Town Departments, Town Office, Closed on Friday, July 3, 2015, in Observance of Independence Day.

 

Please note that the Lebanon Town Office

and all Lebanon Town Departments 

will be closed on

Friday, July 3, 2015

in observance of the

July 4th, Independence Day, holiday.

 

Because July 4th falls on a Saturday this year, 2015, according to the Town's personnel standards, the Town Office and all Town Departments, including the Transfer Station and Highway Department will be closed on Friday, July 3.

All town Departments including the Town Office will resume their normal schedule on Monday, July 6, 2015.

DORCAS Society Ham and Bean Supper Planned for June 27. But What Does the DORCAS Society Do?? A Brief History.

On June 27, 2015, the ladies of the Lebanon DORCAS Society will host a Ham and Bean Supper in the meeting room of the First Parish Congregational Church on the corner of Center Road and Jim Grant Road.
The Ham and Bean Supper will be held from 5 pm to 7 pm at a cost of $8 for adults, $5 for children 12 and older, with children under 12 eating free.
The proceeds of this dinner will go toward the funding of the DORCAS Society's community projects as well as helping to fund the Society's $500 scholarships given to two graduating Lebanon High School students each year.

We've seen DORCAS Society ladies lately in Lebanon taking applications for their yearly scholarship program, selling baked goods at the Lebanon Election Polls and now hosting a Ham and Bean Supper. But just what IS the DORCAS Society?? Do you know??

We've fielded a few questions in the past few days asking what the letters D.O.R.C.A.S stand for. The truth is, nothing. The name Dorcas is not known because the letters are initials, but because the ladies of the Dorcas society are strong in their faith and in their desires to do good works in the community in their effort to emulate the Society's namesake, a Biblical woman from the ancient town of Joppa.

The modern day DORCAS Society does not require the needy to belong to a particular denomination or church in order to be helped. Rather they give what they can, to the best of their abilities, to all of the area's needy.

The DORCAS Society is a group of women, usually, but not always associated with a particular church. The DORCAS society was created with a special interest of helping to clothe the poor and needy.

The name, DORCAS, is a historical name coming from the Country of Greece, located on the Agean Sea in Asia Minor.
The Bible speaks, in the book of Acts, Chapter 9, about a woman named Tabitha (who in Greek was called "Dorcas").

It seems that Tabitha was a good seamstress and had, in fact, made many coats and garments for the poor and needy widows of her town (thus the mission of the DORCAS Society to clothe the needy) with her own loving and talented hands. Dorcas was beloved by all the women, but especially by those who were too frail or sickly to perform the tasks of sewing on their own.
When Tabitha (or Dorcas) grew sick and died, it was the poor widows of the town of Joppa who summonsed the Apostle Peter, after hearing of his miraculous ways. It was there, in the company of the poorest of Joppa that Dorcas was brought back to life from the dead by the Apostle, Peter.
Tabitha could have become the leader of a Christian movement for women at the time, but was, instead, content and happy to resume her life of servitude to the poorest and neediest of Joppa. It is because of this longing to simply exist for the sole purpose of doing good, that DORCAS Societies have been started all over the world by women who ask no fanfare, but who long to aid in humanitarian acts and do good for the people in their church, in their community and in their world.



For your reading, should you choose, the passage from the Bible from the book of Acts, Chapter 9, Verses 36-42.

The story of Dorcas.

Acts 9:36-42King James Version (KJV)
³⁶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
³⁷ And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
³⁸ And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
³⁹ Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
⁴⁰ But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
⁴¹ And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
⁴² And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

Lebanon Maine Selectman's Meeting 6/22/15 Video Available. Road Commissioner, EMA, General Assistance, and Upcoming Town Job Openings.

 

Part 1 of our video opens the June 22, 2015 Selectmen's Meeting video with several appointments to Deputy Officer positions in Lebanon.

 

View Part 1 of the Selectmen's Meeting HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU_IEtdfj9U

 

Part 2 of the video continues the June 22, 2015 Selectmen's Meeting with Selectmen's Assistant Sue Collins.

The New Covenant Baptist Church Food Pantry in North Berwick is discussed with regards to delivering to local area families and shut-ins and their availability to Lebanon residents.

Assessment issues are discussed regarding a building for sale on Carl Broggi Highway (Rt. 202)

There is discussion about General Assistance and the Town of Lebanon's "Needy Fund" and how that will be dispursed. Ms. Collins takes the time to explain the difference between General Assistance which is overseen by the State of Maine, and the Town's Needy Fund, which is a fund made of donations.

