Rumford Monitor

Status

2011-08-11T08:29:00.000-04:00

The current Selectboard is still open to suggestions and willing to listen. I appreciate that. If /when the board becomes less receptive to comments and suggestions, I will revive this blog. It is very difficult to be both a friendly guide and a constructively critical blogger. The latter ruins the relationship that maintains the former.

Mr. Moderator's Notebook : Wind Power ordinance proposal

2011-05-14T08:54:00.001-04:00

I may be coming back soon

2011-04-29T21:51:00.000-04:00

I am making some changes in my schedule that may include re-activating this blog. Stay tuned. :)

Opinion: Town of Rumford inc.

2011-02-19T14:23:00.000-05:00

At a recent meeting, it was discussed that perhaps our town should put more effort into attracting business. The discussion revolved around essentially contracting the services of an economic development coordinator for a limited number of hours per week to work in concert with Carlo Puiia on economic development. Currently, we have a three member volunteer committee that has been doing work in this area. However, as we all know, volunteer efforts rarely can sustain over long periods of time, especially when they are active on a daily basis.

One argument against the proposal and many other proposals that come up over the course of the year is that of "we are not in the ________________ business". Whatever the topic, whether it be economic development, or urban development, the statement is either implied or expressed at least once. However, it would seem that a closer look shows that our town does conduct business in a number of ways. Our highway garage is in the "road construction business", our Tax Collector office is in the "car registration business", Our police department is in the "drug education business", Our fire department is in the "basement water removal business". Our Parks Department is in the "ice skate rental and snack business", and even the Town Manager's office is in the "photo copy business". When we extend this to our quasi-municipal relationships, we are also part of entities that are in the ambulance, trash removal, sewer processing, and water treatment businesses. Through initiated articles, we are involved with both the "health club business" and the "ski resort business".

Unfortunately, with all of these businesses, we are unable to get into the "economic development business". Yes, we do fund a portion of the growth council, but their focus is not on Rumford alone. The limited staff they have works on many different tasks including marketing the tech center and promoting business throughout the region.

If we were to have a person dedicated to working on bringing businesses to Rumford, it would pay for itself with just one success. A manufacturing employer bringing in just 50 good paying jobs would positively affect our economy in many ways. The preparation of their site would generate revenue for a contractor. They would have to purchase supplies and perhaps rent equipment for site preparation. The actual jobs created would boost the spending capability of those who were employed, and they would be better able to pay rent, or perhaps build or improve a home, which would improve tax revenue. These expenses would generate revenue to other businesses. Of course a new business may generate additional tax revenue, but then again, it may be beneficial for the town to offer tax incentives to get a business to locate here.

Another issue related to economic development is whether or not to participate in a Business Development Corporation (BDC). Such a corporation would work with the town to be the property holder for economic development efforts. If a property is taken for non-payment of taxes, the town currently takes ownership, and usually looks to get rid of the property (again, we are not in the real estate/property management business). A BDC would be able to take ownership of that property as well as acquire other properties in an effort to be ready for a potential business venture that may want to come to the area. The town cannot purchase properties at auction, and cannot sell such properties without a vote of the people. This puts us at a disadvantage when working to attract business. A BDC could do these things, and make it much easier to coordinate the use of such properties. It could also own income properties to serve as revenue sources for their efforts. This is a simple public-private partnership that would benefit the community.

Over the past few decades, our town has worked to "hold the line" on spending. The budget cuts have had a significant affect on the various departments. While it is important for a town to maintain services at a reasonable level, it is just as important for the leadership to pursue additional revenue through economic growth. Contracting economic development services and developing a BDC, would help to build our community, rather than just cutting it down.

When you are sick, you can lie there and hope to get better, or you can take medicine to help you feel better. Without the medicine, you will either die, or get better. With the medicine, you may die, but not without a fight. Depending on how sick you are, medicine usually helps you to recover faster.

Perhaps Rumford should not be in the "economic development business", but it should at least work to build alliances with outside agencies to achieve economic development goals for Rumford.

Where did I go?

2011-01-24T06:45:00.000-05:00

I have recently been asked by a number of people, why I haven't been posting on this page. The answer is quite simple. Aside from my busy personal schedule, I have discovered that even in small town Maine, it is impossible to be both a pundit in the media and be effective in helping our board to make effective decisions.

The current board is receptive to my suggestions, although they may choose a different path. If I criticize them on this blog, they will likely become less receptive. So, as long as the board remains receptive and behaves itself, I plan on holding off on the political blogging. However, I anticipate that things may change depending upon the outcome of the election in June.

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING AGENDA November 18, 2010g

2010-11-17T22:58:00.000-05:00

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING
AGENDA
November 18, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Rumford Falls Auditorium

6:00 Public Hearing regarding Extending the Wind Power Moratorium

1. Meeting call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bradford Adley

2. All present pledge allegiance to the American Flag

3. Approval of Minutes from the Selectperson’s Meeting of November 4, 2010

4. REPORTS

A. SELECTPERSON’S REPORT
B. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
C. DEPARTMENT MANAGER REPORTS (as needed)
D. TAX COLLECTOR’S REPORT
E. FINANCIAL REPORTS – Budget vs. Actual and Excise Tax

5. REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT

6. OLD BUSINESS

A.

