FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES 2003  2002 20012000

Minutes are placed on the web after they have been reviewed and accepted by the Select Board in an open meeting. Most recent minutes are at the top. Some attachments to meetings have been included. Others (and originals) may be viewed at the Town Office.


2003 FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Steve Cross (SC), Carol Richardson (CR), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Thelma Ledden, Betty Sienkiewicz, Thressa Abbott, Jon Willette, Sean Turner, Christine and Clint Spaulding, Elwin Turner.
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    01/06/2004
Meeting held 12/30/2003
1.    Meeting called to order at 6:00
2.    Discussed recent road damage from rain.
CR read a fax from MEMA asking for a damage assessment from the recent storm.
Elwin Turner turned in a bill for part of the work, CR will research the rest of the existing bills.
ET to turn in an estimate on the remaining work.
3.    Discussed recent correspondence between John Carver and Marriners paving.  Agreed that Marriners must repave the entire section of 3.2 miles because proper procedures were not followed, it was paved in the rain.  The proof is the current condition of the roads.
4.    Discussed letter from MMA on Workers Compensation. CR disputed the amount of compensation estimated in the letter.
5.    CR to call MMA on this.
6.    Discussed the drug policy adopted on 120203. CR to call SAD #3 and see if we can become members of their plan and use their contractor.
7.    Discussed letter from DEP concerning the oil spill in Bruce Mattson's cellar.
8.    Discussed Everett Stevens Heirs property and determined that it was not livable and so granted an abatement on $6,140 of value due to the trailer is not livable and therefore the addition is storage
9.    Discussed Brian Raven request for an abatement.  After consideration it was determined that the abatement already granted to him was correct and no further abatement will be granted.
10.    Discussed dogs running at large, but Tina has not been able to get the dog to the pound.
11.    CR asked ET about the Beaver Ridge Rd - can we get a load of rocks there?
12.    SC reported on the drivers' time.  There is no law prohibiting continuous drivers.
13.    Jon Willette asked about a mattress he found on the road - Sullivan will pick it up.
14.    SC brought up Selectman's office hours should be from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. and we should not adjourn before 08:00 in his opinion.
15.    Adjourned 7:45

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Steve Cross (SC), Carol Richardson (CR)
Others Present:    Jon Willette , Sean Turner, Mike Turner, Ingrid Robitaille, Thelma Ledden
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    12/30/2004
Meeting held 12/23/2003
1.    Meeting called to order at 6:22
2.    Discussed taxes with Ms Robitaille.  She has requested an abatement.
3.    Road washouts on Davis, Smithton, Mitchell, Deer Hill, Greeley, Town House, and Rollins Roads.
4.    Trucks issues were discussed:
5.    Adjourned 7:05

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Steve Cross (SC), Carol Richardson (CR), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Thressa Abbott, Betty Sienkiewicz, Jay Guber, Sean Turner, Jon Willette, Thelma Ledden
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    12/30/2003
Meeting held 12/16/2003
1.    Meeting called to order at 6:12
2.    Minutes of last Mtg. were read and accepted as read.
3.    Jay reported on his discussions with the planning bd.  PB agrees that the fees should be raised and amended to put teeth in the ordinance.  They will be bringing the matter to the Select Board for an article on the warrant.
CR asked about a garage that was being lived in. Jay said he has to have a septic design, but could then live in the garage as long as he does not get running water.  Once he gets running water he MUST put in a septic system.
The garage under discussion is on the Greeley Rd.  Jay will talk to them.
No new building permits have been issued.
Jay asked for his pay up to the year end. Voted 3/0 to do that.
4.    CR brought up hours worked by the truck drivers. Anything over 40 we have to pay time and a half.  Discussed options.
5.    Had a round table discussion on various topics concerning plowing, mailboxes, snow plowing priorities (primary roads first versus all roads at the same).
6.    Discussed the radio question
- both SC and FK are opposed to spending the $1388 without a vote of the town.
7.    Discussed the two-speed shifter mechanism - the current trucks have electric shifters and we have replaced them twice in number 7.  Approved to replace the one in the 97 with air.
8.    SC reported on truck repairs - heater motor on Number 8 needs to be re-wired.
9.    Discussed the staffing of the trucks - too many hours are being worked by Clint and Sean right now.
CR to call ET on this.
10.    A recent accident on the Greeeley Rd took down the stop sign and the Road sign.
11.    Jon Willette repaired that and has also put a stop on the Mitchell Rd, put up Rd signs at Pleasant and Raven Roads.
12.    Still need a stop sign on the Town House Rd junction with N Palermo Rd.
13.    CR thanked SC for taking the initiative to get the work done.
14.    Mtg. adjourned: 7:32

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Jon Willette, Sean Turner, Clint Spaulding, Betty Sienkiewicz, Thressa Abbott, Elwin Turner
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    12/16/2004
Meeting held 12/09/2003
1.    Meeting called to order at 6:06
2.    ET reported on the recent storm.  Ken Gould did not get the contract to plow the schools out, but the contract was let to a man in Oakland who did not do the work.
Now Gould had no sand.  Sand was taken from our sand supply, and it is not known who did it.
3.    Joe Freeman, Herbert Abbott were suggested for spares drivers to add to the list.
4.    SC said that the insurance may not be valid if H Abbott was working.
5.    FK to call Insurance Co on Herb Abbott.
6.    Other names raised were Peter Miller and Gerry Spaulding,
7.    Jon Willette offered to work as a wing man too.
8.    SC asked about the shoulder work that had been identified as needed.  ET replied that it had not gotten done.
9.    He went on to say that they had paved sections that were not ready.
10.    ET: The plowing of the town office.  Clint says he has commercial insurance, but does not know the limits of liability on his insurance.
11.    SC: reported on a wage issue regarding work at the Town Garage. 
12.    Unity/Freedom town plowing responsibilities were clarified with Unity.
13.    The Wentworth turnaround has been moved to the opposite side of the road and is in a tight spot.
14.    Jon Willette remarked that the plow truck had backed into Rt. 137 and that this created a dangerous situation because of the angle of the sun at 0900.
15.    Suggest having the Wentworth Rd removed as a town road.
16.    A small truck could be hired to plow it  - suggested Lee Bros.
17.    Sean asked why the town could not buy a small truck to plow with.
18.    It would require an article on the town Warrant.
19.    Sean asked about the cell phones - they don't work in 90% of Freedom.
Could we get radios that worked better?
FK: this,  also would require and article on the Town Warrant.
20.    Clint: how come people push snow into roads from their driveways.
21.    FK suggest we send out a postcard asking people to clean up after themselves.
22.    Jon Willette suggests we call the Sheriff Department and have them enforce the law.
23.    We'll try to get a notice put in Sally's column asking people to clean up after themselves.
24.    SC reported that he spoke to CMP about the blinking street lights. CMP will be coming to fix.
25.    FK reported that he had told John Carver that Freedom wanted 3.2 mi repaved by July 15th, along with descriptions of the sections.
26.    7:52 Adjourned

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR),Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Thelma Ledden, Jon Willette, Lendell Chase, Gilbert Williams, Sally Hadyniak, Elwin Turner, Clint Spaulding
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    12/13/2003
Meeting held 12/02/2003
1.    Meeting called to order at 6:05
2.    The plow given to Mr Willette at the Board meeting last week was hauled to Mr Willette's on Thanksgiving day.  Mr Ken Gould came over and said that the plow belonged to him, so Mr Willette returned the plow to Mr Gould without charge.
3.    Read Minutes of last two meetings.  Approved as read.
4.    Jay Guber: One building permit Herman and Barbara Watson - removing one trailer and bringing in a new one.  the do not have either running water or a septic.
5.    Entered Executive Session at 6:25
6.    6:50 exec session ends
7.    back in session
8.    Discussed hiring truck drivers - 7 will be notified that they are hired.
Lendell Chase 382-6215
Harold Greeley 382-6195
Matt Shaw 568-3786
Warren Spaulding 382-6407
Clint Spaulding 382-6214
Shaun Turner 382-3385
Gilbert Williams 382-6130
MSP to hire these seven.
9.    MSP to adopt the Mandatory Alcohol and Drug Testing Policy and Procedures.
10.    SC reported that he got a call for a plumbing inspector and Mr Harriman was in Florida.
The people were notified to call the LPI for another town while Mr Harriman is away.
11.    Sally Hadyniak asked about the road in front of her mailbox.
12.    FK reported on investigating the paving on Greeley Rd and Bryant Rd.
13.    7:48 Adjourned

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR),Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Jon Willette, Thelma Ledden, Thressa Abbott, Betty Sienkiewicz, Sally Hadyniak
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    December 2nd, 2003
Meeting held 11/25/2003
1.    Meeting called to order at 6:07
2.    Jon Willette reported on all the sign work he has done for the town (list attached):
Discussed signage at the intersection of Greeley Rd with Smithton and Burnham Hill 
Added Dangerous Curve signs on Waning Rd.
Replaced road signs on Goosepecker Ridge Rd. High St, Deer Hill Rd, Albion Rd, Raven Rd, Ayer Ridge Rd, Bryant Rd. 
Need to order another Raven Rd sign, Stop sign for Town House Rd (should get three Stop Signs)
Pleasant St sign has been ordered. 
CR reported that signs are now made out of tin, not fiberglass. 
SC suggested we could put spade's on the end of the sign posts to prevent people from pulling the poles out.
3.    CR asked about the call made by FK to the Sheriff’s office concerning the HO Bouchard Truck parked on Town property.  King replied that the truck had been parked there without any permission from the town for most of the summer. Discussed this.
4.    Plumbing permits were needed to get the new septic systems inspected by Don Harriman.  Mr Harriman approved the septic systems.
5.    We still have to prepare the bills to the families and submit the paperwork to the state for reimbursement.
6.    Steve Cross asked What about Stan Macdonald and Tom Odle?  CR said that they have applications that will be sent in before the end of the year.
7.    FK called Elwin Turner about getting the shoulders of the new tarred sections graveled. Elwin intends to hire an excavator and start on Monday on them.
Elwin will contact Dennis Jones and they will use his excavator to fix them.
8.    Drug Testing paper will be read by FK and we will review and adopt if we approve.
9.    Discussed the spare drivers: Matthew Shaw, Warren Spaulding, Regulars: Clint Spaulding, Sean Turner
10.    Mr Willette asked about an old town plow on the town property by the old Meeting House.  He was given permission to take it.
11.    Betty asked about the Selectman's Meeting Minutes.  She was advised that they are now posted on the web up through November 11th.
12.    Adjourned 8:07

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR),Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Steve Bennett, Sally Hadyniak
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    December 2nd, 2003
Meeting held 11/18/2003
1.    Meeting called to order at 6:05
2.    CR reviewed supplements for Roy Ward and Walter Gurschick.
3.    Reviewed S Bennett property revaluation extensively.
4.    Reviewed Service Agreement on Copier. Moved, Seconded and Passed to Approve (3/0).
5.    Reviewed State General Assistance Appendixes A-C 2003-2004
6.    Steve Bennett reported that the new paving has exposed edges and needs gravel and grading in places.
7.    Adjourned 8:05

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR),Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Sally, Wassey Hadyniak, Thelma Ledden, James Waterman, Tom Clay, Steve and Kim Holmes, Joe Baker
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    11/18/2003
Meeting held 11/11/2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:00
2. Joe Baker reported on the Hutchins Cemetery.
3. James Waterman reported that the FD had received a $1500 grant from MMA for a breathing apparatus.
4. Steve and Kim Holmes questioned their valuation.  It will be reviewed and recalculated.
5. Tom Clay reported that the paving done on the Beaver Ridge Rd had been done by Land Construction during "a rain storm" and that the place where it met the Greeley Rd was breaking up.
6. Bids were reviewed for town septic system work and Clint Spaulding was awarded the contract for Nancy Spaulding, Gloria Barton, and the Barbara Larabeee systems.  Stan Macdonald’s design called for a full system, rather than the ‘leach field only’ we had thought was all he needed, and so will have to wait until another round of grants.
7. Steve Bennett asked about the paving over the shallow culvert on Ayer Ridge Rd.  It was decided to do that job and Steve volunteered to call Lane to have it done.
8. Street lights in town are known to go on and off erratically.  CR volunteered to call CMP about this,
9. Adjourned 8:00

NO MEETING HELD November 4th 2003 (Election Day)

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR),Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Carole Hager, Gary Stimeling, Clayton Wentworth, Elwin Turner, Steve Bennett, Betty Sienkiewicz, Thressa Abbott, Jonathan Plengy, Sally, Wassey Hadyniak, Thelma Ledden
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    11/18/2003
Meeting held 10/28/2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:05
2. CR opened a bid from Lane for trench patching on Ayer Ridge Rd, for $360.
3. Steve Bennett reported that there were places where Lane was not able to get a full 18' and so they would go a little bit narrower.
4. Valuation on Mr Stimeling's house went up 200%
Clayton Wentworth, same
Jonathan Plengy, same
All three were reviewed and recalculated.
5. Elwin Turner asked about the truck drivers:  He suggests we hire Sean Turner, Clint Spaulding, and Gerry Spaulding. Discussed drug testing for the drivers.
6. FK will call Mr Carver and ask him to draft a letter to Marriners regarding their lack of performance on the paving.
7. Elwin Turner to find out from Keith Overlock if the ceiling of the  town garage is insulated.
8. Sally Hadyniak asked about when the flagpole will be put up.  It needs to be painted. 
9. Adjourned 7:16

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR),Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Thelma Ledden, Steven Bennett, Thressa Abbott, Christine Betty Sienkiewicz, Clint and Christine Spaulding, Jay Guber, Carole Hager.
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    11/18/2003
Meeting held 10/21/2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:07
2. Discussed the need for an Invitation to Bid on three septic systems and one leach field in the town of Freedom, to be written by FK and sent to CR for inclusion in Waterville and two weekly papers.
Bids be due 18:30 November 5th.  Bids will be reviewed that evening and awarded as soon as possible.
3. Clint had a question on the tax for a trailer under Nancy Spaulding.
The assessment increase came from the addition on the trailer.  Clint was advised to detach the addition from the trailer and then it will be assessed as a shed at $10/ft2.
4. Steve Bennett spoke about the progress with the paving.  Not too much progress so far.
5. Steve Bennett also spoke about a culvert on the Ayer Ridge Rd. SB asked Eric (from Lane Construction) to do an estimate on that.
6. Steve Bennett also asked about the big elm on Ayer Ridge Rd.  It is dead and poses a hazard.  A maple about 100 yd. from Rt. 137 is dead and a hazard too.
7. Steve Bennett asked: What about Marriners? Are they going to come back and fix the road? Steve suggested we get a threatening letter drafted by an attorney and send it to them.
8. Moved, Seconded and Passed  to ask Carter to write the letter and represent us in this matter.
9. Jay Guber:  Two permits: Hoag and Gould - one barn one garage.
10. CR: Read a request from the Isleboro Bd. of Selectmen asking for support in opposition to the jail bond.
11. Suggested that the Board of Appeals be empowered to review assessment decisions.  If they are they need to be sworn in as such.
12. CR: ET has not yet picked up the fire extinguishers. FK to bring them down to the garage.
13. Reviewed abatements done by CR.
14. FK and CR talked about the reassessment and the fact that the values of the buildings are now much more equitable and reasonable, and although there are people who have seen an increase, there is now a systematic method that can be repeated to derive the value of any building in town.
15. Discussion of the reassessment.
16. Carole Hagar:  Agreed with the reassessment and pointed out that many people were getting a significant break for many years, and having to pay there fair share is a shock.  Where are the people who are so unhappy she asked?
17. Adjourned 7:53.

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR),Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Lorraine Overlock, Viola Greeley, Thelma Ledden, Sally Hadyniak, Betty Sienkiewicz, Thressa Abbott
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    11/18/2003
Meeting held 10/14/2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:07
2. Lorraine Overlock presented a report on the actions of the historical society - the foundation of the old town hall has been completed.  There remains some work to be done to the doors, which will be completed in the spring.
3. Discussion of the signing of the commitment book.
Steve Cross expressed concern that the total valuation of the town had increased too much as a result of the revaluation of the buildings, and said he would not sign the commitment book as is.  Various options for correcting the increase in overall valuation were reviewed. 
After a long discussion it was moved by CR and seconded by FK to sign the commitment book.  The book was signed by CR and FK.
4. Discussed letter from Marion Bowers concerning a property in town.  Approved letter.
5. Adjourned 7:25 PM.

