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Select Board meets every other Monday of each month.

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DECEMBER 31, 2015 OUT OF RECESS

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DECEMBER 28, 2015 REGULAR MEETING

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AUGUST 17, 2015 REGULAR MEETING


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM/BOARD OF SELECTMEN
August 10th 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:05 pm

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Ken Overlock and Steve Bennett. Also in attendance were Erna Keller, Sallyann Hadyniak, Marilyn Perry, Glenn Sporie, Sandy & Deb Palmer.

REVIEW MINUTES: Minutes from August 3rd 2015 were reviewed.
• Steve/Ken, made motions, to accept, one correction (Steve’s comment under BRW pg 3 should say “Personally I consider it Industrial Real Estate.”) and place on file; motions passed. (All in favor)
CITIZEN’S ISSUES:
• Sandy Palmer had a motorcycle accident on Ayer Ridge Friday. He said the town does a super job with their roads (ditching and maintaining) but didn't sweep them which left alot of dirt this time on the roads.
• Someone went and swept the corner only, I went back the next morning.
• Ron said Glenn Sporie went out and cleaned it up.
• Sandy: Really needs someone to hire sweeper for the whole road.
• Sandy & Deb says Freedom does an amazing job on the roads, we came from Montville where the roads aren't kept this way. Freedom's are wonderful compared to other towns.
• Ron- I will call to see if we can get a sweeper in here by the end of week.
• Sandy- I understand it might take a a few days, but please put up some caution signs so that others know. I am just worried that someone might get killed.
• Steve: They also did a nice job grading and ditching Sibley but there is also alot of dirt on the road there. It is an inconvenience.
• Sandy: All we are asking for are CAUTION signs.
• Steve: How many miles of roads was done
• Ron: 10 miles or so
• Ron: I will talk to the grader operator about a sweeper, he has one that attaches to the back of pickup truck, but is not ready to go.

TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant........................ $2823.13
A/P Warrant............................. $7359.68
Ending checkbook balance...................$254,362.85

• Payroll Warrant this week is $2828.13 (clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, cleaning lady & road crew)
• A/P this week is $7359.68 (CMP, Freedom General, Perc, BMV, O Connor, AAA, Glenn Sporie, Phillip Spaulding, Kelly & Collins, Clint, Hilltop)
• Ending Checkbook balance…………….……$254,362.85
• What is address for the 100 bales of hay? Steve said "Wish he had known he has hay that the town can have. They just spread the fields again but it's available if need anymore."
Ken/Steve moved to accept and sign the payroll; motion passed. (All in favor)
Ken/Steve moved to sign the A/P warrant; motion passed. (All in favor)

• Secretary remaining balance is $132 for the year.
• Ron suggested taking what is needed from any other line in the administrative line (or employee costs if not all used) to cover what pay will be occurring in the future.
• Discussion and decided to go with Ron’s suggestion

TOWN CLERK:
Cindy reported:
• Pete Curra needs one more person to add to the farm shares list
• Selectmen have the list and added another person
• Waldo County Humane Society has offered to do a FREE Rabies Clinic here in Freedom at town office. When the get the date I would like to put out a mailing, or send out with the 2015 tax bills.
• Discussion on mailing & rabies clinic
• 30 day notice for the 2014 taxes just went out. Cindy gave list to selectmen.
• Steve asked "Is this up from previous years."
• Cindy looked it up. No this is down from last years.
• Ken asked How long after taxes are committed does the process start?
• Cindy: 1 year from commitment
• Steve asked if Rec has decided on storage unit
• Cindy said " We will be meeting at the end of this week and will have an answer next Monday."

FIRE DEPT:
• Letter from Silverstein that they need a report on the arson on the East Gulch Road
• Any progress on abandoned & discontinued roads
• Steve- There was 5 people at the last meeting, we would like to have more show up. Our next meeting is the 1st Tuesday of every month.
• 10 different road articles & 1 selectmen policy
• There is alot of vagness, location issues, no distances listed on articles. Use to use peoples houses as references, some have died or house has been gone for years.
• Research and a more thorough look thru old town minutes & archives

ROAD COMMISSIONERS:
• Glenn Sporie went and cleaned up curve on Ayer Ridge Road
• Ron- I would like to express my gratitude to Glenn for going on his day off to clean the corner.
• Glenn: Anytime
• Need to get sweeper this week
• Ken: Intersections definately need to be done
• Steve commented: Bob said you was going to mulch, I have some I could of given away to town.
• Ron: Derek Larrabee will be starting on the turn arounds Beaver Ridge, Davis Road, Russell Road and Deer Hill Road
• Deer Hill- we have culvert that needs to be replaced, ask Phil if we could fix with 2 culverts
• Glenn: maybe run the culvert diagonal 18'
• Steve- safety reasons and necessity
• Ken: Maybe we should ask Ken Boulier about widening his dooryard and using that as a turn around. That way we are only working on the part of road we are suppose to be maintaining
• Ron will talk to Ken. He asked if Ken or Steve could go and look over the situation at Ken Bouliers
• Ken- I will go tomorrow after work
• Ron will have spreadsheet next week with the price for last years contract for plowing and this years for the following towns to go over
a. Knox
b. Albion
c. Unity
d. Troy
e. Montville
f. Dixmont
g. Thorndike
h. Palermo
• Salt & Sand Shed
• Ron has propsal from the engineering firm- John Cleveland
a. Site review $2775 phase 1
b. Local & state permitting phase 2
c. Design, MDOT Com $3500 phase 3
d. phase 4
e. phase 5
f. If stucture is $67,000 state will pay 51 1/2% ... There is around $55,000 in Capital Improvement/Salt Sand Shed account
• Steve- This is the least expensive way we have found, will it work where it is or will we have to make a new road or adjustments?
• Ron- This will still work as long as we don't enlarge. We might have to go to the planning board about a variance, 20 feet from Gerry Spaulding's line.
• Ken- Will the building hold enough sand to get us thru the winter?
• Ron- yes
• We will need a town vote to use this money for building
• Public Works Hearing/ Vote for S & S Shed, also hold it on the Dam
• Erna suggested talking with Cindy about when it needs to be posted and the warrant
• Steve will write up the warrant
• Contract for Snow Plowing/ keep Public Works Dept.
• Steve- So we have the preliminary budget for 2016 with truck replacement & paving added for then. Concept for whether we contract out winter roads too
• Ken: We will be giving that contract information to the budget committee to go over to make their suggestions on whether to keep our public works dept or to contract out because of cost effecting the town. This was the plan at the last budget meeting. Public Works continues to plow this winter into spring of next year-2016
• Maybe break up into two meetings and have hand outs available to show citizens the cost of both available to vote on at town meeting

ASSESSOR’S:
• Jackie & Ron has come up with 2 options
a. Option #1 is using an additional 50,000 from undesignated funds to off set taxes
b. This would have $11,000 overlay
c. 18.3 MIL RATE
d. 2014 Mil Rate was 18.9
e. Option # 2
f. Mil Rate will be 19.2 without the additional $50,000 from undesignated fund
• Tax Committment will be ready for next Monday night to sign. Ron/Ken motion to committ taxes at next Monday nights selectmens meeting. (All in favor)
• Ron will call Jackie to go over tax commitment again and will let Steve and Ken know when she will be there so they can also talk to her
• Bills go out by end of the week
• Ken- This year we got even leaner by taking an additional $40,000 from public works from the budget. We have the school and county that has gone up. Plus no personal property tax and the loss of 7.5% to BRW if they accept
• BRW- Todd sent an email to Steve saying that BRW accepted the agreement that the selectmen sent to them. They will sign and send back to the town.

PUBLIC WORKS:
• Glenn Sporie has a post hole digger (self contained) for sale for $250 Only used a few times
• Ken/Steve motion to purchase (All in favor)

HISTORICAL:
• Still haven't heard from Myrick...
• Need to contact

RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE:
• Meeting Friday at 2 pm

Cemetery Committee:
• Erna is looking still for a lawn mower

Budget Committee:
• Steve would like to have a legal budget committee with 3 selectmen and 4 elected budget committee members
• says he was told that people spoke at budget meetings but didn't feel like they was heard
• Ken: Right now we had like 11 people on the committee and everyone voiced their opinions and we discussed alot of different options on alot of the budget
• Erna: Committee was appointed by the selectmen and sworn in. So does that mean I don't have to be there.
• No you are treasurer it is hard to read some of the reports without you.

NEW BUSINESS:
• Target Tuesday August 25th @ 6:00 pm here in election hall for Public Hearing/Vote on Public Works S & S Shed and the Dam

Ron/Ken motion to adjourn meeting 8:45 pm

Next Regular meeting will be August 17th 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,


Secretary

Aug 3, 2015 APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD O F SELECTMEN (P D F)

MINUTES FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
July 27th 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:10 pm

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Steve Bennett, Ken Overlock. Also in attendance were Erna and Bob Gerrish.

REVIEW MINUTES:
&M July 20th 2015
&M Under old business: change to investigating on 1 & 2
&M Under citizen’s issues where Ron talks about policy… should say “Policy states: All discontinued roads are open as public ways, unless determined otherwise by a court of law.” By the vote of town
&M New Business: Brown w/ Brown roof where it says 8x12 for $1940

TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant........................ $ 1,732.87
A/P Warrant............................. $ 62,835.23
Checkbook Balance………….. $257,266.94

&M Payroll Warrant this week is $1732.87 (clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, cleaning lady & road crew) Also Trust & Agency checks for Aflac & Bank of Maine for 941 July (Ken/Steve motion to accept & pay All in favor)
&M A/P this week is $62,835.23 (MMA-WC, CMP, PERC, BMV, Fire Tech, July School payment, Mac’s, Michael Seekins, Northern Tool, Hilltop, Robert Herman) (Ken/Steve motion to accept & pay All in favor)
&M A/P this week is $82.79 (Bob Herman) (Ken/Steve motion to accept & pay All in favor)
&M Ending Checkbook balance…………….……$257,266.94
&M Maritime Energy- We received a bill for $300.48, so I contacted them. We don’t owe anything… After several months going back and forth and them sending their billing from December of last year to now. I went back got all the old bills, photo copied and put into an excel spread sheet. (color coded all payments, date received, dates paid-driver wasn’t dropping off bills so we wasn’t getting the prompt pay from their computers) They have also put us on the cash payment… So we shouldn’t ever be charged again.
&M Property & Casualty papers to file, insurance cards attached
&M Northern Tool- copy of bill, was this grant money? Yes- Steve will contact them
&M Philip Thurston CD maturity date 8/16/15… Gave a copy to Ken to go over with Lorainne if he talks to her and sent a copy to Kathy Overlock. The best option would be 48 months or greater

CLERK:
&M Cindy is on vacation
&M Sign in door states office is closed July 29th, 30th, 31st,
&M August 1st and August 6th
&M Ron will check to see if this is correct: This wasn’t what we was told when she came to meeting a week ago
&M So office is only open Monday (today) and Tuesday this week


CITIZENS ISSUES:
&M Bob Gerrish brought up a few issues with the comparison sheets made up by Steve
&M New truck #6 split up 50/50
&M Cold Patch-summer roads
&M Heating oil- All to winter
&M Truck & Plow- leave how it is
&M Truck #8- Has hopper for sand can’t use for anything else except winter roads

FIRE CHIEF:
&M Fire at the new Mill Restaurant on Sunday. New sprinklers had everything under control, just water damage.
&M Martha Stewart was showing up today and tomorrow.
&M Jim thinks that the Town Office and the Mill Restaurant should have a Knox Box.
&M The KNOX-BOX® Rapid Entry System provides non-destructive emergency access to commercial and residential property.
&M E911 addressing for discontinued roads will need to be named and measured.
&M Ron asked Jim “If there was a fire on Timberwood lane, can you get there to help?”
&M Jim, “Only with the brush truck maybe, the roads haven’t been cut back.”
&M MSF- Has a chipper that is available to help out on these roads.
&M Steve- There was a new law that passed for abandoned roads “It is a crime to tear up property, so they can call the police to get help.”

ROAD COMMISSIONERS:
&M One side of Deer Hill has been ditched to Mitchell road; tomorrow they will be starting on the other side.
&M Aco-Scott Holmes will be flagging
&M 3 Trucks will be used… Glenn will drive the town truck, Clint Spaulding and Dwight Gould
&M Engineering firm will be at town garage tomorrow at 5 pm so they can see the site then coming back to office to discuss.

GENERAL ASSISTANCE:
&M Ron/Steve motion for Legal Consultations 1MRSA 405(6) E @ 7:40 pm
&M Out of executive session @ 7:52 pm no decisions made
&M Ron/Steve motion to accept a poverty abatement and a burial request All in favor

OLD BUSINESS:
&M Ron will check with surrounding towns about what they have for bids for plowing this year and what they paid last year
&M Bob Gerrish thinks in 1992 it was voted that any discontinued road with over 3 houses is an association
&M Backyard Builders: Gabel 12x20 for $2360 plus $100 for non standard door plus $324 to move
&M Albion- for a 12x20 w/ doors is $5600… This one is out
&M Erna will contact members of the recreational dept to see if they would be interested in buying this building from backyard builders and placing this behind town office, also housing the generator, lawn mower and rec stuff
BRW ABATEMENT:
&M Kristin Collins- Steve sent Kristin the agreement from BRW. Kristin sent back a new agreement and said if the selectmen signed the old one they would be personally liable. They can only decide what tax base is for 1 year.
&M Still at risk at setting depreciation, this attempts to bind the town with BRW agreement
&M In new agreement that Kristin wrote- Paragraph 6- Steve added “and removal wants repowering removed.”
&M Ken said “It is pertaining to BRW providing info related to.”
&M Discussion
&M Ken/Steve motion to send as written to BRW, Leave Doc. # empty, leave repowering, add removal. Leave Ron’s name for signature.
&M All in favor (Ron abstained, but said he supports sending this the way Ken & Steve discussed

NEW BUSINESS:
&M Black Hill Cd- Put on town warrant at special town meeting to sell & put money into either cemeteries or ???
&M Ron will call Vernice about the way warrant is written in town report and see what she has to say about using the money from the sale of Tingley Property.
&M Dam Project: Need to get info together to put in front of citizens at the special town meeting
&M Discussion

Ron/Ken motion to adjourn meeting 8:45 pm

Next Regular meeting will be August 3rd 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Secretary
Ernestine Keller


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
July 20th 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 pm

PRESENT:
Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Steve Bennett, Ken Overlock. Also in attendance was Erna, Sallyann Hadyniak, Marilyn Perry, Ron and Barbara Littlefield, Jim Waterman and Robert Kanzler.

REVIEW MINUTES:
&M Minutes from July 6th 2015 were reviewed. Steve/Ron, made motion to accept and place on file.
&M Minutes from July 13th 2015 were reviewed.
&M Steve/Ken made motion to accept with adjustment to
&M New business… Tom Clay request for help on his road with gravel under discontinued roads was denied and place on file; motions passed. (Ken/Steve motion to deny… All in favor)
&M Under Road Commissioner 5th paragraph: Add according to Mildred Skidgell.
&M Under Solid Waste: Ken asked Meredith to look into who funds MRC

CITIZEN’S ISSUES:
&M Robert Kanzler: Was wondering why at the end of Rollins Road and Sanford Hill people are blocking access off from citizens being able to hike.
&M Ron- Select board Policy states: “All discontinued roads are open as public ways, unless determined by a court of law.”
&M Robert: The reason I asked was I asked a land owner about clipping the trees back on road way for hiking & biking. I was told no.
&M Ken: Are we going to let the land owners rule the roost or get involved.
&M Steve: Technically a town road but these citizens live there and have to deal with people destroying it.
&M Ken: Public easement
&M Sallyann: I got involved with politics because of Red Mitchell and what we was told when we was buying our property.
&M If my road it is open as a public way then why can’t we get garbage picked up at our house or the mail delivered?
&M Ron: These roads have been an issue for a long time now. I suggest we get a committee together, make a list of the roads, collect all the info on them then decide which roads need to be addressed and take to town meeting...
&M Robert: I would be interested in heading this up.
&M Ken: I will be willing to also be on the committee and help
&M Steve: I am also interested, I have mentioned to the planning board twice. They aren’t interested as a group but maybe a few of members would be.
&M Sallyann: I am interested too…
&M Jim: As addressing officer, roads that are discontinued officially have no name. Need name of the road, distance of road and it can be addressed for 911. This is a public safety concern. (Zachary Buckley Sanford Hill Road is off the grid, he is building a house)
&M Steve/Ron motion to get committee together, do research, collect data, make recommendations and report back to the selectmen. (All in favor)
&M First meeting will be August 4th 2015 @ 6 pm… Will meet first Tuesday of the month. On committee so far are Robert Kanzler, Sallyann Hadyniak, Ken Overlock and Steve Bennett…
&M Selectmen will ask around to see if others are interested.



&M TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant........................ $1,690.20
A/P Warrant............................. $7,190.70
Checkbook Balance…………………. $313,134.06

&M Payroll Warrant this week is $1,690.20 (clerk, treasurer, deputy treasurer, cleaning lady & road crew) Steve/Ron motion to accept & Pay (All in favor)
&M A/P this week is $7190.70 (Sullivan’s, CMP, PERC, BMV, Hans Schmidt, Fairpoint, AAA, Unity, Erna-mileage, Pike, Staples, Sam’s, Montville, Knox, Jackson, Waldo)
&M Steve has concerns about paying treasurer mileage
&M Discussion on matter
Steve/Ken motion to accept & pay (All in favor)
&M Ending Checkbook balance…………….……$313,134.06
&M We received a check from State of Maine for Dog Violation $50.00, Revenue Sharing for July $5158.98, Town of Knox Fire Protection $2549.73
&M Letter from Sullivan’s- Increase $5.00 for dumpsters
&M Letter from Perc- Increase to $79.00 Ton
&M Power wash outside of office???
Steve/Ken moved to accept and sign the payroll; motion passed.
Steve/Ken moved to sign the A/P warrant; motion passed.

TOWN CLERK:
Cindy reported:
&M Dates OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED
&M June 25th 2015
&M July 29th 2015
&M August 1st 2015
&M Otherwise than that, Office will be run by Kristy and Abby while I am on vacation
&M Permit for James Garrison- Cindy and Jackie has talked and where town isn’t collecting personal property and the selectmen agree to give Cindy permission, she can sign the back of permit she has to send to the state. He will pay excise & state fees.
&M GA info but need to go into executive session- will discuss later
&M Cindy has been hired part time at the Thorndike Post Office from 7-9 and 1:30-3:45 M-S
New Office Hours will be
Open at 9:30
Close at 1:00
Monday still open until 9:30 to 6:00
Tuesday also open from 4:30-7 or 8
&M Kristy Palmer (Cindy’s Deputy Clerk) is doing great but still needs some training on the trio program. She is will to be here and work on Mondays from 1:30-3:45 (USE TRAINING FOR THESE HOURS)
&M Ron- So you are planning on keeping office open the same amount of hours just setting up days a little different.
&M Selectmen are fine with the new set up
&M CINDY WILL POST NEW HOURS
&M When back from vacation: Taxes will go out around 3rd week of August
&M 2014 Tax liens will be going out by Friday July 24th 2015

ROAD COMMISSIONERS:
&M Ditching starts next week

FIRE CHIEF:
&M The contract for Knox doesn’t state when payments are to be made or Brooks.
&M Thorndike, Brooks and Freedom are supposed to be listed in covering Knox
&M Ron will contact Knox about the contract
&M Jim gave Erna bill to cover set of turn out gear. Would like $1725 taken out of Capital Account. Approved

CORRESPONDENCE:
&M Letter from BRW
&M Add to minutes
&M Discussion
&M Ken/Ron motion to send to Kristin Collins to have her look at as quickly as possible, and let Steve contact her to voice selectmen questions and concerns. (All in favor)
&M There is only 8 days to respond

OLD BUSINESS:
&M Steve: After investigating the Post Office, has decided after reading an article that they are not broke.
&M Would like to keep investigating
&M Mike Thibodeau/ Susan Collins see if interested
&M Lease is up next year, would be nice to have a plan and get new contract
&M Check with neighbor about property and if willing to sell
&M Erna mentioned: When doing the road work this summer, the town should invest in a culvert on Bryant Road to make safer access for carriers.
&M Select board are happy to keep looking into this matter

NEW BUSINESS:
&M Steve checked with Amish on storage Sheds
&M Shed 10x16 $2175
&M Gambrel 8x12 $1570
&M Brown w/ Brown Roof 8x12 $1940
&M Wired building with 2 windows 10x16 $3000
&M Erna: Right now Rec is paying $75 per month for their storage that also houses the towns items
&M Comes on hemlock skids, put on cinder blocks
12x20 Gambrel

Steve/Ron motion to adjourn meeting 8:30 pm

Next Regular meeting will be July 27th 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Secretary
Ernestine Keller

APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
July 13th 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:05 pm

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Steve Bennett, Ken Overlock. Also in attendance were Erna, Cindy Abbott, Dave Bridges, Bob Gerrish, Ron & Barbara Littlefield, Sallyann Hadyniak, Marilyn Perry, Hilary Fleming, Meredith Coffin, Clayton Larrabee, Larry Hotham Tim Biggs and Elery King-MRC.