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval of Town Warrant dated November 19, 2010

B. Approval to Extend Wind Power Moratorium

C. Veteran’s Park Memorials – Len Greaney

D. Wreaths Across America

E. Approval of Gateway Demolition Project Bid

F. Approval to Post “No Engine Brake Sign” on Wyman Hill Road

G. Approval of Quit Claim Deed for 566 Prospect Avenue

H. Approval of Liquor License Application and Special Amusement Permit for Black Mountain of Maine

I. Request from Black Mountain of Maine regarding Funding Delay

8. Adjournment

Carlo J. Puiia
Town Manager
CJP/tp

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING AGENDA 11/4/2010

2010-11-03T18:19:00.002-04:00

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING
AGENDA
November 4, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Rumford Falls Auditorium

1. Meeting call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bradford Adley

2. All present pledge allegiance to the American Flag

3. Approval of Minutes from the Selectperson’s Meetings of October 21, 2010 and October 27, 2010

4. REPORTS
A. SELECTPERSON’S REPORT
B. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
C. DEPARTMENT MANAGER REPORTS (as necessary)

5. REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT

6. OLD BUSINESS

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval of Town Warrant dated November 5, 2010

B. Town Auditor Report

C. River Valley Growth Council

D. Progress Report on Economic Development Committee

E. Update on Fire Department Call Force

F. Approval of Annual Town Report Bid

G. Approval of Parade Permit for Christmas in the Valley Parade

H. Approval of Quit Claim Deed for 45 Erchles Street

I. Fund Raising Events in Rumford Falls Auditorium

8. Executive session pursuant to MRS §405 (6) (F) for property tax poverty abatement request Case #2010-1005 with the Town Manager

9. Adjournment

Carlo J. Puiia
Town Manager
CJP/tp

I am voting for Matt

2010-11-01T21:42:00.001-04:00

In the time he has been our State Representative, Matt Peterson has dedicated a large portion of his time to talking with people, and remaining in touch with his constituents. Unlike some politicians we have sent to Augusta, Matt demonstrates true sincerity when he is speaking with you. You can hear his sincerity in his voice and feel the warmth of his personality. When I had a question about proposed legislation, he took the time to explain it to me, and even explained what lobbyist groups would have an affect on it.

Matt also keeps in touch with local politics. I have seen him at numerous meetings of town boards, dedications, and events, as well as discussing issues with our town leaders. I believe that Matt votes based upon what is best for our community. He doesn't follow the party line blindly. He takes time to consider all legislation, and asks what is best for the people he serves. He truly cares for our community.

On November 2nd, I am supporting Matt Peterson, I a hope you will too.

Kevin N. Saisi, Rumford

Selectmen Need To Dust Off "No" Stamp

2010-10-20T07:59:00.000-04:00

Thursday night the Rumford board will address a number of financial issues. Based upon past performance, it is expected that each will be approved with little resistance. However, based upon the problem passing the General Assistance budget, and the extremely close vote on the Black Mountain donation, I would hope that the board consider the financial situation of the taxpayers and demonstrate restraint where necessary.

RSU #10 - Hosmer Field Contract
I hope that this contract has been fully reviewed to assure that it covers the expenses of maintaining the fields used by the school. The entire cost of maintaining Bulger Football Field should be passed on to the school, as they are the only ones who use it, Based upon this premise, the cost of maintaining the baseball fields should be less because other entities make use of them. However, the entire cost of maintaining the new field behind the high school also should be passed on to the school.

I understand that taxes fund both the town and RSU#10, but if we pass the cost on to the school, our neighboring communities share in the cost, thus saving us money and making things more fair.

General Assistance Policy
If this is what I believe it to be, the board needs to do a massive workshop to discuss making changes to the policy to assure that the requirements for receiving General Assistance ("welfare") are as tight as possible.

Food Pantry Donation
This is the second year that requests for donations have come from food pantries in the area. Yes, they provide a vital resource, but the board needs to assert itself and not be giving out donations. These emtities need to either use the initiated article process or raise the money on their own.

Appointment of Police Officer(s)
I believe that our town needs to work more closely with other agencies in the valley to share the workload. When there is a vacancy, change staffing to reduce the need to call in an additional officer. Work with the Sheriff's department and area departments for backup on calls when needed. If you must appoint an officer, make sure that it is designated as a temporary position until the persons who are absent return.

Public Works Pickup Truck
Based upon the questions asked each time a vehicle is requested, it is obvious that the board has no comprehension as to how the current fleet is used. Until that is explained, I believe that board should hold off on any purchases.

Guard Rail Bid
The question here is; exactly how bad is the guard rail that is being replaced?

Feasibility Study for the Viability of a Branded Hotel Bid
This is economic development, and needs to happen to expand our tax base, expand our capabilities to serve both passers by and those attending events in the valley, and make people more aware of our community.

October 21st Selectpersons Meeting Agenda

2010-10-19T08:20:00.000-04:00

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING
AGENDA
October 21, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Rumford Falls Auditorium

1. Meeting call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bradford Adley
2. All present pledge allegiance to the American Flag
3. Approval of Minutes from the Selectperson’s Meetings of October 7, 2010 and Public Hearing Minutes of October 14, 2010
4. REPORTS
A. SELECTPERSON’S REPORT
B. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
C. DEPARTMENT MANAGER REPORTS (as necessary)
D. TAX COLLECTOR’S REPORT
E. FINANCIAL REPORTS – Budget vs. Actual and Excise Tax
5. REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT
6. OLD BUSINESS

A. Approval of Hosmer Field Contract Between RSU 10 and Park and Recreation Department
B. Approval of General Assistance Annual Policy

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval of Town Warrant dated October 22, 2010

B. Approval of Town Audit and Recommendations by Town Auditor

C. Request for Donation from Praise Assembly of God Food Pantry
D. Approval of Texas Hold ‘Em for Rumford Area Rotary Club

E. Approval of Parade Permit for GRCC Halloween Parade

F. Appointment of Police Officer(s)

G. Approval of the 1/2 Ton or ¾ Ton Pick Up Bid for Public Works

H. Approval of the 2010 Guard Rail Bid

I. Approval of Feasibility Study for the Viability of a Branded Hotel Bid

J. Approval to Begin Winter Parking Ban on First Snow Storm
8. Executive Session pursuant to 405(6)(C) regarding an economic development matter with the Town Manager