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR),Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Jon Willette, Thelma Ledden, Thressa Abbott, Betty Sienkiewicz, Sally Ann Hadyniak, Polly Shyka, Elwin Turner
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    11/18/2003
Meeting held 10/7/2003
1. Meeting called to order at 5:57
2. CR read a letter from Linda Stout and Pam <sp?>, complaining about the paving of the Goosepecker Ridge Rd.
3. FK was assigned to contact Ken Boulier about a floodlight at the town garage.
4. Moved, Seconded and Passed to hire Mr Tim Biggs to work on the town garage.
5.  Jay Guber reported that he attended a Mtg. with MMA, Tony Neves, Drew Fales, Steve and Judy Bennett, and Ellerbe Cole. After the discussion was concluded Mr Cole stated that the actions taken with land by Judy Bennett did not constitute a subdivision. 
6. Jay also turned over a court case to the town that MMA gave the town planning board members.
7. Road Signs were discussed.
Missing signs - Waning Rd and Glidden Rd.
Jay suggests that a "Dangerous Curve ahead" sign be gotten for the Waning Td  part that was known as Hemlock Hill.
Discussion followed of the issue of this area and whether or not to put up a sign there.
SC said that if we were to put a sign there we would need to put up about a dozen others.
Moved, Seconded and Passed that we order signs for Glidden Rd, Waning Rd Morgan Ln, Beaver Ridge Rd, High St, Town House Rd. 
Discussion of the need for "Dangerous Curve" type signs, and where to put them.
The signs at the boat landing and recreation field have been changed.
8. Jay reported on Building Permits: Brian Jones, Scott Anderson for addition, Elwin turner (horse barn), Tim Biggs - two permits both off the Smithton Rd for a garage that was already done, and one for a camp that was built.
9. Discussion of the policy for fining citizens if they build when they do not have a building permit.  FK suggested that the building ordinance be amended to incorporate this idea.  Jay suggests that we also modify the Building Ordinance to raise the cost of the permits and allow for a tiered system, with one permit for livable areas another for additions, another for garages and outbuildings.
Moved, Seconded and Passed to so recommend to the Planning Bd.
10. Jay also reported that there is a bus on Carey Ln that people are living in with water and no septic system.
11. Polly Shyka: Works for Unity Barn raisers.  Land for Maine's future is working to set aside development rights.  She would appreciate it if we would write a letter of support for the project.  Polly will drop off a draft.
12. A discussion of the paving going on took place
CR asked about the Sibley road.  Was the paving done in the right place?
ET turned over a bid from Ed's trucking for 3.55/t delivered to the town site. 
Moved, Seconded and Passed  to accept the bid and put up 3500 yd.
13. Discussion of what to do to improve the safety in town.
14. Moved, Seconded and Passed to buy two "T" signs and three "Dangerous Curve signs", and for ET to determine where to put them.
15. CR asked ET to adjust the road signs on the Greeley Rd
16. CR: Marion Bowers will draft a letter for review concerning the Vanderweide property.
17. CR suggests that a letter be written to another town resident who has many bags of garbage stacked against their trailer. CR to talk to Ms Bowers about this site.
18. Discussion of the revaluation.
19. Minutes of past three meetings reviewed and accepted.
20. 8:19 Adjourn

NO MEETING HELD September 30th 2003 (Town Meeting on 10/1/2003)

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR),Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Jay Guber, Thressa Abbott, Betty Sienkiewicz, Sally Ann Hadyniak, Chuck Hadyniak, Wassey Hadyniak, Steve Bennett, Ingrid Robitaille, Brian Mitchell, Wilson Hess
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:10/7/2003  
Meeting held 09/23/2003
1. JG reported on issues raised previously: No-one living at Skidgell’s;
JG: Lari Turner did add 16x24 addition to his garage a year and a half to two years ago.  He has now gotten a permit from Jay for it.
JG: called Brian Jones.  Brian's son is building and will be over to get a permit.
Greg Harden is building - Map 08-26 on the Mitchell corner subdivision.  It currently belongs to Steve Shaw.
Permit given to Gerald Spaulding to rebuild a garage at 1 Belfast Rd.
2. Ingrid Robitaille asked if she could register her excavator as a motor vehicle.  SC said only if it had rubber tires.  Since it does not she cannot.
3. Steve Bennett: Good news on the road: Eric Richard and Steve have gone over the targeted roads and remeasured, and the distances were a bit shorter than originally measured, so we should be able to do it all and even save some money.
4. CR brought up road signs being missing.  FK will go down to garage and see if there are any spares.  After that we will order replacements.
Discussion of types of signs and the difficulty of removing them.
5. Moved, Seconded and Passed (2/0) to support the MMA Proposal for funding education costs at 55%.
6. Moved, Seconded and Passed to cancel next weeks meeting to allow people to attend the Waldo County Selectman's association meeting concerning the November ballot question.
7. Discussion of the reassessment and the possibility of taking some amount from surplus to reduce the amount of money to be raised as decided by the town at town meeting.  Carol Richardson spoke in favor of doing this.
Wilson Hess and Steve Bennett expressed dissatisfaction with the information they had been presented with on the finances of the town and remarked that it did not make sense to them.  FK responded that it was just a list of the money spent by the town, and that the suggestion Carol was making was only concerned with reducing the amount of money to be raised by taxation to pay for the bills.
A lengthy discussion followed.  Brian Mitchell said he would support no more than $20,000 being taken from surplus.  Neither Wilson Hess or Steve Bennett would support any amount from surplus, citing a lack of clear reason to do so.
Thelma Ledden expressed that she thought the town should have the ability to decide on this, rather than the decision being made by just the selectmen.
Moved, Seconded and Passed (2/0) to not put an article on the warrant to do this.
8. Moved, Seconded and Passed to have the special town meeting on Oct 1 at the Grange hall at 7:00.
9. Articles
10. To choose a moderator
11. To decide whether the town should adjust the date on which interest becomes due for 2003 taxes to be 60 days after commitment, rather than September 30th, 2003, or set another date.
12. Adjourned 08:11

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Rishardson (CR),Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Thelma Ledden, Sally Hadyniak, Thressa Abbott, Betty Sienkiewicz, Steve Bennett, Jay Guber.
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:10/7/2003  
Meeting held 09/16/2003
1. CR: Asked Jay Guber about land belonging to Brenda Comoli, Heirs of Anthony Allison.  When CR went to measure it she found that there was water in the house with no septic.
Michael Smith's camp - Max Ascrizzi is renting it and there does not appear to be a septic system there either.
CR also mentioned the last camp on Hardwood Ln, which appears to have water but no septic (Cossaboom).
 There is a person reportedly staying in the trailer by the road on the N Palermo Rd by the town line (Lynn Poulin).
At Skidgell's there is a camper set up and people living there.
Jay suggests we send letters out notifying the people of the law in question and asking them to correct the situation.
All these cases should be referred to LPI Harriman.  Harriman to provide the law in question.
CR also received a complaint that one of the Turner's had built a large addition (20x40) on the back of their garage without a building permit.
Eric Jones is also reportedly building a house on his Father's land.
Jay reviewed the permit book he has and there were no permits issued in either case.
Jay reported that he has issued a permit to Bruce Hanson, 299 Greeley Rd to put up a garden shed.
2. Discussion about the number of homes built in Freedom over the last three years.
3. SC: Cost of salt from the WCSA - $38.24/ton delivered, with an estimated amount of 165 tons.  (The number they had was 135 Ton).
FK to call KVCOG and see what the cost would be from them.
4. ET reported the bids he received for sand: $5/T Roger Littlefield, 3.80T J & L Thorndike, and 3.50/T Ed Picard delivered and piled.
5. SC agreed to go and check the sand with Elwin.
SC also suggested that we look into getting a load of "Hot Ash" to cover the sand pile with after it is put up.  It would cost us $300/load.
SC and ET to look into it.
6. CR asked about selectmen getting mileage. SC said he feels we should not get additional pay for mileage.
7. CR asked if the town would pay Sally for helping CR to measure houses.
FK said he appreciated Sally's work, but given the fact that it was after the fact, moved we do not pay Sally for helping.  Steve agreed.  Motion passed 2/0.
8. SC said he did not agree with the revaluation effort going on.  He felt like it was not fair to raise the valuations of the homes of people on fixed incomes. He added that there would be a lot of dissatisfaction in town and homes for sale.
Discussion of the valuation of the houses, and which houses should be "B" and which should be "C".
Several points of view were presented on the revaluation and how to do it.
9. SC put forth that we could send our bank deposits by mail.  They mail is be insured.  CR is nervous about sending cash, even if it is insured.
10. Signs are in the wrong locations - the one in the field should be at the boat landing and vice versa.  Elwin will ask Warren Spaulding (who installed them) to exchange them.
11. Thressa and Betty reported on their investigations of the cemeteries.
12. Elwin Turner had a bill for edges for the Loader.  We didn't get the right ones and it was going to cost us over $600 for the edges and they don't fit.  Advised Elwin to bring them back to Bangor and tell them we'll pay when we get the right ones.
13. Steven Bennett reported that Lane should be sending a performance contract.  Also Eric Ritchie wants to stake out the roads on Friday.
14. For town mailing there will be one line about rabies clinic, one line tax lien notice, one line for brown goods, and one line to advise of the upcoming special town meeting.
15. CR asked if we could use money from the surplus to reduce increases in property tax.
Discussion of various strategies for reducing taxes n the coming year.
For the special town meeting we need at least 2 warrants:
1. Moderator, 2.date when interest will accrue. Maybe 3 to take from surplus top reduce taxes.
16. 8:25 Adjourned.

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR),Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Elwin Turner, Thelma Ledden, Thressa Abbott, Betty Sienkiewicz, Sally Ann, Chuck, Wassy Hadyniak, Steve Bennett, Eric Ritchie from Lane Construction.
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:10/7/2003  
Meeting held 09/09/2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:02 PM.
2. CR reviewed the funds available for paving.
3. Discussed the bids we have received, the lowest of which is $95,222.16.  Discussed the need to limit the cost to NO MORE than that figure, and we will strategize what our lowest priority tenth of a mile is and get it done last.
4. Moved, Seconded and Passed to accept Lane's bid.
5. Steve asked Elwin about what we could do to lower our costs - make sure that the roads were ready and that we have some materials ready to apply if needed.
6. Elwin talked about a culvert on the Mitchell Rd that had been replaced and another that needs to be lowered.  There is about three thousand dollars left for summer roads.
7. Steve Bennett asked about the Smithton Rd and mentioned the Sibley Rd.
Deer Hill should be addressed in the next round.
8. Chuck Hadyniak asked about the repairs of the Marriners paving job from last year.  CR reported that Marriners is paving near town right now and we are hoping that they come here and fix the bad spots before leaving the area.
Steve Bennett said that Marriners promised to cut out the bad problem areas and repave them.
9. CR reported that Thressa Abbott and Betty Sienkiewicz have volunteered to review the cemeteries and document what they need to be maintained properly.
10. Moved, Seconded and Passed  to appoint Thressa and Betty to the cemetery committee.
11. Carol described a debit in the computer that is not associated with any name - it is associated with the number "1".  This entry is from 1999 and the only way we can get rid of it is to abate it.
12. CR has received a complaint about the dogs at Dumont's rental barking.
13. Cindy received a bill from Montville for boarding a dog for Freedom. Carol called Mr Norman Wetmore.  Mr Wetmore came over and apologized for the bill and told us to tear it up.
14. Tina was instructed not to haul dogs around except for to the shelter in Waterville.
15. Minutes for past two meetings accepted as amended.
16. Mailbox and signs are up.
17. Warren Spaulding reported that we need a floodlight at the town garage.
18. Sally Ann suggested we just put a no trespassing sign up at the town garage.
19. Moved, Seconded and Passed to put up no trespassing sign on the garage.
20. CR reported that there is a health hazard at the Vanderweide's former residence, with garbage everywhere and water running out in the basement.
21. CR will call Marion to investigate and write a letter to the mortgage company if she deems it necessary.
22. Steve Cross reported that he spoke with Warren and he said that the two windows in the back of the town garage should be boarded up, Elwin reported that the sections between the doors are in need of repair.
23. It was agreed to try and find a carpenter.  Steve will call Tim Biggs and Pete Mattson.  FK to call Shonti Wolphe.
24. Door to door pickup is to be held Oct 4.
25. FK brought up the lateness of the tax bills, and a short discussion took place about the assessment procedures.
26. CR to call MMA about whether or not we need to have a special town meeting to deal with the lateness of the taxes.
27. 8:11 Adjourned.

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR), Steve Cross (SC)
Others Present:    Sallyann and Wassey Hadyniak, Steve Bennett, Thelma Ledden, Teresa Abbott, Betty Sienkiewicz, Jay Guber, Ken Boulvier, Norm Qualtrough, briefly Jim Waterman and Eric Ritchie representing Lane Construction
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    09/09/2003
Meeting held 09/02/2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:06 PM.
2. Carol Richardson opened the bids regarding the paving of the hills.  They are as follows:
Lane Construction -----approx. 2904 tons at $32.79 per ton and an estimated cost $95,222.16
Mariners------------------approx. 2900 tons at $37.45 per ton does not include driveway tapers.  Fine grading etc.
Thibodeau----------------approx. 2954 tons at preferred unit price of $30.91 per ton , 29.54 tonnage.  Estimated cost 91,308.14.
Pike Industries-------------approx  2904 tons at $36.41 per ton

3. More detailed information is contained in the letter with the  bids.
4. The representative from Lane Construction,  Eric Ritchie was there when the bids were opened and Steve Cross spoke highly of Eric Richy for coming out during the week to double check the roads.  Eric wanted to make sure the roads were staked so that there wouldn’t be any confusion.  Some things need to be done to Beaver Ridge Road.  It should be graded better. Davis Rd. might need a bit of grading and the rest of the roads seemed o.k.  They just needed to be shaped up! 
5. Steve Cross asked Eric Ritchie if in fact that only half of the amount of roads would be paved would the price change.  Eric responded, most likely the price would stay the same for it’s a fixed price and an adjustment would be made instead. 
6. It was requested by Eric that a decision be made within 10 days but wouldn’t hold the town to it.  It will be decided at the next meeting, on Sept. 9, 2003.
7. First Selectwoman Carol Richardson stated that she has been receiving complaints regarding Davis Road.  The complaint being that the town workers are spending too much time there.
8. Beaver Ridge Road has enough gravel on site and it will take a minimal time of 2-3 days to get the grader to do a good job.  Mostly all the material is there already and the condition of the road is the worst.  It needs finished grading just prior to paving.  2-in. modified  binder will last about 5-7 years and a 1-inch finished coat.  Eric said that it  shouuld be applied within that time frame.
9. Carol Richardson will figure out how much money is left in the account.  DOT approximately $40.000.00.  Another account has $40,000.00.  She asked Steve Cross to verify that but he said he didn’t know.
10. Carol Richardson said she would take work home and do it at night. 
11. Steve Cross suggested to Carol that the bids and decision should be tabled to next Tuesday, so that the three selectmen and the Road Commission, will be present to discuss this.  Carol made the motion to table it and Steve Cross seconded it.
12. Carol put the envelope with the bids in the first drawer in front in the selectmen’s office.
13. Jay Guber reported that he gave out two building permits.  One to John Downer 80 Smithton Road for a deer barn and to Paul & Kate Flynn of the Freedom General Store to build a deck on the side of the building which will be approximately 12 X 25 feet.
14. Jay Guber also gave a report that he got in touch with MMA regarding the building of a garage on the non-conforming lot of Tim Turner.  It is o.k. because it will be on an existing lot, prior to our ordinance.  It will be a 2-car garage with a workshop.
15. Ken Boulier was there representing the Freedom Rec Committee wanting to know where when and how the present snack shack should be moved.  Steve Cross stated that one of the town trucks will haul it to be put behind the town hall for storage.
16. Carol Richardson asked Ken Boulier if he wanted to be sworn in as a member of the Rec Comm  and he stated "no".
17. There was a brief discussion regarding the tax bills.  Betty Sienckwicz asked why they haven’t been sent out yet.  Carol Richardson reported that the buildings still aren’t finished being measured, and a mill rate has to be established before the tax bills can be printed out.  Carol suggested a special town meeting for the people to vote on for an extension date  for interest charges.  Steve Cross said it was not necessary.  Carol said since the people voted for the original date, they must vote for an extension date.  Carol said she would call MMA to see what is the correct procedure.
18. A discussion regarding an ACO Badge for Tina Freeman was tabled till next week due to the cost of the badge and the selectmen felt Francis King; Second Selectmen should be there to discuss it.  Carol stated that the badge could cost anywhere up to $50.00.  Sallyann Hadyniak suggested that Sue Friend of Small Town Graphixs could make one and Carol Richardson agreed that it could be made for $5.00 or under!
19. A discussion regarding general assistance was tabled also.
20. The town received a bill from Mr. Carver, ESQ that was also tabled due to the absence of Francis King.
21. Jim Waterman came in and announced that the choice for the manufacturer of the new fire truck was going to be chosen tonight.  The Federal Government was funding 90%.  The new truck is 135,000.  The Fire Truck account has about $41,000.00 which includes the 13, 500.00 from the town.   So now Freedom will have for the first time a brand new fire truck.  It is so important for lives are at stake.
22. Carol Richardson discussed the septic situation. 
23. There is a bad account per personal tax in the amount of $11,528.99 in the 1999 Tax Bank Account.  No name appears, only number one.  Cindy found this on August 13th.  Jay Guber suggested to go back to 1999 and see if that amount of money can be found somewhere, is it for one year or an accumulation of several years.  He questioned "is it an abatement"?  Clear out the computer, do not delete the account, get rid of it by abating.  Carol Richardson asked Steve Cross if that can be done that way and he responded "maybe".  The town took in $104,000.00 in one year.  It was agreed by the two selectmen to table this issue till next week also.
24. A discussion was brought up about the cemeteries in town.  $500,00 from the past two years (a total of $1,000.00) is set-aside for the town cemetery upkeep.   The people are griping because the cemeteries are not being taken care of.  Some of the cemeteries contain the remains of people from WW1 Vets and the war of 1812.  Carol Richardson wrote down the names of all the cemeteries that she or the public knew about.  There was a lengthy discussion regarding the fixing up of the cemeteries, and cleaning out the brush.
25. Steve Cross had nothing to report. 
26. The flagpole still isn’t painted, and the signs still aren’t up, neither is the mailbox.
27. Norm Qualtrough questioned if three selectmen have to be present to vote or make a decision because of all the subjects that were tabled.  Carol Richardson was quoted as saying, NO, but the subjects that were tabled were too important to be decided by just the two selectmen.
28. Carol Richardson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 and Steve Cross seconded it.
Respectfully submitted by:
Sallyann Hadyniak

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Steve Bennett, Betty Sienkiewicz, Sally Hadyniak, Wassy Hadyniak, Lorraine Overlock, Ms Viola Greeley, Thressa Abbott
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    09/09/2003
Meeting held 08/26/2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:06 PM.
2. Read, amended, and accepted the minutes of the previous meeting.
3. Lorraine Overlock: Reported on the activities of the Historic preservation committee a contractor has been found to start work on the building;
Lorraine reported on a map they have received from Albion.  Lorraine has written a grant application to get the map restored and submitted this application to MBNA.  They would like a  letter of recommendation from the town officers saying that the Freedom Historical Society is a viable group.
Moved, Seconded and Passed that the letter be written.  Lorraine will give the address to Cindy.
Consensus was reached that it would be good to hang the map in the town hall.
FHS has had items donated to them - a small keg made by Mr Steven Smith, Freedom's first settler, for his mother.
4. Steve Bennett reported on the activities of the road committee: Steve Cross, Steve Bennett, and Elwin Turner rode down all of the gravel roads.  It was decided that the roads with hills should get attention first.
5. Steve reviewed the locations for the paving.  Standards were agreed upon for all bids: to include finish grading, rolling, 2 inches of binder, with no driveways matched.
State deadline for paving a non paved road is 11/15.  State deadline for paved road is 10/15.
total is 2.5 mi. x 18' - 2900 tons of materials before the deadline.  The only variables is the price per ton.
Bids will come in Tues 9/2 for each road including price per ton.
Steve thought that it was good to have all four there: Marriners, Lane, Thibideau, Pike
Steve Bennett and SC asked about the repair work from Marriners.  Man said he would do it by 10/15. They will grind out the old and square it up.
SB suggested the town formulate a road plan. It was agreed that this should be done.
6. Moved, Seconded and Passed to allow the Animal Control Officer to purchase a box to haul dogs with.
7. Sally Ann reported that her son Chuck went fishing and found trash on an island in Sandy pond.
8. 7:00 Adjourned.