REVIEW MINUTES:
None

MRC- http://mrcmaine.org/
Elery Keene, Executive Director, KVCOG (retired)
3 Pat Street, Winslow ME 04901
Voice: (207) 872-5231
wekeene@me.acadia.net:
&M MRC is looking for municipalities to get involved with this program by 2018 before the PERC contract runs out
&M PERC has made efforts with the state trying to continue their contract. State has shut them down
&M Based on estimated cost of electricity of electricity 30 years ago was how they came up with what towns would pay. A long term contract
&M 187 municipalities are using this facility
&M MRC was involved after the original tipping fee was set up of $12 ton. After 2 years cost went up to $25 ton.
&M Municipalities have tried working with PERC to drop their cost which is around $78 ton
&M MRC is concerned what will happen, PERC wants to continue to run after 2018 but price will be somewhere around $90 ton
&M MRC specialist says that PERC won’t be able to run for $90 ton so MRC is looking into alternative solutions
&M Fiberight Company is looking to make a contract with Hampden and would run for $70 ton. This is an out of state company. http://fiberight.com/
&M They are expecting to know by the end of the year how many towns are interested. Then they will make up contracts for the towns to take to town meeting.
&M July 29th 2015 Rockland City Hall @ 10:00 am will be a question & answer meeting
&M Ron mentioned- Craig Louder talked about products such as industrial sugars and bio fuel
&M Meredith stated that they have data from the Maryland Plant to go by and there is also a company from the Midwest with info that will be at the meeting.
&M Elery- My advice is this spring the town should be prepared to consider any options available
&M Steve asked where it would be located
&M Elery- North of the PERC landfill
&M Steve- Will they be hauling in garbage from out of state
&M Elery- No, They don’t need all 180 towns to make this plant work. They will base the size of the plant on the amount of towns that sign up.
&M Steve- Can it be enlarged?
&M Elery- Yes, They will leave room for growth.
&M Meredith asked “Will they be making contracts with individual haulers?”
&M Elery- I am not sure, I would assume if contractors was interested in a long term contract
&M Meredith- Will this product be desirable
&M Yes & profitable
&M Steve-Will PERC go out of business
&M Elery- As of right now to make ends meet they are importing from out of state, and they would have to increase their price to even make ends meet.
&M Steve- How much mega watt
&M Around 75-80
&M MRC has funds for this project. Revenue that usually comes back to towns to use to reduce the cost.
&M Meredith- Our cost thru Perc is $79.50 ton minus our rebate is $55 ton
&M Trash should be disposed of environmentally
&M Landfills produce gases, PERC burns theirs
&M We will sort; use what is available biofuel, recycling a small % of items that would have to put in a landfill. This will all be in writing in January
&M Hilary- We don’t even know yet if PERC could be competitive
&M Elery- Greg Louder # is 1-866-254-3507 for any questions that you have
&M Email glounder@mrcmaine.org
&M Meredith- PERC is looking for long term; we did 30 years last time. What is fiberight looking for towns to commit to?
&M Elery- YES, long term, but not sure how many years


TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant........................ $ 1,950.86
A/P Warrant............................. $ 5,183.81
Checkbook Balance………….. $315,643.11

&M Payroll Warrant this week is $1950.86 (clerk, treasurer, deputy clerk, cleaning lady & road crew)
&M A/P this week is $5,183.81
&M Pink sign-up sheet for elected official’s class is there if interested. Waldoboro 4 pm July
&M School payments have dropped to $48,437 per month
&M Steve/Ken moved to accept and sign the payroll in the amount stated by Ron; motion passed. All in favor.
&M Steve/Ken moved to accept and sign the AP Warrant in the amount stated by Ron; motion passed. All in favor.
&M Ron/Ken motion to accept treasurer's report

FIRE CHIEF:
&M Still haven’t rec’d contract from Knox or their check
&M Asked if Rec was still having field day August 22nd and if they still want fire dept. to do chicken bbq? He will contact Cindy…

DAM COMMITTEE:
&M Dave Bridges, Tim Biggs, Clayton Larrabee & Larry Hotham was here to discuss
&M Engineering Plan- This is the 3rd and final plan. We met with FEMA and AE Hodgdon. We have been working on this for a year and half now and are in the last stages.
&M Emergency Spillway
&M Design- Put a cap over rock section, level (smooth), concrete cap about 60 feet with a wall in front. 8 inches reinforced concrete. 8 feet on one end and 6 ft. on the other
&M Fill in between the big rocks, some rocks might need to be moved around.
&M In front of damn 8ft
&M Could be done this summer but the pond will have to be lowered 2 feet for a month
&M There are trees that need to be removed (stumps)
&M Refill area
&M Clayton- In 1963 we rebuilt the damn with a gate, which is no longer there
&M Dave- estimated cost is $25,000 but looking at additional 3000-4000 contingency
&M Prentis has given permission for the access to be from his property
&M Larry-Estimate of concrete is around 16 yards
&M Clayton- draining the pond will make a difference and will help while working on it
&M Dave- Our recommendation is to go to the town and raise the money to get it done. In our comp plan we had 4 focus groups and the most important element was the POND. Gave the town the most value
&M Dave- if you want to look for grant money I recommend using a professional.
&M Ken- because this is already July 13th would this be done next year? Or the fall?
&M Steve- I wonder if Montville would be interested in helping out.
&M Ken- Maybe Tony Grassi?
Ron & Ken- Thank You for all your hard work gentlemen

ROAD COMMISSIONERS:
&M Ron- The guys have been out doing a lot of cold patching
&M I have asked 2 more contractors for the summer work estimates. The lowest amount is $26,000. It would be the first of August before any work would be started.
&M The engineering firm will come and see what the town has for salt and sand shed and if we can use what we have.
&M My suggestion would be use the area we have. It would be costly to move. Make a counter offer on the land. Steve, you met with Mildred so what has she come up with.
&M Steve- There is an attorney looking into the Blaisdell property. The pins are in the wrong location. As it looks right now with the way pins are set the old well house is not on her property and should be according to Mildred Skidgell.
&M Buildings are a mess and a ton of bamboo. Back in the 70’s it was a much larger facility that stretched a _ mile some over the river.
&M There are at least 5 to 6 acres of buildable land, could be up to as much as 12 acres. Clear up to Freedom General and there is a snowmobile bridge. (should be fixed)
&M Planning Board is looking into grants on economic development. They meet tomorrow night. Various uses have been discussed.
&M She is interested in selling for the assessed value $67,000. The way the property sits I can’t believe it is worth that much. Town should think about all options and she is willing to sell
&M If town could get for a reasonable cost, then getting it clean up might be worth investing in
&M Ron/Ken agree that this is worth looking in to
&M Steve- build the salt and sand where it is. Is there enough room to add a bay to garage
&M Yes
Steve’s report budget vs. actual for last 2 _ yrs. 26 miles of road
1. 2013
&M With salt & sand cost is $4981.13 per mile
&M without salt & sand cost is $3990.37 per mile
2. 2014
&M With salt & sand cost is $4635.67 per mile
&M without salt & sand cost is $3306.93 per mile
3. 2015- As of first 2 quarters cost per mile $2211.28
4. Contact other towns contracts for last year and this year’s info
5. Need to come up with a presentation to show to town and a budget for 2016
&M Ron Littlefield- If you put sand out to bid you could save around $2000 a year

SOLID WASTE:
&M Local recycling center said town has increased from 35 people 2 yrs. ago to 44 people this year
&M Put a letter together for survey on composting
&M Recycling Ctr. Be interested in seeing how PERC & new company Fiberight will work with them
&M Ken asked Meredith to look into who funds MRC
OLD BUSINESS:
&M Steve- No quote from Albion on storage building, will check with Amish
&M Drug Testing-Postponed
&M Poverty Abatement- Need to get answer to them
BRW ABATEMENT:
&M 2015-2018 4 years @ 7.5% depreciation
&M 2019-2029 depreciation @ 3 _%
&M 2029 Final Town valuation will reach 35% of beginning value of project
&M 2029 – life of turbines, valuation will be $3,455,201
&M Ron has a lease with BRW that his land will be put back to the original way it was
&M BRW said “If town was in agreement he would have their attorney write it up
&M Steve/Ken motion part #1 is to accept compromise at end value 35% ($3,455,201) of value now is $9,872,011
&M Part #2 is to ask Todd to have their attorney draw up something for letter of attempt and is nonbinding
&M Part #3 A separate agreement for decommissioning
&M All in favor (Ron abstained)

NEW BUSINESS:
&M Ron/Ken motion to meet every week for regular meeting from 6pm to 8pm(8:30 if needed)) All in favor
&M Sand bid $5 per yard screened, getting other bids
&M Steve/Ken motion to authorize Ron to go forward with the summer work and salt & sand procurement. All in favor
&M Tom Clay’s request for gravel on his road … Ken/Steve motion to deny… All in favor

Ron/Ken motion to adjourn meeting 8:45 pm
Items in Red are corrections to minutes
Next AP/Warrant signing meeting will be July 20th @ 6:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be July 27th @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,


Secretary
Ernestine Keller

APPROVED MINUTES/REEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
June 29th 2015 & July 1st 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 5:55 pm
July 1st, 2015 reopened @ 5:10 pm

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair) and Steve Bennett. Ken Overlock was on vacation. Also in attendance were Erna Keller, Marilyn Perry, Sallyann Hadyniak, Joe Freeman, Ron & Barb Littlefield, Bob Gerrish, Bill Pickford and Jim Waterman.

REVIEW MINUTES: none

CITIZEN’S ISSUES:
&M Joe Freeman had some concerns about road crew and how they are listing their hours
&M Ron stated that he is keeping an eye on it and that he is there usually twice a day
&M Marilyn Perry wanted to Thank Cindy for getting her rides for dr appointments for last few weeks

TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant........................ $1,843.06
A/P Warrant............................. $12,254.02
Ending checkbook balance...................$ 395,727.10

&M Payroll Warrant this week is $1,843.06 (clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, secretary, cleaning lady & road crew)
&M Alflac check for $369.75 out of Payroll
&M 941 Payment for $2,134.61 for June out of payroll
&M A/P this week is $ (NOT DONE-Do you want to meet and sign Wed or Thursday) Wednesday @ 5:30 pm
&M We received a check from School refund $742.63 and MMA for Thorndike Fire Dept for $1000
&M AP Warrant $12,254.02 (Sullivan’s, Thorndike Auto, Ingraham Equipment, PERC, BMV, Me Revenue, Mac’s, KVCOG, Gorham Leasing, Forrest Larrabee, The Sherwin Williams Co., Northern Tools, Coastal Medical, Pioneer Machine)
&M We will be receiving a check from Maine Today Media for being over charged $104.00…
&M Town of Searsmont sent check to Fire Dept for $555.00 for their help in a forest fire.
&M Cindy and I need Ryan to come go over the computers here at office, they are running really slow and I had an issue today with Trio not opening because of something on my computer. Trio got me back up and running…
&M Ron/Steve permission granted for Cindy to contact Ryan from Belfast Computers
Steve/Ron moved to accept and sign the payroll; motion passed.
Steve/Ron moved to sign the A/P warrant on Wednesday @ 5: oo pm; motion passed.
Steve/Ron motion to sign AP Warrant


TOWN CLERK:
Cindy reported:
&M During next regular meeting on July 13th 2015, Municipal Review Comm. Mr. Keene will be here to answer questions about PERC
&M He has also contacted Hilary & Meredith
&M There was 10 chairs still out but not on Cindy's list
&M Ron let fire dept borrow
&M Cindy stated fire dept brought all 10 chairs back while selectmen was in executive session
&M CINDY STATED " Policy needs to be followed and the sign out sheet is on her desk...Please make sure that it is on that list."
&M Cindy had them reserved for the weekend but they weren’t available and Erna had no idea where they were.


GENERAL ASSISTANCE:
&M Poverty Abatement

ROAD COMMISSIONERS:
Ron reported
&M Rust proofing the equipment
&M Painting plows
&M Fluids & drives in loader have been replaced/maintained
&M General Maintenance is being done for future use
&M Dig Safe needs to be contacted before ditching
&M Quote from FC WORKS for Rollins, Mitchell, Smithton & Beaver Ridge Rd (brush cutting & ditching), Davis Rd (Town turn around) (Quote price talked about at meeting will list after all other quotes come in)
&M He will contact others about quotes: Derek Larrabee, Clayton Larrabee and Derek Davis
&M Ron rec'd letter from state on salt and sand shed-final notice about receiving grants
&M Steve/Ron motion to contact state to let them know we are interested.
&M Ron wants to also talk again to Mr. Spaulding about piece of property for sale
&M Rec'd bill from KVCOG for $1057.00, gave to Erna to add to Wednesday night AP
&M Safety Grants approved
&M Eye Wash station-up to 2/3 cost not to exceed $385.99 (completely contained)
&M Signs, Vest and cones- up to $615.47 (they recommend checking with DOT)
&M Steve/Ron motion to spend up to $1400 al together on these items.
&M Hustus Bridge-(Mitchell Road) FEMA culvert grant, Ron will report back at next meeting
&M Can also post the bridge to a weight limit
&M Steve stated it would be great to take to town before next year a cost of last 2 1/2 years, build a budget for 2016 including a long range for upcoming road work, plus the salt and sand shed price. All we need are quotes and what the town will be getting reimbursed. Need building regardless of whether we keep our public works dept...
&M Steve/Ron made motion to let state know we want to get the funding for the salt/sand shed. All in favor
&M Letter from Community Dynamics to come in and give a quote. Ron will contact them and set up a meeting
&M Tom Clay request for gravel on his discontinued road

EXECUTIVE SESSION:
&M 6:35 pm Legal Consultation 1 MRSA 405 6 (E)
&M Poverty Abatement
&M Session ended 7:06 pm
&M No decisions made

ACO:
&M Has been dealing with pot belly pigs

SCHOOL BOARD:
&M Steve reported, if budget the state has been working on is signed into law then we should be getting a reduction in our school cost

SOLID WASTE:
&M MRC has been negotiating with different entities instead of PERC (contract is up in 2018)

HISTORICAL:
Bill Pickford was here to discuss Keene Hall
&M misspelling on lien notice
&M Erna made him a copy of green signature card 2012
&M 2012 certified letter joint tenants, signed by Mark Philbrook
&M 2013 was unclaimed
&M Bill mentioned might have to contact him and get release deed?
&M Erna asked "Why, if we send out to a married couple or two people living together at same address all we have to do is send one certified, to that address with both names that are listed. Why should this be treated any different?"
&M Bill "That's a good point, it should be treated the same. I will take this info back to them so we can get this taken care of."

EMA:
&M Ron called Dale Rowley about the building
&M Generator right now is sitting in the EMA office; there is no gas or oil. Once get building need to get set up and run probably once a month.
&M Steve mentioned a 10x14 building w/ slab so we can also store mowers, weed wackers, etc...
&M Steve will contact Albion about price on sheds

PLANNING BOARD:
&M Steve mentioned that on Saturday July 11th, 2015, Mildred Skidgell will be here for a walk thru on her property.
&M Mildred will call Steve on Friday to confirm time for him to contact planning board and Ron Price.

OLD BUSINESS:
&M Steve stated NO CALL FROM BRW... assuming we should here in next few days if they took it to the state appeals board
&M Ron- Today was BRW last day they could file
&M Steve contacted Black Hills about town Cd...
&M 108 shares value 4798- 3.6% return on dividends.
&M Steve asked them to see when this was started, by whom and if it was listed for what.
&M 2013 Winter Roads $70,682.42
&M w/admin costs $75,882.73
&M w/ salt & sand $101,642.32
&M decided to split cost of truck public works got in 2013
&M separate first column winter roads totals per mile
&M second column summer roads totals per mile
&M third column total of all road work per mile
&M 2014 & 2015 Erna suggested adding in the footnotes that road bond was $86,000
&M Have everything together for a presentation for town people. Try for September
&M Along with quotes & what other towns are paying for winter roads w/ salt & sand. Quotes on building, winter rds plowing, Skidgell Property & Spaulding property.
Unity-2015/2016 for 34 miles $208,000
Albion for 52 miles is $300,000


Steve/Ron motion to recessed meeting 8:35 pm until Wednesday July 1st 2015 @ 5 pm to sign AP Warrant only!!!
Steve/Ron motion to adjourn @ 5:35 pm

Next AP/Warrant signing meeting will be July 6th 2015 @ 6:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be July 13th 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,
Ernestine Keller

Secretary
July 1st info all in RED...


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
June 22nd 2015

AP/PAYROLL WARRANT SIGNING MEETING

Meeting was called to order at 5:55 pm
Present: Ron Price, Ken Overlock, Steve Bennet, Erna Keller, Cindy Abbott, Sallyann Hadyniak, Glenn Sporie, Ron & Barb Littlefield and Blaine Miller.

Minutes:
• June 15th 2015- Ken/Steve motion to accept as written. All in favor

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant………. $1712.56
AP Warrant ……………. $49,484.16
Ending Checkbook Balance………. $ 306,616.42

• Payroll Warrant this week is $1,712.56 (clerk, Deputy clerk, treasurer, cleaning lady and road crew)
• A/P this week is $49,484.16 (CMP, Freedom General, Thorndike Auto, PERC, BMV, Aflac, Fairpoint, AAA, June school payment $45,242, Mac’s, Staples)
• Ending Checkbook balance…………………$306,616.42
• We received a check from Me Revenue Sharing for June $3396.75
• We rec’d new paperwork from school July’s Payment is $49,677.19 (up $4,435.19) then August 2015 thru June 2016 will be $49671.00(increase of $4,429.00) Copy in AP folder-June bill
• Select board Expense Report & General Ledger detail
• Jerry Sullivan called me about an error from PERC... He was contacting them to let them know, I corrected on our paperwork
• Rec'd check from Jim Waterman from Town of Searsmont for the Freedom Fire Dept volunteers that helped on a forrest fire. Jim would like this put into the Fire Dept Capital Improvement Acct
• Steve/Ken motion to sign payrolls and AP warrant in the amounts listed for warrants. All in favor.

Old Business:
Tingley Property
• Blaine Miller is the new owner of property.
• Deed for Tingley Property & copy of survey
• Ken/Steve made motion to sign quit claim deed and give Blaine Miller copy of surveyed deed. All in favor
• Buyer is responsible for recording fee and paying the transfer tax.
• Blaine Miller said "We are willing to keep our property open for hunting, snowmobile trails & Shhepscot trails. If anyone comes to office and asks then just give his name and number."
Abatement Request BRW
• Proposal: BRW turned down
• Ron- 7 1/2 for next 4 years, went 3% thru 2028, low end 40% of original value
• Steve/Ken motion to go with Ron's propsal, if that doesn't work then guess we will have to go to Augusta
• Steve/Ken motion to respond to BRW with 7 1/2% adjustment for 4 years, 3% a tear after until turbines reach 40% of their original value. Ron abstained
• Ron won't vote, but he does support selectmens decision.
• If BRW doesn't accept they will have to have abatement request into state by next Monday.
Clerk:
• Drug testing list there that needs to be submitted if any name changes
• Ron- Take Travis off, he isn't working for town this summer
• Policy on drug testing for elected employees to be discussed when Ken gets back from vacation.
Ken- I would like to say that I am Happy about the sale of Tingley property. With the school budget going up and the BRW abatement I hope that we can use the amount after taking out the expenses to help offset what we will have to raise in taxes.



Ken/Steve Motion to adjourn passed at 7:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be June 29th 2015 @ 6 pm
Next AP/Payroll Warrant signing meeting will be July 6th 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully submitted,
Ernestine Keller

Secretary


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
June 15th 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 pm

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Steve Bennett, Ken Overlock. Also in attendance was Erna, Sallyann Hadyniak, Glenn Sporie, Bob Gerrish, Ron and Barbara Littlefield, Rick Martin, Forest Larrabee, Lee Kinney, Chip Bessey, Cindy Abbott, Charles Omea, Marti Martin, Phil Dow Sr., Wayne Tripp, Joe Freeman and Jim Waterman.

REVIEW MINUTES: Minutes from June 8th 2015 were reviewed. Steve/Ken, made motions, to accept with adjustment to #1- should say 30% and place on file; motions passed.

CITIZEN’S ISSUES: Cindy handed 8 sealed bids to selectmen. Erna also gave them the amount to be covered was $35,052.91 plus Quit Claim costs and their half of transfer tax)
1. Jacques Lebel- Rockland (Bid $60,000 deposit $12,000)
2. Ed Bessey & Son- Hinkley (Bid $76,750 deposit $15,350)
3. Richard Martin- Freedom (Bid $45,000 deposit $9,100)
4. Blaine Miller- N. Anson (Bid $110,000 deposit $22,000)
5. Lee Kinney-Knox (Bid $25,000 deposit $5,000)
6. Wayne Tripp-Frankfort (Bid $61,550 deposit $15,000)
7. Forest Larrabee-Knox (Bid $39,000 deposit $7,800)
8. Wayne Burgess- Belmont NH (Bid $42,777 deposit $8,555.40)
&M Steve/Ron motion to approve or reject any bids, then Cindy will return all other bids to the bidders.
&M Ken- I would like to thank everyone who did bid and was glad to see the local bidders.
&M Ken- I think with our school obligation going up and BRW abatement upcoming, then I recommend taking the highest bidder.
&M Dirigo Timberlands, P.O. Box 481, North Anson, Me. 04958 #4 Blaine Miller
&M Ken-When we went out showing the property people was talking about Income property. I think no matter which one we pick it will be for income opportunities.
&M Steve asked " Do you know him?" to Chip
&M Chip "Yes, he is a good man."
&M Ken- Leave open for discussion
&M Steve- The highest bid would clean up expenses 3 to 1.
&M Ken- I was surprised to see one this high
&M Steve/Ron made motion to accept bid of $110,000 from Blaine Miller of North Anson.
&M All approved
&M Cindy will make copies of all bids and enter money into tomorrow’s deposit.

TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant........................ $3,888.10
A/P Warrant............................. $4,371.63

&M Payroll Warrant this week is $3,888.10 (clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, ballot clerks, fire chief and road crew) Reimbursement from school for school ballots will be $742.63
&M A/P this week is $4371.89 (Freedom General, Thorndike Auto, PERC, BMV, Aflac, Maine State Federation of Fire Fighters, Hutchins, Pitney, Clayton Larrabee, Mac’s, Yeaton’s, CM Pharmacy, MTM, Kelly & Collins, Treasurer -State of Maine-elections, Northeast Truck, Hilltop)

Steve/Ken moved to accept and sign the payroll; motion passed.
Steve/Ken moved to sign the A/P warrant; motion passed.

TOWN CLERK:
Cindy reported:
&M Dates OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED
&M June 25th 2015
&M July 29th 2015
&M August 1st 2015
&M Otherwise than that, Office will be run by Kristy and Abby while I am on vacation

ROAD COMMISSIONERS:
&M Steve brought up that something has happened on the Rollins Road that needs to be discussed but might need to be done in executive session. The three selectmen should talk could lead into a legal issue.
&M Ken stated that it came from a citizen’s complaint.
&M Steve/Ken motion to go and discuss in executive session after more business is done.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:
&M Steve/Ron motion to consult on Rollins Road legal issue @ 8:00 pm
&M Legal Consultation 1 MRSA 405 (6) E
&M Returned @ 8:35 pm
&M Personnel Matters 1MRSA 405 (6) A
&M Met with Glenn Sporie at 8:35 pm
&M returned at 9:00 pm
&M 9-9:35 discuss BRW abatement
&M No decisions was made

CORRESPONDENCE:
&M Letter from Sallyann that was a very nice thank you for helping fix the road.
&M Ron stated that received letter from Peter Coughlin. Help with building the salt and sand shed. There are 20 towns on the list and these towns have 25 months. If towns don't accept there won't be any state funds available after that time frame.
&M Steve: So they will give 40-60%
&M Ron: It is based on the amount of state roads that the town plows during the winter. Around 8 1/2 miles which includes N. Palermo Rd., High Street and Pleasant Street.

DAM COMMITTEE:
&M Steve stated “Tim Biggs and David Bridges will make a report at the next meeting about what happened with the engineer and contractors they met with.

PLANNING BOARD:
&M Steve reported that Bill Pickford took the list he made and relayed it to the planning board for discussion.
&M Skidgells Warehouse
&M Public Works Dept.
&M Steve asked them to look into grants available and he said he would be the liaison between them and select board.
&M Ken asked " What about Skidgells? Mildred still owns that property. If she isn't breaking any laws then the town shouldn't get involved.
&M Steve “Mildred would like to sell the whole thing, between 18-22 acres there. Wants to sell for assessed value 67,000 (building and land)
&M Erna asked “Did the EPA liens get cleared up, Dave said that there was liens on property after they came and cleaned up."
&M Ron “Mildred sold property to Gerry Spaulding and wouldn't have been able to if there was still liens. Mildred said that there was 450,000 liens but are cleared up."
&M Ken- So she is actively wanting to sell
&M Steve- There is a buyer for the 5 acres on right of town property
&M Ron- Knox has that listed as Alan Blueberry Co. I thought. We should check the registry to make sure
&M Steve offered to do that
&M After discussion they decided to look into registry, grants that might help, talk with Mildred about a sale price and how much it might cost to have buildings torn down. It is worth pursuing.
&M Bill requested a walk thru of the property if Mildred would agree.
&M Ken- As long as Mildred agrees because it is her property and we don't want to upset a land owner.
&M Looking for working on an ordinance on abandoned buildings around town.
&M Public Works- It would be worth having to expand if public works is kept. Could sub divide and sell (pallet mills...etc... might be interested, bring jobs to area).
&M Cindy stated “Back when Dave Schofield had been working on Mildred’s, he said that there are a lot of grants that the town could use to get cleaned up.
&M Sallyann asked “How much land is on the dump road."
&M Discussion on portable salt and sand shed, amount of property, pros and cons on keeping or selling town garage.
&M Planning Board met with Jackie Robbins about 1/2 division on N. Palermo Rd
&M Ron- He understands that this is illegal because of the transferring back and forth of property and that the lawyer was supposed to be fixing this mistake. Lawyer wrote the deed up incorrectly.

