The Citizen’s Roundtable was held as scheduled last evening. We have been struggling to connect with Town Managers to guest speak and it would appear this will have to happen by the Selectmen offering an invite. The turnout for this meeting was a bit less than expected but the residents attending were vocal, inquisitive and involved. We reviewed the status of the Petition effort where we submitted our Petition for the Town Manager plan with 201 signatures. We have continued to circulate fliers and speak with residents to educate them on the issue. We revisited some of the problems we have seen in town and discussed the Police coverage options. I submitted a letter to Selectmen with the ideas generated from our last meeting and have been following up to see if they will take some action. We discussed ways to get more people actively involved in the process. One of the items brought up at the meeting was to ask if the town would allow online payments for local fees such as taxes, dog registrations etc. Presently you may re-register your car and get hunting licenses online it would be good if they could include these other options as well. We also reviewed the necessity of implementing a Recall Ordinance to recall elected officials and questioned the usage of the Conflict of Interest policy that was recently adopted. There was discussion on how to hold our Selectmen accountable in getting answers to questions. For example, One resident had submitted a letter to Selectmen over 3 weeks ago and hasn’t been given any formal answer to his simple questions. The next Selectmen Meeting will be six weeks! This is far too long.
The action items from the meeting were to brainstorm ideas to employ our Selectmen to take affirmative action when requested to do so. Some people will check with agencies to see what action may be taken.
To follow-up at the next Selectmen Meeting on the idea to make payments for other items via online methods.
To continue to share with residents the dire need to get a Town Manager, and Town Charter in place in our town.
Video was not recorded of this meeting do to the fact the meeting was held in the Gymnasium and a large fan was in operation which would make the background noise in the the recording next to impossible to hear the conversation.
I want to thank all those who attended and participated…see you next month
Next meeting October 7th, 6:30pm at the Lebanon Elementary School.
38 responses so far ↓
1 striveforchange // Sep 10, 2009 at 11:28 am
Glen, I have a question. It says on the calander that the next selectmens meeting is September 15, has that been cancelled?
2 Glen Stadig // Sep 10, 2009 at 11:33 am
Not to my knowledge….the 15th will be the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Selectmen at 6:30pm. The also meet at 9:00am on that day as a “workshop” which the public is invited to attend.
3 Fed Up Elaine // Sep 10, 2009 at 8:27 pm
We need to get as many people as possible to go to the Selectmens meeting on the 15th. From what I found out today, we CAN petition the town hall to have a special town meeting. Why should we have to do this when we were told that we had to have petition in by a certain time to give the “town clerk” time enough to verify the signatures for the November ballot. They are having a school warrant, state warrant and the SELECTMEN STATED THAT ANY NON ESSENTIAL SERVICE SERVICE VOTED DOWN IN JUNE WOULD BE RE-VISITED IN NOVEMBER. Watch the video when they are voting, Selectman Cole states that the item would be rebrought up in November and reassures them of this. Chairperson Churchard agreed and Selectman Frizel sat there and watched and didn’t object. Now there is a “new” selectman and they are not going to do it? Has anyone else seen the observer article?
We NEED to show up in numbers at the selectmens meeting and have all your friends send emails to them expressing our concern and the fact that us petitioning for a special town meeting will cost the town money, and there is no need to do that.
If we show them Tuesday by being there and being vocal, then maybe we can convince them before its too late. This is our last chance.
It won’t take long, but the effects could change our town. Please, lets band together.
4 BoB // Sep 10, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I think the selectmen are on the phone to the town hall to make a “CANCELED” sign for Tuesday night . Why do WE allow a SPINELESS group as these selectmen run this town ? When will Lebanon residents take back this town AGAIN ?? No better time than now !!!
5 Glen stadig // Sep 10, 2009 at 9:23 pm
I was told today that both petitions have been certified the ambulance and the town manager. I have not herd Officially the ballot has been cancelled. I agree if there is concern we should turn out to ensure thre isn’t any shenanigans
6 BoB // Sep 10, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Good work Glen and to the others that invested all the time and energy to accomplish having the petition done !!!! Keep up the battle !!!
7 Don Hollenbeck // Sep 11, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Fed Up Elaine ;
I don’t want to demean anyones comments, for sure!
I thought you might be interested in knowing that there was a suggestion posted to try to counter the towns’ games!
This is a cut and paste from a previous comment.
Don Hollenbeck // Aug 12, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Can we ask the town what the minimum time would be to tabulate the count and enter this petitions subject to the November voting ballot, so we can acquire the latest date possible for signing the petition, thereby possibly giving more time rather than less?