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR), Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Steve Bennett, Betty Sienkewics, Sally Hadyniak, Steve Anderson, Tina Freeman.
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:   
Meeting held 08/19/2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:06 PM.
2. Read, ammended, and accepted the minutes of the previous meeting.
3. SC called Sherriff about getting labor from the County jail.  SC spoke to person in authority and was told we need to just get the materials and let him know when we need the men.
Discussed what should be done with the cty labor.
MSP to get paint and get the inside of the Town Office painted using this labor.
CR will get the paint and SC will call back the Captain.
Will need to work around Cindy's schedule - Tuesday, Friday and Saturday are good days.
CR to contact a carpenter and get them to tell us how to insulate the town garage.
Elwin also will be asked if there is any other work to be done on the trucks that they could do.
4. CR read a few excerpts from a letter she got from MMA in response to some questions she asked them.
5. Mr Bennett asked: How many months does a person have to be delinquent before a lien can be placed by the town?
6. CR:Town must start not less than 8 months, nore more than a year from committment date. The process begins with the thiry day notice, sent by registered mail to the property owner.  When the County clerk registers the lien they notify the mortgage holders.  Eighteen months later it becomes town property.  45 days before that the lien holder must be notified. 
7. CR: Letter from state DEP (Mr Green).  Five septics have been approved.
FK asked: How do we divvy up the money?
CR: Four people have been on the list for a long time: S Macdonald, Barbara Larrabbee, Albert Spaulding, Steve Barton, Bang's and Knight's store.  Later we added Mark Philbrick and Tom Odle.
CR: these systems are all in need of replacement.
CR to complete the verification of income and use property.
Moved, Seconded and Passed to put all five out to bid, with a request that they be individually priced. 
S MacDonald to be listed first and Philbrook/Odle to be listed last.  Ask bidders to bid for all of the work, with the understanding that the liklihood is that we will not be able to do them all at this time.
Will run the ad in the two weeklies and the Morning Sentinal.
8. Mr Anderson asked about the property the town owns in between his family lots.  CR to find out from MMA if it must go out to bid.
9. CR: The new street light has been received and installed.
10. CR: Deeds for town property that had not yet been recorded have been given to Cindy to be brought to Belfast.
11. CR: Trash cans at the Freedom field need to be emptied into the dumpster. It is the responsibility of the teams to do this.
12. Betty S: When are taxes going out?
CR: Before the end of August.
13. Betty Sienkewics asked: What about Mike Smith's old trailer?  He brought in a new one and I wish he would get rid of the old one. CR: There is no ordinance that says they must remove it.
14. SC asked: When are we going to get bid's on the tarring for the roads.
Sibley Rd, Goosepecker Ridge (Jeff Richardson hill) Smithton Rd (Harvey hill), Beaver Ridge Rd, Rollins Rd.
15. Steve Bennett volunteered to contact Lane, Tilcon  and  Marriners.
Steve will work with Elwin to make sure he is available to meet with representatives from the paving companies.
16. Steve Bennett: Why did the Bd of Selectmen get involved in telling Jay Guber to go to MMA about the alleged Bennett subdivision? 
Discussion of what happened in this case took place.
17. Tina Freeman brought in her deed, and says that we are not charging her for all of the acreage that she and her husband own in Freedom.
18. Meeting adjourned at 8:15

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR), Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Tim, Elwin Turner Thelma Ledden, Thressa Abbott, Tammy Turner, Betty Sienkiewicz, Jay Guber, Sally, Wassey Hadyniak, Everett Lingley, Mike Turner, Steve Anderson.
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    8/19/03
Meeting held 08/12/2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM.
2. No need to abate and supplement the Elwin and Timmy Turner properties because the taxes are already paid.
3. The status of Timmy Turner's property and his application to build a garage were discussed.
4. It was decided that the lot belonging to Elwin Turner can be built on.
5. Jay Guber: What about the Sandra Turner property. The buildings were placed prior to the granting of the subdivision.
6. FK Moved Turner be fined $100/day for the two days he was in clear violation.
Motion failed no second.
7. Mike Turner: Was a letter sent to the other party that may have done an illegal subdivision.
Jay: There are a couple of roads in question that may make it a subdivision or not.
CR: It should be decided by the planning Board, not the Board of Selectmen.
JG: The town should make copies of the documents that Jay brought in and give them to the Planning Board.
8. Jay Guber apologized to Mr Anderson for the delay in getting to his issue.
Anderson: "I didn't now what I was getting into!"
I want to find out where my lines are . 
Town deeds were reviewed and discussed.  Lot 56 and 57 belong to the town.  Mr Andersen owns Lot 58.
CR to ask MMA if we would need to put the property out to open bid or not.
9. Moved, Seconded and Passed for CR to get any town deeds we have that have not been recorded to the county clerk to be recorded.
10. Sally Ann Hadyniak: asked SC why he had said "no comment".  Steve replied that he means to abstain.
11. Meeting Adjourned 8:45

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR), Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Brian Jones, Thressa Abbott, Thelma Ledden, Sally Ann, Wassy and Chuck Hadyniak, Steve Bennett, Nancy Bailey-Farrar
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    8/12/03
Meeting held 08/05/2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:05 PM.
2. CR: General Assistance methodology in Freedom should be changed to have one GA Administrator, one Alternate, and one Arbitrator from the Board.
3. Moved, Seconded and Passed that CR be GA director, SC be GA - Alternate director,  and FK Arbitrator.
4. CR: Concerning the appointment of Drew Fales, Mr Fales was appointed this week by Cindy Abbott after MMA advised her to do this.
Cindy Abbott: MMA tried to get in touch with Mr Carver, but was not able to do so. 
Cindy added that FK did not direct her to appoint Mr Fales, rather he explained what Mr Carver had told the town officials at the meeting, and told her it was up to her.
MMA further advised Cindy that once appointed a planning board member cannot be removed from the board by the selectmen. Also, that a person who is appointed in an open meeting of the Select Board can be sworn into office by any notary public - not just the town clerk.
CR: The bottom line is that Drew Fales has been appointed and will serve for the next five years.
5. CR: the planning board can not come to the Selectmen's meeting and question the actions of the board  of Selectmen because it is none of their business.
6. Tonight we have Nicole and David Stephesen - they have all declined their appointments as members of the Freedom Recreation Committee.
7. Mr and Ms Clint Spaulding have not yet received a letter asking them to come in and be appointed.
8. Concerning the Elwin / Timothy Turner properties on  the Bryant road:
The land is divided as follows:
(All Map 11) Parcel 74-1 belongs to Elwin Turner 
The next lot over (73) (B12272, p 028) belongs to Timmy Turner
Lot 72 belongs to Elwin Turner (b1365 p316,317,318).  There is one other page (still missing).
Our tax records are incorrect on these properties and should corrected.
CR suggests we abate T Turner for the land he was taxed on and supplement Elwin Turner for that same property.

Agreed (3/0) to do this.
Agreed (3/0) to correct the records concerning these properties.
9. Concerning the Homestead Exemption
CR: Drew Fales should be supplemented for the homestead exemption for the past two years.
Steve Bennett: Mark McBride was not charged the taxes on the land, Sandra Turner was.  Can this be adjusted?
CR: No.
Nancy Bailey-Farrar: How can you know if someone is strictly following the guidelines of the homestead exemption?
CR: we cannot even ask them.
It takes three days to check over the homestead status for people who have passed away or who have had some change in their status.
CR moved we supplement Drew Fales for two years.  Motion failed for lack of second.
FK: Moved to supplement Drew Fales for one year (2002).  FK to ask Mr Fales if he lived in his property during the previous year.
10. Cindy Abbott has requested that we get a lockable mailbox and put it out front.
Agreed (3/0) to get a mailbox. 
11. MSP (3/0) to get a stronger light bulb for the front of the town office.
12. CR reported that Cindy told her we need a new paint job in the town office.  In 2001 it was decided to take it out of incidentals. 
CR to get a couple of bids for it.
Nancy Bailey-Farrar: A couple of suggestions: Linda Jones, Loretta Grady in Palermo also the Drake's, Stan D.
SC suggested we investigate getting the painting done by county jail inmates.
13. SB: What is the rationale for your action? You are supplementing Drew Fales for incorrect homestead exemption, then  why are you not going to supplement McBride and return the money to Sandra Turner. To be consistent you should supplement McBride and rebate to Sandra Turner.
14. A discussion took place about these issues.
15. Brian Jones: what is the policy if you tax me on something that I don't own?
CR: You have 90 days after the tax bills to contest anything on the tax bill.
How long does the town have?
CR: 3 years.
16. CR: Homestead exemptions are being reduced by the state: $5,000 for houses over $125,000 and $2,00 for houses of $200,000.
17. SC: What about the signs for the boat landing and field?  They are not up yet.
CR to call Elwin Turner to get them put up.
18. CR said no-one on any board can be asked to recuse themselves from a discussion. FK disagreed.
19. Minutes of previous mtgs., held 7/8, 15, 22, and 29 were read and accepted as amended.
20. SC: Mowing on the side of the road will cost 18.50 / hr.
21. CR reported that Gerald Nelson (who owes the town money) was living on Newells St in Fairfield as of last week.
22. SC and FK gave a report on the WCSA meeting on 7/31/03 in Waldo.  Cty Commissioners were there and did a presentation on the new jail.
23. SC asked - do we still need the portolets to be left at the field since the ball season is over?
CR will call Erna about this.
24. CR: James Marple revised the plumbing plans as per notes in previous minutes.
25. Thelma Ledden: what about the gates for the town boat landing?
FK: Mr Raye has not yet reported back to us on his investigations.
26. Meeting Adjourned 8:45

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR), Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Helen Tirone, Elwin Turner, Thressa Abbot, Betty Sienkiewicz, Nancy Bailey-Farrar, Sally Ann Hadyniak, Wassy Hadyniak, Clayton Wentworth, Steve Bennett, Clara Alvarez, Ingrid Robitaille, Thelma Ledden.
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    8/5/2003
Meeting held 07/29/03
1. Ingrid Robitaille asked that her personal property bill be sent to her, not Mr Fisher. CR told her to get something in writing from Mr Fisher that he agrees to billing her instead of him.
2. FK: distributed a position paper for discussion concerning the upcoming meeting with Mr Carver and explained it.  This position paper is attached at the end of these minutes.
3. Nancy Bailey-Farrar spoke as Chair of the Planning Board on the Turner subdivision request:
Dale McKenney told Nancy Bailey-Farrar that he had paid toward a well and was buying the other two lots in the Turner subdivision, although Mr Turner has stated that he is selling one to his brother. Mr Turner would not need to do a subdivision if he sells one lot to his brother.
Mr Turner has not yet returned the application in preparation for the next Planning Board meeting.
Mr Turner first came to the Planning Board on June 4th, but his Mylar, which is the basis for his subdivision application, was dated June 23rd. The special meeting was held June 25th. At that meeting Mr Turner presented a paper with the signatures of all abutters except Dennis Turner, and the Mylar.  Our ordinance is more strict than the state, and requires registered mail.  The state law requires only notification by mail.
4. Mr S Bennett: what about the rebated homestead exemption for Mr Turner.
5. Nancy Bailey-Farrar: What about the enforcement of the subdivision?  It says no lots can be sold from a subdivision before it is approved, what about the first lot?
6. It was agreed to ask Mr Carver about these two additional issues.
7. Clara Alvarez: What is the status of Drew Fales’ appointment to the planning board?
8. FK: He has twice been appointed but has not yet been sworn in as a member of the Planning Board.
9. CR: He was appointed to the Planning Board on Apr 1, CR left a message with a child in Clara’s home, telling Drew to come down and be sworn in.  Drew did not come down at that time.
10. Clara Alvarez: Is there going to be an official notification that he was not re-appointed, and any reason given for his non-appointment?
11. Nancy Bailey-Farrar: Can you tell us why was Drew not re-appointed?
12. CR: If MMA tells me I can I will.
13. SC: I thought he was not fit.  I have nothing more to say.  I don't approve of some of the things he's done and said.
14. Clara Alvarez: As a citizen I have a right to know what the reason is for his not being re-appointed.  I elected you and I have a right to know why you did not re-appoint him.
15. SC: I had static and complaints from citizens and that is why my name came off. I've told you all I'm going to tell you.
16.  Clara Alvarez: It is not only me that wants to know, the are many others.
17. Nancy Bailey-Farrar: He was well liked and always performed his duties... what did he do wrong?
18. Clara Alvarez: I think it was because of the Turner subdivision.
19. CR, SC: It was not.
20. Sally Ann Hadyniak reported that the Beaver Ridge sign is gone.
21. CR asked Elwin Turner to charge for laborer when he is not doing Road Commissioner work.  Elwin agreed.
22. CR spoke to Elwin Turner about the bridge - he says there is no danger and that it is in good condition down below.
23. Discussion of the possibilities for paving.
24. Elwin Turner needs someone to cut the grass on the side of the road. Steve Bennett (a guy on the N Palermo Rd) and Steve Cross (Roy Greeley) - both are possible candidates and will get back to Elwin.
25. A note came from Guy Leeman saying his tractor is just  junk.
26. CR: We are getting mail from Power Options.  Maine Energy Purchases Consortium. What is this stuff?  
27. CMP came by and said they can put up a light for $4-$5 more a month.  Moved (CR) to do this.
28. Motion failed - No second.
29. SC asked for a copy of the Waldo County Selectman's  Association draft letter to the governor on regionalization. CR could not find it.
30. FK: we should have two flagmen where there is a two way road. I will loan my two-way radios short term.
31. Thressa Abbott and Betty Sienkiewicz agreed to be flagmen.
32. Meeting Adjourned 8:20

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR), Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Steve & Judy Bennett, Nancy & David Farrar, Jay Guber, Betty Sienkiewicz, Thressa Abbott, SallyAnn & Wassey Hadyniak
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    8/5/2003
Meeting held 07/22/03
1. Nancy: related that she had attempted to get info from MMA concerning the Homestead Exemption, but MMA said that was not a Planning Board issue, and so declined to answer. Discussion followed.
2. Steve Bennett read from the Homestead application. Mr Bennett asked: For the past two years the town has granted a homestead exemption to the Turners.  Why?
3. Jay Guber reported on recent Building Permits:

- Tom Stout addition on 17 Goosepecker Ridge Rd.
- Mark Overlock 364 Smithton Rd - Two Car Garage.
- Patricia Sylvia Bryant Rd - Pole barn. 
- Benjamin Arnold  12 Albion Rd - 1 room addition.

4. The questions a selectman will ask MMA: Answers to be in writing.
 Can a person build a house on someone else's land, with or without the other  person's permission?
 Can a house (or trailer) on someone else's land get the homestead exemption?
 If a person who is currently getting the Homestead  exemption moves to another place of residence in the State of Maine, are they eligible for the Homestead Exemption?
5. Jay Guber: A trailer has been put on a lot on the Albion Rd, on the not-yet-approved subdivision.  The Planning Board had questions about the subdivision and decided that the outlined procedure had not been followed.  Mike called Jay and asked if he could put trailers on the subdivision.  Jay said no, not until building permits are issued, and that will not happen until the subdivision is approved.
Our building ordinance states that violations shall be enforced by the CEO in writing.  Mike told Jay that his attorney said it was ok to put the trailer on the lot. Peter Mason (548-2589) is Mike Turner’s attorney
Jay suggests we bring a town attorney to the PB meeting. CR instructed Jay to write a letter to Mike, certified mail, at his last known address.
Jay asked: will the Board of Selectmen support him?
6. FK: Moved that we retain the attorney Carver in Unity to represent the town in this matter.
No second. Motion failed.
7. Jay explained that Cindy advised him that she has received a title search form from a Mr. Hogue on Mike Turner's property. If he has sold the property already then no subdivision can be granted.
Jay said: I will resign if you will not support me.
8. Moved, Seconded and Passed that the town hire an attorney to deal with this issue. (3/0).
It was agreed that we need to have hired an attorney soon enough so they could meet with the PB prior to the PB meeting.
CR: We will notify the PB (Nancy 382-6119) and the CEO who the attorney is once we hire one.
9. Steve Bennett asked: Why hasn't the Board dealt with this?  This is a clear, willful violation of the rules. The board should be pressing Mr Turner hard on his willful disobedience of the Town Ordinances. His advice to the Board: "If you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen."
Mr Bennett continued that the members of the Board should have attended the Planning Board meeting. "Where were you?" he asked.
10.  Steve Cross responded that his wife was ill and could not be left alone.  FK said he was at work in Brunswick until the meeting was over. CR said that since it was Mike Turner she stayed away.
11. CR: What about the Pleasant street sewerage problem?  Jay: I made a courtesy call to Donald Harriman.
12. It was decided that FK will call MMA on the questions above. Contact will be with:
Lisa Madore: 800-452-8786
Fax 623-1287
lmadore@memun.org
13. In addition to the questions listed above, add – Should/can the Select Board go into executive session to vote on whether, and who, to retain for an attorney to represent the town.
14.  CR: We got the minutes from the Selectman's Association from 6/23/03.  The next meeting will be July 31st, and the County Commissioners will be there.
15. CR reported on the status of the plumbing grants for Stan MacDonald and Louis Murray.  We will hear from Mr Green soon.
16. CR: Notices have been sent to the members appointed to the various committees to advise them to come in and be sworn in.
17. Moved, Seconded and Passed to appoint Herb Abbott to the Regional Recycling Committee.(3/0)
18. Moved, Seconded and Passed to bill Mr Earl Webber for the culvert that was installed . He should be billed for the  culvert only, not the gravel.
19.  Steve Cross received a complaint on the dog officer.  Her neighbor complained that the dog officer drove into her yard at 07:15 and honked her horn; then said she would call the sheriff if she didn't keep the dog in.
Reportedly there is a loose dog on the Smithton Rd too.
20. SC reported that the Tax collector asked him about trying to collect a $900 personal tax against Gerald Nelson.  SC advised her to proceed.
21. SC asked about how much Road money is left. CR will print a report and put it in the Selectman's box.
22. SC  What about the bridge that got hit on the Mitchell Rd?  CR to notify Elwin and ask him to look at it and report back next Tuesday. SC reported that there is another culvert near the bridge (just east of the dump) that should be replaced.
23. It was decided that the Board will have a discussion tomorrow evening 0700 to decide what attorney to hire.
24. Meeting Adjourned 8:22

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Mike Milbury, Wassy & Sally Hadyniak, Thressa Abbott, Jay Guber, Betty Sienkiewicz
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    8/5/2003
Meeting held 07/15/03
1. Meeting called to order at 6:07.
2. Moved, Seconded and Passed (2/0) that there will be no fee charged for a town resident to get a copy of any of the town ordinances.
3. Mike Milbury has asked if he can put another trailer on his 1.98 acre lot that has 200' of road frontage.
Jay says that Mike has to ask Don Harriman for the plumbing permits.  Jay reviewed the ordinance concerning multiple family dwellings.  He also reviewed the issues concerning trailers.  Jay says he would have to bring the issue before the Planning board.
4. Jay reported further that he has issued two additional building permits. - One addition one garage – details next week.
5. CR reported that she had met with Richard Green, the state DEP representative, concerning the various septic applications.  We have had the six percolation tests done, but since we only have $12,000 we need to determine how to apportion the money among the applicants. CR has also requested that Mr Marple, who drew up the various plans, come back and make some needed adjustments.
6. Jay has been advised about a leaking septic system on Pleasant street across from Ken Beaulieur.  It appears that the leaking system is Furrow's.
7. KVCOG is offering Salt Bid.  CR will call Elwin and submit the bid to KVCOG after getting the number of tons we use.
8. CR reported that the DEP wants the old dump mowed.
9. Thressa Abbott asked why fireplaces are taxed separately.  CR responded that the fireplace has intrinsic value. CR said that in the past all real property was lumped together, rather than being listed separately. This made it hard to fairly compare properties.
10. CR reported that the state audit was done on 7/14/2003. She said that the auditor recommended that a Selectboard member review Cindy's work. The auditor also left a document with examples of written policies and procedures. Carol reported that she has deleted, proofed and added homesteads to correct the books.
11. Everett Stevens' heirs should be supplemented for the 2002 homestead exemption.
12. We still need to get the following properties reviewed/adjusted before we can send out taxes:
- Measure Clark's new house
- Steve Martin's must be remeasured due to his fire loss
- a log cabin on Timberwood Lane
- increase the value of L Overlocks based on percent complete
- Steve Shaw has a log cabin back in the woods
- Floyd Raven's property should be revalued
- Mark Raven has added a septic system
- Doug Gould's property
- Jim Garrison on the Greeley Rd
- a new trailer on the Rollins Road.
13. Betty Sienkewics asked why Drew Fales was not appointed to the PB when there were two selectmen  on his appointment paper for a period of at least two weeks. Betty said she feels it is unfair to remove a signature from the appointment letter.
Thressa Abbott agreed that this should not have been done because it sets a bad precedent.
14. Carol reported that the Select Board is supposed to send a letter out to appointees giving them ten days to come in and be sworn in. Voted 2/0 to do this in future.
15. Adjourned 7:24.

