The Lebanon Board of Appeals met at the Lebanon Town Office on Tuesday evening, February 16, 2016 to hear and discuss variances for two separate non-conforming lots within the Town of Lebanon.
The first lot discussed was one owned by Mr. Jack Cole.
Code Enforcement Officer Mike Beaulieu addressed the Appeals Board stating that he had rejected an application by Cole for a building permit on a lot on Milton Mills Road.
According to Beaulieu, the building lot size for the Town of Lebanon is 2 acres, and this lot was too small to have qualified for a traditional building permit due to the lack of a Grandfather Clause pertaining to lot sizes within the town.
According to Beaulieu, Cole's property had a mobile home on the site for many years. However, Cole removed the old dilapidated mobile home, citing it as a safety risk for anyone attempting to enter it. Beaulieu stated that the minute Cole removed the prior mobile home, he created a non-conforming lot.
Mr. Cole addressed the Board stating that originally the lot had been 3.1 acres, purchased by his mother in 1959, however when Cole's brother returned from military service, Cole's mother had given him a small lot and the existing mobile home, and she had erected a conventional wooden structure home on the back lot.
Cole continued, stating that the property has been taxed as two separate home lots since 1974.
Neighbors to the property in question, the couple who now own and reside in Cole's mother's wood structure home, were in attendance and when asked if they had any objections to Cole replacing the mobile home, they stated they did not.
Appeals Board Chairman, Bettie Harris-Howard questioned Cole on the availability of Septic, Electricity, and Water if the Board were to allow for the replacement of the mobile home, and Cole answered that all was fine, including the well, which had been in existence since the late 1800s and was a shared well between the two properties.
Harris-Howard went on to question what Cole's plans were once the mobile home was replaced, and Cole answered that he hopes to sell the property.
This brought a few questions to the shared well and selling of property, but CEO Beaulieu stated that it was legal to have two owners share one well within the State of Maine. The CEO also stated that the placement of the slightly larger mobile home still was within the setback and road frontage requirements of the State Law.
CEO Beaulieu summarized that he thought that the Appeals Board should grant Mr. Cole a variance for a non-conforming lot and allow him the placement of the new mobile home.
Chairman Bettie Harris-Howard stated that she did not find a reason to punish Mr. Cole for removing an older model mobile home that had clearly been a hazard, and that she too, was in agreement in granting the variance.
Appeals Board members Ms. Barboza and Mr. LeBreque were also in agreement, both stating similar reasons to Ms. Harris-Howard.
The variance was granted.
The second non-conforming lot question on the Appeals Board's agenda was that of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Sylvia of Ridgewood Drive.
Ridgewood Drive is a waterfront subdivision, approved by the Lebanon Planning Board back in 1972. At that time, it was not required to have a 2 acre lot size minimum for building.
CEO Beaulieu stated that the lot in question was no on the waterfront, but 1 lot back from the waterfront, and continued on by stating there was a 16X16 existing building on the property with a loft, and that the current building has no septic system or running water. Basically, it was a camp, and the Sylvia's said it had been seldom ever used.
At this time, Beaulieu said it was unknown if the site would be able to obtain a building permit, and that the Appeals Board was only the first step in the process. The CEO stated that a site evaluator needed to gain access to the property and that plans would have to be drawn up for the placement of both a well and a septic system, adding that there were several ways that competent site evaluators could make things fit through the use of more modern technologies such as a well-liner, or deeper wells drilled through bedrock level. Beaulieu also stated that there were 18 lots on Ridgewood Drive, and all of them just about the same size, 3/4 acre, and one of the bordering lots owned by Mary Jones, was slated as an access lot to the larger parcel of property behind the residential properties.
Chairman Harris-Howard addressed the Sylvias asking what their plans were with the lot. Mr. Mark Sylvia stated that he was the President of the Ridgewood Drive Housing Association and that he and his wife, Jennifer, purchased the property and camp after hearing other prospective buyers' plans to make a summer party cottage out of the place. Sylvia stated his love for the area, and said his plans are to create a quality home to sell at a later date. Mrs. Sylvia stated that they have watched others in their area put a lot of money into renovating their homes, and that they cared for their road and that they hoped the home would improve the area.
When questioned to the size of the home they planned to erect, CEO Beaulieu stated that the size of the allowed building would be directed by the size of the septic system they could fit onto the lot, saying that the septic system size would be up to the site evaluators, and the size of the allowable septic would dictate the number of bedrooms and bathrooms they could allow in the home.
Both Ms. Barboza and Mr. LeBreque stated that since others have built on the 3/4 acre lots, and that it has been approved at one time or another, they should also approve the variance for the Sylvias. Ms. Harris-Howard agreed and the variance was granted.
Mr. Sylvia stated that there were several other lots in the area that had only foundations on them, and asked if all the lots with foundations would now be able to build homes, but both Beaulieu and Harris-Howard stated that each lot would have to be considered on it's own merit and that each property owner would have to go through similar hearings separately in front of the Appeals Board.
A question was raised that since the area was an approved subdivision, would the property owners also have to seek an appointment with the Lebanon Planning Board, but both Beaulieu and Harris-Howard stated that they didn't think that was necessary.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:22 pm.
