On the February 1, 2016 Board of Selectmen's Meeting Agenda, Town Treasurer Jeanette Lemay was listed as "Discussion".
During this discussion, the Board questioned Ms. Lemay regarding an e mail sent to all town department heads during the day on Monday, outlining some changes in purchasing.
The e mail ,which LMTS has not seen, apparently was in direct relation to recent Budget Committee conversations and Facebook posts regarding "late fees" as charged to different department budgets.
The late fees, have sometimes been charged back to separate department budgets due to the use of a quicker method of payment, the town's credit card, which is for use for department heads when the need of a speedy or last minute payment is needed.
The town currently does Accounts Payables every 2 weeks, and depending on when the Treasurer receives the invoice in direct relation to the scheduled AP date, sometimes the payment is late getting to the credit card company. In this case, a late payment is generated.
According to Treasurer Lemay, the Department heads have all been made fully aware that if they utilize the town's credit cards, and the payment is late and generates a late fee, that fee would be split between the department budgets that utilized the card during that month.
Lemay contends that she remains the fiduciary of the Town of Lebanon accounts and that she has not been comfortable with the questions of "fault" or "blame" for several rounds of budget discussions where Committee members have questioned the late payment charges, and therefore, as the holder of Lebanon credit card accounts, Lemay has suspended these accounts until things can be worked out with the Board of Selectmen.
Until further notice, all town departments may only make purchases through normal AP procedure of submitting a purchase order, having the purchase order approved by Selectmen, and waiting until the next scheduled AP date to receive a check for their purchases, or they may order supplies through several pre-approved companies that the Town of Lebanon holds billing accounts with.
Furthermore, Lemay went over with the Board the Purchase Order requirements as well. All Purchase Orders must contain the account number, the vendor name and address, the budget item that the purchase will be applied to, and the signature of the department head placing the order.
After this discussion, the Selectmen stated that they would enter into Executive Session, to speak to Lemay about her choices and at 5:15 pm all observing residents were asked to leave the office so the Board could speak privately with the Treasurer.
The Board reconvened public session after several moments and Selectman Thompson asked Ms. Lemay if the late fees only encompassed one month, she answered that they had occurred over several different months and several different departments. Thompson continued, asking the Treasurer if she thought it would help to process Accounts Payable weekly, to which Lemay stated that she thought the extra workload of processing a full AP warrant weekly would be overwhelming, however, she agreed that if the Board presented her with a proposal for a weekly AP schedule, she would review it and have a further discussion. "I'm not agreeing to anything at this time," said Lemay, "but I will review any proposals and give them thought."
The procedure change regarding credit card use will stay in place until further notice.
I may not be perfect, but at least I'm not fake.
This page is copyrighted by Deborah Dorey Wilson, The Lebanon Truth Seekers. All rights reserved.
Showing posts with label Lebanon Maine Town Treasurer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lebanon Maine Town Treasurer. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting Monday 10/19/15 in 6 (six) Parts.
LEBANON MAINE BOARD OF SELECTMEN'S MEETING
MONDAY 10/19/15
I walked into the Lebanon Board of Selectmen's Meeting on Monday evening at 3:50 pm. Usually a safe bet to be 10 minutes early, but instead, I found the 4:00 pm meeting already in order with Treasurer Jeanette Lemay addressing the Board.
If I had actually been on time for the meeting, I would have missed the fact that Mrs. Lemay was speaking to the Board regarding 13 separate Right to Know requests that had come in via fax machine from one Jason Cole requesting information and time sheets on ambulance runs in Lebanon.
We were also in plenty of time to hear about "something that happened on Friday" comments that left Sandy and I gawking at one another and wondering just WHAT happened on Friday?? (See Part 6 for the Answer to that question.)
Ms. Lemay left the meeting but returned a few moments later with a Purchase Order for the Lebanon Recreation Department for Candy for the upcoming Trunk or Treat event (this Friday, October 23 at the Lebanon Elementary School).
Selectmen's Assistant, Sue Collins discusses openings in the agenda for the swearing in of the new Cemetery Care Committee. All interested people who wish to sit on this Committee should be at the Town Office on Monday, October 26th, 2015 to be sworn in as part of the Committee. If you have questions, please message Deborah Dorey Wilson. Thank you.
Selectmen's Assistant Collins addresses the Board with some requests for tax abatements.
At 4:00 pm, the scheduled time for the start of the meeting, Road Commissioner Tom Torno arrives to address the Board regarding a call from a Duell Lane resident (off Center Road) regarding a big dead tree in the middle of a small cemetery on their property. Torno states that he has been in discussion with Abbott Tree regarding the removal of the dead tree, but Abbott Tree states that they will need a crane to properly remove the tree at a rate of $3,400 for a day. Torno states that he's talked to Abbott Tree about possibly combining with another small job in the area, but that Abbott didn't seem interested in doing that. According to Torno, the cemetery in question is a small one, only 10X10, but he can't recall if there were any veteran's markers. The dead tree is in the center of the cemetery and is easily 3x3.
Select Board Chairman Thompson asks Torno to respond to last week's requests from several Godding Road residents with regards to some attention to their road.
Discussion is had regarding Bog Road and some gravel being left at the end of the road. Torno states it is already taken care of and that A Grade Above, the Town's new road grading contractor, has finished with their first scheduled grading of the dirt roads in town as identified in their contract.
LMTS Sandy Adams speaks to Torno regarding the drainage that is ditched from Dixon Road and still running into her Carriage House doors, thus into her home. Torno says he will speak to her with regards to this.
Adams also speaks to Torno on the paving of Upper Cross Road when Torno's father had promised the residents of Shapleigh Road that they would be having some paving work done to their road. Torno answers that Shapleigh Road is on his agenda for the Spring of 2016, and that he will not be removing the corner that had been part of the previous plan thus saving over $45,000 from the original estimate and he thinks that the project will cost the Roads Budget about $130,000.
There is discussion on seeing paving crews resting on their laurels, but Torno assures her that they are paving contractor employees and that the paving company is paid by the ton, not by the hour, so if they're wasting time, it's not on his dime.
Torno exits and Selectmen's Assistant Collins continues on with discussions on assessments and abatements.