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR)
Others Present:    Betty Sienkiewicz, Thressa Abbott, Thelma Ledden
Date reviewed and accepted as amended:    8/5/2003
Meeting held 07/08/03
1. Meeting was cancelled due to No Quorum.  King was away on vacation and Cross had car trouble.

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR), Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Steve Judy Bennett, Nancy and David Farrar, Jay Guber, Maurice Elwin Turner, John Thornhill, Earl Webber, Betty Sienkiewicz, Thressa Turner, Thelma Ledden, SallyAnn Hadyniak
Date printed:07/03/03 6:22 PM    Date last revised:07/22/03 11:09 PM    Date accepted:07/22/03
Meeting held 07/01/03
1. Chair called the meeting to order at 6:15
2. Earl Webber's issue concerning his motor home on the Greeley rd - culvert and sewerage concerns. Mr Weber has a motor home and he takes it to the Lake St George to empty the sewers.
3. Nancy Bailey Farrar: Questions about the Sandra and Mike Turner property.  1. 
 Why was a building permit granted to Mike and Sandy when she did not own the property. in the year 2000? At the time the landowner did not have any knowledge of the building being built on the property and had not given his permission.
 In 2001, 2002 the tax bills were sent to Mr McBride c/o M and Sandra Turner on the N Palermo Rd. Why? Nancy added that in her discussion with Mr McBride he said he called the town repeatedly but never got any answer from the town; further, that he did not receive any tax bills during that time. The bill was not sent to the owner in 2001, 2002.
4. A short discussion of Bonds for Deed and how they might affect the taxing of a given piece of property took place. There is a question when any bond for deed might have been issued to the Turners.  It appears he built his house on land owned by another citizen. Also concerning Bond for deed - how does that affect the tax bills? Homestead Exemption? CR read the criteria for getting a Homestead from the application.
5. Steven Bennett: Elwin and town crew are doing an excellent job on the Sibley road. He asked if the town is going to pave the hill. Carol answered that if there is money left after we are done resurfacing - (regravelling) the roads.
6. Steven Bennett: was there a contract let out when the roads were paved last year by Mariners? CR - No contract.
7. Jay Guber reported that he had granted a permit to Timmy Turner for a three car garage.
8. Stan McDonald Jr. got a permit to put up a building and garage on the Bryant Rd.  Jay has it in writing that the trailer will be removed after the buildings are up.
9. Earl Webber has a complaint about the work being done by Mike Turner: specifically about the septic system being put in right on his property line.  It does not meet the setbacks.  Mr Webber claimed that Mike had also pushed mounds of dirt and brush onto Mr Webber's property.
10. King volunteered to look at Mr Webber's situation.  Mr Thornhill is going to call Don Harriman the LPI and ask him to inspect the system for compliance.
11. Joe Thornhill culvert work - he reviewed his bill - $7.00 / yd was 4/yd at the pit and 3/yd for the trucking.
12. Asked Elwin Turner about his property - he deeded the house but not the land it sits on to Timmy Turner.
13. Moved, Seconded and Passed  to instruct Cindy to pay Joe Thornhill's bill for the culvert work.
14. Discussed the rates to pay for Spaulding backhoe - state rate for the operator; Phil Spaulding backhoe rental rate 15.50/hr.
15. Adjourned 8:22

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR), Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Thelma Ledden, Sally and Wassy Hadyniak, Elwin Turner, Basil Barnes, Marvel Hutchings
Date printed:07/03/03 5:13 PM     Date last revised:07/22/03 11:09 PM    Date accepted:07/22/03
Meeting held 06/24/03
1. Chair called the meeting to order at 6:15
2. Elwin: Sibley Rd - Digsafe had not marked it for ditching, not digging.  Cant start until 1145 AM Thursday.
3. CR: we have had complaints about the Goosepecker/Smithton Rd.
4. Elwin: the plan is to get the digsafe approval, then dig the ditches with grader or backhoe as needed; then haul in gravel using Edwin Cross and whoever is able to spread it well, then grade the roads again to crown them.
5. Discussion of the Jeff Richards property. It needs to be ditched on the outside of the stone wall. It was agreed that when we need to ditch in front of someone's home we will soil and seed the area after we are done.
6. Discussion of the buried cables - some of them are only down 4".
7. CR will go into the digsafe website tonight and will check to see what work is listed for Freedom.
8. Discussed the Winship pit and reviewed that there was excellent hard sand there for the winter, but the gravel is not good.
9. Elwin reported Mike Turner's comment when he was asked if he would work for the town - he said that it would be a good chance to slip and get money froma claim.  All agreed that Mike would not be hired for anything.
10. CR: Joe Richardson heard that something was said in a selectman's mtg by a former board member that was confidential info. 
11. On Elwin's suggestion it was Moved, Seconded and Passed  to have the 99 truck body be sanded and painted.  Joe Richardson can do it.
12. Elwin asked about using NAPA to get the paint.  CR told him how to charge to the town.
13. Elwin will check that the oldest truck is still registered.
14. Elwin suggested that Joe Richardson could help set up the flag pole too.
15. CR will call about getting a brighter street light for the yard light.
16. Wilfred Bryant, 89, a former resident of Freedom, died in Belfast.  There will be services in Belfast next Thursday.
17. CR reported that Cindy had asked about the Key Bank CD – The interest rate is low – should we move the money?  Moved, Seconded and Passed not to move the money. (3/0)
18. SC reported that Cindy had asked about getting cotton gloves to handle town records until they are preserved.  SC approved the purchase and we all agreed.
19. SC asked if we had a contract to get the mowing done last year? CR replied that we had a bid process. Discussed the issue of difference between bid and contract.
20. 7:20 Executive Session to discuss lawn mowing.
21. Returned from Executive Session at 7:40
22. Basil Barnes & Marvel Hutchings asked about a road near the Glidden road, headed towards Albion. Discussed the issues surrounding the road.
23. FK reported that he found trash dumped on the ground at the boat landing belonging to Derek Soucy of 209 Stevens Rd in Swanville.  MSP to write him a letter demanding $50 payment for cleaning up after him within 10 days or we will take him to court for littering.
24. Moved, Seconded and Passed  to order two more of each sign for boat landing and rec area.
25. Adjourned 8:07

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Richardson (CR) Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Thelma Ledden, Betty Sienkiewicz, Thressa Abbott, Bruce Raye, James Waterman, Elwin Turner
Date printed:07/03/03 5:13 PM     Date last revised:07/22/03 11:09 PM    Date accepted:07/22/03
Meeting held 06/17/03
1. Chair called the meeting to order at 6:15
2. Discussion of who to pay for the mowing of the town hall done by Tim Abbott,
3. Minutes from 060303 were read and accepted as amended.  Concerning the septic system program:
4. CR called James Marple to get a perc test for Stanley Macdonald because it must be tested again
5. Don Harriman tried to contact Murray/O'tools and was not able to get a hold of him.
6. Mr Turner asked if he could put two trailers on his subdivision-to-be since the PB will not be meeting until June 25.
7. FK: This is not a Board of Selectmen issue, this is exactly what we talked about last week - this is a CEO issue not a Board of Selectmen issue.
8. Mike Turner said that he wished the PB would meet more often.
9. Bruce Ray reported that his family has had numerous problems in the past year being neighbors of the boat launch: We have had one car burned and all four tires were flattened, a month ago bottle rockets were thrown at a car.  The mailbox has been detroyed 8 times; Christmas lights were cut.  After sunset is when the problem starts.  There is no posting of the closing of the boat launch after sunset.  We have not called the deputy sherriffs in the recent past.  Jim Waterman asked if there were any leads on who was doing this.  There is no way they can continue to call law enforcement because of fear of reprisals.
10. Another issue Mr Raye raised is the hole in the ground where the dam gear was.  Also there have been campers put in place and left there for three or four days at a time.
11. Moved, Seconded and Passed that the hole be cleaned out and covered. CR: suggested that we look at our gates and see if they will be suitable.  If they are they will be installed, if they are not, Mr Raye said he will assist in getting a gate. Thressa Abbott suggested that we get automatic safety gates for this. It was agreed that we need to investigate the cost of automatic gates, and the cost of installation. Mr Raye said he would donate up to $2000 toward the cost of the gates or installation. Mr Raye also asked if there could be any help from the state. Mr Raye raised the issue of the snowmobiles - how will they get through.  It was suggested that the snowmobile club can clear a way around the gate.
12. Moved, Seconded and Passed  that CR order signs for the boat launch and Field. She took copies of the text and will get one of each of the signs for each location (two of each total).
13. CR reported that she spoke to Marriner's Inc. and after several calls she finally got a note from Marriners saying that they will fix the Greeley Rd, the Bryant Rd, Main St and Stevans Rd. Lee Andrews is Marriners rep (cell 596-9007, office 236-4317).
14. Elwin Turner was asked about the roads that had been graded - why had they not been ditched?  Elwin said because of DigSafe - CR will call DigSafe tomorrow and she will try to get the DigSafe permits for all of the town roads.
15. SC asked if the potholes were cut out completely by the grader operator or not?  ET said yes, he will cut them out.
16. They will regrade again after hauling gravel
17. Reviewed two letters to Veterans and a letter to the Hadyniaks concerning the Beaver Ridge road.
18. Moved, Seconded and Passed  that selectmen's meetings be automatically cancelled in the event of an election.
19. Discussed appoitment of Drew Fales to PB.  Appointment passed (2/1)
20. Adjourned 09:30

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Sally Hadyniak, Steve, Judy Bennett, Thelma Ledden, Anthony Neves, Diane Anderson, Scott Anderson, Clayton Wentworth, Mike Turner, Drew Fales, Nancy Bailey, Jay Guber
Date printed:    06/17/03 2:02 PM
Meeting held 06/10/03
1. Mr Cross called the meeting to order at 6:15
2. Jay Guber  handed us a copy of the building ordinance as adopted by the town.
3. Concerning the Turner subdivision request, Jay has received all of the requested documentation.
4. Jay reported that Michael Turner had requested an investigation into the alleged subdivision by Judy Bennett.  He has spent twenty hours on this so far and is ready to turn it over to the Select Board.  Under some conditions there was a subdivision, under some others, not.  He is not able to conclude if there was or was not subdivision. Jay is turning in his paperwork for consideration by the Board.
There was agreement that the Bennett's gave one parcel to their daughter as a gift, and one lot was sold to an abutter.  Neither of these transactions would constitute subdivision-triggering actions.  The only properties in question are the lots conveyed to the Keatings.
5. Steve Bennett said that Judy did not do a subdivision because Mark Picher did a subdivision (Steve presented his point of view).
6. Drew Fales: The planning board seems like it is being circumvented by members of the public and the board of selectmen.
7. FK asked how the board of selectmen? Drew answered that Mike Turner took actions to try to get around the PB and the Select Board backed him. Steve Cross answered that Drew should not have had a Planning Board meeting outdoors on the previous Wednesday.  Nancy Bailey answered that the PB did not have a meeting at all. 
MT said he had tried to go through the Board of Selectmen.
Nancy Bailey: It is unfortunate that you did not start earlier, but you have to go through the Board of Planning.
Tony Neves interjected that "The town is dysfunctional. – No-one understands what a subdivision is." The current subdivision ordinance makes no sense to for the town of Freedom, he continued.  Mr Neves said that he could understand what Mr Turner was thinking - In his mind he was doing the same thing someone else (the Bennett’s) had done.
8. FK said that the Board of Selectmen never did anything to guide Mr Turner to do anything except go through the Planning Board and COE.
9. Mr Bennett said that the Board of Selectmen  has worked around other committees before - e.g. the supplemental budget was developed without help from the Budget Committee.
10. FK replied that the criticism, was true and accepted.
11. Tony Neves said the Planning Board did a survey: what are the things you like most/least about Freedom? Citizens felt that people are treated differently according to who they are, and this is a serious problem in people's perception.
12. Mr Bennett said, in line with that, I am feeling like I am being targeted.  He gave two examples: the recent statements by the Board Chair, when Mr Keating was told by CR that he would have to pay a fine, then the investigation into the subdivision.
13. Mr Bennett said Sibley Rd is in poor shape.  Last few rains have done a number on it. The road has no ditches left and no crown.  When it rains it channels down the middle of the road. Other roads have been graded in the same way - flattened and the ditches filled.
14. Nancy Spaulding needed help filling out the application for septic system assistance.  The help was given.
15. Adjourned 7:42.

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Rishardson (CR) Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Jim Waterman, Clint Spaulding,  Thelma Ledden, Betty Sienkiewicz, Sally, Wassey Hadyniak, Herb Abbott.
Date printed:    06/17/03 12:39 PM
Meeting held 06/03/03
1. Chair called the meeting to order at 6:05
2. Jim Waterman reported that the Freedom Field day will be held on June 14th, with the parade starting at 10AM, the BBQ at 11:30, and games available for kids and adults.  The theme is Celebrate Freedom. A forest service helicopter will land in Cross field and picture ops will be available with Smokey Bear and the helicopter.
3. Jim also reported that the FFD got a Safety Enhancement grant from MMA for 67% of the cost of two 2.2. Scott Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).  This will bring the FFD to seven SCBA’s total.
4. Jim also said that the new town lawn mower will be stowed in the FD building.
5. Elwin: CR asked Elwin what about Penny Rd?  No one has been able to get a hold of DigSafe.  DigSafe asked for an id number when they were called. A discussion of how to work with DigSafe took place.
6. SC asked Elwin about the mowing.  Discussed the mowing that was been done and by whom.
7. Elwin responded that he had not been able to get in touch with Harold Greeley and Warren Spaulding said he would mow if he was needed, but was not going to be around much. Ron Littlefield was not called.
8. Elwin said it is not the RC job to supervise the mowing of lawns in town. Clint said he agreed with Elwin and it was not the Road Commissioner's job.
9. Moved, Seconded and Passed to ask Herb Abbott to accept the job of mowing and to ask him to take care of the garbage at the boat landing.
10. Betty asked if Herb could mow and haul garbage why can't he run the loader?
11. Betty brought up the recent vandalism at the boat landing.  She reminded all that there will be a meeting this coming Thursday evening.
12. Moved, Seconded and Passed to order the signs with the wording SC has.
13. Herb Abbott arrived and agreed to mow and collect the trash from the boat landing and the freedom field once a week.  He will be paid $9.03/hr.
14. Herb was asked about his ability to run the loader.  He says he can run it.
15. Clint Spaulding said he can spread gravel as well with his manual chains as well as a truck with an air tailgate.
16. Elwin says he intends to use a grader on the roads.
17. CR reported that she called Mike Marriner last Thursday.  She left a voice message.  No response was received.  She then called on Friday and has not yet received a return call.
18. CR reported on the flag pole.  There was a discussion of how to go about getting it and where to put it.  Elwin will go and get it soon.
19. CR: On the septic systems, she called Richard Greene.  He directed her to fill out some paperwork and send it to Donald Harriman for his action.  She says the sites also need a perc test.  Barbara Larrabee does not need one.  Stanley Macdonald also does not need a perc test.  The other sites need perc tests.  Carol said the town should get the perc tests for the other sites.
20. Richard Green says he is only approving septic systems that are failing.  CR asked Mark and Tom to get their system cleaned out.
21. CR moved that we contact Wesley Marple to do the remaining 4 perk tests. Seconded and passed (3/0).  After the perc test and the inspection by Don Harriman, he will try to make a determination on what should be done.
22. Elwin brought up mileage on his pickup.  Board agreed to pay his mileage for trips on town business.
23. SC: town clerk reported that the board needs to sign the appointments to the various town positions. (Health Officer, Appeals Board, Constable, ACO, Planning)
24. SC met with the Dam people.  Richard Farris came to the town office and said that if no-one has been billed for water rights it becomes the town's. CR says that she assumed that Frank Sylvia owned the water rights and was being billed for them.
25. Finally, SC brought up the article in the Waterville Morning Sentinel concerning the one way road.
26. Tom Piersac from Knox Booster Club came by and asked for the money Freedom donated to them.  We said we would send it.
27. Adjourned 7:42.

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Rishardson (CR) Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Thressa Abbott, Dottie Holmes, Sally, Wally Hadyniak, Jay Guber, Phil, Albert Hubbard John and Rhoda Clark
Date printed:    06/03/03 5:54 PM
Meeting held 5/27/03
1. Chair called the meeting to order at 6:40
2. CR passed out the DEP small community Grant Program forms and explained that the town had about $12,000 coming. 
3. The first two will be Louie Murrey/Doris O'Toole and Stanley MacDonald.
4. CR moved that we get bids for the two (above-mentioned) septic systems in order to determine if any extra money will be available for others (Barbara Larrabee, Mark Philbrook and Tom Odle).
5. Jay Guber reported on his investigation of the alleged subdivision of Steve Bennett.  He will report the information to MMA attornies.  Jay is not sure if these transactions constitute a subdivision or not.  The issue was discussed.
6. Jay reported that another bad accident had occurred on the Waning Rd.  Jay suggests some signage for safety.
7. Jessica Ballarad and Shawmut Dunn have moved a trailer onto Barbara and Margaret Baird's land (to be).  Jay informed Steve Shaw that the trailer was non-confirming and needed to be set back at least 100 feet.
8. Jay discussed Albert Hubbard needs to put in a ramp for wheelchair accessibility.  The problem is that the set back requirement for the state needs to be met.
9. Mr Hubbard was directed to go to the state.
10. The issue of the building ordinance - a correct copy is needed of this document.
11. The copy given to JG was incorrect in several respects.
12. CR moved passed (3/0) to register all town ordinances in Belfast.
13. John Clark asked about his Vet's exemption.  CR answered that next year Mr Clark should receive both the homestead and the Vet's exemptions.
14. Thressa Abbott reported that trucks have been having a hard time making the turn west onto Rt 137.
15. Vandalism has been reported by Helen Raye to her property over Memorial Day Weekend.
16. Sally Hadyniak reported that she heard that there will be a meeting at the church basement to discuss the vandalism.
17. SC reported that he spoke to Elwin and that Elwin had heard (through the grapevine) that Marriners will be back here to fix the paving in July or August.
18. SC suggested we call Mr Marriner.  CR agreed to do it.She will fax Marriners and follow up to schedule a mtg to meet with a rep from MP to look at the roads together and determine what remedy should be applied and arrange a schedule for it.
19. SC reported that Elwin has a thermometer and he will follow the trucks this time.
20. SC reported on the flag pole at his daughter's place.  the town can have it if we want it.  Elwin will be tasked to go and get it.  It should be painted too.
21. Sally Hadyniak volunteered to donate a flag for the pole, once it is up.
22. FK volunteered to post the Freedom 2003 Assessor Guidelines.
23. CR agreed to work with Cynthia Abbott to locate the ordinances and bring them to Belfast.  We know we need the building ordinance;  the appeals board ordinance; rantal agreement ordinance; subdivision ordinance.
24. SH requested that she get a copy of the Assessor Guideline emailed to her.
25. Meeting adjou rned 8:07.