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 Town Office. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lebanon Town Office. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Final Work Bids Awarded on Expansion and Renovation of Lebanon Selectmen's Office.
At the Selectmen's meeting on Monday, February 1, 2016, the Board of Selectmen opened the following bids for the completion of the work being done on expanding the Selectmen's Office space at the Lebanon Town Office.
Electrical Work: J&S Electric of Milton, NH submitted the only bid for $528.00 The motion was made by Selectman Thompson to accept the bid and award the work to J&S Electric as proposed. Motion was seconded by Selectman Nadeau and all 3 Selectmen voted favorably to award the bid.
Carpeting: Bourque's Flooring of Rochester, NH submitted the only bid for $1200.00. The motion was made by Selectman Thompson to accept the bid and award the work to Bourque's Flooring as proposed. The motion was seconded by Selectman Nadeau and all 3 Selectmen voted favorably to award the bid.
Sheetrock and Painting: Pete's Precision Painting of Sanford Maine was the only bid, totaling $2,070.00 for all work, including sheetrock, painting, and removal of the extra door. The motion was made by Selectman Thompson to accept the bid and award the work to Pete's Precision Painting as proposed. Discussion was offered by Selectman Heath that the door be stored for future needs as it matches the other doors in the Town Office and was an expensive door. The discussion was noted. Selectman Nadeau seconded the motion and all 3 Selectmen voted favorably to award the bid.
The total remaining cost for the project is $3,798.00.
Electrical Work: J&S Electric of Milton, NH submitted the only bid for $528.00 The motion was made by Selectman Thompson to accept the bid and award the work to J&S Electric as proposed. Motion was seconded by Selectman Nadeau and all 3 Selectmen voted favorably to award the bid.
Carpeting: Bourque's Flooring of Rochester, NH submitted the only bid for $1200.00. The motion was made by Selectman Thompson to accept the bid and award the work to Bourque's Flooring as proposed. The motion was seconded by Selectman Nadeau and all 3 Selectmen voted favorably to award the bid.
Sheetrock and Painting: Pete's Precision Painting of Sanford Maine was the only bid, totaling $2,070.00 for all work, including sheetrock, painting, and removal of the extra door. The motion was made by Selectman Thompson to accept the bid and award the work to Pete's Precision Painting as proposed. Discussion was offered by Selectman Heath that the door be stored for future needs as it matches the other doors in the Town Office and was an expensive door. The discussion was noted. Selectman Nadeau seconded the motion and all 3 Selectmen voted favorably to award the bid.
The total remaining cost for the project is $3,798.00.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video, Monday September 28, 2015.
LEBANON MAINE BOARD OF SELECTMEN'S MEETING VIDEO
MONDAY, 9/28/15
Prior to 4:00 pm, while Ms. Wilson was setting up the video recorder, there was dialogue between LMTS Sandy Adams and the Board.
At the first meeting of the Board post-election, the Board named Selectman Ben Thompson as the Chairman and delegated the taking of the Official Board Minutes to Selectman Royce Heath. In the months after that first meeting, it was apparent that Heath was struggling with preparing the minutes as no Official Minutes have been turned in for any meeting from June 11 - August 6, 2015.
During the August 6 Board of Selectmen's Meeting, Ms. Adams had offered to record the Board's minutes until such time as Mr. Heath could get caught up. The Board had requested that Ms. Adams keep the minutes until Labor Day, which she has faithfully done. Past Labor Day, Selectman Heath stated that he was not going to take the minutes, and so Ms. Adams has continued to take them, as the Board has been very busy with Assessing work. However, now that the Assessing is over and the tax bills are out, Ms. Adams requested that Selectman Heath resume his duties of taking the Official Minutes of the Board Meeting.
At this time, Selectman Thompson made a motion that Selectman Heath resume the taking of the Official Minutes, Selectman Nadeau seconded the motion, and then Selectman Heath stated that he REFUSED to take the minutes for the Board and that the Board had designated Ms. Adams to record the minutes so his responsibility was absolved.
Road Commissioner Torno entered the meeting and the discussion regarding the Board Minutes was tabled for later discussion.
I mention this as it becomes the topic of discussion in Part 1 of tonight's meeting video.
Part 1 of the Monday evening 9/28/15 Selectmen's Meeting video shows the actual beginning of the 4:00 pm meeting as Lebanon Road Commissioner Tom Torno addresses the Board with the purchase order for his first order of sand/salt mix for the season.
Selectman Thompson brings Torno's attention to a resident working in their driveway. Thompson asks if Torno is aware of this, and the answer is that there has been no paperwork received for a driveway widening project turned in to him. Mr. Torno suggests that the plans may not be to actually widen the driveway, but both men state they will keep their eye on the property.
Resident Gary Getchell calls the Road Commissioner's attention to a very large pine tree that is beginning to rot near an intersection in town. Torno says that he will go take a look at it this coming week.
Road Commissioner Torno exits the meeting.
LMTS Deborah Wilson speaks to the Board regarding the Official Minutes for the Board of Selectmen's Meetings. Wilson recaps the earlier conversation, regarding Ms. Adams not continuing to record the minutes for the Board.