Sue Collins addresses the Board regarding Thanksgiving Baskets given to some residents of the town at holiday time, containing turkeys and other donated food goods. Selectman Thompson has a few issues with the collections and distribution of the baskets by the Selectmen's Assistant, but Collins says that she will come in and do the work preparing the baskets on her own time. Thompson continues, worrying about "who's getting what" and pointing to the fact that there's a food pantry right up the road. (Center Road at the Congregational Church). Selectman Heath interrupts to say that he has a question on an unrelated subject, but Collins is undaunted. She continues on saying that the town has "always done it" for as long as she has been here, but Thompson counters with "because it's always been done, doesn't mean it's the right thing to do".
LMTS Sandy Adams says "Where there's a will, there's a way," and offers to come in and help Collins with the basket preparations, volunteering her time. There's some banter back and forth, with Thompson ending conversation with Adams saying "I'm not going to sit here and argue with you!" Thompson states claims by Town Office workers that they don't have enough time to get all their work done, and states "It's nice to help the community, but we have to focus on business FIRST." at which time Collins states that she is volunteering her own personal time to come into the office and put the baskets together. Thompson leaves it up to Heath and Nadeau, who say, "Do it".......but they want to revisit the issue again next year, stating that they are allowing it this year as it is too late in the season to make other plans.
***LMTS note: IF the Selectmen are also designated as the Overseers of the Poor in Lebanon, it does seem only fitting that the Selectmen's Assistant be able to give holiday baskets to some of the neediest families in town, in our humble opinion.***
LMTS Sandy Adams speaks to Sue Collins with regards to getting in touch with the original man that created the Town Office sign. Collins states that the man had been in to the office, had spoken with her, had looked at the sign, and had stated he would get back to her with a quote. She has heard nothing back since that date. Adams questions Thompson what his intentions are, and asks if LMTS can form a committee to take donations at the Town Office, similar to the way we did for the flag pole at the Blaisdell Corner Fire and EMS Station. Thompson makes a motion to allow the "Town Office Sign Committee", seconded by Selectman Heath and all 3 men in favor.
LMTS question with regards to Purchase Order for more candy for the Rec Department's Trunk or Treat event. How much is the amount of candy needed for one event?? Another Purchase Order was quickly passed through by Lemay on Rec Dept Chair Georgie Allen's behalf only last week, stating the need to act quickly to save on shipping. LMTS would like to know the total dollar amount spent on candy. Thompson says, whatever it is, that the Rec Department Budget is approved by voters each year, but Wilson wonders if they realize they're not funding sporting events, but candy for Halloween. Neither Select Chair nor Treasurer have any idea as to the amount of money that has been approved for candy, but Thompson, asks the Treasurer to get the amount, treating it as a verbal RTK request. Wilson goes on to state that the amount is important as Board members have categorically denied $35 pizza bills to feed the Firefighters after a long fire event, so spending many hundreds of dollars on candy for Trick or Treat event is a problem, in her opinion.
Thompson questions a PO for a new lawnmower for the FD, but after some information exchange, the lawnmower PO is signed.
SEE PART 1 of the 10/19/15 LEBANON MAINE SELECTMEN"S VIDEO BY CLICKING HERE:
Paperwork being done opens the 2nd part of the Selectmen's Meeting video from 10/19/15.
LMTS Sandy Adams asks the Board a resident's question regarding when the Deputy Town Clerks position will be advertised, Selectman Thompson states that it should have gone out that morning, however, no one has received it yet (we DID get it in an e mail on 10/20/15 and posted it immediately).
LMTS Wilson asks Selectman Thompson for a copy of the current cemeteries included on the Town's contract with J&S Masonry for care. It is agreed to give Wilson the information, but it is never received.
The Board get's ready to begin work on the General Government budget proposal for 2016-17.
LEBANON MAINE SELECTMEN'S MEETING VIDEO PART 2: CLICK HERE:
Part 3 of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Video shows the Board as they begin to work out a budget proposal for the 2016-17 Fiscal Year Town Office expenses.
Select Board Chair Thompson comes up with all the numbers, but makes an addition mistake that Selectman Nadeau catches. LMTS Sandy Adams and Deborah Wilson have some good hearted banter with Nadeau on a job well done, but Selectman Heath takes the opportunity to chastise Adams for "picking" on them all the time. Sandy is stunned, to which Heath states she has a "guilty conscience". Wilson reminds Heath to get over himself, Sandy has "better things to do".
Budget talks go along and a savings has been found in the Town's electricity bill, which has been under budget for 2 years, last year by about $900. Selectman Nadeau suggests RAISING that budget item to $4,000 for 2016-17 and when Wilson asks "WHY, if you are under budget consistently, WHY would you raise the budgeted amount?" to which Nadeau answers, "Just in case."
There is discussion on Building Maintenance, Heat (propane) which the Board bumped up even though gasoline and oil prices have been halved since last year.
There was a lot of talk about technology. The town has been putting off the purchase of some much needed new computers, including a new dedicated server. The Town Office computers are still operating on Windows 97 which does not even have the capability of being supported by most online programs. (MAYBE that's why our town website doesn't work correctly??) There is discussion of the need to place any server in a fire protected vault (like the one the town has at Lebanon Elementary School) however, Selectman Thompson has questions as to whether or not that vault is actually even fire protected.
SEE PART 3 of the LEBANON MAINE BOARD OF SELECTMEN'S MEETING 10/19/15 VIDEO
BY CLICKING HERE:
As we watch part 4 of the 10/19/15 Board of Selectmen's meeting, more work is done on the FY 2016-17 Town Office proposed budget with regards to Janitorial Services, Office Equipment, Payroll Fees, Bank Fees and a discussion on preparing liens and the cost associated with that.
The Board now has to total the budget to come up with a total for the 2016-17 Town Office Budget. Thompson is going FAST on the calculator. Selectman Heath is using his calculator. Selectman Nadeau who ran on the fact that he had many years on the Lebanon Budget Committee is watching Thompson.......just watching........ After how many years on the Budget Committee?? Wilson asks Nadeau where his calculator is to which he replies, "I can't think of everything!".
