Meeting Highlights:

All Selectmen were in attendance

Here is a list of some of the items suggested by Selectmen and residents during the meeting. Selectmen will be looking in to these in the coming weeks.These are in no particular order of priority, simply a list.

Firetruck Fund to set a side say 50k or so each year towards purchase of a new firetruck.

Improvement of roads by spending much more and planning better. Perhaps implement and use a road review committee formed by volunteer residents as was done with success in the past. Look into cost analysis of outsourcing winter plowing versus homegrown approach.

Formulate a Town manager implementation plan. Meet with area Town Managers to gain insight, learn about contract needs, wording and salary requirements. Perhaps use a sub committee as part of the Selection process. Ideally get a person who will be with the Town for a while by properly matching skills and needs.

Grow the free Health Clinic services and also advertise them better

Institute a volunteer program for the new library and also other activities and programs in town.

Town Website improvements…notice updates, bid requests and awards, better usage by town departments instead of having all separate websites use a single site.

Quarterly Newsletter published and sent to residents with news, activities and information.

Office manager assigned with communicating vacation requests. internal correspondence and flagging correspondence to correct people.

Legal services usage and questions logged to save redundant information requests within the town hall.

Eco Maine coming in to do presentation opportunity of reducing cost on  Transfer Station waste July 20.  Enforcement of resident permits and elimination of commercial hauler using facility to reduce waste. Better utilization of current services by crushing co-mingles as suggested by Budget Committee.

Town Audit and other professional services placed out for bid. Doing so with insurances and phones has saved tons of money in the recent past.

Look into improving law enforcement in Town. Sheriff has suggested grant money may be available to offer a similar plan as last year providing Lebanon a full-time officer dedicated to our town only. Alternatively look into option of co-op or rental of officer from another neigboring town.

Publish a police log of sorts where information is available even if only total calls so that residents have an idea of the high volume of calls and if possible the type of call. Crime and drugs are a problem in town and residents need to be aware.

Better use of the planning board to review ALL projects in town. Currently a small amount of items get a formal review. Only subdivisions..this might be able to be changed with an ordinance.

Comprehensive Plan committee formed for purposes of preparing a Comprehensive Plan for the Town. This would be done by volunteers maybe a dozen or so. The plan was done a few years ago but required funding for the required maps. The funding did not get approved. Selectmen said we lose so much in the way of State Funds and Grants because we lack any formal plan. The old work could be used along with present state templates to prepare a plan quickly. This would all need public review and be voted to be adopted once completed. A Comprehensive Plan focuses on Zoning and develop areas and provides a growth plan or road map for the town.

Budget items presented in a standardized format and also available early in the process to the Budget Committee for proper review.

Record all the meetings, Selectmen, Planning Board etc via video and place online. Do this in a way that residents may access any of them on demand as other towns do. Also get cable provider to present them on TV so residents to stay informed.

Perform formal performance reviews of town staff. This has not been done routinely in the past and is necessary.

Crackdown on residents with out-of-state registrations. Many people register their vehicles out of state forgoing payment of Maine State Tax and Excise tax. That is money everyone else has to make up for.

Improve Selectmen and Board meeting notice postings, providing more notice of meetings along with agendas to  residents.  Also improve Bid request and bid results postings and their advance notice as well.

Restart the Department Meetings as they were done some time ago. This provides departmental updates and improves communication between the departments.

Of Course there was more…..

Meet adjourned 7:37pm – 1:06 min

Watch 06/29/10 Selectmen Goals Workshop in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Attending – Selectmen Chairperson Cole, Selectmen Patch and Selectmen Frizzell

• Meeting Opened 6:35pm
• Heath Road Project – Project delayed until environmental impact is completed
• Tree Cutting – Residents questioned the tree cutting in West Lebanon and the coincidence that Chairperson Cole had a tree cut as well by the same contractor on the same day.  Concerns were the commingling of Town and private work. Chairman Cole had obtained a separate bill for the tree work but there was contention over the details of the entire project and work performed.
• Commercial Hauler Using Transfer Station – Residents asked status of policy that was to go into effect according to a letter stating it would be done June 1st. Selectmen said they were working on it and would have later in the month. The Selectmen stated that businesses could go into to use facility, then they said they could not. Mr. Patch stated regardless of what is done that Mr. Hartford the Commercial Hauler could use it. It is obvious that the usage of the facility is being and has been selectively applied. As example Sky Dive New England is permitted to use it and they are a business and campground but Flat Rock and other campgrounds are not.  Selectmen Cole stated he sees businesses in there. The residents primary concern is control of where the waste comes from and they felt that all businesses should take their waste directly to the Waste Management and bypass the Lebanon Transfer Station all together.
• Meeting adjourned – lasted appx 39 minutes