9. Executive Session pursuant to 405 (6) (E) for legal consultation with the Town Manager and Town Attorney

10. Adjournment

Carlo J. Puiia
Town Manager
CJP/tp

Selectmen's Agenda

2010-10-06T22:56:00.000-04:00

Appointment of Warden and Deputy Warden(s) for 10/13 election
Approval/Support of red Shirt Friday
Permission to seek bids for Public Works pickup truck
Approval of voting delegates for MMA Annual Business Meeting
Approval of the Forest Management Plan
Resignation / Appointment of a Finance Committee Member
Approval of the General Assistance Annual Policy
Approval of Tobacco Free Workplace Policy

Executive Sessions:
Poverty Abatement
Economic Development

Proposed Wind Power Ordinance

2010-09-23T06:50:00.000-04:00

http://www.rumfordmaine.net/downloads/WEF%20Ordinance%20Draft%202010.pdf

Proposed Charter Change

2010-09-23T06:47:00.000-04:00

TOWN OF RUMFORD PUBLIC NOTICE
The Board of Selectpersons will hold a Public Hearing on September 30, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the
Rumford Falls Auditorium regarding the following proposed changes to the Charter. The
amendment will address recent concerns regarding the petition process for initiated articles and
the determination for funding budgetary and initiated articles. The proposed changes will be
voted upon at the November 2, 2010 election.

Article III - WARRANTS FOR MEETINGS AND TOWN REFERENDA
Section 6 - Procedures for Different Appropriation Amount Recommendations
In the event that the Board of Selectpersons and the Finance Committee do not recommend the
same amount to be appropriated for any budgetary item or initiated article, the amount approved
by the Selectpersons shall be posed separately from the amount approved by the Finance
Committee for the consideration of the voters. In order to be established as the amount for the a
budgetary item, the vote for an amount must be a majority plurality of the votes cast for that
article. If neither recommended amount for a budgetary article is approved by the voters by a
majority plurality, neither amount will be used for the budget, subject to Article V, Section 4
regarding budgetary items. In order to be established as the amount for an initiated article
(a.) the vote for funding must be a majority vote of the votes cast for that article, and then
(b.) the recommendation receiving a majority of votes shall be the amount funded to the
article unless a tie vote results, then the lower of the two recommendations shall be the
amount funded to the article. Any amount for an initiated article that does not receive a majority
vote for funding will be defeated and the amount appropriated will be zero and the request item
shall not be subject to reconsideration under Article V, Section 6 for that budget year.

Article V - TOWN MEETINGS
Section 5 - Ballot
Subsection
5. In the event that there are two different recommendations of the Selectpersons and Finance
Committee regarding an initiated article, the following format shall be followed:

ARTICLE NO.** Shall the Town raise and appropriate funding for _____________.
___________YES ___________NO
If you voted NO, DO NOT select an amount, and Proceed to the Next Article.
If you voted YES, select ONLY ONE of the following choices:
___________ $ (Amount Recommended by Board of Selectperson)
___________ $ (Amount Recommended by Finance Committee)

In the event the article was put on the ballot by petition, the following language should be
included on the ballot:
This request was submitted by petition of the voters.
This change will become effective immediately if approved by the voters

9/16/10 Agenda - Rumford Selectmen

2010-09-14T19:11:00.000-04:00

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING
AGENDA
September 16, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Rumford Falls Auditorium

6:00 Workshop with Forester Brian Milligan regarding Forest Management Plan

1. Meeting call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bradford Adley

2. All present pledge allegiance to the American Flag

3. Approval of Minutes from the Selectperson’s Meetings of August 19, 2010 and Special Selectperson’s Meeting of August 28, 2010

4. REPORTS

A. SELECTPERSON’S REPORT
B. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
C. DEPARTMENT MANAGER REPORTS (as necessary)

5. REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT

6. OLD BUSINESS

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval of Town Warrant dated September 3, 2010

B. Approval of Warden and Deputy Wardens for Election of October 13, 2010

C. Approval of Emergency Operations Plan – Richard Coulombe

D. Approval for Removal of Tax Acquired Property at 438 Waldo Street

E. Approval to Authorize a Feasibility Study for a Branded Hotel

F. Approval of No Parking This Side of Street Sign for Riverside Avenue

G. Approval to Apply for a Tax Anticipation Note for Town

H. Discussion to Place Proposed Charter Change on November 2010 Ballot and Set Public Hearings

8. Adjournment

Carlo J. Puiia
Town Manager
CJP/tp

Town Charter

2010-09-11T07:31:00.000-04:00

Our Town Charter has come under attack recently by one of the citizens we have selected to uphold and support it. Selectman Buccina has stated that our charter is too old and complex, and should be done away with. He claims that it gets in the way of everything that needs to get done.

Yes, we have had some instances where the charter has caused delays and problems recently, but it is not due to age nor complexity.

The problems we are having with the charter derives from the recent amendments that have been made. When we switched from making decisions in town meeting to making them in the ballot box, the then current Board of Selectmen, Town Manager and Town Attorney failed to properly analyze the proposal for possible flaws. They rushed the change through without proper review. The result of this hasty decision has been a costly court case followed by the upcoming need to vote on funding for Black Mountain. It has also put other local agencies at an economic disadvantage at a time when the economy is very tight, and may end up costing the town even more money in the near future. But the fact of the matter is that it isn't the older provisions in the charter that caused the problem. This problem would have arisen even if the voting procedure were part of the ordinances.Somewhere down the line in the past few years, either someone was very shrewd in the way they drafted the ordinance, or someone was very incompetent. Either they intended to cause these problems, or they allowed these problems to occur through negligence.