#
7 Glen Stadig // Aug 12, 2009 at 7:52 pm
We have our date..lets work to the date.
I am glad the papers brought to light the date discrepancy otherwise we possibly could have submitted too late. – the Self Serve Petitions are flowing in….a BIG..Thank You goes out to those of you taking the initiative to download, sign and mail. Every one counts now and in November!
For someone to say let’s just keep with the towns’ time frame and not look into it, seems to me as though we are not covering our bases as we should!
I think I’m right on here and don’t want to beat a dead horse, so if I’m in error in stating this, I’d like to hear about it!
8 claire and rob // Sep 11, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Elaine: I think you are absolutely right that EVERYONE needs to be at the meeting on the 15th. But I can tell you from past experience, if they get wind that everyone will be showing up I bet they will cancel the meeting. But Please don’t let that discourage anyone. I think everyone needs to be there so they know we are not backing down.
9 Anonymous // Sep 11, 2009 at 11:25 pm
I find it amazing that people got enough signatures to get these items on the referendum for two things we desperately need, an ambulance and a town manager, people complied with the towns time lines, and now if you read that article in the newspaper, it seems like Laura Bragg doesn’t want an election? I also did research and it looks like we can a special meeting, but why waste the towns peoples money to do that when they can do it in November? Obviously 1 of the selectmen isn’t for this, as he helped get signatures for both petitions and said that anything not voted in for essential services would show back up in November. Watch the video on this site, there is a lot of discussion and the town hall ladies and the town hall family members say that it has to come back up. Are they now afraid of what a town manager may hold them accountable and turn their soap operas off after 9 hours of watching tv? Maybe they cannot sneak out for extended lunches?
Your right, people can’t use their names on some postings because we will get retaliated against. I have seen this in the past and will not let it happen to me.
We should all go Tuesday night and get answers.
10 striveforchange // Sep 12, 2009 at 9:41 am
O:
You are absolutely right about using your real name on here. There are some that would retaliate against us and we have been victims of such.
I am trying to think of whom you are speaking when you say “they even helped get signatures”. The only one I know that did that is Jason and I can tell you for a fact that he truly cares about the cause, both the fire and rescue and doing what is right in this Town so we can have a better way of life. I have had many many conversations with Jason.
You and everyone in Town need to realize its not just about watching TV and extended lunch hours. If we do get a Town manager here, ALL will be exposed.
One thing that has been on my mind is that when they get someone in Town government that really tries to do good for its citizens, why is it that its not long before they are leaving office?
11 Anonymous // Sep 12, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Yes, I was talking about Jason. He has helped me many times and it is obvious how much he cares for the community. This must be a surprise to him as well.
12 striveforchange // Sep 12, 2009 at 5:17 pm
I just was in email with Jason. He is adament about getting the essential services that were voted down on the November ballot.
13 BoB // Sep 12, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Wasn’t Jason also for the town manager plan but didn’t have the backbone to stand up against the other two about putting it on the ballot ?? Sat there like a puppy dog too scared to talk because he might not get their approval for the ambulance . Watch the tape from the meeting !!!!
14 Glen stadig // Sep 12, 2009 at 6:32 pm
I believe Jason is for a town manager but I can’t speak for him. I think he felt there wasn’t support by the other two to press it.
He like many of us circulated petitions on the fact there would be a ballot in nov not specifically for the petition matters but for the CEO as required.
I think what amazes most over the november ballot is I started asking them in July to place the town manager plan on the ballot, and I was told the next meeting I would get word, but did not. I asked again at every meeting. I told th I woul circulate the petition, I told them we would submit it. It has been discussed at length that they must have the ballot for the CEO
To read that selectmen have yet to decide in the observer is poo. The residents have demonstrated intent and desire by submitting the petitions.
Please make plans to attend the september 15th meeting and show your support. It isn’t about if you are for these petition measures or not it is about requiring the selectmen follow through and do what they said they would do. The budget committe should attend as well.
15 BoB // Sep 12, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Glen, can you verify a rumor in town that Jason is trying to get a rescue building costing over a million dollars ? I heard the building is being built by the fire pond on the corner . Of course, Frizzle will build it . Is this why he doesn’t butt heads with the other two ?? Word on the street !!!
16 striveforchange // Sep 12, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I reiterate what Glen is saying about being at the meeting on the 15th. The other thing that might be advantageous is being there at the Tuesday morning “work shop”. We cannot participate and ask questions, but a representative from Susan Collins office will be there also to answer questions posed by residents and attendees ………. Get my drift?
