Pat Foley Band on Saturday Night May 30.

 

TONIGHT AT TRAIN'S TAVERN

Route 202, Lebanon ME

The Pat Foley Band

8 pm to Midnight

Salmon Falls River Camping Resort to Host Adult Comedy Night with Jay Grove

GET YOUR TICKETS!!!
COMEDY AT THE CAMPGROUND

with Jay Grove

Friday, 06/26 at 9 PM.

Salmon Falls River Camping Resort

44 Natural High Road (off Rt 202 Carl Broggi Highway, Lebanon ME)

Adults 21+ only $5 per person.

Call (207) 339-8888

 

LIKE Salmon Falls Campground on Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/salmonfallsrivercampingresort?fref=nf

 

 

ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY SPONSORS EVENT

Seashore Trolley Dog Day

Join the Animal Welfare Society at the Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport on June 6th from 10-3.  Adoptable dogs will be stopping by.
Museum hours 10 – 5
Dog-related activities 10 -3
Lunch Service Provided by Ned’s Bakes & BBQ
• Dog-related Products and Info
• Blessing of the Dogs at 11 am
• Dog Wash and Dog Manicures 10:30 am – 3 pm
• Fashion Show 1 pm – Prizes in every category
Fashionista
Best Coordinating Outfits – Dog and Person
Most Adorable
Best Railway Theme Outfit
Best Celebrity Look Alike Dog
Best in Show – Male and Best in Show – Female
• Training Tips 1:45

24 Hour Staffing of the Lebanon Rescue Department is Not Such a New Idea.

Our Chief of both Rescue and Fire Departments makes $1,200.00 per month.
This is a total of $14,400.00 per year.
That is the same amount that Chief Samantha Cole was paid for running our Rescue Department as approved by the taxpayers of Lebanon for the 2013/2014 Town Budget.
What few people know, was that there was a Budget Request submitted by the Lebanon Rescue Department which would have come before the town in the June 2014 Town Vote.

At the top of the page, obtained through Right to Know access through the Lebanon Town Office, this morning, by asking for the 2014 / 2015 Budget Request by the Lebanon Rescue Department, as you can see, the Chief, at the time, Samantha Cole, was budgeting herself in a hefty raise, which breaks down to $1,333.33 per month. And this was ONLY as the Chief of Lebanon Rescue Department. The Chief of the Lebanon Fired Department was ALSO paid, $14,400.00 per year (or $1,200 per month).

This Budget Request Worksheet was turned in by the Rescue Department Chief on November 14, of 2013, only a month before she, and her Assistant Chief husband resigned their duties amid rumors and scandal. (you can see the date on the bottom center of the page).

On line 2, you can also see a jump in the amount of Volunteer Stipend amounts requested, the difference being $7,000.00.

Since the amount paid to each volunteer per call was not scheduled to go up in amount, why the $7,000 increase??

Well, we found that out too.

For as much attention has been given to the plan that Chief Dan Meehan has worked out with ideas of  having our volunteers and additional qualified per-diem employees staff the Rescue and Fire Departments around the clock, which would hasten response times to incidents, it is, apparently, not a new idea!!

 

 

 

 

This was found posted on the Command Central's own page on January 24, 2013. Clearly the writer of this page is asking local taxpayers to fund a dollar amount to staff our Rescue Department around the clock.

In the wording of this post lifted from the Command Central's page, the writer is saying that it takes an average of 11 minutes to get the ambulance on the road from the station, one would gather that an appropriate response time, depending on where in town the ambulance had to travel, would be between 20 and 30 minutes, which is not unlike the response times we are experiencing as we sit today.

 

 

 

 

I'd also like to call your attention to page 2 of the 2014 / 2015 Rescue Department Budget Request (which I had to post sideways to be able to show you the notations on the far side of the page) where it clearly shows that Sanford's Rescue was charging "ALS" or Advanced Life Support Fees. which would have clearly added an additional $10,000. to the Rescue Department Budget in 2014 / 2015, or another $833.33 per month to the Requested Budget. 

After reading many reports on this all being Chief Meehan's fault that Sanford is charging Advanced Life Support and Paramedic Fees, if Lebanon had such great success with our own town sponsored Paramedics, WHY were we being asked by Chief Cole to budget in $10,000 for Sanford ALS Fees?

Why did we have to budget ALS fees at all if we were paying Paramedics on our own Department??

 

Now, I can hear you asking, "Wait... wouldn't the voters have to approve that increase?" and the answer is YES.

 

So I submit to you, a copy of the Referendum questions presented to the Selectmen on November 14, 2013, one month before the Cole Chief and Assistant Chief stepped down from their positions.

These Referendum questions were  to be added to the June 2014 Town Ballot as Budget Funding Requests by the Lebanon Rescue Department.

 

As you can see, the first Referendum Budget item requested was for $135,800 for the operation of the Lebanon Rescue Station. The second Referendum would have asked for an additional $45,000 for the first payment of a 5 year lease to replace the Lebanon Rescue One Ambulance, stating that the vehicle is "old" and needs to be replaced. The third Referendum would have asked the taxpayers of the Town of Lebanon to vote the sum of $150,000 to staff the Lebanon Rescue Station with at least one Paramedic, EMT or EMS personnel to be able to "quicker respond" with the ambulance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With the Budgeted $135,800 request PLUS the ADDITIONAL request for $150,000 for staffing, the total Rescue Budget Request WOULD have been $285,800, which is HIGHER than the budget Chief Daniel Meehan is asking for in HIS Rescue Department Budget a year later, which is $235,605. ($50,195 less than the Cole Family were asking for).

 

I will leave you to make your own conclusions as to why the current writer(s) of the Lebanon Rescue Department - Command Central page is questioning Chief Daniel Meehan's request to staff the Lebanon Rescue Department and the Lebanon Fire Department with around the clock personnel, if it was, indeed, also a Cole family request to do so prior to their resignations being tendered?

 

Again, I submit to you that if you don't believe what you see on The Lebanon Truth Seekers page, you also have the right to go to the Lebanon Town Office and fill out the same Right to Know paperwork and request the proposed budget request by Chief Samantha Cole to the November 11, 2013 Selectmen's Meeting, which was accompanied by the Referendum Question proposal to fund the 24 hour staffing of the Lebanon Rescue Department.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUY LOCAL Support our local farms

Plant sale Saturday 10-2pm, baked goods available breads and donuts. Spiritwind Farm has a fresh supply of goat soaps and creams and we are well stock with our own beef,pork and chicken that was grown here not flown here.

Peaslee Road, Rochester, N. H.  Farmed by the Sanborn's of Lebanon

Sandy Adams

COMMENTARY TO OUR COMMUNITY

 

Before I jumped on this train, I had begun to ask questions regarding the services offered to the residents of Lebanon by the past Rescue Squad. This included former Asst Chief. Cole, Chief Parent and Chief Sheriff. All 3 past officers of Rescue. Unfortunately, none and I reiterate none of my questions were met with an adequate response.

Hence the birth of LEBANON TRUTH SEEKERS.

