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Selectmen Meeting Minutes

Meeting date: 
Monday, February 6, 2017
Town of Mount Desert
Board of Selectmen
Agenda

 

Regular Meeting
Monday, February 6, 2017
Location: Meeting Room, Town Hall, Northeast Harbor


 

Present were Chairman Macauley, Selectmen Gordon Beck, Martha Dudman, and Matt Hart.

 

Also in attendance were Treasurer Kathi Mahar, Assessor Kyle Avila, Fire Chief Mike Bender, Public Works Director Tony Smith, Town Manager Durlin Lunt, Harbormaster John Lemoine, and Town Clerk Claire Woolfolk.

 

  • Call to order at 6:30 p.m.
Chairman Macauley called the meeting to order at 6:31 PM.

 

  • Public Hearing(s)
There were no Public Hearings scheduled.

 

III.    Minutes
  •         Approval of minutes from January 17, 2017 meeting.
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, to approve the Minutes as presented.  Motion approved 3-0-1 (Beck in Abstention).

 

IV.     Appointments/Recognitions/Resignations
  • Confirm/Appoint of Matthew Pistella as Part-time (On-call) Firefighter effective January 27, 2017
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to confirm and approve appointment of Matthew Pistella as Part-time (On-call) Firefighter at a rate of $13.25/hr, with thanks, effective January 27, 2017.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Appointment of Joelle Nolan to the Mount Desert Housing Authority Board of Commissioners for a five-year term beginning February 1, 2017
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to approve appointment of Joelle Nolan to the Mount Desert Housing Authority Board of Commissioners for a five-year term beginning February 1, 2017.  Motion approved 4-0

 

  • Reappointment of Dan Falt to the Mount Desert Housing Authority Board of Commissioners for a five-year term beginning March 1, 2017
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to approve the reappointment of Dan Falt to the Mount Desert Housing Authority Board of Commissioners for a five-year term beginning March 1, 2017.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Appointment of Samuel Burr to the Warrant Committee
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to approve appointment of Samuel Burr to the Warrant Committee, with many thanks.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Appointment of Rodney Eason to the Warrant Committee
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to approve appointment of Rodney Eason to the Warrant Committee, with many thanks.   Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Appointment of Jesse Hartson to the Warrant Committee
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to approve appointment of Jesse Hartson to the Warrant Committee, with many thanks.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Appointment of Wendy H. Littlefield to the Warrant Committee
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to approve appointment of Wendy H. Littlefield to the Warrant Committee, with a multitude of thanks.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Appointment of Timothy Murphy to the Warrant Committee
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to approve appointment of Timothy Murphy to the Warrant Committee, with a plethora of thanks.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Appointment of Frank Norris Jr. to the Warrant Committee
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to approve appointment of Frank Norrs Jr. to the Warrant Committee, with an abundance of thanks.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Appointment of SeAnn Norris to the Warrant Committee
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to approve appointment of SeAnn Norris to the Warrant Committee, with an infinite amount of thanks.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Appointment of Gordon Beck as BOS Liaison to the Sustainability Committee
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to approve appointment of Gordon Beck as BOS Liaison to the Sustainability Committee.  Motion approved 3-0-1 (Beck in Abstention).

 

  • Resignation of Gordon Beck from the Warrant Committee, effective February 1, 2017
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, with reluctance, to accept the resignation of Gordon Beck from the Warrant Committee, effective February 1, 2017.  Motion approved 3-0-1 (Beck in Abstention).

 

The Board welcomed Selectman Beck to the Board.

 

V.      Consent Agenda (These items are considered routine, and therefore, may be passed by the Selectmen in one blanket motion.  Board members may remove any item for discussion by requesting such action prior to consideration of that portion of the agenda.)
  • Department Reports:  Wastewater
  • Warrant Committee Minutes from January 24, 2017
  • General Assistance compliance letter from Department of Health and Human Services
  • EMERA Maine Company utility location permit for two poles on approximately 170 feet westerly of Cooksey Drive, over a total distance of 105 feet
  • Rate adjustment on parking lease between Town of Mount Desert and Town of Cranberry Isles
  • US Department of Homeland Security letter regarding the installation of Mariner Radio Activated Sound Signal (MRASS) devices
The placement of the poles is planned for 170 feet westerly of Cooksey Drive, near the Abel residence.

 

MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

VI.     Selectmen’s Reports
Chairman Macauley asked whether the Otter Creek commercial zoning would be included in the LUZO in time to be put on the warrant.  Town Manager Durlin Lunt did not believe the committee would have the time to address it in the LUZO.