Since Selectman Heath reacted so negatively prior to the video recorder being turned on, Selectman Thompson does not publicly repeat his earlier motion.
SEE PART 1 of the Lebanon Maine Board of the Monday, 9/28/15 Selectmen's Meeting Video HERE:
The second part of the Monday evening meeting video begins with Selectman Ben Thompson reading the agenda for the night's meeting. Although the new Town of Lebanon Website is "live" there are a few bugs with the system the site is not working quite right, leaving no published agenda for the evening.
Selectmen's Assistant Sue Collins arrives to speak with the Board on several abatement requests in town.
Ms. Collins also speaks to the Board regarding some discussions she's been having with Maine Municipal Association with what appears to be questions on changing the town's insurance carrier, however no one ever makes it clear what exactly they are speaking about. LMTS Wilson asks Selectman Thompson if the Board is considering changing the town's insurance carrier, and Thompson says they are "putting some feelers out".
Town Clerk Mandy Grenier enters the meeting along with Deputy Clerk Christine Torno, who handed in her resignation with a 2 week notice on Thursday, September 24, 2015 during the Selectmen's Meeting. Ms. Torno addresses the Board regarding the need to appoint someone as BMV Agent, Rapid Renewal Agent, Point and Pay Administrator, and CVR (Certified Voter Registrar) for the Town, and suggests that these titles be added to the many already being held by the Town Clerk, Mandy Grenier. There is some discussion, after which, Ms. Torno graciously offers to come in to the Office on Monday afternoons in order to facilitate a smooth transition to her absence.
Once Christine Torno leaves the office, the Town Clerk states that she would like the Board to allow her to post the Deputy Clerk's position immediately, publishing the opening throughout the month of October, and then reviewing applications with the Board on November 9th. Selectman Thompson states that he is not ready to post that position yet and that there needs to be some discussion as to the scope of the position and any changes prior to the job description being posted.
Grenier states that her newly hired worker, had asked for a week off in October (without pay) in her original interview, however, due to the resignation of Ms. Torno, and the upcoming election, the part time clerk has offered to forgo that week of vacation time in order to stay and help out, asking that the Board honor her request at a later time. Thompson agrees to this request.
Ms. Grenier states that she has scheduled a training day for Election Workers on October 27th, including set up of the town's new voting booths and the function and use of the new ADA compliant and accessible booth.
Ms. Grenier continues, asking that the Board sign a purchase order in the amount needed to make the new part time office help a Notary Public, considering she is losing a Notary when Ms. Torno leaves the office. The Town Clerk also asks the board to sign a purchase order for office supplies, she mentions that although the town traditionally uses Staples for their supplies, her purchase order is for Walmart, as in comparing costs, she finds that using Walmart saves the town "hundreds of dollars".
LMTS Wilson asks Ms. Grenier if she had made any more advances in moving the town's polling place. It had been discussed during an earlier meeting in September that the current polling place at the Lebanon Elementary School was not in ADA compliance and there were a few reasons why holding elections at the Elementary School was unlawful.
Ms. Grenier answers that she has walked both the Lebanon Elementary School and Hanson School properties with the Principal and that after much discussion, it has been decided to remove the center post in the front door of the LES during polling times, thus making the doorway accessible and therefore ADA compliant. However, voters will notice a change at this year's elections as they will now be asked to enter the gymnasium through the side door, just off the parking area, and exit through the front door of the school. There is discussion regarding the need for a ramp to use those doorways, and Selectman Heath states that the ramps must also have a hand railing. Grenier states that she has been in discussion with Code Enforcement and with MSAD60 regarding the need for a ramp, and is continuing to follow through with that.
In the continuing search for Budget Committee members, Ms. Grenier states that she has contacted all residents who received write-in votes in the last election, but that she has not found anyone yet willing to sit on that Board.
Discussion begins on the finalizing of wording for the Festivals and Events Ordinance which has been drafted by the Town Clerk and Code Enforcement Officer.
See the Second Part of the Lebanon Maine
Board of Selectmen's Meeting of 9/28/15 HERE:
In the third part of the Monday evening video, Town Clerk Mandy Grenier continues discussion on the Festivals and Events Ordinance which will be voted on at the November 3, 2015 Election. Code Enforcement Officer Mike Beallieu enters the meeting as the co-drafter of the ordinance.
Selectman Ben Thompson questions whether the ordinance will pertain to all Festivals and Events, including the town's "Lebanon Festival" which Thompson's wife Chairs.
The discussion continues stating that the "Lebanon Festival", as the Town's yearly celebration, would be exempt from paying a permitting fee, and would have access to the Town's Transfer Station, however the remainder of the requirements listed in the ordinance, especially those requirements for water, portable toilets, available parking, and noise levels would still apply.
Selectman Nadeau questions whether organizations like Boy Scouts or Historical Society would be held to the parameters of the permit and all agree that everyone other than the Lebanon Festival would be required to obtain a permit and follow the requirements listed in the ordinance, which includes the hiring of outside dumpsters for trash removal rather than a fee at the Lebanon Transfer Station.