The issue of people needing Property Tax abatements who are not able to come into the Town Office is discussed with the outcome decided that folks may apply for abatements over the telephone with Sue Collins.

 

Also during this portion of video, Lebanon Transfer Station Manager Ronal Patch arrives to work with Selectmen on a job description for the vacant positions at the Lebanon Transfer Station which are open due to the resignation of Selectmen Royce Heath and Paul Nadeau.

Patch speaks highly of both men, stating that he "couldn't ask for better workers" and saying that if either should ever resign, "I'd hire either of them back in a minute".

Patch goes on to say that there was "never once" politics discussed at the Lebanon Transfer Station to his knowledge, and if he had ever heard it, he would have corrected that right away.

Select Board Chairman, Ben Thompson spoke to Mr. Patch regarding the price for metal, and that Lamberts (in E. Rochester) seemed to be offering a better price than the facility currently being used by the Lebanon Transfer Station. There was talk about checking prices and perhaps boosting the amount of money taken in by the Lebanon Transfer Station by utilizing Lamberts instead of the Berwick facility. Mr. Patch spoke highly of the Berwick facility, saying they always came when he called and that they also took any batteries that they had, as well as all metals.

Talk turned to the Transfer Station Manager's letter to Selectmen dated 6/11/15 regarding his "grandfathering" of town employments benefits, and although he stated that it was okay for the conversation to remain public, it was chosen by the recorder to shut off the video and leave the conversation and room, and the Selectmen went into Executive Session with Mr. Patch.

 

See Part 2 of the Selectmen's Meeting of 6/22/15 HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0QjqdjoBAA

 

Part 3 of the Selectmen's Meeting of 6/22/15 begins with Selectmen returning from Executive Session with Mr. Ronal Patch, Manager of the Lebanon Transfer Station. The meeting continues with the Board accepting a letter from Mr. Tom Torno formally accepting the position of Lebanon Road Commissioner.

The Board also accepts the resignations of Royce Heath from the Transfer Station (Mr. Heath excluded himself from that vote) and Paul Nadeau (Mr. Nadeau excluded himself from that vote) also from the Transfer Station.

The trio heard a letter from Fire and Rescue Department Chief, Daniel Meehan asking that he be considered for the position of Emergency Management Agent in the position left open by the resignation by Tom and Brenda Craven after 29 years of service. Meehan explains that as Fire and Rescue Chief, he is already responsible for keeping Fire and Rescue personnel on top of important weather and emergency related issues, and offered to take on the role of Emergency Management Agent as part of his Fire and Rescue Chief Duties. After some discussion, the Board of Selectmen decided to accept Chief Meehan's offer, and to pay him the stipend amount that goes along with that position of $700 per year.

It was stated that Town Clerk, Mandy Grenier had received her Bonding as Tax Collector for the Town and that the Board would request that Interim Tax Collector, Christine Torno balance things out for the date of June 30, 2015, in preparation for Grenier to take over as Lebanon Tax Collector.

Also discussed was the upcoming July 4th, 2015 holiday. Since the holiday is on a Saturday, Lebanon personnel policy is for the Town Office personnel to observe the holiday on the Friday before, so the Town Office will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2015.

 

Lebanon Maine Truth Seekers requested that Lebanon Town Notices and Job Postings be sent to our e mail address and that we be allowed to post them on our page. These notices will be posted free of charge to the Town of Lebanon. Selectmen agreed, although stating that things were a little backed up due to the transition of Mandy Grenier settling in as Town Clerk but that they would agree to allow us to post Notices and Job Postings.

 

At this time, the Selectmen stated that they only had Accounts Payable work and Payroll work to complete and the video was turned off for the evening.

 

See Part 3 of the Lebanon Maine Selectmen's Meeting of June 22, 2015 HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrXaNgqqC84

 

Once again, thank you to Chris Gilpatrick for allowing us the use of his video camera.

 

 

 

LEBANON TRUTH SEEKERS: This is your day Father's of Lebanon. Hope you are having a blast!

MY FATHER GAVE ME THE GREATEST GIFT.  HE BELIEVED IN ME.  WHAT WILL  YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT YOUR FATHER ?  SHARE WITH US. PRESENT AND PAST DADS.

LEBANON TRUTH SEEKERS: Leave your pet at home!

