This Selectmen's Meeting, June 15, 2015 was the 2nd meeting for new Selectman, Paul Nadeau. Chairman Ben Thompson presides as Chairman of the Board, and Selectman Royce Heath completes the trio. Thank You to Jenna Cole for her videography skills and her help in taping this meeting and Chris Gilpatrick for allowing us to use his video camera.
The video is broken down into 5 parts for several reasons. There was an adjournment, a move from the smaller Selectman's Office to a room large enough to accommodate attending taxpayers, the need to plug in the video camera, and then a change of video camera operators. Plus this was a 4 1/2 hour long meeting, so recording in several smaller sections makes it easier for you to view the information that you're interested in.
There was some confusion prior to the beginning of the video recording on just how to operate the camera, so what is not on recording is the talk between Selectmen and Road Commissioner Tom Torno. As always, Mr. Torno came in prepared and spoke to the board on several projects he was working on or which needed some discussion. Torno mentioned that there was $28,000.00 sitting in a Capital Account that had been earmarked for the Road Commissioner for the purchase of equipment. Since the Department has already purchased the equipment, he was asking if that money was there for his use on other projects. Thompson answered, "You can take it legally, but that account is earmarked as a savings for equipment. The problem then becomes, if you take that money, the next time you want equipment it will be hard. The public won't forget."
There was some discussion on town funds and what was available to help with the work needed on some of our town's roads. One project was located at the Lebanon Transfer Station, about $1,880.00, and Road Commissioner Torno was asking if that should come out of his budget, or that of Transfer Station Manager, Ronal Patch. Ben Thompson stated that the paving of Transfer Station property had always come from the Transfer Station budget so he wasn't sure why that should change and come from the Road Commissioner's budget, but Thompson and Heath decided to table the discussion until Thursday night, 6/18/24 meeting after asking Selectman Nadeau's opinion. The final word from Torno is that he's expecting the paving work on Varney St. to be completed this week.
According to Selectman Heath, there is in the area of $120,860.00 in the Roads Account, however $28,000 of that is the aforementioned money in the Capital Account that was in question as to the parameters of its use, and currently proposed projects total about $8,800.00 Looking for a possible aid to funding this project, Selectman Thompson asked Treasurer Jeanette Lemay for some account totals. The town has a little over $1.9 million in their coffers at this time, however, that only amounts to about $619,000 after Lebanon's portion of MSAD60 payments, which is still available, until October when tax payments will again come due. This money includes all necessities including Town Payroll.
For your first part of the video recording some words with newly appointed Road Commissioner Tom Torno, some conversation with Lebanon Treasurer Jeanette Lemay, and some work done with Assessing Secretary Sue Collins. Ms. Collins also noted that departed Selectman Paul Philbrick had filled out paperwork for the Maine State Surplus Equipment Agency, naming himself as the contact person, and she was unsure if it should still be filed. Thomson wanted the paperwork filed, removing Philbrick as contact and giving the job to new Selectman, Paul Nadeau. Part 1 of the video ends with Lebanon Fire and Rescue Chief, Daniel Meehan asks for a 5 minute recess to speak with Selectman Ben Thompson. Recess of the meeting was granted.
Selectman's Meeting June 15, 2015, Part 1.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBU4jNEzC-k
Part 2 is the shortest video section. Selectman Thompson returns from his 5 minute recess with the Fire and Rescue Chief and announces that the Chief was concerned about the meeting space Selectmen were using being in non-compliance with State and Local Fire Codes. Chief Meehan advises that they will have to move the meeting to another venue. It was agreed that when the Town Office closed at 5 pm, the meeting would be moved from the tiny office in the back corner with only 1 entrance/exit and poor ventilation, to the main lobby of the Town Office.
You will see here, the Selectmen have chosen to continue their meeting, waiting for the Town Office to officially close so that they can move the meeting out into the outer lobby of the building to be in compliance with State Fire Codes. While we were waiting for 5 pm, the Selectmen took some time to address the appointments of the July 1, 2015- June 30, 2016 Fiscal Year Town Officers.
Signed Appointments included:
Mary Kinney - Lebanon Maine Animal Control Officer
Michael Beaulieu - Code Enforcement Officer / Health Officer / 911 Director
Christine Torno - Registrar of Voters
Tom Torno - Road Commissioner
Jeanette Lemay - FOAA Oficer and Lebanon Maine Treasurer
Mandy Grenier - Lebanon Town Clerk and Lebanon Tax Collector
Daniel Meehan - Lebanon Fire Chief and Lebanon Rescue Chief
Ken Hall - Interim Code Enforcement Officer
There was some question as to why Daniel Meehan needed two separate appointments, one as Fire Chief and a second as Rescue Chief when the Lebanon Town Voters had voted on June 9, 2015 to combine the departments as one. The actual voters referendum was read by Selectman Royce Heath which revealed that the two Departments were combined for budget purposes, Town Clerk Mandy Grenier explains the situation saying that if there are two separate titles held, such as her own two of Lebanon Tax Collector and Lebanon Town Clerk, even though she is only one person, two sets of appointment paperwork need to be signed.