Today I spent time with a resident of Lebanon, who as we got on the subject of Lebanon Truth Seekers, stated to me that "some people are critical"  of the lengthy commentary posted by my colleague, Deborah Dorey Wilson.
That conversation led to this posting. Ms. Wilson researches fully all of her commentary. Sometimes it is of greater length than the average citizen wants to spend time reading, but rest assured it is the truth as we know it. NO twisting, no turning, no personal agenda, just a search for raw truth. Sometimes nice, sometimes not so nice. If you want to be an informed and part of a healthy town, I suggest you buck up and get with the program, open your eyes and take time to thoroughly read our postings. You may not always agree but at times the truth is uncomfortable.

My thanks to all our supporters. You are what keeps us focused.

Respectfully yours,

Sandy E Adams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trains Tavern HELP WANTED, Looking for Part Time Bus Person

 

TRAINS TAVERN

294 Carl Broggi Highway in Lebanon

is looking for a person to bus tables

Tuesday and Thursday's 4-10pm.

Stop in and ask for Dawn or Paul.

Or send us a Private Message at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trains-Tavern/169352263159256?fref=ts

 

North Bewick Baptist Churches Join Together to Offer Vacation Bible School.

Are your kids, 3 yrs-6th grade, yearning for an epic adventure?
Then they won’t want to miss a minute at Camp Kilimanjaro, the most exciting place around!
This week long camp is Monday through Friday, June 22-26, 2015, at Camp Kilimanjaro, 9 am to 3 pm (with before and after care available) in North Berwick, Maine….. Check it out!!…. ALL FREE!!
The Camp Kilimanjaro adventure begins each morning at New Covenant Baptist Church of North Berwick (NCBC). Kids, 3 yrs, – 6th grade, will learn to walk in God’s wisdom as they enjoy songs, crafts, games, goodies, and dramas.
Then, the afternoon adventure continues as campers, kindergarten – 6th grade, ride the Safari Bus to First Baptist Church of North Berwick (FBC) for lunch at the Rainforest Cafe.
Center Shot Archery follows for kids 4th – 6th grade and Safari Games for kids kindergarten – 3rd grade. Then, they’ll return on the Safari Bus to NCBC for 3 pm dismissal or after care.



With BEFORE and AFTER care options available at NCBC, too, your child’s day at Camp Kilimanjaro may be as long as 7 am to 5 pm. And, it’s all FREE!
Contact us today! Pre-register by phone at 207-251-6213  (Wanda).
Reserve June 22 – 26, 2015, for this Epic Week Long Day Camp Kilimanjaro Adventure!

MAINE OFFERS EASY HIKING TRAILS

10 easy Maine hikes anyone can do: Great views for the casual hiker

Written by: Carey Kish            

Getting outdoors to enjoy the trails in the woods and mountains of Maine isn’t the exclusive domain of the seasoned hiker with all the right gear and lots of experience. The occasional or novice hiker can find plenty of enjoyment with just the stuff you already own and a little bit of good information on where to go.
Pack that backpack with a rain jacket, bug spray, sun lotion, snacks and a water bottle. Then check out one of these easy walks suited for just about everyone, pleasing walks without a lot of distance or elevation gain, but chock full of beautiful scenery and just enough adventure. They’re all less than 2 miles and most of the hikes are within an hour’s drive of Portland.
Have fun and don’t forget your camera for summit shots, scenic snaps and selfies along the way!

MT. AGAMENTICUS, YORK

The monadnock of Mt. Agamenticus rises to 691 feet in the midst of one the largest remaining expanses of unbroken coastal forest in New England, some 10,000 acres in all. Hike the Ring Trail to the Blueberry Bluff Trail for a fun route to the grassy summit, which offers panoramic views from the Atlantic Ocean to the White Mountains. Explore the old lodge and rusting lift towers of the long defunct Big A Ski Area.
1.4 miles round-trip.
About 50 minutes from Portland. Get directions
More info: www.agamenticus.org

SPRING POINT SHOREWAY, SOUTH PORTLAND

This historic pathway extends from Willard Beach to Bug Light Park along the South Portland waterfront. Walk the sandy beach with views of the Casco Bay islands of Cushing, House, Little Diamond, Great Diamond and Peaks. Next, take the paved walk through the campus of Southern Maine Community College and its arboretum, then scamper along the top of the old battlements of Fort Preble. Finally, hike the long jetty of giant granite blocks to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.
1.5 miles round-trip.
About 15 minutes from Portland. Get directions
More info: www.southportlandlandtrust.org

MACKWORTH ISLAND, FALMOUTH

A wide and generally level foot trail traces a pleasant route around shoreline of this pretty 100-acre island, offering walkers wonderful views of the Casco Bay islands, Fort Gorges and Portland’s Eastern Promenade. Explore the pebbly beaches en route at low tide, kick back and read a good book on one the many benches, check out the pet cemetery where Governor Baxter’s many dogs and even his horse are buried, and build a fairy house in the mystical village.
1.5-mile loop.
About 10 minutes from Portland. Get directions
trails.org

COASTAL MAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS, BOOTHBAY

A walk through the beautiful gardens, trails and wild spaces of this nationally-acclaimed 250-acre property is an experience to be treasured. Tour the visitor center, then meander about through the Rose & Perennial, Great Lawn & Ledge, Burpee Kitchen, Children’s and Rhododendron gardens, the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses and others. Then make your way to the edge of the garden proper and hike the Shoreland and Huckleberry trails along the scenic Back River.
1 to 2 miles round-trip. $14 admission.
About an hour and 10 minutes from Portland. Get directionswww.mainegardens.org

GREAT HEAD, ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Sand Beach is tucked into Newport Cove between the cliffs of Great Head and the towering rock face of The Beehive on the east side of Mount Desert Island. Saunter across the beach through the throngs of summer sun worshipers and daring swimmers, then head up the Great Head Trail. From the airy view point above, look west and south to the long ridge of Champlain and Gorham mountains and the precipitous pink granite cliffs along Ocean Drive leading to the spruce-studded Otter Point.
0.75 miles round-trip. Park admission is $5 without a car or $20 with a car.
About 3 hours from Portland. Get directionswww.nps.gov/acad

HIGGINS MOUNTAIN, GEORGETOWN

Higgins Mountain is one of the highest points of land on the Georgetown Peninsula, and as such, provides stunning coastal views eastward over Robinhood Cove to Sheepscot Bay. Pitch pines and blueberries dominate the summit ledges, which were burned in the Great Georgetown Fire of 1908 and several subsequent blazes. The mountain was donated to the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust by Billie Todd (Mrs. Warren Todd) in 2000 after the death of her husband. A plaque atop the hill honors both.
0.6-mile loop.
About 50 minutes from Portland. Get directions
kennebecestuary.org

SACO HEATH, SACO

The Nature Conservancy protects the 1,223-acre Saco Heath Preserve, where a trail and boardwalk combine to guide visitors through the woods and out onto a beautiful raised bog, or heath. Sedges, mosses, sheep laurel, rhodora and Labrador tea grow in the semi-open peatlands here, as do pitch pines, white pines, tamarack and Atlantic white cedar. Look also for the insect-devouring pitcher plants as well as juicy red cranberries. Seven interpretive markers en route correspond to a nature guide available online.
1 mile round-trip.
About 30 minutes from Portland. Get Directionswww.nature.org