LMTS suggests that language be included to exempt the town's many charity and civic organization, but the Board, Town Clerk and Code Enforcement Officer disagree, saying that to exempt some would "cause problems".
**at this point a pause in commentary to say that in review of the video, LMTS found the conversation gets a little confusing as the dialogue switches back and forth several times with regards to parking spaces and porta potty requirements. I phoned the Town Clerk for clarification and the requirements would be....... 1 parking space required for every 4 people expected to attend and 2 parking attendants required for every 250 people expected to attend..........2 porta potties would be required for the first 250 people expected to attend with 1 being an ADA accessible porta potty, and then 1 additional porta potty for every additional 150 people expected in attendance....***
The Town Clerk continues questioning whether the Board wants this ordinance proposal to contain language which would remove the outdated Mass Gathering permitting structure, passed by voters back in the 1980s, however the Board requests that Grenier takes the ordinance to the voters the way it is and once passed, then work to remove the Mass Gathering ordinance.
The time is noted as shortly after 5 pm and Selectman Thompson asks the Board if they would approve overtime pay for the Clerk in order to be able to continue with the referendum review. All three Board members agree.
SEE PART THREE of the
Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video from 9/28/15 HERE:
Part 4 of the Lebanon Selectmen's Meeting Video from 9/28/15 shows Lebanon resident Ms. Cheryl Griffin as she addresses the Board regarding their tax assessment on her home.
Ms. Griffin contends that her home has been assessed as a mobile home for the 15 years that she has owned it, and that there is evidence it was assessed as such for many years prior to her purchase. This year's assessment showed a change from the "Mobile Home" category to being assessed as a "Small Ranch", resulting in a $50,000 increase in assessed value. In further conversation, Ms. Griffin describes her home as a stick built home, however, it is only build on a dirt crawl space, being held up by SonoTubes.
Selectman Thompson advises Ms. Griffin to file for a tax abatement and provides her with the proper paperwork. It is arranged for the Board members to view the Griffin property at 8:00 am on Tuesday, September 29.
Ms. Griffin says that there is a second complaint, saying that the town placed a culvert on her property which was never completed. She states that she had tried repeatedly to contact former Road Commissioner Larry Torno regarding the resulting property damage from water that was being directed by the culvert and rendering part of her property unusable wetlands. She also states that she has continued to try and contact current Road Commissioner Tom Torno regarding this problem.
**Following up on the request by Ms. Griffin, LMTS contacted Selectman Thompson on 9/29/15 and asked if the assessment had been changed back to that of a mobile home. Mr. Thompson answered the assessment had been changed, however not back to "mobile home" status, but rather to that of "other", and that the assessment had been put back to the original value. The claim of the unfinished culvert was viewed by the Board and that Road Commissioner Tom Torno had joined them. The culvert was said to be a replacement of a culvert that had been there for years prior, and that the claim of rerouting the water was unfounded. Thompson claimed that the water was following the "natural flow of water" and that no action would be taken by the town at this time.**
SEE PART 4 of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting from Monday, 9/28/15 HERE:
In the fifth part of the Board of Selectmen's Meeting video, Town Clerk Mandy Grenier begins to read over the proposed referendum questions for the November 3 Town of Lebanon ballot. Lebanon Maine Planning Board Chairman Gary Getchell is present at the meeting to discuss the proposed referendum questions that have been put forth by the Planning Board.
Proposed Referendum 1 comes from the Lebanon Planning board and discusses the Shoreland Zoning map. The Board agrees to place this Referendum on the November 3 ballot.
Proposed Referendum 2 is also proposed by the Lebanon Planning Board, and asks the voters to define the word "road" as it pertains to " 250 of road frontage" requirements when determining buildable lots in the town. Selectman Thompson objects to the wording of this proposed ballot question, stating that there is not enough detail in the question as to how the amendment to the "building lot" code would be worded, stating that he is not willing to give the Planning Board carte blanche to write the amendment after the fact. Getchell, however, states that the proposed ballot question was worded by the Town's Attorney. Getchell continues on by stating that the town's building ordinances are a mess and that basically there are a bunch of ordinances but no one seems to have done the work needed to insure ensure that they all work together, and that the town's lack of a comprehensive plan often leaves the Planning Board with nothing to fall back on. Getchell states his frustration with the fact that the Planning Board would like to write a complete and all inclusive ordinance for Lebanon, but that they are continually told that the voters would find it "too much" and that they are cautioned not to attempt to do it all at once. However Getchell and Town Clerk Grenier both agree that just the beginning of being able to clarify what is considered a "road" and what is not, would be helpful both to the Planning Board and to Code Enforcement Officer Beaullieu. A lengthy discussion continues on topics of "back lots", "flag lots", "right of way", "subdivision", and to be honest, even sitting there things were quite confusing. In the end, it was never stated whether or not this proposed Referendum would find its way onto the November ballot.