The meeting was adjourned temporarily while attendees moved their belongings, chairs, and tables out into the main lobby of the Town Office.
See Part 2 of the Selectmen's Meeting Video from 6/15/15 here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZWtSwOJlu0
Part 3 of Monday night, June 13, 2015 Selectmen's Meeting video is a little longer. Deborah Dorey Wilson of the Lebanon Maine Truth Seekers presents several motions for the consideration of the Board of Selectmen.
The first, a motion to move the venue of the Board of Selectmen's meetings to be held in a larger venue. Stated is the fact that the meetings being held in a small office is in violation of several violations including Americans with Disabilities Act violations and State and Local Fire Codes. It is stated that I had heard from many local people that they do not feel comfortable attending Selectman's Meetings in Lebanon due to the small and confined quarters of their current meeting space. This also goes directly against the Public Meeting and Freedom of Information Acts which require access to all residents ability to access all Public town's meetings.
The second motion speaks directly to the publication of Selectmen's Meeting minutes either by video, in writing, or both in accordance with Freedom of Information Act requirements. There was some discussion by voters and taxpayers regarding the FoIA access to meeting minutes.
The third motion was specific to the Selectmen's Meeting of June 11, 2015 in which several motions were brought forth by Selectmen Heath and Nadeau after the Board had gone into a long Executive Session with an irate town resident. There had been no announcement that the Board would reconvene after the Executive Session had ended and the motions were not made public on the Selectmen's Meeting Agenda so that taxpayers and voters would have a chance to speak on their thoughts regarding said motion. One of the motions, on Nadeau's first meeting as a seated Selectman, had spoken directly to the "grandfathering" of select Town Employees of the Lebanon Transfer Station, in which Nadeau and Heath had motioned and seconded the motion while Thompson had voted against the motion. There was a lot of taxpayer and voter conversation on this particular motion, questions on Conflict of Interest laws. There were a lot of "I didn't know" answers from Nadeau. There was a lot of discussion of what belongs on the Weekly Meeting Agenda and what can and can not be included in the "Other Business" heading of the Weekly Agenda. Lebanon Truth Seeker, Sandy Adams, addresses Heath and Nadeau as to their continued employment at the Transfer Station and calls for their resignation from their Employment there.
The fourth motion is calling for the Lebanon Maine Town Selectmen choose and appoint a Committee to create a Town Charter. A Town Charter is important to set articles and guidelines that clearly define the powers and responsibilities of each area of town government. They define accessibility standards, as defined by the Maine Municipal Association. There was some discussion as to how quickly a Lebanon Town Charter could be constructed, and who would be appointed or elected to the Committee.
Resident and Taxpayer discussion was allowed. Nadeau stated that June 20, 2015 was going to be his last day at the Lebanon Transfer Station. He stated in public meeting that he would not work after 6/20/15. Likewise Selectman Royce Heath stated that he would not work after June 30, 2015. Resident Chip Harlow noted that neither man has written their letter of resignation giving their last day in writing, and it was agreed by both men that they had not yet written those letters. Late comer to the Meeting, Teri Porier, asked for clarification on some issues and the Selectmen and residents did their best to answer her concerns. Thompson states that this possible problem had been discussed for weeks amongst the prior Selectmen's Board, even though later in the meeting, Heath claims to have never given the matter "any thought". Resident Chip Harlow takes the time to explain Conflict of Interest laws in laymen's terms. Watch as both Heath and Nadeau try to blame Thompson for presenting the motion, and Thompson has to use the June 11, 2015 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes to refresh their memories on exactly how this motion was made by Selectman Nadeau at 6:40 pm after Transfer Station Manager and duo Selectman boss Ronal Patch came into the meeting and presented a letter asking where he stood in regards to being "grandfathered" as to continuing to retain his town paid benefits and 6 weeks of vacation pay. Residents erupted into disbelief as Heath claims to have thought he was voting to accept the letter from Patch, but agrees that if the motion was regarding "grandfathering" of benefits for the Transfer Station Manager, it is conflict of interest and says he is "Guilty as Charged".
See Part 3 of the Lebanon Selectmen's Meeting of June 15, 2015 HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1HpA52_swc
In Part 3A of the video tape of the June 15, 2015 Lebanon Board of Selectman's Meeting, is named 3A as it is a continuation of the discussion between Select Board Members and Taxpayers regarding several of the motions presented by Selectmen Heath and Nadeau off of the pre-scheduled Agenda. Transparency in the election process is discussed. The statement was made by Nadeau at the Town Polling Station at the Lebanon Elementary School that the banners were a gift from his boss. However, during this meeting, he says they were a gift, and when reminded of his comment, he denies Patch's involvement. He then goes on to say that former Selectman and Assistant Rescue Chief Jason Cole was involved in the sign's procurement, however, after first stating they were a gift from Cole, Nadeau suddenly remembers paying for those signs himself. Lebanon Truth Seeker, Sandy Adams is angered by this statement and has words with Nadeau. Lebanon Truth Seeker Deborah Dorey Wilson has words for Selectman Heath for being a good Selectman for the beginning of his term and now turning against the residents and taxpayers of Lebanon in favor of a power trip with his Transfer Station co-worker, which is met with applause and agreement. Heath, while listening to residents disapproval of his actions, seems to find it funny that people are angered with him over his actions, but that only serves to upset residents even more.
