09.21.22 7pm
MINUTES FOR SELECT BOARD PUBLIC & ZOOM MEETING
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022 - 7:00PM at the Hollis Community Building
Attendees: Select Board member - David McCubrey, John Rogala, Mary Hoffman;Town Clerk Martha Huff; Rec Director Debbie Tefft; Fire Chief Chris Young; Select Board Office Asst. Bennet Flinner; Camera Operator Ken Knudsen; Broadcast Technician Tiffany Dean.
1. Meeting called to order at 7:00pm by McCubrey.
2. Old Business
a. Animal Control Officer Wanted - Please contact Select Board if you are interested in this position or visit our website for job description and where to submit resume.
b. Meeting minutes for 09.08.22 - On the motion of Hoffman and Rogala Select Board unanimously approved minutes for 09/08/2022. Passed 3-0.
3. New Business
a. Intro of new General Assistance Administrator, Jane Maynard. Reminder to residents to apply for heat assistance through York County Community Action. Even if you are unsure if you qualify due to income, please call or apply online 1-800-965-5767.
b. Schedule Public Hearing on Oct. 5 for Adoption of General Assistance Maximums A-G - On the motion of Hoffman and Rogala, the Select Board unanimously scheduled the public hearing for the adoption for the GA Maximums for 2022-23 on October 5, 2022. Passed 3-0.
c. Schedule Special Town Meeting on Oct. 5 for approval of use of Undesignated Funds for increase of Parks and Recreation wages. On the motion of Hoffman and Rogala, the Select Board unanimously called a Special Town Meeting on October 5, 2022. Passed 3-0.
McCubrey explained that there would be a regular meeting on October 5th starting at 7PM, then the Special Town Meeting would start at 7:15pm.
Select Board draft of Special Town Meeting Oct. 5 warrant was presented.
McCubrey read article 1 to elect a moderator to preside at the meeting.
Hoffman read Article 2 "Shall the town vote to appropriate all revenues received during fiscal year 2022-23 from the Town before and aftercare program into the Town's Park and Recreation for staffing purposes and to authorize the Select Board to expend up to $48,000 during fiscal year 2022-23 for the purpose of increasing Recreation Department employees salaries and hiring additional Recreation Department employees?" A motion was made by Hoffman and Rogala to the article as written. Discussion: Hoffman gave background about how in August the board voted to increase the salaries to the counselors of Parks and Rec, and the Director and Assistant Director to assist in hiring a new Assistant Director for the department. Originally the board was going to request that the funds be transferred from the general fund, but changed it after consulting with legal staff at MMA. McCubrey indicated that the wage increase for counselors from $13-16 per hour was his fault because he made the motion that started this process and now the Assistant Director and Director salaries are involved. He asked if the plan was to use the help offered from the resident in advertising the position to offer the increase in hourly wage and Hoffman confirmed yes. McCubrey reminded folks that the Town offers at no cost to the employee Medical and Dental insurance and a $1500 Healthcare Reimbursement Account. McCubrey said he wasn't sure about the term "appropriation" used by legal in this article and perhaps we should have it looked into. Martha Huff asked how the Finance Committee (FC) was involved in this and the recommendation requirement for the article. Hoffman indicated that the FC was stuck on how to handle this and that is why it is going to vote at a Town Meeting, it circumvents a FC approval. Huff also questioned the wording of the article, she doesn't believe it is an appropriation due to the taxes. McCubrey indicated that you have to have a Town vote to spend money from General Fund-- the Select Board (SB) does not have authority to do so unless it is an emergency and is unanimously approved by both SB and FC. Huff also recommended to consult our auditor/accountant to make sure revenues and tax rate are not affected. Amended motion - On the motion of Hoffman and Rogala, article 2 is tabled until next meeting scheduled for next Wednesday. Passed 3-0.