PIGEON HILL, STEUBEN

The 317-foot open summit of Pigeon Hill — the highest point along the coast in Washington County—provides a spectacular vantage point with far-reaching views of Petit Manan and Bois Bubert islands (both are part of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge) as well as Dyer and Pigeon Hill bays and Douglas Island Harbor. The Historic Trail offers the most direct route to the top, but you can combine the Summit Loop, Ledge Woods and Silver Mine trails for a slightly longer journey.
0.8 to 2 miles round-trip.
About 3 hours and 15 minutes from Portland. Get directions
www.downeastcoastalconservancy.org

VAUGHAN WOODS MEMORIAL STATE PARK, SOUTH BERWICK

Take a stroll through the old growth pines and hemlocks of Vaughan Woods, a 250-acre gem of natural beauty along the banks of the Salmon Falls River. A series of loop trails provides options for as long or short a walk as desired. From the main River Run trail you can loop back via Porcupine Path, Windy Walk, Nubble Knoll, Warren Way or Old Gate paths. Or complete the entire outer loop via Bridle Path. A side trip to the historic Hamilton House, perched on a sweet spot above the river adjacent to the park, is a must.
1 to 2-mile loop. $2 fee.
1 hour from Portland. Get directions
www.maine.gov/dacf

BEECH CLIFF TRAIL, ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Clamber up the iron rungs of the ladders on the steep Beech Cliff Trail to reach incredible views atop Beech Cliff. Straight down the steep expanse of rock are the pristine waters of Echo Lake and its sandy beach, while further east are the tree-studded granite humps of Acadia and St. Sauveur mountains. Just southeast of the peaks is Somes Sound, Maine’s only fjord. The jungle gym of ladders isn’t for everyone, so if your nerves aren’t up for it, take the longer but less hairy Canada Cliff Trail to the top.
0.8 to 2 miles round-trip. $14 park fee.
3 hours from Portland. Get directions www.nps.gov/acad

---

The most diverse hike in Maine – it’s also an easy one

You will find just about every Maine landscape nestled in the Wells Reserve. An easy 2-mile hike will reward you with sand beaches, marsh lands, massive pines, old-growth forests, fields — both trimmed and wild, estuaries, brooks and rivers.

Planet Fitness Threatens to Move Headquarters Out of State to Avoid Existing Tax Law

CONCORD, N.H. —Planet Fitness is threatening to move its headquarters out of the state, taking hundreds of jobs with it, if the Legislature doesn't change a tax law ahead of its anticipated initial public offering.
The fitness company, founded in New Hampshire and based in Newington, said Tuesday it had filed paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission this week to go public. But company officials say existing state tax law will put an unfair burden on it once it begins selling shares publicly.
The Senate Finance Committee gave initial approval to a bill that would change the tax law Wednesday. Senate President Chuck Morse, a Republican, said he hopes to continue working on the change during the next month. Officials from the Department of Revenue Administration warned lawmakers of its potential negative effects.
Planet Fitness has more than 900 gyms nationwide, according to its website. Its corporate headquarters employs between 150 and 175 people, but that number is expected to grow as the company continues to expand, general counsel Richard Moore said, and lawmakers are putting the potential job losses at 500.
"This isn't an idle threat," Moore said. "We've had conversations with other states."
Planet Fitness is organized as a limited liability company in New Hampshire. Under existing law, the company would effectively pay more in business profits tax when its partners sell off their shares. The change Planet Fitness is seeking would protect it from paying more in business taxes when it first goes public.
Planet Fitness did not say how many shares it would offer, what the stock would be priced or how much money it plans to raise. It also did not say when it expects the IPO to happen.
Moore, the company's attorney, would not comment directly on the public offering or say how many partners are invested in the company. With this change, Planet Fitness is not trying to avoid existing tax obligations, he said.
"We will pay taxes on the income the company makes," he said. "We're not trying to get out of that."
The commissioner of the state's Department of Revenue Administration, John Beardmore, told lawmakers that the change could make it easier for large companies to avoid paying the business profits tax in an equitable way.
Members of the Senate Finance Committee say they're looking to find a solution that keeps Planet Fitness and its jobs in the state.
"I think this is complicated, and I think it was brought to us to save 500 jobs," Morse said.

Shared from WMUR 9 News. You can find this and other stories on their website at:  http://www.wmur.com/news

 

Lebanon Babe Ruth Game Schedules Announced for 2015 Season.

Babe Ruth League, the group for 13-15 year old players, was founded in 1951. 
The 16-18 division was organized because Babe Ruth League, Inc. was aware its job was far from completed. No organization was making available similar opportunities for young players once they had surpassed the Babe Ruth 13-15 baseball age. Just as the 13-15 Division filled a gap, the 16-18 Division was designed to address a similar void.
Each local league chartered (like Southern York County Babe Ruth) is an organization with authority to administer its own program within the framework of the Rules and Regulations and guidance of Babe Ruth League, Inc. officials.
Each state, province or territory in the 13-15 division is operated by an elected State Commissioner, and in most states, there are District Commissioners who assist the State Commissioner with his/her many duties. (Some states, with approval from Headquarters, also receive the assistance of Area Commissioners).
In turn, the states are grouped into eight regions with a Regional Commissioner to oversee the Regional operation. These Regional Commissioners also serve as members of the Board of Directors of Babe Ruth League, Inc.
Teams from each league are eligible to enter tournament competition and move along the tournament trail to the championship tournament - the World Series.

All Lebanon Babe Ruth Home Games are played at the Stewart Field at the corner of Center Road and Upper Cross Road.

The Schedule for the Lebanon Babe Ruth Baseball Team is as follows:

May 26 .........Lebanon Maine at Noble 1
June 1 ..........South Berwick Maine at Lebanon Maine
June 3 ..........York Maine 1 at Lebanon Maine
June 5 ..........Kittery Maine at Lebanon Maine
June 8 ..........Lebanon Maine at Kennebunk 1
June 10 ........York Maine 2 at Lebanon Maine
June 12 ........Kennebunk 2 at Lebanon Maine
June 17 ........Lebanon Maine at South Berwick 1
June 19 ........Noble 2 at Lebanon Maine
June 22 ........Lebanon Maine at York 1
June 24 ........Lebanon Maine at York 2
June 29 ........South Berwick 1 at Lebanon Maine
July 1 ...........Lebanon Maine at South Berwick 2

Maine Nature Center to Offer 2 Courses on Forest Management to Landowners.