PUBLIC WORKS:
&M Joe asked "How much has been spent this year?"
&M Ron replied, “$216,900 is budget, summer roads balance is $76,636 and $139,000 winter. Spend around $34,000 for salt and sand
&M Steve Public Works budget vs actual 2014, added URIP
&M Winter Roads per mile w S & S 26 miles $4,408.68
&M W/O S & S 26 miles $3,079.94
&M Steve I know we decided not to use 2013, but I think we should. Also first two quarters of 2015
&M Ron “As long as treasurer doesn't have to do any extra work."
&M Erna" I have already separated 2013 the same way as I had 2014, which I already sent to Steve. He only has to talk the final numbers like he did in 2014. I don't have time to do any extra reports. I have spent hours and hours on these already.
&M Steve " I can use the reports Erna has sent
&M

EMA:
&M Steve stated that Christine contacted 3 items
1) Town won the grant for 15,000 watt portable generator
&M Around a $3000 grant
&M Must be in a building, locking shed.
&M Transfer switch in town office?
&M Ron Yes, in boiler room
&M Has to be built within a month or they won't deliver
&M Ken- It runs 10 hrs. on 16 gallons fuel with electric start
2) Haz Mat Plan- Meeting last Thursday of month in Belfast
&M Selectmen have to attend and be retrained
&M Every 5 years the town has to participate
&M Christine stated that Dave Schofield has a form as CEO that hadn't been done, should of been done every two years
&M Was discussed that Christine talk to old CEO & new to find out and get these papers signed.
3) Christine presented a Dam Plan to the state and said it was rejected.
&M Cindy asked Steve, "Why?"
&M Steve replied “I don't know, she didn't say."
&M Will contact her to have her come to a meeting
Ron- Cindy mentioned these grants for culverts and dates...
&M Winslow Bridge might qualify on Mitchell Road
&M Application has to be in by 7/15 for first session
&M Oct-Jan is second session


OLD BUSINESS:
&M Ron discussion about Rollins Road
&M Ron contacted Jerry Sullivan
&M Jerry apologized for the errors that has happened and has agreed to make sure it doesn't happen again
&M Asplundh working on a road- the Sullivan's drivers didn't go down road. Jerry said this is unacceptable and they should of come after a small truck
&M Steve/Ron made motion to propose to BRW 7 1/2% for 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018. Totaling 30%. From then a 3% a year until they reach a 30% floor. Also asking BRW to donate to town $6000 per turbine per year, for town to use as they see fit. In Lieu of
&M All in favor
&M Ken - Ask them to respond ASAP. I am leaving for Colorado
&M We will discuss at next AP/Payroll meeting if we hear back from BRW

NEW BUSINESS:
&M MMA training Elected Officials Training on Wednesday, July 29th 2015. Cost is $55 for each selectmen. Steve would like to go. Ken and Ron might be interested
&M Ron/Ken motion for any selectmen who wants to attend to sign up and go. Town will cover the cost of $55 each. All approved

Ken/Ron motion to adjourn meeting 9:48 pm

Next AP/Payroll Warrant signing meeting will be June 22nd 2015 @ 6:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be June 29th 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Secretary
Ernestine Keller


APPROVED MINUTES//FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
June 8th 2015

AP/PAYROLL WARRANT SIGNING MEETING

Meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm

Present: Ron Price, Ken Overlock, Steve Bennett, Erna Keller, Lorainne Overlock, Wilson Hess, Frances Walker, Bob Gerrish, Ron & Barb Littlefield, Sallyann Hadyniak, Mike Rogers, Clara & Drew Fales, Tim Biggs and Jim Waterman.

Minutes for review:
• June 1st 2015
• Steve/Ken accept minutes and place on file

Citizens Issues:
BRW Abatement
• Steve made a handout With the expected Life of the Turbines Value 2028
• #1. BRW: 30% abatement for 2014-5% straight line depreciation per year beginning 2015-2028 0%
• #2. Town Response: No abatement for 2014-5% depreciation for 2015 valuation adjusted each year... BASED ON FERC 95% or less
• #3. BRW: 5% abatement for 2014-7.5% S/L depreciation per yr 2015-2018 -5% S/L depreciation per year beginning in 2009 until turbines have reached 30% of original value in 2025 $2,961,603 30%
• #4. Scenario #1: 5% abatement for 2014-5% depreciation for 2015- adjust valuation each year based upon FERC report 90% or less
• #5. Scenario #2: 5% depreciation for 2015-2% declining depreciation per year beginning 2016 thru 2028- Value in 2028 would be $7,211,161
• #6. Scenario #3: 18% abatement for 2014 (3% per year)-3% S/L beginning 2015 thru 2028 Value in 2028 would be $2,961,603
• #7.Scenario #4: 5% abatement for 2014- 3% S/L beginning 2015 thru 2024 10% S/L beginning 2025 thru 2028 Value in 2028 would be $2,961,603
• #8.Scenario #5: 0% for 2014 abatement- 7.5% 2015 thru 2018- co funded audit for 2019 valuation
• #9.Scenario #6: 0% for 2014- 15% depreciation for 2015 co funded audit for 2016 valuation

• Ron explained : We invited Mike Rogers to come and explain the process of the state board of appeals...
• Ron to Mike: So did you say that the state appraises unorganized towns @ 5% using the income approach
• Mike- Yes, thats correct. Washington County Stimulus money is 30% off the value ... Up front Production credit is then gone
• Steve- So the US Treasury paid them 30% up front for the project
• Mike- If a project is in a TIF then there is not alot of incentive because County is having a hard time because of UT would pay a higher tax . No TIF no help to the taxpayer
• Steve- TIF, ITC 5% State & Federal depreciation
• Ron- Do all unorganized towns have TIF's ? They aren't the same as Freedom.
• Mike- Yes, thats correct
• Ken to Mike- If town decides to go to Augusta how do you think we would stand?
• Mike- They are like a low level district court. BRW would show up with their lawyers and alot of info., such as other towns depreciation ... Woodstock, Rocksbury & Carthage
• They have more turbines but are similar
• Steve- Only 4 towns that don't have TIF's, no UT projects without TIF's
• Ron- Whats the benefits besides the tax
• Mike- Community benefit fund... Only 3 turbines so Freedom didn't get this set up.
• Steve- What do these other towns do?
• Mike- $4000 per year per turbines, Oakfield has a very generous community fund
• Steve- Towns hosting their lines, they get a community fund?
• Mike- Hustus gets $20,000
• Steve- Woodstock 3% to 5%
• Mike- Min. of 3% depreciation
• Carthage - new project nothing decided yet looking at between 3 & 5%
• Rocksbury- 3% for set no yrs
• Bob Gerrish- How many other windmill projects have language of decommision fund?
• Can we do an abatement/depreciation and ask for a decommision fund to be set up?
• Also why does the town have to depreciate them
• Mike- Houses there are sales to go by
• Why would the town want to get into years of litigation, BRW will be the only ones who will conquer are the attorneys...
• Sudden & Severe Law on the books. You will pay and this would help with the impact. The school could take up to 5 years to feel the impact
• Title 36: TAXATION
• Part 2: PROPERTY TAXES
• Chapter 101: GENERAL PROVISIONS
• Subchapter 1: POWERS AND DUTIES OF STATE TAX ASSESSOR
• §208-A. Adjustment for sudden and severe disruption of valuation
• 1. Request for adjustment. A municipality that has experienced a sudden and severe disruption in its municipal valuation may request an adjustment to the equalized valuation determined by the State Tax Assessor under section 208 for the purposes of calculating distributions of education funding under Title 20-A, chapter 606-B and state-municipal revenue sharing under Title 30-A, section 5681. A municipality requesting an adjustment under this section must file a petition, with supporting documentation, with the State Tax Assessor by March 31st of the year following the tax year in which the sudden and severe disruption occurred and indicate the time period for which adjustments to distributions are requested under subsection 5.
• 2. Sudden and severe disruption. A municipality experiences a sudden and severe disruption in its municipal valuation if:
• A. The municipality experiences a net reduction in equalized municipal valuation of at least 2% from the equalized municipal valuation that would apply without adjustment under this section; [2013, c. 368, Pt. O, §3 (AMD); 2013, c. 368, Pt. O, §11 (AFF); 2013, c. 385, §§1, 3 (AFF); 2013, c. 544, §§6, 7 (AFF).]
• B. The net reduction in equalized municipal valuation is attributable to the cessation of business operations, removal, functional or economic obsolescence not due to short-term market volatility or destruction of or damage to property resulting from disaster attributable to a single taxpayer that occurred in or was not reasonably determinable until the prior tax year; and [2013
• C. The municipality's equalized tax rate of residential property exceeds the state average. [2007, c. 322, §2 (RPR).]
• For purposes of this subsection, "removal" does not include property that was present in the municipality for less than 24 months. This subsection does not apply to property acquired by a municipality that otherwise could seek relief pursuant to this section.
• 3. Procedure. A municipality may request an adjustment under this section by filing a petition with the State Tax Assessor in accordance with this subsection.
• A. The municipality, on forms prescribed by the State Tax Assessor, shall identify a net reduction in equalized municipal valuation of at least 2% of the municipality's equalized value attributable to the property of a single taxpayer, the date of the loss and the cause of the loss. The municipality must include an appraisal report prepared by a qualified professional appraiser with respect to the property responsible for the loss that shows the value of the property immediately prior to the loss and the value of the property following the loss. The appraisal report must include a summary of the appraiser's consideration of the cost, income capitalization and sales comparison approaches to the value of the property. The municipality is required to provide any other documentation to support its claim as determined by the State Tax Assessor, including, if requested, all records associated with the municipality's assessment of the property subject to the requested adjustment for the 3-year period prior to the date of the reduction in valuation.
• For purposes of this paragraph, "qualified professional appraiser" means an individual who has at least 5 years' experience determining the just value of real and personal property of the commercial and industrial type using the 3 standard methods of valuation and who attests in writing to the State Tax Assessor that the individual has a current working knowledge of the application of the 3 standard methods of valuation to real and personal property of the commercial and industrial type and:
• (1) Is a certified general real property appraiser licensed under Title 32, chapter 124; or
• (2) Is an assessor certified under Title 36, section 310. [2013, c. 368, Pt. O, §4 (NEW); 2013, c. 368, Pt. O, §11 (AFF); 2013, c. 385, §§1, 3 (AFF); 2013, c. 544, §§6, 7 (AFF).]
• B. The State Tax Assessor shall examine the documentation provided by the municipality and determine whether the municipality qualifies for an adjustment under this section. [2013, c. 368, Pt. O, §4 (NEW); 2013, c. 368, Pt. O, §11 (AFF); 2013, c. 385, §§1, 3 (AFF); 2013, c. 544, §§6, 7 (AFF).]
• C. If the State Tax Assessor determines that a municipality qualifies for an adjustment under this section, the State Tax Assessor shall calculate the amount of the adjustment for the municipality by determining the amount by which the state valuation determined under section 208 would be reduced as a result of the net sudden and severe disruption of equalized municipal valuation for the state valuations to be used in the next fiscal year by the Commissioner of Education and the Treasurer of State. The State Tax Assessor shall adjust subsequent state valuations until such time as the state valuation recognizes the loss. The State Tax Assessor may limit the time period or amount of adjustment to reflect the circumstances of the sudden and severe loss of valuation. [2013, c. 368, Pt. O, §4 (NEW); 2013, c. 368, Pt. O, §11 (AFF); 2013, c. 385, §§1, 3 (AFF); 2013, c. 544
• 4. Notifications. After review of the claim, the State Tax Assessor, in writing, shall approve or deny, in whole or in part, the adjustment requested.
• A. The written decision must include the findings of fact upon which the decision is based. Notwithstanding section 151, the State Tax Assessor's written determination constitutes final agency action that is subject to review by the Superior Court in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, except that Title 5, section 11006 does not apply. [2013, c. 368, Pt. O, §5 (NEW); 2013, c. 368, Pt. O, §11 (AFF); 2013, c. 385, §§1, 3 (AFF); 2013, c. 544, §§6, 7 (AFF).]
• B. Within 30 days of providing the municipality the written determination denying, in whole or in part, a claim for adjustment, the State Tax Assessor shall provide a copy of the denial letter to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over taxation matters. [2013, c. 368, Pt. O, §5 (NEW); 2013, c. 368, Pt. O, §11 (AFF); 2013, c. 385, §§1, 3 (AFF); 2013, c. 544, §§6, 7 (AFF).]
• C. The State Tax Assessor shall notify the Commissioner of Education and the Treasurer of State of any adjustment to state valuation determined under this section and the time period to which the adjustment applies.
• 5. Effect of modified state valuation. The determination of an adjustment to state valuation has the following effect.
• A. The Commissioner of Education shall use the adjusted state valuation amount instead of the valuation certified under section 305 in calculating education funding obligations for the following fiscal year. [2013, c. 368, Pt. O, §6 (AMD); 2013, c. 368, Pt. O, §11 (AFF); 2013, c. 385, §§1, 3 (AFF); 2013, c. 544, §§6, 7 (AFF).]
• B. The Treasurer of State shall use the adjusted state valuation amount instead of the valuation certified under section 305 in calculating distributions of state-municipal revenue sharing for the following fiscal year.
• 6. Report. By February 1st, annually, the State Tax Assessor shall submit a report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over taxation matters identifying all requests for adjustment of equalized valuation under this section during the previous calendar year, the assessor's determination regarding each request and the amount of any payments made by the Commissioner of Education under subsection 5, paragraph A.
• Mike: 3 approachs
• Cost
• Income
• Market
• 3 Prev yrs of loss, Have to have 2% loss net value
• Steve- 5 yrs end of life
• Mike- Yr preceeding most recent evaluation, Avg 3 preceeding yr, precceding current evaluation
• 2013 tax rate for 12,13 & 14 for the school
• Steve- 21st year (We would avg 18,19 & 20th yr)
• Mike- No- for state funding, 5 yrs for school
• It would take up to the 26th yr for the town to recognize any loss
• If they disappeared in 2026 than it would take 5 yrs after that
• Steve- In 2028 if we valued thenm at 7 million
• Mike- It would take 5 yrs... Slowly a third at a time. 3 yr avg normally 2 yrs for the state
• Steve- 7 million dollar valuation in 2029
• Mike- It would be 1/3 at a time
• Steve- If we keep this valuation
• Wilson- 20 yr life in accounting life or obsolete
• Mike- Engineers useful life
• Wilson- Rolling stock, so accounting life, no history yet. They might disappear in 21 yrs
• Mike- We don't know they could go more then that 20 yrs life expectency, maybe 25 to 30.
• Wilson- So 20 yrs is an illustration. Really nothing to base this on
• Steve- Func Obsolete, they say 20 yrs. So they want 5% for 20 yrs to 0%
• Mike- 30% operating, use a floor
• Wilson- Race to the bottom, then stop at a floor
• Steve- Depreciate down to 0%
• Wilson-For accounting purposes
• Ron- I thought BRW said 30% was the floor they was looking for
• Ken- That is what I recollect too, 30%.
• Wilson- So the selectmen need to decide what year they want to get to this floor of 30%
• Mike- The town wants to think about depreciating or in the future you are setting the town up for a huge cliff.
• Ken- So we need to meet as selectmen and then get a representative with BRW to negotiate or are we thinking about going to the state.
• Mike- I don't think the town would want to go to state, Thye run it like a court. The selectboard shouldn't go their without their lawyer, don't represent yourselves.
• Frances- Out of the surrounding towns who will hit the 20 yr first?
• Mike- Mars Hill, 1 yr b4 Freedom. So after their TIF they get $500,000
• Ron- So after their TIF is up they hit a cliff.
• Wilson- That's what they plan on.
• Steve- 5% a yr to a 30% floor, would be a 3 1/2 million valuation
• Mike- I believe you would qualify to get a sudden and severe
• Mill towns- The values gone, towns are now hitting a huge cliff. Huge spike in the mill rate because their never depreciated the mills.
• Ken- If we negotiate here with BRW. Then we would have an agreement not a contract.
• Mike- Discuss and record the agreement
• Ken- Can BRW or town appeal if lose in the state of appeals?
• Mike- Yes
• Tim Biggs- As long as they are standing can we bill them at 30% until they are removed?
• Mike- As long as they are producing. They talk about fatigue after 20-25 years. Possibilty of them coming apart
• Bob- That has always been my concern too... Safety
• Wilson- Set up a community fund
• Mike- Some towns get $4000 to $7000 per turbine
• Steve- Windmill expediting Law
• Wilson- Is there anything on the books saying that the town can do this?
• Mike- I don't think there is anything stating the town can't
• Wilson- So we could make an agreement for going forward.
• Tim- Drop valuation then it wouldn't be such a drastic bump
• Wilson- Agreement for the next 14 yrs and maybe a gift (electricity or fund)maybe future selectmen would consider this a gift and work with them.
• Mike- Roxbury, Pays the taxpayers part of their electricity.
• Unfortunately, the law has changed drastically
• Steve- 2008 law is in affect
• Mike- The tirbines didn't meet the 4.5 prod
• Ken-Steve has there been any response from BRW on the 2 proposals.
• Steve- Might not ask for an abatement but want to get 7 1/2% depreciation, 15% this year
• Ken- 15% is 27,000
• Ken- I think this meeting has been very helpful. I think the selectmen need to meet and decide what we want to present to BRW
• Steve- Even with what they are suggesting that would still leave us with 3 1/2 million at the tail end.
• Mike- You would then qualify for Sudden & Severe
• If they are operating on April 1st then useful, value remains 3 1/2 million
• Steve- Hope then they take them down and its still in affect
• Mike- It should be almost an immediate impact on state valuation, state has a rainy day fund
• I think in the future they are going to help the towns that have had to deal with these comm real estates
• Executive branch doing due diligence for the taxpayers of Maine.
• Frances- What happens if they don't take down the turbines?
• Mike- They have salvage value
• Ron- Own family would take and make the decision since they are on our property, maybe salvage, we would decide.
• Mike- The town could take the landowner to court about having them removed.
• Steve- Let's get back to Bob's question about BRW.
• Mike- Accurate market value, First Wind sold mostly stock and a ton of debt. They have projects all the way to Hawaii.
• Steve- How do we respond to their request?
• Mike- Have them show you ... (Business equipment that is attched to the ground is actually what they are)
• The project didn't creat any jobs and 1996 BETE law passed public utilities
• Wilson- Steve asked about a decommision being taken off the value. Ron made the statement that he might not want to live with them. So maybe a policy is what we need, move forward and ask about the decommission be funded.
• Ken- We haven't had much structure, and there seems to be no business plan.
• Lorainne-Profitable... Are they losing profit or is it increasing every year?
• Ken- No they are not making more profit.
• Lorainne- Set up an Escrow acct for the future
• Ken- Yes, we need to plan for the future
• Steve- So are we getting anywhere?
• Frances- Why can't we charge them?
• Mike- Income approach, 3 year average. There will be a major spike in the future. I would hate to see the town not deal with this issue and get stuck with a major spike. A TIF actually shelters a town from the state valuation.
• Tim- So i guess we should of instituted the income approach from the start. If we had a plan in place from the beginning when they came to town.
• Mike- Income - expenses. In 10 years they get to 30%. (Economic obsolescence because of the project being paid upfront)
• Ken- 5% ... For the last 6 years we didn't give anything because they didn't ask.
• Mike- 3% a year for 6 years plus this year brings you up to 21%
• Steve- So no abatement but 21% this year?
• Mike- That would get the abatement off the table
• Wilson- Adjustment
• Mike- I would offer them the 3% a year
• Ken- That figures out to $39,389
• Ron- Plus school budget this year if passes is going up $53,000
• Mike- The timing is very poor but I don't see the town doing nothing.
• Ken- I just feel we are doing to much at once.
• Steve- The way they are requesting it would be a loss of $14,000 a year in taxes over the next 4 years.
• Mike- If you go with the smaller amount then it would disappear alot slower off the books. That means the school valuation would also be at the slower pace too.
• Ken- 30% would be the floor.
• Wilson- It definately sounds like the selectmen are trying to do what is best for the town and weighing all their options.
• Ken- I propose that the 3 of us meet and work on this project, then bring it back to the public.
• Bob- I think scenario # 6 is the best option. It would be 21% for 2015 adjustment.
• Mike- That would be a big hit this year, you would have to see if you qualify for the sudden and severe.
• Steve- I think # 8
• Mike- # 8 would effect school funding
• Ken- 2018 is when we would see the biggest adjustment but I think the best option is #6
• Make an agreement for a log term depreciation
• Ron- If we go with the 21% then we could do the sudden and severe
• Mike- Yes, It is more than 2% of state valuation. The company didn't request it from the start and now the depreciation will be a big hit.
• Tim/Ken thinks it might gamble be a with an appraisor.
• Wilson- suggests making this legislation
• Mike- Towns are being sold a bill of goods, legislators are now more interested in helping these towns. You just can't be sure of the political winds changing.
• Wilson- Take the models in front of you, put them on a spreadsheet by year, see what the school impact would be. Then decide what would be best.
• Ken- Does this affect the county tax?
• Ron/Mike- the state valuation is used for their budget
• Ken- So if we take the bigger hit then it would affect our county tax portion faster
• Ron- yes it would
• Ken- Thank you Mike for coming out and talking with us. It sounds like our best option is to negotiate with them here and not go to Augusta.
• Mike- You are welcome. Hope it helped. Yes, you are definately better off negotiating and not going to Augusta. It is very costly


TREASURER’S REPORT:

Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant………. ..$4,937.88
AP Warrant ……………. $17,084.93

• Payroll Warrant this week is $4937.88 (clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, selectmen, aco, lpi & ceo, assessor and road crew)
• A/P this week is $17084.93
• We received a check from Black Hills $43.74, a refund check from Aflac for Christine Spaulding an overpayment of $6.24…(her check is in ap warrant)
• I voided check for State of Maine-Revenue for $1501.36 and am reissueing a check to Maine Revenue $1249.50 on this ap warrant
• There is an updated copy of Tingley property for each of you
• Ken- Aflac payment…
• PLEASE MENTION TO BOB AND GLENN… I need gallons on their slips…
• Ken/Steve moved to sign payrolls and AP warrant. All in favor.

Fire Chief:
• There was a fire call here Saturday night at midnight. Ken came and let us in. The monitors had dust in them and need to be cleaned
• Cindy will call Seacoast about having them come for a maintenance call
• This Saturday is the BBQ for the hike at fire dept. The BBQ is open to the public and will be $8.00 a plate, we will also have hot dogs for the kids. All the money raised goes to the VETERANS....
Dam Committee:
• Tim Biggs was happy to give the Dam drwings to the selectmen
• June 15th at 4:00 pm there will be a site meeting and hope the selectmen can come join them
• Tim stated "Dave and I are quite happy with the changes ."

Old Business:
Tingley Property:
• Steve- Received a phone call from someone interested in having someone take him thru the property
• Ken- It is quite a walk, I can meet with him and get him started from the Rollins Road
• Steve sent him a PDF of the survey
• Ken- I am available any night after 5, it should be soon since bids are being opened Monday night. Just give him my number
• Steve- His name is Brandt Windsor
• Ken-We should make the copies of the forestry survey that Ron suggested and add it to the towns website
• Erna will send to Sallyann and Frances
• Ken- Will be available Thursday night at 6 pm to do a site visit. He will meet anyone interested at the end of the improved section of the Rollins Road. If interested contact Ken 322-8700
• Erna will send info to Sallyann, Frances and add to facebook.
Public works:
• Steve went over his figures with the selectmen
• Had questions for Erna
• Discussion on where to add depreciation & replacement cost
• Decided not to go back and use 2013. Just use 2014 and 2015 cost
• Erna will have a print out next meeting for selectmen to look over


Motion to adjourn passed at 8:55 pm
Next Regular meeting will be June 15th 2015 @ 6 pm
Next AP/Payroll Warrant signing meeting will be June 22nd 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Ernestine Keller
Secretary


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
June 1st 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 pm

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Steve Bennett, Ken Overlock. Also in attendance was Erna Keller, Cindy Abbott, Sallyann Hadyniak, Jacki Robbins, Clara & Drew Fales, Frances Walker, Bob Gerrish, Gunner Woods, Ron Littlefield, Marianne Bennett, Myrick Cross, Tim Biggs, Jim Waterman, Brian Jones and Todd Presson (BRW).

REVIEW MINUTES: Minutes from May 25th were reviewed. Ken/Steve, made motions, to accept as written and place on file; motions passed.

