The Lebanon Maine Truth Seekers is not an official representative of the Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen. The notes below are not an official record of the Town of Lebanon or any of their boards or committees, they are only the notes of LMTS resident sitting in on Board meetings. For the official minutes of these meetings, please see the Town of Lebanon Maine Official Town Website.
The Lebanon Maine Board of Selectmen's Meeting of Monday, February 29, 2016 began at 4 pm with the agenda listing of Road Commissioner Tom Torno.
Mr. Torno came in and had a discussion with the Board regarding some time sheet issues. Of course, being a "personnel issue" there were no names mentioned by the Board, but Mr. Torno explained the time sheet issues to some Board satisfaction, as they moved on after his explanation of how he and the Town's laborer had spent several hours repairing part of a roadway and driveway ending that was pretty much washed away by heavy rains.
There was some talk with the Road Commissioner regarding not showing up for meetings and not answering his phone when Selectmen called him, but Torno stated that he knew he had been absent but that there were valid reasons for his absence, such as snowplowing issues and downed tree limbs.
At this time, Selectmen Heath placed a proposal on the table. LMTS was not allowed to view the proposal, but word on the streets is that Mr. Heath was prepared to ask taxpayers to fund an additional $1 million dollar tax appropriation for reworking some of the roads in Lebanon.
Heath asked the Road Commissioner if he had seen the proposal and Torno stated he had, also adding that he would like the chance to work within his planned budget in the 2016-17 Fiscal Year rather than asking for more money. Selectman Heath was clearly agitated, asking why the young Torno didn't want extra money to fix the roads. Selectman Thomspon spoke up stating that he also did was not standing behind Heath's proposal. "Okay then", said Heath, "Can I put it down that you don't want this money to fix the roads?", to which Torno once again, stated that he would rather work within his proposed budget and fix the roads that had been earmarked in that budget.
The Chairman of the Board, Selectman Thompson talked to Road Commissioner Torno regarding his budget and how, having such an easy winter, should be leaving a surplus, which Torno might want to consider turning it back to the people of Lebanon. Torno stated that he would like to be able to do that.
Thompson and Torno had conversation with regards to two positions for Road Crew Laborer that would be coming available when the weather breaks. Torno stated he would like the Selectmen to advertise for these positions.
LMTS Deborah Wilson asked Mr. Torno if he was aware of a large gouged up portion of roadway on Bigelow Road. One entire side of the road, just past Wiggin Road heading toward River Road has been torn up right down to the gravel. Torno stated that he was aware, and that after a 50* day, having a snow storm that needed to be plowed, one of his plow contractors had caught the road with his blade and had ripped it up. The Road Commissioner stated that there were plans to patch that area, however, Wilson stated that the road was chewed up really badly and that patch was not going to be enough to repair the damage. None of the Selectmen seemed to be aware of the damages, and Wilson asked if they would take a ride and look at it, as she believes that patch would only wash down the hill. Selectman Thompson indicated he would have a look.
With Selectmen's permission, Wilson then stated that she had spoken to the Road Commissioner regarding the upcoming Lebanon Clean Up Day, scheduled for May 7, 2016. Torno and Wilson both agreed that the 2015 Clean Up Day had gone well, and seemed to be a good plan of action for the upcoming 2016 event. Torno stated that his crew would be available, on the 7th, to traverse the roads of Lebanon between 1 pm and 3 pm on that Saturday, picking up bagged debris and larger pieces left by the side of the road by residents cleaning up the town's roadsides.
Wilson also stated that she had been in discussion with Shana Morin, leader of the Lebanon Girl Scout Troop, who had stated her girls would be interested in working on the Lebanon Clean Up Day project as their "Bronze Project" for the year, and that once a date had been set in stone with Road Commissioner Torno, Wilson would continue keeping in touch with Ms. Morin and also with Norm Sirois of the Lebanon Boy Scout Troop 369.