17 Glen Stadig // Sep 12, 2009 at 7:14 pm
I have not herd of a multi million dollar rescue building. I think the town needs to consider having a station on property we own. I recently learned the old station is on property that is rented.
18 striveforchange // Sep 12, 2009 at 7:25 pm
BoB,
This is the first I’ve ever heard of a rescue building, and I keep my ear pretty close to the ground about these things.
As far as Jason is concerned, I have no doubt about his integrity. I cannot make this statement about our other representitives.
We all know how much of a hard time the Rescue has had just getting the go ahead to buy a new ambulance with money that they already collected for that purpose.
I would treat this “rumor” about a Rescue building as just that, a rumor that at this time is baseless.
It sounds like someone is circulating an erroneous rumor just to make others look bad, or perhaps to loose the support of the Townspeople for them.
19 BoB // Sep 12, 2009 at 7:27 pm
NOT true !! The rescue building was purchased by the town from the Bouchers for the fire department . Being a former member of the department I know first hand of this fact !!
20 BoB // Sep 12, 2009 at 7:37 pm
What happened to the conflict of interest policy since our newest selectman took office ?? Back to the same bidding process we had before . Back scratching again within our elected officials circle !! There WILL be a rescue building built on the lot already cut . Why the sudden need for the fire pond ?? WATCH AND SEE !!!
21 Glen Stadig // Sep 12, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Well maybe the building but not the land. I could be wrong it was through discussion. I prefer to deal in fact and I can’t be sure of the source. If your positive you win
Please come to the meeting the 15th
22 striveforchange // Sep 12, 2009 at 8:10 pm
LOL Bob, I thought the fire pond was really pretty until they put that bolder up there.. I also heard a rumor that Town office was gonna stock the fire pond with Trout…… Oh boy, one stop shopping? I got my fishin pole ready and everything. Then it hit me, they will probably charge for every trout we catch. Oh well, we loose again……
I think I have finally lost it LMAO……………………
23 BoB // Sep 12, 2009 at 8:22 pm
The Patchs could collect the money seeing how they are good at that !!!
24 Anonymous // Sep 12, 2009 at 10:20 pm
BoB, I think you have been listening to one too many drama stories at the town hall!!!!!!! I see they have been doing all this work at the station to get it updated and maintained, while saving a lot of money doing it themselves! I think you must be hanging out with the other “contracted” plow drivers and town workers. They did mention that the fire department and rescue had submitted a grant proposal for a new station to be built by the government at no cost but they didn’t think they had a chance.
Also as a former member of the department, the current building used and maintained by the rescue was bought by the town for a public safety building, and under Selectmen Moore, Randall and someone else it was given to the rescue because it sat there abandoned and hardly used for so long.
As a former member of the department, I have seen all that the rescue has done to that building and it finally is being used properly and maintained. I applaud the rescue volunteers for all they have done to improve the building and save my tax money!!!
I think, BoB, that you need to clarify a few things before writting!!
25 Anonymous // Sep 12, 2009 at 10:23 pm
BoB, maybe you need to sit down at the town hall with the other gossipers to get your story straight! I talked with Jason and there is NO plans for a rescue building at that location and why would they do so much work to their current building?
It seems like a no brainer!!
26 Anonymous // Sep 12, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Also reading other postings BoB, I think by watching the video that there was little discussion over it. I think its amazing that you didn’t say anything about the fact that he didn’t say anything about the necessary new ambulance. Do you assume he is against that? Maybe the old landfill site is contaminating your water source, its pretty close!
27 Anonymous // Sep 12, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Maybe the rumor was for a new fire station? I heard they want another new fire truck, even though we just got one! Don’t they already have more trucks than anyother department around us? Didn’t they say they had less than 250 calls and they have like 8 vehicles?
Maybe the source you heard it from meant a new fire station? I do not think they own that building, when I was a member, I am pretty sure the neighbors own it and the town spends all the money to maintain it and fix it, but then it goes back to the neighbor with all the improvements.
Its been a while since I volunteered, but thats what I remember
28 Amused!! // Sep 12, 2009 at 10:35 pm
I agree with anonymous! Why would they spend so much time fixing the station if there was any plans to move. Sounds like someone has been hanging out with the drama queens too much!!
I found a link of the large story in the Sanford News this week about all the work they are doing at the station.
Sounds like someone is jealous of the tremendous work the rescue is doing!!!
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090910/GJCOMMUNITY03/709109880/-1/sannews0103
29 Jason Cole // Sep 12, 2009 at 10:55 pm
I wondered when I got a call from a former member what this was all about, so I felt I should log on and check it. As we just cleared another rescue call, I just got a chance.