To often as we hear dogs barking dogs left in cars and we just walk away.  More and more it is on hot days.  Take time to investigate AND CONTACT LOCAL AUTHORIES TO REPORT SUCH OCCURANCES. Recently, a small dog left in a car , with the windows cracked, died from heat exhaustion. Although rushed to a local vet , this tiny Yorkie perished. Don't let this happen to your furry buddy.

Lebanon Maine Selectman's Meeting, 6/18/15, Video Tapes Published.

Tonight's Lebanon Selectmen's meeting was held in the lobby of the Town Office building, beginning at 7 pm, lending enough room for everyone to be comfortable and hear all that was going on and be a part of the meeting.

Several members of the Lebanon Maine Road Crew were in attendance along with several residents, The Lebanon Voice Editor and Reporter Harrison Thorp, and Lebanon Truth Seekers Sandy Adams and Deborah Dorey Wilson.

Select Board Chairman Ben Thompson, and Selectmen Royce Heath and Paul Nadeau came into the lobby together just before 7 pm and began the night's meeting.

In Part 1 of the night's video, Allegiance is pledged to the flag of the United States, something that does not happen to open meetings in the smaller back cubby office. The Selectmen moved to their Agenda and declared that the first item of business was a request for a sum to be granted from the Town's General Assistance Fund. Because this is a private issue, the Selectmen took a few moments to go into Executive Session to discuss the matter.

See the Lebanon Selectman's Meeting, Thursday, 6/18/15 Part 1 HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-kdSW5BDxU

In Part 2 of the video, the Selectmen return to the Town Office Lobby only a few moments later, the Board voted whether to grant the General Assistance funding as had been requested, a $50 gasoline card to an anonymous resident. Selectman Nadeau motioned to give the resident the gas card, Seconded by Selectman Heath and then the Board voted unanimously that the card be donated.

It was stated that although newly appointed Road Commissioner Tom Torno had been scheduled to speak at the meeting, an unforeseen family issue prevented him from being in attendance.

Although it was still early in the evening, Selectman Thompson asks Deborah Dorey Wilson of the Lebanon Truth Seekers to begin the Agenda item scheduled for later in the evening.

It was requested of the Board to further the discussion from the June 15, 2015 Selectmen's Meeting as to whether or not Mr. Torno had accepted the position of Road Commissioner. According to Selectman Thompson, someone had spoken to Mr. Torno and advised him of the changes that would be made to his benefits package if he were to accept the Commissioner's position rather than remain as a Town employee under the title Road Supervisor. Selectman Thompson further stated that Mr. Torno had verbally accepted the position, but that he had been advised that acceptance in written form, stating that he understood the Commissioner's position would give him only the title and would take away the Town benefits he is now receiving would be needed in order for him to take on the title of  Road Commissioner.

The subject moved on to find if the Board had considered my June 15, 2015 request to give some thought to whether or not the Board would consider promoting a Committee to begin developing a Lebanon Town Charter. Selectman Thompson provided paperwork on how to go about beginning a Citizen's Petition to that effect.

It was asked if both Selectmen Heath and Nadeau had turned in written resignations at the Lebanon Transfer Station and both men stated that they had done so.

WATCH as questions are answered regarding the difference between the Road Commissioner and the Road Supervisor positions, why one position gets benefits and the other does not, and questions regarding the employees and positions coming open at the Lebanon Transfer Station.

The continued problem with being able to access the upcoming Selectmen's Meeting Agendas was addressed by Selectman Thompson by stating that "By law, we are not required to take minutes OR post an agenda", but quickly agreeing that it's a good idea to do so.

Talk returned to a Town Charter, and bounced back and forth between that subject and the subject of the Road Commissioner / Supervisor several times, including a bit of information on how a Town Charter would differ from the Comprehensive Commission that had been one of the main focuses on Corinna Cole's recent campaign for Selectman.

The Lebanon Voice Editor, Harrison Thorp excused himself, apparently having heard enough on the subject and he left the building as talks continued about Road Crew concerns.

WATCH as Thompson confirms, at one point, that the Town is paying $52 per hour ($520 for an average 10 hour day) to "outside contractors" for the use of their 1 ton pickup trucks, stating that some of the 1 ton trucks used to maintain Lebanon roads made in excess of $140,000 a year.

Selectmen then stopped the public conversation as Ms. Shirley Mathews of the Lebanon School Summer Camp entered for her Agenda appointment regarding how she was to purchase supplies, craft items, and pay for field trips for the "campers" with the P.O. System. All was explained to her by the Selectmen and it was decided that Ms. Mathews would have use of the Town's Credit Card for those purchases, as long as a P.O. was filled out and proper receipts were turned in to the Town Treasurer.