Trees may be the foundation of forestry, but in a state like Maine, which is over 90 percent forested, landowners often want to consider other aspects of forestry. Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson, Maine is a great example of how forests can be managed with diverse goals in mind. In June HVNC is offering two workshops featuring particular approaches to forest management that may be of interest to landowners, land trusts, town property managers, foresters and others.
Join HVNC for “Forestry for the Birds,” Saturday, June 6, 8:30-11:30 a.m. HVNC staff will be joined by Susan Gallo of Maine Audubon, Amanda Mahaffey of the Forest Guild, and Andy Shultz from the Maine Forest Service. The workshop is designed to give forest managers and landowners some of the tools they need to design their plans to accommodate and directly benefit all kinds of wildlife, especially birds.
Timber management, recreation, and great wildlife habitat can all coincide with careful planning. Anyone interested is encouraged to join Susan at 7:30 a.m. at the main gate for a short birding walk before the class. The cost is $12 for HVNC, DRA, SVCA, PWA, DLWA, and SWLA members, $15 for all others.
On Friday, June 12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., join HVNC for a workshop called “Forest Trails.” HVNC staff, Steve Spencer from the Damariscotta River Association, and Keith Kanoti from the Maine Forest Service will lead participants on a tour of trail types, and water crossings at HVNC. The goal of the class is to give property and trail managers of all kinds the tools they need to design and implement recreation trails that meet their needs. We’ll discuss cross country ski trails, mountain bike trails, designing walking paths and much more. Some of the workshop will be hands-on. The cost is $15 for HVNC, DRA, SVCA, PWA, DLWA and SWLA members, $20 for all others.
For more information: info@hvnc.org, www.hvnc.org/registration, or 207-200-8840.

You can LIKE the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maine-Department-of-Agriculture-Conservation-and-Forestry/57426456796?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser

Lebanon Family Fun Center to Host Cruise Night, Thursdays from 5-8 PM

LEBANON FAMILY FUN CENTER

Announces

 

 

EVERY THURSDAY from 5-8 PM

free mini golf pass with every car entry!

 

Lebanon Family Fun Center is Open Thursday-Sunday weekly!

77 Carl Broggi Highway, Lebanon Maine

What's New in Maine's Legislature? Hunter's Red, Putting ME to Work, and the Governor's Veto List

 

Six new LePage vetoes includes nix of ‘Taylor’s Law’ intermediate driver program

May 26, 2015Daily Brief

By Christopher Cousins                         

Good morning from Augusta, where the Legislature is returning to town after most members had four-day weekends. May they be fresh and ready for some serious lawmaking. 

Democratic House Speaker Mark Eves of North Berwick will learn whether lawmakers on the Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee will buy into his “Put ME to Work” bill, which seeks to invest $5 million over the next five years in the state’s community colleges to build partnerships with private businesses. Under the partnership, the businesses would chip in either matching funds for in-kind services to help the education system establish a new pipeline of workers for jobs with high wages and good benefits. 

While the bill does have some Republican support among its sponsors, it was dismissed earlier this year by Gov. Paul LePage, who said the state is already forging relationships with private businesses and doesn’t need to spend money to keep it going. 

One of the bill’s Republican sponsors in Sen. Andre Cushing of Hampden, who is also hoping for a positive vote from the Labor Committee today on LD 1364, which would make changes to the state’e Pine Tree Development Zones, which offer a range of incentives for businesses. Cushing proposes to extend the cycle of benefits for businesses while lowering their costs by striking a provision that the businesses offer group health insurance. It would also introduce a new way of calculating the base salary the businesses must pay to employees, going from an annual average to a weekly calculation based on quarterly Census figures. 

The Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee will decide on some interesting bills that could affect hunters and fishermen, including an amendment to the Maine Constitution — which would have to be approved in a referendum — that would “protect people’s right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife.” Sponsored by Rep. Karleton Ward, R-Dedham, the referendum would also clarify that hunting and fishing is the preferred method of wildlife management in Maine. 

Is red the new orange? Up for both a public hearing and work session is an interesting proposal by Senate President Mike Thibodeau of Winterport, which is unlikely to find much support: An Act to Allow Hunters Whose Religion Prohibits Wearing Hunter Orange Clothing to Instead Wear Red.

While I don’t know the story behind Thibodeau’s sponsorship of this bill, I’m guessing he brought it forward at the request of a constituent. I’m also guessing that the fact blaze orange is a long-established signal to sportsmen in the woods to hold their fire, lawmakers won’t be eager to make any changes. 

As we’ve stated before in the Daily Brief, it’s difficult or impossible to establish what the House and Senate will do, usually until minutes before they go into session. . Calendars for the House and Senate are published each evening before session but they are very much in flux. Bills can be pulled from or added to the voting agenda at any moment, and often are. We’ll do our best to keep you posted. 

Keeping track of hundreds of bills moving through the process will become more difficult as the Legislature nears adjournment next month. If you want to stay abreast, follow the State & Capitol Daily Brief, or better yet sign up to receive it every morning in your email inbox. — Christopher Cousins 

---

Veto watch

Governor LePage vetoed six more bills on Friday afternoon:

• LD 134, a Resolve to Study the Impact of Winter Ticks on the State’s Moose Population, sponsored by Rep. Roland Martin, D-Sinclair. “As the Legislature is well aware, I generally do not support resolves or studies because I believe the people of Maine have sent us to Augusta to act,” wrote LePage in his veto letter. “We are not a taxpayer-funded think tank.” LePage also wrote that Maine is already collaborating with New Hampshire on a winter tick study.
• LD 464, An Act to Improve Science and Engineering Education for Maine’s Students, sponsored by Rep. Michael Devin, D-Newcastle. LePage vetoed the bill because he said it requires schools to change their science curricula without providing funding.
• LD 525, a Resolve to Direct the Department of Health and Human Services to Report on Efforts to Reach in Rural Areas Persons Who are Elderly, Disabled or Mentally Ill, sponsored by Sen. Paul Davis, R-Sangerville. LePage wrote that he vetoed the bill because it is duplicative to work already being done by a range of state and local agencies.
• LD 682, An Act to Ensure the Administration of Written Driving Tests, sponsored by Rep. James Gillway, R-Searsport. LePage wrote that he opposes changes to Maine’s driver education programs.
• LD 737, An Act to Amend the Laws Regarding Learner’s Permits and Intermediate Licenses, sponsored by Sen. Kimberley Rosen, R-Bucksport. This bill has been dubbed “Taylor’s Law” though the legislative process in memoriam of 15-year-old Taylor Darveau of Bucksport, who died in an October 2013 car crash in a car being driven by a 16-year-old with an intermediate license. It is against Maine law for intermediate drivers to carry passengers who are not immediate family members unless an experienced driver is also on board. This bill would offer families decals to put on their vehicles, which would serve as notices to other drivers and law enforcement officers that an intermediate driver is behind the wheel. “This particular decal could allow criminals to easily identify vehicles in which the driver will most likely be alone and young,” wrote LePage.
• LD 880, An Act to Permit Rate-adjustment Mechanisms for Water Utilities, sponsored by Rep. Barry Hobbins, D-Saco. LePage said he opposes this change to the rate-adjustment process because he said it doesn’t provide enough inclusion in the process for rate-payers.

Article from the Bangor Daily News. Like them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/bangordailynews?fref=ts

 

WGME Portland Warns of Strong to Severe Thunderstorm Activity.

 

The WGME 13 Meteorological Team is predicting some severe storms over the next day or so.

Stay safe!!

 

You can like WGME channel 13 Portland on Facebook at:

 https://www.facebook.com/WGME13?fref=ts

 

 

Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Announces Free Fishing Weekend........