WATCH THE LEBANON MAINE BOARD of SELECTMEN MEETING from 10/19/15 HERE:
Part 5 of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's meeting opens as Selectman Thompson checks his addition 5 separate times, and finally after waiting for a few minutes, says the total is $355,539.00.
Heath says that's "pretty much" what his "first answer came out to be", and decides to accept Selectman Thompson's numbers, even though neither Heath or Nadeau checked the totals.
SEE PART 5 OF THE 10/19/15 LEBANON MAINE BOARD OF SELECTMEN'S MEETING VIDEO BY CLICKING HERE:
Lebanon Festival Committee Chairperson Rebekah Thompson addresses the Board with her projected FY 2016-17 Festival Budget in Part 6, the final part of the 10/19/15 Selectmen's Meeting. Selectman Thompson tried to recuse himself from asking questions of his wife, but Selectman Heath says he has no questions, and Selectman Nadeau asks Thompson if she wants to "Bump up" the amount of money she needs for the Festival. Thompson states that she does NOT want to bump up the dollar amount on the 2016 May vote referendum question, as she would rather continue to rely mostly on donations and vendor fees.
Mrs. Thompson explains her budget, line by line, and then Selectman Nadeau asks Thompson, "Why are we doing this?"
Rebekah has to explain to Selectman Nadeau that it is a FESTIVAL, a place for the community to come together in a fun way and celebrate together.
There was discussion regarding Selectman Nadeau not attending the 2015 Festival, and when Selectman Heath stated he had gone, he said, "I saw a lot of smiles on a lot of people's faces, and that's all that matters to me."
There was a long discussion on the 2015 Festival, including the Bounce House that Lebanon Rec Department rented and then didn't man it or keep it supplied with gas so the Bounce House wound up deflating without the generator power to keep it up and running.
Discussion winds around to the white elephant in the room, the 13 unsigned Jason Cole Right to Know requests still sitting unsigned on the Selectmen's desk. When you send in Right to Know Requests, you are charged 25 cents a page for printed material, plus an hourly rate for any time expended researching your request past the 1 hour of free time allowed. All 13 of Cole's requests plus the ones that were signed at last Thursday evening's meeting are directed toward Chief Daniel Meehan and/or the Lebanon Fire and EMS Department.
The issue with filling the Right to Know requests is that they are bordering on excessive and the Board has to consider the employees of the town, bogged down in researching Right to Know requests for hours at a time.
Selectman Heath asks if they are required to allow them, and Thompson says "Yes, they are public information," but cautions that they must all be gone over several times to be sure no personal or personnel information is being disclosed. Selectmen Nadeau and Heath both look a little frustrated with the situation.
The second discussion was with regards to the "something that happened on Friday" statement that Treasurer Lemay had eluded to in the first part of the 10/19/15 video. According to Selectman Thompson, Jason Cole had entered the Town Office looking for his Thursday evening approved Right to Know requests. As agreed by the Selectmen, the Town Clerk, Mandy Grenier told him that the reports were ready, but that he had to pay an outstanding balance of $1 in order to access them. According to Selectman Thompson, Cole then erupted into a tirade, becoming argumentative with the Town Clerk over the $1 (YES< ONE DOLLAR) charge for two Right to Know Request that were ordered by Lebanon Maine Community News back in May, but never picked up.
More discussion is had regarding the fact that Cole wants to access the Right to Know information by having the requests broken up into a lot of smaller requests, and then rather than coming in and purchasing the copies of material he has requested, he comes in with his cell phone and takes a photograph of the material.
The Board decides that Cole must pay any past due balances, (Selectman Thompson thinks it may easily be as high as $15 or $16 total), prior to accessing additional Right to Know requests.
Wilson wonders aloud if the videos of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meetings belonged to LMTS as personal property, and Selectman Thompson says "Yes", they belong to the videographer. Interesting.
The meeting is adjourned and Selectman Nadeau heads out the door while LMTS Wilson is still waiting for a report of the dollar amount for candy spent by the Lebanon Recreation Department. Thompson adds the numbers and says that it is $465.00 from July to October for candy.
Selectman Heath gets ready to leave for the evening. Wilson reminds him of the Public Hearing on Tuesday evening at 6 pm, and Selectman Heath mumbles something under his breath regarding Wilson calling him names, and he didn't appreciate it. Wilson answers that she only calls him "Royce, No Comment, Heath" and he said that he didn't like it. As Heath turns to leave, he stops in the door and says to Wilson, "Now it's legal to go to these meetings armed."
Interesting statement to end a Selectmen's Meeting with don't you think??
SEE THE FINAL PART (part 6) OF THE LEBANON MAINE BOARD OF SELECTMEN'S MEETING VIDEO BY CLICKING HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8cx-sm0VsM
OOPSIE. Hope he wasn't packing at the meeting. Even though there's no law against carrying concealed in a Public Meeting, OURS is held in a school, and that is definitely a BIG no-no!!!
Rules Chapter 1)
premises are posted. Note that even if there is no posted
OOPSIE. Hope he wasn't packing at the meeting. Even though there's no law against carrying concealed in a Public Meeting, OURS is held in a school, and that is definitely a BIG no-no!!!
The law does not otherwise change where a person may carry or who may
possess a firearm. It will still be illegal to possess a firearm in the following
places, with some very limited exceptions:
· Courthouses (17-A M.R.S. § 1058)
· State Parks (12 M.R.S. § 1803(6), (7) and Bureau of Parks and Lands
Rules Chapter 1)
· Acadia National Park (12 M.R.S. § 756)
· Schools (20-A M.R.S. § 6552)
· Federal buildings (18 U.S.C. § 930)
· State Capitol area (25 M.R.S. § 2904 & DPS Rule Chapter 41)
· Private property when prohibited by the property owner
· Establishments licensed for on-premises consumption of liquor, if the
premises are posted. Note that even if there is no posted
prohibition, it is illegal to carry on these premises while under the
influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. (17-A M.R.S. §1057)
1Friday, September 4, 2015
Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video, 9/3/15.