CITIZEN’S ISSUES:
BRW ABATEMENT:
• Ron- I understand fully why this needs to addressed. I have come up with a proposal for everyone to look at.
• 5% reduction in this years valuation
• then 2% off valuation every year until 2029
• This schedule reduces the value of the project over 20 years by 28%
• This almost parallels the states valuation for our town every year
• The states high value was 61,050,000 million in 2012 and has gone down to 57,550,000 million in 2014.
• This years state valuation is $57,850,000.00
• I came up with this because I think BRW is looking for a depreciation yearly. I didn't go right back to the start but used a method of offering a depreciation without the town suffering
• Frances asked- Can we revaluate if inflation?
• Ron-Not sure how to answer that. I guess in the future either side would be able to come back to negotiate a new offer.
• Todd-Predictability for the town and BRW makes a difference.
• Jackie- This is only good for a year without a town vote
• Todd- predictability, if value methods are used
• Gunner- As a taxpayer, this is very reasonable if BRW would accept. Then I would say yes and thank you
• Jackie- I think where we differ is that BRW wants to catch up on what they think the depreciation is. If we go to the state board of appeals they deal with the abatement at hand. They don't go back and they don't go forward.
• Todd- We are looking at 30%
• Jackie- That won't come in to play with the state
• Steve- 2% next year and 5% last year, maybe tweak it some. Todd what do you suggest?
• Jackie- There is an assumption that this probably won't get to the state this year before tax bills go out.
• Todd- an impact on current year 2014
• Steve- What if we added the 5% for 2014 abatement then go forward
• Todd- assume they are worn out @ 20 years then they wont be worth 60% over the expected lifetime.
• Steve- How about we tweak it by a 2% straight line depreciation a year
• Jackie asked Todd- At what point would you be willing to not ask for an abatement?
• Todd- In 2015 we would need more than the 5%, expectency of something to go forward with, we need to do something.
• Ken- you are right that there is a lerch but the town didn't creat this problem.
• Sallyann- Not trying to be disrespectful, but BRW didn't ask for it in the past and its not fair to expect it all at once. The town can't afford that.
• Jackie- What we are talking about has to stay with value. They was ok with it before according to BRW spokesman that was here
• Todd- He was way outside his authority
• Bob- Every house in town has lost value. The appraisal on my house is less then what the town has it valued. Maybe the town should take 10% off everyones taxes
• Jackie- True statement. One way could be take 5% off everyones value. So far any abatements that was requested because of the wind mills depreciating the value of their houses, I have refused.. It is based on sales and unfortunately we haven't had any to go by which is troubling.
• Ken- I agree with that
• Jackie- This could be done but that would increase the mill rate so that everyone would still end up paying the same. Which isn't fair. Bob has a legitimate point
• Todd- I don't agree that the town has dropped because of the windmills
• Bob- Your appraisal people came and their appraisal was less then what the town appraises my house at
• Todd- I don't think that has anything to do with the wind project
• Jackie- We can't prove his house is less or that the wind turbines should be less. There are no sales to prove this.
• Todd- He has sales
• Jackie- No, there has been 1 sale and that isnt enough to go on, in the same town under the same circumstances
• Todd- a commercial property is different, it isn't done as a residential. Other methods are used such as income method & cost method
• Jackie- There aren't any comparable sales.
• Steve- There should be concideration of tax credits and other items.
• Bob- The first appraiser stated that they couldn't do appraisal- cuz of windmills
• second appraiser-Would do apparisal without factoring them in
• The property beside me sold and I was told that I would be very lucky to get 100% of value because we are so close to the turbines.
• Brian- 3 methods of value to be considered. What is the problem using the income approach & cost of construction
• Subtracting the cost of dismantling
• Jackie- Todd what is the bottomline if we said No to the 2014 abatement
• Todd- If we could waiver then I think the higher number in 2015 would have to be 7 1/2%
• Need to take into account the analysis and technical info
• 2 sources of info -Lifespan of turbines
• Agree on the lifespan and bottom value
• Jackie- What would it take to get rid of 2014 and to start from 2015. We could always just go to the state and take our chances. Y isn't it worth it.
• Steve- I drafted a letter for everyone to look at. One with 5% abatement and one without. We are looking for the least amount of impact on the town and would like to avaoid the state board and the cost of attorneys and the assessor. (Costing the town extra money)
• Assess property-manual-cost approach, market value(homes) or income approach
• There is also a list of nubers from FERC ( production in 2014 was 95% compared to the first year)
• Tim- Does repair cost come into play?
• Steve- NO if you repair your equipment, that is up keep
• Tim- So you are talking income approach - expenses
• Todd- Cash In-expenses= income approach . Thats what you get left with. You need this for a bank loan
• Jackie- That is Capital... How about where the tax credits come in to affect
• Clara- Thats for income tax purposes
• Todd- Yes, we do get tax credits for another few years. We can be an open book with the town, just not with the whole world. We don't need our competitors getting this info.
• Steve- They are still a piece of machinery, which if you maintain then take off value, doesn't seem fair to me.
• Todd-Salvage Value, small cost, expected revenue and expenses
• Brian-Income approach- complex, tax credits come and go. Steve's is net income, Ken's comment 3 weeks ago never got answered. Which was: What is the business plan you had and going forward? Loss of tax credits and when you loss them.
• Todd- 10 yrs of tax credits, they will be ending soon
• Brian- So that will affect the net income and is that why you are asking for potential depreciation
• Todd- It is a piece of equipment that depreciates, thats why we are asking.
• Brian- Real equipment and real property
• Steve- According to the state they are Industrial Real Estate
• Todd- I agree with getting together with Mike Rogers and BRW will do full disclosure.
• Jackie- So where does this leave us?
• Todd- Well if the selectmen agree then we will meet with Mike Rogers and do the income approach.
• Clara- I think the selectmen have done their homework and they don;t need a lawyer, you have the facts. Clearly they didn't ask for this on the onset. It was definately poor planning on their part. Let BRW go to the state and appeal your decision. We are not a corporate loop hole for BRW and can't be bullied.
• Todd- BRW didn't file for an abatement because we will let it go when the valuation went up. The town has benefitted from years of us here.
• The change now is it needs to be where it should be. We will work with the town to make it less painful.
• Steve- I can see your arguement but you don't know whether it should be 60% 70%.. and 20% is arbitrary.
• Todd- Wind will very so you base the value on the project life. They are income producing machines and if there is no income they are not worth a thing.
• Erna- This year wind turbines income should be running very high with all the windy days we have had. This is the windiest year so far.
• Ken- A few moments ago you said that you wasn't going back but your first letter you requested 30% and the second letter was 7 1/2%
• Todd- Tax full value in the past, even thou the value has decreased every year.
• Ken- So BRW is trying to get back to what they think it is worth.
• Steve-Jackie- Straight line depreciation
• Jackie- so you are only willing to start at 30% depreciation
• Brian- The problem we had was we had to sign a confidentiality , so went to a 3rd party. This was RHR Smith the auditor.
• Ken- So we have been attempting to work with BRW and so far we are still not on the same page.
• I don't get money off if I up keep and of my machinery for my business but you feel that you are different and should be treated differently.
• I was hoping with this meeting to get a little structure and see where the tax payers stand
• Will the state help with going forward and the structure that should be followed?
• Jackie- NO, the state won't give you any of that information.
• Clara- We have the leveredge if it goes to the state.
• Steve- Did you agree to a protocol?
• Todd- NO, there is no formal agreement
• Steve-Having low end percentage for 20 years
• Todd- No agreement just trying to get the cost
• Steve- If we hired an auditor would BRW split the cost?
• Jackie- Do we have to disclose the value if we pay for auditor? We can do a theoretical with Mike Rogers and get a cost.
• Ken- I am asking for a show of hands at this point for see where we stand?
• 7- Go to state of appeal and take our chances
• 8- Hold a meeting with Mike Rogers. (theoretica)
• Steve- If we meet with Mike Rogers that doesn't mean we are agreeing with what he says.
• Clara- This a good faith gesture.
• Gunner- The performance approach doesn't factor in when the cost of electricity goes up does it?
• Todd- We are at a set rate for the next 8 years. After that they could apply a higher discount rate. That would be determined in the future after the contract
• Tim- As tight lipped as Mike Rogers was the last time here I don't think he will help
• Jackie- Hyperthetically is all he will say, using the info that BRW gives he will say well this could be a possibility, or this.Mike said he will not a definate answer, but he could tell what other towns are doing.
• Steve- So is this a confidential meeting?
• Ken- I think the public should be involved or I won't be.
• Jackie- I can call Mike to get what his opinion is and the dynamics.
• Steve- Todd would you agree to this type of meeting with the public being involved?
• Todd- Yes, BRW will meet with Mike Rogers, the selectmen and the public.
• Ken- So have we moved towards this meeting with Mike to have Jackie contact him? Try for next Monday night
• All agreed...
• Jackie- I will contact Mike and see how fast we can do this and if Monday night is possible.
• Ron- From the towns point of view, tax bils will be going out soon. If we can't get this taken care out BRW will be paying full value and then asking for an abatement for 2015 too.
• Cindy- Just a reminder that elections are the next day so you will have to meet on the other side so we can have this area all set up.
• Tim- Last time selectmen went to Augusta to meet with Mike Rogers, will you be doing that again?
• Ken/Steve made motion: We will contact Mike Rogers about meeting next Monday night here and it will be open to the public. All agreed

TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant........................ $1943.61
A/P Warrant............................. $5655.74
Ending checkbook balance....$336,604.02

• Payroll Warrant this week is $1943.61 (clerk, treasurer, secretary, cleaning lady & road crew) Also was Aflac & Bank of Maine which was taken out of AP Trust $2730.85 all paperwork is attached to checks (total $4,210.71)
• A/P this week is $5655.74 (Thorndike Auto, Ingraham’s, PERC, BMV, Searsport Flags, Gorham Leasing, Bank of Maine, Kenn Jour/Morning Sentinel, Bangor Daily & Hilltop)
• Ending Checkbook balance……$342,259.76 less AP 5655.74= 336,604.02
• We received a check from USPS for May Rent $630.00
• Cost on Tingley Property so far is up to $34,467.41
• Ken-Need to look up minutes from when Tom Carroll was here and made that staement, maybe it was in writing or on tape.

Steve/Ken moved to accept and sign the payroll; motion passed.
Ken/Steve moved to sign the A/P warrant; motion passed.

TOWN CLERK:
Cindy reported:
• GA that needs attention in executive session

FIRE DEPT:
• Jim stated, He is not sure what will have to be done with Thorndike Fire Dept about the truck and how to get this taken care of.
• Ken- Did you file the insurance claim?
• Jim- Yes, I did it over the phone.
• Ken- We need to draft a letter to Thorndike, they have been sent the information from MMA.
• Cindy- Will contact MMA on if they have heard from Thorndike and where town should go with this.
• Jim- We need to ored turnout gear we have a new fireman who is 6'4.
• Jim- There is also a new address... 22 Hutchins Lane

GENERAL ASSISTANCE:
• Cindy discussed with selectmen a new application. Items will be on next warrant

EXECUTIVE SESSION:
• Ron/Ken motion to go into session at 7:49 pm for a Discuss Confidentail Records 1 MRSA 405 (6) F
• Out of session @ 7:59 pm
• No decisions made

OLD BUSINESS:
Tingley Property:
• Advertised in all 3 papers this weekend
• Ron- It is also on Craig's List
• Tim Roi has contacted Cindy and Erna. He has asked Marianne Bennett to get info from Cindy.
• Steve said Tim Roi is very interested in property. He called him to say our language in bid info states that a person has 30 days, this might limit some people because banks are now requesting 45-60 days. 45 days min for banks and 60 days for credit unions
• Ron- I understand this , something to look at in the future. We will continue as planned. We don't neccesailary have to accept any bids, we can refuse them. But it sounds like there is plenty of interest.
• Erna- I am hearing this from alot of people and giving out packets even at the store. I have had people say that they have been there most of the day looking around on the property. Very positive feedback.
• Cindy- I have had steady calls and people in about getting the packets we made up..
Public Works:
• Steve handed out a sheet with the numbers from 2014 winter and summers roads (This is the info that Erna presented to Ken, Ron and Clint when looking at last years budget and talking about contracted services) Erna and Steve has worked together updating this list by adding payroll taxes and trying to get to one sheet.
• Erna will send Steve the 2013 info like she did the 2014. Steve will put into 1 page like the 2014. This will give the people a chance to see what was actually spent on winters roads vs contracting out to bid.
• Erna- The payroll taxes will take a little bit to do but she will get it to him
• Discussion on numbers Steve has and what needs to be removed
• Remove heating, insurance, road sand and salt... Since even if contracted out will still be needed.
• Add depreciation on 3 trucks & loader, contact auditor to get this info
• For 2014 it cost for 26 miles around 3,300 a mile before removal of items above.

NEW BUSINESS:
• Myrick Cross has encouraged everyone to come and meet the new candidate for superintendant, Wednesday night @ 6:00 pm. His name is Paul Austin from Nobleboro.
• Ken- Is he going to commute from Nobleboro?
• Maybe he is interested in 181.6 acres

Ken/Ron motion to adjourn meeting 9:00 pm

Next AP/Warrant signing meeting will be June 8th @ 6:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be June 15th @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Secretary
Ernestine Keller


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
May 18, 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 p.m.

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Ken Overlock and Steve Bennett. Also in attendance was Erna Keller, Cindy Abbott, Bob Gerrish, Ron Littlefield, Jon Willette, Sallyann Hadyniak, Drew Fales, Jennifer Carriere and Jim Waterman. Gerald Spaulding came in at 7:40 pm for meeting with selectmen.

REVIEW MINUTES: Minutes from
• 4/27/2015 BRW were reviewed (recessed until 6pm.
• 4/27/15 AP/Payroll Meeting (Steve didn't vote-he wasn't there)
• 5/4/2015 Regular Meeting
• 5/11/2015 AP/Payroll Meeting
• Ken/Ron made motion, to accept all as written and place on file; motions passed. All in favor

CITIZEN’S ISSUES:
• Ron Littlefield asked when will grader be in town?
• Ron Price replied, Davis and Rollins are already done. He will be working on rest in next few days.
• Bob Gerrish- Sullivan's has no consistency in their times to pick up. Sometimes it is early, sometimes really late or not at all.
• Ken Overlock stated he also has has several complaints. One was from Ron Porter.
• Ron Price said we definately need more consistency in the times. I will contact Sullivan's.
• Cindy also said please asked them to call if they are going to be late, so when I get calls I know what to tell them.
• Ron said Jerry Sullivan also mentioned that he would like to meet with the selectmen about an issue so he will set this up too.
• Bob Gerrish also mentioned that the turbines was loud 7 out of last 10 days.
• Jon Willette came to make a complaint against ACO and neighbor for a dog at large.
• On Dec. 1st he came to selectmen's meeting to make a complaint.
• On April 3rd his daughter was chased down the road. Scott was called and neighbor was given a warning.
• Perly Sanborn went thru with his horse and was attacked by one dog, then was apologized to.
• Jon stated that he is concerned about the safety of family because the dogs growl and chase them.
• May 15th Jon caught one of the dogs, called Scott and he came, returned the dog and charged them.
• May 18th his wife was working in the garden when once again the dog was there growling at her. So he called Cindy at the office. Cindy contacted Scott, he went and returned the dog with a warning.
• Jon said All I want is for someone to explain to them that they need to buy a pen or fence them in their own yard. How can this problem be fixed ?
• Steve Bennett stated " Jon so what you are saying is that, the dogs are dangerous and are not under the owner's control."
• Jon- Correct
• Steve asked Jon have you been attacked?
• Jon- not bitten just growled at.
• Jon- How many more warnings will you give before things are in control?
• Jon stated that Scott said to him that accidents happen.
• Jon- I agree that if dogs was in a pen or on a chain and escaped that would be an accident. It is the owners fault if they are not in control of their animals and they are not being contained.
• Ron stated- Duly noted . The owner of the dogs are here and would like to reply.
• Jen stated that she got her first warning by Scott in April . Yes, it is my responsibility.
• Jen-The dogs did go about 15 feet off my property, but jon's daughter continued on her walk.
• Jen-The issue with my dog and Perly, there was none. Scott even went and talked to Perly and Joyce after that complaint. I guess that Perly would be here making a complaint if there was a problem.
• Jen said Yes, I have been sited and have already talked with someone about replacing the fence.
• Jen-My dogs have never been chained and are very friendly. You can go to the car and see that or I can bring them in.
• Jen stated that she has to go to court for the charges from Scott and she will have to pay a fine. My dogs was off my property and I accept that.
• Jen-I would like to know how Jon got the collar off my dog if it is so ugly . If I had a growling dog coming after me I wouldn't grab it by the collar.
• Ken Overlock- The bottom line is the dogs are your reponsibility and they don't belong on his lawn.
• Jen- I am looking into new fencing to have installed. I am trying everything possible so they don't need to be chained.
• Jen- If there was a problem then Joyce and Perly would be here making a complaint.
• Ron Price stated- It is obvious that there will be no reconcilliation here between neighbors. Jen you have 2 choices. First one is to keep the dogs on your own property, Scott had every right to take them to the pound. Scott did his job by taking them back to the owner instead. Second choice is I strongley suggest putting up that fence.
• Jen- I would like to state to Jon our property line is not the fence. I just want to let you know here that you are on our property.
• Steve said my dog is a big 100 lb. baby, who growls & barks while wagging his tail. This is a small town that needs to get along with their neighbors.

TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant........................ $2028.15
A/P Warrant............................. $10,053.86
A/P Warrant 41 for Aflac............................. $601.92

• Payroll Warrant this week is $2,028.15 (clerk, secretary, treasurer, cleaning lady & road crew)
• Steve/Ken motion to accept , all in favor
• A/P this week is $10053.86
• Steve/Ken motion to accept , all in favor
• A/P Warrant 41 For AFLAC was $601.92
• Steve/Ken motion to accept , all in favor
• We received a check from MRC for $1,282.94 (quarterly), 2014 BETE for $8.00
• I have advertised Tingley property on facebook, and sent to Frances for Town website. Cindy did mailing-
• Hunter's Paradise Ad written by Steve Bennett needs to be added to facebook and sent to Frances Walker for town website

TOWN CLERK:
Cindy reported:
• Dorothy Jensen said the sign for Witt's End is down
• Safety Grant- They will be mailing out the answer by June 1st
• Steve asked me to contact MMA about Keene building issue (misspelling of one name)
• Ron stated that a Quit Claim deed is all the town has ever done and that is how it is written in town report and voted on yearly, so it is time to treat this as we would any other foreclosure.
• Cindy said MMA said Town can't do anything about this misspelling. That this is on the shoulders of the buyer to fix after they purchase the property not on the town. That is why towns give out Quit Claim Deeeds on foreclosed properties.
• Steve stated well Cindy and Erna signed the lien
• Cindy and Erna explained that this is done by the assessors. When there is a correction because of selling or adding info then the assessor takes care of this. So this was done either by the selectmen or the assessor, not the clerk nor the treasurer.
• Cindy also stated that we aren't allowed to go in and change any information. Our lien forms comes directly from Trio which is enetered by the assessors.
• The town can't go any further with this issue
• Steve stated that the law states a town can only give a Quit Claim Deed.
• Drew Fales will report back to Historical about this information then report back to the selectmen.

FIRE DEPT:
• Jim Waterman said PDQ installed the doors today.
• Jim was asked where they left the old doors, Jim said he would check
• Has there been any discussion on the Fleet Card/ State Card?
• no not yet
• Ron called and has left messages with Jim Bennett about truck damage but hasn't heard back from him yet
• Jim- I noticed that the assessing form wasn't in the town report this year. Was there a reason for this?
• Cindy replied No it wasn't put in this year.
• Ron said last year he sat here on April 1st from 8-3 and not one person came in.
• Flags on the poles for Memorial Day ? Ken will contact Mr Bowen
• Memorial Day is next Monday , just a reminder that there is no burning before 5 pm on the weekend it depends on the weather conditions. Right now the fire danger is still high.
• Jim returned with info on PDQ
• They will be returning at 7:30 in the morning. Call 872-7711 talk to Jean to get the doors back. They took them with them. The bottom of one will need to be repaired.


GENERAL ASSISTANCE:
• Cindy reported that there was two cases. One was acted on and one denied. That letter will go out tomorrow.

ROAD COMMISSIONERS:
• As stated earlier the grader has been on Rollins Rd and Davis road and will be back in the middle of the week to work on rest.
• Ken- will we be putting down surface
• Ron- Not at this time
• Ron went around town with one contractor John Works about future projects for pricing.
• He has asked for pricing by the hour & working with our town road crew personel.
• Ken- Ditching by the foot
• Ron- Yes, and flail mounted escavator for Rollins Road because of the boulders.
• Ron also mentioned Deer Hill (trees & brush)
• Ron will also contact other contractors about future projects
• There are 2 discontinued roads to Hutchins & Spinney Cemetery that is in need of repair for people to have access.
• Ken asked Does town have any old culverts that can be used at Smithton Cemetery (interior of cemetery-very wet) and at Spud's property.
• Steve said he has 4 ft cocrete ones that he would donate. Should have some fabric underneath.
• Sallyann also said she has one that is 12 to 15 feet long that she would be willing to donate.
• Sallyann asked since the town is using the discontinued part of Beaver Hill Road as a turn around, are they going to grade those parts? Also she would like name of grader company so they can hire his privately. Erna got this info for Sallyann
• Ron stated that he thinks they need alot of surface added
• Name is Toby Farrington
• Sallyann asked if town would atleast send someone up to look at it because they made alot of deep ruts.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:
• Gerald Spaulding came in to discuss property he has that town is using. Three options continuing using as town is, leasing property or town purchasing from him.
• Ron- Do you want to discuss this in regular meeting or executive session?
• Gerald- I would rather in executive session
• Ron/Steve made motion @ 7:42 pm to go into executive session Property or Economic Development 1 MRSA 405 (6) C
• returned at 8:29 pm... No decisions was made

ASSESSOR’S:

CEO/LPI:

ACO:
• Erna reported that Scott could not be here tonight he had a previous engagement, but will be available tomorrow to talk with the selectmen if they need him.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING:
• Reminder that budget meeting is Wed @ 7 in the Jr High

HISTORICAL SOCIETY:
• Steve asked Has anyone talked about the new Historical taking the Old Town House now that they are a seperate identity.
• Drew- No we have been doing the work as the Historical and it is Town property.

PLANNING BOARD/CEO:
• Ken stated that this would be nice to tighty up items
• Drew- Under Jay he always requested that he meet and give updates on permits
• Under Dave he did not continue with this procedure
• Ken & Drew thinks that this should be done so everyone is on the same page
• Drew stated that the planning board has talked with Jackie and requested to keep them informed.
• Jackie told them she also thought that was a good idea.
• Steve asked Drew about the list that he had given Bill and what the boards thoughts was on it.
• Drew said they thought wind should be relooked at.
• Steve said " That wasn't on the list."
• Ken asked how about the discontinued roads on Steve's list
• Drew- no this we wasn't interested in
• Ron said the comp plan has these roads listed
• Drew- It is a whole new discussion because you also have to look at abandoned roads such as in 1956 to discontinue maintenance but open to public way forever. Davis Road from Torones to end of Sanford Hill Road. Surveyor Reynolds found no place in town records to indicate this. So it was declared not discontinued it was abandoned.
• If town hasn't maintained in last 30 years it goes back to landowners
• Steve said before 1965
• Ken stated- So if a wood cutter came to you and asked to have access, could he have been given access?
• Drew- Yes, we wasn't denying access other owner was Mike Buckley
• Steve so in a court of law it was abandoned?
• Drew- They had the right to go thru and access it just not the right to take wood off the property that they was crossing.
• Drew when looking at the surveyors map- the three lines shows the center of the road


Cemetery Committee:
• Will be getting ready for Memorial Day. Glenn will be working on Bradstreet Cemetery.

OLD BUSINESS:
• Ron asked Cindy if she still gets updates when flags are suppose to be at half mast?
• Cindy said Yes
• Ron asked if he could get added to that list and if Cindy would contact him when she recieves them
• BRW LETTER
• When in executive session Erna noticed selectmen hadn't looked at their mail, there was an envelope from Beaver Ridge in their box and she put envelope on the table for them, in front of Steve.
• Steve opened letter
• BRW is rejecting selectmens offer and stated they would go to State Board of Appeals, they think that town should consider the following
• 2014 want 5 % depreciation abatement
• 2015-2018 follow assessment protocol with rate of depreciation of 7 1/2% per year while generating
• Depreciated by 35% down to 65% of project
• Discussion
• Selectmen talked about 5% off the 2015 assessment then each year a 2% off the total every year following to 60 % floor. No lower
• Will discuss more at next meeting

NEW BUSINESS:
• Steve contacted Chris who is in charge of the post offices in this region about new contract
• Lease is up next year, probably not going anywhere. Post Office is barely making ends meet, not sure if they will even continue in Freedom
• Michelle contacted Erna by email saying the flush is leaking around the bottom.
• Selectmen will send someone to look at
• Ken asked if town had a plumber
• Erna mentioned Memorial Day is Monday, will there be a meeting? Payroll only?
• Steve mentioned having a regular meeting
• Erna stated she wouldn't be available for a meeting, so there would be no secretery or treasurer. She would do payroll, but AP would have to wait til Tuesday night.
• Ron/Ken motion to meet Tuesday May 26th @ 6 for signing of warrants. All in favor

Ken/Steve motion to adjourn meeting 9:15 pm

Next AP/Warrant signing meeting will be Tuesday May 26th 2015 @ 6:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be June 1st 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Ernestine Keller
Secretary


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
May 11, 2015

AP/PAYROLL WARRANT SIGNING MEETING

Meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm
Present: Ron Price, Ken Overlock, Steve Bennett, Erna Keller. Also in attendance was Sallyann Hadyniak, Ron Littlefield, Bob Gerrish, Cindy Abbott, Jim Waterman and Brian Jones

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant………. $1,807.05
AP Warrant …………... $20,934.36

Payroll Warrant this week is $1,807.05
A/P this week is $20,934.36
Craig’s List says free… have sent info to billing in case there is a difference
Uncle Henry’s-600 words, business $30 month
Uncle Henrys also has a facebook page-free
Gerry Spaulding & Tingley are to be discussed tonight

Ken/Steve moved to sign payrolls and AP warrant. (All in favor)
1. Cindy gave selectmen the school board referendum
2. Ken/Steve motion to sign (All in favor)
3. June 9th 2015 is the vote on school budget
4. Ron/Ken made motion to sign appointments that was approved in previous meetings.
5. Brian Jones turned in his request for the appeals board.
6. Ken/Steve made motion to accept his written request.
7. Gerry Spaulding called and cancelled meeting tonight. Ron will contact him to see if they can meet Tuesday morning

Jim Waterman asked:
Paving check & Pat's Garage bill paid.
Yes the checks are in AP folder.
Ron asked- Has Thorndike paid for damage to our truck yet.
Jim- not as far as he knows. You need to call Jim Bennett and ask him where it stands.
828 North Palermo Road is Joel Williams (Joe Collins owns the property)


TINGLEY PROPERTY:
1. Map & Lot has been fixed by surveyor
2. Sanford Hill Road is a discontinued road
3. Drew claims it is abandoned according to a court case
4. Can't land lock any property in the state of Maine
5. Beaver Dam on Sanford Hill- On dry time you could remove this for access
6. Access from Rollins Road- this is the only dry access and meets the Sanford Hill Road
7. There is one home within 100 feet of the property line, this is Frasier's
Advertising:
a) Mailing will go out Wednesday
b) Erna will put on facebook- Bicentennial & Rec pages
c) Erna will send to Frances to have her put on our website
d) Collins had 2 small changes to the Notice of Tax Sale, edited
e) Ken, Steve and Ron also edited and approved Notice of Tax Sale to be sent out in mailing, web page, facebook and one time in Republican Journal.
f) Steve is writing the ad to be approved at next meeting to go into following:
MTM
Uncle Henry's
Journal
Craig’s List
Uncle Henrys
Maine Sportsman
g) Steve is going to take survey & compare to google earth for maybe pictures
h) Ron/Ken made motion to accept advertising as stated above:


Motion to adjourn passed at 7:42 pm
Next Regular meeting will be May 18th 2015 @ 6 pm
Next AP/Payroll Warrant signing meeting will be May 25th 2015 @ 6:00 pm (MEMORIAL DAY???)

