Selectmen Meeting Minutes
Town of Mount Desert
Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting
Monday, May 15, 2017
Location: Meeting Room, Town Hall, Northeast Harbor
Present were: Chairman Macauley, and Selectmen Mooers, Hart, Littlefield, and Dudman.
Town Manager Durlin Lunt, Town Clerk Claire Woolfolk, Treasurer Kathy Mahar, Public Works Director Tony Smith, Harbor Master John Lemoine, Fire Chief Mike Bender and members of the public were also in attendance.
Call to order at 6:30 p.m.
Chairman Macauley called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.
Minutes
Approval of Minutes from May 2, 2017
Selectman Mooers noted on Page 2, Lines 45 and 46, that he had inquired whether an officer would be posted in Somesville and not in Seal Harbor as stated.
MOTION: Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Mooers seconding, to approve the Minutes as amended. Motion approved 5-0.
Appointments/Recognitions/Resignations
Annual Employee Appointments
MOTION: Selectman Mooers moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to approve the slate of employee appointments as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
Annual Board and Committee Appointments
MOTION: Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, approval of the Annual Board and Committee Appointments as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
Confirm Appointment of Ninette Ferm as Warden for the June 13, 2017 State Referendum Election
MOTION: Selectman Mooers moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, appointment of Ninette Ferm as Warden for the June 13, 2017 State Referendum Election as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
Confirm Appointments of Summer Dock Hands and Boat Launch Operators as presented
MOTION: Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Mooers seconding, appointments of Summer Dock Hands and Boat Launch Operators as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
Confirm Appointments of Remmington Berzinis-McLaughlin and Ryan Littlefield as Part-time Parking Enforcement, Traffic Control, Dispatch and Part-time Patrol at a rate of $12.90 /hour
MOTION: Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, to confirm appointments of Remmington Berzinis-McLaughlin and Ryan Littlefield as Part-time Parking Enforcement, Traffic Control, Dispatch and Part-time Patrol at a rate of $12.90 an hour as presented. Motion approved 4-0-1 (Littlefield in Abstention).
Confirm Nathan Smallidge rate of pay at $15.25 per hour effective May 15, 2017 as Seasonal Buildings & Grounds and Solid Waste employee
MOTION: Selectman Mooers moved, with Selectman Littlefield seconding, confirmation of Nathan Smallidge rate of pay at $15.25 per hour effective May 15, 2017 as Season Buildings & Grounds and Solid Waste employee as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
Appoint Selectman to Investment Committee
Town Manager Lunt informed the Board that someone would need to replace Dennis Shubert as an ex-officio Selectman representative to the Investment Committee. Selectman Littlefield offered to fill the role.
MOTION: Selectman Mooers moved, with Selectman Hart seconding appointment of Selectman Littlefield to the Investment Committee. Motion approved 5-0.
Consent Agenda
Department Reports: Treasury Report, Northeast Harbor Ambulance Service March 2017 Report
Maine Public Utilities Commission - Docket No. 2017-00061 - Emera Maine, Request for Street Light Rates Approval
Maine Public Utilities Commission - Docket No. 2014-00317 - Emera Maine, Request for Approval of Tariff Revisions Related to Municipally-owned Street Lighting Service Pertaining to Emera Maine
Board of Selectmen Meeting Schedule 2017 - 2018
Holiday Schedule 2017 - 2018
Hancock County Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 4, 11, and 21, 2017
Selectman Mooers inquired whether the Town had received rate information with regard to Items B and C. Town Manager Lunt reported Emera is still working on setting the rates. It was estimated the rates would be available mid-August.
MOTION: Selectman Mooers moved, with Selectman Hart seconding the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
Selectman’s Reports
Selectman Mooers volunteered to become the Board’s liaison to the LUZO Advisory Board.
MOTION: Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, appointment of Selectman Mooers as Selectman liaison to the LUZO Advisory Board. Motion approved 5-0.
Selectman Dudman complimented Town Manager Lunt on presenting the award to the Browns.
Chairman Macauley introduced a question from resident Rodney King. Discussion ensued regarding the Otter Creek herring run discussed at Town Meeting. Town Manager Lunt noted the Town was trying to re-establish the run. Mr. King asked whether he could set a trap outside the Causeway in Otter Creek. Chairman Macauley affirmed that to the best of his knowledge setting a trap was allowed.
Old Business
None Presented.