In the case of Steve Eldridge's employment, the charter was clear as to the requirement that he live in the town. Those who fought it were merely standing their ground, albeit on quicksand. The board either overlooked the residency requirement, or ignored it, and was surprised when the people stood up and pushed the issue. In a show of arrogance, they then cost the town big dollars by forcing it to go to the superior court for a ruling. Then, when the judge ordered Mr. Eldridge to move to town or vacate the post, the board chose to give him a large payoff. None of these costs can be attributed to an old, complex charter. These were all human decisions made either through ignorance or arrogance.

Luckily, it would seem that our town is slowly coming out from under that cloud. There are still some who choose to grasp on to the ways of the past, but if our town is to move forward, we must have a sturdy set of rules by which to run our government.

Currently our charter can be changed on a whim. The board can draft a change in 10 minutes and send it out to the voters without much friction. I believe that we need to better define the process for making these changes so that each requires a more thorough analysis of what is being proposed. Under home rule, we have the authority to require that small changes go through a review committee, and large changes require a charter commission. This is what I am proposing be done for all future charter changes.

If we are to maintain the integrity of our charter, we must assure that all amendments and revisions have integrity.

Selectmen Want To "Do It Like Congress"

2010-09-09T12:02:00.000-04:00

The Selectmen met last night to consider a change to the charter regarding the way that citizens vote on money items. The workshop was prompted by controversy over the current method which splits the positive votes. In doing so, it is easier to defeat a budget item or initiated article. This change was made a few years back as part of the process of bringing the financial decisions out of the town meeting and into the polls. Unfortunately, by doing so, the people lost the authority to adjust the amount before it was approved. Their only recourse now is to vote down the amount.

The board met in the conference room with two citizens and two journalists present. Despite two written proposals, they almost immediately decided to "do it like Congress". The proposal would bring any warrant article in which the selectmen and finance committee disagree to a "reconciliation meeting" in which they would argue it out and have to come to an agreement over the recommended amount. Considering that the finance committee consists of 9 members, and the select board consists of 5 members, it will be interesting to see how this will work out if approved.

Another proposal suggested includes having a yes/no question, with a secondary question if you vote yes. This would make the ballot longer and more complex. The last proposal would have brought the decision back to the people. At town meeting, the people would discuss the Selectman's recommendation and the Finance Committee's recommendation and decide what number to place on the ballot at the polls. The decision would be made by a vote of the citizens, and could be done by secret ballot. A few changes would have to be made to accommodate the time needed to prepare the ballot, and permitting secret ballot. Both of these suggestions were turned down.

River Valley Growth Council video

2010-09-08T22:40:00.000-04:00

2010-09-07T19:35:00.001-04:00

Finance Committee recommends $51,000 for Black Mountain

2010-09-07T18:30:00.001-04:00

Finance Committee recommends $35,000 on General Assistance

30-A §2524 General town meeting provisions

2010-09-06T19:20:00.002-04:00

Title 30-A: MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES HEADING:PL 1987, C. 737, PT. A, §2 (NEW)
Part 2: MUNICIPALITIES HEADING: PL 1987, C. 737, PT. A, §2 (NEW)
Subpart 3: MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS HEADING: PL 1987, C. 737, PT. A, §2 (NEW)
Chapter 121: MEETINGS AND ELECTIONS HEADING: PL 1987, C. 737, PT. A, §2 (NEW)
Subchapter 2: TOWN MEETINGS AND ELECTIONS HEADING: PL 1987, C. 737, PT. A, §2 (NEW)
§2524. General town meeting provisions

The following provisions apply to all town meetings. [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
1. Qualified voter. Every voter in the town may vote in the election of all town officials and in all town affairs.
[ 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD) .]
2. Moderator elected and sworn. The clerk, or in the clerk's absence a selectman or constable, shall open the meeting by:
A. Calling for the election of a moderator by written ballot; [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
B. Receiving and counting the votes for moderator; and [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
C. Swearing in the moderator. [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
[ 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD) .]
3. Moderator presides. As soon as the moderator has been elected and sworn, the moderator shall preside over and supervise the voting at the meeting and may appoint a deputy moderator to assist the moderator. If the moderator is absent or is unable to carry out the duties, the clerk, or in the clerk's absence a selectman or constable, may call for the election of a deputy moderator to act in the absence of the moderator.
A. All persons shall be silent at the moderator's command. A person may not speak before that person is recognized by the moderator. A person who is not a voter in the town may speak at the meeting only with the consent of 2/3 of the voters present.
(1) If any person, after a command for order by the moderator, continues to act in a disorderly manner, the moderator may direct that person to leave the meeting. If the person refuses to leave, the moderator may have that person removed by a constable and confined until the meeting is adjourned. [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
B. When a vote declared by the moderator is immediately questioned by at least 7 voters, the moderator shall make it certain by polling the voters or by a method directed by the municipal legislative body. [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
C. The moderator shall serve until the meeting is adjourned. The moderator is subject to the same penalties for neglect of official duty as other town officials**. [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
[ 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD) .]
4. Votes recorded by clerk. The clerk shall accurately record the votes of the meeting.
A. If the clerk is absent, the moderator shall appoint and swear in a temporary clerk. [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
[ 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD) .]
5. Written ballots. The clerk shall prepare the ballots. Ballots shall be of uniform size and color, and must be blank except that 2 squares with "yes" by one and "no" by the other may be printed on them.
The moderator shall ensure that each voter receives only one ballot for each vote taken.
[ 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD) .]
6. Location of meetings. Town meetings may be held outside the corporate limits of the municipality if the municipal officers determine that there is no adequate facility for the meeting within the municipality. The proposed location must be:
A. Within an adjoining or nearby municipality; [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
B. Not more than 25 miles from the corporate limits of the municipality holding the meetings; and [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
C. Reasonably accessible to all voters of the town. [1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
[ 1987, c. 737, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §106 (NEW); 1989, c. 6, (AMD); 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD) .]
SECTION HISTORY
1987, c. 737, §§A2,C106 (NEW). 1989, c. 6, (AMD). 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD). 1989, c. 104, §§C8,10 (AMD).