Respectfully submitted,

Secretary
Ernestine Keller


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
May 4th 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:06 pm

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Steve Bennett, Ken Overlock. Also in attendance was

REVIEW MINUTES: NONE until next meeting

CITIZEN’S ISSUES:

TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant........................ $5,154.33
A/P Warrant............................. $9,352.20
Ending checkbook balance...................$ 393,401.30
1. Payroll Warrant this week is $5,154.33 (clerk, deputy clerk, aco, ceo & lpi, treasurer, selectmen & road crew)
2. A/P this week is $9352.20
3. Ending Checkbook balance…………….……$393,401.30
4. We received a check from USPS for $630.00 April Rent
5. I did not do minutes yet from last Monday.
6. Cindy, Kim, Steve, Scott & I went around to all the cemeteries yesterday to check to see what needed to be done. Cindy has pictures on her phone about the access to these.
7. Need to talk about Tingley property- cost up to $33,320.49, Gerry Spaulding, Bridge-walk way & Dam, Beaver Ridge Abatement

Ken/Steve moved to accept and sign the payroll; motion passed.
Ken/Steve moved to sign the A/P warrant; motion passed.

TOWN CLERK:
Cindy reported:

FIRE DEPT:

GENERAL ASSISTANCE:

ROAD COMMISSIONERS:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

ASSESSOR’S:

CEO/LPI:

PUBLIC WORKS:

HISTORICAL:

RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE:

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:

Cemetery Committee:

Budget Committee:


OLD BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:

Ken/Ron motion to adjourn meeting 0:00 pm

Next AP/Warrant signing meeting will be May 11th @ 6:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be May 18th @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Secretary
Ernestine Keller


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
April 27th 2015 RECESSED FROM today’s meeting BRW


AP/PAYROLL WARRANT SIGNING MEETING

Meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm
Present: Ron Price, Ken Overlock, Erna Keller, Drew & Clara Fales, Sallyann Hadyniak & Carrie Bennett. Steve Bennett was not in attendance

Minutes:
April 20th 2015- Ron/Ken motion to accept as written
April 25th 2015-Ron/Ken motion to accept after couple of edits by Ken

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant………. $2000.34
AP Warrant ……………. $2455.17

Payroll Warrant this week is $2000.34 (clerk, treasurer, cleaning lady & road crew) $45.06 to AFLAC should be $115.74 need to call TRIO and talk to Brenda Ken/Ron motion to accept & sign payroll
A/P this week is $2455.17 (Dottie Holmes, Ingraham Equipment, BMV, MMA-Grant Writing, Special Olympics of Me, Waldo County Registry of Deeds, Travis, MRC, & K&T) Ron/ken motion to accept & sign AP Warrant
We received a check from Revenue Sharing for April $1819.99
REMINDER: ANY NEW BUSINESS THAT WE ARE DEALING WITH, THE TOWN NEEDS A W9 AND CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE…
KEY BANK ACCOUNT IS NOW CLOSED…The check amount was $2,599.41. Both outstanding checks are in this AP to be resent.
We also have the Smithton Cemetery Acct there, are we leaving it? Erna needs to contact a few banks to see what best alternative would be for this money
Need to talk about Tingley property, Gerry Spaulding, Bridge-walk way & Dam, Beaver Ridge Abatement
Bridge has been repaired
Tingley Property
Ken had few advertising ideas and will check to see how much they would cost to place an ad:
Maine Sportsman
Field & Stream
Notice to everyone in town
Morning Sentinel
Bangor Daily
Republican Journal
Craig's List
Uncle Henry's
Need to figure out wording at next meeting
Ken will draft and ad for Tingley Property
Drew Fales- access is owned by his brother & sister. There property deemed owned til middle of road

Tabled:
Gerry Spaulding (Ken/Ron motion to table until next Monday night)
BRW next Monday since Steve Bennett isn't here
Ron would like to pull posted signs off the tarred roas and leave the dirt roads posted (Ken/Ron motion to do this)
Ron/Ken motion to adjourn @ 6:45 pm

Next Regular meeting will be May 4th 2015 @ 6 pm
Next AP/Payroll Warrant signing meeting will be May 11th 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Secretary


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
April 27th 2015 AP/PAYROLL WARRANT SIGNING MEETING

Meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm
Present: Ron Price, Ken Overlock, Clint Spaulding, Erna Keller.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant………. $
2nd Payroll-Selectmen… $
AP Warrant ……………. $
Ending Checkbook Balance………. $

1. Payroll Warrant this week is $2000.34 (clerk, treasurer, cleaning lady & road crew) $45.06 to AFLAC should be $115.74 need to call TRIO and talk to Brenda
2. A/P this week is $2455.17 (Dottie Holmes, Ingraham Equipment, BMV, MMA-Grant Writing, Special Olympics of Me, Waldo County Registry of Deeds, Travis, MRC, & K&T)
3. We received a check from Revenue Sharing for April $1819.99
4. REMINDER: ANY NEW BUSINESS THAT WE ARE DEALING WITH, THE TOWN NEEDS A W9 AND CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE…
5. KEY BANK ACCOUNT IS NOW CLOSED…The check amount was $2,599.41. Both outstanding checks are in this AP to be resent.
6. We also have the Smithton Cemetery Acct there, are we leaving it?
7. Need to talk about Tingley property, Gerry Spaulding, Bridge-walk way & Dam, Beaver Ridge Abatement
8.
Ron/Clint moved to sign payrolls and AP warrant.

Motion to adjourn passed at XXX pm
Next Regular meeting will be Date @ 6 pm
Next AP/Payroll Warrant signing meeting will be Date @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Secretary


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
April 27th 2015 BRW Abatement MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 2:00 pm

Ron Price was moderator for the meeting.

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair),Ken Overlock and Steve Bennett. Also in attendance was Jackie Robbins, Erna Keller, Todd Presson (BRW), Rob Crawford (Attorney), lawyer for BRW, Ron Littlefield, Bob Gerrish, Carrie Bennett, Dave and Maryanne Bennett, Clara Alvarez, Doug Van Horn, Sallyann Hadyniak, Gunner Woods, Tim Biggs, Drew Fales, Frances Walker, Myrick Cross & Mrs Steve Bennett.

Todd Presson: Abatement request for BRW, we assume the turbines will have a 20 year life expectancy. We are also figuring based on new price to 0 in 20 years. 5% a year until 0 amount.
Robert Crawford Attorney for BRW:
BRW has met with Maine Revenue
• Maine Revenue-good detail.. Hard cost + soft cost. Arrive at estimate (100% hard cost + 50% soft cost) make tax prediction
• Income Approach- to valuation
• Market value- only transaction is between identitys for financial benefits. No sales other than that
• 701A-Asset Life
• Depreciate to floor- not to go below what Maine Revenue suggest 30 % says lawyer
• wasting asset
Jackie:
• All due respect to Mike Rogers, but Maine Revenue doesn't tell the town what to do.
• Income approach was asked for but I still haven't rec'd
• Mr. Carroll told us a few times that there would be no depreciation. (Todd Presson said He shouldn't have said that he was wrong)
• I know Todd Presson has also said this to citizens at a meeting in 2009 (Todd said he doesn't recall that, he couldn't imagine saying that)
• I find it interesting for 5 years there has been no request for abtement.
• Abatement request only go back 185 days for value
• So we will only be talking about 2014
Todd:
• I asked Tom Carroll an he said that he didn't say that
• Jackie said there are atleast 5 people here in this room that can tell you different
• Todd sad If Tom said that then he said it in error, he doesn't have the authority to say that.
Jackie:
• Improvements was around $200,000 So as an assessor I decided that was an up keep.
• Houses need repairs & Maintenance
Todd:
• We talked to Maine Revenue on our own. Good production but our cost is more
Jackie:
• 185 days for value as an assessor is all that we need to look at
Todd:
• We don't want to be in every year, it would be nice to have something set up now

Jackie:
• Going forward you might want to talk to the selectmen
• There is no proof that you should have a reduction of 5% a year
Todd:
• Brian Jones wasn't interested in depreciation when we talked back in 2010. It should get reduced yearly over the 20 year life expectency.
Steve Bennett:
• Mr Crawford can you explain the market & value , and income and cost approach
Mr. Crawford:
• Direct Cap-Out of revenue & expenses you get the net operating income
• Income Approach- gives you what the rate is
Steve Bennett:
• Sounds like a cross over to market value & income
• Income Approach- How they are performing should be in the assessed value
Mr. Crawford:
• These turbines are 6 yrs old
Mike Rogers from Maine Revenue:
• If one isn't in a TIF then they are assessed by 3% Hard Asset & 1 1/2% Soft Asset
• Energy credits for 10 years
• Energy Stimulus money up front
• Production Energy Tax Credits
• These all impact Income stream and they don't go below 70% value
Jackie:
• If they are in a TIF then Y are they depreciated differently
Mike Rogers:
• If there is a 100% TIF then there is no direct benefit to the individual tax payer
• There are confidential agreements
Todd:
• We are at 3% function atfter 10 years which brings us down to 70% step depreciation
Mike Rogers:
• Assessment is only good for one year. There was no agreement ahead of time and selectmen come and go. New board of assessors every year.
Ron Price:
• Asked Mike Rogers how many wind projects in the state that DO NOT have TIF's
Mike Rogers:
• There are only 2 besides Freedom in the state
Todd:
• We need an abatement or a decrease in value
Jackie:
• My recommendation to the selectmen are
• No Abatements
• Work on the future & moving forward, leave the past behind
• Todd these upgrades that you did to make them quieter, was this so they could run at night and for longer amounts of time
Todd:
• NO
• We are open to reasonable equipment
Ken Overlock:
• When this came to us I asked what had changed...
• You say that Tom doesn't speak for the company
• Then in the future please send someone who does.
• That way there will be no confusion
• The 2009 meeting they say you made the comment about depreciation
Todd:
• If the comment was made by me I would of been talking about for the first year only.
Jackie:
• That was a selling point to the citizens of this town
Todd:
• Looks like we are at a stale mate
Steve Bennett:
• No not neccessarily

Ken/Steve made a motion to agree with Jackie and not go back for abatement, just move forward.

Mr Crawford-lawyer for BRW:
• We could stagger it until 2017
• Then 3% after that
• Follow a protocol
Todd Presson:
• Goal is to run until they aren't safe to run
• 20-25 year life expectency
• Either completely rebuild or tear down
• If we do a new project then we will start from scratch with permits and rebuild from the floor up

Pilot payment in lieu of taxes

Ron/Steve motion to recess until 6 pm tonight

Ken/Ron motion to recess meeting until 6:00 pm

Next AP/Warrant signing meeting will be May 4th 2015 @ 6:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be May 11th 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Secretary


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
April 25, 2015 EMERGENCY SELECTMEN’S MEETING

Discussing Legal Issue's regarding abatement & public works items:



Meeting was called to order at 8:00 am

Present: Ron Price, Ken Overlock, Steve Bennett, Erna Keller, Jackie Robbins, Drew Fales & Clara Alvarez, Lanie Kertesz and Lissa Widdoff



Discussion:

· Ingraham’s made a request to move an excavator over Bryant Road to Bridges

· Ron told them No... Roads are posted but he would ask other selectmen

· Ken/Steve motion For Ron to let them know that they could wait a week until things dried out some

Communications from Kristin Collins:

· Steve contacted town lawyer after selectmen meeting on April 20th about conflict

· Kristin Collins sent a letter stating that both Ron and Steve could participate and her reasoning on both.

· Ron says he still will not participate because of the way it looks

· Steve & Beaver Hill group has an easement and a confidential agreement with Beaver Ridge

· Steve also sent his confidential agreement for the lawyer to look at with permission from Todd Presson

· Steve and Ron have to act in the TOWN's best interest

· Kristin also gave advice about the foreclosure on Tingley property and where to go from here



Comments and Questions:

· Lanie Kertesz: The meeting Monday is at 2:00 and a lot of us are working. Is there anyway of being able to listen in and comment

· Steve- We can audio tape it

· Jackie- You can always call me and I can leave phone on

· Steve: This will be somewhat of a negotiation and we might not even make a decision Monday.

· Ken: I think we are on the right track. The lawyer has made it clear about where the selectmen stand. Ron is abstaining from any vote but will be the moderator, and then Steve and I will make the decision.

· Lissa: Is there a request on the table?

· Ken: Yes they have made an abatement request

Ken handed a copy of lawyer's letter, copy of abatement request and the papers Steve had printed for the concerned citizens to look at.

· Steve asked “Do we want or need to go into executive session to discuss any of this matter?"

· Ken- No we don't think it is necessary.

· Secretary printed off executive session info for each selectmen and rules on holding Emergency & regular meetings.

· Ron- I don't think we are in any violations for having this meeting or if you wanted to go into executive session, personally I don't think it is necessary.

· Steve/Ken made motion to discuss in public meeting. All in favor

· Abatement was rec'd back on January 19th for a 30% for 2014 which is $56,000 plus interest.

· Jackie stated “The request would have to be in 185 days on the value, which is different then if there had been an error and you was charged a garage, etc... but there wasn't any there."

· 1st problem is this is for 2014

· 2nd problem is they have said in public meetings that they didn't want an abatement

· Mike Rogers said theoretically 2% a year, not necessary because we aren't obligated to follow other turbines. Different set of circumstances. Just treat them fairly.

· Justin our Freedom supervisor for state said have them prove that they aren't worth what we have listed.

· Jackie's opinion is No abatement for 2014, just go forward and maybe depreciate from here forward or they also have option to go to State Board of Appeals.

· Ron asked Jackie- How many towns in the state don't have TIF's associated with turbines. Also do they have it listed in TIF for depreciation?

· Jackie said we can ask Mike on Monday

· Ron-What about the 5% deal state made with some towns

· Jackie- Also something to ask Mike, until recently this wasn't even public information

· Steve stated in Beaver Ridge letter Todd has recognized that there is a difference between organized and unorganized territory.

· Ken says Freedom is 100% unique for our turbines.

· Lissa stated they have federal tax credits such as mandated rapid depreciation and that property tax and federal tax is different.

· Double declining depreciation on federal for land

· Steve- Two different things ... The cost of what they paid and what they show to IRS is different

· Steve said his report shows the power performance & pay. They get paid a flat rate

· Lissa stated ... You need consistency. Over a 20 year period, 1 to 1 1/2% per year should be the bottom line to protect the town. Make sure you separate the past from the future when talking with them Monday.

· Jackie stated I feel like everyone else feels there should be no abatement and going forward is the way to go. Nothing else in town is depreciated and if that’s what they wanted then they should have asked for this when they wanted to build them.

· Discussion about who would speak first and what they would discuss went on

· Jackie said listen to what they have to say and no decisions have to be made Monday night. Take some time to consider if you feel you need to. Then go back to them with your decision.

· Ron will chair the meeting

· Listen to Beaver Ridge & their lawyer

· Mike Rogers

· Then Jackie on behalf of the town

· This will give the selectmen time to ask very necessary questions

· Jackie said Selectmen want to make sure whatever points you want to make do so and ask as many questions as you feel necessary, if this goes to a hearing then you can usually only bring up info that was brought up here.

·

Gerry Spaulding:

· Would like to talk to selectmen about selling property between him and town garage.

· Ken- Ron can you contact him to see if he can be here Monday Night for ap/payroll meeting?

· Ron will call him

· All in favor





Ron/Ken Motion to adjourn passed at 9:45 am

Next Regular meeting will be May 4th 2015 @ 6 pm

Next AP/Payroll Warrant signing meeting will be April 27th 2015 @ 6:00 pm



Respectfully submitted,





Secretary

Ernestine Keller


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
April 20th 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:01 pm

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Ken Overlock, Steve Bennett. Also in attendance was Erna, Glenn Sporie, Sallyann Hadyniak, Marilyn Perry, Jim Waterman, Bob Gerrish, Brian Jones & Tim Biggs.

REVIEW MINUTES:
Minutes from April 6th 2015 were reviewed.
Ken/Steve, made motions, to accept as written and place on file; motions passed.
Minutes from April 6th 2015 were reviewed.
Ken/Steve, made motions, to accept as written and place on file; motions passed.

CITIZEN’S ISSUES:

TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant........................ $2,392.79
A/P Warrant............................. $50,560.44
Ending checkbook balance...................$ 366,365.40
1. I mailed David Schofield his check after he dropped off key to Cindy
2. 2015 Municipal Tax Rate Calculation Form- Is this done?? I can’t add revenue part of budget without it… Expense side is done… $500 difference because of Brian adding Waldo County Woodshed from the floor.
3. Payroll Warrant this week is $ 2,392.79 (clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, secretary, cleaning lady & road crew) Ken/Ron moved to accept and sign the payroll; motion passed.
4. A/P this week is $50,560.44 (Maritime, CMP, Freedom General, Thorndike Auto, Ingraham Equipment, PERC, Traction, BMV, Fairpoint, AAA, April School Payment-$45,242, Mac’s, Yeaton’s, Travis Price, Town of Knox, Kelly & Collins & Cindy Abbott) Steve/Ken moved to accept and sign the A/P warrant; motion passed.
5. Ending Checkbook balance…………….……$366,365.40
6. I worked with Steve last week on 2014 winter roads budget. I had an error of $697.26 (the last total to add) so new total was $115,922.46 without insurance amount that Steve has gotten. Payroll totals include what town takes out for taxes and pays later at end of each quarter.
7. I have talked with Sean Rudman from key bank… Sean’s response:
I wanted to let you know that two fee waivers have been credited back to the towns account in the amounts of $276.37 and $268.66. As a courtesy we chose to waive the full month analysis charges for the prior two months rather than just the Key Capture related charges. Key Capture has been discontinued. As soon as you are ready please feel free to close the account. Thank you again for your business and please do not hesitate to let Mike or I know if there is anything else that we can do to be of assistance in the future.
There are two outstanding checks… Dottie Holmes & Special Olympics.I would like permission to reissue these and close key bank account
Ken/Ron made motion to reissue those checks and close the account. All in favor.
8. I have worked with Brenda from Trio… All deductions for Aflac in payroll have been entered and started this week. It was also set up that at the end of month a check will be automated for AFLAC. We have it set up in a General fund account because a few employees after first payment will be paying from home. But their first payments will be paid thru Cindy-cash receipting.
9. Brenda and I are still working on positive pay… this might cost the town another 300 unless I can get bank to just accept a copy that I email them with info.
10. State Unemployment (UC-1) form is very hard to read. After talking with Brenda she is contacting them as well as I am. There is no actual place that says Remit this amount. There are totals for past months across bottom. Still a work in progress.
11. Still waiting to hear back from Valarie Moody from Bank of Maine on the 941 issue with download and about positive pay-just emailing or does it have to be a download.
12. I contacted Ethan Andrews about his article with a few questions- he sent me the following and the article back in 2009 when recommitment had been done (in your paperwork) Total Paid To Citizens in 2009 was $57,916.43 (Ron, Cindy & I spent awhile researching who was paid, amounts & what Beaver Ridge has given back to town in donations over the years $27,500)
Hi Ernestine,
Thank you for the update. I've had a few questions about my mention of a "bookkeeping problem" in my recent article about BRW's abatement request. Here's the passage, for context:
"CES touted the tax benefits of the $10 million project, which amounted to around a quarter of the town's total valuation at the time. Representatives promised a 27-percent cut in local property taxes if the development went through.
That estimate wasn't incorrect, but the benefits were short-lived and mostly consumed by an unrelated bookkeeping problem discovered by town officials that required an across-the-board bump in local valuations."
This is in reference to when Mike Rogers came in 2009. I wrote about that process in some detail in the article attached here.
Ethan Andrews
13. I sent Ingraham Equipment a fax with all counter slips I have paid. We are off $83.02 Rodney is going to investigate which slips we are still missing and needs to be paid. I have also asked when road crew comes in after parts to give them the copy so we can have who signed for it and they can write what it was for.
14. Glenn would like to go into executive session to talk about his pay… I have a Wage 2015 for whatever decision was made I have also given you copy of DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BUREAU OF MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS FORCE ACCOUNT CONSTRUCTION 2015 LABOR REIMBURSEMENT AND PRIVATE EQUIPMENT RATES to look over

Steve/Ken moved to accept Treasurer’s Report; motion passed.

TOWN CLERK:
Cindy reported:
Land Raffle- Cindy talked to State Gaming… The Town is not a nonprofit group and therefore it is illegal for the Town to conduct a game of chance.
Appointments:
Planning Board Committee- Prentis Grassi still is interested. Cindy left a message for Kevin Malady and Drew Fales.
Appeals Board- both Michael Smith and Tim Biggs still would like to be on the committee and Cindy left a message for Addison Chase.