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Rishardson (CR) Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Erna, Kevin Keller, Sally, Wassy Hadyniak, Elwin turner
Date printed:    06/03/03 5:40 PM
Meeting held 5/20/03
1. Chair called the meeting to order at 6:10
2. Erna presented the minutes of the RC meeting.  Officers were elected
3. Chair Jeff Holmes, Co-Chair Kevin Keller, Treas. Helen Ray, Secretary Erna Keller
4. Discussion on how to deal with the trash.  Various options were reviewed
5. Motion made seconded and passed to provide two 2 yd dumpsters
6. FK read the minutes of the last two meetings.  Accepted as read.
7. Discussed the issues raised by Clint Spaulding at the 5/13/03 Select Board meeting.
8. Erna said the next meeting of the RC will be June 11th in the church basement.
9. Erna said she had posted the meeting notice on April 30th and called Clint personally.
10. Erna addressed the issue of the interface between the RC and the booster club.
11. Discussion of the separation needed between RC and Booster Club.
12. Elwin checked on Lawn Mowers.  The mowers have not come in yet at Mac's.
13. Elwin showed a picture of a mower from Sears.
14. Motion made, seconded and passed (3/0) to get a 20 horse mower from Sears for $1329.
15. FK thanked Elwin for the excellent job he did putting up the one way signs.
16. Executive session with Road Commissioner.
17. Road Commissioner gets paid the rate of the work he is doing - Maintaining trucks $10/Hr; Truck repair $25/hr;Checking roads with his own truck - $12.50/hr; Driving truck state wages; Driving Loader: State wages; Common Laborer 9.03.  He is to receive road commissioner rate when he is overseeing the work of road crews.
18. FK read a draft of a letter to an individual in town (Fred Peabody) whose dogs have been left out without shelter or water and they have been barking.
19. Cindy asked about the Animal Control Officer - is it still Ms Bessie?
20. Cindy suggested Tina Freeman. as ACO.
21. CR called Tina Freeman.
22. Moved, Seconded, Passed (3/0) that Tina Freeman will be the ACO.
23. Cindy was given the letter to Fred Peabody to give to Ms Freeman.
24. Cindy raised the issue of the accounts concerning the restoration of the town books.  The town voted $3000 this year for the purpose.  Over $1033 had already been spent.
25. That leaves $1967 for restoration this year.
26.  SC raised the issue of the insurance form. We don't know which  insurance form.  Form was found and filled out.
27. Meeting adjourned at 8:10

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carol Rishardson (CR) Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Elwin Turner, Clint Spaulding, Sally Hadyniak
Date printed:    05/20/03 5:38 PM
Meeting held 5/13/03
1. Chair called the meeting to order at 6:00
2. Clint Spaulding asked about the Recreation Committee.  He had not received adequate notice of the meetings.  A meeting was held on Monday 5/12, and notice was sent out on Saturday, 5/10/2003.  He was called an hour before the last meeting on Monday.
3. There is another meeting scheduled for this coming Friday night.  A key will be found for the town office and provided to the chair of the RC.
4. Clint shared a letter from the Rec. Committee asking for donations.  It was agreed that a meeting is needed with the Recreation Committee and Select board to iron out the ground rules for the Recreation Committee and the new Booster Club.
5. Executive session for General Assistance.
6. Discussed road work.  Determined to hire wheelers with power tailgates to spread gravel (Edwin Cross and others).  We will get gravel from Windship's gravel pit at $0.75/yd.
7. We will also hire an excavator and Clint Spaulding's truck to clear out the stumps on the Sibley Rd.  Elwin will contact Steve Bennett and have him mark the bad rocks to dig out.
8. Meeting adjourned at 8:10

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present:    Carl Rishardson (CR) Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others Present:    Mike Turner, Jay Guber, Sally Hadyniak
Date printed:    05/20/03 5:38 PM
Meeting held 5/6/03
1. Chair called the meeting to order at 6.
2. Jay Guber reported on the building permits he has issued.
3. Then Jay read from the MMA lawyer's opinion on the subdivision Mike wants.
4. A discussion took place on the issues and definitions of the state subdivision law. Jay was clear that he was not acting on the basis of any grudge in asking Mike about his plans.  Mike reiterated that he feels like the issue was raised to persecute him personally, but agreed no-one present had a grudge against him.
5. Jay was asked to review the circumstances around the subidivision of the S Bennett property as well.
6. Meeting adjourned at 8:10

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:    CAROL RICHARDSON (CR), STEVE CROSS (SC), FRANCIS KING (FK)
OTHERS PRESENT:    THRESSA ABBOTT, BETTY SIENKEWITS, ERNA AND KEVIN KELLER, MIKE TURNER, STEVE BENNETT, EDWARD PONDER, TOM KEATING, DOTTIE CHASE, KEVIN FOUGIERE
DATE:    05/13/03 5:56 PM
MEETING HELD 4/29/03
1. Chair called the meeting to order at 6.05
2. Erna Keller: When will we be appointed to the Rec Committee (RC); Answer: Just come and see Cindy and sign the papers.
3. What about the power? CR: We are paying the bills – the power should be on.
4. Erna:  We want to paint the bleachers and backboards, etc.  CR replied that as long as they had money in their account they could use it for whatever they deemed appropriate.
5. Erna suggested that they have someone who will mow with their own mower and so could save on the mowing costs. Discussion of the various possibilities took place.
6. RC needs the COE to check to see how far the RC can clear back.
7. RC has all the materials for a new snack. RC should see Jay Guber for the permit.
8. Discussion of Ron Luhn's line and the property line.
9. Erna: how about the overflow parking next to the town office?  CR: It can be used.
10. Mike Turner: came to ask about the subdivision. Various sides of the issue were discussed. Jay had told Mike that he would be in violation if he subdivided the property without applying for a subdivision. (FK called JG and he was not home).
11. Mr Edward A Ponder raised a question about a piece of property he bought.  The owner of record was Mark Pitcher according to town records,  Bill Terry represented that the deeds do not show any piece of land that is owned by Mark Pitcher.  There are back taxes due on the property.  Ed Ponder has two pieces of property.
12. Steve Bennett: 2 issues – Issue 1: is there anything planned to be done on the Sibley Rd?  If so, you must clean out the rocks and stumps.  Steve Bennett will volunteer to mark where the rocks and stumps were. Issue 2: Tom bought a lot from the Bennett's.  Tree Growth and the number of acres in the various categories was discussed.  It was agreed that the Tom Keating land is not in tree growth.
13. Kevin Fougere: Bought Don Mullen's place. Homestead exemption paperwork has not yet been filed.  He was given an application.
14. Dottie Chase asked about a tree on her property that needs limbing or removal. CR agreed to call CMP.
15. SB raised the issue that, while all of the articles on the special called mtg. dealt with financial matters the budget committee had not met.. SC and FK agreed that there was a the lack of consultation with the budget committee prior to the financial articles being put on the warrant for the special tm.
16. Dottie asked about the new lawn mower. 
17. SC reported that David McGowan had claimed to be the code enforcement officer for Freedom.
18. Christine Bessie is still our ACF.  Susan Dyer, of Thorndike wants to be the Animal Control Officer.
19. Steve suggested the Brown family. SC will check on their availability.
20. CR moved, seconded and passed to accept Christine Bessey as constable.
21. FK called Jay Guber.  He agreed to come to next Tuesday's meeting at 7:30 to address the concerns of Mike Turner.
22. Meeting adjourned at 8:10

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:    CAROL RICHARDSON (CR), STEVE CROSS (SC), FRANCIS KING (FK)
OTHERS PRESENT:    LORRAINE OVERLOCK, JOE AND HELEN BOWMAN, MIKE TURNER, LARI TURNER, JAMES WATERMAN
DATE:    05/13/03 5:48 PM
MEETING HELD 4/22/03
1. Chair called the meeting to order at 6.05
2. Jay Guber reported on three building permits given out - Addison Chase (greenhouse), Bohdon Selleck (house and garage), Harold Palmer. Jay suggests that the
3. Jay recommended that the Planning Board be given the task of reviewing building permit apps.
4. Lorraine Overlock brought up her land amount: Her original deed said 2.2 acres more or less.  After she divided the property both she and the other landowner have been paying for 1.8 acres.  She suggested that she should be charged for 1 and the Bowman's for 1.08.
5.  The bill and results of the Albion/Freedom Town Line survey was reviewed.  Need to pay $3,114.81.  Total is over $10,000.
6. Lari Turner raised issue of one-way road
7. Mr Turner claimed that the one-way road would cause him economic hardship.  A heated discussion followed, Mr Turner claiming that the vote of the town was illegal and argued that the select board was not performing its job correctly.
8. James Waterman reported on the funding request of the fire department. Hepatitis B shots are given in a series of three and Jim is working to get the shots for the FD.
9. SC asked about Hazardous materials handlers - does the FD have one? Jim said no.
10.  Mike Turner raised an issue concerning his attempt subdivide his property.
11. There was discussion of what constitutes a subdivision.
12. Discussion of the mowing - should the town buy a mower or hire someone?
13. Moved, seconded and passed (3/0) to add an article to the warrant to raise and appropriate no more than $1200 for a lawn mower.
14. Meeting adjourned at 8:10

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:    CAROL RICHARDSON (CR), STEVE CROSS (SC), FRANCIS KING (FK)
OTHERS PRESENT:    MIKE TURNER, VIOLA GREELEY, LORRAINE OVERLOCK, SALLY HADYNIAK, PETER BOWERS, MARION BOWERS
DATE:    04/22/03 5:42 PM
MEETING HELD 4/15/03
1. Chair called the meeting to order at 6.07
2. Following a review of the various deadlines being faced by the Freedom Historical Society (June 30th for the MBNA grant, May1 Maine Community Foundation) there was a discussion of the issues surrounding the timing of a special town meeting. Motion made, seconded and passed (3/0) to hold the special town meeting on April 30th.
3. Lorraine Overlock questioned her property size.  A discussion followed.  Action item: Board will review the deeds and allocate the property according to the deeds.
4. CR said that the Fire department wants an additional $500 that was left off the warrant.
5. Discussed the Firetruck funding issue.  Budget Committee suggested that the 15,000 be put in, and it was put in under surplus, rather than raise and appropriate.
6. Other items to Raise and Appropriate for:
 $100 for bum league and $150 for little league.
 Grange community service requested up to $180 for sign purchase and up to $180 for fees ($360).
 Mike Turner requested $600 in additional funding from the town for the snowmobile club in writing.
7. CR reported about the homestead exemption changes for next year.  The amounts will be going down: for homesteads in excess of $125,000 (total valuation for the homestead) to $5000 homestead exemption, over $250,000 to $2,000.
8. Helen Tirone appointed 3/0 t the planning Bd. till 2009.
9. CR reported that Clint Spaulding got oil barrels to be used as trash cans at the Freedom field and is taking the tops off.  As soon as they are done they will be brought around.
10. CR reported that the church needed a porta potty, so it was ordered and the church will pay for it for one month.
11. SH reported that she still cannot get mail because of the mud in the road in front of her mailbox.
12. Mailboxes and damage to them done by town trucks and the policies of the town in reimbursing people for them was discussed.
13. Mike Turner requested an executive session concerning the planning board.
14. Mr Peter Bowers thanked the board for its assistance in getting the homestead exemption.
15. Meeting adjourned at 8:00

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:    CAROL RICHARDSON (CR), STEVE CROSS (SC), FRANCIS KING (FK)
OTHERS PRESENT:    DONALD HARRIMAN, CHRIS FINLAYSON, JAY GUBER, ELWIN TURNER, SALLY HADYNIAK, ERNA KELLER
DATE:    04/15/03 4:12 PM
MEETING HELD 4/08/03
1. Chair called the meeting to order at 6.11
2. Jay Guber and the other members of the Rt. 137 Freedom Town Safety Committee: met w/ David Allen, Traffic Engineer from Rockland.  Mr Allen measured the sightlines and concluded that a car going as slowly as 30 mph could not react in time to avoid an accident if a car was coming out of Pleasant St onto Rt. 137.  He agreed that making Pleasant Street one way is a good and prudent step.  Mr Allen also asserted that the state will also work on the jct. of High street with Rt. 137 as part of the reconstruction work coming up.  Mr Allen also advised the town that there was a program through the DOT in Winthrop called the Gateway program that might help to alert travelers that they are entering a congested area with the use of plantings, signs, etc..
3. Brief discussion of the question that the Select Board may have to make the street one way, rather than a vote of the town.  Consensus was that this was not needed, but just in case it was passed 3/0 to make it one-way.
4. Jay Guber presented his papers to be signed.
5. Jay reported on the Cellar Kitchen road.  Jay got a hold of Susan Miers of the State Forest Service and James Cassedi.  A permit will be needed to rebuild the stone culvert because of the time that has passed since it was removed. Regarding the beaver problem there anyone wanting to deal with it would have to contact the state Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: (547-5300). Scott Maddox - Forest Ranger 453-2814.
6. Jim Becky: recently bought property on Mitchell Rd.  He wants to widen one of his driveways.  Elwin agreed to meet with and advise him.
7. Don Harriman reported that he spoke to the state about the septic systems.  Richard Green and Don Harriman will come and inspect the properties and help us determine what the money should be applied to. CR is not clear that we need applications filled out, and by when. CR will call Mr Green for apps.
8. Don Harriman asked about his papers.
9. Appointed Don Harriman as LPI for the coming year. (3/0)
10. Elwin: discussed the work we have been doing on the roads.
11. Sally Hadyniak asked Elwin Turner to check out Deer Hill Rd by her mailbox.
12. Cindy asked about the high school volunteers (15 for 4 hours).  Various project for them were discussed.  It was decided that the best job would be cleaning the front of the town office. CR will call the number.
13.  Dot Holmes came in to ask about the Pleasant street becoming a one way rd.  Could this be averted?  Consensus was no.
14.  Steve Cross nominated Ms. Bauers as Health Officer.  She was appointed (3/0).
15. Meeting adjourned at 7:40

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:    CAROL RICHARDSON (CR), STEVE CROSS (SC), FRANCIS KING (FK)
OTHERS PRESENT:    JAY GUBER, CLINT SPAULDING, CHRISTINE SPAULDING, ELWIN TURNER, SALLY HADYNIAK, ERNA KELLER
DATE:    04/14/03 7:28 AM
MEETING HELD 4/1/03
1. Chair called the meeting to order at 6.06
2. Clint and Christine Spaulding are appointed to the Freedom Recreation Committee.  Also appointed were Tim and Tammy Turner, Kevin and Erna Keller, Nicole and David Stephenson, Jeff and Monica Holmes, and Helen Raye.
3. Christine and Clint Spaulding also volunteered for the Firetruck committee.  They were so appointed along with Wilson Hess.
4. Elwin Turner asked about the mowing on the field.  The following points were made during the discussion concerning the town field:
 Volunteers can mow with a release. (FK will get a release).
 The town can provide a mower and hire a person.
 What about trash?  Clint will investigate getting oil barrels for trash.  Elwin will put a bag in them and keep an eye on them.
 Erna requested that the road going into the field next tot he town office be signed as overflow parking for the field.
 Elwin will check out the mower at the town garage and fix it if possible.
5. Jay Guber: Road has volunteered to chair the committee for the safety of Rt. 137 in Freedom.  Ken Boulier, Chris Finlayson also volunteered.
6. CR and SC ordered one one-way sign.  CR will order one more.
7. Jay Guber is appointed CEO (3/0).
8. Jay will look into the status of the state agency decision on the beaver dams over by cellar kitchen road.
9. Dorothy Waterman appointed to Appeals Board for a five year term.
10. Steve Bennet appointed to a five year term on the budget committee.
11. Nancy Farrar will be extended on the Planning Board until 2007.  Drew Fales re-appointed to the Planning Board until 2008.
12. Discussed the animal control officer job, health officer, and constable. Tabled.
13. CR called Don Harriman.  He will come to the next meeting.  We are emailing four names to him so he can inspect the properties and certify the need: Spaulding, Philbrook, Barton, Barbara Larrabee.
14. Stanley McDonald and the Irish Moose are already approved (CR).
15. CR reviewed the process.
16. Frank Sylvia requested a re-calculation of his Handyman property.
17. Meeting adjourned at 7:40

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:    CAROL RICHARDSON, STEVE CROSS (SC), FRANCIS KING (FK)
OTHERS PRESENT:    JOHN WILLETTE, JOAN AND EVERETT LINGLEY, DOTTIE CHASE, SALLY HADYNIAK, JAY GUBER, MR BOWERS, CLINT SPAULDING, JAMES WATERMAN
MEETING HELD 03/25/03
1. Jay Guber asked: Where does the town stand on the CEO position? We will be appointing him after the town meeting.  The answer given was that Jay would be appointed to the CEO position, but not to the LPI, because he doesn't have an LPI license yet.  Mr Guber replied that this was acceptable to him.
2. Everett Lingley spoke and complained about the Carol Richardson’s distribution of campaign materials with town reports.  Carol apologized for doing this, and there was a discussion about it.
3. Mr Willette also had problems with the letter sent out by Carol Richardson.  When he got the letter it was all about Everett.  He is disturbed about the constant bashing back and forth.  Mr Willette feels that Carol Richardson owes Everett a public apology.  He also objected to the letters being put into the mailboxes.  Mr Willette continued it is his perception that it is always the same people acting as the election officials and that he objects to this being the case.
4. Carol Richardson responded to the complaint about her putting town reports in mailboxes by saying that she put a few in the mailboxes on the Greeley.  She added that she had received an anonymous call that someone had found the town report in his mailbox for the past five years.
5. Sally Hadyniak asked how was the Town Report distributed in the past? Steve Cross answered that it has been the practice in the past for the Select Board members to hand deliver them, door to door.
6. Mr Bowers expressed his opinion that it was unfair that the letters were included with the town reports. 
7. Carol Richardson agreed that it was a mistake and said she would have been on Everett if he had done it.
8. Clint Spaulding spoke about the need for a permit to be written for any trucks that are being hired to fix the town roads when they are posted. A discussion of this topic followed.
9. James Waterman came in and presented a letter about the state approved signs. 
10. James Waterman talked about Fire Suppression cost reimbursement.  On page 71 of our insurance policy it says we have insurance coverage to cover part of the expenses in the event that we need it.
11. Carol Richardson reported that Lorraine Overlock of the Freedom Historical Society had turned in four documents concerning requests for funding, including one for signs to be put on Rt. 137 pointing out the location of the town office and one for a pledge of $2,500 in funding for restoration of the old Freedom Meeting House.  These items were left off of the final printed version and cannot be added by amending from the floor.
12. Concerning Article 20, $9,500 is listed for Fire Dept. utilities.  James Waterman says he requested an increase to $10,000. 
13. James Waterman reported that the dam report coming from DEP was wrong because it combined the two town dams.  Richard Farris has suspended the requirement that the emergency plan be finished until the report is corrected.
14. Erna Keller asked why there was no funding in the Town Report for the little league.  Carol Richardson: no request was received from Harry Buttery. It was determined that the line had been omitted through a mistake.  It was decided that there would need to be a special town meeting to add it. Erna asked about volunteer work?  With the permission of the selectmen that is ok.. Discussion followed about the communications between the select board and the parents. It was agreed that it is ok for the volunteers to regrade the field as needed. Finally, Erna reported that the power is unhooked from the snack shack to the dugout.  Can it be turned back on?
15. Moved (FK) , seconded (SC) that the power be turned back on to the dugout. Suggest that the breaker be padlocked. Passed 3/0.
16. What about if Erna has a dance as Freedom Youth?  Does that money go to town? Answer: No.
17. Read Bruegger asked: as part of the school committee I want to pass out a leaflet on Saturday (maybe Friday too).  Carol Richardson outlined the conditions under which he could.
18. Read: He was concerned about the distribution of the town reports - that they should not have been put in the mailboxes or hung on the mailboxes.
19. Mr Bennett raised the issue of the distribution of the political statements within the town report: this was out of line.
20. Carol Richardson regrets having done it and she agreed that it was a mistake.
21. Mr Bowers didn't like that it was so one sided.  Did Mr Lingley defend himself?
22. Carol Richardson: two veterans exemptions were granted that should not have been: Harold Greeley and Charles Hadyniak.  These Veteran exemptions should be repealed.
23. Voted 3/0 to notify the individuals and enclose the paper with the Federally recognized war and campaign periods.
24. Concerning commercial lots, the state revenue service official came and reviewed the current commercial properties.  His suggestion is to double lot value rather than use the 20K figure.
25. We talked about the valuation issue.
26. Kevin Keller raised the issue of the poor job of paving done by Mariners.  We discussed the fact that Mariner's has performed poorly in the past.
27. Meeting adjourned at 8:22