LEBANON SELECTMEN'S MEETING
Thursday 9/3/15
In the opening section of the Selectmen's Meeting video, Selectmen's Assistant Sue Collins requests that the Board Allow a purchase order for admission for herself and Deputy Clerk Christine Torno to attend the upcoming Maine Municipal Association Convention. Collins is also asking that the Board allow her use of the Town's Credit Card to secure a hotel room near the Augusta Civic Center for an overnight stay in between the two days of the convention.
Board Chairman Ben Thompson denies Collins' request without discussion, saying only that he is waiting for some information that he has requested from an unknown source. When asked what Thompson would like for information, he refused to answer, asking Collins to move to another topic.
Ms. Collins leaves the meeting.
**Added information from Lebanon Maine Truth Seekers: The MMA Convention takes place on Tuesday October 6 and Wednesday October 7 at the Augusta Civic Center. The MMA website lists this convention as a gathering of vendors who present their business services, products, equipment, and informational materials to municipal employees and elected officials. They also offer a variety of classes and seminars which are free with the participants $70 per person registration fee. Meals are not included in this fee.**
To see the agenda of lectures and seminars available to participants at the MMA Convention 2015, click HERE:
TO SEE THE OPENING PART OF THE THURSDAY, 9/3/15 BOARD OF SELECTMEN'S MEETING, CLICK HERE:
Part 2 of the Lebanon Selectmen's Meeting shows Lebanon Maine Truth Seekers Deborah Wilson following up with the Board on several ongoing concerns. Wilson asks Selectman Heath if he was able to get in touch with Road Commissioner Tom Torno, asking him to report to the Board regarding the residents' concerns regarding budget overages of the 2014-15 fiscal year, town employees driving private contractor trucks, delivering of soil to private residents' driveways, overseeing of local cemetery and town property mowing........Selectman Heath states he has not yet been in touch with Torno.
Question 2 was with regards to the requested telephone call to J&S Masonry from Brownfield Maine. On Monday, 8/31/15 after resident's complaints, it was delegated to Heath to call the company and see if they were aware they were not performing the work to bid standards. Thursday evening, Selectman Heath stated he had still not made this telephone call.
SEE Part 2 of the Lebanon Maine Selectmen's Meeting of Thursday 9/3/15 HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55copyd2eXE
In the third part of the Board of Selectmen's Meeting, Lebanon Resident and Lebanon Youth Soccer League President Georgianna Allen addresses the Board on her frustration in not being able to use the Martha Sawyer Community Library in order to hold meetings for LYS Board Meetings, for First Aid and CPR classes for Girl Scouts, or for other community based meetings. Selectman Thompson states that while the librarian is now a town employee, the library still belongs to MSAD60 school system and therefore is only available upon their approval.
Ms. Allen, who is also the Director for the Lebanon Rec Department is frustrated by the lack of available meeting space in town.
SEE Part 3 of the 9/3/15 Lebanon Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video HERE:
The fourth section of video shows the Board looking over a list of write in candidates for Budget Committee from the June 9 Lebanon Town Meeting Vote. The Board is searching for an alternate member of the Committee. There is also some light discussion on the completion of the Town's assessing, with Chairman Thompson stating that there are now only 57 properties that the Board needs to check prior to their completion of mobile homes assessing for the 2015-15 fiscal year.
SEE PART 4 of the Thursday evening Selectmen's Meeting HERE:
Video Part 5 is a brief statement by Select Board Chairman Ben Thompson stating that the Board will be entering into Executive Session to discuss a "personnel issue" at 4:30 pm.
SEE the 5th Video segment of the 9/3/15 Lebanon Selectmen's Meeting HERE:
In Part 6 of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting from Thursday, September 3, 2015, Town Clerk Mandy Grenier and Town Treasurer Jeanette Lemay speak candidly regarding the meeting from Monday, August 31st and the questions and concerns of Lebanon resident and business owner Chris Gilpatrick.
(See parts 6 and 7 of the 8/31/15 Selectmen's Meeting Video where these problems are discussed HERE:
According to Grenier, the incident complained about by Mr. Gilpatrick, allowed to continue openly in a public meeting, without allowing for her, as the employee in question, was unlawful.
Grenier continues by outlining the details of a simple typographical error that occurred on Friday, July 24, 2015, when Mr. Gilpatrick came in to pay his property taxes. The error was made when she mistakenly hit the number 7 instead of the number 4. Mr. Gilpatrick alerted the Town Office to the mistake on Tuesday, July 28, 2015. Ms. Grenier states that she apologized multiple times for her error and that she went with Mr. Gilpatrick into the office of Town Treasurer Jeanette Lemay to report the mistake.
Because a former Select Board had voted for a bi-weekly Accounts Payable Schedule, the normal pay out date would be a little less than 2 weeks from the date of discovering the mistake, however, Grenier states several times that she offered to create a Special Warrant to have the refund made available, but that Mr. Gilpatrick declined the need for a Special Warrant and agreed to wait the 2 weeks for payment.
The Town Clerk states that, following proper protocol, she then submitted the payment warrant, check, and receipt documentation, along with a written explanation of her error and why the refund was necessary to the Selectmen for normal payment. She states that two Selectmen signed the payment warrant on Mr. Gilpatrick's refund check, also following proper town payment procedure.
Ms. Grenier states that it is "incredible" to her that the Board had allowed this conversation to continue in regular session, and that it had been allowed to be posted on Social Media.
Town Treasurer Jeanette Lemay addresses the Board regarding the accusations made against her by Mr. Gilpatrick during the Monday evening, 8/31/15 meeting. Lemay first addresses the statement that she would "play favorites" between any of the Town Office employees. According to Lemay, she also follows proper procedures when a cash discrepancy is discovered in any of the Town Office cash receipts, first discussing the problem with the employee, and alerting them to the problem, and then if a second occurrence is detected, she then investigates the problem and alerts the Selectmen.
Lemay continues, stating that because of 7 separate cash handling procedure violations, the Town Office Petty Cash is now locked up and needs to be accessed in a different manner than has been used in the past. She goes on to say that the reprimand issued to a Town Employee on Thursday, 8/20/15 (see minute 3:22 of Lebanon Maine Truth Seekers video Part 7 from that date HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlE58Y9IRco ) These 7 separate occurrences, and several different stories to how the discrepancies occurred, are also what led to her calling the Auditors for the Town to request guidance on proper procedure on handling this ongoing problem, and what led to her speaking with the Board of Selectmen regarding a reprimand for the employee in question. Lemay adds that should similar problems to Mr. Gilpatrick's tax payment problem continue to happen with the Town Clerk, she would also seek out the Selectmen's help in following proper reprimand procedure.