FIRE DEPT:

GENERAL ASSISTANCE:

ROAD COMMISSIONERS:

EXECUTIVE SESSION: none

ASSESSOR’S:

CEO/LPI:

PUBLIC WORKS:

HISTORICAL:

RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE:

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:

Cemetery Committee:

Budget Committee:


OLD BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:

Ken/Ron motion to adjourn meeting 0:00 pm

Next AP/Warrant signing meeting will be April 27th 2015 @ 6:00 pm
(With a few other items approved at this meeting to be discussed)
Next Regular meeting will be May 4th 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Secretary


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
April 13th 2015

AP/PAYROLL WARRANT SIGNING MEETING

Meeting was called to order at 6.02 pm

Present: Ron Price, Ken Overlock, Steve Bennett, Erna Keller., Cindy Abbott, Bob Gerrish, Sallyann Hadyniak, Marilyn Perry, Jackie Robbins and Brian Jones.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant………. $2,420.45
AP Warrant ……………. $3,334.01

• Payroll Warrant this week is $2,420.45 (Clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, cleaning lady & road crew)
• A/P this week is $3334.01
• Discussed Lien- Roger Poulin for supplemental on 5 acres he bought that was in tree growth. He has been paying but doesn't have it paid yet so lien will be going to Registry of Deeds Wednesday.
• PERC Tipping Fee for 2nd Quarter will be $79.50
• I am waiting to hear back from Trio on several different questions
• NEW UC-1 reports for state , how to read and why can’t get new banks info downloaded from TRIO program-Same with Fed 941
• How to enter AFLAC deductions ... These are pretax deductions paid for by employees.
• Couples issues on entering budget items-
• We have switched banks and are using Bank of Maine with positive pay. Can you tell me how to get the check info after payroll and AP warrant to send to them.
• Budgetary-Create ACH File… would I leave on ACH file AP JRNL that is listed?
• Payroll-Create TA ACH Files… Mark all recipients? What is group entries File name? Use this or can I change to say payroll info here…
• I have contacted Key Bank about the charges (276.37 for Feb) that we have rec’d from them Sean sent this response: I checked with our operations group and they are going to ensure KeyCapture is shut down and process a credit back to the account for KeyCapture related fees for the months of February and March. As soon as those waivers have been credited in to the account I will notify you. I hope this helps but please do not hesitate to let Mike or I know if there is anything else that we can do to be of assistance in the interim. Thank you and have a great day. Sean Rudman
• Bank of Maine- I have been working with Valerie Moody & Downloading the federal & State taxes… For some reason there system will not accept Trios version…
• Dave Schofield still has a key and pink copies of permits. Ron will check with him about these items and when they will be returned.
• Cindy gave Jackie a tour of election hall/ EMA office. There are filing cabinets out there for Jackie to keep her paperwork in and meet with citizens needing permits or info.
• Assesor's Meeting with Beaver Ridge & Mike Rogers- Rescheduled for April 27th @ 2:00 pm
• Myrick sent message that of all the towns. Freedom has the lowest school increase value.
• Assessors: Discussion on back land. Steve asked Cindy to contact other offices and get what they charge for base lot and back land. Cindy has all on a spreadsheet for selectmen to look at.
• Jackie replied that each town is different and that valuation from State is based on several different factors.
• Changing back land price might help a few not in tree growth or farm land, but then the rest of the tax payers would have to make up the difference.
• Discussion
• Jackie has offered to make a spreadsheet of all raw land sold in last 3 years to bring to next selectmen meeting for more discussion.
Ken/Steve made motion to accept and sign payroll and AP warrants as stated..

Motion to adjourn passed at 7:30 pm
Next Regular meeting will be April 20th 2015 @ 6 pm
Next AP/Payroll Warrant signing meeting will be April 27th 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Secretary

Ernestine Keller


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
April 6th 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER:

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Steve Bennett, Ken Overlock. Also in attendance was Erna, Cindy Abbott, Dave Bridges, Bob Gerrish, Ron & Barbara Littlefield, Joe Freeman, Sallyann Hadyniak, Marilyn Perry, Jim Waterman & Rebecca Howard from Beaver Ridge.


REVIEW MINUTES:
Discussion on how minutes are written.
Steve had a few concerns about the detail & length.
Minutes will continue as usual but will try not to make as lengthy.
Meetings are running about an hour or longer than last years.

Minutes from March 23rd 2015 were reviewed. Steve has talked to Myrick about a new lawyer.
Ken/Steve, made motions, to accept as written and place on file; motions passed.

Minutes from March 30th 2015 were reviewed.
Ken/Steve, made motions, to accept as written and place on file; motions passed.


CITIZEN’S ISSUES:
Bob Gerrish had question about what money was spent in Town's Capital Account.
Erna explained which page to find this info on in town report.
Discussion on capital improvements account money that had been spent on election hall and EMA office.
Steve will check with Auditor & MMA on Capital Accounts and if need to go back to town meeting to spend any.
Ken stated that if a town meeting is needed then this would be for all Capital Accounts.
Ron stated that in years past fire dept. has come to selectmen with a request for radios, pagers, turnout gear, etc... The select board has approved these purchases in their regular meetings.
Bob also mentioned that Windmills was very loud. Louder than his TV
Rebecca replied “Tom & I was on way here to meet with you but he got an urgent call-family emergency. He would like Bob to contact him- sorry he couldn't be here."

TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant........................ $ 4,303.65
A/P Warrant............................. $ 12,107.63

Payroll Warrant this week is $4,303.65 (clerk, selectmen, treasurer, ceo & lpi, road crew)
A/P this week is $12,107.63
We received a check from IRS for 941 on 6/2014 refund 2028.13… I have called them and still have no idea why they are returning this. Hope to hear this week
I have done a report for Gerry Spaulding about the Post Office. I have given each of you a copy. Last Thursday I worked on this from 2-5pm
Bob Gerrish- Bob has mentioned to the selectmen about bank account info being different and that URIP was mostly spent as salary. I have printed out info for Bob about each… with a copy for all of the selectmen too. Bank Account info I have listed is Revenue (pg. 44)-Expenses (pg. 41 & 42) = Total in bank as of 12/31/2014 (pg. 26). Also if you look under my report pg. 36 #24-URIP the salary total is $2,778.43 plus Contracted Services $25,197.57 for a total of $27,976.00
Ken-there is a GA Report for March in your pile
Did Dave return items that we paid for? 10 print sleeves & brass fasteners- Copies of building permits
Sign Out Sheet for Town Credit Card? Who takes it out, date & time and where it will be used… With a sign back in Who returned with Time, date Discussion
Steve/Ken made motion to continue use of card as discussed in treasurer's report. All in favor
Copy of 2014 Workers Comp Audit needs to be filed. In Ron’s pile
Ken/Steve moved to accept and sign the payroll in the amount stated by Ron; motion passed. All in favor.
Ken/Steve moved to accept and sign the AP Warrant in the amount stated by Ron; motion passed. All in favor.
Ron/Ken motion to accept treasurer's report as amended.



TOWN CLERK:
Cindy gave selectmen a list of personal property still outstanding
discussion
Ken/Ron motion to no longer assess Personal property from here forward (2015) and folks in rear for outstanding personal property will still receive a bill for any outstanding personal property until paid off. All in favor
Spring Clean Up Ron/Ken motion to approve June 6th 2015 as date… All in favor
Cindy showed a list of amounts that credit cards have been used
Outstanding Taxes 2014 There are still 105 accts not paid
Wednesday April 15th 2015 from 8:30-2:30 Mt View Student volunteers will be here to work. Some items to be worked on are cleaning snack shack, washing windows- inside & out, and the trail that we are trying to meet The Sheepscot Trail.
MMA Grants & Scholarship: items to address is eye wash station, safety vests, road hazard cones, helmets & face shields for chain saw, hearing protection
MSDA/OSHA Training Book- went over Emergency Action Plan & Had selectmen, treasurer, clerk & secretary to sign
Appointments
Jackie for plumbing- approved by selectmen
Planning Board – one open spot to still be filled (POST-Cindy will do this)
Appeal Board- need to contact each member to see if they still want the position. If not need to post opening
Comp Plan- Dave Bridges still wants to be member
Librarian- Glen Bridges is still interested
Flags- Have ordered 16 dozen for cemetery

FIRE DEPT:
Jim reported that Truck #2 Freightliner rear door has been fixed and the bill was $1500. Jim gave to Steve to ask MMA about when talking to risk management
Jim would like any amount over what MMA insurance to pay to come out of maintenance fund
Kenny asked what Thorndike Fire Dept. would be responsible for?
Jim stated that fire dept. needs 2 new pagers and would like to get them from Yankee Communications cost is $415 each and have them paid out of FVFD Capital Improvement Account
Ron/Ken motion to approve the purchase
Ron asked Jim If Town is responsible to have signs at the end of a lane?
Jim replied "Yes, we are required to have the signs even at the end of a lane."
Jim also stated “There will be new changes to the 911 addressing, they are going all electronic. They have started classes but they are during the day. He has requested a night class."

GENERAL ASSISTANCE:
Ken has paperwork up to date

ROAD COMMISSIONERS:
Toby Farrington will be here to grade roads sometime in the first 2 weeks of May and would be available to work on ditching around 1st or 2nd week of June
Loader- Is now legal to drive on road. Bucket still hasn't been completed due to weatherman calling for snow.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: none

ASSESSOR’S:
Next Monday at AP/Payroll meeting will talk list Cindy has been working on. Also Jackie will be here to help with any questions.

CEO/LPI:

SCHOOL BOARD:
Steve reported that spending is going up 7 tenths of a %, 1/2 million, 4.45% State Contributions less to school is the reason for increase

HISTORICAL:

RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE:

ACO:
Raccoon hanging around in the village

EMA:
Ron mentioned there is an EMA Hazard Migration meeting coming up April 9th 2015 and was wondering if anyone knows if Christine Spaulding will be attending.
This meeting is also open to selectmen to go- Steve will call Christine and might be able to go

DAM COMMITTEE:
Dave Bridges reported that he met with an engineer from AE Hodgdon
There is an alternative plan that is better and less expensive than previous. Need to cut a few trees off the rock damn (still frozen at this point), bring fill in & compact, cap stone dam with concrete with a depression on the spillway.
Drawing up another set of sketches for $500
Engineer asked if town could get a general contractor to get an actual estimate maybe from Clayton Larrabee.
Dave has called Clayton and he is willing to meet
Ken suggests putting it out for bid-so more contractors can weigh in and we can get a better deal
Cindy mentioned Town needs to post in paper and 3 areas in town
Steve stated we will need the specs for contractors to bid
Ken asked "If new sketches was stamped for construction?"
Dave also mentioned that MMA is having a GRANT WRITING seminar on April 9th from 8-4 and would like permission to attend if selectmen are interested.
Ken/Steve motion for Dave Bridges to attend Grant Writing Class & to ask for funding by writing grants for Dam and maybe other identities. All in favor.
Ken mentioned that if town employees could get to where the trees need to be cut then he has an ice auger to check the deepness of the ice and a 4 wheeler that they can use
Ron asked Joe if he would be willing to help Glenn Sporie to see if it would be possible
Ron will oversee the trees & Joe will report back to him


OLD BUSINESS:
Ramp needs to have pavement in front of election hall fixed
Ron will call Dave Schofield about items that still need to be brought back
Tingley Property:
3 options- hold sealed bid, public auction or raffle
Cindy will contact state about requirements
Talk about findings at public works meeting

NEW BUSINESS:
Steve has a list that he had Cindy call other offices about getting base lots & wood lots
discussion followed
Bring up to Mike Rogers at the Beaver Ridge Abatement meeting for his input

Ron/Ken motion to adjourn meeting 9:05 pm

Next AP/Warrant signing meeting will be April 13th @ 6:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be April 20th @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,


Secretary
Ernestine Keller



APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
March 23rd 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:04 pm

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Ken Overlock and Steve Bennett. Also in attendance was Erna Keller, Cindy Abbott, Bob Gerrish, Glenn Sporie, Ronnie Littlefield, Brian Jones, Joe Freeman, Bob and Pam Herman, Tom Carroll & Rebecca Howard-Beaver Ridge Wind.

REVIEW MINUTES:
Minutes from March 9th 2015 were reviewed.
Ken/Ron, made motions, to accept as written and place on file; motions passed.
Minutes from March 16th 2015 were reviewed.
Ken/Steve, made motions, to accept as written and place on file; motions passed.


TREASURER:
Erna reported:

Treasurer’s Disbursements Warrants needs to be looked over and adopted by selectmen- (in case there is a time when they are out sick, gone on vacation or meeting cancelled due to snow) Hold off until selectmen get a chance to look over –discuss next meeting
Meeting Agenda: Will this be staying the same? Will it be Monday nights with one week regular meeting and then next week with an AP & Payroll meeting? Stay the same
Steve Bennett- Please fill out W-4 info for payroll. You have 2nd half of March that will be paid to you next meeting. Usually we pay selectmen for the month on the first pay period. Steve worked on and handed back, sent email to stop by and fill out the rest
Steve: Do you Steve or Stephen on paperwork? Steve
Selectmen mail-Sometimes the bills come directly to the selectmen (please get to treasurer asap to be added to upcoming warrants)
Key Bank-We are down to 4 checks outstanding
*Ck -10456 Spec Olympics of Me $20.00 (5/14/2013)
*Ck-12202 Dottie Chase $96.42 (1/22/2015)
*Ck-12462 Key Bank withdrawal for 941 taxes (1/22/2015)
*Ck- 12596 MFCA $89.00 (02/06/2015)
Budget is still being added-hope to have completed by next meeting
Payroll Warrant this week is $2,214.06 (clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, cleaning lady and road crew)
A/P this week is $5,919.84 (Maritime Energy, CMP, Thorndike Auto, Ingraham Equipment, PERC, BMV, Fairpoint, AAA, Interstate Fire Protection, Waldo County Registry, Mac’s Hardware, Yeaton’s, Travis, White Sign, Ron-reimburse for Mallside Discount, Staples-(credit), Don Berry, Northeast Truck & Refrigeration, Seacoast Securities, Standard Distributors)
Key Bank balance………………$91,107.46 - $3,734.05 (4 outstanding checks)= $87,373.41
Bank of Maine……..……………$428,624.77 (3/1/2015)
Ending Checkbook balance…………….……$515,998.18 (Still working on these accounts)
We received a check from Revenue Sharing for March $2,245.41
Tingley Property- How would you like to continue with this property? Are we sending the standard Notice of Tax Sale-copy in folder along with letter from Scott Herrick (Lawyer for Tingley @ Drummond & Drummond) and from Tim Roi (also interested in property). Or are we contacting an agency to put property Out for Sale with maybe some pictures or descriptions like “Hunter’s Paradise” etc… Table until end of meeting under old business
Keene Hall-Has anyone talked to Myrick?
Ron/Ken made motion for Freedom Community Historical Society to use the town lawyer for deed work @ their expense for a title search
All in favor
Steve asked If Kelly might have any objections where they are the Town’s lawyer and it’s a town foreclosed property
Ron hasn’t talked to Kelly
Your expense & revenue reports are in your paperwork
Steve/Ken moved to accept and sign the payroll; motion passed.
Ken/Ron moved to accept and sign the A/P warrant; motion passed.
Steve/Ken moved to accept treasurer’s report, motion passed.

CITIZEN’S ISSUES:
Bob Gerrish commented that it would be nice to have the town reports and budget done earlier next year to give more time to look over before town meeting.
Bob Gerrish also commented on turbines being very loud and he would like to add to the minutes the sound survey for a month. He said Glen Bridges had added Beaver Ridge testimony @ one time.
Erna Keller has copy to add to minutes BRW Survey 2009-2014 & SE Ambrose 1-16-2014
Bob mentioned that he has contacted David Schofield about the noise meter but he never showed & when he saw him at Hilltop he said he sent the machine out to be fixed (Decimal Meter that Jay Guber had before and gave to Dave) He mentioned that Ken Overlock was there when the windmills was running slow and they was noisy.
Ken Overlock- Yes there was running very slowly and there was low noise.
Tom Carol- Usually when you have a sound study by DEP they take out any background noise
Tom asked- If someone uses a hand held meter is this what the town would believe. There are all kinds of them some apps on your phones but they register all surrounding sound without removing any that aren’t essential.
Protocol for sound by DEP
Last yr. there was a sound study done when the mills was running by a 3rd party & DEP specifications. That way there was no bias. DEP has a list of independent Contractors
Steve Bennett-I am new here and who are you (to Mr. Carroll) Are you saying you have to be a sound engineer to read these
Mr. Carroll responded “No, that is not what I am saying. There is strict criteria & protocol that is used.
Steve- So am I hearing that if Dave was there with his hand held that the reading might not be accurate?
Tom replied: We can have a sound expert come and answer questions that you have. Maybe someone from the DEP third party list. This would give us a starting point to go from.
Discussion continued
Brian Jones I would like to plant a seed for the Waldo County Wood Shed maybe opening a spot here in Freedom. Would like to say that the old town dump site would be a good place. _ - _ acre for the woodshed and if this would be feasible.
Joe Freeman- I have a Daily Time Ticket that I thought might work good at the town garage when greasing trucks, changing oil or whatever maintenance that’s needed.
Ron asked- Do you punch in and out for each job?
Joe- If it is more than one job on one truck you do what needs to be done then punch out- If you start work on next truck then you punch in on another ticket.
Ron- Thank You- this is something for us to look into.
Joe asked “Is the sand put out for bid with a contract every year or does the selectmen just decide?”
Ron replied “There is no contract but we check with several different contractors.”
Joe asked “Did the town decide not to use the state camp to save money on fuel?”
Ron “Not at this time- we are looking into it again this year.”

TOWN CLERK:
Cindy reported:
Town Meeting minutes were done and she gave a copy to the selectmen.
MVP New England Patriots Charitable Foundation
Ken suggested that Viola Greeley would be a great nomination
Steve/Ron made a nomination for Viola Greeley. All in favor
Ken will write up the nomination paperwork
Update Emails-MMA website
Training on MMA website- Right to Know is the only requirement as of right now. There are other trainings coming up that the selectmen might be interested in.
Order to pay oldest tax first
Ron/Ken made motion to pay oldest tax first. All in favor
Drug Policy-Steve/Ron motion to accept drug testing policy for Town of Freedom All in favor
Random Drug Testing Pool- All selectmen have gone for testing, Cindy will set up one for Steve.
Ron/Steve motion to remove Clint from List of truck drivers. All in favor.
Appointments to accept & sign:
a) Secretary: Erna Keller
b) ACO: Scott Holmes
c) CEO/Plumbing: David Schofield
d) Health Officer: Frances Walker
e) GA Deputy: Cindy Abbott
f) EMA: Christine Spaulding
g) Assessor: Jackie Robbins
Ron/Ken made motion to go into executive session @ 7:20 pm to discuss personnel matter 1MRSA 405 6 (A)
Out @ 7:40 pm No decisions made
Ron/Steve made motion to accept all appointments on list except for David Schofield, replacing him with Jackie Robbins. All in favor.
Ron will contact Dave to discuss him finishing until the end of month and to ask about the decimal meter. Check to see if Dave is filing Flood Plain Ordinance with state.
Cindy typed up the appointments and selectmen signed them

FIRE DEPT:
Jim Waterman reported:
Truck #2 has had a mirror replaced by Dave Bennett
Truck #2 back door still hasn’t been fixed by K & T yet because they have been so busy but are hoping to be here soon.
Truck #2 also has a problem with wiper modular that we have ordered.
Ken asked “Has any of the firefighters discussed any interest in AFLAC?”
Jim replied “Yes, They was told to contact one of the selectmen- I can ask them at the meeting when I go over.”
Steve mentioned that there is a bill in legislation right now for fire fighter volunteers by taking up to 750 off property taxes.
Jim- Right now we have 22 regular fire fighters and 3 junior
Steve asked “Have the number of volunteers been steady?”
Jim replied,” I have been here for 25 years- There has been between 18-25 volunteers a year. There is a lot involved to be state certified you need 200 hrs. In one year. Right now I have 2 volunteers doing a basic fire fighters training, this is a 10 week course. You have to have this before you can enter a burning building.

GENERAL ASSISTANCE:
Ken reported that the town received a letter from state that they will continue to reimburse at 50% unless we try to ask for a different amount.
Discussion to keep as is

ROAD COMMISSIONERS:
Buses have been stopped from traveling on Rollins Road and off the untarred portion of Mitchell Road & Raven Road
Ron has been appointed acting road commissioner by Steve/Ken
Ron suggested getting together for a work session for public works
Ron/Ken motion for work session Thursday night @ 6:00 pm @ office. All in favor

EXECUTIVE SESSION: none

ASSESSOR’S:
Beaver Ridge Wind abatement
Jackie said they would like to meet with assessors anytime to discuss
Mike Rogers from Maine Revenue also will attend to help in discussion
Ken/Steve motion to contact Jackie with three options as follows (March 30th @ 2:00 pm April 6th @ 2:00 pm or April 13th @ 2:00 pm,
Assessor’s Meetings are a public meeting
Discussion
Selectmen will be interested in giving 10 minutes or so for comments at the end with the understanding that this is about the ABATEMENT and that they need to stay on topic.

ACO:
Cindy stated that there is one individual since 2012 that has outstanding dog taxes on 2 dogs. She now has 3 dogs

PUBLIC WORKS:

HISTORICAL:

RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE:
Meeting this week

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:

SCHOOL BOARD REP:
Steve is on the superintendent Search Committee starting tomorrow night. If anyone has any questions that they would like asked when they are interviewing.
Ken-What is the life expectancy of the building and who is in charge of this?
Steve- maintenance supervisor
Ken-What is their administrative plan?
Ron- April 2nd 2015 @ 6:00 pm is the school budget meeting where all the select boards from all towns are invited to attend.
April 13th 2015 they are planning on approving budget that they will put in front of towns for voter approval.

SOLID WASTE:
Ron went to meeting at the Rec Ctr for MRC. The guy in charge went over the plans for the new waste facility which uses a chemical process to break it down into ind. Sugar and biochemical. The plant will be built across the street in Hampden from the PERC site.
Ken asked “Is PERC still in denial?”
They can still run and sell the energy but it won’t be at the same rate as now.

OLD BUSINESS:
Jim returned to let selectmen know that there are 5 interested in Aflac. (Karen & John York, Russell Spaulding, Chris & Amber Bowles)
Ken will contact Michelle and set up a meeting hopefully Monday after AP & Payroll warrant meeting.
Tingley Property: Town Meeting it was decided to sell by public bid and to market property
Discussion about how
Advertise ourselves, with Quit Claim Deed
Ken- The lower road by Drew Fales and his sister was claimed to be abandoned. The main access for property is off the Rollins Road which might impact the value of property.
Option to have Lawyer send a letter to Drummond & Drummond attorney for Tingley to state that TOWN voted and what the vote was
Contact Lawyer Kelly or Collins to ask if property can be auctioned off and what the process will entail.
Ken/Steve motion for chairman of board (Ron Price) to contact lawyer and ask about process and what they think would be best to do.
Ken/Steve motion to have Kelly & Collins to send a letter if they think it is necessary.
Report back from chairman at the AP/Warrant meeting next Monday March 30th
NEW BUSINESS:
Select Chairman of the Board
Steve/Ken motion to nominate Ron Price as chair All in favor
Steve has made a list of items that he would like to discuss and prioritize to go over weekly.
Ken thinks that 6-14 can be addressed at the work session for public works Thursday
Ron thinks keys at town garage needs to be changed
Discussion on all town keys and that town office has to have a code to enter. Still out is Joe Richardson & Janet Boynton
Central Maine Disposal was wondering about being able to drive on posted roads. Only with smaller trucks-roads are posted and Sullivan’s also can’t use their big trucks
David Schofield also has 2 keys that will have to be returned. Election hall and the side door
Ron/Ken motion to change locks at town garage. All in favor.

Ron/Ken motion to adjourn meeting 8:55 pm

Next AP/Warrant signing meeting will be March 30th 2015 @ 6:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be April 6th 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Secretary
Ernestine Keller


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
March 16th 2015

AP/PAYROLL WARRANT SIGNING MEETING

Meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm
Present: Ron Price (Absent) Ken Overlock, Steve Bennett, Erna Keller, Sallyann Hadyniak, Marilyn Perry, Bob Gerrish, Pam & Bob Herman, Brian Jones, Jim Waterman

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant………. $2970.10
AP Warrant ……………. $2288.29
Ending Checkbook Balance………. $ 521,799.05

1. Payroll Warrant this week is $2,970.10 (clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, cleaning lady, ballot clerks and road crew)
2. A/P this week is $2288.29
3. Checkbook balance Bank of Maine…………….……$429,754.72
Checkbook balance Key Bank…………….……$92,044.33
Total $521,799.05 approximately
4. We received a check from IRS for $3233.76 for 6/2014... I will call them to find out what this is, also from Efficiency Maine for $360.00 for town garage lights being fixed
5. Ted from Bank of Maine was here with my scanner and walked me thru getting into our online account-having a problem with printing but we are working on this.

Ken/Steve moved to accept & sign payroll
Steve/Ken motion to accept AP warrant & sign
Myrick Cross was suppose to show up here to discuss the Keene Building foreclosure that the Historical still owes for but could not make it. Need to see about next Monday.
Motion to adjourn Ken/Steve passed at 6:45 pm
Next Regular meeting will be March 23rd, 2015 @ 6 pm
Next AP/Payroll Warrant signing meeting will be March 30th, 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Secretary


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
March 9th 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 pm

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Ken Overlock. Erna (treasurer) Sallyann Hadyniak, Marilyn Perry, Ronnie Littlefield, Bob Gerrish, Glenn Sporie, Bob & Pam Herman, Brian Jones, Steve Bennett, Joe Freeman, Andy Reed & Brian Baker from Soil & Water Conservation. Clint Spaulding was not in attendance.