Of course there was more…

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Watch 06-15-10 Lebanon Maine Selectmen Meeting in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

All Selectmen were in attendance

Meeting Started appx 6:35pm

• Minutes from previous meeting were accepted
• Selectmen Cole read a proclamation for National EMS week, thanking the volunteers for their service.
• The Mowing Bids received two weeks ago were all rejected. The reason was they were unsure what areas needed to be mowed.
• Laura Bragg asked if with the recent staffing changes the locks could be changed on several cabinets in the office to ensure security to records, stickers, and stamps. Selectmen said yes and would contact a locksmith.
• Laura Bragg also asked what was to happen next year where the general budget has been set at 32 hours for staff but they will working 40, wont they run out of money? Selectmen Cole explained there was some room to absorb the extra costs and it should be fine.
• Glen Stadig asked when the Town Report would be available? Selectmen Cole explained the report needed to be done by the vote and that they were on track to have it before then. It will also be available on the town website via PDF soon.
• Glen Stadig asked if vote tally from the Budget Committee would be made available to residents. It was promised at the vote it would provided to the Budget Committee and residents at the town meeting. This has not occurred. Selectmen Cole said he needs to update a couple of the votes that were missed and format the sheet. He was hoping it could make the mailer, but it sounded doubtful.
• Glen Stadig asked why a Town Manager was not at the Town Meeting last evening to explain to residents the role a Town Manager performs? At earlier inquiries Selectmen had indicated North Berwick and or Berwick managers would be attending. Selectmen Cole said the meeting lasted 4 hours as it was and that he had trouble connecting with managers at the other towns.
• Glen Stadig asked for clarification why the Mowing Bids were rejected? The request was put out only three weeks ago, what has changed so drastically in that amount of time? Selectmen Chairman Frizzell said the rejection was due in part to washouts and ditching that has been done, left many areas without much to mow. Selectmen Cole said Selectmen could not reach a consensus on how to determine what to mow and it might be revisited later.  Selectmen do not want to pay for a mile of road to be paved, when only half needs to be done.
• Chris Gilpatrick spoke on the Mowing and said being a contractor if mowing was to be done the lowest bidder should still have the option to accept (this was not Mr. Gilpatrick’s company). He also said to have it re-bid at this time would not be right since all the bidders who submitted know the others prices. Mr. Gilpatrick stated his concerns this was a means to steer work to the contractor who has done the mowing the last couple years.
• The Paving bid was awarded to F.R. Carroll.
• Meeting adjourned appx 7:03

All Selectmen were in attendance

• Meeting opened at 6:30pm
• Minutes approved from last meeting
• Articles and materials for the June 8 town vote were signed
• Selectmen changed policy last week to allow benefits for employees who work 25 or more hours. This change has been made to the policy but there was question exactly how the revision should be done.
• Roadside Mowing bids were opened – Boucher Construction 160 mile, Russell Howard 140 Mile, Frank & Roxanne Bumford 145 Mile, Jr’s Trucking and Landscaping 145 mile, Gilpatrick Property Services 148 Mile, C&R Trucking 158 mile. – The project will be awarded during the 5/18/10 selectmen meeting. Selectmen Cole clarified the cost per mile was for both sides of the road for 1 mile.
• Public Participation was had while waiting for 7pm
• Laura Bragg asked that a notice be sent to all employees in there checks about political influence. There is a section in the employee handbook that essentially states you can’t stump for yourself or others during working or use your position for the same. Selectmen thought this was a good idea and will be done.
• Glen Stadig asked if the vote roster from the Budget Committee vote would be published. Selectmen Cole said he was missing a couple and needed to watch the video of the meeting to complete.
• Chris Gilpatrick asked if Selectmen had responded to his written request for a key to the transfer station from last week. Selectmen had but not mailed the letter and handed it Mr. Gilpatrick directly.
• Mr. Torno Sr. asked Selectmen if they expect taxes will increase or decrease? Selectmen Cole explained that there had been reduction in state funding, an increase in school expense, and significant cuts in town budgets with the goal of holding the line. Selectmen Cole expects the tax rate to hold about the same.
• Paving Bids were opened – Dayton Sand & Gravel 70.75 ton, Brocks Industries 86.45 ton 120 hand, Libby Scott 67 ton 120 hand, Pike Industries 76.50 ton, RD Torno 61.45 ton 110 hand, FR Carroll 59 ton 100 hand. The project will be awarded at the next Selectmen Meeting on 5/18/10.
• Mr. Torno spoke and asked if Selectmen take into account the distance the hot top is trucked and the temperature of it when laid? He also stated that in the past FR Carroll had charged for a water truck that was on site that was supposed to be part of the contract? Selectmen said they would look into it an make a decision to be announced in a couple weeks. Mr. Torno was upset and explained his disdain for Selectmen Frizzell for not awarding the bid to the lowest bidder (him) in the past and claimed it was because Mr. Frizzell personally didn’t like him, a claim Mr. Frizzell denied stating he really didn’t know Mr. Torno.
• The Heath Road Culvert Project was awarded to Brown Industrial Group for $59,433 the next closest bid was about $83,000
• Of Course there was more….
• Meeting was adjourned appx 7:15pm…lasting appx 39 minutes