 

Free Fishing Weekend in Maine and Tips for Taking Kids Fishing

May 26, 2015 at 10:49 am by Emily MacCabe

On Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31 the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is promoting free fishing days to encourage people to get out and enjoy Maine’s waterways. This free fishing event is open to any person except those whose license has been revoked or suspended. All Maine fishing regulations apply. For a complete list of fishing regulations, including limits and sizes, visit www.mefishwildlife.com

What better opportunity to introduce a youngster to the sport? Here are some tips for taking kids fishing for the first time: First, understand that fishing with children is not the same as fishing with your buddies.  The trip needs to be centered on them.  In fact, I recommend you leave your fishing equipment at home so you can focus solely on assisting them with their own.Keep it simple.  Use a basic spincasting rod/reel combo such as a good ol’ Zebco 22.  Look for one with a smaller reel so their hands can comfortably control the “button” to release the line.  Fish with a bobber, a hook and a worm and target species such as perch, bass, crappie or other panfish that are often easy to catch and abundant.  Consider saving the trout fishing for a trip later on.
Make it a shore thing.  If you fish on shore kiddos have the freedom to move around and don’t feel isolated or confined, which will surely lead to boredom quickly.  If they want to take a break, let them take a break! Chase butterflies, tadpoles, splash in the water; if they’re having fun in the outdoors then the trip is a success.
Make sure you teach skills.  Allow them to do as much of the work as they are willing or able to do.  Teach them how to put the worm on the hook, how to cast properly and accurately, and even how to handle their fish.  If they are game right away, make sure you explain what you’re doing while they watch.  If they’re really not interested then take a break and go throw a frisbee around for a minute. The goal is that eventually they will have the skills and independence to enjoy fishing on their own.
Stress the importance of safety.  Teach them to look around before each cast and always be aware of where their hook is.  Also, I suggest making sure you both wear a hat with visor and eye protection (sunglasses or youth size shooting glasses work great).  It’s not a bad idea to have them wear a PFD, even on shore if they’re nervous around the water or they are not a strong swimmer. Most importantly, be relaxed and make it fun.  As you head out leave behind the tension and take along an open mind and a lot of patience.  Don’t measure the success of your trip by the number of casts made or fish caught.  Remember to praise children for their patience and cooperation and do what you need to do to make the day a positive memory even if that means stopping for a special treat on the way home.
I hope you take the opportunity to head outdoors with a young person in your life and discover all there is to benefit from fishing as a family. For more information about fishing as a family check out www.takemefishing.org. Learn more about Maine’s Hooked on Fishing program by contacting Brittany Humphrey at brittany.humphrey@maine.gov

Online Group Puts Parents Together for NH Kid Friendly Hikes.

HOLLIS, N.H. —Three-year-old Samuel Wood pored over a treasure map in his hand, then led a group of a half-dozen mothers carrying their babies in backpacks through the Wildflower Trail at Beaver Brook Association's Maple Hill Farm on Tuesday.
Sam was the leader of a two-hour walk that included stops for stretching, snacks, tantrums and photos with his new friends and grandmother, Sue Connors of Rindge.
Sam is part of a national movement to get little ones and their peeps out on trails.
New Hampshire now has four Hike it Baby chapters offering free hikes, weekly throughout the state.
Hike it Baby uses social media to connect parents and babies with the outdoors.
Sam lives in Alaska and is visiting his grandmother, here. His mom, Tonya went online to find a Hike it Baby! hike because they are members of the Eagle River chapter in Alaska.
Hike it Baby offers free hikes, led by volunteers and the aim is quite simple: get the babies on trails, outdoors.

There are more than 10,000 families in 90 cities or regions now involved and New Hampshire has more than 700 families who have joined.
Lyndsey Vaillancourt is branch leader for Hike It Baby Monadnock. She started the first chapter in New Hampshire in 2014.
She said after she had Aubrey, now 18 months old, she was looking online for information about snowshoeing with her when she came upon information about Hike it Baby on Pinterest.
"Anyone can lead a hike after they have gone on one and it's all volunteer," she said. There is no charge for the hikes, but you need to sign a waiver online.
In addition to Monadnock, there are chapters in Portsmouth, Merrimack Valley and now, Manchester.
The Portsmouth chapter has more than 500 members.
Hike it Baby began when Shanti Hodges, a young mother in Portland, Oregon joined a young mother's group at her local hospital in 2013. She thought it would be more fun to be outside of the hospital on a hike and suggested they all meet the next week for a hike.
And it took off through social media.
"Our goal is to get babies on trail," she told an Oregon radio station, describing Hike it Baby as "a platform to bring families together."
The website has challenges, like 30 miles in 30 days, and 30 minutes outside every day and offers advice on equipment from backpacks to strollers.
The rule is that no one is left behind, so the hike can take a lot longer than it might if you were going alone.
But it would not be as much fun alone, members say.
Sarah Marchand of Nashua has always been a hiker. She and her 20-month-old son Theo were on the trail, Tuesday with Hike it Baby, being led by 3-year-old Sam. Theo would get in and out of the backpack and he was a ham for the camera.
Jen Buck of Portsmouth was on the trail as well with Maddie, 19 months. With Kristin Talcott, they are the co-leaders of the Portsmouth group.
"I like that it is so inclusive," she said. Fathers are more often on the trails on the weekends while weekdays draws more of a mommy crowd. All are learning from each other.
The babies are about 25 pounds each so hiking with them can be strenuous. The hikes range from short and easy to long.
At Wagon Hill Farm in Durham there is a Hike it Baby hike May 30 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
On June 6, National Trails Day, another hike is planned for Mount Major in Alton and for Lake Massabesic in Auburn. The Monadnock group plans a hike at the Bruce Edes Forest May 28 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Each Monday in June, a hike is planned in Mine Falls Park in Nashua.
You can get all the information at www.hikeitbaby.com and get outside with your babies.
     
Information originally from WMUR9

An Open Letter from Candidate for Lebanon Selectman, Corinna Cole.

Hello, my name is Corinna Cole, I would like your vote for Selectman on June 9th, 2015.

I am running for Selectman because I love Lebanon. I have lived her for over 30 years and want it to be a place my children can be proud of, can afford to live and will always want to call home.... Also I have been involved in the community over the years in many ways. When I see a problem, I work to fix it... or at least find someone who can! Again and again I have heard, "you have to have the Selectmen initiate that..." So I figured why not become one!

Personally, I completed the certification to become a Maine Master Gardener this past year. There are so many Community projects that I am involved in through this program, such as Kids Can Grow and Maine Harvest for the Hungry. I would also like to start a community vegetable garden in Lebanon and create volunteer "pocket" gardens throughout the town.

Professionally, I am very interested in improving the business culture in Lebanon. I have owned Bluebird Promotions, a Marketing & Promotional business since 2005. I am an avid business networker, which promted me to start a chapter of Showcase Business Networking in Lebanon in 2011, which ran for almost 2 years. I am in the process of gathering information to create a business directory and perhaps start another networking group in the near future.

In my neighborhood, I have been a member of the Indian Lake Shores Improvement Association since 1985. Serving as the Vice President for the last 8 years. I have worked in the past with the York County Sheriff's Department to develop a Crime Watch and currently re-establishing that program with the Maine State Police to combat some neighborhood issues we are having. I was Certified as a Courtesy Boat Inspector at the 2013 Maine Milfoil Summit in February, allowing Spaulding Pond to be eligible for matching grants to fight a growing Milfoil infestation.