** In Rumford, the Moderator is elected at town meeting to serve for the year.

Selectmen Recommend $51,000 for Black Mountain

2010-09-03T07:42:00.000-04:00

After rejecting the Black Mountain of Maine petition for funding twice, the board voted 4:1 to recommend $51,000 on the petition originated warrant item. The request was made by BMOM in response to the failure of their annual initiated article request in June. BMOM representatives approached the town for another vote soon after the results were announced, but were rejected due to the wording on their petition. They then presented a properly worded petition with 25 signatures, which was rejected because the board did not deem the issue "a critical circumstance related to town affairs, or the welfare of [the] citizens" as is required by the Town Charter. BMOM then collected 500 signatures from registered voters who deemed the item to be such a critical circumstance to the town.

In other business, the board set a fee of $35.00 for businesses who qualify under the Pawn Shop ordinance. Licenses of this type have not had a fee for a number of years. Qualifying businesses include any that sell used personal property, whether or not they offer pawn shop services. This includes the What-Not Shop, antique stores, but does not apply to yard sales. Discussion was had over whether or not the ordinance should be changed to include only shops that offer pawn services, but the fee was approved anyway.

The board also scheduled a series of meetings and workshops for next Wednesday beginning at 6pm to discuss an alternate wind power ordinance to be offered on the November ballot, approval of the October warrant to consider BMOM funding and the General Assistance budget, and a Charter change to modify the way that citizens vote on money items at the polls.

After an hour and a half workshop restricted to board discussion earlier in the evening, the board accepted the report from the Wind Power Advisory Committee with some minor changes.

Selectperson's Meeting Agenda 9/2/10

2010-09-01T21:31:00.000-04:00

Old Business
A. Presentation of the Citizen of the Year Award
B. Track Repair Bid
C. Approval of revised Personnel Policy

New Business
A. Approval of Town Warrant
B. Recommendation for BMOM Initiated Article Funding Amount
C. Recommendation to re-set the due date for collection of taxes.
D. Approval of Polar Bear Snowmobile Club Municipal Grant Application
E. Request to Recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month
F. Approval of Permit for Homecoming Parade
G. Approval of a Pawn Broker Fee for Schedule of Licenses, Fees, and Permits.
H. Appointments to Boards and Committees
I. Approval of agreement with MDOT for Rt 108 construction projects
J. Approval of Proposed Wind Power Ordinances from Wind Power Advisory Committee
K. Approval of Tax acquired properties
L. Scheduling of board workshop for secret ballot process Charter Change.
M. Approval to schedule special select board meeting for town warrant

Executive Session with Town Manager to review poverty abatement requests.

Wicked Syndicate - 04276

2010-08-29T00:02:00.000-04:00

Friday Vote on General Assistance (Welfare) Budget Canceled

2010-08-25T20:57:00.000-04:00

Due to a procedural matter, the vote scheduled for Friday August 27th will not be held.

Chilled Adley's Lemonade won't make your Anti - freeze

2010-08-24T14:53:00.000-04:00

Selectman Jeff Sterling added some unexpected levity at the start of the meeting when he poked fun at Chairman Brad Adley, who sells and repairs cars at his business, Adley's Auto Sales and Service.

Sun Journal article

Legal Challenge Derails Fast Track Approach To Fund BMOM

2010-08-18T18:30:00.003-04:00

Ron Theriaut has reported that his challenge to a August 27th vote on Black Mountain has been successful. The effort was intended to preserve the citizens right to determine whether or not funding Black Mountain constitutes an emergency related to town affairs or the welfare of its citizens. While the primary issue went unresolved, it was determined that a town meeting needs to be held prior to a vote. The selectboard will now have to meet to set a special town meeting to address the issue.
.

2010-08-18T17:41:00.001-04:00

Black Mountain decision sent to town meeting instead of Aug 27 ballot.

2010-08-18T13:37:00.001-04:00

Ron Theriault reports that he and Town Attorney Tom Carey will have a hearing at Oxford County Superior Court in Paris today at 3pm.

Selectperson's Agenda 8/19/2010

2010-08-17T13:22:00.000-04:00

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING
AGENDA
August 19, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Rumford Falls Auditorium

1. Meeting call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bradford Adley

2. All present pledge allegiance to the American Flag

3. Approval of Minutes from the Selectperson’s Meetings of August 5, 2010 and August 12, 2010

4. REPORTS

A. SELECTPERSON’S REPORT
B. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
C. DEPARTMENT MANAGER REPORTS (as necessary)
D. TAX COLLECTOR’S REPORT
E. FINANCIAL REPORTS – Budget vs. Actual and Excise Tax

5. REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT

6. OLD BUSINESS

A.

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval of Town Warrant dated July 16, 2010

B. Approval of Track Repair Bid

C. Approval of Playground Equipment Bid

D. Approval of Revised Personnel Policy
E. Discussion on Distribution of Cable Franchise Fees
F. Approval of Liquor License Application and Victualer’s License for Gatch’s LLC

G. Approval of Taxi Cab License for Ruth White dba Road Hog Express
H. Approval of Board Appointments

I. Request to Place Deployed Veteran’s Shields on Lamp Posts

J. Discussion Regarding Economic Development

8. Executive Session pursuant to 405(6)(F) regarding a tax abatement request with the Town Manager

9. Adjournment

Carlo J. Puiia
Town Manager
CJP/tp

Black Mountain of Maine Schedules Celebration on Vote

2010-08-16T08:29:00.000-04:00

According to their Facebook, Black Mountain of Maine has scheduled a celebration Jam Night event on the evening of the vote on their emergency funding. It would seem that they are confident in the results before even one vote is cast.They are even offering "definate" beer specials.