 

VII.    Old Business
  • Town Report Cover
Town Manager Lunt reported that no pictures were available yet.  They would be presented at the next meeting.  The dedications are complete.

 

  • Request authorization to accept project bids for the replacement, delivery, and installation of 2 (two) 20’ x 20’ floats at the Seal Harbor Pier and for the bid to be awarded to Charles Bradley Construction for $28,593.45 to be paid from the Seal Harbor Floats CIP account #4010200-24601
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, to accept the projects bids for the replacement, delivery, and installation of 2 (two) 20’ x 20’ floats at the Seal Harbor Pier and for the bid to be awarded to Charles Bradley Construction for $28,593.45 to be paid from the Seal Harbor Floats CIP account #4010200-24601.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Street Light Replacement Bond
Treasurer Mahar noted this was a request to authorize the submission of an application for a bond from Bar Harbor Banking and Trust.  The bond itself would be presented at a future meeting.  Selectman Beck reported the Town is currently waiting on Emera to file tariffs with the MPUC.  An RFQ for a consultant for the lighting plan would then be put out.  The plan would be Town-wide.  The bond applied for would be for up to $150,000.

 

MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to authorize the Town to submit an application for the Street Light Replacement Project Bond with Bar Harbor Banking and Trust for $150,000.00 for ten (10) year term at 2.52%.  Motion approved 3-0-1 (Dudman in Abstention).

 

VIII.   New Business
  • Public Space Special Event Application – Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce Movie Nights – July & August 2017
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to approve the Public Space Special Event Application as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • 2017 Mount Desert Spirit of America Tribute
It was noted the event would be June 30, and the event would honor volunteer spirit.  The Board were encouraged to think about potential volunteers to honor before the deadline of February 28th.

 

  • DMR Proposed Changes to the Shellfish Conservation Ordinance, request for inclusion in the 2017 Warrant.
It was noted the proposed changes were mandated by the DMR.  

 

MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to approve the inclusion of the DMR proposed changes to the Shellfish Conservation Ordinance on the 2017 Warrant.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Authorization to solicit bids for the Northeast Harbor Marina power upgrade to be paid out of the Northeast Harbor CIP Account #4010100-24680.
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, to approve authorization to solicit bids for the Northeast Harbor Marina power upgrade to be paid out of the Northeast Harbor CIP Account #4010100-24680 as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Approve acceptance of a Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant in the amount of $890.00 from the Maine Forest Service
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to accept and expend the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant for $890.00 as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Authorization to sign the “Agreement for State Assistance, Volunteer Fire Assistance Program” and “Assurances”
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to authorize the signing of the “Agreement for State Assistance, Volunteer Fire Assistance Program” and “Assurances” as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Dobbs Productions Inc. Request to Use Public Access Channel 2
It was noted this is a continued use.

 

MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, to approve the request to continue the use of public access channel 2 as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Island Housing Trust Request for Town-owned Land
Town Manager Lunt noted this item will have to be put on the Warrant for Town Meeting.  Assessor Avila explained the Town currently owns two lots, neither of which are conforming.  The parcels would need to be merged to bring them into conformity.  Some due diligence will be necessary before transfer of ownership to clarify the deeds, as they are over 100 years old, and the lots no longer match the surveys.  This would occur after the item was approved at Town Meeting.  Unless the lots are merged, the back lot essentially becomes throw-away property with no road access.  Putting a road in is not feasible, due to the setbacks created.  Mr. Avila did not know the reason the lots were deeded to the Town.  

 

Resident Katrina Carter inquired why the lots must be merged.  As legally non-conforming lots they could be sold individually.  Could they not remain two lots, and couldn’t building occur on both lots?  Assessor Avila pointed out that nothing can be changed on legally non-conforming lots.  Setbacks and requirements for septic systems would have to be honored.  Potential new owners would also be constrained to use the footprint currently one of the lots.  These would make building difficult.

 

Public Works Director Smith asked whether the Town would realize any proceeds from the eventual sale resulting from the land transfer.  Could stipulations be put on the land prior to transfer to ensure the Town realizes some profit.  Ms. Carter felt the benefit would be that another family might be able to build in the community and the IHT profits create seed money that in turn allows more families to build in the community.  Assessor Avila did not have a firm figure on the value.  Based on current market, he estimated the lots each being worth under $100,000.  Currently one lot was assessed at $73,000 and the other at $100,000.  