On the town level, I have been on two Comprehensive Planning Committees and I was elected as the Chairman of the current Comprehensive Planning Committee. Not having a Comprehensive Plan and lack of zoning has cost Lebanon millions of dollars. Such as potential business development opportunities, an example being the Shaw's distribution center that was looking at property on Route 202, decided to go elsewhere. Another example of lost opportunity...6 million dollars in grants that were earmarked for repairs of churches in historical zoned areas, unfortunately went to churches in other towns.

I have initiated many petitions over the years, such as Referendum 1 on last year's ballot. It passed and requires the Town of Lebanon to video tape meetings and make them accessible on the Town website. Allowing citizens who cannot participate in regularly scheduled meetings to keep current with what is happening in town. It may also go a long way in helping keep our government transparent and accountable which seem to be an important issue these days.

In light of some of the problems our Town has been recently experiencing. It is time to revisit that issue of having a Town Manager. The people of our town did see value in this once and a Referendum to have a Town Manager was passed (another Referendum that I initiated by petition). Only to be turned down the next year when the Selectmen at the time, who did not support a Town Manager, proposed an unreasonably high salary and an option to override the change in government without even giving the peoples decision to have a Town Manager a chance.

I understand being a Selectman is a lot of work, if you vote for me, I can assure you that I have the time and the energy to devote to the position. If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact me at corinna.cole@gmail.com or at 603-834-2030. You can also see my Facebook page Corinna Cole for Selectman, Lebanon ME. I am ready for the challenge! Please vote for me, Corinna Cole, on June 9, 2015. Thank you.

P.S. Just because so many people ask, no disrespect intended... I am not related to former Selectman Jason Cole.

May 26th Town Meeting to Discuss Referendum Questions Holds a Few Surprises.

About eighty Lebanon residents were gathered at the Lebanon Elementary School tonight, ready to ask questions, or listen to explanations on the proposed referendums scheduled to appear on the June 9, 2015 Town Ballot.
I was pleased to see the meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag.
The meeting was opened by Board of Selectman Ben Thompson at roughly 4 minutes past 7 PM.
The first person that was introduced was Mr. Ernie Lizotte.
As Mr. Lizotte made his way to the front of the room, he held in his hands, a piece of green cloth. He spoke about his late wife, Ethel, and the many years she had been a member of Lebanon town government and the many things she had done to volunteer. Then he began to unfold the piece of green cloth with the assistance of two young women, and the residents who were present were amazed when he offered a beautiful flag, which his wife had created for the town. It had taken Mrs. Lizotte 3 years to complete the labor of love, and Ernie was so proud and so emotional donating her work, started for the Town's Bicentennial year, to the Town, accepted by Town Office Employee, Sue Collins.

 

Ernie explained that the logs represented the original industry of Lebanon, which was the milling of logs. The shape in green in the center is the outline of the town map. 1767 is the year that the town was incorporated, and the pine tree in the center is for Maine, the Pine Tree State, and in the center of the pine tree, a likeness of Gully Oven. On the end of each of the logs was an embroidered picture, featured are the Lebanon Town Hall, Blaisdell Corner Schoolhouse, Lebanon Academy, and Lebanon Rail Road Station. Finally, his wife Ethel had chosen the background color of green, as it represented new and continued growth, and the white fringe around the border, well that was for God keeping us all safe. 

Following Mr. Lizottes emotional presentation, State Representative Karen Gerrish was welcomed and she took the podium, giving to the Town, a United States Flag, that had flown over our Capital Building in Augusta, along with a State of Maine flag. She also called upon the Chief of our Fire and Rescue Departments, Daniel Meehan, to come forward and she presented him with similar flags.

 

 

 

State Representative Gerrish then called to the front, the family of our town's beloved Road Commissioner, the late Larry Torno. Daughter Angela was moved to tears and bouts of weeping as Representative Gerrish read a special proclamation recognizing her father in the Maine House of Representatives. Most of the people in the room wept openly along with Angela as we all felt the pain of her father's loss, but also understanding the enormity of her personal loss, and the great loss to Mr. Torno's entire family.

The Moderator for the Town Meeting was introduced, an Attorney from the law offices of Bernstein Shur of Portland, Maine, which represents the town in litigation matters. She took the lecturn and announced the ground rules for the meeting, which were really basic Town Meeting rules, with a reminder to be respectful, and a 2 minute or less, per person, allotment of time.

Mrs. Rebekah Thompson spoke on Referendum 1, telling the residents why it was important to the Lebanon Festival Committee to appropriate $1,500 for the Festival Committee's use, reminding the gathering that 2017 will be the Town's 250th Celebration and that they were hoping for a very big Festival in that year as a way for the town to celebrate together.

Ms. Corinna Cole, Candidate for Selectman in the upcoming election, spoke regarding Referendum 2 and her support of a Town Manager to be hired by the Town. There was quite a bit of discussion regarding this issue, with comments added in favor of a Town Manager from Budget Committee members Chris Gilpatrick and Chip Harlow. Former Town Clerk, Laura Bragg presented a State Statute regarding the work of a Town Manager that was helpful in reassuring some of the folks who were still on the fence about creating this position, as it answered questions as to who would oversee the Town Manager, that the Selectmen had the right to set his salary, and that as an employee rather than an elected official, if there were problems that arose, what the town's recourse could be. Selectman Paul Philbrick spoke in opposition to the hiring of a Town Manager as he was not ready to start looking for someone to fill that position without a more detailed idea of what the Manager's position would include. Selectman Royce Heath also admitted to not being in favor of this position as he felt that adding one more person to town government was unnecessary. Select Board Chairman Ben Thompson, however, voiced his approval of this idea, saying it would ease the already overstretched burden on the Board of Selectmen and make it easier for them to function doing the jobs they were supposed to be doing.

Questions by Eric Neubert and Rebecca Beal regarding whether or not the $60,000.00 proposed salary would be including benefits and insurance, and Corinna Cole, the sponsor of the Citizens Referendum, answered that the benefits and insurance would be considered in addition to the $60,000. proposed. Chip Harlow mentioned that a $60,000 salary was low for someone in a Town Manager's position and worried that for that money we wouldn't get the quality Manager that the town had been seeking for the past few years.

Harrison Thorp ended the resident's discussion on the two Town Manager Referendums by saying that this was an idea "who's time has come!" There was quite a giggle when he added, "Well, we worked out Obamacare, we can work this out! Stop dragging your feet!"

Referendum 4 deals directly with the last remaining issue of the former Lebanon Rescue Department Inc. What is left to do with this old business is a final approval from town voters to transfer the last remaining balances from the defunct department's "Enterprise Fund" into the General Fund of the town. Lebanon Assistant Fire Chief, Dan Roy, stood to question the amount of money remaining in that fun, and Selectman Thompson answered there is about $18,500.

When the talk turned to Referendum 5, resident Laura Bragg had more than one question, but reminded folks, amid much good natured kidding, that as an employee of the Town, she'd had to remain silent for 15 years, but now she was free to talk and was going to exercise that right, saying that it made her so happy to finally be able to speak! This Referendum deals specifically with the Selectmen's rights to enter into a longer contract for certain town services so that they don't have to set them out for bid each and every year. Chip Harlow of the Budget Committee spoke in favor of this saying that it added a "stability" to the budget process. Ms. Bragg asked what specific contracts would this include, as the language of the Referendum does not state that specifically. Selectman Thompson mentioned snow plowing, while Selectman Philbrick said he has specifically thought of the Town Office cleaning and the Municipal Cemetery and Town Property lawn mowing contract.