Watch as residents demand the motions made by "surprise" on June 11, 2015 be over turned and the motion is made to return to a 35 hour Federal standard for being considered for full time benefits for an employee, as Heath apologizes yet again saying he "thought they were voting on the acceptance of Patch's letter" and the history is revealed on how the 25 hour "full time" designation was originally put in place by Patch and fellow former Selectman Jason Cole when they were both seated Selectmen and employed by Town Departments. Chip Harlow does a great job of schooling our new Selectman, Paul Nadeau on the importance of "putting on his Selectmen's hat" and leaving his friendships and personal feelings outside the door and performing the duties of Selectman. Nadeau, who had been eloquent enough to make the motion on June 11, 2015, turns to Thompson to pen the motion to revert back to 35 hour requirement for being considered for Town of Lebanon full time benefits. Residents applaud the decision to revert the June 11, motion and vote back to the requirement for 35 hour full time benefit requirements.
A break in the discussion of June 11th motions was taken to hear a visitor from New Covenant Church in N. Berwick as he makes their Food Pantry available to Lebanon Maine residents. As discussed, in the near future, the New Covenant Food Pantry will be coming to the Town Office Parking lot once a month on a Wednesday for Lebanon residents to access Food Pantry givings. It is noted that they are not in competition with the Lebanon Food Pantry, located at the First Parish Congregational Church, but that they are offering their food in addition to that offered by the Lebanon Food Pantry. The N. Berwick group is also going to be working on a delivery program to local area shut ins and elderly of their food items.
Talk returns to the June 11 surprise motions. Specifically regarding the motion and pass of the abandonment of the Town's purchase order requirement for Department Heads in Lebanon. Heath and Nadeau had tag teamed fellow Selectman Thompson and abolished all financial and fiscal accountability via purchase orders. Heath defends his motion saying that the idea was to protect Department Heads from having to fill out and spend time at the Town Office asking for $5 to $20 at a time for "little emergencies". Selectman Thompson outlines the Town's looking into a paid procurement card for Department Heads to with $300 threshold amounts. Mr. Heath still refuses to make a motion to reverse the abolishment of the purchase order system. At 1 hour 10 minutes, Selectman Paul Neadeau agrees to motion to reverse the abolishment of the Purchase Order System and return to the use of purchase orders for the spending of all Department money.
The final June 11, 2015 "secret" motion the decision to appoint resident Tom Torno as Acting Road Commissioner is addressed. Beginning at 1 hour and 20 minutes on the video, see the arguments made in regards to Tom Torno's appointment in secrecy and the failure of Selectmen Heath and Nadeau to discuss the differences in the two appointments, Road Supervisor vs. Road Commissioner with Mr. Torno and watch and listen as the residents rally on behalf of Tom Torno and not against him as reported by other local news reporters. You make your own decision as to if Town residents were acting against Mr. Torno or in his behalf.
See Part 3A of the June 15, 2015 Lebanon Selectmen's Meeting HERE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96Pn4PadiFo
The final 17 minutes of the June 15, 2015 Selectmen's meeting continues with further discussion of the "surprise" appointment of Tom Torno as Lebanon Road Commissioner. Selectman Heath still continues to submit that he did the right thing by appointing Tom as Road Commissioner. It's discussed that after the late night motion and tag team vote on June 11, 2015, Selectman Heath came into the Town Office on Friday morning, June 12, 2015 and had the Town Clerk, Mandy Grenier, swear Tom Torno into office in a hasty and unattended moment. It was finally decided that the Selectman would counsel Mr. Torno on the difference between the Town Employed Road Supervisor and the Town Appointed Road Commissioner positions and the difference in what he would gain or lose in each position. It was agreed to revisit this motion and the outcome of the discussion with Mr. Torno and his decision regarding his position on Thursday evening, June 18, 2015.
At the end of this final video segment, the Board of Selectmen attend to some payroll responsibilities, most residents left at that point being satisfied that most of the issues had been resolved, but vowing to return on Thursday night to hear the outcome of Tom Torno's decision and how this is going to be handled by the Board of Selectmen. The meeting was formally adjourned just a little after 8:30 pm and clean up of the front lobby of the Town Office took place before everyone left the building.
See the final minutes, Part 4, of the June 15, 2015 Lebanon Selectmen's Meeting HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-DguaMiFHQ