Proposed Referendum 3, is the final proposal by the Planning Board and addresses the fee which is included in the Shoreland Zoning ordinance. Getchell states that they had not meant for that to be placed on the ballot and that it was "supposed to be pulled", however Ms. Grenier states that this follows along with the ordinance changes that she is proposing, opting to pull the fees out of all of the town's ordinances, placing them all on a single "Fee Schedule" which can be updated and changed by the Board of Selectmen yearly to keep the fees competitive with the costs.
SEE PART 5 of the 9/28/15 Lebanon Maine
Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video HERE:
The sixth section of Selectmen's Meeting video shows the ending of discussion with the Board and Town Clerk regarding Planning Board proposals for referendums with the discussion that the Proposed Referendum 3 will be saved and worked on a bit further, and will possibly be placed on the May 2016 Town Ballot. Mr. Getchell leaves the meeting.
Town Clerk Mandy Grenier continues presenting proposed Referendum questions stating that numbers 4-10 are simple wording changes to already existing ordinances. Grenier is proposing that all of the fees accompanying said ordinances be removed from the actual ordinance and provided for on a town "Fee Schedule" where fees for each ordinance would be provided for by the Board of Selectmen in order to defray the cost of services from all taxpayers and place the responsibility on the shoulders of the individuals using the services.
Proposed Referendum 11 is the Festivals and Events Permitting ordinance which was discussed earlier in the evening.
Proposed Referendum 12 is being drafted by Lebanon Code Enforcement Officer Mike Beaullieu and requests that the voters allow him to set an Electrical Permitting structure for the town. Selectman Nadeau does not see the need for permitting for installation of electrical wiring and Selectman Heath changes the subject several times, going back to proposals that have already been heard.
Proposed Referendums 4-10 are revisited with the Board voting to place all proposals on the November ballot.
Proposed Referendum 11 is also revisited with the Board voting to place on the ballot, Thompson and Heath for, Nadeau against.
Grenier steers the conversation back to Proposed Referendum 12, the permit structure of Electrical Wiring. Selectman Heath states he is against placing this on the ballot, believing that this would prevent someone from replacing a simple light switch in their home. Selectman Thompson reminds Heath that this meeting is not to argue over whether or not this should become an ordinance, and that the Board's only decision is whether or not to place the question in front of the voters on the November ballot. LMTS Wilson has an exchange with Selectman Heath questioning why he would be against allowing the town's voters to decide on this issue, and Heath answers back that he "did not ask for her statement," with Wilson answering that she didn't ask for his permission to make a statement. A vote is taken with Selectmen Thompson stating it should be decided by the voters, however both Heath and Nadeau vote that the proposal should not be placed on the ballot. The two former Transfer Station employees overrule Thompson and the question will not be allowed to go to the voters.
Proposed Referendum 13 speaks to simple changes in the building codes ordinance, asking that interior non-load bearing walls have studs that are placed 16 inches on center rather than the current requirement of 24 inches on center. All agree to pass this on to the ballot.
Proposed Referendum 14 requests that Building Permits issued by the Code Enforcement Officer expire after 1 year, unless an extension is requested prior to that time. This will be seen by the voters in November.
And the final proposal, Proposed Referendum 15 seeks to amend the Lebanon Mass Gathering permit to require a 30 day advance filing of the application, thus allowing for inspection and public hearing on upcoming large capacity events. This will also be found on November's ballot.
The Town Clerk finishes her business and leaves the meeting.
LMTS questions Selectman Nadeau as to his reluctance to put the Electrical Wiring Permit referendum before Lebanon voters, questioning whether or not he has a nephew that is an electrician, and he agrees, that he does have a nephew and reminds Wilson that she had objections earlier in the year to hiring Nadeau's nephew to maintain the town's emergency generators without first putting the position up for open bid.
Thompson moves on, with several paperwork issues, including the request for an abatement for an Upper Cross Road property. The Board did grant an abatement for this property less than a week ago, and due to that change, the property owner is seeking additional years of abatements. The Board votes to deny that abatement, 3 in favor, 0 opposed.
The Board enters an Executive Session to citing "Personnel Issues".
SEE PART 6 of the September 28, 2015 Lebanon Maine
Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video HERE:
In Part 7, the final segment of Selectmen's Meeting Video from the September 28th, 2015 meeting, the Board returns after a short period in Executive Session.
A motion is made by Selectman Ben Thompson worded as follows.....
"Motion to cover employee through 10/20/15 at normal rate and coverage, to pro-rate for 2 hours on 10/22 and make employee responsible for 8 hours 10/22 and 10 hours on 10/23"
Nadeau seconds Thompson's motion and all three Board members vote to approve the motion. 0 opposed.
Thompson makes an additional motion to the Board to "Appoint Mandy Grenier as the town's RMV Agent, Point & Pay Administrator and CVR (Registrar of Voters).
Selectman Nadeau seconds the motion and All three Board members vote to approve.
Selectman Nadeau motions to adjourn the meeting, with Heath seconding.
SEE the 7th and Final part of the 9/28/15
Lebanon Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video HERE:
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Lebanon Maine Selectmen's Meeting 9/8/15 Mostly Executive Session.
LEBANON MAINE BOARD OF SELECTMEN'S MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015
Tuesday evening's meeting was shorter than the average Board of Selectmen's Meeting.