You may see the entire Lebanon Video Library Here http://www.veoh.com/group/selectmeetings

Watch 05-04-10 Lebanon Maine Selectmen Meeting in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Meeting Highlights:

Selectmen made a change to the Town Personnel Policy to allow benefits to paid to employees that work 25 hours or more. Previously the benefits were provided at 32 hours. This change was made to make allowance for the reduction in hours at the town hall and CEO.

Selectmen signed paperwork for the upcoming school budget and voting. The School budget review will be Thursday May 6th at the Noble High School. All residents are encouraged to attend and participate. This is the meeting that will set the budget that will be voted on by the town on Tuesday May 10th.

Chris Gilpatrick asked if Selectmen had made a decision over his request in November to have a key for the transfer station. He said a key is provided for the commercial hauler to use at anytime and that other residents should be allowed the same opportunity. Mr Gilpatrick has raised this issue at nearly every meeting. Mr. Gilpatrick also requested he receive an answer by next Tuesday and that the Selectmen Response be in writing. Chairperson Frizzell said that he would like to see a written request from Mr. Gilpatrick if he would like a written Selectmen response. Mr Gilpatrick said Selectmen could expect it tomorrow.

Selectmen Cole gave public thanks to the Fire Department for the cleaning of the Town Hall parking area. The department used the high pressure hose to wash off the winter sand that had accumulated. A letter was also sent.

There was some general chatter since there was about 15 minutes of time before the hearing could be opened. It had been publicized for 7pm.

The Hearing was opened for the adoption of the 2005 General Assistance Ordinance as required by the State. The hearing was opened, the ordinance adopted and then closed without objection.

Bids were opened for the Heath Road Culvert Project. A copy of the Bid request is Here

• Morrill Excavating $83,000 – North Berwick, ME
• STS Construction $95,409 – Lebanon, ME
• Brown Industrial Group $59,438 – Berwick, ME
• Peter’s Construction $155,500 – Gorham, ME
• William Shaplieh $96,528 – Eliot, ME

The project will be awarded at the next Selectmen Meeting.

Of course there was more…

You may see the entire Lebanon Video Library Here http://www.veoh.com/group/selectmeetings

Watch 04-27-10 Lebanon Maine Selectmen Meeting in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Meeting Highlights:

Meeting Minutes from 4/21/10 were reviewed and approved without changes.

Selectmen Cole handed out new referendum sheets since some of the wording and order of the items changed since they were issued Friday night.

A numbered list representing referendums was handed out indicating where conflicts existed and who should abstain on the item. This was discussed with the only issue really being Jane Gerrish adamant about voting on the Fire Department Budget and New Fire Truck. Mrs Gerrish is on the Ladies Auxiliary, and there had been measures taken such as getting a tax id number, insurance etc. to separate the group from the Fire Department. In the end Selectmen decided it was o.k. to allow her to vote on the items.

There was also some discussion over vote tallies. Selectmen Cole would be recording who voted for what as the voting commenced. Some Budget Committee members had concerns over the practice, but it was allowed. In the past a simple tally of all those in favor – against and abstained would be kept for the Budget Committee and the Selectmen.