Black Mountain of Maine Mark your calendars... Jam night Friday August 27th 6-10pm. Vote in Rumford is scheduled for that day... looking forward to a celebration. Beer specials definate.

NYC Mosque

2010-08-15T22:08:00.000-04:00

The best way for us to honor the lives of those who perished on 9/11 is for the citizens to support the Constitution that so many have given their lives to preserve. This includes asserting the rights of every individual to worship as they believe. We cannot allow fear and stereotypes to erode the basic tenants of our country's guiding document. When we change what we believe in response to the actions of others, they have won.

Black Mountain Vote Faces Court Challenge

2010-08-12T08:11:00.000-04:00

The effort to provide funding to Black Mountain of Maine through taxes is facing yet another hurdle. After two attempts to get the Rumford Selectmen to call a special town meeting to address the request, supporters have submitted a petition with the requisite number of signatures to force a meeting. Despite various interpretations to the rules, Town Attorney Tom Carey has issued a legal opinion that the vote must be held. However, local businessman Ron Theriault is spear-heading a court challenge, filing a request for an injunction to prevent the vote.

Contention over the wording in the Charter stems from a number of discrepancies, but the driving force behind the decision to hold the meeting is found in this section:

Special town meetings shall be called by the Board of Selectmen to fill vacancies in elective offices as provided in Article XX of this charter, and for no other purpose unless in the opinion of the majority of the board an exigent circumstance exists relating to town affairs or the welfare of its citizens is deemed to be presented and which requires prompt action by the voters in special meeting. When 25 qualified voters are of the opinion that such an exigent circumstance exists, they may in writing request the board to call a special meeting, which request shall state specifically the nature of the exigent circumstance and of the action to be taken thereon at the proposed special meeting. The board shall take action on such written request within 5 days from the receipt of same. If such action is unfavorable, it shall be final unless thereafter a petition or petitions signed in the aggregate by at least 500 qualified voters of the town, requesting that a special meeting be called, are filed with the board. Said petition or petitions shall state generally the nature of the exigent circumstance, the purposes to be accomplished by a special meeting, shall request that such a meeting be called by the board, and shall bear the address, street number if any, of each signer, and shall be dated. Upon receipt of such a petition or petitions, the board shall refer the same forthwith to the town clerk for inspection, and the town clerk within 24 hours shall report in writing to the board as to whether the required number of signatures on said petition or petitions appear to be genuine and are the signatures of qualified voters of the town. If such report be in the affirmative, the board shall immediately prepare and issue a warrant for a special meeting, the date thereof to be as soon as consistent with the notice required for such meeting. The warrant for a special town meeting, if called for the purpose of filling vacancies in a public office, shall be limited to that purpose, unless the board of selectmen shall otherwise determine. The warrant for a special town meeting, if called for a matter of emergency, shall be limited to that purpose, unless the board shall otherwise determine.

While some contend that the Article was put in place to protect the citizens by providing them the authority to call a special town meeting without the cooperation of the board, others believe that this article could be abused by groups to force a vote on anything, potentially at great cost to the town.

Utility Firefighter Cost Comparison

2010-08-07T10:17:00.001-04:00

(The following is based upon information provided by Fire Chief Chase)

Estimated Overtime for the year (based upon historical data) 2184 hours

Average overtime rate of pay 21.09/hr

Overtime Cost $51,679.95

If a utility firefighter is hired, he/she will eliminate the overtime cost by filling the shift at a lesser rate at straight time.

Utility Firefighter base wage $34,894.00

Retirement contribution $ 4,257.07

Health Insurance contribution $ 6,621.12

Misc. Additional Costs $ 1,000.00

Total Cost with Utility Position $46,772.19

Savings by hiring a utility firefighter: $4,907.76

Podcast: August 5th Selectboard Meeting Report

2010-08-05T13:54:00.001-04:00

Today 10:00 PM

August 5th Selectboard Meeting Report

Anticipated Topics:

> Tree Times the Charm
> Firefighter Plus and Minus
> Sparking a Celebration
> Windshield

Cable TV Subscribers May Fund Fireworks

2010-08-05T07:40:00.001-04:00

If Selectman Buccina is successful in his effort to revive the Fourth of July celebration and fireworks, we may be able to thank the subscribers of Time Warner Cable TV. Using a little known/understood fund, the board could fund the event without additional approval of the voters. A number of years ago, an ordinance was enacted that created the fund from money received from the Cable TV provider. The $1.81 monthly fee is collected directly from each subscriber, and is listed on their bill as "Franchise Fee". This money is paid annually to the town to the tune of over $30,000. The board is free to use the money for any means at any time. This past year, they put over $17,000 aside to improve the acoustics in the auditorium. As yet, the money has not been used.

The original intent of the Franchise Fee was to provide the town with a means of recovering costs associated with cable TV operations. These costs include legal costs associated with negotiating a contract (called a franchise) to permit the cable TV company to run cables over town streets. The fees are also used to fund the local access channel (channel 7), eliminating the need to use tax money. Over the years, the access channel has received as much as 50% of the fees collected, with the remainder being available for use at the whim of the board. An attempt to limit the use of these funds to cable TV related expenses was blocked by the board this past budget season.