First, there has been NO discussion, plans, or desire to put a rescue station on the land next to the new town hall. Again, a rumor from someone who I agree is probably jealous of the hard work the rescue volunteers have been doing.
The rescue volunteers are some of the busiest in the state, responding to probably the most medical calls in the state for an all volunteer department. Not only do they respond to nearly 700 calls a year, they also work their tales off helping the community. Besides donating about 15,000 manpower hours a year, they care about their community to always be there for sporting events, teaching classes and helping families in need.
Yes, there are a lot of jealous people that thought the town would never have such a successful ambulance service. Look at other towns with similiar call volumes that spend half a million dollars a year for ambulance service. Then look at your tax bill, 0 has gone to the rescue and ambulance service over the past several years.
I am proud of the work of all the volunteers in this community. Being a volunteer since I was 12, (21 years ago), I have seen the hard work of many. I have also seen how some try to do it for power and the wrong reasons.
I find it hilarious that BoB would even consider that rumor to be true. He should know better, but often people do not check facts in this town before spreading them.
As I have publicly stated before and would love to share with anyone, the fire chief and rescue chief worked with various officers of both departments to submit a grant for a new public safety building to be built near the transfer station to be fully funded by the Obama Stimulus plan. I think any town that had an opportunity applied for it, if they had facilities that needed it and they did not take the time to try, then they aren’t trying to help their communities. The chances of getting it funded are slim, but I applaud both Samantha and Skip trying to fund a new building by the stimulus money.
So often people like BoB sit there and criticize the volunteers of the rescue and fire departments, but what are they doing to better our community? All they are doing is spreading false rumors to try to take away the excellent work that they have done.
BoB is no better then the people he slams in other postings. If he feels there is wrong, he should look in the mirror and see that he is not going to ruin the good work of the dedicated volunteers of this community.
And by the way, I am for both the Town Manager and the Ambulance. I have been vocal about both and I am not spineless for trying to get something on the ballot.
No decision has been made on what will be voted on in November, and I was just as suprised as the 2 people that called me while I was in Augusta Wednesday to ask me what was going on. I would assume we are getting close to the time we must decide and hope to know more soon. Yes, as other people have stated on this site, I agree, several times it was mentioned by both selectmen and budget committee that anything for essential services not voted in during the June elections would be revisited in November.
Anyone who needs to contact me can call me at anytime, at 608-5615 or email me at asstchiefcole@lebanonrescue.com As many of you have seen, if you need help, I will do anything I can to help you. I do not get to log on often, so the best way to reach me is to call my cell phone.
BoB, if you think you want to try to help the town, try using common sense before spreading such false and rather comical stories.
30 Jason Cole // Sep 12, 2009 at 11:32 pm
I wondered when I got a call from a former member what this was all about, so I felt I should log on and check it. As we just cleared another rescue call, I just got a chance.
First, there has been NO discussion, plans, or desire to put a rescue station on the land next to the new town hall. Again, a rumor from someone who I agree is probably jealous of the hard work the rescue volunteers have been doing.
The rescue volunteers are some of the busiest in the state, responding to probably the most medical calls in the state for an all volunteer department. Not only do they respond to nearly 700 calls a year, they also work their tales off helping the community. Besides donating about 15,000 manpower hours a year, they care about their community to always be there for sporting events, teaching classes and helping families in need.
Yes, there are a lot of jealous people that thought the town would never have such a successful ambulance service. Look at other towns with similiar call volumes that spend half a million dollars a year for ambulance service. Then look at your tax bill, 0 has gone to the rescue and ambulance service over the past several years.
I am proud of the work of all the volunteers in this community. Being a volunteer since I was 12, (21 years ago), I have seen the hard work of many. I have also seen how some try to do it for power and the wrong reasons.
I find it hilarious that BoB would even consider that rumor to be true. He should know better, but often people do not check facts in this town before spreading them.
As I have publicly stated before and would love to share with anyone, the fire chief and rescue chief worked with various officers of both departments to submit a grant for a new public safety building to be built near the transfer station to be fully funded by the Obama Stimulus plan. I think any town that had an opportunity applied for it, if they had facilities that needed it and they did not take the time to try, then they aren’t trying to help their communities. The chances of getting it funded are slim, but I applaud both Samantha and Skip trying to fund a new building by the stimulus money.
So often people like BoB sit there and criticize the volunteers of the rescue and fire departments, but what are they doing to better our community? All they are doing is spreading false rumors to try to take away the excellent work that they have done.
BoB is no better then the people he slams in other postings. If he feels there is wrong, he should look in the mirror and see that he is not going to ruin the good work of the dedicated volunteers of this community.