Referendum Items were reviewed in order with some  minor questions asked as each item came up. Discussion over the items had really all been done during earlier meetings. The votes were recorded noting those for, against, and abstain for Budget Committee and Selectmen.

At the end of the meeting Selectmen Cole explained the votes would be listed with each ballot item as  Budget Committee “Recommend this Article Pass”  “Recommend this Article Not-Pass” or “No Recommendation – Tie Vote”. This is a change that many Budget Committee members took offense to, believing that the vote tallies themselves should also be shown so people could see if it was a close vote or not. Selectmen Cole explained in looking at other Town Reports this is the way it is typically done and makes things less confusing for the residents. He said the vote tallies would be made available to residents but not on the ballot.

There was some discussion over items due to wording or lack of detail in either dollar figures or dollar limits. Rather than try and explain all items it is best you watch the video. The only pointed issue was Selectmen Frizzell’s insistence on being paid mileage to and from the town hall. All other departments and Selectmen Do Not get paid or submit mileage in this way and the Budget Committee was told last year the practice would stop. When Committee members questioned Mr. Frizzell he said if he wanted to micro manage he would also submit calls made to his business phone and business fax as well as other expenses. This was an indignant response  many on the Budget Committee took exception too.

The Sample Referendum is Here for your review in PDF format.

Of Course there was more….

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Watch 04-26-10 Lebanon Maine Budget Committee in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Meeting Highlights:

Selectmen Cole was in attendance – Meeting lasted 2:28 min

Meeting minutes from yesterday were accepted without changes..

Selectmen Cole handed out the Draft Ballots. Ballot items were not numbered since the order will change and has not been finalized. Most of the budget items were lacking actual values. Selectmen Cole said the forms would be completed and emailed to the board on Friday in their final state.

The Budget Committee proceeded to go down through the 40 items  providing input on changes to wording and recommended amounts. The Budget Committee also asked questions on each of the items in some cases providing policy input.

The questions on Rescue Department Funds from last evenings meeting that were posed by Mr. Bragg, were answered, as well as the information requested by Chairperson Neubert. Selectmen Cole also answered questions on revenue flow and explained how the Rescue funds are used to save the Town from getting TANS to cover expenses.

Selectmen Cole explained that the Transfer Station and Highway budgets would NOT be changed from the amounts Selectmen recommended.  He listened to the points made over waste, cost savings, management, commercial hauler, and hiring and operating of ones own equipment, but explained they would not be changed.

Questions about the Fire Chief’s mileage were addressed and Selectmen Cole said there will be no regular mileage. This will drop the Fire Budget some $3400.  Selectmen Frizzell is still putting mileage in for trips to the town hall. The Budget Committee wants all mileage reimbursement to stop for travel to the the place of work, like the fire house and town hall. Travel for outside issues is different.

Selectmen Cole did note the changes on the other budgets as the committee recommended but did not confirm those would be the numbers we would see published on Friday. He also made notes on corrections to wording and definitions desired on some of the ballot items, again this will be a wait and see.

The “Incompatibility of Office” information was discussed. Selectmen Cole said that the Town Attorney and the County District Attorney were consulted and the situation in Lebanon is different. Harpswell has a Union Agreement and Lebanon is a “work at will” so in Lebanon’s situation the incompatibility of office doesn’t apply in the matters of the Transfer Station and Selectmen Patch. Many still did not understand how it could not apply and the situation be allowed as it is. A Member asked about the “incompatibility of office” with the Road Commissioner hiring his own equipment and operating it while also being paid a salary and benefits from the town.  Selectmen Cole said that had not been looked into.

Concerns over the Budget Committee alternate that was selected by Selectmen was discussed. The person only attended the initial meeting of the board and has not made any other meetings. Selectmen Cole said Selectmen questioned the persons availability and they said they could do the position. Mrs. Bragg said there were several persons running this year and having an alternate available shouldn’t be an issue next year.

The Budget Committee will be meeting Monday April 26th to vote their recommendations to residents.

of course there was more….

Online Video Archive of Lebanon Town Videos http://www.veoh.com/group/selectmeetings

Meeting 2:28 min

Watch 04-21-10 Lebanon Maine Budget Committeea in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

No Selectmen were in attendance at the meeting,  Meeting lasted about 2 hours

Minutes were reviewed and accepted..

A cursory review was done of the modified budgets to get Budget Committee members feeling on the changes.