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:    CAROL RICHARDSON (CR),STEVE CROSS (SC), FRANCIS KING (FK)
OTHERS PRESENT:    SALLY HADYNIAK, MIKE DUMONT
MEETING HELD 3-18-2003
1. Chair called the meeting to order at  6:21
2. M Dumont came in and asked about why his taxes had gone up.  An investigation into the record showed that he was now being charged for a house lot on his 40 acres of backland. The land can't be considered landlocked.
The size of the house(s) (he has two) were calculated and the value was found to be $136,250 versus the $61,000 that he has in the book.
3. CR talked about the meeting she had with the budget committee.  Next year the budget committee wants the pages numbered in the accounts summary report and they want the figures from the prior year included as well.
4. Motion made (SC) and seconded (FK) that the books be  balanced every month in the future and a report presented to the Select Board. (Passed (3/0).
5. Motion made (SC) and seconded (FK) that the new road commissioner be invited to the Select Board  meeting following the Town Meeting and his job tasks reviewed.
6. Fred Barlow was supplemented for the amout of $178.   He called CR at home.  CR said he can't get any money back because he didn't complain in time.  CR looked in the book and the calculated value of the trailer is $4,820.  The card will be adjusted to $5,000.
7. Dumont's buildings will be adjusted to $136,250 from $61,200.
8. The need for a paper shredder was discussed.  The one that CR bought was loaned to the town free of charge..  Cyndy is using it for now.
9. Meeting adjourned 8:43 PM.

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:    CAROL RICHARDSON (CR),STEVE CROSS (SC), FRANCIS KING (FK)
OTHERS PRESENT:    SALLY HADYNIAK
MEETING HELD 3-11-2003
1. CR mentioned the effort by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife to raise their revenues at the expense of towns by taking all but $2 on a multiple license registration.
2. CR reported on the progress getting the town report printed.  Only missing the auditor's report and treasurer report at this time.
3. CR brought up the cost of heating the garage.  It's up over $300/month.  We should try to reduce this cost.
4. Reviewed the bills and signed the warrant.
5. FK brought up the issue of paying CR for balancing the checkbook during 2002.
SC said he called Augusta about this issue, and MMA said that if the position was not elected and not appointed we should not pay for the service. 
After discussion it was decided to compensate CR $450 for the year's work.  Mr Cross noted that he approved the motion against his better judgement.
6. Had a brief discussion concerning the Hadyniak road dispute. Ms Hadyniak says that she has hired an attorney and will take down the Private Road signs as soon as the attorney lets her know the status of the public ROW on the road.
7. SC suggested we bring the paper we need to get rid of to a furnace for the stuff we need to destroy, and recycle the rest. 3/0
8. Concerning the mowing of the town properties, the road commissioner can be empowered to do the mowing.
9. Wilson Hess’ property was discussed.  It was determined that the property has too much acreage in the town record. Reducing the amount it appears we owe him an abatement of $237.67.  Voted in favor 3/0.
10. Meeting adjourned 8:43 PM.

FREEDOM SELECT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:    STEVE CROSS (SC), FRANCIS KING (FK)
OTHERS PRESENT:    JOAN SHELDON, RON LITTLEFIELD, KEN BOULIER, TERRY BOULIER, DOTTIE CHASE, LENDELL CHASE, CHRIS FINLAYSON, CYNTHIA ABBOTT
MEETING HELD 2-18-2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:50 by Steve Cross.
2. SC asked Joan Sheldon what her business was.  She replied she was there to observe.
3. The others present were there to discuss Pleasant St.  Mr. Finlayson asked that an article be placed on the ballot to have Pleasant St be designated one-way from the junction with the Belfast Rd (Rt 137) to the junction of Main St, and in that direction (southeasterly).
Mr Chase opposed the idea because there is no other road where a large truck can turn left (west) on Rt 137.
There was a general discussion of the issues.  Two main points emerged:
1.  There was a four way stop and signs located at the corner of Pleasant and Main St before the bridge was redone; now all but the Mill St sign is gone.  This makes the intersection unsafe and allows vehicles to speed down Pleasant St through the village.
2. The corner where Main St intersects with Belfast rd is also unsafe, and perhaps Main st should be one way from Pleasant st to the Belfast Rd.
4. Ron Littlefield discussed the recent instructions given to the drivers to steer clear of mailboxes. They have all been advised.
5. Cindy asked that all truck drivers come in and let the town copy their licenses to keep on file.
6. SC talked about a discussion he had with Ed George, of Montville concerning drug tests.  An outfit in Bangor provides the testing services for $200 / year.  It was decided that the town should vote on this at town meeting.
7. Meeting adjourned 8:20 PM.

Freedom Select Board meeting minutes
Board members present: Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others present: Louis Murry
date: 02/05/03
Meeting held 04-FEB-2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:05 by Mr Cross.
2. Betty Sienkewics' daughter Linda complained that her mailbox had been knocked down by the town plow truck. Decided 2/0 not to replace it. FK called and explained to her. She was angry and hung up.
3. SC brought up the recent audit. CR had been involved in the audit and it is not clear to SC and FK what the process is for reviewing the accounts. The Net Cash Flow statement was reviewed and the following things were noted:
&middot; The Incidental Expenses are $15,414.42. This seems like a lot of money for incidentals.
&middot; The computer - $6,182.
&middot; APP 1997 - $8,164.80
&middot; Tax maps - $628.38
4. Concerning the recent discussions concerning the Beaver Hill Rd: The town warrant from 1956 and meeting minutes were reviewed. It was agreed 2/0 to write a letter to the Hadyniaks asking them to remove their "Private Road" signs and asking them to not put any more obstructions in the road.
5. SC suggested we look into Joseph Baungo, a lawyer in Belfast who specializes in land use. Motion made and passed 2/0 to call the CEO and ask him to attend our next meeting.
6. Louis Murry came in and asked if the town plow trucks could be careful about plowing him in after he has cleared the snow from around his cars.
7. CEO pay for next year &shy; It was voted 2/0 all expenses was not to include meals.
8. Approved minutes of last two meetings.
9. Warrants were reviewed and signed.
10. Meeting adjourned 0800.


Freedom Select Board meeting minutes
Board members present: Carol Richardson (CR), Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others present: James waterman, Sally Hadyniak
date: 01/31/03
Meeting held 28-Jan-2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:45 by Chair.
2. CR reviewed correspondence from DEP saying that additional info is needed by January 31st. CR will contact DEP and, if necessary,write a letter to DEP listing the problems at each property.
3. Polly Grassi came and gave out notices for a meeting taking place Thurs evening in Albion to discuss agriculture issues.
4. James Waterman came and gave us the name Debra Bamer at MMA Loss Control and a copy of the MMA Fleet Safety Program Guidelines..
5. Jim said that he would like to use the services of KVCOG to apply for fire grants if there are any available in the coming year.
6. Jim asked who is the owner of Dam 29? CR looked in the records and said it was Ron Luhn: It says so on his deed. Jim says the town will be responsible for the taxable property behind the dam in the event it fails.
7. JW passed CR a sheet with a proposed article for the town warrant asking if the town will raise and appropriate the money to buy a new fire truck. JW suggests that there are leasing programs where the town would own the truck after the lease was up. Right now a new truck would cost around $119,000. A second hand truck might not pass a pump certification test. CR asked if there will there be a FEMA grant this year? Jim does not know.
8. Reviewed the schedule for the budget commitee mtgs: 18-FEB (7pm) & 22-FEB (9:30 am) if needed.
9. Meeting adjourned 8:42.


Freedom Select Board meeting minutes
Board members present: Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others present: Jay Guber, Jeanine M Lee, Kieth Overlock and two other representatives of the Snowmobile club.
date: 01/31/03
Meeting held 21-JAN-2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:00 by Mr Cross.
2. Jay Guber presented his CEO credentials - Buildings and Shoreland. He asked for $2000 per year + all expenses to be CEO for the town.
3. Jeanine M Lee, Director Waldo County Citizen Corps. Council spoke.. She explained what the WCCCC was - a clearing house and liaison for volunteers with emergency response people. She was seeking volunteers among elected officials to join the council.
4. Mike Turner came to report for the snowmobile club and ask that an article be put on the warrant to get reimbursement from snowmobile registrations for the club. This was researched and it was found that in the past the town paid 2/3 of the snowmobile registration monies to the club for their clearing activities.
5. Mike turner also asked about the homestead exemption - he has not had it for the past two years. He has filled out the application. Cindy looked at the commitment book and the exemption was granted this year (2002). Mike wants the town to grant the exemption for 2001 and credit that amount to his taxes.
6. FK and SC agreed that if this was the case then CR would take care of doing the calculation and the abatement will be entered.
7. James Waterman came by to ask if the FD building could have the snow pushed back in the parking lot.
8. Reviewed James Waterman's FD Budget for next year - increase of $500 ($9500 to $10000) and an increase of $500 in pay for the Chief position.
9. Discussed drug policy. James Waterman will supply the board with a generic drug policy from MMA. He will send it to us.
10. Jim suggested we could get fire extinguishers for the town garage and trucks from Interstate Fire Protection 1-800-649-9881.
11. Jim reported on the Mitigation plan for Waldo County, which is in the planning phase now, and Jim is the contact person for Freedom. The plan needs to be in place by November 2003.
12. Minutes from last meeting (14-JAN-2003) accepted.
13. It was reported by SC that the town plow truck had gone in a ditch and been pulled out by the other truck with no damage to either.
14. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.


Freedom Select Board meeting minutes
Board members present: Carol Richardson (CR), Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others present: Sally Hadyniak, Viola Greeley and Lorraine Overlock
File created: 01/31/03
Meeting held January 14, 2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:00 by Chair.
2. Viola Greeley and Lorraine Overlock, of the Freedom Historical Preservation Society presented two articles for the town warrant: One for $2,500 to match a grant from MBNA for the first stage of the restoration of the old town house. The other one is for two signs on Rt 137 to let people know about the Church, Firehouse, and Town Hall.
3. Jim Waterman called to talk. He is looking for a check from $1353.31 that he has a copy of from 20-DEC-2002. ChkNo 121890 made out to Town of Freedom. Check was found and he was notified.
4. The auditor that we used last year has scheduled the audit for 18-FEB-2003. This seems too late to CR. She asked if we should move it up at least a week. Vote 3/0 to ask the auditor to move the schedule up enough so that we can be assured of getting the audit report no later than 18-FEB-2003.
5. We need to have the Town report to the printer no later than March 12. So the budget committee meeting will be scheduled for Tuesday, 18-FEB-2003. If a second BC Mtg is needed it can be held the following Saturday (22-FEB).
6. The road agreement with Unity was signed by all three selectmen and witnessed by Ms. Hadyniak. A copy was filed and one sent back to Unity.
7. Linda Dixon called and left a message concerning the size of her property. CR reported that she has been charged the correct amount of taxes, but the data value for her acreage needs to be reduced in the computer.
8. A letter from CMP was reviewed that gave David Sanford (594-9608) as the regional arborist to contact if there is a need to coordinate local CMP tree trimming operations.
9. A letter from Senior Spectrum was reviewed. It will be forwarded to Doug Van Horne, Budget Committee Chair.
10. The issue of the Sandy Pond dam and any emergency evacuation plans that we may need was discussed. Jim Waterman has been designated to take action on the request from the State department of Defense, Veterans & Emergency Mgmt. He will also fill out the Dam Operation Questionnaire.
11. Voted 3/0 to accept the state welfare ordinance policy. It was filed.
12. Kevin Smith reported that the boiler has passed inspection. Bill for $50.00.
13. SC noted for the minutes that he had NOT hired Drew Fales to do all the town plowing. Steve did hire him for the Boat Landing and the Russell Rd after Drew had already been hired to do the TO and FD.
14. Discussed the priorities to be used concerning spare drivers. The spares are Clint Spaulding, Joe Richardson, and Shaun Turner. The only preference will be given for being in town versus out of town. Shaun will be asked if he had a collision with the bridge on Mitchell Rd.


Freedom Select Board meeting minutes
Board members present: Carol Richardson (CR), Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others present: Rita Doughty, Dottie Chase , Sally hydiniak, Everett Lingley, Betty Sienkiewicz, Debbie Venneman, Michael Turner
File created: 01/08/03
Meeting held January 7, 2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:05 by Chair.
2. Rita Doughty spoke about a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program through which she gotten some money to do improvements on her home. She advised that Knox was applying for additional money in the coming year and that Freedom should consider joining in the application.
3. Albert Spaulding questioned the choice of truck drivers for the town, and asked why Joe Richardson was not being asked to drive. He also suggested that drug tests be given the truck drivers and that the roads be plowed sooner than they were during the last storm.
4. Debbie Venneman asked about the plowing of Mill Street by the town &shy; why did the town no longer plow up to the end of the road as the rental agent who had rented her the home had assured her Freedom would. She produced a note, signed by Warren Spaulding last year, which stated that he would plow all the way up to her house. The Select board advised Ms Venneman that the town could and would only plow to the end of the town way; and if the town were to plow her driveway and not others', it would not be fair.
5. Mike Turner asked about the private plowing contract that the town had let out to Drew Fales. He believed that this word should have been put out to bid. CR explained the sequence of events that led to the hiring of Mr Fales to plow the town building, fire house, and Russell Rd. SC reported that he had spoken to MMA and they had advised that whoever plowed the town buildings should have commercial liability insurance with a high enough limit to protect the town from potential lawsuits in the event of an accident. Mr Fales will be invited to a future meeting to review his insurance and next steps determined following that meeting.
6. Chair read the proposed agreement between Unity and Freedom concerning winter town road maintenance. It was agreed that descriptions of the start and end points for each road be added.
7. FK read minutes of a previous meeting held Dec. 17th, 2002. Mike Turner offered input that the septic system applications need only be in by January 31st. The names currently on the list are Murray O'Toole, Barbara Larrabee, Tom and Mark Philbrick, Stanley McDonald, Gloria Barton, and Albert Spaulding Sr. Tom Odle will be added to the list.
8. CR reported that, concerning the T Turner property and the use thereof, a registered letter would be sent to Mr turner advising him that he must correct the use of the property or face legal action. Mr Lingley, who was a Selectman at the time that the permit was issued to Mr Turner for his new house, was asked if he thought the property was to be used for storage or torn down. He replied that this was not his understanding and that the property was legal in its current use.
9. SC reported that Mr Littlefield Sr had offered the town a load of sand to use to compare it to the sand currently in use. The only way the town could use it would be to mix it with our current sand pile.
10. CR read a letter the planning board is sending to Mr Shaw concerning the landlocked piece of property in the Irving subdivision.
11. SC reported on a complaint received from the School Bus Mechanic concerning the Raven Road being icy. He had checked the road and found it to be reasonable well-sanded.
12. Mike Turner suggested that the Russell and Wentworth roads be closed for winter maintenance. This will take an article on the town warrant.
13. Ms Hydiniak asked about drug testing for the truck drivers. CR took the action item to check with MMA and the insurance carrier to see what policy they recommend on this issue.
14. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.


Freedom Select Board meeting minutes
Board members present: Carol Richardson (CR), Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others present: Denise Whitney, Charles Picard, Sally Hadyniak, Ronny Littlefield
File created: 01/08/03
Meeting held January 2, 2003
1. Meeting called to order at 6:09 by Chair.
2. Denise Whitney and Charlie Picard, both members of the select board in Unity, represented that Unity wished to continue the road swap as has been done for the past ten years or so. It was agreed that a more formal, written agreement was needed. FK volunteered to draft one and send it to the Unity Board in time for their meeting to be held the next Monday (January 6th). FAX 948-3767.
3. Truck Maintenance Policy was discussed. SC suggested that Mr Littlefield take responsibility for ordering parts as well as maintaining and repairing the trucks. FK added that whenever work is being performed on the trucks at least two men be present for safety. Mr Littlefield asked if the town would supply tools. This was discussed and it was decided that the town would not furnish tools, but would compensate Mr Littlefield at a higher rate if he supplied his own tools: It was voted (3/0) to compensate Mr Littlefield at the rate of $25/hr when performing repair work on the trucks. Mr Littlefield was advised to keep track of the time he spent doing this type of work and to note it on his time cards.
4. Mr Littlefield raised the issue of fire extinguishers and suggested that the town should have one on each truck. The board agreed (3/0) and authorized Mr Littlefield to contact the fire chief and ask him to assess the fire safety needs at the garage as well..
5. Recent bills from Howard Fairfield and Co were reviewed for repairs done to the sander.
6. Chair took an action item to get a new padlock for the garage and five keys made for it &shy; one for each of the drivers and two for the town office as spares.
7. CR reported that one resident, at least, had not taken the opportunity to pay excise tax on their tractors instead of personal property tax, which is usually more expensive: Brian Raven. A letter will be sent to Mr Raven advising him that he must pay personal property tax on two older and one new Kubota tractor.
8. Meeting adjourned 8:17.