To see Part 2 of the Thursday, June 18, 2015 Selectman's Meeting, look HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsbGRCY1bXk

Part 3 of the video of the Lebanon Maine Selectman's Meeting of June 18, 2015 continues on with Ms. Mathews detailing her purchase of fundraising t-shirts and information on how businesses and individuals can donate toward her program.

See Part 3 of the Thursday, June 18, 2015 Selectman's Meeting HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCmpGgr9U9Y

The fourth and final part of the Selectmen's Meeting Video of June 18th begins as Selectman Thompson discusses what TAN is,  (tax anticipated notes). Resident questions are answered regarding the total sum of "misappropriated funds" from the "Old Rescue Department", how much of a deficit the "New Rescue Department" had to begin with (or actually without), and how the "New Rescue Department" was doing financially today.

New Code Enforcement Officer, J. Mike Beaulieu will begin his new position on Monday, June 22, 2015.

Selectman Thompson turned the discussion to the subject of meeting venues. He stated that the Board had done what they could to accommodate residents by having Monday 6/15/15 and Thursday 6/18/15 meetings in the Town Office lobby, however, it was stated that the Board "does not have to accommodate the larger meetings if it stops the flow of the business of the Town". Mention was made that this larger venue was requested in order to be in compliance with ADA Federal laws and Maine State laws regarding Public Meeting access as well as State and Local Fire Codes, which the Selectman stated were "All valid points" but again asserted that the Board did not have to accommodate large crowds and could go back to smaller "Workshops", ending with the statement "It's very seldom that many people are paying attention".

Moments later, Selectman Nadeau motioned that the meeting be adjourned, this was seconded by Heath and the meeting was ended shortly before 8:30 pm.

To see the final moments of the June 18, 2015 Selectman's Meeting, Look HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u4bHBphdhs

What Exactly is a Town Charter, and Who Can Create One?

At the June 15, 2015 Selectmen's Meeting, one of the motions that I had put forth to the Selectmen was that they begin moving to create a Town Charter Development Committee toward the goal of creating a Lebanon Maine Town Charter. Town Charters give the people of town specific language under which their Town Government runs. I had read quite a bit on Town Charters and had spoken with several other towns who have Town Charters and they have served their towns well. I also have spoken with several people in our own Town Office who worry that there is no Town Charter to fall back on when questioning their own powers or job scope. I plan to present to you the need for a Town Charter for the Town of Lebanon.

For example, take the case of Thursday evenings meeting, June 11, 2015. HAD we had a Town Charter in place, it would have CLEARLY stated that all motions to be presented by the Board of Selectmen would have to be on the Selectmen's Agenda 5 (or 3) days prior to the vote on that motion so that the people of town had the chance to come and speak for, or against it. Freedom of Information laws clearly call for such transparency in government, but there are no official Town documents that call for the Selectmen to follow proper meeting protocol. In short, the meetings have no clear beginning or end, and no clear schedule. Instead of having a Town Charter establishing the rules clearly for all Town Officials and all Town Employees, we must wait and question the validity of all that they do and search volumes of State and Federal laws, as well as the rules of other governing organizations as set forth by our State Government (Such as the Maine Municipal Association).
Having a Town Charter would have prevented a LOT of different things in our town's recent past history. It would have prevented a single Selectman from having the power to use General Fund monies to fund other town departments without the signed approval of all three Selectmen and the Treasuer, for example, and it could be set up to prevent the separation of any one Town department to be removed from Selectmen's, Treasurer's and Voter's viewing, demanding accountability of all departments to the Selectmen, and therefore to the voters. In short, the establishment of the Town Charter can prevent a single person from becoming so popular that they have control of a lot of taxpayer dollars with no accountability for its spending.
Very interesting reading. I hope you'll all get excited and interested in being part of the Town of Lebanon's history as we move forward and grow.
For now, I'll present to you a document from the Maine Municipal Association, which establishes rules of law for Maine towns and cities. This document will give you a pretty comprehensive understanding on EXACTLY what a Town Charter can, and can not do for your town.
The State of Maine has several rules on who can participate in the creation of a Town Charter which
I want to be clear that our town HAS an Incorporation Charter. That is very different and not the same as a Town Charter.
If you'd like to know more about WHY a Town Charter, Read HERE:
https://www.memun.org/SchoolsProject/Resources/themes/charters.htm