Highway / Roads  -

• A member pointed out that the resubmitted budget indicated a 10% decrease, but the decrease was from the original amount requested NOT the amount of last years budget. The budget actually represents about a 10% increase with most of that amount in the paving line.
• It was pointed out the need to see project plans of what work was to get done. The impression is that being the largest budget in town it should have the best planning and the budget provided just provides sparse detail and to much flexibility.
• Quality of work and repairs was reviewed. Areas where roads have been washed out some time ago that were filled with stone have never been revisited and paved. Many questioned the use of FEMA monies and the lack of our town to get it’s share citing examples of tree work a year ago, where a neighboring town received 3 times the money for clean-up and remediation.
• Regarding FEMA and tracking of road repairs it was learned that the Treasurer manages what tracking is done. This seems counter intuitive and should have direct management of the Road Commissioner.
• Many felt the budget should be reduced to last years levels with no increase.
• Concerns over Road Commissioner hiring and operating his own equipment were voiced.

Rescue

• Several members voiced concerns that there were no cuts to the Rescue Budget, in these difficult times everyone needs to sacrifice. A counter point was made that many town budgets are cut extremely tight already and we ask not only Rescue, but Fire, EMA etc to do a lot with a little. Given the increased call volume and likely hood of a potential second ambulance the budget does represent a cut.
• One member had asked for a revenue report but was told it awaiting the Auditor to complete. This was several weeks ago and was not handled through the Budget Committee process. The Budget Committee Chairperson had requested some information last Thursday on account balances for all accounts and had not received it. It was pointed out that Friday is an off day, Monday was a holiday, so in reality they had only had the request a day.
• There was a sheet with two proposed Referendum items, to make enterprise accounts for Rescue and Summer Recreation. Basically these would allow monies to be carried forward from donations and other sources, thus not re-entering the general fund as unspent monies typically do. Many had concerns with the wording and felt it was to ambiguous and should be spelled out clearer.
• There was a sample Rescue Department Ordinance provided that provided in essence a breakdown of roles and responsibilities for the department. There is nothing presently to  codify department and it was felt the proposed measure was a good one. However there was a sentence that stated the rescue Chief is appointed by Selectmen for an indeterminate time. Many wanted a clarification of the phrase and possibly have it reworded.

Library

• The Librarian had spoke last meeting on many of the concerns the Budget Committee had.  Some felt there should be more cuts, but with the potential for year round operation (If the Library Expansion at the Hanson School Passes) the extra would be needed.
• One committee member thought it was necessary to have the Library open on Saturday to allow more access.

Recreation

• There were cuts to Recreation but many members still think $1300 in Movie tickets is a waste. Many still don’t care that activities that should be self funded like line dancing, walking groups etc are being funded by the town. These activities should be sponsored by the participants and the the town.

Transfer Station

• The Transfer Station budget at last review did not have cuts. It was demonstrated that 20k could be removed without great impact still leaving room for projects and the increased solid waste fees.
• Tires were discussed and the comment made by Selectmen Patch last week that several slips were submitted and paid were actually Lebanon NH’s. Many thought it odd that the department head would not have easily caught the slips and asked how the bills are paid. Another member questioned why Lebanon NH would bring a vendor from northern Maine down to haul their loads. None of this made any sense.
• Many felt that there were measures that could be taken to generate revenue from the cans and waste as well as decrease expenses (disallowing commercial hauler to use facility, flattening co-mingled items, enforcing permits  etc). Several examples have already been provided as well as ideas other towns are using. Why is none of this pursued?

Incompatibility of Office / Harpswell Case

• Paperwork was presented showing the information from a case in Harpswell Maine where a transfer station employee, ran for Selectmen and won the seat. Selectmen for Harpswell asked the judge to review the situation due to concerns of conflict of interest and incompatibility of office. The circumstances of the case are very similar to conditions Lebanon.
• The Paperwork cites many applications of Maine law on the matter. In summary the document points out how it is inappropriate to have a Town Employee and also be a Selectmen or Elected Officer.  In effect incompatibility of office of exists when you effectively are supervising yourself or your supervisor or are involved with financial decisions that impact each other such as budgets, wages, benefits.
• This issue was brought up to Selectmen as a conflict of interest last year by residents when Mr Patch submitted paperwork to run for Selectmen. It was allegedly investigated by the Selectmen and deemed o.k. by legal opinion of the Town Attorney. The newly obtained materials referencing Maine State Law indicate that it is a problem. The Budget Committee provided the information obtained to the Selectmen and has asked that Selectmen address the matter in regards to Selectmen Patch / Transfer Station as well as Road Commissioner Davis and Mr. Davis hiring, operating, and supervising his own equipment while being paid by the town.
• Maine Law states that in this case where a person has incompatibility of office, an office holder who qualifies for and accepts a second office which is incompatible with the one already held, vacates the former, as if it has been resigned. It further states this shall not be left to the fluctuating whim of the office holder or chance and that this rule is indispensable for the protection of the public.
• The document further states that there is no constitutional right to be able to hold public office and public employment. Many cases were cited as examples.
• The Documents provided Selectmen are  – Harpswell Maine Case - MRSA 30-A – Townsman Incompatibility of Office Article – MRSA 20-A -  You may view the documents in PDF format by clicking the links.