August 5th Selectperson's Meeting Agenda

2010-08-02T20:20:00.001-04:00

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING
AGENDA
August 5, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Rumford Falls Auditorium

5:30 Workshop with Wind Power Advisory Committee

1. Meeting call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bradford Adley

2. All present pledge allegiance to the American Flag

3. Approval of Minutes from the Selectperson’s Meeting of July 15, 2010 and Special Selectperson’s Meetings of July 22, 2010 and July 28, 2010

4. REPORTS

A. SELECTPERSON’S REPORT
B. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
C. DEPARTMENT MANAGER REPORTS (as necessary)

5. REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT

6. OLD BUSINESS

A. Selection of Citizen of the Year Award
B. Stump Removal along Hancock Street

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval of Town Warrant dated July 2, 2010

B. Appointment of Warden and Deputy Warden for August 27, 2010 Election
C. Presentation by Wind Power Advisory Committee

D. Approval of Fuel Bid for FY 2010-2011
E. Approval of Auditorium Ceiling Repair Bid
F. Approval of Auditorium Stair Repair Bid
G. Appointment of Town Attorney
H. Appointment of Health Officer
I. Appointment of Planning Board Alternate
J. Approval of Contract Between RSU 10 and Park and Recreation Department
K. Approval for Public Works to Work on Private Property
L. Update from the River Valley Growth Council
M. Request from Fire Chief to Hire Utility Firefighter
N. Discussion of Future July Fourth Celebration
O. Update on Hydrant Rental Fees
P. Discussion on Demolition of Tax Acquired Building on Waldo Street and Lincoln Avenue
8. Executive session pursuant to MRS §405 (6) (D) with the Town Manager, Fire Chief

9. Adjournment

Carlo J. Puiia
Town Manager
CJP/tp

Black Mountain Vote May Face Court Challenge

2010-07-29T08:56:00.000-04:00

If sources are correct, an injunction will be filed to prevent a vote from taking place on Black Mountain funding. The effort is in response to the use of the special town meeting provision in response to a zero funding result for the initiated article this past June.

The special town meeting provision states that a meeting may be called for issues that pertain to town affairs and the welfare of the citizens. Black Mountain supporters are contending that the facility is integral to economic development in the Rumford, and failure to provide the 50,000 would result in it's closure. Is the mountain that important to the economic development of the town? If the mountain closed under its current ownership, wouldn't it be sold or given to somebody who would run it?

The Charter provision that governs the way we vote was passed by the citizens a couple of years ago, decades after the provision for special town meetings. If the two provisions were intended to be used in concert with each other, it was not made clear the way they are worded.Yes, the voting procedure needs to be changed, but until it is, we need to follow it.

It seems sad that after a full review of the Charter by a commission, there are still areas that need to be determined by a judge, because they are still not clear enough for common sense to prevail.

If the vote does occur, it will be considered a reconsideration of the same question. This means that it will be worded the exact same way with the same options.

Special Town Meetings

2010-07-15T06:36:00.002-04:00

Special town meetings shall be called by the Board of Selectmen to fill vacancies in elective offices as provided in Article XX of this charter, and for no other purpose unless in the opinion of the majority of the board an exigent circumstance exists relating to town affairs or the welfare of its citizens is deemed to be presented and which requires prompt action by the voters in special meeting.

And the Blue Ox Award Goes to... Rumford NO Voters

2010-07-14T16:36:00.002-04:00

The Rumford Monitor had retired the Blue Ox Awards, but we are awarding two more because they are so well deserved.

Yesterday the voters denied the state mandated and partially reimbursed General Assistance budget of $60,000. Many then signed the petition at the door supporting Black Mountain's effort to have their initiated article reconsidered by the voters.

Therefore...

A Blue Ox award is issued to the "no" voters of the General Assistance budget for voting down a budget that is not only 50% reimbursed by the state, but also mandatory.

Another Blue Ox Award is issued to the voters who voted "NO" on the General Assistance budget with the rationale of saving money, but then supporting the effort to reconsider Black Mountain's initiated article.

General Assistance Budget Fails for the Second Time

2010-07-13T22:05:00.000-04:00

For a second time in so many months the voters of Rumford have turned down the General Assistance budget. The vote was 190 "NO" votes, and 115 "YES" votes.

The General Assistance program helps to fill the needs of citizens when circumstances leave them without basic needs. Although it is often confused with the State of Maine Welfare program, General Assistance is designed to meet short term needs of a limited number of people who must meet strict guidelines. Last year fewer than half of those applying for assistance qualified. Those who are not disabled are required to work to earn their benefits, and those who are disabled are required to sign a form permitting the state and town to recover the costs of their benefits when a disability settlement is won. Also, the Administrator is successful in recovering the costs through other sources.

The defeat sends the budget back to the Selectmen who will decide how to handle the budget. They have ten days to review the budget and establish a new amount. A hearing must be held within 30 days, and another election within 45 days. It is unknown how many elections it will require before the voters approve an amount, but the issue is essentially moot, because the state mandates that the benefits be paid, and authorizes a town to overdraw the department as needed to meet this requirement. Even if a budget of $1.00 were approved, over 25,000 would likely be spent despite the will of the voters. It is State Law.

8:00am Podcast: BMOM Agenda Item

2010-07-13T06:52:00.000-04:00

BMOM Agenda Item

A petition has been circulated by BMOM (Black Mountain of Maine) supporters requesting that a special town meeting be called to reconsider the vote on BMOM funding. The Rumford Selectmen will hear that request Thursday night.

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING AGENDA July 15, 2010,

2010-07-13T05:55:00.000-04:00

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING
AGENDA
July 15, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Rumford Falls Auditorium

5:00 p.m. Personnel Policy Workshop

1. Meeting call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bradford Adley

2. All present pledge allegiance to the American Flag

3. Approval of Minutes from the Selectperson’s Meetings of June 30, 2010 (EOY) and July 1, 2010

4. REPORTS

A. SELECTPERSON’S REPORT
B. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
C. DEPARTMENT MANAGER REPORTS (as necessary)
D. TAX COLLECTOR’S REPORT
E. FINANCIAL REPORTS – Budget vs. Actual and Excise Tax

5. REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT

6. OLD BUSINESS

A. Stump Removal Update

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval of Town Warrant dated July 16, 2010

B. Appointment of Police Officer
C. Approval of Application for Liquor License for Fortune Cookie Restaurant
D. Request for Town Participation in Foundation Grant for Strathglass Park

E. Approval of Granite Curb Bid

F. Appointments to Boards and Committees

G. Appointment of Ballot Clerk

H. Approval of Revised Personnel Policy

I. Election of MMA Vice President and Executive Committee Members

J. Request from Black Mountain of Maine for a Special Town Meeting

8. Adjournment

Carlo J. Puiia
Town Manager
CJP/tp

WARRANT FOR SPECIAL SECRET POLL MEETING - Welfare budget.