Referendum 6 did not receive much talk until after Selectman Thompson took a moment to speak about it. This Referendum deals with the ability of the Town to accept monetary gifts and to use them for the exact purpose for which they were given. Budget Committee member Judy Churchard asked questions about Endowment Funds and Trust Funds, which Selectman Thompson spoke about, saying that in this economy with lower than low interest rates, when a monetary trust only gives 1/2 of the interest accrued on a yearly basis, trusts and endowment funds don't work as well for the Town as they have in the past.

Referendum 7 was the winner of the most conversation and questions of the night. This Referendum speaks about whether or not the Town should offer Elected Selectmen insurance through the Town's Health Insurance program. Selectman Paul Philbrick stated that he had personally asked that this Referendum be added to the ballot. Once you read Referendum 8, that specifically asks if the Town should fund Health Insurance for it's elected Road's Commissioner, Philbrick thought it was important to word this Referendum so that the town's voters would know that the Health Insurance question of Referendum 8 was not for ALL elected officials, but ONLY for the Roads Commissioner, and the Selectman's question would then become separate from the Road Commissioner. Chip Harlow was recognized asking why the three Selectmen had chosen to Recommend or Not Recommend this to the Town's Voters, the first of one of his many comments on the night on "Conflict of Interest", but Selectman Thompson said that he personally thought it was important to let the Town's Voters know exactly where each of the Board Members stood on this issue. Royce Heath added a comment that he had chosen to say YES, and Recommend this Referendum to the Voters as the Town had offered Health Insurance to Selectmen for years. That sparked quite a few furrowed brows and raised hands. Judy Churchard commented that the Town had NEVER offered benefits to it's Selectmen and Laura Bragg questioned where Royce had heard that this had been offered. Ben Thompson stood to answer those questions that in 2010 it was discussed as an offering due to the amount of hours that a single Selectman had put in with the town, stating that the amount of hours one works has direct bearing on whether or not the Town should be offering health insurance. A knowing head shake and sigh was audible while everyone realized the former Selectman that was referred to and then Fire Department Volunteer Eric Neubert questioned what the amount of hours would be for an elected official to work before being offered Town health insurance. Thompson answered that the threshold was currently set at 25 hours, but that the Town was looking to increase that to 32 hours as there were some who were willing to work a little harder, but who were being held back from their work due to the amount of hours they were working. The final comment came from Budget Committeeman, Chip Harlow who suggested that if people were hired or elected to more than one position within the town, their hours should count separately for each department, rather than being lumped all together. He also stated that there were a few in the room who worked for more than one department and he again questioned "Conflict of Interest".

There was much discussion on Referendum question 8 as well, the language regarding Health Insurance for an elected Road Commissioner. The Lebanon Voice's Harrison Thorp stood to ask why all of the Budget Committee members had voted against funding for this position. Chris Gilpatrick stood to answer Mr. Thorp and a lot of talk was thrown about regarding how guys come in working for the Road Crew and billing for the use of their 1 ton trucks, and walk away owning their own construction companies from the profit they are making. Gilpatrick added that making over $35,000 a year plus the Town paying for fuel was sure a hefty amount of money for an elected official to be making. At that time I also stood on behalf of current Road Supervisor Tom Torno. I stated that I had no idea who's truck he used or what his pay scale was, but that Mr. Torno could not possibly work a "regular job" because of all the hours that he put in for the Town of Lebanon. I spoke about being at weekly Selectman's meetings and hearing all the work that Mr. Torno was doing in a day's time, his quest for free or "experimental" road materials and grants, his calls from citizens that he takes personally and how much help he has been in addressing citizen complaints regarding sand in the roads, bumpy roads, potholes and more on a daily basis. Mr. Gilpatrick assured me that he too had sat in on many Selectman's meetings, and that as a business owner himself, he hated seeing people taking advantage of the Town Payroll and using it to build up a business of their own while the Town basically paid their truck and house payments along with their fuel expenses.

There were no questions at all on the Referendum 9 question to raise and appropriate the sum of $215,748.00 for the operation, upkeep and purchase of equipment for the Lebanon Fire Department.

Referendum 10, however, the question regarding a $50,000 amount to be placed in a Reserve Fund for the purchase of major equipment for the Fire Department met with some questions. Candidate for Selectman, Corinna Cole asked why some of the Budget Committee had voted not to recommend this money to the voters. Chip Harlow stood and answered that he was not happy with the spending of money on the new Jaws of Life from the reserve fund this year. At this time, Fire Department Volunteer Eric Neubert stood to defend the department's need to replace the 12 year old outdated Jaws the department had already owned. He also added that the Department had received a $60,000 grant for new and improved breathing apparatus that was essential for the department. This equipment, he explained, was recharged with an old air compressor that finally just up and died on them and the need to replace that compressor was immediate. That equipment too, came from the Reserve Fund and that the entire department was grateful for the Town permitting their purchase. At that time, Selectman Heath, after hearing the department's emergency need and knowing that in the event of immediate need, going to the town for an increased budget request would have taken longer than the department could have afforded to wait, admitted that he had also chosen to not recommend this Referendum to the voters, but that he was now changing his decision and would recommend this Reserve Fund be continued by the Town.

Referendum 11, listed on the Ballot as being recommended by 7 of the 8 Budget Committee members, was noted as incorrect by Committee member Bettie Harris Howard. She amended the numbers to show that all 8 of the Committee members had voted to Recommend the amount of $256,695.00 for the Lebanon Rescue Department.

Referendum 12, the Referendum we all thought would bring a lot of questions and concerns, met with little in the way of conversation. Department Volunteer, Eric Neubert rose to speak for the entire membership of the Lebanon Fire Department saying that the members were "fully behind this". Neubert added that under the new Chief, the members of both Fire and Rescue Departments had been working together what he termed a "combined mindset" for months now. "We want this," he added, "our two departments go hand in hand, they should be combined." Selectman Thompson stated that there were many members who were currently "cross trained" or who were currently in training to be able to work in both the EMT / Rescue aspect of the position, as well as in the Firefighting positions. Rebecca Beal stood and asked if there might be a cost savings due to the departments being joined, and Thompson stated "Yes, as we progress through this, and as a town, there should be".

It was at this time that Selectman Thompson chose to address the elephant in the room. The "Illegal Ballot Question" that was on everyone's mind, but had yet to be spoken. According to Selectman Thompson, the "Rumors, and okay, outright lies on Facebook" regarding the legality of this Referendum question were untrue. "Home rule prevails" he added, stating that Town Counsel had gone over this question completely. Thompson read from the original June 8, 2010 Town Vote article being sited by the Town's most controversial pages, and afterwards he stated that there was "Nothing to do" with the allegations being made against the illegality of this particular Referendum. "This vote would completely override the 2010 one", he finished.

The Moderator moved onward to Referendums 13, 14, 15, and 16 without comment or question.