 

MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, to put the Request as presented on the Warrant.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

  • Brief Summery of MRC Status
Public Works Director Smith noted the draft Warrant Article.  The Town is being asked to sell back their share in PERC.  PERC is hoping to close financially in the spring.  If the Town chooses not to accept the current offer, PERC has the option to approach the Town and make an offer the Town must accept.  MRC recommends the option presented.  

 

  • Miscellaneous Warrant Article(s):  General Review of Draft Warrant
Article 1:  To elect a Moderator by written ballot.
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, to approve Warrant Article 1 for the warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 2:  To elect two members to the Board of Selectmen for a term of
three years, one member to the Board of Selectmen for a term of two years, one member to the Mount Desert Elementary School Board for a term of three years, one trustee to the Mount Desert Island Regional School District for a term of three years, and one trustee to the Mount Desert Island Regional School District for a term of two years.
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, to approve Article 2 for the warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 3:  To see if non-voters shall be allowed, when recognized, to speak during the 2017 Annual Town Meeting.
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to approve Article 3 for the warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 4:  To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote
to approve an expenditure of $500 from the Animal Welfare Reserve Account #4040700-24204 to Acadia Veterinary Hospital as a donation for the benefit of the Town of Mount Desert Feral Cat Program.
MOTION:  Selectman Beck moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to approve Article 4 for the warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 5:  Shall an ordinance dated May 2, 2017 and entitled “Town of Mount Desert Alewife Ordinance” be enacted? The ordinance reads, in its entirety, “Regulations for the taking of alewives and blue back herring shall be as follows: For the year July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018 there shall be no taking of Alewives and Blue Back Herring in the Town of Mount Desert.”
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, to approve Article 5 for the warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.  

 

Article 6:  Shall an ordinance dated May 2, 2017 and entitled “MUNICIPALITY OF MOUNT DESERT MORATORIUM ORDINANCE ON RETAIL MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENTS AND RETAIL MARIJUANA STORES AND RETAIL
MARIJUANA SOCIAL CLUBS” be enacted? See Appendix A
This Article was not complete.  Approval was tabled.  
        
Article 7:  Shall an ordinance entitled “Town of Mount Desert Harbor Ordinance” be enacted? See Appendix B
It was noted this is a 15-year scheduled rewrite.  Harbormaster Lemoine confirmed cruise ships were not addressed in the ordinance.  Chairman Macauley felt the Town needed the issue of cruise ships addressed somewhere.  It was suggested perhaps the issue should be addressed separately.  Decision on the Article was tabled.

 

Article 8:  Shall an ordinance entitled “May 2, 2017 Amendments to the Shellfish Conservation Ordinance of the Town of Mount Desert” be enacted as set forth below?
6. OPENING AND CLOSING FLATS
It shall be unlawful for any person to harvest, take or possess shellfish from any areas closed by the town of Mount Desert in accordance with DMR Regulation, Chapter 7. Harvesting shellfish in a closed area is a violation of this municipality’s ordinance and is punishable under MSRA Title 12 ‘S6671.  Boundaries of conservation closures are explicitly defined in the conservation closure application submitted by the Town of Mount Desert to DM1? and are part of the resulting permit issued by DM1? These permits are posted at the town office and online:
http:llwww. maine. gove/dmr/shellfish-sanitation management/programs/municipal/ordinances/town info.html.
It was noted this was a State Mandated ordinance.  This Article was not voted on.

 

Article 9:  Shall an ordinance dated May 2, 2017 and entitled “Town of Mount
Desert LUZO” be enacted? See Appendix C
This Article was not voted on.

 

Article 10:  Shall an ordinance dated May 2, 2017 and entitled “Town of Mount
Desert FOOD TRUCK” be enacted as set forth below?
This Article was not voted on.

 

Article 11:  To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote
to authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept Conditional Gifts (MRSA 30-A, §5654), Unconditional Gifts (MRSA 30-A §5655), equipment, proceeds from sale of fire equipment or funds on behalf of the Municipal Fire Department. It is understood that any funds received will be placed in the Fire Equipment Reserve Fund.
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to approve Article 11 for Warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 12:  To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to lease a portion of the so-called Visitor Center at the Northeast Harbor Marina to the Ticket Booth operators for a term of one (1) year under such terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen, in its sole discretion, deems to be in the best interests of the Town.
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to approve Article 12 for Warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 13:  To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen, to lease a portion of the so-called Visitor Center at the Northeast Harbor Marina to the Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce for a term of one (1) year under such terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen, in its sole discretion, deems to be in the best interests of the Town.
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to approve Article 13 for Warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 14:  To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will authorize the Board of Selectmen, to negotiate and enter into an agreement with the Neighborhood House Club, Inc. for management and maintenance of the municipal swimming pool, under such terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen, in its sole discretion, deems to be in the best interests of the Town.
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to approve Article 14 for Warrant as presented.  Motion approved 3-0-1 (Hart in Abstention).