The Town Treasurer, Lemay, continues to say that she objects to Mr. Gilpatrick's insinuations that due diligence was not followed in either employee's case. Lemay states, "I am the fiduciary of these funds so I keep track of where they go and what happens to them."
During this video segment, Lebanon Maine Truth Seekers Deborah Dorey Wilson has the opportunity to question the Town Clerk, Mandy Grenier on her statement that Mr. Gilpatrick had agreed to wait the 2 weeks for payment rather than having her draw up a special payment warrant, and Ms. Grenier stated that was indeed the truth. Wilson also asked for clarification to Grenier's assertion that two Selectmen had been presented the warrant for refund of Mr. Gilpatrick's overcharge, and that two Selectmen had signed that check, as during Monday evening's meeting, only Chairman Thompson had admitted to knowing about the mistake. Ms. Grenier affirmed that two Selectmen had signed the warrant according to proper office procedures. With a few more questions, Chairman Thompson reveals that the warrant was presented for payment while Selectman Heath was away from the office at Assessing School, and that Selectman Nadeau had been the second signer on the warrant. During the August 31st evening meeting, Selectman Nadeau had denied knowing that the error had ever occurred, however, his answer during the September 3 meeting, was that when someone gives him something and tells him to sign it, "I'm not going to argue".
Conversation with Town Treasurer Lemay continues with her saying that she objects to the way that Mr. Gilpatrick brought this to light, the half truths and the innuendo, and she's not happy with the stories being told regarding the 8/20/15 reprimand of a town employee.
Selectmen Thompson has dialogue with regards to residents looking at their receipts after making a payment and being sure the correct name appears on the printed receipt, and stating that some responsibility has to fall on the resident as well, adding that he feels cornered and set up by Mr. Gilpatrick's Monday evening disclosures.
Town Clerk Grenier states that she feels her rights, as well as the rights of several other Town Employees mentioned in Monday's meeting were violated as they should have had the opportunity to be present and to request that the matter be taken up in Executive Session if they felt the need.
Town Treasurer Lemay presents several options for the Board to consider to remedy the situation that occurs with the TRIO (sp?) management software system which makes it difficult to discover such mistakes and negative cash transactions. She also discusses the option of not letting residents pay other people's taxes, which is an unpopular suggestion, but she states she's just presenting all options. She finishes her discussion by saying that any resident who has ideas or options they would like to discuss with her is always welcome to come and sit down with her.
Lemay asks Lebanon Maine Truth Seekers if a copy of 8/31/15 meeting and the 9/3/15 meeting can be copied onto a thumb drive for her, which LMTS Deborah Dorey Wilson agrees to.
Wilson also makes mention that it had been known to her that the Town Clerk and Town Treasurer were going to answer the complaints made against them by Mr. Gilpatrick and the comments made on Social Media by resident Chip Harlow regarding favoritism and trying to run long standing employees out of the Town Office during the Thursday 9/3/15 meeting, and that Wilson had messaged both men to alert them to the discussion, giving them the opportunity to attend the meeting and be heard. However it is noted that neither man is present.
At the end of this part of the video, Selectmen's Assistant Sue Collins enters to ask Selectmen for signatures on two residents' request that their property lots be combined for tax purposes. The Board signs the requests with some discussion.
SEE PART 6 of the 9/3/15 Lebanon Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video HERE:
In part 7 of the Lebanon Maine Selectmen's Meeting Video from 9/3/15, Town Clerk Mandy Genier and Lebanon Code Enforcement Officer Mike Beaullieu speak to the Board in a "Workshop" style, presenting the several ordinance changes that will be presented on the November 3 town ballot. Most of the proposed changes, are only removing the setting of fees or fines from the ordinance itself, as suggested by the Maine Municipal Association, and adding the ability of Selectmen to set a separate fee schedule, "which shall not exceed the town's reasonable cost for administration and enforcement" of the ordinance dictates, which Grenier states would help to ensure that the town departments are funded more by residents who actually utilize the services that the fees support.
While leaving the need for a Mass Gathering Permit in place for events that will be hosting over 500 people for more than 5 hour periods of time, the pair of Genier and Beaullieu have also prepared an ordinance creating a Festival and Events permitting structure for smaller gatherings of 250 people or more. This permit would utilize the same application format as the larger Mass Gathering Permit, and be similar in structure in laying out requirements for trash clean up, first aid stations, the availability of emergency services, parking availability, and neighbor notification.
At 55 minutes on the video, Select Board Chairman Thompson reads aloud a complaint from a Lebanon resident regarding the August, "Greenlove Medical Marijuana Festival" held on a Center Road location. As a result of this conversation, there is much discussion regarding neighbor notification as part of the permitting process and ways to ensure all property abutters are notified prior to an event.
SEE the SEVENTH Part of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video of 9/3/15 HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItCUX7sndjg
Part 8 of the 9/3/15 Meeting video continues with Lebanon Code Enforcement Officer Mike Beaullieu and Town Clerk Mandy Grenier as they continue to work with Selectmen to fine tune wording on the proposed ordinance for a Festivals and Events permitting structure in Lebanon. The ordinance will be discussed at the Lebanon Town Hearing on October 20, 2015 and will be presented for voter approval on the November 3 election ballot. It will be required for the permitting application packet to be submitted to the Code Enforcement Officer 30 days prior to the scheduled event. However, Lebanon Maine Truth Seeker Wilson questions regarding an "emergency waiver" to the permit that could be obtained if a resident were expecting a large group of family and friends for events such as funerals, which seldom come with 30 days or more of advanced notice.
Planning Board Vice Chairman Gary Getchell speaks to the Board regarding several ordinances being worked on by the Lebanon Planning Board and expected to be presented on the November ballot, including one with wording about "grandfathering" of non-conforming property lots, and septic system overloads in existing developed areas. It is decided that the Planning Board should request a similar type ordinance workshop with the Selectmen in the near future.