New Business
Public Space Special Event Application: Island Readers & Writers; Pop-up Store to promote summer reading - Northeast Harbor Village Green; July 6, 2017
MOTION: Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, approval of the Public Space Special Event Application: Island Readers & Writers; Pop-up Store to promote summer reading – Northeast Harbor Village Green; July 6, 2017, as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
Request pay increase for Election/Ballot Clerks to $15.00 per hour and Warden/Deputy Moderator to $16.00 per hour
The current rate of pay is $11.00 and $12.00 per hour, a rate that has not changed in several years. The clerks and the moderator are trained and highly experienced with many having served for twenty or more years.
MOTION: Selectman Mooers moved, with Selectman Littlefield seconding, approval of the pay increase for Election/Ballot Clerks to $15.00 per hour and Warden/Deputy Moderator to $16.00 per hour. Motion approved 5-0.
MOTION: Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Littlefield seconding, the proposed increase as presented be made effective immediately. Motion approved 5-0.
Approve and sign Easement Agreement for the underground electric line servicing harbor facilities in the Village of Northeast Harbor
Selectman Mooers moved, with Selectman Hart seconding approval and signature the Easement Agreement for the underground electric line servicing harbor facilities in the Village of Northeast Harbor. Motion approved 5-0.
Request authorization for release and expenditure of $8,429.00 from the Northeast Harbor CIP line Account #4010100-24680 for the Northeast power upgrade
Public Works Director Tony Smith noted the money would cover Emera’s fees.
MOTION: Selectman Mooers moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, authorization for release and expenditure of $8,429.00 from the Northeast Harbor CIP Line Account #4010100-24680 for the Northeast power upgrade, as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
Request authorization to solicit and accept bids for the removal of two (2) 20’ X 20’ surplus floats and a surplus 23’ X 4’ aluminum connector ramp from the Seal Harbor Pier
It was noted the floats to be replaced are in the harbor in Northeast Harbor.
MOTION: Selectman Mooers moved, with Selectman Littlefield seconding, to grant authorization to solicit and accept bids for the removal of two (2) 20’ X 20’ surplus floats and a surplus 23’ X 4’ aluminum connector ramp from the Seal Harbor Pier as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
Request authorization from the Board of Selectmen for release and expenditure of $9,400.00 to LE Norwood from Northeast Harbor CIP line Acct. # 4010100- 24680 for the resurfacing of the Main Pier.
Chairman Macauley asked what resurfacing entailed. Harbor Master Lemoine explained the process.
Selectman Mooers asked, with regard to Items f, g, and h, whether the work went out to bid. It was his understanding that the purchasing policy required projects of $5,000 - $10,000 to have three verbal bids solicited. Town Manager Lunt noted that policy was still in effect. Harbor Master Lemoine stated the projects were quoted separately. The Marine Management Committee wanted the work done before the season started. Harbor Master Lemoine called several contractors; LE Norwood was the only contractor able to do the work within the time constraints. He stated the work was broken out due to the projects being in different areas of the harbor and different jobs.
MOTION: Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to grant authorization for release and expenditure of $9,400.00 to LE Norwood from Northeast Harbor CIP line Acct. # 4010100- 24680 for the resurfacing of the Main Pier as presented. Motion approved 4 in approval (Selectman Mooers did not vote as no nay vote was solicited).
Request authorization from the Board of Selectmen for release and expenditure of $5,450.00 to LE Norwood from Northeast Harbor CIP line Acct. # 4010100-24680 for the repair of the underside of the Main Pier.
MOTION: Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, to grant authorization for release and expenditure of $5,450.00 to LE Norwood from Northeast Harbor CIP line Acct. # 4010100-24680 for the repair of the underside of the Main Pier. Motion approved 4 in approval (Selectman Mooers did not vote as no nay vote was solicited).
Request authorization from the Board of Selectmen for release and expenditure of $3,700.00 to LE Norwood from Northeast Harbor CIP line Acct. #4010100-24680 for the repair of the North dock concrete walkway bridge.
MOTION: Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Littlefield seconding, to grant authorization for release and expenditure of $3,700.00 to LE Norwood from Northeast Harbor CIP line Acct. # 4010400-24680 for the repair of the North dock concrete walkway bridge. Motion approved 5-0.