Discussion continued with Wilson stating that she had stopped by the Transfer Station earlier on Monday and had a discussion with Transfer Station Manager Ronal Patch. In the discussion, the option for a free day for dumping large pieces cluttering up roadsides was discussed, and Mr. Patch had stated that he thought this might be a good idea. Selectman Thompson seemed surprised with this mention, as he stated that he has had similar discussions with Mr. Patch in the past and that Patch had not seemed to be on board with the idea after an earlier trial had resulted in large crowds at the Transfer Station. Road Commissioner Torno stated that a free day for large pieces, metal, dilapidated furnishings, and tires at the Transfer Station would be a help, as he and his crew only wound up picking them up off the roadside during the year anyway. It was agreed to continue the discussion of a free day at the Transfer Station at a later date, after both Wilson and Thompson could speak to Mr. Patch further on the idea.
Wilson continued by stating that she had also been in touch with Ruth Gutman of the Lebanon Conservation Commission regarding a grant that was being made through ConnectME for days just such as the Lebanon Clean Up Day. The grant offered was for sums of money in order to promote town wide conservation and clean up activities, and Wilson had forwarded the grant information to Ms. Gutman in hopes of having a community barbecue and get together at the Gully Oven Town Park rather than at the Lebanon Town Office. Wilson hoped to hear back from the Conservation Commission within the week.
***Upon returning home from the 2/29/16 Selectmen's Meeting, LMTS received a copy of the most recent Lebanon Conservation Commission meeting minutes. The minutes, stated that the Commission had reviewed Wilson's proposal and did not feel that Gully Oven was large enough to hold as many people as might be anticipated for a Lebanon Clean Up Day barbecue, thus denying the idea. Ms. Gutman was charged with communicating the Commission's decision to LMTS, but at this writing had not yet been in touch.***
Selectmen's Assistant Sue Collins came before the Board to discuss a local resident, upset over the proposal of a local farm to raise 150 pigs this year on their property. The resident was requesting that the Board hear her concerns at 5:30 pm, the Board agreed.
Ms. Collins also presented to the Board a draft copy of the ordinances that would be appearing on the May 10, 2016 Town Ballot. LMTS asked for a copy of these draft ballot questions and was denied by the Board.
Ms. Collins also presented Selectman Heath with a printed copy of his additional road fund proposal.
Ms. Collins handed the Board two bids that had been in the Town Office Vault.
There was only one bid for the mowing of the Town Cemetery properties, this bid was by J&S Masonry, the Brownfield Maine company that performed the services for the 2015 mowing season. The bid was for $13,780.00.
Selectman Ben Thompson motioned to award the bid for the 2016 mowing season of Cemetery properties to J&S Masonry. Seconded by Selectman Heath, All in favor.
The Bid opened for mowing the Town Properties. Two bids were received by the Board, the first by J&S Masonry was for $3,200.00 and the second by T&M Landscape LLC of Rochester, NH was for $2,960.00. Selectman Heath made the motion to award the bid for mowing of Town Properties to T&M Landscape LLC, seconded by Thompson and all in favor.
The Bid for Custodial work at the Lebanon Town Office was opened. There was only one bid, presented by Ms. Nancy Bailey of Lebanon. The bid was for $100 per week, including the use of all Bailey's equipment and cleaning supplies, plus an additional amount of $325 twice a year for heavier Spring and Fall deep clean ups, bringing the total bid value to $5,650.00 for the year. Selectman Nadeau made a motion to accept Ms. Bailey's bid for Town Office Custodial Services, however, Selectman Thompson stated that he would rather not award this bid, questioning if Ms. Bailey were presenting herself as an outside business, or if she would be looking to become a town employee. Thompson added that Ms. Bailey's proposal did not come with the required insurance binder, and that the previous Custodian had only been charging $3400 annually and that he was uncomfortable with such a big increase. Due to the fact there was only one bid, Thompson stated that he thought the Custodial Services should be rebid. Selectman Nadeau removed his motion to accept, Thompson motioned to rebid the Custodial Services. Selectman Nadeau seconded the motion and all 3 were in favor. No date was set for a future rebid of the Custodial Services.
Members of the proposed Lebanon Cemetery Committee were in the office and presented to the Selectmen, the work that the Board had asked them to complete, including the names of the interested parties, chosen officers for said Committee and a "Mission Statement" as to what the Committee would be charged with doing for the town. Present were proposed Chairwoman Paula Mills Busby, proposed Secretary Deborah Dorey Wilson, and proposed member Dana Coull.
Selectman Thompson motioned to create the Lebanon Cemetery Committee as outlined in the proposal. Selectman Nadeau seconded the motion. Selectman Heath voted No, but when asked for comment or discussion by Selectman Thompson, Heath stated that he had "no reason" to offer.