There were concerns over review of the ballot items and the vote which has to take place Monday.  The Budget Committee has done everything possible to accommodating the Selectmen and there is great frustration over the last minute push. There was also concern over the fact no Selectmen attended the meeting since many questions could have been answered with there valued input.

A letter of recommendations for the budgets discussed as well as a request for action on the “incompatibility of office”  matter will be created by the Budget Committee Chairperson and sent along to Selectmen.

Of Course there was more…

Online Video Archive of Lebanon Town Videos http://www.veoh.com/group/selectmeetings

Part 1 of 2 of 4/20/10 Meeting 1:28 min

Watch 4-20-10 Lebanon Maine Budget Committee Part 1 of 2 in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Part 2 of 2 of the 4/20/10 meeting – 29 minutes

Watch 04-20-10 Lebanon Maine Budget Committee Part 2 in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Present: Selectmen Ronal Patch, Selectmen Jason Cole, Selectmen Chairman Bob Frizzell,  Town Clerk Laura Bragg

Meeting started approximately 6:35pm and ended at approximately 8:05pm

• Meeting minutes were approved for past February and March meetings…
• The School Bond Warrant item was signed by Selectmen. This allows the bond issue sponsored by the school department to come before the people for vote. The Bond encompasses several projects in the district towns. The one directly affecting Lebanon is a $235,000 +/- addition to the Hanson School, which would provide an expanded public library with year-round access. The direct cost to Lebanon would be something like $90,000 which is available in a trust fund for the purpose. Complete details will be forthcoming as we get closer to June.
• Godeepmud.com came before Selectmen to request renewal for the permit for mass gathering. Godeepmud.com operates a venture for mud racing just of Rt 202 and has several events during the year. Last year was there first year and it was very successful and well received. There were issues with noise, parking and such but these were addressed timely and several improvements have been made to the area where the event is held to improve safety, parking access and parking  capacity.  The permit was granted and their first event will be upcoming in a couple weeks.
• A resident came before selectmen to request a Tax Abatement.  After hearing the residents concerns and dilemma, and much discussion to learn the facts the Selectmen ultimately denied the request. They explained how the property was in line with similar properties therefore no change could be made.
• Glen Stadig asked if any change has been made to policy at the transfer station to limit the volume of tires being disposed of. He explained over 3200 tires have been brought through the transfer station since September, with half of them being moved during December.  Selectmen stated the dropping of tires in town was a problem and they routinely get picked up. Stadig explained over 48 ton of tires in five months is absurd when other towns have like 75-200 (1-2 ton). There was talk of trying to catch the dumpers, but not much else. over $7500 dollars has been spent this year disposing of the tires not accounting for hauling fees and time to pick-up the tires.
• Chris Gilpatrick asked what the intent was of the letter that was sent out by Selectmen to the Budget Committee stating all requests for information must come through the Budget Committee Chairperson. He felt as an elected person he should be able to make simple requests directly instead of going through a set of channels that only add complexity and delay. Selectmen explained it is to prevent duplication of effort and request from several people and is not uncommon when dealing with boards or committees. Request for information have not been a problem, but Selectmen are trying to be proactive.
• Chris Gilpatrick also asked the Selectmen the status of the Budgets. They said the General Government Budget would be available to the Budget Committee tomorrow night and that they also had several changed budgets to share.
• Of course there was more..