Permission for the Fire Chief to sign the Lift Assist Agreement with the Northeast Harbor Ambulance Service
MOTION: Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Mooers seconding, to grant permission to the Fire Chief to sign the Lift Assist Agreement with the Northeast Harbor Ambulance Service as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
Request authorization to sell the Mount Desert Fire Department’s 1995 International/Metal Fab pumper truck (designated as Engine #2) to the Town of Swans Island in the amount of $35,000.00.
MOTION: Selectman Mooers moved, with Selectman Littlefield seconding, authorization to sell the Mount Desert Fire Department’s 1995 International/Metal Fab pumper truck (designated as Engine #2) to the Town of Swans Island in the amount of $35,000.00, as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
To sell the Mount Desert Fire Department’s 1992 International/Central States pumper truck (designated as Engine #3) to the Town of Stockton Springs in the amount of $22,000.00; $2,000.00 of which will go to Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus for brokerage fees.
MOTION: Selectman Mooers moved, with Selectman Littlefield seconding, to approve selling the Mount Desert Fire Department’s 1992 International/Central States pumper truck (designated as Engine #3) to the Town of Stockton Springs in the amount of $22,000.00; $2,000.00 of which will go to Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus for brokerage fees, as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
To sell the Mount Desert’s Fire Department 1989 Ford/Metal Fab pumper truck (designated as Engine #8) by way of highest bidder.
MOTION: Selectman Mooers moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, authorization to sell the Mount Desert’s Fire Department 1989 Ford/Metal Fab pumper truck (designated as Engine #8) by way of highest bidder, as presented. Motion approved 5-0.
Mount Desert Island Regional School Trustee, discussion
Town Manager Lunt reported the Town was down a Trustee. Other School Trustees were noted. It was agreed to submit names of possible candidates and Town Manager Lunt would approach them. Potential Trustees can’t be Town officials, and can’t be associated with the high school.
Other Business
Such other business as may be legally conducted
Otter Creek resident Steve Smith reported that he owned a small piece of property on Inner Harbor in Otter Creek. A road historically called Quarry Road leads from Grover Ave. towards his parcel of land. Acadia National Park owns the land around the parcel, and Mr. Smith noted they’ve renamed the road Quarry Park. Mr. Smith stated that in a federal court hearing a judge decreed owners would have right of way road to their property through Acadia National Park land. Mr. Smith has been unable to locate the agreement.
Mr. Smith reported there had been a culvert at the end of Grover Ave. that is missing, making travel to his property impossible. He has been unable to determine who removed the culvert. The Park has refused him vehicle access to his property.
Mr. Smith is requesting the Town check into the ownership of the culvert and the rights of the road.
Public Works Director Tony Smith reported he did not know when the culvert was removed or by whom. The Park owns to the center line of the road; therefore, the culvert cannot be replaced without their cooperation. Chairman Macauley felt that access over public land must be available to reach private property. The road has deteriorated to the point it can’t be traveled.
It was suggested perhaps the Tax Assessor might have some information, or old deeds might offer information. Chairman Macauley requested Town Manager Lunt consider the situation.
Additionally, Mr. Smith inquired about putting a mailbox up on the road. Across from his property is land owned by Acadia National Park. Public Works Director Tony Smith felt the Park would have to give permission for a mailbox on property across the road.
Treasurer’s Warrants
A. Approve & Sign Treasurer’s Warrant - not available until the Selectmen meeting
B. Approve Signed Treasurer’s Payroll, State Fees, & PR Benefit Warrants AP1765,
AP1766, and PR1725 in the amounts ofb$8,170.00, $23,279. 74, and $98,959.32,
respectively
C. Acknowledge Treasurer’s School Board AP/Payroll Warrant 23 in the amount of
$73,413.08
Treasurer Mahar made note of a revision to the Warrant, specifically Item A. Chairman Macauley read the revision that included Town Treasurer’s Warrant Town Invoices as AP1767 in the amount of $665,421.99.
MOTION: Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to approve and sign Treasurer’s Warrant Town Invoices as AP1767 in the amount of $665,421.99 approve signed Treasurer’s Payroll, State Fees, & PR Benefit Warrants AP1765, AP1766, and PR1725 in the amounts of $8,170.00, $23,279. 74, and $98,959.32, respectively, and acknowledge Treasurer’s School Board AP/Payroll Warrant 23 in the amount of $73,413.08 as presented and amended. Motion approved 5-0.
Adjournment
MOTION: Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Littlefield seconding, to adjourn. Motion approved 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:09 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Wendy Littlefield, Secretary