Selectmen’s Meeting, April 9, 2020

TOWN OF SEDGWICK

SELECTMEN’S MEETING

April 9, 2020

 

Opened the meeting and declared a quorum present.  Selectmen present:  Ben Astbury, Bob Publicover and Michael Sheahan (by phone).  Also present:  CEO Duane Ford, Assistant Barbara Grindle, via phone:  Ciona Ulbrich, Carol Ann Cutler, Peter Neill, Christine DiPreteo, Anne Berleant, Jerry Wetterskog. Julie Fehrle.

There being typographical errors in the minutes of the last meeting, moved, seconded and unanimous roll call vote to accept the minutes as written with corrections.

Reviewed and signed, (Michael in the afternoon, Ben at the meeting, Bob tomorrow) the treasurer’s warrant for $4785.89;  general assistance $2,813.22, administration $8.64, fees $87, clearing, M/V $1,446.10, animal control $11.60.

CEO REPORT:  Everything seems to be working normally.  Received a letter from a person objecting to a neighbor’s deck, will be a civil complaint not involving the town, wrote to the party explaining this fact.    Solar company has a few questions regarding potential town issues, they need a letter from CEO regarding permits, etc.  Planning Board public hearing on solar farm Tuesday evening (by phone), board’s usual meeting after the hearing.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:  ACO discussion with Carol Ann Cutler, taking position as temporary animal control officer.  Astbury is liaison officer for animal control.

MCHT grant discussion- with Ciona Ulbrich.  Selectmen looked over the documents sent last week.  They would like to change one paragraph’s wording “paid by town” because MCHT will be paying the bills with their grant money.  Sequencing of bill paying may need to be discussed.  Process used by Penobscot might work well.  A sample warrant article from Mt. Desert could be used for our special town meeting.  Selectmen thanked Ulbrich for the work she has put in for the town to get this project moving.  Next week she will have people from DOT join the discussion.

Assessing Solar Farms- Assessing agent has been consulted, there may be a question of them being tax exempt.  Conference call Tuesday, April 14 for a public hearing on the solar farm with the Planning Board.

Astbury brought the other selectmen up to date on mail received.  Emera has been bought by another company, the salt bid has been accepted from the State of Maine, Steve Blaisdell has finished the grant application for stabilization of the town dock.

ACTION ITEMS: Transition computer support? – Moved and seconded and roll call voted unanimously to change from the current service provider to Compusult.  Astbury will contact the two companies.

Replace Hub Computer? – After discussion, moved and seconded and roll call vote to authorize up to $1800 to replace the tax collector’s computer.  Selectmen thanked Wetterskog for his invaluable assistance with all of the computer work and decisions.

Sign appointment papers for Animal Control Officer – Cutler accepted the temporary position which may be advertised.  If she wishes to keep the job she may apply for it.  Voted unanimously by roll call vote to sign her appointment paper.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:  none

ADJOURN:  There being no further business, Moved and roll call voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Grindle, Assistant