REVIEW WARRANTS:
• February 23rd 2015 Ken/Ron motion to accept and place on file
• February 24th 2015 (recessed from Feb 23rd) Ken/Ron motion to accept and place on file
• March 2nd 2015 Ken/Ron motion to accept and place on file

CITIZEN’S ISSUES
• Ronnie Littlefield came to meeting to bring a letter from Charlie Littlefield with a written complaint on someone from the road crew
• After discussion between selectmen the letter was accepted and put in file
• Sallyann raised the issue about communication between selectmen when one is on vacation
• Ron stated we dont know who will get in but whoever does it would be discussed by the selectmen.
• Ron "Thank you for your concerns but there has been selectmen in the past who has been gone for months-so we probably will treat it the same way. We won't know until after the election.
• Sallyann also stated that she was upset about not being given the opportunity to take over secretary
• Ron stated that it wasn't anything intentional they just thought with it being nights and the bad weather.
• Ken asked " Do you still want the job?"
• Sallyann " erna is doing a great job... I would have to think about it."

TREASURER :
• Payroll $2293.98
• AP $8692.01
• Ken/Ron motion to accept & Pay
• Payroll Warrant this week is $2,293.98 (Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Treasurer, Cleaning Lady and Road Crew _ hr OT)
• A/P this week is $8692.01 (Dogs, CMP, BMV, IF & W, McIntire, Waldo County Reistry, Marden’s, Montville, Knox, Jackson, Hartford, Kelly & Collins, 941 ,Bob Herman)
• AAA contract for Rec field-discuss and sign
• We received a check from Black Hill Corporation $43.74 and 2014 BETE Reimbursement$346.00
• Bank of Maine Statement- February $428,624.77 fees was $60- Interest paid $57= $3.00 for month
• Key Bank Statement- February $91,107.46 fees was $290.25- Interest paid $3.95= $287.25 for month
• There are still a few outstanding checks… Would you like me to reissue them and cancel KEY BANK???
• Ron/Ken motion to leave Key Bank open to clean up outstanding checks
• Erna will contact anyone still remaining to remind them

TOWN CLERK:
• Flush in Town Office needs to be fixed... Runs constantly

FIRE DEPT:
• Jim has called K & T about the door the estimate is $1500...
• He has called MMA insurance and is waiting to hear back about refund
• Mutual Aide in Palermo @ 3:20 am

GENERAL ASSISTANCE:
• none

ROAD COMMISSIONERS:
• Ron stated: Salt & Sand pile is up and we are ready if anymore snow comes
• Signs need to be ordered for frost heaves & posted roads
• Ken/Ron motion to purchase 50 of each

EXECUTIVE SESSION:
• none
PUBLIC WORKS:
• OVERHEAD DOORS:
• There are a few door panels that are rotted
• Door doesn't shut properly from the top
• Ken- so we are losing heat
• Ken/Ron motion to have them come look at doors to get repaired
• Ken when are we posting roads
• Bob Herman and Travis will post roads tomorrow

HISTORICAL:
• We rec'd a letter from Myrick Cross on Keene Hall wanting the town to give Historical a Warranty Deeed instead of Quit Claim
• Sallyann mentioned there is a meeting coming up Tuesday but this is the first she had heard of this letter
• Ken- Town has been very clear from the start as to what will be done. A Quit Claim Deed is all we give.
• Ron- We have worked with them on waiting for the correct paperwork and now still waiting for the final payment.
• Ken- Well any remaining cost is on them, the town isn't responsible
• Ken- We need to ask to meet with the Historical on Monday Night with their decision on what they would like to do and make it clear to them that the town will NOT put up any money for a warranty Deed. Time is running out but we will give them a little more time. We can't treat them any different then anyone else who buys a FORECLOSED property.

RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE:
• meeting to be scheduled right off
Cemetery Committee:
• Will be meeting soon
Budget Committee:
• Done until winter

OLD BUSINESS:
• Gaz Agreement- Ron wants to make sure that this agreement was attached to the minutes

NEW BUSINESS:
• Cindy has mentioned thhat someone has been in and asked for a copy of the surveys
• Ken- Do we have people look at them here or do we make copies. They are really big and not sure about how Cindy would make them
• Brian said" If they want a copy have them contact the surveyor-they might charge them but that would be up to them.
SOIL & CONSERVATION
• 2-3 years ago the Audubon Society measured and took pictures
• All the info is online-the program has so many different levels of information
• There are different grants that the town could get to replace culverts & other different sections of town
• Both Andy & Brian have gone thru lots of training and there is another one on April 1st
• Bob Gerrish mentioned that most was replaced 2 years ago so these pictures and updates are old
• Ron- Yes when the roads got tarred they did replace alot of them
• This program says how big they are, ( different sizes pictures of the surrounding area, location)
• There are different agencies involved
• We would like to show the selectmen and anyone else interested on the computer after meeting is over
• Ken- Are there grants for the Dam project that we are working on
• There has been money given to other towns for similar projects,

Ken/Ron motion to adjourn meeting @ 6:45 pm and meet in
selectmens office to work on computer with Soil & Conservation
(Ken/Ron/Erna and Steve Bennett) until 7:30pm

Next AP/Warrant signing meeting will be March 16th 2015 @ 6:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be March 23rd 2015 @ 6:00 pm


Respectfully Submitted,

Secretary

Ernestine Keller


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
March 2nd 2015 AP & Warrant signing MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:10 PM

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair)and Ken Overlock. Also Cindy Abbott (Clerk), Erna Keller (Treasurer),Jim Waterman, Steve Bennett and Tim Biggs.
Clint Spaulding not at meeting


TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant ........................$5,239.62
A/P Warrant .............................$8423.77


• Payroll Warrant this week is $5,239.62 (clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, ACO, selectmen, LPI & CEO and road crew)
• A/P this week is $8423.77
• We received a check from USPS for $630.00 (Do u want the report that I did behind your selectmen’s letter in town report)
• Selectmen replied to keep with the Treasurer's Reports in Town Report

Ken/Ron moved to accept and sign the payroll; motion passed.
Ron/Ken moved to sign the A/P warrant; motion passed.


TOWN CLERK:
Cindy reported:
• Town Reports- we are still missing a few reports such as EMD and Rec.
• We will start printing on Wednesday
• Water Test came back with good results- Fire Dept has been told that water is now drinkable
• Address for 8 Evans Lane was given to selectmen for approval from the Postal Service
• Was given to Jim Waterman he is our 911 addressing Officer

Road Commisioners:
• Ron/Ken approved motion to purchase some tools for Public Works Dept not to exceed $600
• Purchase order # 91603
• Erna gave Ron the Sales exempt paperwork for Northern Tools
• Equipment needed:
• Drop Lights
• 1" Impact Wrench
• Vice
• Screw Drivers
• 4" Grinder
• Drill & Drill Bits

The next regular meeting is March 9th at 6 PM.

Motion to adjourn passed at 6:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ernestine Keller,
Secretary


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
February 24th 2015 REGULAR MEETING Recessed from 2/23/2015

CALL TO ORDER: 4:30 pm

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Ken Overlock. Erna (treasurer) Cindy Abbott had an appointment and couldn't be here. Clint Spaulding was not in attendance.

REVIEW WARRANTS:

CITIZEN’S ISSUES
TREASURER
TOWN CLERK:
• Cindy had Town Meeting warrants all corrected for selectmen to look over and approve
• Ken/Ron approved warrants as written and signed

FIRE DEPT:
GENERAL ASSISTANCE:
ROAD COMMISSIONERS:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
ASSESSOR’S:
CEO/LPI:
PUBLIC WORKS:
HISTORICAL:
RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE:
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:
Cemetery Committee:
Budget Committee:
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
Ken/Ron motion to adjourn meeting 5:00 pm

Next AP/Warrant signing meeting will be March 2nd 2015 @ 6:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be March 9th 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Secretary

Ernestine Keller


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
February 23rd 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:15 pm

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Ken Overlock. Also in attendance were Erna Keller, Cynthia Abbott, Jim Waterman, Brian Jones and Tim Biggs. Clint Spaulding was not in attendance.

REVIEW MINUTES:
Minutes from February 9th 2015 were reviewed. Ken/Ron, made motions, to accept as written and place on file; motions passed.
Minutes from February 16th 2015 were reviewed. Ken/Ron, made motions, to accept as written and place on file; motions passed.


CITIZEN’S ISSUES: NONE

TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant........................ $3085.19
A/P Warrant............................. $14685.95
Ending checkbook balance...................$ 495,525.20
1. Payroll Warrant this week is $3,085.19 (clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, cleaning lady and road crew 20.5 hrs OT)
2. A/P this week is $14,685.95 (maritime, CMP, Freedom General, Thorndike Auto, Lowe’s, BMV, C.J. Trucking & Const., Fairpoint, Phillip Spaulding, Freightliner, Travis, Statewide Trucking, Sam’s, AE Hodsdon, WCCFFA, Pioneer Machine)
3. Ending Checkbook balance…………….……$495,525.2
4. Foreclosures-Date is Friday Feb 27th 2015… We still have 11 outstanding accounts.(Jacob Bragg just paid) I have given you a list…
5. Community Card-Talked to Ted… He is calling the company-we aren’t the only town they have refused and he will get that taken care of. Also I mentioned that I haven’t set up positive pay with Trio yet but will He said not to worry about it-they won’t refuse any checks.. He is also checking into where my check scanner is.
6. We rec’d check from MRC for quarterly refund $1398.32, Revenue Sharing check for February $3772.61 and an online burn permit reimbursement $30.00
7. County Tax is $97,750.69 (decrease of $1,394.41),
8. AE Hodsdon is on AP warrant again

Ken/Ron moved to accept and sign the payroll; motion passed.
Ron/Ken moved to sign the A/P warrant; motion passed.

TOWN CLERK:
Cindy reported:

FIRE DEPT:
Estimate for 1500 was rec’d by K & T to fix truck back door. Jim sent to Debbie at MMA. Not sure how much the deduction is .
Jim stated that Brad Tirone is interested in the Dam Committee


GENERAL ASSISTANCE:

ROAD COMMISSIONERS:

EXECUTIVE SESSION: none

ASSESSOR’S:

CEO/LPI:

PUBLIC WORKS:

HISTORICAL:

RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE:

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:

Cemetery Committee:

Budget Committee:


OLD BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:

Ken/Ron motion to adjourn meeting 0:00 pm

Next AP/Warrant signing meeting will be ??? ?? @ 6:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be ??? ?? @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Ernestine Keller,
Secretary

APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
February 16th & February 18th 2015

AP/PAYROLL WARRANT SIGNING MEETING

Meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm
Present: Ron Price, Ken Overlock, Clint Spaulding,

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant………. $3,226.09
AP Warrant ……………. $13,055.45
Ending Checkbook Balance………. $ 522,563.91

1. Payroll Warrant this week is $3,226.09 (clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, cleaning lady and road crew 3 hrs OT)

2. A/P this week is $13,055.45 (Maritime, CMP, Freedom General, Thorndike Auto, Ingraham Equipment, Yankee CT, PERC, Traction, BMV, HP Fairfield, MTCCA, RHR Smith, FVFD, Fire Tech, Yeaton’s, Freightliner, Travis, Harcros, Clint, Hilltop)
3. Ending Checkbook balance………Key…….……$96,477.98
4. Ending Checkbook balance………Bank of Maine…….……$426115.93,

All 3 selectmen moved to sign payrolls and AP warrant.


Next Regular meeting will be Feb 23rd @ 6 pm
Next AP/Payroll Warrant signing meeting will be March 2nd @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Secretary
Erna Keller


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
February 9th 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:10 PM

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Clint Spaulding, Ken Overlock. Also in attendance was Erna (treasurer), Cindy Abbott (clerk), Prentis and Joseph Grassi, Christine Spaulding, Brian Jones, Steve Bennett, Jackie Robbins, Bob Gerrish, Dave Schofield (CEO & LPI), Tim Biggs and Jim Waterman

REVIEW MINUTES: Minutes from January 26th 2015 were reviewed. Ken/Ron, made motions, to accept as written and place on file; motions passed. Clint obstained

CITIZEN’S ISSUES:
Michelle Kenney came with information about AFLAC
Town gets a 60% cost reduction for group rates for any town employee or volunteer fire fighter. They have accident policies, pre existing conditions-cause and affect, indemnity policy, cancer & life insurance
• Policies cost around $4-$5 per week for individuals, they also have family policies
• This comes out of payroll before taxes which is also an additional savings
• Trio can set this up- they have alot of towns that let employees have this done thru payroll
• Grandfathered- If you go to another job then your policy will follow U and you won't lose any of your benefits
• Ron asked if the Town would have to do this thru our payroll department?
• Michelle answered Yes, It would be an automatic deduction each week after set up is done, with one invoice weekly online
• Fire Dept would be a seperate invoice and paid with what they call a portable invoice.
• We pay our claims the fastest of any . Submit your claim online (SMART PAY) and your refund is sent right out. If you have direct deposit it will be entered directly into your account usually the next day
• Erna now has this coverage at Hilltop
• Erna asked so can I switch to town coverage because it would be cheaper
• Michelle stated Yes, and it will save you money

CITIZEN’S ISSUES Continued:
• Brian Jones came to ask selectmen about the request for food ordinace for Growing Food in Freedom
• I am requesting not to have to do petition process with signatures since I missed the 60 day notice
• Can we piggy back this with the flood plain ordinance hearing ?
• Ken asked What is the big picture ?
• Brian stated it is unregulated on wood, saws, cars, personal items and it is the same Private exchange between neighbors
• As it stands right now you can't even purchase a pint of dilly beans from your neighbor
• We decide as a town in our community if we have selling options to neighbors in a face to face transaction
• Right now there are 12-13 communities that have passed this ordinance and they are hoping that more towns will join and force the state to readdress this issue by sending a message
• Prentis stated This ordinance really wouldn't do any harm
• Ron asked If this is not affecting our citizens then why add another ordinance that doesn't hold water...
• Farmer Brown in Blue Hill (State stepped in and said home rule doesn't out rule state)
• More discussion
• Ken/Ron made motion to accept hearing at the same time as Flood Plain Ordinance with info to be sent in the same mailing

TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant........................ $5,245.36
A/P Warrant............................. $416,807.79 - AE Hodsdon $2376 and makes new
total $414,431.79

• Payroll Warrant this week is $5,245.36 (this includes clerk, ACO, treasurer, cleaning lady, selectmen, LPI & CEO, road crew 14.75 OT)
• Payroll last week 1/31/2015 was $3,846.17 (clerk, treasurer, cleaning lady & road crew 49 hrs OT)
• A/P this week is $416,807.79 (Maritime Energy, Dogs, CMP, PERC, BMV, IF & W, RHR Smith, FVFD, Fire Tech, Waldo Registry, Gorham Leasing, Mileage-Erna, mileage & equipment useTravis, US Cellular, Bank of Maine-$400,000 transferred from Key), Montville, Knox, Jackson, Kelly & Collins, AE Hodsdon, Key Bank-Jan 941, mileage- Bob)
• Ending Checkbook balance in Key bank ………$ 96,933.86
• Checkbook balance in Bank of Maine………$11,197.45 deposited + $400,000 after AP warrant
• We received a check from USPS for Jan rent $630.00
• Draft-Audit 2014 – did you get a chance to look it over and do you have any questions
• A.E. Hodsdon (Sandy Pond Dam Rehabilitation) bill was $2376 with site survey & plot, 2 preliminary designs Remainder of the bill is $3500 for final design, $2000 for permitting and $3000 for Bidding & Construction Assistance which is a total of $11,098.50 with still to pay $8,500 (Tim Biggs says this is more than what was discussed, so far we have only rec'd one prelim design. Ron/Clint to ammend ap warrant by removing $2376 for AE Hodsdon until next AP Warrant)
• Letter from Drummond & Drummond Tingley property-Our suggested price does not include 2013,2014 & 2015 if so we should be thinking about $33,023.49
• I sent Monica & Wally a letter asking if little league is still using field and if they would be interested in helping out and meeting with the selectmen. NO RESPONSE
• Town still hasn’t rec’d money from Historical on foreclosed property… What would you like done now…
• Ingraham Equipment slips- could someone look at to let me know which truck or account you want effected
• Correction to tm nights budget amount- FVFD $26659 which was a $633.00 increase… changes total to $1,277,896

Ron/Clint moved to accept and sign the payroll; motion passed.
Ron/Clint moved to sign the A/P warrant with ammendment to subtract AE Hodsdon $2376 and makes new total $414,431.79; motion passed.



TOWN CLERK:
Cindy reported:
1. Reminder that the Town Meeting Warrant must be completed by February 28th 2015-this is the Selectmen's last meeting before the warrant needs to be posted. (Selectmen decided to meet Wednesday @ 4:00 for a workshop-need to update articles and remove articles that we don't need this year. Cindy will print off copies for us to go over and discuss)
Ron/Ken motion to meet on Feb 11th @ 4:00 with Erna and Cindy to go over warrant articles.
2. Town Report cover
3. Dedications
4. Town Committee reports -by the end of week
5. Absentee Ballots will be available February 11th 2015
6. BMV audit was cancelled due to weather and rescheduled for 2/23/2015
7. GA Report in front of selectmen.. Cindy has given out one application this week
8. Kathy Cunningham sent a message that Sherriff Trafton will be here on March 9th 2015

FIRE DEPT:

GENERAL ASSISTANCE:
Cindy has given out one application this week... Information was given to selectmen

ROAD COMMISSIONERS:
• Clint stated we have salt being delivered tomorrow
• 500 ton of sand but we might need 1000 if the storms continue the way they have
• Clint recommends 700-800 yards from Clayton Larrabee's Pit and would like to call Bo Spaulding to hire truck also to haul sand
• Ron/Ken made motion to authorize Clint to get the sand that the town needs and to hire Bo Spaulding

EXECUTIVE SESSION: none

ASSESSOR’S:
• Jacki Robbins was here to request permission from selectmen to follow up with Beaver Ridge Wind about the abatement they have submitted. Clint/Ken voted in favor to discuss... Ron abstained .
• Jacki stated during the meeting about the new bladesTodd Presson said not to give this year because they was updating to make them quieter
• Jacki has called Mike Rogers from IRS to discuss and will be asking for the total cost of new blades and updates on towers
• There is also the income approach that can be used-state says if this isnt favorable then 3%
• Ken stated That sounds fine to him
• Ken asked What's the difference between homes valuation and the turbines? If a house is charged for a 2 story and has only one that is cause for an abatment
• Jacki explained and said that based on the value they can't go back .. They needed to have requested before the 185 days was up
• They have spent alot of money on upgrades to the towers and I would like to write them a letter to request a meeting to discuss these items. Worst case scenerio they are requesting 5 % state recommends 3%
• 270,000 then subtract what they have spent.. Then up to selectmen when info is in on what next to do
• Ken said I thought that they had made a statement at one point about not depreciating the towers
• Jacki stated that was discussed during the informational meeting before windmills was accepted by town, I will go back to see if there was ever any documentation stating this precident.
• Ken asked Y freedom was the only one not depreciating them
• Jackie stated that the unorganized territory made a deal with the state on what they are worth and that they don't have to reveal this info.
• Brian stated that RHR Smith did a cost construction the first year because the town didn't have anything to assess tham by
• Jackie said It's up to Freedom which way they want to go with this, each town is different. Any year that they put any money into them for upgrades then that takes away from any depreciation
• Steve Bennett said the State uses the income approach
• Jackie said that Muke Rogers recommends the 3% and if they have put any money into upgrades then there is NO depreciation
• Ken asked What is Vinal Haven's approach ?
• Jackie said she is not sure how they do it now, when they valued them from the start it was easy because the town owns them and had all of the information for cost plus there is a TIF fairly descent value
• Steve asked If there is a TIF for 20 years does the value stay the same
• Jackie replied Usually it is spelled out right from the beginning on what the depreciation would be yearly
• Steve stated That you can go to the FERC website to see how much is generated per quarter and what their production is
• Jackie-They have the burdon of proof on them
• Tim Biggs- They don't produce less per year do they?
• Steve said Yes the do.. It is all listed on the website
• Ken/Clint made motion for Jackie to write her letter and report back to selectboard

CEO/LPI:
David Schofield reported
1. Flood Plain Ordinance- FEMA actually controls this and if Town doesn't vote for new one than noone in town can get flood insurance
2. New maps are still not in but should be coming soon. As of July 6th 2015 the old ones are no longer any good and the new ones will take affect
3. Town needs to schedule a public hearing to discuss this matter and voice any concerns. The changes are between the dam and Unity
4. There is NO cost to the town
• Christine Spaulding stated The Town isn't eligible for any Haz Grants and No Federal money will be given to the town if the town doesn't accept the new ordinance
• Ron asked Do we vote before we get these maps
• Christine stated she has copies of these on a CD and can get them for the selectmen
• Dave stated That he has a projector that can be used to view them
• Ron - Can we schedule anytime
• Cindy we have 14 days posting by March 7th and 7 days before which would be Feb 28th.. So as long as you schedule hearing in that time frame
• Ron/Ken made motion to schedule hearing March 6th @ 6:00pm in Election Hall
• Cindy asked about a mailing to let residents know
• Ron/Ken motion to have Cindy send notice to residents about the hearing

PUBLIC WORKS:

HISTORICAL:

RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE:

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:

Cemetery Committee:

Budget Committee:

OLD BUSINESS:
• Gaz Report- Ron read the consent agreement and will give copy to Erna to add to the minutes
• Ken recused himself
• NO VOTE- Clint left early. Ron will bring up at next selectmen's meeting again
• TINGLEY PROPERTY 181 acres
• Bill Pickford estimate is $500 acre a good offer would be over $50,000
• As of right now town has over $33,000 invested with back taxes, surveyor, lawyer and will have more once marketing cost are added on
• Should get more out of this property if you market as a Hunter's Paradise or Off the grid beautiful pc of property with American Chestnut trees. Property can be accessed from the Rollins Road.
• After checking the map the boundary is an Old Town Road
• Ken says a major part is hardwood
• Need to add an Article in town warrant to discuss what town wants to do with this property
• Meet February 15th for a work session on what to present to town

NEW BUSINESS:
• Mill project will be the Spirit of America (Ron will write)
• Post Office Door & Floor Repairs- Ken has checked into this and will take care of
Ken/Ron motion to adjourn meeting 8:20 pm

Next AP/Warrant signing meeting will be February 16th, 2015 @ 6:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be February 23rd, 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Ernestine Keller,
Secretary


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
January 26, 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:15 PM

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair) and Ken Overlock. Clint Spaulding was not here. Also in attendance was Erna Keller (treasurer and secretary), Heather Perry (Superintendent), David Schofield (CEO & LPI), Scott Holmes (ACO), Jim Waterman (Fire Chief), Cindy Abbott (Clerk), Myrick Cross (School Board Rep & Historical), Robert Couturier (Pleasant Hill Cemetery President), Glen & David Bridges, Tim Biggs, Steve Bennett, Brian Jones, Pam and Bob Herman

REVIEW MINUTES: Minutes from January 19th 2015 were reviewed. Ken/Ron, made motions, to accept as written and place on file; motions passed.

Speaker’s requested to be on Agenda:
Superintendent Perry stopped by to talk about school and that she is always available so just email or call. We are almost half way thru the school year and things are going well, they have hired new staff throughout the district and the new programs (esp. in the elementary) are doing very good. School recently got an extension to 2010 on requirements for graduation. This will affect the 7th grade class.
I would like to THANK the town for the Great work done by their Road Crews. They have done such a good job keeping the roads clear and available for the buses to get to our students. Thank You Again…
Governor’s Budget is flat funding- There are a lot of moving parts and we won’t know for sure until April how this will affect the budget. As it stands right now without the governor’s budget, our budget has an increase from 8.1 mils to 8.4 mils.
APRIL 6th 2015 @ 6:00 pm is the budget preview for town officials and is open to the public

Ron asked “Are you going to be here?”
Heather Perry replied “Feb 11th she will know for sure about whether she gets her new job. If she does she will finish the school year and will start there July 1st.”
Tim Biggs asked “Is there a problem with the heating system? There has been talk about some issues.”
Heather Perry replied “When that new system was put in it was a lot more involved than what we was use to. We have put a lot of time into learning and getting use to using this system. We now have the system working correctly and this is where the comments have come from.”
Brain Jones said” So as far as our taxes because of the mil, you are saying our taxes will rise 1/3 mil to fund the school budget.”
Heather Perry replied “yes, you are correct.’
Heather thanked the selectmen for letting her come speak and said once again “my door is always open please contact me with any comments or concerns.”