View the entire online Video Archive Here

4/6/10  Part 1

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4/6/10 Part 2

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Meeting Highlights:

• General Administration Budgets are STILL NOT AVAILABLE, well they are but there not..you get the picture.
• The Roads budget is being revisited and may be seeing some changes
• Rescue budget is about the same as last year even though their call volume is up significantly.
• The Ambulance is in dire need of Air Bags that are used to raise and lower the box. The maintenance will take the Ambulance offline for up to two weeks, since the whole box must be removed to change the units out. During this time the town will be reliant on mutual aid coverage from away.
• Rescue is regularly finding difficulty in dealing with multiple calls. Volunteers arrive on scene and begin treatment, but the Ambulance is already on another call and the responders have to wait for an Ambulance from another town to respond. Chief Cole explained seconds count in an emergency. They detailed several cases during the presentation.
• Rescue is seeing increased calls for mutual aid to help other towns.
• Rescue explained the need for an additional Ambulance. Call volume, service to residents, mutual aid are all a part of it. The additional ambulance would pay it’s own expenses through revenue generated, it further would provide a back stop for maintenance of the current ambulance. There is a large enough volunteer base to support the second unit.
• Although first and foremost Rescue is concerned with saving lives and emergency response it does provide revenues. the revenues not only cover it’s own operating expense but saves the town money. The town is able to save a significant amount of money by utilizing the Rescue’s revenue. By doing this the Town doesn’t have to borrow money to pay bills while waiting for tax proceeds to come in.
• The last portion of the meeting regarding the New Ambulance was missed on the video.
• Of course there was more….

The Lebanon online video archive is available Here.

UPDATE 3/29/10 – Added second half of video

Watch 03-17-10 Lebanon Maine Budget Committee in News |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

In Attendance: Selectmen Patch, Selectmen Cole, Selectmen Secretary Sue Collins, Town Clerk Laura Bragg and 4 residents. Meeting lasted roughly 50 minutes. Selectmen Chairperson Bob Frizzell was absent…no reason provided.

• A resident came concerned over the changes in Shoreland Zoning. The changes being made are required and will be placed to the people for vote in June. The exact changes are unclear, and the Planning Board has the details. The plan should be available 45 days before vote and the town will try to place information online.
• Laura Bragg asked if Selectmen will be having a Town Manager come to speak on the job and role of a Town Manager since the item will be on the ballot. Selectmen said that they had spoken to North Berwick’s Town Manager Duane Morin and he said he could be available. There was also interest in possibly contacting Berwick as well.
• A resident came in concerned about the gate placed on Hebo Hibo Road. Selectmen Cole explained the gate was placed there to keep people out of the area. There has been lots of trouble with partys, fires, mischief and trash. Since the road is subject to gates and bars the Town of Lebanon felt it is the best interest to gate the road. All property owners will be provided keys.
• Laura Bragg explained the Town of Lebanon purchases passes for Water Country, Funtown USA, and the movie theaters at a discount rate. These are available to residents and will be advertised on the town site. There was a question on the movie tickets since they needed to be purchased ahead of time.
• Laura Bragg wanted to ensure Selectmen understand since the town does referendum voting, the ballot must be finalized by Monday, April 26th to allow the 45 days as required. Selectmen are urged to get all the items together to placed on it early.
• Chris Gilpatrick had questions and concerns over having a single Budget for the Roads department versus having a Winter and Summer budget as has always been done. Primarily his issue is the money could be spent leaving no funds to plow, salt, and sand. Selectmen Cole explained the single budget was recommended by the attorney and the town auditor. He also explained how payments are approved by Selectmen and signed off and that spending for each of the department is checked routinely. Selectmen Cole felt there was little to be worried about and that checks and balances were sufficient.
• Chris Gilpatrick also raised concerns over the nearly $300,000 remaining in this years winter budget. He wanted to see the money moved forward for next year and not spent. Selectmen Cole said that some roads had received damage with the recent storms and some of that work would likely come from these funds but some should remain.  Heath Road is also a problem and may be done from these funds.
• Glen Stadig asked that the policy requiring Budget Committee members paying for financial information be revisited. Just last week when doing research a charge of $5 per department was levied when requesting simple electronic reports from the accounting system. It cost $30… Mr. Gilpatrick had requested a vendor listing and was charged $28. The same report was later provided to the Budget Committee for free.  Selectmen said that reasonable requests made by those in a Budget Committee role would be provided an exception. They said to contact the Treasurer for a refund.
• Glen Stadig also asked that the Selectmen consider sharing the Budget Status reports they look at routinely with residents via the town website.
• Of course there was more….

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