And by the way, I am for both the Town Manager and the Ambulance. I have been vocal about both and I am not spineless for trying to get something on the ballot.
No decision has been made on what will be voted on in November, and I was just as suprised as the 2 people that called me while I was in Augusta Wednesday to ask me what was going on. I would assume we are getting close to the time we must decide and hope to know more soon. Yes, as other people have stated on this site, I agree, several times it was mentioned by both selectmen and budget committee that anything for essential services not voted in during the June elections would be revisited in November.
Anyone who needs to contact me can call me at anytime, at 608-5615 or email me. As many of you have seen, if you need help, I will do anything I can to help you. I do not get to log on often, so the best way to reach me is to call my cell phone.
BoB, if you think you want to try to help the town, try using common sense before spreading such false and rather comical stories.
31 Don Hollenbeck // Sep 13, 2009 at 5:56 pm
SUBJECT : PROFESSIONALISM
I know there are hearts out there with passion for the betterment of Lebanon, but I feel as though one should review their posting before it is submitted so as not to offend others, and to be more professional!!!
This goes for the ones with bigger hearts than facts, as well as the accused when trying to justyfy their position!!!
Bob has had insight of one type or another, ( at least for an uninformed person as myself), and seems to show his empathy for this towns’ betterment!
He may or may not have his facts, and he definitely shouldn’t have thrown a stone in a direction of someone that seems to care; But; if we are to turn over the rocks that hide a deceiver of the cause, we must be able to ask questions about things that have been seen through the eyes of the caring, even though the caring eyes don’t have the facts correct!
There was a valued member of this society who just made a similar statement, not too long ago!
Here is a cut and paste of that persons statement!
Consideration – Can Do!
June 30th, 2009 by Glen Stadig –> 4 Comments
In looking through the fury of comments and traffic that has erupted on the website over the past few weeks up through the election I sometimes get overwhelmed. I am pleased so many have come forward and found the website and that so many are participating and sharing their opinions. At the same time I don’t want the website to become negative place. I want to see the website remain focused on constructive dialogue, information sharing, news, and problem solving.
I hope this helps us to remain professional!!!
Don
32 Don Hollenbeck // Sep 13, 2009 at 6:08 pm
P.S.
This might also help with people that have spell check and have it turned on!?!?
Don
33 striveforchange // Sep 13, 2009 at 6:14 pm
I don’t think that anyone is condemning Bob. He cares a great deal about this community. He is letting us know in his own way the things that are going on. However, I do agree with everyone he does need to get his facts straight first. I do see that he was asking questions which is a good way to get the facts also……….Come on back to the website Bob, everyone has an opinion and its ok to share it here…………..
34 My 2 Cents // Sep 13, 2009 at 7:13 pm
I have to agree with Selectman Cole on this one. If BoB is so for helping the community, he doesnt seem to have facts straight. He seems pretty adement about it. People who spread false rumors to make themselves look better or that are jealous of the success of others do not help the town. I like this site and definately encourage people to spread truthful information, so we can all see whats going on!
35 striveforchange // Sep 14, 2009 at 9:05 am
I also agree with Jason, and when someone makes a mistake when they type something, instead of remaining silent why not come and apologize? I have done so a couple of times. We are all human. I love this website also. When I first started typing I was very cynical and very very angry because of things that have happened to myself and my husband. With Glen’s and everyones help we both have turned our feelings around to HELP make this a better place for us all.
36 Hilly billy // Sep 14, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I am amazed after watching the video of the selectmen that they would lie and turn their back on what they said they would do. I am appalled.
So, even though I cannot be there Tuesday night, I will get every resident I can to sign a petition for a special town meeting.
This is B.S.
37 striveforchange // Sep 14, 2009 at 7:08 pm
I have been on the phone with Jason. It does not look promising. Glen and Jason both are asking everyone that can to make it to the meeting on the 15th at town hall to please please be there. Thanks
38 Glen Stadig // Sep 15, 2009 at 11:13 am
I don’t know anyone who knows all the facts about everything….but i have met many in my life who thought they did! That Said..
This website is great to help people piece some of the facts together. That is why it is important to have responsible people and many varying perspectives and sources. It also provides for some pubic discussion of sorts.
People can discern for themselves using ALL sources, personal experience, newspapers, other websites etc to reach their own final conclusions.
I think everyone brings up many valid points. It is unfortunate we all have more questions than answers, but that is why we are here isn’t it..to learn whats up and figure it out through discussion, research and investigation, how to make things better.
A great way to release some of that energy BTW is to attend the Selectmen Meeting tonight.
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