Code Enforcement Officer Mike Beaullieu returns to speak with the Board regarding a recent Code Violation with trash and debris buildup on a Hubbard Road property that has been of concern to area residents for a long period of time and was discussed by the Board most recently with resident Larry Downs during the 8/20/15 meeting. (See part 3 of the 8/20/15 meeting where this was discussed HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaQmgkpNPfI) Beaullieu states that the residents of the violating property have no money to pay for disposal of the trash and debris that has accumulated on their property, and suggests to the Board that the Town grant a "waiver" to the fees at the Lebanon Transfer Station to the property owners to help facilitate a clean up, along with a deadline for the clean up to take place.
Beaullieu's final discussion is regarding an ordinance he is planning for November's ballot with regards to the need for an Electrical Permitting structure within the town, stating "We'd be doing the homeowner a favor," after saying he has seen some sketchy homeowner electrical wiring jobs.
This section finished up with Select Board Chairman stating that on Tuesday, 9/8/15, the Board will be having a meeting, but that it will be only for an Executive Session regarding "personnel issues".
WATCH part 8 of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5cSYYijOXo
The ninth and final part of the Lebanon Board of Selectmen's 9/3/15 Meeting Video shows Lebanon resident, Jim Emmons (a representative for Primerica) and Primerica Vice President Anthony Mercadante (sp?) as they address the board regarding the possibility of investing the Town's Reserve and Capital Accounts, and for the availability of town employees to participate in a 457 investment fund. Treasurer Jeanette Lemay joins in the discussion with regards to different options she has been considering, including Jumbo CD's as the Town would not appreciate the requirements of being locked into long term investment plans after recently losing money on the old Money Market investment accounts. Mercadante and Emmons speak regarding the lack of penalties and liquidity that is enjoyed with 457 investment plans and their availability to help further discussion on this topic should the Board, after reviewing documentation left for their review, decide they would like to pursue this option further.
After the Primemerica representative team leaves, Selectman Nadeau motions for meeting adjournment, which is seconded by Heath, and the Board ends their meeting.
If you would like to know more about Primerica and their "Main Street" investments, check out their website HERE: http://www.primerica.com/public/
SEE The 9th and FINAL part of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video of 9/3/15 HERE:
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Town of Lebanon Makes Tax Club Applications Available at Town Office (or via Town Website)
Great news!
The Town of Lebanon Tax Club Applications
are available at the Town Office once again!
Even though the bills for the 2015-2016 tax year are not yet available, we are accepting applications to join the Tax Club. A payment booklet will be made for completed and returned applications once the tax bills become available. These booklets will list how much the payments are, and when payments are due. Members will be notified via phone when booklets are available to be picked up at the Town Office.
Please See
the Town of Lebanon Website for more information!!!
Friday, August 14, 2015
Lebanon Maine Selectmen's Meeting 8/13/15
The Lebanon Maine Selectmen's Meeting began promptly at 4 pm with Select Board Chairman Ben Thompson making a motion to allow Treasurer Jeanette Lemay to secure a $1 million dollar TAN (tax appropriated note) through Kennebunk Savings Bank on behalf of the town. Selectman Nadeau 2nd the motion, and the Board voted 3 in favor 0 opposed. The closing for the TAN will take place on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 3 pm.
Selectman Thompson reads a notice from the Board to go out to all department heads, requesting that they hold back on spending money on non-essential purchases until October 2015 to try and help the town from having to use money from the TAN.
Treasurer Lemay takes a minute to remind the Board what the TAN money can be spent on.
Nadeau has second thoughts about signing the note, but signs it anyway.
Selectmen's Assistant Sue Collins reminds Selectman of upcoming bid openings on Monday, August 17, 2014. Bids to be opened will be for Bituminous Paving, IT Services, Sanding and Painting of the Town Office, and Electrical Services. ***Interested parties should contact the town office for bid specs***
Selectmen's Assistant Collins is in the meeting to speak to the Board regarding the Town Office being able to collect donations of school supplies for families who can not afford them, and asking for permission regarding the collection of foodstuffs for Holiday Baskets. A large discussion follows regarding collecting on Town Office time, keeping the Lobby and Foyer neat and clean, and why they think there is a need to collect school supplies and holiday basket foods.
Small discussion about the scheduling for completion of assessing town properties.
SEE Part 1 of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting 8/13/15 HERE:
The second part of tonight's video shows questions about assessing and the difference between "just value" and "fair market value" as answered by Selectman Thompson and Selectman Heath. And about the ability of Selectmen to access every property in town for assessing purposes.
WATCH Part 2 of the Lebanon Maine Selectmen's Video
from 8/13/15 HERE:
Part 3 of the 8/13/15 Selectmen's Meeting video shows the Board as they motion to go into Executive Session with Town Clerk Mandy Grenier to discuss Employment Applications received for the position of Part Time Collector and Deputy Clerk.
WATCH this tiny little segment of video as the Board and Town Clerk Enter into Executive Session on 8/13/15...HERE:
The next little piece of video is not of the Selectmen's Meeting, but of the Town Office sign as seen on Channel 6 WCSH News by many folks who have reacted with embarrassment and disgust that the sign could look so bad. As you will see, it's BAD, but not as bad as we originally thought.
SEE the Town Office Sign from BOTH Sides HERE:
The fourth section of the Board of Selectmen's meeting of 8/13/15 shows the Board's return from Executive Session with Town Clerk Mandy Grenier and their discussion with her regarding the use of Town Office space and Town Office Employees to collect the donations of school supplies and Holiday Basket foods. Lebanon Truth Seeker Sandy Adams took the time during the Board's Executive Session to speak with the Town Librarian, Marcy, who has agreed to be responsible for picking up all donations twice a week from the Town Office and taking them to the school. Grenier agrees that she has no problem with the Town Office Employees collecting the donations, however, she says that she will watch the process and put some policies in place.