However, the proposal passed and Selectman Thompson stated that the next step would be for the members listed on the proposal to come in and see Town Clerk Grenier and be sworn in as members of the Committee.
LMTS Deborah Dorey Wilson made a request of the Board of Selectmen to utilize the Park and Ride property on the corner of Depot Road and Route 202 on Sunday, May 1st, 2016. Ms. Wilson has been in touch with the Maine Patriot Riders, Chapter 1, of Sanford. On May 1, the Veteran's motorcycle group will hold their Spring Ride, originating in York, Maine. In the past, Wilson and friends have traveled to North Berwick to stand on the roadside, waving flags, holding up signs of veteran's support, and cheering on the motorcyclists. This year, Wilson had requested the group to come through Lebanon on their Spring Ride, and has been told that the group will come across Little River Road, taking a right onto Route 202 and continuing their ride northward from that point. Ms. Wilson asked the Board if she could pull together a group of people at the Park and Ride property for the waving of flags, showing signs of support and cheering on the Patriot Riders as they pass by in their procession, and depending on weather and turnout, possibly having a small barbecue there. Wilson was granted permission for this event by both Selectman Nadeau and Selectman Thompson. When asked, Selectman Heath did not reply, but Chairman Thompson told Wilson that two Board members had given permission so she could use the Park and Ride property on May 1st for her event. Selectman Nadeau asked Wilson if she planned to invite the American Legion Post, and Wilson stated that she would be sure to invite them.
Deborah Dorey Wilson presented the "02 FUR LIFE" Pet Resuscitation Kits to the Board for their approval and acceptance as a donation from many residents of the Town of Lebanon to our Lebanon Fire and EMS Department. Wilson had asked for residents to donate funds for the purchase of these kits, and many people within the town had helped to secure their purchase. Wilson showed the Board the newly purchased kits as Chief Daniel Meehan looked on. There are four kits, each containing three sizes of animal oxygen masks and hose, a bag to contain them, instructions for their use, and Animal Resuscitation Reports for the Department's use in recording incidents. It was gone over that the Lebanon Fire and EMS would not use these masks to respond to animal injury or illness calls, but in the event of rescuing an animal from a structure fire, they would be used to administer oxygen to pets. Selectman Thompson motioned to accept the four kits on behalf of the Lebanon Fire and EMS Department. Selectman Nadeau seconded the motion. Selectman Heath was asked to vote twice before deciding to abstain from the decision stating "no reason" for his abstention. The four kits were then presented to Chief Meehan for use by the Lebanon Fire and EMS Department.
Wilson requested of the Board the date for the "Meet the Candidates" night. Selectman Thompson replied that he did not know the date at this time, but that he had been trying to get in touch with The Lebanon Voice's, Harrison Thorp to secure the date. Wilson offered to contact Thorp and offer assistance with the event.
***LMTS did contact Mr. Thorp with regards to the "Meet the Candidates" night. According to Thorp, he is planning the event and will contact the Selectmen soon regarding the date. Conversation continued that the event is normally planned during the time in between the Lebanon Public Hearing and the Lebanon Election Day. Wilson offered Thorp any assistance he might need in planning the event.***
Treasurer Jeanette Lemay entered the meeting to speak with the Board of Selectmen regarding upcoming real estate foreclosures for tax purposes. Foreclosures are in the process and there was discussion of one last, all or nothing, payment date. It was outlined that the foreclosures come after 3 years of non-payment of taxes, a notification process, tax lien process, and the finally foreclosing in court. Selectman Heath voiced that he thought the remaining handful of properties had been given enough chances, however, Selectmen Thompson and Nadeau both agreed to a one last chance effort. The names of the properties about to be foreclosed upon will be listed on the town's website later in the week or beginning of next week. The property owners will be given until 5 pm on March 11, 2016 to pay all 3 years tax debt, along with fees and interest, via CASH or BANK CHECK ONLY. Motion was made by Selectman Thompson to grant this last chance, seconded by Selectman Nadeau and all in favor.
