December
30, 2013 BOS Meeting
This
meeting was not recorded
The
minutes for December 13th and 16th were approved.
Cote’s Market now has a full liquor
license that will expire on December 31, 2014. Obtaining a liquor license is a
very slow process.
Otter River Hotel Liquor
License –
After much discussion the BOS voted to approve the liquor license for the Otter
River Hotel with the understanding that the liquor license may be revoked if
the agreement to pay of back taxes is broken.
Appointments and resignations – Karen Gautreau was
appointed to the Board of registrars and Steve Laprise was appointed as a poll
worker.
Julie
Farrell resigned from the Templeton Elementary School Building Committee as the
BOS representative. Kenn Robinson was nominated and voted as replacement.
Alan Mayo Discuss hiring of
part-time Laborer –
The
Cemetery/Parks department is currently very short staffed. After considerable debate, a motion was
made Selectman Robinson to hire a temporary laborer. This motion was seconded
by Selectman Morrison. After more debate regarding the hiring and expense
freeze, the motion was defeated. Personally, this was one of the most difficult
votes I have ever made. As department head Alan accomplishes miracles with his
very small budget. Once the budget shortfall is addressed, the BOS can revisit
this request.
Bethany Loveless – COA van
purchase…
Some
good news! COA Director, Bethany Loveless has managed to pull off a miracle – a
new (used) van for the COA for the price of $1,634 to be taken from the formula
grant. Bethany has also applied for two mini-grants which pay for the purchase
as well. Once the title and transfer is complete the Dodge will be deemed
surplus. A final decision on the surplus vehicle will be made in the future.
Town Administrator job
description
–
After
considerable discussion, it was decided to direct the town coordinator to
develop a job description for a town administrator to be based on some sample
language from other communities.
The
BOS seemed to agree that the financial responsibility of developing a budget
should rest with a town administrator. The town administrator should also be
the director of finance for the town. As it currently stands, our bylaws
(Article IV – Advisory Board) charge the Advisory board with developing the
budget. In most towns, this responsibility rests with the town administrator.
It
appears it may be time to transfer this authority and responsibility to a town
administrator. To accomplish this transition, section 4 of Article IV may need
to be amended. In my opinion, all of the other sections of Article IV are still
relevant and necessary to a strong Advisory Board. I also believe a strong Advisory Board is very necessary to
the financial health of the Town of Templeton.
BOS Policies &
Procedures –
After
discussion, it was agreed to use the original version of BOS policies &
Procedures to move this item forward. Input from board members should be
submitted by Friday January 3rd for discussion at the January 6th
meeting.
DOR Review –
The
Department
of Revenue financial management review was discussed at length. While it
will take some time to implement all of the recommendations, this report offers
some very good advice to get the town on a solid financial footing.
Unfortunately, we will probably need to use free cash to address the current
budget shortfall of $505,000.
There
was brief discussion about the town building assessment committee, which is
looking at Templeton’s current building stock.
Financial Department Meeting
–
A
meeting was discussed to take place so that all members of the financial team
including the Town Clerk obtain training from the DOR. It was agreed that an
agenda for this meeting is essential.
Interim Town Coordinator –
The
impending vacancy in the town coordinator position was discussed. There are a
few options in how to proceed. These options will be discussed more fully.
Cable Commission License
& Fees-
The
Chairman of the BOS was approached by Garry MacEwen to use $50,000 from
Templeton’s franchise fees to install a robotic studio in the KIVA. This
proposal will likely be discussed at the next BOS meeting. Templeton has an
active and very capable Cable Commission. Hopefully, there will be input into
this discussion from Templeton’s Cable commission.
Selectman’s comments-
There
will be a Sewer Commission meeting on January 6th to review sewer
rates. A request has been made for the sewer commissioners to attend the BOS
meeting the same night to discuss Cook Pond Estates.
Selectman
Robinson has information and letters regarding his program “Open for Business”.
My
opinions… supported by FACTS ! ! !
Julie
Farrell
For those of us who do not see the video, I appreciate the summary posted here.
ReplyDeleteVOTE FOR DIANE HALEY-BROOKS for BOS lets go forward not backwards
ReplyDeleteVOTE DIANE HALEY-BROOKS for Templeton's future not for past mistakes
ReplyDelete