Freedom Select Board meeting minutes
Board members present: Carol Richardson (CR), Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others present: Sally Hydiniak, Ronny Littlefield, Warren Spaulding, Jeramy Zych, Clint Spaulding
File created: 01/08/03
Special select board Meeting held December 20, 2002
1. Meeting called to order at 9:03 by Chair for the purpose of considering the resignation of Mr W Spaulding as Road Commissioner.
2. Chair asked Mr Spaulding if he would reconsider his resignation. He declined. Motion made and passed (3/0) to accept Mr Spaulding's resignation. All three selectpersons expressed gratitude to Mr Spaulding for the excellent work he had performed for the town during his tenure.
3. Motion was made and passed (3/0) that the Select Board would assume the responsibilities of the road commissioner unitl twon meeting in March rather than trying to replace Mr Spaulding with another road commissioner.
4. A discussion of the road swap with Unity was held. It appears as if Unity is not doing the Wanning Rd as specified in the agreement. Chair took action to contact Unity on this.
5. A discussion of the Deer Hill Rd plowing turn-around location was held. It was decided that board members would look at the location and determine the best action to take.
6. Ronny Littlefield was asked if he would assume responsibility for checking the road and weather conditions and was given authority to put the trucks out on the road. He was also asked to assume responsibility for making sure the trucks were kept in a ready state for plowing and sanding duties. Mr Littlefield was asked to make sure that someone else in town, wither Harold Greeley, or Warren Spaulding, was delegated to check the roads and weather in the event that Mr Littlefield was not in town.
7. Warren Spaulding agreed to continue as a truck driver for the town and to act as second backup to Mr Littlefield in checking the roads.
8. A list of drivers and alternates was assembled:

Number Driver Phone
1st Driver Ronny Littlefield 382-3131 cell 323-0223
2nd Driver Harold Greeley 382-6195
1st Alternate Warren Spaulding 382-6407
Alternate Joe Richardson 382-6233
Alternate Clint Spaulding 382-3326, cell 314-5442
Alternate Jeramy Zych 382-3007

9. Phone numbers for the trucks: Truck 7: 441-3952; Truck 8: 441-3951.
10. Meeting adjourned 10:37 A.

 

Freedom Select Board meeting minutes
Board members present: Carol Richardson (CR), Steve Cross (SC), Francis King (FK)
Others present: Ms S. Hydiniak.
date: 01/08/03
Meeting held December 17, 2002
1. Meeting called to order at 6:22 by Chair.
2. A brief discussion of the contracting for plowing of the town office, firehouse, and Russell Rd was held. This work was to go out to bid this year but this was never done. Drew Fales has agreed to do it this year. SC took action item to check with MMA if Drew needs contractor's liability insurance.
3. Complaints about winter snow plowing and sanding were reviewed.
4. Don Harriman reported that he had gone to the Everett Lingley residence on T. Turner's property on 12/12 at 1:30 PM and had been told to leave and not return without a court order. Mr Harriman has not been able to contact Mr Turner directly by phone. Mr Harriman further suggested the next logical step would be to hire a lawyer to serve Mr Turner with papers.
5. CR asked Mr Harriman what he would want for pay to be Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) next year. He said $2500, and added that he believed Jay Guber might also be interested in the job. Mr Harriman said he would like to continue as Plumbing Inspector.
6. Mr Harriman reported that he had been unable to contact the Lynn Poulan concerning the use of that property. It had been confirmed by Mr Waterman that there were people living in the trailer near the road on that property.
7. Mr Waterman presented a signed loan agreement and a certification of insurance from MMA for the truck on loan from the Maine Forest Service (MFS). Mr Waterman will get stickers for the truck as per the agreement with MFS. Mr Waterman reported that there would be bills presented in January for medical checkups for the firemen, and reviewed other issues relating to the FD. He also reported on the activities of the Historical Group to restore the old town hall.
8. CR announced that the Town Meeting will be held the last Saturday in March. She also reported the status of the Septic system grant list and reported that Mr Tom Odle had asked to have his name added to the list.
9. Complaints about winter road maintenance were heard.
10. Jay Guber was called and said he would do CEO for $2000.
11. It was voted (3/0) to appoint Cindy Abbott as Registrar.
12. Richard Martin requested 801 Forms for Personal Property Tax Reimbursement from the town. These were hand delivered by CR.
13. Meeting adjourned at 8:45.

Freedom Selectmen's Meeting
August 13, 2002

Attended

Carol Richardson
Stephen Cross

Guest

Mr. & Mrs. Hadyniak
Jon Willette

 

Mr. & Mrs. HadyniakFirst Selectman called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.
Jon Willette
Application for septic systems were made out and sent to Augusta. Five applicants listed.
Second Selectman noted a road committee meeting was being held August14.
The Board noted they were wrapping up the assessing and should be setting a mill rate Tuesday night. Tax Bills will probably be sent out Thursday. August 21st. The Board also noted they were hoping mill rate would stay the same.
Jon Willette noted the knoll he removed from the Town House lot on N Palermo Rd had a ledge in the center and he was smoothing the lawn around it the best he could. Jon also mentioned, a budget committee member had mentioned to him, the gravel that was placed on the Town House property by a municipal officer had been taken to a private pond road. Jon said it is the principal of the matter not the cost. It was private property and should not have been taken without approval of the selectmen. Town is not to use Town money for private roads. If everyone took that amount it would be costly to the taxpayers of Freedom.
First Selectperson reported she had a call from The Bond person on the tarring loan and the paper work is in the mail, the Board will take it up Tuesday night and overnight it back. Funds will be available by the 26th. A discussion was held on where to invest the funds till needed to gain some interest. First Selectperson said checkbook would be yielding 1.66%. Third Selectman suggested looking into a short c-d for $ 80,000 to be used next year. Options will be looked into.
Discussion on doing assessing was held. Third Selectman accused First Selectperson of taking it on herself to hire outside assessor to do the Town property for insurance purposes and for Auditor. First Selectperson was hurt. She stated she had not done any such thing on her own nor would she. She had had approval at a Selectman's meeting in 2001 of Second Selectperson. If that person denied it she was two faced. First Selectperson noted she knew Third Selectman was against doing it BUT the insurance company AND auditor wanted full value on all Town property and this was the honest true way. First Selectperson felt it was in the best interest of the Town of Freedom. Monies were approved for this at Town meeting. The guests asked questions on assessing and the conversation got heated at one point. First Selectperson is concerned on how to assess large garages, barns etc. There is no formula, and looking at the books it is not being handled proper. A one car garage is $5500, two car $ 7,500 but when you get the long two story garages what formula can be used. The board is going by state assessor book on trailers and building. Third Selectman stated if the Town of Freedom's people didn't think we could do the job they would not have hired us. First Selectperson stated the people had voted money to hire out side assessor to help with splits and such so the maps and books wouldn't end up like in the past. First Selectperson noted because each board used a different way in the past one can look at the books and see houses are not taxed fairly and this is what the people are after. Third Selectman noted the people DO NOT want an outside assessor.
First selectman noted she had talked to ìRedî and he stated Mill Street ends just above mill where the fire department gets water and Deer Hill Rd ends just above Zane place by culvert. The Town cannot repair road beyond these points nor plow the snow. There is great discussions on plowing some discontinued roads and not others.
Meeting adjourned at 7:20 after a discussion on how long the board should be there. Third Selectman said he thought hours were 6-8 Tuesday nights. First Selectperson said meetings are at 6 pm until business is finished, she had been there all day, and some came in to get questions answered then, if people had business they should be there.
-Carol Richardson

 

 

 

Freedom Special Selectmen's Meeting
Aug 8, 2002

Attended
Carol Richardson
Stephen Cross

guests
Mr. & Mrs. Hadyniak
Betty Sienkiewicz
Warren Spaulding

First Selectperson called the meeting to order.

The Board of Selectmen accepted Michael Turner's resignation. Mrs. Hadyniak spoke of the great work she had watched Michael do and stated she had not voted for him in March but if he were to run again she would. The Board notified the Town Clerk to prepare for an election in Nov with the State's to fill the vacancy.
First Selectperson called Andy Reed at Merrill Bank in Pittsfield (487-5124) to notify him the people had approved borrowing $ 200,00 at the Special Town Meeting August 6th. Mr. Reed said he would notify Mr. Trainer (the Bond Attorney) and they would go forward with the loan. Mr. Reed said the Town Clerk would have to fax Mr. Trainer (942-3040) the meeting results and an attested copy of the warrant on the meeting.
It was reported and shown to those attending a check from State of Maine for Welfare given Jan 1999 to Oct 2001. The prior directors of welfare had never sent paper work to Augusta to get 50% back of what was spent for Welfare. The check for 50% totaled $ 1511.17. First Selectman noted this check plus the $ 5,000 check back last month for Septic Grant in 1999 that had never been asked for and another check for $ 556.00 on overpayment of unemployment for 2001 is quite a chunk of money for the Town of Freedom to have lost. She also noted another $ 2,000 will be coming in as soon as the Board gets time to research records 1997-1998-1999-2000 for overpayment of unemployment. (This error happened when the Tax collector/ Treasurer prior had claimed Salary elected people in her report and taught present person to do it. First selectperson noticed this in winter of 2001 and started helping to get it corrected.
Road Commissioner noted there were bad humps on several roads that needed to be corrected. Also a discussion on road work and said he meeting of the road committee would be coming right up. A discussion on curbing by old Bangs & Knights was discussed.
Tax Collector reported Mr. Ken Shaw had called her back and gave apology for his actions on the phone at a prior date.
First selectperson to call MMA to see about law on rock walls in Road limits. First Selectperson gave Road Commissioner a Town Road manual.
A Discussion on who owns the Islands as someone had come into office wanting to buy one. It was stated at one time Freedom lumber company owned at least one of them but no taxes have been charged for years. It was also brought up as to who own the damn water rights and why isn't a tax bill for these being generated. No one had any answers.
One of the guests mentioned they didn't see how the board could find anything as messy as the room was. First Selectperson stated the board had been assessing all forenoon and things would be put back in proper places when finished for the day. Nothing is organized and the board could not find 2002 personal property papers that had came in before end of March. And many other things.
It was voted to pay moderator $ 30.00 for Special Town Meeting.
Road Commissioner noted if the Town isn't plowing to Bloom steins a letter should be wrote to him.
A guest reported she had heard from Mr. Lingley and he stated he planned on moving into Tim Turner place as soon as he moved to new home. Board said they couldn't act on here say they must wait until it has happened and then call CEO, LPI in to handle the problem.
Third Selectperson noted they had to get at the taxes. First Selectperson stated she had been there all day Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday she had to work Friday and would be back on the weekend and Monday & Wednesday afternoon all day Tuesday and Thursday forenoon. Third Selectman said he probably would be haying.
Meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
-Carol Richardson

 

Freedom Select Board Meeting Minutes August 6, 2002

Attended

Carol Richardson
Stephen Cross

Guest

Mr. & Mrs. Hadyniak
Jon Willette

First Selectman called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.

Jon Willette asked questions about the Special Town Meeting articles. Jon also reported he had mowed the grass at the Town House property, as he said he would in the spring. Jon asked and was given approval to remove the knoll by the stop sign so it would be easier to see traffic coming from south Freedom, at that intersection. Jon mentioned the gravel the Road Commissioner had put on the property in spring of 2001 had been removed. He wasn't sure if it had gone on Hardwood Lane he said his neighbor had gotten his gravel from the State.
Christine Quinlan called and reported she had gone to School board meeting the night before and the chairman of the School Board would not allow her to speak at the open meeting. The Chairman of the School Board called for an executive session at the end of the meeting. In that meeting Mrs. Quinlan was told to SHUT UP by the Unity School Board Director. Mrs. Quinlan said she also has been in contact with the head of all Maine schools in Augusta She asked if the Town Selectmen would please write and ask Mr. Buckley and the School Board to allow her child to go back to the school she went to last year and in the Town where her daycare has always been and the younger child is. It would be a terrible hardship on the child and parents if she had to be taken from the school and daycare, also Mrs. Quinlan can't find a daycare in the Freedom area that has a bus going to M.S.A. D. #3. Mrs. Quinlan had many other articles of discussion but her main problem was she felt this is discrimination. MANY other children had been allowed to go to another district (Mr. Buckley would not let her see the list) but the board had told Mr. Buckley not to allow any more children to leave the district, it was too costly. She was the victim. Mrs. Quinlan stated she would contact an attorney on slander and mistreatment if needed. All she is asking is to allow her child to go to school in Waterville where her daycare is and the Mothers job is, as many other children in district # 3 are. The Quinlan just built a brand new home in Freedom and both parents must work to pay the payments.
Treasurer was given the o.k. For opening a new checking account at Peoples Heritage Bank. To open a safe deposit box there also. Interest on checking increases .15 plus Town of Freedom will save $ 100 monthly on service charges. Checks and deposit slips free also.
Meeting adjourned at 6:40 to go to Grange Hall for Special Town Meeting. Copy attached to these minutes.
-Carol Richardson

 

2001

SELECTMEN MEETING

Tuesday, March 27, 2001

Freedom Selectmens Meeting

6:pm

The meeting was called to order by the First Selectperson at 6:15pm.

1.      Appointments.
First Selectperson said the first order should be to appoint all persons not elected such as Animal Control, Plumbing Inspector, Animal Control Officer and after a few minutes of pause and no motions it was asked by first Selectperson if they had rather go on to the phone call she just received from Fire Chief.

        James Waterman, Fire Chief, had called to say the fire department men wanted to apply for a Federal Funded Grant, which had 2-6 choices, if approved the town, might have to have a special town meeting for fire department share. Also did the department need approval from the board of Selectpersons?

Third Selectman Stephen Cross said no, the department didn’t need Town approval.  And it was discussed that the matching monies could come from the department account.

2.      Old Business.

Abatements settled:

 Howard Dyer was signed.  Real Estate 268.78, Personal Property 35.60.

Ronald Pearson 849.06.

Supplemental:

 James McKenna 849.06.  First Selectperson said when she signed she wasn’t comfortable about the supplemental amount.

3.      New Business

Minutes from last meeting was read by second Selectperson and First Selectperson asked for her name to be stricken from the record for a request to get in writing from MMA laws on discontinued roads.  Not private roads, discontinued.  Sallyann Hadyniak made the request and only Sallyann.

  Third Selectperson announced while we were on the subject he had a few words.  He said he didn’t care who’s toes were stepped on he was going to go by the law, on town equipment going on the private roads, he did not want to be liable if someone got hurt etc.  All three board members agreed.  Third Selectman also noted he had got a call that First Selectperson had sent road commission to do a couple roads that morning.  First Selectperson denied it and said that was the third time in three weeks she had been accused of this.  First Selectperson stated she was blamed for Hadyniak road being done when in fact MR Lingley told Sallyann himself Sunday night after the Town election that ( That CR was elected) HE STILL went ahead and contacted the  road commissioner.  Sallyann Hadyniak spoke on private roads and said if one was done they all should be, and First Selectperson stated Prior First Selectman had the road commission do his drive, Herbert Abbott had been seen operating loader on his property and Freedom General store.  This was denied by second Selectperson but Third Selectman stated he had reports of same. The equipment also did Arlene Jackson, Carey lane and others. Third Selectman stated the road commissioner should be brought in and a discussion held.  Work should be approved by board before being done.

First Selectperson announced that she had heard rumors a deputy had been appointed for the Tax Collector, Treasurer, Town Clerk but no written paper from Clerk had been submitted to the Board, also a call was made to MMA on March 26 and First Selectperson talked to Mr. Cole, to see if the board had to appoint a deputy and was told NO, title 30A section 2603 states a clerk has a right to appoint a deputy, however the clerk does not have a right to hire or give a paying job to anyone. This is entirely up to the Board of Selectmen, and they must be certain there is an appropriation for this appointment and money to cover the salary.  Also the Board needs to see if there is enough in the unemployment and town social security to cover this position.  Second Selectperson suggested to get the conversation in writing and it was  agreed by all three board members to do so.   First and third Selectmen decided the deputy wages and mileage should be crossed off the warrant at least until the board had the written decision. Second Selectperson Seinkiewicz, said a mountain out of a mole hill was being made of this situation. The wages, training, and mileage, were crossed off by First Selectperson.

        First Selectperson also noted she had been notified that Mr Lingley had called Motor Vehicle and announced he was an employee of the Town of Freedom and wished to take limited registration training which he did on March 21st.  This upset First Selectperson as a Selectman’s meeting had been held the night before and not a word about any appointments.  The board had an article in the annual warrant to raise $3,000 for wages and seminar fees and 28 cents a mile for training with approval from Selectmen. Mr Lingley made the motion to pass article as read at annual town meeting on Saturday March 24th.  So he should be following the rules.  It was also noted by First Selectperson Trio Co had been called by Mr. Lingley.  First Selectperson told the company MR Lingley  is not on the board and has no right to act for the board as MMA told him when he called there.  First Selectperson stated she had got calls from residents asking why Mr Lingley’s bus was parked at the Town office all the time with no Town Officials present and no office hours.  Mr Lingley stated he was doing dog warrant for Clerk.  First Selectperson said it seemed funny last year coming in green off the street she handled all jobs by her self without any help until last week of September.  Now she has a year experience and she can’t handle her job.

First Selectperson asked why the Salary wages were not on warrant as she had requested and the people at Town meeting voted.  Second Selectperson stated she had not worked a month and hadn’t earned it and First Selectperson asked her why she drew 6 months in advance last year.  Long discussion and it was not seconded to put on the warrant in fact other two said they would get done before being paid monthly.

Third Selectman said he would like to see the board hire Harold Greeley to maintain the Equipment and pay $ 10 an hour.  No vote.   First Selectperson stated each man was suppose to take care of own equipment and were paid 9.50 an hour to do so.

4.      Motion to adjourn.

Motion was made to adjourn at 8:05 no second recorded but everyone left room.

SELECTMEN MEETING
Tuesday, March 20 2001
Agenda
6:05 the meeting was called to order by the First Selectperson

1.      Abatements.

Again Pearson check was discussed. Cindy stated she didn’t want to put check in because it was due a discount and she can’t figure until she can take off the abatement.  First Selectperson stated it must be fixed and the check processed.

Also no more mention of the abatement of the new owner of Ray Flye property.

2.      New Business:

It was moved and seconded to have Tax Collector send notices to personal property people of past due accounts and to get Richard Martin in to see what he owns and what he is being charged for.  First Selectperson stated you could contact

UCC in Augusta and get a listing of all mortgaged property and these are expensive pieces so probably would have a loan.  If he is leasing then the company has to be charged the same as stores and businesses.

Second Selectperson presented a letter stating a recall on the new plow truck.  It was moved and seconded to get Harold Greeley to set up an appointment to get truck to O’Connor’s.

 MMA faxed a claim paper to be filled out and returned to MMA about the accident of the sander.  Betty said she would call insurance Co it had been taken care of before Everett left.

Long discussion on plowing private and discontinued roads was held.  Those present   Thomas Clay, Sallyann Hadyniak, Thomas Fleming, Cy and Marilyn Perry, and Kim Holmes.  Betty said she would contact MMA to send in writing laws on liability of the Town and if it is against the law for Town equipment to be on these roads in Emergency times, as requested by Sallyann Hadyniak.  Mr. Clay and Mrs. Hadyniak voiced that all people should be used equal.  The law would apply to everyone.  It was noted that Freedom General, Everett Lingley, Herbert Abbott, Carol Richardson, Carey Lane, Arlene Jackson, Daniel Humphry, and others had had the loader on their property in recent weeks.

 3.      Motion to adjourn at 7:40 moved and seconded.


March 8, 2001

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

We met and signed the warrant.

We discussed the plowing of roads/driveways situation. It was suggested we call the drivers and Road Commissioner in and let them know where and where they cannot plow.

Several items were discussed with the Town meeting coming up and on various issues.

Submitted,
Betty Sienkiewicz

March 6 2001

Due to the Ice/snow storm, Selectmen's meeting was canceled.

 

February 27, 2001

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

We reviewed the warrant and signed same.

Warrants have gone to press, with the exception of the Mics. account, which was typed but overlooked when material was taken to press.

Clint Morton was in on a personal problem with Matt Hall. We granted him permission to get his property.