Two members of the Board were in doing paperwork beginning at around 4:30 pm, with the only item on their agenda at 5:30 pm being an Executive Session.
The Board entered into Executive Session at 5:30 pm with Fire and EMS Chief Daniel Meehan and 2 Lebanon Firefighters, citing personnel issues, and exited with no statement to be made around 6:05 pm.
The Board stated they were entering immediately into a second Executive Session, again citing personnel issues, with Chief Meehan.
After the Board returned from Executive Session, they stated that no decisions had been made for public statement.
The Board only discussed one issue this evening, which was discussion on whether or not to allow Town Office personnel to attend the Annual Maine Municipal Association Convention in Augusta, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16 and Thursday, Sept 17. The Board members spoke and LMTS Deborah Wilson questioned whether the Board had seen the scheduled classes and seminars, which are included in the price of admission to the convention.
The Board made no decision regarding the employee's participation and will speak more on this on Thursday September 10th's Board of Selectmen's Meeting.
SEE the single section of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting HERE:
Friday, 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:
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen Meeting Video 8/31/15 in 7 parts........
LEBANON MAINE
SELECTMEN'S MEETING 8/31/15
Part 1 of our Monday evening Selectmen's Meeting of 8/31/15 starts off with Lebanon Maine Truth Seeker, Deborah Dorey Wilson addressing the Board of Selectmen regarding the donations by Lebanon residents to secure a brand new flag pole for the Lebanon Fire and EMS Blaisdell Corner Station on Route 202.
For those of you who DON'T know, the flag pole at the station has been broken for quite some time and because it was a telescoping flag pole, repairs would have been quite costly. It was easier and cheaper to purchase a new, old fashioned, very reliable flag pole from Yankee Flagpole Company in Lyndeborough, NH and have it delivered and installed.
Wilson takes a moment to thank each person who donated toward the purchase and installation of the flag pole, and outlines the intent of the Lebanon Maine Truth Seekers to work with the Lebanon Fire and EMS station to help make the Blaisdell Corner station beautiful and a place that people of Lebanon can be proud of.
There will also be a rededication of the Blaisdell Corner Fire and EMS Station taking place on Saturday, October 3, 2015. Beginning at 10 am. There will be a flag dedication, and a rededication to service for the station. We've secured music and are hoping to have a community pot luck luncheon where everyone can meet some of your responders, Chief Daniel Meehan, and have the chance to enjoy others in our community.
Purchase Orders are presented to the Board and the purchase has now been authorized.
SEE Part 1 of the
Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting, Monday 8/31/15 HERE:
In part 2 of the Lebanon Selectmen's Meeting video, Selectmen's Assistant, Sue Collins, addresses the Board on issues to do with the Board's Assessing duties. According to Collins, the Board is nearing the completion of the town's assessing with only 98 properties left for them to visit before the job is finished.
Select Board Chairman Ben Thompson lets folks know that tax bills are going to come out late this time around as the number of properties they've had to view this year has been huge.
Resident Noah Tetreault arrives to speak to the Board regarding a piece of property he's looking to purchase in town. The property is in a Tree Growth Tax program at the time, and also has a Conservation Easement designation. Tetreault is wondering if there is a way to lessen the amount of the penalty on the property for removing it from the Tree Growth program, however, according to Selectman Thompson, there is not.
SEE PART 2 of the 8/31/15 Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting HERE:
In the third part of the 8/31/15 Selectman's Meeting video, Town Clerk, Mandy Grenier addresses the Board regarding town elections. According to Grenier, she has been in e mail correspondence with the Maine Secretary of State's Office who has told her that the current way the town's polling station at the Lebanon Elementary School is set up is "unlawful". Ms. Grenier has been working with the Secretary of State's Office to reconfigure the flow of voter traffic during town elections.
The new Lebanon Town Clerk also states that in the departing budget requests by former Town Clerk, Laura Bragg, there was an allowance for new voting booths. In speaking with Ms. Grenier, the current booths are not only difficult to set up, but they are also getting to be a bit dangerous and need replacing. Since a purchase of new booths was included in the Town Clerk's 2015-2016 budget amounts which were approved by the Town Meeting Vote on June 9th, Ms. Grenier has taken the time to research prices and has found a set of new voter booths for a little over $3,700. Less than the $5,000 budgeted for this expense.
Also discussed was the combining of the June Town Meeting Vote with the earlier MSAD60 School Budget Vote. The two elections are typically only weeks apart, and the Town of Lebanon has been paying for two separate elections.
Selectman Ben Thompson motions: To move the Annual Town Meeting to coincide with the Annual Maine SAD60 School Budget Vote. The motion was seconded by Selectman Heath and then the Board voted 3 in favor, 0 opposed, to move the Town Vote, thus saving taxpayer dollars and hopefully allowing for greater voter attendance for all town related issues.
Due to the questions regarding the flow of voter traffic at the Lebanon Elementary School, there were several options discussed regarding changing the entry and exit of voters to the polls for town elections. Selectman Thompson suggested checking in to the use of the Hanson School gym rather than the Lebanon Elementary School, Ms. Grenier will be viewing that building and contacting MSAD60 to see if changing the venue from one building to another might be an option.