Follow Along as the Select Board speaks to the Town Clerk at the 8/13/15 Meeting HERE:
In Part 5 of the 8/13/15 Selectmen's Meeting Video, you will see Gabriel LaPointe, a Lebanon resident, appear before the Board to ask questions regarding a bank appraisal on his home that is fully $50K less than the town is assessing the property for. Although Thompson does not find fault with the fact that the two evaluations of the property could be so far apart in their numbers, something that is said during the conversation sparks his interest, mostly on the actual size of the dwelling. There is quite a bit of discussion regarding assessing procedures and a lot is explained.
After Mr. LaPointe leaves the office, Lebanon Maine Truth Seeker Deborah Dorey Wilson requests a moment to ask a question, and is granted time. The question is regarding just WHO is working at the Transfer Station on Saturdays. The Board recently announced a new hire, Roger Nault, but apparently has also hired a young lady, Jen Griffin, a Lebanon resident. Also working on Saturday, 8/8/15 was Transfer Station Manager Ronal Patch's grandson, Jordan, who frequently fills in, and there was someone else working there as well. It seems there was a man named Mike working there, the Town's recent hire for the Road Crew. When questioned on this, Selectman Nadeau states, "We always done it and I done it again," adding that this was the way Selectman Heath first came to the Transfer Station. The question continues that if all of these people were all working at the Transfer Station, WHY were both Selectmen Heath and Nadeau working there as well?? Although a resident had seen them both there, and reported Nadeau operating the "button" (that operates the Transfer Station Compactor), Nadeau states that he was "Not working there, per se."
The resident had reported that she had seen Selectman Heath and Nadeau inside the Transfer Station attendants building with Transfer Station Manager, Ronal Patch, however, Nadeau maintains that Patch was not on the premises as he and his brother Robert, were in Vermont at the time, thus the reason he was there, "checking up on the new hires" and making sure everything was okay.
Selectman Thompson is angry over this revelation, stating that he is confused as to why they were both at the Transfer Station where they no longer are employed. Selectman Heath states that he "Is a little confused myself" and that "It was done with all good intentions."
SEE this Eye Opening fifth part of the 8/13/15 Selectmen's Meeting Video HERE:
The Sixth session of this long meeting of the Lebanon Maine Selectmen, shows Lebanon Resident Dot Brown as she arrives for her appointment with the Board to discuss the most recent assessment and valuation of the home she owns on Upper Cross Road, stating the Board had assessed her $50K on her home, after it had suffered a lot of damage in a 2012 fire, and is uninhabitable. Selectman Thompson explains a few reasons to Ms. Brown, and he states he will have a second look at the property on Saturday.
WATCH as Another Lebanon Resident checks her Property Tax Assessment HERE:
The seventh and final part of the evening's Selectmen's Meeting shows Lebanon Maine Truth Seeker Deborah Dorey Wilson asking the Board exactly HOW Jen Griffin, (a Patch family friend), was hired by the Board to the Transfer Station, as there had never been an announcement that she had been hired. There seems to be some confusion as to when she was added to the Department with Selectman Thompson stating that he had "no choice" but saying that she was added as the 2nd hire to the Transfer Station 2 days after Mr. Nault had been hired. That was later amended to 3 days, with the Board not sure of her hire date as the Minutes for those June and July meetings have still not been provided by Selectman Heath.
Wilson also asks about the Town Ethics Policy, as the Board had said they were going to discuss that further on the Monday after Selectman Heath returned from Assessing School (which would have been Monday, August 10, 2015). Selectman Thompson states that he's working 40 hours a week and that it's not his job. However, if he's getting paid to perform a job, it IS his job. When Wilson asks if she has the discussion of the Town Ethics Policy placed on the Agenda, would the Selectmen consider discussing it, Selectman Thompson cautions her that even on the Agenda, the current Board may not give the answer she's searching for.
Wilson questions Selectman Heath whether he will be willing to discuss the Ethics Policy, and has to ask 4 times prior to Heath gracing her with his answer, but he finally agrees to discuss it.
When asked the same question, Selectman Nadeau informs Wilson that she can not put something on the agenda and tells her to "Let us run our own meeting." But Wilson adds that as a taxpayer of this town, she sure CAN put something on the agenda, and Nadeau says if it's on the agenda he will discuss it.
The conversation is ended with the arrival of the 7 pm agenda appointment, Lebanon Fire and EMS Chief, Daniel Meehan. The Hog Wild Festival inspection is discussed with Meehan stating they were a no-show to their appointment for inspection, however he has sent an e mail and Meehan is planning to go on Friday at 2 pm as the vendors are setting up for the Saturday event.
Meehan presents the Board with his updated plans for paying part time, on call, and stipend payments for his 2 departments, presents a purchase order for the repair of the Zoll Heart Monitor, with Selectman Heath questioning if this is a "necessary expense."
Chief Meehan states that in July, the Rescue answered 36 calls, Fire Department answered 22 calls. The Combined Departments answered 5 calls for Mutual Aid and attended 6 car accidents.
At this time, due to the Closure of Hubbard Road in Berwick, the Lebanon Fire and EMS is covering our town's side of Berwick as well.
There is a discussion regarding the remaking of the Fire and EMS Department's signs, and the possibility of combining the work order to include the Town Office sign. Discussion includes Public Participation with both Deborah Dorey Wilson and Sandy Adams asking questions about a Department Chaplain or Counselor and about the Board's recent discussion about the Department purchasing pizza after a large Fire event.
Selectman Thompson reads a motion for the Board's review requesting the Budget Committee to convene to discuss the proposed November ballot question which will possibility allow for the knocking out the wall that currently divides the Selectman's Meeting Room and the Code Enforcement Officer's office in order to create a larger space for Selectmen's Meetings.
Selectman Nadeau has his hand in the air and ready to adjourn the meeting while Thompson is still reading. Meeting is adjourned by Nadeau at 7:26 pm, 2nd by Selectman Heath.
SEE Part 7, the final part, of the Lebanon Maine Selectmen's Meeting of 8/13/15 HERE:
Thursday, August 6, 2015
FINAL REMINDER : Town Treasurer Reminds Taxpayers that Liens are Due to be Recorded at Alfred Registry of Deeds on Tuesday.
FINAL REMINDER
The Town of Lebanon Treasurer Jeanette Lemay
reminds residents who have received 30 day notices on Tax Lien preparations by the town,
that Monday, August 10, 2015 at 5 pm is the FINAL DEADLINE to pay past due amounts.