I made a suggestion that we, the Selectmen, talk with Tom Berry on his bills. They are outrageously high and perhaps we should put Garage work "out to bid"

James Waterman was in asking for a new W-2 form. The other one was listed in block 7 (1099) Misc. it should be in block 3.

Cindy was in with the Payroll wages.

Submitted,
Betty Sienkiewicz

 

February 20, 2001

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Elwin was in with his time for plowing the office, Fire Dept, and several roads in Town. He was put on the warrant.

The Plowing drivers are watching a movie from MMA on plowing at the Fire House. Movie must be returned to MMA.

Warrant was prepared and signed. We added more articles to the warrant for press.

Submitted,
Betty Sienkiewicz

 

February 13, 2001

Present:
Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Warrant was prepared and signed.

We rec'd our County Budget for the year - for Freedom it is 35,880.00......

I typed the conversation with Mr. Flewelling of MMA with regards to the snow plow and loader during any storm and the plowing of private driveways. Gave each of the Selectman a copy for future reference.

We discussed the cemeteries in Freedom and the Perpetual Care Fund for each. We'd like to divide them back into their original amounts so we can determine what the interest on each account is. we can't touch the principal but can draw out the interest to pay for mowing etc.

Submitted,
Betty Sienkiewicz

2-12-01

I called MMA and spoke with Atty. Flewelling regarding town operation of plow and loader and of our decision of October 17th (and our letter to the Road Comm of our decision) not to plow private driveways or sand same.

Mr. Flewellings reply to the above was: Ten - Twelve years ago, the Maine Supreme Court ruled it illegal for Town owned trucks to plow private driveways.

He discouraged private contributions but rather suggested that we bill Plowing at contract costs so that the Town would re-coup expenses. ie oil, gas, Insurance, man hours, use of plow, mileage etc.

It is a long standing principle that any Selectman authorizing spending of Town monies illegally, he can be held financially responsible.

Mr. Flewelling used the example of quote"I have no children in the school district and 70, of my tax dollar goes to the school - does this mean I get a tax rebate??7"

I questioned him about a threat we received regarding the Selectmen and Town being sued in case of fire, or ambulance not being able to reach individual - he said, "Yes, but, and referred to to the above paragraph.

B. Sienkiewicz

Mr. Flewelling also said when reminded that the townspeople were paying for the truck and equipment, to remind them that they are getting their tax dollar value by having the Main Roads plowed, and sanded properly.

We should also have a list of people with trucks/plows that the Townspeople could call for plowing and sanding.

February 6, 2001


Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

We shoveled the walk and it needs sand, ICY!!

We prepared the warrant and signed same

Requested more emergency stickers from the Waldo S.O. - but they are short and suggested I contact Scott Storey or John Ford tomorrow and they will send to us via Keith Overlock. .

Budget Comm. meeting follows the Selectmen's meeting tonight. ,

The Planning Board will be meeting Wednesday night.

Submitted,
Betty Sienkiewicz

 

January 30, 2001

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Warrant was prepared and signed Discussed articles for the Town Warrant

Reviewed expense print-out as will be issued to the Auditor on 2-14-01

Prepared and arranged requests received for Budget Comm. review on 2-6-01.

We left early due to ice storm.

Submitted,
B.K. Sienkiewicz

 

January 23, 2001

Present:
Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Jim Waterman was in to discuss a grant for the Fire Dept. It can be issued twice in one year. We approved the form for signatures.

Warrant was prepared and signed.

Our auditor has scheduled an appointment for Feb. 14th at 9am. Books should be ready by then. The auditor for this year is Brantner - Thibodeau from Bangor.

We discussed the Palermo Road, Everett spoke to the \ Selectman of Palermo and they will sand down the hill to the Freedom Town Line and we sand up to the Town Line. I

We have items for discussion for the Budget Comm. They had planned to meet the first week of February: 2/6/01


Submitted,
Betty Sienkiewicz


January 16, 2001

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Bids on Lot 13 Map 4 were received and opened by Selectmen as stated in the newspapers. (Bruce Hall property and Town owned property behind halls property)

We will have to hold the bids until we speak to our attorney on several issues.

Warrant was prepared and signed.

Submitted,
Betty K. Sienkiewicz

 

January 9, 2001

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

We FINALLY received our 1999 Auditors report from Hollingsworth and Willey today.

Cindy was in with the payroll warrant - warrant was prepared and signed.

We are having a rabies clinic Saturday and are lining up volunteer helpers. There is Herb Abbott, Carol Richardson, Cindy and myself Steve Cross said he would help. The clinic is from 10 to 12 am

Warrant was prepared and signed.

Submitted

Betty Sienkiewicz


January 2, 2001

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

We received a letter from Hollingsworth & Willey CPA regarding our 1999 audit. They want us to sign a release on the figures for 1999??? The letter was dated January 25, 2000????

The warrant was prepared and signed.

We mentioned Elwin plowing the office and Fire Dept. and noted that he should also shovel the walkway into the office. (Cindy has been doing it)

Everett will call Hollingsworth tomorrow and hopefully, we can get our '99 audit.

Submitted,
Betty Sienkiewicz

 

December 30, 2000

There was no meeting December 26th we met Friday, December 30, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz

Warrant was prepared and signed. It's the last warrant of the year.

Hollingsworth has a list of things that he needs to complete our 1999 audit......They being the difference in the warrants, commitment was not signed, truck purchased in Dec. of 1998 didn't get booked till 2000 - Transfer station. there are to budgeted items, 1 expenditure which is larger and few balances carried over: Bd. internet, traffic station, Fire Protection, Building fund and Village Square.

We are returning the Dee Overlock's checks for property she lowered the valuation of the trailers and took a 2%' discount on all the kids property. She will have to come into the office and discuss it with the Selectmen.

We received an intent to harvest - with Grover Bragg doing the cutting (52 cords).

Everett is going to answer Hollingsworth questions that he has before we get our 1999 audit.

We abated Dee Overlock and Joseph Richardson.

Sincerely

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

December 19, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

We discussed General Assistance - there are 2 cases in question.

Letter from Dept. of Conservation rec'd advising of applicants in tree growth program that have not updated their applications, they will be dropped from the program and have to pay the penalty.

We have the "BID" notice written and must submit to two daily papers in the area, I.e. Bruce Halls property plus the 50 acre parcel behind his dwelling.

Cindy was in to discuss several tax questions, so as to clear the account for 2000.

Joe Richardson said the Garage needs new lights and felt they were 8 ft. and wondered where to buy them.

Submitted

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

December 5, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Stephen Holmes was in to discuss his property tax. He was not happy with his abatement of $35.604

Louie (old Bangs A Knight store) was in to discuss their drainage problem in front of the store. He really wants to have something done - plus he asked if he could sell garbage stickers at the store. He isn't looking to make a profit but would sell them the same as at the Town Office.

Warrant was prepared and signed.

Submitted

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

November 28, 2600

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Sent letter to Steven Holmes regarding their abatement in the amount of $35.60

Bruce Greeley was in to get his taxes straightened out and I think we all agreed on the final figure.

Also, Gerald & Cathy Hartley were in. our figures on their letter from us did not agree. We have that straightened out.

We discussed the water problem with Louie at the old Bangs & Knight store and have reached an agreement (for now).

Submitted:

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

November 21, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

John Downer
Read Brugger

We abated Tim Biggs and John Downers 2000 tax

Read Brugger (school director) was in to discuss the Selectmen going to the meetings planned at Mr. View on the school budget for 2001.

Red, Joe, Harold and Herb were in to discuss my letter regarding plowing driveways. We settled the issue and also discussed where they were to turn around etc. The mens car phones have not been connected for the season and the snow is flying.

A Letter needs to go to Hartley/Chase Manhattan regarding their taxes. Hartley wants a breakdown on their taxes as they have been changed.

On Steve Browns (lot xx-9 let #21-6, send letters to creditors because he has a foreclosure coming due.

Submitted: L

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

November 14, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Warrant was prepared and signed.

Steven Shaw paid on account for his 1998 property taxes. I issued receipt.

Everett spoke to Red about installing culverts in town. We agreed (as did Red) that the Town will do the installing and we bill the property owner.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

November 8, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Due to Presidential elections being held Tuesday the 7th, we met tonight to prepare the warrant

We discussed Steve Brown's property and find he is due for an abatement. We are to call him when It's done.

We received a form from one of the creditors of Michael Turner. It asked for personal information on Mike and Sandra, so I sent Michael the information for him to fill out and return to creditor.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

October 31, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Hartleys

We signed Mutual aid agreement with Montville and Freedom.

Hartleys were in to discuss their property abatement. It had been completed, but sent to the wrong Mortgage Company. We will make adjustments and contact Chase as directed.

Warrant was prepared and signed.

We discussed obtaining another CPA to audit out books this year. We have NOT to date, received our 1999 town audit from Hollingsworth & Willey.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

October 24, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Ken & Vicky Kupferman
Keith Overlock

We reviewed and prepared the warrant

Cindy was in to explain the "code" on computer and stayed for general discussion on office procedure. We advised that Carol must be getting done as the public aren't pleased with her in the office

Keith had questions on Timothy Turners plans to build on his lot - he is short of road frontage now that his mother-in-law has moved a trailer in and built a garage.

Kupferman discussed their displeasure with their property taxes. We couldn't locate her letter so they will be in again next week.

Letters were sent to all property owners having a tax dispute that we had reviewed

No word on surveyors on the Hall lot - we must push the issue and start work on that.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

October 17, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Warrant was prepared and signed.

We discussed Erl Purnell....... He does not live in Freedom, but in Simsbury Conn. His home exemption form states "I declare that homestead is my permanent place of residence" WRONG. I wrote the Town of Simsbury to verify that he is in fact entitled to Freedoms voting, registration etc.

Snow plowing was mentioned for private roads. We agreed that we won't plow or sand private roads, if we do for one we'll have to do them all.

A supplemental tax will have to be sent to Chris and Mary Beth Jenson for the homestead and vets exemt. $12,000.0,0 @ .1780 equals $213.60

We received figures from Hollingsworth on Dec. 31, 99 however, we still don't have our 1999 audit. We will be changing auditors this year.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

October 10, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

We discussed differences in tax bills/payments.

A bill was sent to Freedom General for dumpster stickers. ($300.00)

Warrant was prepared and signed.

An order for supplies was faxed to Viking

We billed Acadin Real Estate and Garcia Holt for culverts installed.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

October 3, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Louie

Letter to Victoria Kupferman to consult with us first before going to the Board of Appeals. We will return letter to Maine Public Broadcasting for a donation It was not voted to send any money for the year.

Louis not pleased with our denial of his bill for repairing water damage to the stote (Bangs & Knight) Send a letter to him of our decision. He wants to take it further.

We voted to have the garbage stickers sold here at the office ONLY.

We had two supplemental taxes entered and a personal tax for next year.

We voted to have the repaired computer stay in the outer office until the corrections are made on bank balancing account.

We have purchased salt for the winter.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

September 19,2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Louie Murry

Louie was in to got his reimbursement for water damage to his property. The bill of $550.00

Warrant was prepared and signed.

State in going to remove the garbage at Millbouse since it is in their footage of roadside land.

Everett will speak to Paul at the store regarding trash stickers. N* are out $310.00

Motor Vehicle needs a letter from the selectmen authorizing them to send Cindy plates.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

September 12, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Ruth Drew
Marilyn Sporie

Cindi advised that Todd cannot repair the office computer nor does he have parts for same - thus, he suggested (for now) that we substitute the Selectmen's computer and put in the outer office so that Cindi can do her posting and transactions. we'll have to go before the Town for permission to got a new computer.

Warrant was prepared and signed.

Michael Turner was in to advise that Sandra Turners name should not be on the taxes - lions etc. Letter was written.

Computer discussion - 2 opposed for a now computer 1 for.

The above were in to inquire about their taxes - they will be given a letter abating difference.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

August 29, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Jay Guber

Warrant was prepared and signed-

Jay Guber was in about his reimbursement of class. Wants a letter of decision.

Abatements for 1999 were completed so that the liens can go out Thursday,

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

August 22, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz

Warrant was prepared and signed.

We have several taxes to review and make adjustments.

Recreation Comm. wants $I00.00 for mowing field. Another $300.00 for purchasing lawn mower. They were appropriated $500.00 for the year.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

August 15, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Jay Guber
Bruce Greeley
CLAYTON
Walter Jenson
Red Mitchell

Several were in to have their taxes explained.

"Red" was in and we spoke of having the culverts done on Pleasant Street - Cost, and where we stood with available monies to continue Road Work

Louie at the old Bangs & Knight store was in to talk tax problems, he feels his is way out of line.

Clayton is installing a culvert tomorrow on residence on Ayres Ridge Road - he has the culvert.

Jay Guber states that he will apply to the Bd. of Appeals on his taxes.

Ingrid Robitalli needs 2 acres abated and will be coming in Thursday morning.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

August 8, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Cindy Abbott

Forms were issued for all those who have questions regarding their tax bills. Several calls regarding bills not able to read. Duplicates will be mailed to those' requesting a copy of same, we cannot afford to re-submit new bills.

We had seven complaints on their taxes. Forms were filled out and we will review. Warrant was prepared and signed.

Leonia will be filling in for Cindy and Thurs. & Friday.

Jim Waterman had a work comp case on Saturday - he fell off truck while having Fire class, requiring 4 stitches.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

August 1, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Warrant was written out and signed by Selectmen.

We discussed situation with CNA Surety (B.B.) and decided to pursue complaint.

We discussed the mill rate for the coming year and Everett feels that it will be .1800 per thousand. This is giving us a lower "overlay" as well.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

July 18, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Letter was sent to Red to attend our meeting to discuss what is being done on our roads.

Warrant was prepared and signed.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

July 11, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Keith Overlock
Jerry Sullivan

Milhouse on Rt. 137 needs to be contacted re: garbage left on side of the road.

With regard to Bruce Halls property (now the Property of the Town of Freedom), someone is renting the premises and we need to contact them advising that the monthly rental of $450.00 payable to the Town of Freedom

We have a trailer (illegal) in Freedom. The party has been advised by our Code Enforcement officer of the requirements they need to meet to live there.

No Building permit was issued to Diane Code on the existing house. Need to check.

Keith advised that the pump went on the Fire Truck and needs replacing

Jerry Sullivan was in with a detailed list of Brown and white Goods and also had a contract for services to be filled out.

A notice will be sent to residents of the Tire Pick-up on July 26th. 15" or smaller and will require ONE sticker per tire. NO RIMS

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

July 4, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Warrant was prepared and signed.
Assessing information was compiled and discussed.

We heard from the Bonding Co., regarding Bernadette's duties/lack of.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

June 27,2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Warrant was prepared and signed.

Jackson asked for two Selectpersons to attend their meeting tonight at 7pm.

The Selectmen have been visiting everyone in Freedom for assessing purposes.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

May 30, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Bernadette gave Steven a paper asking for a Certificate of Settlement for all three years. We have unanimously refused to comply.

"Red" was in to discuss Robitaille re: culverts at his residence. Robitaille wants a "deal" he install the culverts but we questioned him having Liability Insurance. Everett told "Red" that he has already spent $5,337.24 We still have the Pleasant Street to do, curbing around the old Bangs & Knight Store - Red said he would check into "screening"

Jim Waterman was in and gave us the addresses of Michael Turner (779 N. Palermo Rd.) Lisa Corbin (836 N. Palermo Rd., Mischeau 963 N. Palermo Road.

We have a list of addresses to check out for taxes valuation.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

May 16, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

We unanimously denied Jay Gubers request for payment of an unauthorized class he attended after the Town Meeting

There are $44,000. odd left on unpaid '99 taxes. We have advised Bernadette that she is responsible for getting out the 30 day notices. She has not replied nor did she meet with the selectmen as invited. We will further this with the bonding company.

A bill for Joseph Richardson was received from Inland Hosp in the amount of $87.83. The bill was dated 3-k-99.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

May 9, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Katheryn (MMA)

Katherine of MMA met with us with quote on Property & Casualty - Public Officials premiums. She will advise what the prorated amount will be for the next two months until new policy is in force.

Kupferman needs a letter (Bd. of Appeals)

We discussed having all Contractors get an approval from the Selectmen before doing work for "Red". Less confusion.

Submitted,

B.K. Sienkiewicz

 

May 2, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Jerry Sullivan stopped in to schedule a White/Brown Goods pick-up. We agreed on May 26 & 27th. Notification will go out to residents.

Letter needs to o to Bernadette on the 30 day Lien notices Also Hollingsworth is waiting for figures from Bernadette so they can complete their audit for 1999.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

April 25, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Harold Mitchell

"Red" met with us and we discussed the following:

Amt. of trees to come down that are hazardous Replacing culverts on Pleasant St.

Curbing Possibility on both sides of KP hall area.
Having the Town trucks washed and by whom. Ordering culverts all at once instead of one at a time using 20% of budget (2,8OO.OO) for trees.

Fixing sign at Boat Landing.

"Red" mentioned Robitaille's culvert in bad shape Town replace or Robitaille? He had heavy trucking.

Ws Want an record for individual truck expenses.

We have been advised that a spring an the "97 truck needs replacing.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

April 18, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Michael & Dennis Turner
Thomas Fleming

Several questions were asked about the "Tree estimates" we received from Construction Unlimited. The above residents had questions and were advised that all of the work would not be done this year.

Michael Turner questioned why we advised the Town of Benton not to excise our vehicles in Town. He was told that all Towns do their own excising and Freedom was no exception. we cannot do New Regs yet but it won't be long. He was very upset that he couldn't send his reg. with his mother to have done in Town of Benton.

We called "Red" and asked if he would meet with us next Tuesday - several issued need addressing.

Warrant was done and signed.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

April 11, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Thornhill was in to give an estimate on clearing the old hanging limbs from the ice storm and decayed trees in town. We didn't appropriate money for this - his estimate broke it down in quarterly payments. We will let him know our decision.

Trucks need washing down after the winter snow plowing so as not to cause rusting. We would like to talk to "Red" but he hasn't attended meetings and in hard to reach by phone.

Warrant was prepared.

James Waterman

April 4, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Jim stated that the Fire Dept. would start burning on first come bases (weather permitting)

Warrant was reviewed and signed.

We discussed the County budget and School budget can we hold at last years mill rate?????

Code Enforcement officer has been sworn in. Two Building permits have been issued.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

March 28,2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Keys were received from Bernadette and now keys were made and distributed to officers.

Warrant was prepared and signed.

Jr. Turner approached Everett on the possibility of leasing the garage next door to Ken Goulds. We discussed it and there would have to be an agreement to screen it, repairs, etc. We will discuss it later.

We discussed the recycling - we'd like to speak directly with Sullivan on costs and scheduling a Wh/Brn pick-up.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz

 

March 21, 2000

Present:

Everett Lingley
Betty Sienkiewicz
Stephen Cross

Harold Greeley
Red (briefly)
David Parkman (Palermo)

Warrants were prepared and signed.

Jay called to see if we had made our decision on CEO. Everett advised that we had appointed another person.

David Parkman of Palermo who is running for County Commissioner was in to meet and talk with the Selectmen.

Cindy has decided on her hours - Sally Hadyniak will make up new signs to post - hours will go into effect April lst.

Submitted,

Betty Sienkiewicz