WATCH the third portion of the Lebanon Maine Selectmen's Meeting Video from Monday, 8/31/15 HERE:
In part 4 of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video, Town Clerk Mandy Grenier returns momentarily to ask the Board of Selectmen if they had remembered to speak to the Lebanon Budget Committee regarding their scheduled vote on September 9, 2015, on whether or not to allow the spending necessary to take down the wall that currently separates the Board of Selectmen's Meeting Room and the Lebanon Code Enforcement Officer's room.
Lebanon Selectmen also discuss with Ms. Grenier the "missing" Town Report Books, two separate books for the Fiscal Year 1939-40. Grenier says that she has not located them at this time and agrees to check the Town's Vault, located at the Lebanon Elementary School.
SEE the FOURTH part of the Monday, 8/31/15 Lebanon Selectmen's Video HERE:
Part 5 of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting shows Lebanon Historical Society member Nancy Wyman as she addresses the Board regarding the Old Town Hall building on Center Road, asking for the Board to put the money for the remainder of the repairs of the building on the next Town Ballot.
Selectman Thompson explains to Ms. Wyman that the appropriate time to raise and appropriate funds is at the Annual Town Meeting Vote which will happen in the Spring of 2016.
Ms. Wyman continues, speaking to the Board regarding the fact that the year 2017 will be the Town's 250th Birthday, and showing the Board that the Town has traditionally given money for the Historical Society to host a celebration, citing specifically 1967 (150 years) and 1992 (200 years). Selectman Thompson states that the Lebanon Festival Committee has been actively saving money toward that goal, and mentions to Ms. Wyman that the town has already voted to fund the Festival Committee with $1,500 a year toward the Lebanon Festival. He also outlines some of the plans that are being made for the celebration of the Town's 250th Birthday, saying that the Festival Committee could always use more volunteers.
Lebanon Truth Seekers, Deborah Dorey Wilson addresses Ms. Wyman with regards to the fact that the Historical Society was asked to be a part of the recent 2015 Festival, and they declined, stating that they didn't want to take part, to which Wyman answers that the past festivals have not been profitable enough for the Historical Society.
Wyman, who says she is also been a part of the Town's Garden Club who recently refused to help with the weeding, planting and mulching of the flower beds at the Town Office, leaving Lebanon Maine Truth Seekers Sandy Adams to complete the job with her son, says that all the clubs that she's active in have been interested in participating, however, they found the Festival was more a "kids event".
Selectman Thompson stated that the people of Lebanon are families who are actively asking for things to do with their children and families.
Selectman Thompson says he will have Festival Committee Chairwoman, Rebekah Thompson contact Ms. Wyman on her interests.
WATCH the FIFTH part of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting Video of 8/31/15 HERE:
In the sixth part of the Selectmen's Meeting Video from Monday evening, 8/31/15, Resident Chris Gilpatrick addresses the Board on some issues regarding personnel disciplinary actions. Apparently Mr. Gilpatrick came to the Town Office to pay his taxes recently and was overcharged by over $500. The problem was not caught by Town Office personnel, or even by the Town Treasurer, but by Gilpatrick himself. And when he asked to have the problem straightened, he was told that it would be 2 weeks before he could get refunded the $500 overcharge, even though it was not his mistake.
Mr. Gilpatrick, and indeed all in the room, are questioning why the cash registers aren't reconciled to the bills at the ending of a day's receipts, and if, in fact, they are reconciled at all? Also questioned is whether or not the Selectmen were even aware that there had been a problem. Apparently, the overcharge had been mentioned, however Selectman Thompson was the only one who would say he was aware, while Selectmen Heath and Nadeau said that they had been unaware. ***Lebanon Maine Truth Seekers adds to this AFTER the fact the wonder on HOW three Selectmen MUST have signed the check for Mr. Gilpatrick's $500 refund and yet only ONE will say openly that he was award of the refund and why. Selectmen Heath and Nadeau must have just signed the $500 check without being aware of why they were shelling out $500.***
Mr. Gilpatrick demands to know, that if one Town Office Employee had previously been given a written verbal warning for "poor cash handling practices", why the employee responsible for his overcharge of his taxes was not similarly disciplined by the Board.
Selectman Thompson agrees with Chris Gilpatrick that the error should have been caught right away, however, this was an error and not a purposeful overcharge. Thompson also agrees that Gilpatrick should have received his refund of the overcharged amount sooner than 2 weeks time.
Mr. Gilpatrick continues to speak with Selectmen, this time on the issue of Town Employees being paid while driving private pick up trucks while working on Town projects. Gilpatrick states that recently, he saw a young Town Road Crew employee acting as a traffic flagger. He was using a truck owned by private contractor, Scott Gerrish. According to Gilpatrick, the young man in question was getting paid by the Town to act as a flagger, and all the while, Gerrish's truck was sitting, unused, and earning $55-$60 per hour of the Town's money. Gilpatrick further went on to question, if the Town Employee is driving a private contractor's truck while on Town Time, who is responsible for Workmen's Compensation insurance if the young man should be hurt on the job?