Chief Daniel Meehan reported that his Fire and EMS responders are all doing a great job, however he stated there are still some shifts that he is personally having to cover. Meehan stated he had hired a new firefighter who would be starting soon and would also be enrolling in an upcoming EMT class. The Chief stated that he would like to hire 2 more firefighter / EMT personnel on a per diem part time basis in order to ensure all shifts were covered. Meehan stated that he would like to do this by reaching out to area fire / EMT personnel rather than publishing the openings in local media. It was agreed that the Chief could begin the search for 2 additional department members.
Meehan spoke to the Board regarding the cost for some of the Department's equipment being higher to repair than the vehicle was actually worth. The Chief spoke about the possibility of taking trade in value for the squad van, which was once a grant acquisition from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, and purchasing a pick up truck with utility body and plow. Meehan stated that that piece of equipment, along with the Department's 6 wheel ATV and a skid machine could be of great use in the event of a forest fire. After a long discussion, the Board agreed that Meehan should pursue researching trade in dollar values for the van and that the Board and he could discuss spending some of the appropriated CIP fund in order to purchase the vehicle the Chief suggests.
At 5:30 pm, Lebanon resident Kelly Monroe spoke to the Board regarding Sirois Family Farm on Little River Road. Monroe stated that her property abutted the farm, and that while she has never had a problem with living next door to a farm property, she has been hearing that the Sirois Family are planning to raise over 150 pigs this summer, and she finds that to be a bit excessive for a neighborhood of homes and families.
Munroe states that she has been in the town for almost 13 years and has always been neighborly with farms on each side of her property. The chickens, horses, vegetable gardens and even pigs have not bothered her. However, the Sirois Farm, has erected a very large area using pallets for fences and the smaller amounts of pigs they have now, have escaped several times and wound up in her yard and garden.
Monroe stated that she had contacted Lebanon Code Enforcement Officer Mike Beaullieu, who had explained to her the lack of zoning within the town, and that without a code to enforce, he could do nothing about the issue, but stated he would look into it and call her back. She stated that she never received a return call from him.
Selectman Thompson stated that Beaullieu had been correct in his answer, that there were no bylaws or charter in Lebanon that would prevent a person from raising pigs.
Monroe stated that she realized that Lebanon is a "Town without Laws", but that she was concerned that the manure of 150 pigs would contaminate her home's well water, and that the smell of the pigs would lower her property values and make it impossible to sell her property at a later date.
Thompson stated that Maine had "Right to Farm" laws that protected family farms and that he thought this would be an issue that would fall under this law, and Monroe questioned "At what point do their rights become greater than my rights?"
Thompson took out his laptop and via the magic of internet, printed Ms. Monroe out a copy of the Right to Farm laws, pointing out to her that it may come down to getting neighbors together to file a civil suit through the courts, but agreeing with Ms. Monroe, that it would probably take quite a while to actually get the issue into a court of law.
Selectman Nadeau asked her where the information had come from regarding the pigs, and Monroe answered that another neighbor and a Sirois child had both relayed that information to her.
Thompson once again quoted the resident from the Right to Farm law, Title 7 Chapter 6 of the Maine State Law, and told Ms. Monroe that she probably should be contacting the Maine Department of Agriculture, who will, according to Thompson, come down, look around and make decisions on farming properties and the best ways to protect local wells and odor pollution from manure.
Thompson also stated that it may be time for the Board to begin considering some ordinances on zoning and land use, and possibly making some changes to existing ones.
Kelly Monroe left the meeting armed with paperwork and a few contact numbers provided by Selectman Thompson.
The Board next went on to view the proposed changes in the Town's Personnel Policy, as reviewed and rewritten by the town's legal advisors. Selectmen Thompson and Nadeau were prepared with marked versions, outlining questions or objections to certain paragraphs or articles within the proposed policy. Selectman Heath made a copy of the proposal and took several moments to read through and mark up the copy with a marker. LMTS Deborah Dorey Wilson requested a copy of the proposal but was denied by the Board. The Board decided that rather than the copies, which had been marked with changes in red ink, they would request that the Town Attorney provide them with a clean copy for further review.
The Board went into Executive Session citing personnel issues, and returned at 5:58 pm to announce that Mr. Nadeau was leaving for the evening, however, Selectmen Heath and Thompson were going to stay and do some paperwork and due to the fact that two were remaining, they could not adjourn the meeting. Observers were politely told they could leave the office as there would be no further decisions made, only paperwork being done. Residents left the office and the building at 6 pm.