 

Article 15:  To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell a 1992 International/Central States pumper fire truck, under such terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen, in their sole discretion, deem to be in the best interests of the Town.
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, to approve Article 15 for Warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 16:  To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell a 1995 International/Metalfab pumper fire truck, under such terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen, in their sole discretion, deem to be in the best interests of the Town.
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to approve Article 16 for Warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 17:  MRC Warrant Article
This Article was tabled.

 

Article 18:  Route 198 & DOT Agreement: Shall the Town of Mount Desert be authorized to enter into an agreement with the Maine Department of Transportation (the Agreement), a copy of which is included herein in Appendix ABC, in conformance with their Municipal Project Initiative program, for technical and construction services related to improvements of State Route 198 beginning approximately 0.85 miles southerly of Sargeant Drive (northerly of the Parkman Mountain parking area) then proceeding in a northerly direction approximately l .10 miles on Route 198 ending at or near the Giant Slide Trailhead, said beginning and ending points shown on the attached project site map included herein in Appendix ABC; with said improvements to be completed in 2017-2018 and in accordance with the Agreement including, but not necessarily being limited to, reclaiming (grinding and leaving in place) the existing pavement, grading and compacting these materials, construction of new base and surface pavement layers on the reclaimed materials, construction of five-foot wide extended shoulder on each side of the road, drainage improvements and other typical roadway improvements associated with projects of this kind, and further to authorize the Board of Selectmen to execute any and all contracts and documents and do any and all things necessary or convenient to enter into.
This Article was tabled.

 

Article 19:  Solar Array: Shall the Town of Mount Desert be authorized to enter into a Power Purchase Agreement, (the Agreement), a copy of which is included herein in Appendix 123, with ReVision Energy for them to furnish, install and maintain all technical services, materials, equipment and labor to construct and house a functional solar panel array and associated equipment (the Array) on a portion of the Town’s municipal garage roof and inside the garage itself located at 307 Sargeant Drive in Northeast Harbor in conformance with the Agreement and at no capital or operations and maintenance costs to the Town for at least six (6) years after the system is operational and, for the Town to purchase the power generated by the Array from ReVision Energy at rates competitive with the local market as described in the Agreement and, that in Year 6 after the Array is operational, the Town is to make a decision to purchase the Array from ReVision Energy at a negotiated cost mutually acceptable to them and the Town or to not purchase the Array and to remain a customer of Revision Energy at rates competitive with the local market as described in the Agreement and further to authorize the Board of Selectmen to execute any and all contracts and documents and do any and all things necessary or convenient to enter into this agreement with ReVision Energy. See Appendix E
This Article was tabled.

 

Article 20:  Article Route 198 & DOT Funding: Shall the Town of Mount Desert be authorized to issue a general obligation bond to the Town in a principal amount not to exceed $500,000 (five hundred thousand dollars) to fund the Town’s 50%-50% cost share for construction of roadway improvements to Route 198 in accordance with the agreement with the Maine Department of Transportation described in Article C above; and further to authorize the Board of Selectmen to execute any and all contracts and documents and do any and all things necessary or convenient to issue the bonds or notes of the Town, which may be callable, and to accomplish the project.
This Article was tabled.

 

Article 21:  Streetlights: To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to raise and appropriate $32,500 to supplement the $150,000 previously raised at the May 2015 Town meeting to fund the cost of professional technical and construction services associated with improvements to the Town’s streetlights with said improvements to include, but not necessarily being limited to, preparation of a lighting plan for the Town, removal of existing streetlights and the subsequent installation of new dark-sky compliant LED streetlights in general conformance with the aforementioned lighting plan.
This Article was tabled.

 

Article 22: To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND [for borrowing] agreement for purchase of STREETSCAPE DESIGN, under such terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen, in their sole discretion, deem to be in the best interest of the Town.
This Article was tabled.