Select Board Chairman Ben Thompson addresses Mr. Gilpatrick stating that this would be something to be taken up with Road Commissioner Tom Torno. Thompson states that this is an ongoing issue and that Torno has failed to appear when scheduled or requested by the Board a total of 5 times since July 1, but that he can not act alone in requiring Torno to appear, that it must be an act of the entire Board and that he (Thompson) can not seem to get the cooperation of the other two seated Board members in bringing Torno into meeting.
Thompson also eludes to soil being delivered by trucks while on Town time being dropped for certain homeowners, stating that there are a lot of "favors" being done, and that this was another issue that he had wanted to address with the ever absent Torno.
Lebanon Maine Truth Seeker, Sandy Adams asks both Selectman Heath and Nadeau if they are willing to call the young Mr. Torno into the Selectmen's Meeting and address these issues with him, saying that allowing the Road Commissioner to continue on unchecked is not serving the Town taxpayers. Thompson answers that he wants Torno to appear, Nadeau has no answer, and Selectmen Royce Heath's answer? "I didn't cause his father to die," adding afterwards, "This sounds like a party, and like a hanging party, so my last answer to your questions is, NO COMMENT."
After this odd statement by Selectman Heath, Thompson says that in his thinking, Torno's constant claims of needing to be absent to "bring in the hay" are not cutting it. Selectman Nadeau finally agrees that Torno should be coming to the meetings, but is visibly upset.
Selectman Heath, after much discussion, says that he will "Talk to Tommy when I see him," and then after a bit more discussion says that he doesn't want to call Torno, "because it's late."
The final issue brought in front of the Board by resident Chris Gilpatrick, is the fact that although he mentioned the lack of performance by the company responsible for the mowing of the Town Cemeteries and Properties over 2 weeks ago, the Park and Ride, and several other locations in town, have yet to be mowed. In fact, states Gilpatrick, the Park and Ride has not been mowed all season.
In review, the Bid was given to J&S Masonry out of Brownfield Maine, even though there were two Lebanon based entities that bid for the job. The difference was that J&S Bid was the lower bid, coming in about $4K lower than the closest competitor from Lebanon.
Questions are asked as to who is responsible for keeping track of whether or not J&S is keeping up with their contract with the town. Selectman Thompson states that is the job of the Road Commissioner. Selectman Nadeau, after prompting by Mr. Gilpatrick, reads aloud the duties of J&S Masonry to the Town of Lebanon by contract awarded in their bid, which calls for the Town Properties, Town Office, and 28 Cemeteries in town to be mowed every 2 weeks as needed. It is also noted that Lebanon Maine Truth Seeker Sandy Adams complained several weeks ago that the Town Office lawn was being mowed, but that the weeds along the edges were waist high and in need of weed whacking, which was also part of the bid spec for the contract.
Selectman Thompson answers that each year it seems to be "getting better" but gets angry with residents who are aggravated by the payment of J&S Masonry when they are clearly not performing as contracted. Thompson challenges Deborah Dorey Wilson as to whether she has seen all the properties, and Ms. Wilson agrees that she will go walk the properties with him, even though it was not she who bid the job, but J&S Masonry. Thompson states that he is "getting perturbed" by the residents all questioning him on this, and that he suggests that residents allow the Board to call J&S Masonry, "before their business is bashed all over Facebook land".
I guess residents will have to wait a bit longer prior to getting any answers.
SEE Part 6 of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Video of 8/31/15 HERE:
The 7th and Final portion of the video of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting of Monday 8/31/15, show resident Chris Gilpatrick as he continues to question the Board regarding the Town's Mowing Contract. Watch with AMAZEMENT as Board members argue over WHO is going to have to place a follow up call with J&S Masonry. Selectman Nadeau does not want to do it, passing it off to Selectman Heath. Then watch while Selectman Heath tries desperately to pass the call off onto Select Board Chairman Thompson, like he does with everything else. However, this time, Thompson's not having it dumped in his lap, and an argument ensues, ending in Chairman Thompson telling Selectman Heath that it's time for him to be a "big boy" and make the phone call himself.
The conversation continues that if this is, indeed the Road Commissioner's job to oversee, according to Lebanon Maine Truth Seeker Sandy Adams, we'd like to know WHY the Board is refusing to have the young man into the meeting, reminding the Board that this has now been going on for weeks, and is unacceptable.
Selectman Nadeau takes that opportunity to head out of the meeting, and shortly after a heated conversation with Mr. Gilpatrick, Heath adjourns the meeting saying he isn't feeling well, and he too exits the building.
The remaining residents ask a few more questions of Chairman Thompson regarding Road Commissioner Torno, mostly regarding his salary while he is not putting any hours in for the town, but is, instead on remote locations cutting hay. According to Thompson, the long lost Lebanon Road Commissioner makes $615.38 per week, and is allotted an additional $50 a week for gasoline. There are no requirements for hours on the job, and he answers to the Board of Selectmen. IF they can get him out of the hayfield and into a meeting.
SEE the 7th and Final Portion of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting of 8/31/15 HERE:
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:
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