Referendum 17 brought a bit of tense banter between the Moderator and Budget Committee member Chris Gilpatrick. The Moderator asked him to please state his question and comments in their entirety before she would ask anyone to respond. Gilpatrick stood his ground, stating "I am a taxpayer in this Town and when I have something to say, I should be heard!" The Moderator did allow him to continue, even though she did note that he form in which he was asking his questions was not correct and that she would prefer if he would not promote a back and forth debate, but rather state his question and his statement directed to her, and then she would direct the question to the correct party to answer. Mr. Gilpatrick wanted a specific answer as to which of the Selectmen had spoken to recommend this Referendum to the voters. Selectman Heath stated right away that he had voted to not recommend the $150,000 amount requested specifically for road paving. Another citizen who spoke several times during the evening, but I could not make out his name, questioned if the Town had received any FEMA monies for the problems we'd had in the past years with storm damage. Selectman Thompson said that to his knowledge, no FEMA money had been obtained by the Town, however they were still waiting to see if they were approved for money from January's damage from Winter Storm Juno, as that had not yet been resolved. Thompson added that there was money available from a program he called, L-RAP, which provided money for project where the expected lifespan was 10 years or greater. Chris Gilpatrick said that this had been an issue with him for years. He talked about Road Crew employees using their own 1 ton trucks and billing the town $550 per day, "for that kind of money," he stated, "the Town could own and maintain their own fleet of trucks!" Gilpatrick went on to say that the Road Crews in town were not managed well, and that he continually saw them operating machinery without the proper safety gear. "If someone gets hurt, they'll sue the town. Everyone's in it (the Road Crew) for the money," he added, saying that every year he urges the voters to say NO to this funding, and every year they vote it back in. Corinna Cole said that she had been going over budgets for the Road Crew and that last year there were laborers who made over $60,000.00 for the year, agreeing with Gilpatrick that this was unacceptable. Seletman Thompson added a statement saying, "I don't have the guts to tear down this Town's budget the way I should be, but yes, we probably could support our own trucks."  Resident Ernie Lizotte didn't seem to like the tone of the conversation, and he stood on behalf of Road Commissioner Larry Torno. "This town has never had a better Road Commissioner than Larry Torno," he said, "I sure hope we don't let him down."

Referendums 17, 18, 19, and 20 met with only a few comments, but Referendum 21, the Referendum to pay the Selectmen $12 an hour for their work, met with some opposition. There were questions on "double dipping" with regards to whether folks who worked for 2 separate departments were always paid the higher rate, but the answers were clear that they would receive the rate for whatever job they were doing at the time. Chip Harlow chimed in regarding "one family" that works at the transfer station and complained about going to the transfer station and finding no one there and full containers, and added that one of the transfer station employees (questioning specifically Ronald Patch) was a salaried employee, but that statement was quickly shot down by both Selectman Thompson and Budget Committee member Judy Churchard as untrue. All transfer station employees are hourly. I asked after a Facebook question from a local resident regarding the statement made by Selectmen the night of the Budget Committee meeting where they stated that the three would take a cut in pay from $36,000 a year down to $32,000 a year as they wanted to add a part time counter clerk / data entry position to the Town Office Staff. If the pay rate is $12 an hour for the Selectmen, how did they plan on cutting their yearly pay amount without cutting their hours? The answer was that they would be budgeted at $32,000, but if they went over that amount of money, the money would be taken from the General Fund to pay for the excess. I might be a bit on the thick side, but to me, that's no guarantee that the Select Board will be cut any money on their pay at all. Just that the additional would be taken from another fund. Selectman Thompson has promised to sit down and explain it to me at a later date in more detail.

Referendum number 22, asking the voters to appropriate $357.940.00 for Town Office expenses including Elections and Selectmen's wages brought the Town Office question back again, this time coming from newly able to speak, former Town Clerk, Laura Bragg. She asked if there were plans to cut the hours of current office staff in order to help fund the new part time office staff position that was being considered. Selectmen Thompson stated that there had been no decision made on that yet, but that "it could happen".

Referendum 24 speaks to the appropriation of money for the care and upkeep of municipal buildings. Resident Rebecca Beal asked if the Old Town Hall on Center Road was included in this amount of money. Selectman Thompson answered with a speedy "No", but Budget Committee member, Chip Harlow was recognized and questioned Selectman Thompson on his speedy reply, stating that the Old Town Hall is still considered a municipal building, to which Thompson replied that yes, it was a town owned building, but was not being used for any reason by the Town at this time.

Referendum 25 brought some discussion on the anger of town residents at the loss of the former building code enforcement officer. Chris Gilpatrick spoke on the former enforcement officer's behalf stating that he had heard the dispute that led the Code Enforcement officer to part ways with the town was as little as $1,000. He asked the Selectmen to answer to that, but they refused, with Thompson stating in an all too familiar way, that it was a "personnel issue" that he was not going to address.

Referendums 26, 27 found no questions or comments.

I did personally speak on Referendum 28, the request for $35,900.00 for legal fees for the Town. My objection was that our current Town Counsel, and Town Government has done nothing to protect the residents, children, and Town Volunteers from slander, harassment and stalking. I mentioned specifically the Town Fire and Rescue Department Volunteers. I mentioned many of them by name. I spoke of the great job they are doing and how not one of them deserved the hand they were being dealt. I spoke about the need to stop the use of the Town name and Town Department names. How we needed to stop the use of the Town Patch and photos of Town vehicles. I spoke about being sick about no representation against this type of harassment for people who are volunteering for our Town Departments and how sick I am of the hush-hush "pending investigation" speech. I stated that $35,000.00 was not enough of a legal fee allocation to stop this from continuing to happen. I actually got a little emotional looking at our Town Volunteers all seated in the back row. "They are good men and women, and they deserve our protection". At that point, the Moderator silenced me, and I didn't argue.

Referendums 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 all passed by with little conversation or question, but Referendum 34, which speaks to a $3,000 appropriation for the operation of the "Comprehensive Plan Committee" saw a question from me, asking what exactly this committee is and what they need $3,000 for. Corinna Cole, stood and said that she was also the chair for that committee. She directed me to several handouts that she had prepared regarding this committee. I would have rather had an answer, but took the handouts to read later. Budget Committee member Nancy Neubert spoke stating that this was a 3 year progressive plan that would, over the proposed time, cost the town a total of $23,000.00. Budget Committee member Judy Chruchard stated that they had begun work on this already, but that a former Committee director had all the records in his personal home and was no longer answering phone calls or allowing access to these records. "He has all our information and we can't get to it." she stated.

Referendum 35, 36, 37, 38, 39. 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 all met with no discussion.

As soon as the Moderator announced there was no discussion, Budget Committee member Chip Harlow jumped up motioning that the meeting be adjourned, but there was one more question, asked in different forms by two local residents. If all of the Referendums on the June 9th ballot pass, what is the Town of Lebanon looking at for a MIL Rate?  Selectman Ben Thompson answered that the calculations come out to a MIL Rate of about 16.0 a difference of about $1.10 per thousand from our current 14.9 MIL rate.

The Moderator asked if there were any other questions or concerns, and finding none, she adjourned the Town Meeting at about 1 minute after 10 PM.