 

Article 23: To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND [for borrowingj agreement for purchase of BROADBAND PILOT PROJECT, under such terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen, in their sole discretion, deem to be in the best interest of the Town.
This Article was tabled.

 

Article 24: Article Otter Creek Landing Option 1: To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to raise and appropriate $67,000 to supplement the $14,500 remaining of the original $45,000 previously raised at the May 2015 Town meeting and $4,000 in grant monies the Town received from the State of Maine Department of Conservation, Forestry and Agriculture to fund the cost of professional technical and construction services for the completion of the Otter Creek Landing Reconstruction Project located off Grover Avenue in the Village of Otter Creek, said project completion to include the construction of a new bulkhead made of stacked blocks of stone and concrete, gravel and associated materials and appurtenances, the ramp reconstruction work having been successfully completed in 2016 which included replacing ledge pieces that had served as the boat ramp with new precast concrete planks, using $30,500 of the original $45,000 approved at the May 2015 town meeting. Article Otter Creek Landing Option 2: To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to raise and appropriate $67,000 to supplement the original $45000 previously raised at the May 2015 Town meeting to fund the cost of professional technical and construction services related to the construction of the Otter Creek Landing Reconstruction Project located off Grover Avenue in the Village of Otter Creek, said project to have included replacing ledge pieces originally serving as the boat ramp with new precast concrete planks and the construction of a new bulkhead made of stacked blocks of stone, gravel and associated materials and appurtenances, said ramp work having been successfully completed in 2016 at a cost of $30,500 leaving a balance of $14,500 in the original approved budget plus $4,000 in grant monies received by the Town from the State of Maine Department of Conservation, Forestry and Agriculture for a total remaining project budget of $18,500 to be used towards completion of the bulkhead, said bulkhead to now be constructed of precast concrete blocks with faux rock faces instead of stone, gravel, crushed stone and associated materials and appurtenances.
It was agreed that one of the Options should be chosen before the Board should vote on it.  This Article was tabled.

 

Article 25: To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND [for borrowing] agreement for purchase of PUBLIC SAFETY RETIREMENT PLAN, under such terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen, in their sole discretion, deem to be in the best interest of the Town.
This Article was tabled.

 

Article 26: To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept and expend on behalf of the Town additional state, federal and other funds (including unconditional gifts of money) received during the fiscal year 2017-2018 for Town purposes, provided that such additional funds do not require expenditure of local funds not previously appropriated.
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to approve Article 26 for Warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 27: To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to approve July 1, each year, as the date on which all taxes shall be due and payable providing that all unpaid taxes on September 1, of each, year shall be charged interest at an annual rate of 7% (percent) per year. (Tax Club members are exempt within the terms and conditions of the Town’s Tax Club Agreement.)
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to approve Article 27 for Warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 28: To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to authorize the Tax Collector to enter into a standard “tax club agreement with taxpayers whereby: (1) the taxpayer agrees to pay specified monthly payments to the Town based on the taxpayer’s estimated and actual tax obligation for current year property taxes; (2) the Town agrees to waive interest on timely payments; (3) the Town authorizes the Tax Collector to accept payment of taxes prior to commitment of taxes; (4) the agreement automatically terminates if two consecutive payments are missed and the taxpayer thereupon becomes subject to the same due date and interest rate as other, nonparticipating taxpayers; (5) only taxpayers who are current on their property tax obligations may participate; and (6) interested taxpayers shall apply annually for participation by the date shown on the application, date and application format to be determined by the Tax Collector.
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, to approve the Article for Warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 29: To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to authorize the Tax Collector to accept pre-payment of property taxes, with no interest to be paid on same.
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Hart seconded, to approve Article 29 for Warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 30: To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to set the interest rate to be paid by the Town for abated taxes that have been paid at the rate of 3% (percent) per year.
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to approve Article 30 for Warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 31:  To see if the inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to authorize expenditures to pay any tax abatements granted by the Assessor or Board of Assessment Review, together with any interest due thereon from the Town, during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017, in an aggregate amount not to exceed the property tax commitment overlay.
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding to approve Article 31 for Warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 32: To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to dispose by public bid of Town-owned property, other than real property, with a value of ten thousand dollars ($10000.00) or less under such terms and conditions as it deems advisable.
MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to approve Article 32 for Warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 33: To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell at public auction or by advertised sealed bid, and to convey titles obtained under tax deeds and under deeds of conveyance to the Inhabitants of the Town any land and/or buildings, including trailers, in lieu of payment of taxes except that the Selectmen have the power to authorize redemption.
MOTION:  Selectman Beck moved, with Selectman Hart seconding, to approve Article 33 for Warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 34: To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to contract for services, in amounts not to exceed appropriation for same, under such terms and conditions as it deems advisable.
MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to approve Article 34 for the Warrant as presented.  Motion approved 4-0.
 
