Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes August 29th, 2024 | Sedgwick, Maine Official Website

Town of Sedgwick

Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

Thursday August 29^{th, 2024}

Opened the meeting and established a quorum. S. Ford, C. Pert and B. Duffy present. Also in attendance: D. Ford and L. Dow. From the public online: R. Colburn
Reviewed and signed Treasurer’s warrant
Read and approve minutes from August 22nd meeting- Tabled

CEO REPORT:

Duane had correspondence regarding 764 Old County Road for a visit to view ongoing new septic work. He spoke with Mike Astbury about a final inspection on the new septic at the Prime residence at 232 Byard’s Point Road. Rob Cunningham; the plumber would be there. Later, Mr. Astbury called back about a ledge issue at the Prime residence. Duane was told that soil evaluator Bill LaBelle would be there the following Tuesday to determine what to do with the newly revealed ledge conditions. Mr. Maxwell called to ask for the Town’s Building inspector to visit the property to inspect his barn and advise about its condition and for an opinion/recommendation following. Duane informed him that this was not authorized per the existing ordinances. Chris Martin of 92 Silver Mine Rd checked in about his paperwork and some additions. Duane visited 730 Sedgwick Ridge Road; Boldt property- to view the septic work progress. There is a second septic being installed for an additional unit. Waiting for Paul Carter to come back.

DISCUSSION and/or ACTION ITEMS:

Written Complain about speeding thru the town on state roads- Don Buckingham submitted a written complaint about speeding in town, primarily Main St./Reach Road. The Selectboard has received several complaints and are aware of the issue. Motion and 2^nd to submit a letter to both Hancock County Sherrif Dept. and Maine State Police about police presence here in town. 3-0 approved. Barry will also reach out to Sherrif Kane for advice.
Continuing discussion regarding tax liens and foreclosure disposals- Barry did more investigation regarding the tax acquired properties in town. Specifically, two properties one previously belonging to Brian Rankin, and the other by John Gordon. These are land only parcels. The town has owned both properties for nonpayment for quite some time. Barry asked if they should be put up for sale, following the new law pertaining to the sale of tax acquired properties. If permitted, he would contact a local realtor and get the ball rolling. Motion and 2^nd to contact a realtor to begin the process of listing these two properties for sale. 3-0 approved.
Could we take tax payments online from our website- Lyndsey asked if it was okay to implement the use of the online portal for boat excise and real estate tax payments. This would further streamline the efficiency here in the office and be more accessible for folks. For property taxes, there would be an email notification, and the amount paid would have to be entered into trio, but the money would go right into the bank. Boat excise would also have to be entered manually. Lyndsey has used these services before in other towns and thinks that it would be an asset to the processes here, and not any more difficult or time consuming than anything currently. A rep from informe will be sending over the contracts for review. Motion and 2^nd to allow Lyndsey to implement online payments for boat excise and real estate/personal property taxes. 3-0 approved.

UNRESOLVED/OTHER BUSINESS:

-The curve ahead sign on Christy Hill Road has gone missing and a property owner who has had vehicles driving on his lawn because of it has asked that we have it replaced.

– MMA Risk management has asked for an appraisal on the horsedrawn hearse the town owns. Cindy has been in touch with an appraiser from Long Island who asked that photos of hearse be sent via email. His rate is $135 per hour. Susan and Duane will take the photos and send them along.

-Monday September 2^nd is Labor Day and the office will be closed.

ASSITANT’S REPORT:

Lyndsey has training in Bangor on Wednesday September 4^th and Thursday September 5^th and will not be available for office hours. She also plans to be off the week of September 16^th-20^th. Cindy will be available to help on Wednesday and Thursday that week. Will do the proper posting ahead of time to notify residents.

ADJOURN:

Motioned and 2^nd to adjourn. Approved 3-0 @6:51pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Lyndsey Dow

Select Board Assistant

approved 3-0 on 9/12/24