Ron opened the floor to Robert Couturier Pleasant Hill Cemetery, President and thanked him for coming.
Robert Couturier stated” Pleasant Hill Cemetery is the only cemetery in Freedom that has spaces available for burials. Last year we had 4 cremations ($1200) and 3 conventional burials ($1800)
This year we haven’t sold any as of yet and the price of a burial has increased to $500.00 for plot. There are also additional burial fee costs such as - cremations $150 and conventional burial $200.00
When there is a burial the law states that 30% has to go to perpetual care.
There are 696 sites still open for burials with 519 of the vacant to sell.
There is an Annual News letter that gets sent out to around 250 people (ancestors or people with plots all ready) as a fund raiser. Last year this brought in around $2835 for operating expenses.
Kim and Steve Holmes set in motion a Spaghetti Supper to raise money. ($459 from receipts, donations for sign $185 and silent auction $274)
Sign - Last year we put up a new sign the cost was $2231. This was a great investment and will last for a long time. If you base this on a 30 year investment the cost is $71 per year.
Trees- We removed a few trees that was planted in 1891 thanks to Erna giving us Pat Cronin’s name @ Maine DOT in Knox. Over the next 7 years we will take down 1-2 per year. We have planted new Sugar Maple Trees (cost $3407.64, plus digging holes $350 and expenses $108.22) in between the old trees. We applied for a grant from the State for 1/2 the amount of trees ($2800) and have rec’d $1800 from Memorializing a tree in someone’s honor.
Mowing- We want to Thank the town for their $1200 donation to help out with the Veteran’s graves. We had cemetery mowed 11 times this year. After first bidder (lowest) couldn’t fulfill his requirements, we hired Marcus Lowe. He did an awesome job this year and we are hoping to get him back next year. After he realized the extent of the work it probably won’t be at the same bid.
Work to be done- There is a lot we are hoping to accomplish this year, such as bushes on left side to be removed, reset corner markers, graves to be filled in, chain driveway for less destruction during mud season, looking into green burials and trees in the back still need to be cut down or trimmed.
Tour the Cemetery- We have been working with the Historical and would like to set up some tours of our Veteran’s grave and talk about their history-stories.
Ron asked if they have made a request this year from the town.
Mr. Couturier replied “yes, the amount of $1200 same as last year.” That was a great amount of support from the town and he was hoping to have the support again.
Myrick Cross said “Bob has done an amazing job with initiating meeting and working closely with the board members. Beverly is our treasurer and has done amazing job.
Mr. Couturier “As you all know there is no interest having our money in Cds and Beverly has been checking out other option. Like the town we are considered nonprofit and have to use guaranteed items. Our broker has talked about municipal bonds.”
Ken asked “Has all the trees been planted?”
Mr. Couturier replied “Yes, it looks like they all have survived but if we have any that doesn’t Sprague’s will replace them at no cost to us.”
Ken asked “So will the state remove trees every year?”
Mr. Couturier replied “Thanks to Erna contacting Pat Cronin we are expecting up to 2 a year. We just hope that if Pat gets done for any reason that the state still will continue with the removal. We had prices from $600-$800 for removal of one tree. This is a lot of savings to the cemetery.
Glen Bridges commented “Bob we just would like you to know that when you come to town the first thing you see if the beautiful cemetery, trees, sign and it looks terrific. Great job with the mowing this year.”


TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant........................ $2,769.12
A/P Warrant for Startup-Bank...$100.00
A/P Warrant...........................… $5,647.93
Ending checkbook balance........$508,769.51

1. Payroll Warrant this week is $2,769.12 (clerk, treasurer, secretary, cleaning ladies, and road crew- 23.5 hrs OT)
2. AP Warrant for Start Up @ The Bank of Maine was $100.00
3. A/P this week is $5,647.93 (Maritime Energy, Sullivan’s, CMP, Yankee, BMV, Fairpoint, Fire Tech, MPBN, Travis, Jason Marks, Cox Machine, Staples, Central Tire, MGMC Workplace Health)
4. Ending Checkbook balance…………….……$508,769.51
5. HISTORICAL still hasn’t paid yet for the foreclosed property they are purchasing.
After talking with Myrick Cross he said that the lawyer is checking into the deeds and will be getting a check to us soon. I explained that we need to have the money paid to Cindy ASAP because the auditor asked why it still hasn’t been paid. This should be paid in full since they are doing work on this property and receiving grants and donations
6. Audit is being finished by Vernice, she was here Friday and did all her checking of warrants, cash rec. etc…
7. Rec’d check from WS Darley for FVFD-Refund $134.85
8. Tingley Property so far the amount to recover
a. Taxes $13,688.53
b. Surveying $9,500.00
c. Lawyer $94.25
Total $23,262.78
9. What fun I have had with new bank and scanner-she will be back on Friday to see if we can get it up and running, so far it has not been an easy transaction.

Ron asked” Have we rec’d our check stock from the yet?”
Erna stated “No we haven’t yet, so we are still running off Key Bank Checking but not making deposits there and we have only deposited the $100 in bank of Maine.”
Ron said “So are you driving to Bank of Maine to make deposits?”
Erna stated “No, we have today’s deposit in the safe, we will be closed tomorrow and maybe Wednesday plus she will be here on Friday so I will make deposit then.”

Ken/Ron moved to accept and sign the payroll; motion passed.
Ken/Ron moved to sign the A/P warrant; motion passed.

CITIZEN’S ISSUES:

Brian Jones presented an ordinance he would like to see on Town Meeting Warrant to see if Freedom was interested in accepting.
Local Food and Community Self-Governance Ordinance of 2015
This would give the people of Freedom the right to produce, process, sell, purchase or consume local foods from others. Face to face transaction. It would be like a neighbor who has made a lot of jelly wanting to see the extra to friends or others.
Brian said “I can sell a chain saw, wood, car, items on the web without anyone questioning, but am not allowed to sell jams, jellies, eggs, meat, etc. to someone without rules and regulations. All this does is say that the town backs its residents and they have rights to sell their products.”
Discussion on the state law is 90 days that this should have been introduced to selectmen for a warrant article… Ron asked Cindy to check on Wednesday with MMA about putting article on Selectmen’s Warrant and a hearing 7 days prior.

Steve Bennett- Future RSU3
Steve told about the Alumni Game and its huge success. It was a great family event that raised about $3000 there was a lot of people there and great silent auction items. The girls and boys basketball players from the past our former cheerleaders were there too. Steve said he thinks everyone had a great time.
Erna said “I know I did, it was great to see all the kids…adults… come back and play. Future did a great job and it was fun for all involved. Lynn Hadyniak has posted some wonderful pictures on face book too. ”

Multi Purpose Building is the next project of Future RSU3. This will be 36’ x 40’ in the middle of all the sports fields equipped with a concession, first aid room, and restrooms. Estimate is $100,000 to drill a well and build. Once done this will be donated back to the school. We have $25,000 earmarked already for this project with 2 donations. (Glenn Couturier will donate the foundation work and we have an electrician who will donate the electrical)
“The Stable” will be the name on the building with “Where the Mustangs Go to Eat” Building will look like a barn with a Mustang Weathervane on the roof.

Golf Tournament raised $5000-$6000 profit
Steve said “We have 22 Members right at this point”

Steve Bennett- Personal Property Issue

Steve asked if there has been anymore discussion on this matter
Ron said “The selectmen haven’t come up with a plan of action yet, still are doing research on how to present to the town.”
Steve asked “Concerns?”
Ron stated “Article in a warrant is one avenue”
“Informational meeting then let assessor just stop assessing if the town decides to go that way.”
Ken stated “Other option is to go after everything and do it correctly. It hasn’t been done this way in the past and would take a lot of time and effort”
Steve said “Personal Property assessment is $7400 uncollected is $6000
Ken stated “All together it adds up to around $14000 you have excise on tractors too. If you stop collecting personal property then you have people second guessing on whether to excise. They don’t have to excise unless they drive on the road from field to field.”
Cindy stated “They could choose to haul by trailer instead of excising.
Ron-”around $2800”
Steve said “Well town isn’t doing correctly.”
Ron answered “I don’t know if any town does it correctly, every town is different and tries to be as fair as possible.”
Steve said “There is a $1000 exemption, if your property is under this then you don’t get charged personal property.”
Glen Bridges “TV’s are also exempt- there is a list of exemptions to follow.”
Ron will call MMA and town lawyer to see how selectmen should follow up with personal property.

David Bridges-Running for Selectmen
I would like to answer the questions about if I get selectmen am I not going to be available because we travel.
Answer is “Any traveling that we do would be modified if I get selectmen position. Even when we go to Florida I would be on speaker phone or Skype so that I am available for meetings and decisions that need to be made. I have done town business before when I was on vacation. ”

Ken Overlock-Vacation
Ken wants everyone to know that he will be gone from
June 23rd 2015 to July 6th 2015

TOWN CLERK:
Cindy reported:
1. Nomination papers were due back on Tuesday Jan 20th 2015. The following will be on the ballot.
Selectmen-3 year term Stephen Bennett and Dave Bridges
Clerk, Tax Collector, Excise Tax Collector-Cynthia Abbott
Treasurer-Ernestine Keller
School Board Rep-3 year term- Myrick Cross
Absentee Ballots available February 11th 2015
2. Town Meeting Warrant must be completed by February 28th 2015 (last selectmen meeting before warrant needs to be posted)
3. Town Reports from Board Members/Officers-Would like to have these in the office by Friday Feb 13th 2015
4. Spirit of America Tribute
Honoring Old Mill
Ron will write and Ken will help
5. Next selectmen meeting we will have cover colors and possible designs for cover
Ken stated he would like to go back to the small town reports- no color

FIRE DEPT:
Jim asked if water Test was back
Ron stated it is not yet.
Jim wanted selectmen to know that there was a fire on Crosby Brook Rd that they responded to. While there the Thorndike Fire Dept backed into our truck. There was some damage and we have a door that can’t be opened above the bumper. This will be looked at next week and I have already talked with Debbie @ MMA. The conditions were very icy and they had to call in sand trucks.
Ron asked Jim if he rec’d copy of Knox contract
Jim said No
Ron went and got copy of Knox Contract from office. He read and the dates have been corrected. April 1st 2015 to March 31st 2018
Ron/Ken motion for selectmen and fire chief to sign
Jim stated that there is an increase over next three years.
Erna said we should make a copy to keep in our records and then mail.
Cindy is on way to post office and will mail out for the selectmen.
Jim asked if the EMA officer would have an Emergency Shelter set up at the office
Ron said “He hasn’t heard of one being set up”

GENERAL ASSISTANCE:
Cindy requested an Executive session 7:27 pm
Ron/Ken motion to go into executive session due to a legal matter 1 MRSA 405 (6) E
Returned @ 7:40 pm
No decisions made

ROAD COMMISSIONERS:
Unauthorized Access to town garage. Within the last 24 hours it appears someone with a key has gone into the garage and gone through items-removing a page from one of the truck logs. Need to check and see who has key access to garage and check to see why this was done. Nobody should be removing any logs from any truck there.

SAND/SALT
Depending on the storm coming tomorrow and Friday the Town might need to get more salt/sand for remainder of the winter months.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:
2 this week GA & ACO

ASSESSOR’S:

CEO/LPI:
Need to adopt a New Flood Plain Ordinance & Upgraded Maps by the federal government
The new ordinance doesn’t have any majors changes
Will be ready in July
Dave has a copy, change in elevations
If Town votes against new ordinance then residents can’t get flood insurance.
Ron asked Dave to get selectmen a copy for office
Ron asked “Does the new ordinance fit our map?”
Dave “Yes"
Ron said “So we need to discontinue the old ordinance if we decide to accept the new one”
Dave “Yes and the new map. There is also someone @ the EMA’s office that can put our map (6 pcs) into one map”
To add Warrant to Town Meeting
Need to have a hearing
Ordinance is 19 pages-should list it's available @ Town Office
Dave can get a copy and send Cindy it to have available at Office
Need to post 7 days prior-post in 3 places & put in paper
Erna said “Can have Frances Walker also add to Town Website for people to access”
Ken asked “Is this Ordinance customized to Town of Freedom?
Dave said “Yes, original was done in the 70’s and then updated a few years ago.

Grants Available Low Income for New Trailers
The state has a new program coming available for low income residents
Dave will call the lady back to get the information to have at next meeting
Septic Systems Grants
The town pays up front for all the costs and then the state reimburses the town (sometimes it takes up to 9 months)
Town responsible for septics or if condemned. Hard long process
Ron asked Dave to take care of Greeley Road septic issue
PUBLIC WORKS:

HISTORICAL:
Myrick Cross wants to remind everyone about Meeting for the Keene Building Thursday night here in the election hall. Going to have great speakers and is an informational meeting. WOULD LIKE TO INVITE EVERYONE TO ATTEND!!

SCHOOL BOARD REP:
There will be a workshop at the end of next week to start a search for a new superintendent. Option is using an interim as a last resort.
Valuation Committee- the state and the union are very involved with decisions

ACO:
Scott requested an Executive session 7:40 pm
Ron/Ken motion to go into executive session due to a legal matter 1 MRSA 405 (6) E
Returned @ 7:45 pm
No decisions made

DAMN COMMITTEE:
Tim Biggs and Dave Bridges showed the first draft sketches for the overflow & spillway. Concrete footings, cement back, rip rapping Waiting for Al to get some prices
Tim said FEMA is getting a price for rip rapping
Some repairs that need to be done are
Gravel in front of the damn there are 3 holes
Need to increase 4 inches above -need to scoop out
Tony state dam guy said that it needs to be scooped out
Tim has talked to Clayton Larrabee but hasn’t gotten a price yet
Still have 2 final drawings. These will eat up the $10,000 that was donated by Beaver Ridge
Can’t put dirt on either side of damn because of silk
Ken asked can we enlarge the concrete and would it be cheaper
Tim said that’s an option
Right now cost could be up to $35,000
Dave said one we get the actual figures we can go from there
Tim- 7ft wall from footing and the lip for an Emergency spillway
Steve-what do you do to divert the water?
Tim-Low water time of the year
Glen- Tom from Beaver Ridge said might be interested in helping out again

CEMETERY COMMITTEE:
Ron mentioned Cindy would like to add money to budget so that we can hire someone to mow the old cemeteries. She will still volunteer but isn’t willing to be there every weekend like her and Erna did last year
RECREATION COMMITTEE:
Erna reported that we are working on a proposal to just use the money rolled over for expenses instead of raising and appropriating. Cindy and she talked to Vernice about what rec has for money and it should cover cost this year. Also the 9500 that also could be used if needed doesn’t have to go in front of town because it’s special revenue.

Budget Committee:
Tuesday night meeting cancelled due to storm

OLD BUSINESS:
Ken still hasn't heard back from Bill Pickford yet on Tingley Property

NEW BUSINESS:
Need to start working on the warrants for town meeting and get our reports done

Ken/Ron motion to adjourn meeting 8:20 pm

Next AP/Warrant signing meeting will be February 2nd 2015 @ 6:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be February 9th 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Ernestine Keller,
Secretary


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
January 19th 2015

AP/PAYROLL WARRANT SIGNING MEETING

Meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm
Present: Ron Price, Ken Overlock, Clint Spaulding, Erna Keller.

Approved January 12th 2015 minutes (Ken/Clint motion to accept)

TREASURER’S REPORT:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant………. $2,185.37
AP Warrant ……………. $7,223.19
Ending Checkbook Balance………. $ 509,035.00

1. Payroll Warrant this week is $2,185.37 (clerk, treasurer, cleaning lady and road crew 1.5 hr OT)
2. A/P this week is $7,223.19 (MMA-WC, Maritime Energy, PERC, BMV, Waterville Humane Society, AAA, MMA dues, Plumbing-State of Maine, Forrest Larrabee, Freightliner, Harcros, Key Bank-correction, Robert Herman, K & T) voided checks 12629-12643 copier messed up
3. Ending Checkbook balance…………….……$509,035.00
4. Storage Rental for Oct, Nov, Dec and Jan is on this AP for $300.00 to Forest Larrabee

Ron/Clint moved to sign payrolls and AP warrant. All agreed.
There is a problem with printer. Ron/Clint made a motion to have Cindy contact them to come fix the drawer problem.
Cindy called during meeting and reminded us that we need to do an AP for Elections & Town Meeting Mailing on January 22nd 2015 (will also have Historical Keene building info and Healthcare info from Frances Walker)

Ron/Ken/Clint approved doing an AP Warrant a signed a paper for it stating it will cost $44.38
Ken/Clint Motion to adjourn passed at 6:30 pm
Next Regular meeting will be January 26th 2015 @ 6 pm
Next AP/Payroll Warrant signing meeting will be February 2nd 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Ernestine Keller,
Secretary


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
January 12th 2015 REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER: 6:04 pm

PRESENT: Selectmen Ron Price (Chair), Ken Overlock, Cindy Abbott, Tim Biggs and Jim Waterman. Also in attendance were Sallyann Hadyniak and Marilyn Perry
Clint Spaulding was not @ meeting
REVIEW MINUTES: Minutes from Dec 29th, Dec 31st and Jan 5th were reviewed. Ron/Ken, made motions, to accept as written and place on file; motions passed.

CITIZEN’S ISSUES:
Cindy said that we had one complaint from Heidi Smith. Heidi was upset with a plow truck driver on North Palermo, said he hit a sign that almost hit her and kids. She then was very upset to the driver when he pulled over to check on the situation.
Ron said she called him @ Ingraham’s and was very rude.
Ron talked to driver-Travis Price who said that there were 3 cars behind him when two decided to pass so he pulled over as far as he could. Yes he did hit the corner of sign which knocked it off into the ditch. He then pulled over to check on the situation when Heidi got out of car and was very upset with him.

TREASURER:
Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant........................$2,392.87
A/P Warrant............................. $48,863.46
Ending checkbook balance...................$ 512,472.79

Ron/Ken moved to accept and sign the payroll; motion passed.
Ron/Ken moved to sign the A/P warrant; motion passed.

1. Payroll Warrant this week is $2,392.87 (clerk, treasurer, secretary, cleaning lady and road crew)
2. A/P this week is $48,863.46 (Maritime Energy, CMP, BMV, O’Connor, MSAD#3, Travis, US Cellular, Dirigo Glass, Maine Motor Transport Assoc, MRC, Kelly & Collins, Hilltop, Bob)
3. Ending Checkbook balance…………….……$512,472.79
4. We received a check from GA reimbursement Jan-Nov 2014 for $1,646.47
5. We received Statement from Bangor Savings for Phillip Thurston Perpetual Care Fund-Smithton Cemetery CD- (12 month@ .150000% maturity date 8/16/15) New total is $5,010.18 this made $7.50 in Interest for year
6. We received Statement from Bangor Savings for Town CD (60 month@ .940000% maturity date 8/16/18) our new total is $10,479.34 this made $98.05 Interest for year
7. Nicole Hubbard sent me a message today and CAN’T take the secretary position @ this time because of her boys schedule with sports.

Ron asked Erna to see what the Town CD was for…
Cindy thinks it was the Salt/Sand shed

Correspondence:
1. Revenue Sharing for 2015 will be $33,992.64
2. FEMA sent paperwork on flood plain. They will send to CEO & publish in the register. Town has 6 months to comply with some items in this letter.
3. MMA sent letter to selectmen for the dues for 2015 (Ron gave to Erna for next meeting)
a. MRC sent letter with new tipping fees which has increased
b. July – Sept 2015 ($79.29)
C. Oct-Dec 2015 ($79.57)
D. Jan-Mar 2016 ($81.44)
E. Apr-June 2016 ($81.87)
4. Ron asked Erna to check and see if Unity Area Regional Recycling Center invoice was paid… ANSWER is yes check 12597 on 1/5/2015 for $5,937.90
5. MMA Risk Management bill is $5,482 for the year, (Ron gave to Erna for next meeting)
a. 1st Installment $2,192.80
b. 2nd Installment $1,644.60
c. 3rd Installment $822.30
d. 4th Installment $822.30
6. Maine Policy Review sent a book

TOWN CLERK:
Cindy reported:
1. Budget Committee appointments are signed
2. We will have a mailing for town meeting with who is running and times of voting. Can Historical also add a notice about the reschedule of Keene building on January 29th 2015?
Ron/Ken agreed to the mailing and the letter from Historical could be added
3. Cash Receipts for December and the year 2014
4. Personal Property info (Talked about this info and discussed maybe putting a warrant article about this. Will discuss more in the future)
5. Real Estate Tax info (Went over there are accounts that still need to be fixed like Mark Philbrook property that Historical has to finish paying the bid (Contact Myrick) then town can transfer the name to them, Richard Tingley Property which Town foreclosed on in 2009-needs to be put in Town’s name and as soon as sold take off the tax records)
Ron will call Jackie about Alison Perez & Randy Witham property
6. Cindy is collecting items for the Dunham Family here @ office because they lost their home in Knox to fire.
7. 2014 Tractor Excise
8. 2015 Humane Society Contract is in-total is $1020 and this needs to be signed (Ron/Ken motion to sign and give to Erna to pay)
9. Ron rec’d certified on 1/9/2015 from FEMA-final flood hazard determination
10. Jim has written letter for the fire dept to be sent to Dept of Labor… Town Office & Garage letters still need to be finished
11. RE request for re-evaluation acct #452


FIRE DEPT:
Jim asked about the agreement with Knox for Mutual Aide
Ron said he would bring to next meeting to get it signed so he can get back to Knox before there end of month
Jim asked about water test
Ron will try to get this done by end of week
Jim has gotten his letter done for safety works and has given a copy to Cindy

GENERAL ASSISTANCE:
ROAD COMMISSIONERS:
EXECUTIVE SESSION: none
ASSESSOR’S:

CEO/LPI:
Dave mentioned to Ron that there is a grant program that might be available to get replacement on old mobile homes. Grant covers a newer more efficient model and removes the old one from the property.

PUBLIC WORKS:
Tim Biggs has been working on a comparison for plowing our roads and contractor

Budget Committee:
Meets Tuesday January 13th @ 6:30 in annex

OLD BUSINESS:
Ron talked about safety works for town garage and what still needs to be done for letter to be written
Ron talked to Ross @ Hilltop and the taxes on fuel are 55 cents
If we go with the state fuel @ Knox we don’t pay any taxes
State pays like 2.20 plus vendor profit and taxes
Ron asked Tim Biggs if there was an update on dam... Tim will call Dave Bridges

Tingley Property
Ken reported that the value- according to John is around $80,000-$90,000 access is an issue
Ron will call Lane Gray about Legal access to property
Whoever buys the property will have to deal with the access so it would be nice to have this info beforehand. After they buy they can talk to other land owners about different means of access

NEW BUSINESS:
Ron said the Post Office is having a problem with one of the doors not opening and shutting properly
Ken will go see Michelle to see what needs to be done to fix it

Ron/Ken motion to adjourn meeting 8:05 pm

Next AP/Warrant signing meeting will be January 19th 2015 @ 6:00 pm
Next Regular meeting will be January 26th 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Respectfully Submitted,

Ernestine Keller,
Secretary


APPROVED MINUTES/FREEDOM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
January 5th 2015

WARRANT SIGNING MEETING

Meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm
Present: Ron Price, Clint Spaulding, Ken Overlock, Erna Keller, Sallyann Hadyniak and Marilyn

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Erna reported:
Payroll Warrant………. $3237.92
AP Warrant ……………. $14,075.18
Ending Checkbook Balance………. $553,410.30

1. Payroll Warrant this week is $3237.92 (clerk, treasurer, ACO, selectmen, LPI & CEO and road crew)
2. A/P this week is $14,075.18 (PERC, MFCA -Jim Waterman fire chief, UARRC-2015-2016 Annual Budget less sales credit, MMA-Property & Casualty, MMTCTA-Cindy & Erna membership dues 2015, NASASP-State Surplus membership, Hamilton Marine reimburse to Ron Price, Seacoast Securities)
3. Ending Checkbook balance…………….……$553,410.30
4. Can I get a purchase order no for Dirigo Glass-this was for the loader… Then they will bill the town …
5. BANK OF MAINE WAS SCHEDULED FOR WED @ 2 but due to a funeral I have switched it to Friday @ 1:00
Ron/Ken made motion to accept, sign and pay payroll
Ron/Clint made motion to accept & pay AP warrant.
6. Training for Bob, Travis & Ron was done on Dec 31st
7. Ken & Clint will take this training home to do
8. Cindy and Erna has 2 trainings to still do

Executive Session:
Clint/Ken motion @ 6:25 pm
1MRSA 405 (6) D

Returned from Executive session @ 7:20 pm
NO DECISIONS MADE
Ken/Ron Motion to adjourn passed at 7:21pm
Next Regular meeting will be January 12th 2015 @ 6 pm

Respectfully submitted,


Ernestine Keller
Secretary