Article 35: To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to transfer XXXX thousand dollars ($XX.00) from the Undesignated Fund Balance Account #100-38300 to reduce the 2017—2018 tax commitment.
Town Manager Lunt requested guidance for this Article.  A discussion of how the funding worked ensued.    Treasurer Mahar stated that Statutes required at least 10% worth of annual expenditures of the fund be kept available for cashflow purposes.  $400,000 was taken for the current tax commitment.  Treasurer Mahar estimated that taking no more than $300,000 from the fund would be prudent, given the current amount available, and trends.

 

MOTION:  After some discussion, Selectman Dudman moved, with Chairman Macauley seconding, to revise Article to state that $300,000 would be the maximum amount transferred.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 36:  To see if the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to transfer XXXX thousand dollars ($XX.00) from the Capital Gains Reserve Account #400- 24202 to reduce the 2017—2018 tax commitment.
Town Manager Lunt requested guidance for this Article.  Treasurer Mahar noted the account was not used frequently; the transfer would be an educated guess.  The CIP moneys are in the fund, being held in reserve.  She recommended determining how much should be left in the fund in case the market gets bad.

 

This Item was tabled.

 

Article 37. To see what sum the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to raise and for appropriate as Revenue through Excise Taxes, Service Fees and miscellaneous sources for the 2017—2018 Town Budget.
Town Manager Lunt noted the figure was an educated guess based on past years.  

 

MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to approve Article 37 for the Warrant as presented; the amount being $1,160,770.00.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Article 38. To see what sum the Inhabitants of the Town of Mount Desert will vote to raise and appropriate for Department 1220 and 1221 General Government — Legislative (Board of Selectmen), Municipal Management, Town Clerk, Registrar, Elections, Planning Board, Finance, Treasurer, Tax Collector, Assessment, Code Enforcement, Unallocated Funds, Human Resources, and Technology for the 2017— 2018 Town Budget.
It was noted there have been no major changes, other than Worker’s Compensation since the Board reviewed the budgets.  

 

Municipal budget items were tabled till the next meeting.

 

Discussion regarding the school budget meeting scheduling ensued.  


 

IX.     Other Business
  • Such other business as may be legally conducted
There was no other business.

 

X.      Treasurer’s Warrants
A.  Approve & Sign Treasurer ‘s Warrant AP 1744 in the amount of $234,742.17
B. Approve Signed Treasurer’s Payroll, State Fees, & PR Benefit Warrants AP 1742, AP 1743, and PR 1718 in the amounts of $3,787.10, $2,365.62, and $85,881.75, respectively
C. Acknowledge Treasurer’s School Board AP/Payroll Warrants 10, 15, and 16 in the
amounts of $32,010.40, $167,554.08, and $69,173.40, respectively

 

MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to Approve & Sign Treasurer ‘s Warrant AP 1744 in the amount of $234, 742.17.  Motion approved 3-0-1 (Beck in Abstention).

 

MOTION:  Selectman Hart moved, with Selectman Dudman seconding, to Approve Signed Treasurer’s Payroll, State Fees, & PR Benefit Warrants API 742, APi  743, and PR1 718 in the amounts of $3, 787.10, $2,365.62, and $85,881. 75, respectively.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

With regard to Item C, Acknowledge Treasurer’s School Board AP/Payroll Warrants 10, 15, and 16 in the amounts of $32, 010.40, $167,554.08, and $69,173.40, respectively, both Chairman Macauley and Selectman Beck were unable to vote.  The Item was tabled.

 

XI.     Adjournment

 

MOTION:  Selectman Dudman moved, with Selectman Beck seconding, to adjourn the meeting.  Motion approved 4-0.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 7:39 PM.

 

The next regularly scheduled meeting is at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 21, 2017 in the Meeting
Room, Town Hall, Northeast Harbor (Special Budget Meeting for Ordinances scheduled for
4:00p.m., Monday, February 13, 2017 in the Meeting Room, Town Hall, Northeast Harbor)


 

                                                        Respectfully Submitted,



 

                                                        Matt Hart, Secretary