Payments must be made by CASH OR MONEY ORDER ONLY.
Tax Liens will be filed with the Alfred Registry of Deeds on Tuesday morning 8/11/15
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video, 8/3/15 in 6 parts.....
LEBANON MAINE SELECTMEN'S MEETING 8/3/15
The lack of Selectmen's Meeting Minutes is beginning to take it's toll on other departments within the town. As you will see in part 1 of the video from the Monday evening meeting, Town Treasurer, Jeanette Lemay is attempting to secure a $1 million dollar TAN (tax appropriated note) for the town. The TAN is a line of credit afforded to the town for it's use in continuing day to day operations, payroll obligations and budgeted expenses while waiting for assessed tax dollars to begin coming in to fund the commitments of the voters in the June elections.
As part of the process, the bank requires a copy of the Board's approved motion in the form of recorded minutes in order to process and make that money available.
As has been discussed and questioned in earlier meetings, Selectman Royce "no comment" Heath is responsible for the recording and publishing of the official Selectmen's Meeting Minutes, and yet no minutes have been presented since Heath took over those duties in early June, 2015.
Selectman Heath is not available for questioning on this problem as he is away at Assessor's School for the week.
SEE Part 1 of the
Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video
HERE:
Discussion with Lebanon Maine Town Treasurer Jeanette Lemay continues in Part 2 of the Monday, 8/3/15 Video tape. Ms. Lemay suggests that in the absence of Board Minutes, that Select Board Chairman Ben Thompson and Selectman Paul Nadeau, as a quorum of the Board, make and pass a new motion that she can then forward on to the bank who are waiting for paperwork to open the TAN line of credit for the town.
Questions are asked regarding the Board's knowledge as to why Selectman Heath is so far behind (2 months now) on posting the meeting minutes. Select Board Chairman Ben Thompson says that he has not been given an answer from his fellow Board member, even though he has, himself, asked.
The meeting continues with questions regarding Mass Gathering Permit Applications which have been expected from the 4X4 Proving Grounds and / or Clear Choice Productions regarding the planned Country Music Festival tentatively scheduled for August 15, 2015. According to the Select Board Chairman, it has been said that it was told to them that the application had been mailed, however they have not received it as of yet. In order to have been received on time for the event to take place, the Board should have had the application by August 1, 2015. The Board has asked Town Code Enforcement Officer, Mike Beaulieu, to reach out to the 4X4 Proving Ground folks and have extended their deadline for the application until Tuesday, August 11, 2015.
Questions as to whether the Board is going to request a Mass Gathering Permit for the upcoming Medical Marijuana Festival (scheduled for August 21-23, 2015). There are still no clear answers from the Board as to whether or not they are going to require permits for that Festival as they haven't had any communications with the people who are hosting that Festival.
Questions as to the final numbers for the Lebanon Road Commissioner's budget overages. Board requests that we fill out a Right to Know paperwork application, and says the books on that budget are not closed out yet.
WATCH Part 2 of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video HERE:
The third part of the August 3rd, 2015 Selectmen's Meeting Video (named 2A due to the fact I forgot to download it until later), shows Select Board Chairman Ben Thompson having to re-make the motion to allow Treasurer Jeanette Lemay to pursue a TAN (tax appropriated note) line of credit through Kennebunk Savings Bank on behalf of the Town of Lebanon. Selectman Nadeau seconded the motion, and the two both voted in favor and signed the motion so that Lemay would have the appropriate paperwork to complete the TAN application.
Part 2A of the Lebanon Maine Selectmen's
Meeting Video........WATCH IT HERE
During the next part of the August 3rd Selectmen's Meeting, Lebanon Maine Truth Seeker, Sandy Adams offers for the second time in as many meetings to take minutes while she is in attendance of the meeting. She states that there are a group of others who are willing to attend and take meeting minutes, typing them and making them available to Selectmen's Assistant Sue Collins for publication within a matter of days, after they are approved by the Board and certified by them as official meeting minutes. Selectman Thompson gives Adams the go-ahead as he is worried about the lack of minutes in the past 2 months and doesn't want the recording of the minutes to fall behind by several months as it was when he took office.
SEE Part 3 of the Lebanon Maine Selectmen's Meeting Video from 8/3/15 HERE:
During Part 4 of the Lebanon Selectmen's Meeting Video, you will hear Lebanon Truth Seeker Deborah Dorey Wilson questioning the need for the Town to take a TAN, and hear Select Board Chairman Ben Thompson telling that the Board secures a TAN each year, whether they actually draw from the available funds or not. "It's just good business practice," according to Thompson. When asked if he forsees the town needing to take a loan prior to tax funding, Thompson is still unsure, awaiting the finalizing of the Fiscal Year 2014-15 bookkeeping.
Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video Part 4 HERE:
During the final section of the video showing the Board of Selectmen's Meeting of August 3, 2015, the Board welcomes resident Tom Clemens who has questions regarding the times the Board meetings begin. Both Selectmen assure Mr. Clemens that if he takes the time to phone in and get on the meeting agenda, that the Board is willing to entertain a later time to hear his concerns. The new video recorder ran out of batteries prior to hearing Mr. Clemens further concerns, which were regarding the December 2016 renewal of Metrocast Cable's contract as the cable television provider for the Town. Mr. Clemens had a copy of the Town's contract an questioned why the original Board had signed a 10 year long contract with the provider. The answers were not known by the current Board. Selectman Thompson spoke to Clemens about the possibility and need for creating a Town Committee to work with the Board on the creation of the renewal contract with Metrocast, or to research other cable television providers to see if they offer better options for townspeople who use cable television and internet services. Mr. Clemens took his leave after discussing with Selectman Nadeau how he missed seeing the Board Member at the Transfer Station where he had enjoyed discussing town goings-on with him. Selectman Nadeau motioned to end the meeting, seconded by Thompson and Selectman Nadeau left immediately afterward while Thompson remained to do the Board's paperwork.
SEE The FINAL part (5) of the Lebanon Maine August 3, 2015 Selectmen's Meeting Video HERE:
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