Hoffman read article 3 "Shall the Town vote to amend the Marijuana Business Ordinance of the Town of Hollis Maine to change the word "marijuana" throughout the ordinance to "cannibis" as recommended in LD 1957?"
Motion made by Hoffman to approve article as written, McCubrey seconded. Discussion: Hoffman explained that the legislature felt the term cannibis was all inclusive and a better term to use; thus the proposed change to our Marijuana Business Ordinance. Martha Huff recommended to add "ordinance entitled" prior to the name of the ordinance. She also asked if the Planning Board needed their recommendation for this article. Hoffman said no since the changes had nothing to do with the Planning Board. On the motion of Hoffman and McCubrey, the Select Board approved to amend the Marijuana Business Ordinance to change the word Marijuana throughout the ordinance to Cannibis as recommended in LD 1957. Passed 3-0. Hoffman amended her motion for the wording of article to be "Shall the Town vote to amend the ordinance entitled Marijuana Business Ordinance for the Town of Hollis Maine to change the word "marijuana" throughout the ordinance to "cannibis" as recommended in LD 1957?" McCubrey seconded. All in favor - Passed 3-0.
Hoffman read Article 4 "Shall the Town vote to amend the ordinance entitled Marijuana Business Ordinance of the Town of Hollis, Maine to allow adult marijuana stores to be able to offer both curbside and home delivery in accordance to state statutes noted in LD 1827?" Hoffman made a motion to approve the article as written and McCubrey seconded. Discussion: Martha Huff questioned if the article was changing the use and that the Planning Board should review and recommend. Select Board agreed. On the motion of Hoffman and McCubrey the Select Board deleted Article 4 from draft warrant for Oct. 5 2022 Special Town Meeting. Passed 3-0.
Hoffman read new Article 4 "Shall the Town vote to expend up to $450,000 from the Tax Increment Financing account to purchase a new ambulance?" Hoffman made a motion to accept the article as written, McCubrey seconded. Chris Young gave background of how the replacement cycle for an ambulance was scheduled to be budgeted & voted on next June; however the current build time for new ambulances has increased to 2 years. Orders being submitted now will be ready in Spring 2025. This will help the department stay on track for a new ambulance. The new fire truck is running 4-5 months behind - its due to arrive Feb.- Mar. 2023. Motion passed 3-0.
d. Payroll and Warrant Totals: Warrant last week $483,418; Warrant this week $373,436; Payroll last week $12,442; Payroll this week $34,054.
e. Purchase Orders: #4176 to Innovative Surface Solutions for 4500 gallons of Magic Minus Zero (de-icing agent) under Snow acct not to exceed $7,110.
4. Other Business: Tax Commitment - We are working on it, almost completed.
5. Upcoming Committee and Board Meetings:
- The Select Board will be attending a workshop with the Buxton Board of Selectmen to collaborate efforts in local issues on 09.28.2022 at 5pm.
- Select Board meeting on Wednesday, September 28 at 7:00pm.
- Select Board meeting and public hearing on Wednesday, October 5 at 7:00pm
6. Executive Session - none
7. Clerk Update - Martha Huff Reports that the Maine Town and City Clerks met last week during which Buxton's Deputy Town Clerk, Angela Michaud, was awarded Deputy Town Clerk of the Year. Mert Brown, Clerk for the Town of Kennebunk was presented the Lighthouse Award. She extends a big congratulations on behalf to these deserving clerks! Dog licenses are available Oct. 15, 2022.
The Select Board extends their condolences to the families of Cindy Walker-Butler and John Sheahan, two residents that passed away recently whom were very involved with our Town. Cindy served as an EMT for years with Hollis Fire & Rescue. John was an smart and valued member of our town committees. We are very sorry for you loss.
8. Public Comment - None
9. Adjournment - On the motion of Rogala and Hoffman the Select Board unanimously adjourned the meeting at 7:56pm. Passed 3-0
Minutes submitted by Bennet Flinner, Select Board Office Asst.