2010-07-09T19:52:00.000-04:00

WARRANT FOR

SPECIAL SECRET POLL MEETING

TO DETERMINE THE WELFARE BUDGET for 2010-2011

July 13, 2010

STATE OF MAINE COUNTY Of OXFORD

TO: JOHN GIAMBATTISTA, Constable of the Town of Rumford, in said County.
You are hereby required in the name of the State of Maine, to notify and warn the
Inhabitants of the Town of Rumford, in said County, qualified by law to vote in town affairs,
of a vote at a Special Secret Poll Meeting relating to the Welfare budget.

TO: THE VOTERS OF THE TOWN OF RUMFORD
You are hereby notified that a Special Secret Poll Meeting in this municipality will be
held at the Rumford Falls Auditorium located at 145 Congress Street, Rumford, Maine from
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on July 13, 2010 to act on an article relating to the Welfare budget.
Article 1: Shall the Town raise and appropriate for WELFARE for the fiscal year 2010-
2011 the sum of $60,000.00?

EXPLANATION: This article appeared on the June 8, 2010 Secret Poll Meeting ballot
with a requested amount of $70,021.00 (the Board of Selectpersons’ recommendation
of $70,021.00 and the Finance Committee’s recommendation of $70,021.00). The yes
votes tallied 727, the no votes tallied 965. As the budgetary article was not passed by
the voters at the Secret Poll Meeting on June 8, 2010, the Board of Selectpersons was
required to meet to establish a new budget for the defeated budgetary article. At that
meeting on June 17, 2010 the Board voted to fund and operate the Welfare Department
budget with $60,000.00, which is now being presented to the voters for consideration.
In the event that the Welfare budget article is again defeated, the above process shall
be repeated until the budget article is passed in some amount as state law requires that
the Town have a Welfare budget.

Amended Agenda

2010-07-01T15:47:00.000-04:00

The Office of the Town Manager has added an item to the agenda for tonight. The board will be addressing Approval of Hawker’s & Peddler’s Permit for Bartash Inc as item L.

Wind Power Update Agenda Item

2010-07-01T07:21:00.000-04:00

Town Manager Carlo Puiia informed me that the agenda item for a wind power update on tonight's agenda will be limited to the wind power representatives providing an update on the permitting process, and related questions from the board. This will not be an opportunity to discuss the benefits or detriments of wind power in general. Persons attempting to discuss their view on wind power will be ruled out-of-order by the Chairman. A public hearing will be held for the purpose of discussing wind power.

July 1, 2010 Meeting Agenda

2010-06-29T16:21:00.000-04:00

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING
AGENDA
July 1, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Rumford Falls Auditorium

6:00 p.m. Informational Public Hearing for Welfare Budget

1. Meeting call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bradford Adley

2. All present pledge allegiance to the American Flag

3. Approval of Minutes from the Selectperson’s Meeting of June 17, 2010

4. REPORTS
A. SELECTPERSON’S REPORT
B. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
C. DEPARTMENT MANAGER REPORTS (as necessary)

5. REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT

6. OLD BUSINESS

A. Request to Post Paper Street (Oak Street) as “No ATV’s or Dirt Bikes Allowed”

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval of Town Warrant dated July 2, 2010

B. Approval of Town Warrant for Welfare Budget Secret Poll Meeting of July 13

C. Appointment of Wardens and Deputy Wardens for Secret Poll Meeting

D. Update on Permit Process for Wind Power Project by First Wind

E. Approval of Application for Liquor License and Special Amusement Permit for Hotel Rumford

F. Appointments to Board and Committees

G. Review of Citizen of the Year Award Nominations

H. Approval of Bids for Sale of DARE Vehicle

I. Discussion of Stump Removal on Hancock Street

J. Discussion regarding Economic Development for Rumford

K. Request from CMP to Install Telephone Pole

8. Adjournment

Carlo J. Puiia
Town Manager
CJP/tp

Charter Rules Regarding Initiated Articles

2010-06-26T14:36:00.000-04:00

Section 5. Procedure for Initiated Articles.
The Board of Selectpersons annually shall hold twopublic hearings, one during the 3rd and one during the 4th week of March, for the purpose of receiving proposals for articles, other than those relating to Ordinances, to be included in the warrant for the next annual Town budget referendum. An appropriate notice of said 2 hearings shall be combined and shall be given publicity in the same manner as provided in Article V of this Charter for notices of Town meetings. Such hearings may be held in conjunction with regular or special meetings of the Board, or independently, as the Board may determine. The Town Manager shall attend such meetings and act as secretary to the Board, and the Town Attorney shall likewise attend and render legal advice as the Board may require. At such hearings, the elected and appointed officers and agents of the Town and any qualified voter of the Town shall present, in writing, to the Board, such proposals relative to articles, other than Ordinances, as they may consider appropriate or advisable for inclusion in the annual warrant. To the end that brevity and orderly form shall result, all boards, commissions, departments and officials submitting proposals involving appropriations of money shall group all related items, wherever practical and legal, under one (1) article, in such form that the total appropriation requested shall appear as well as the itemized allocation of such total. The Board shall take action on each proposal so placed before the meeting, and by majority vote of those members present shall approve or reject such proposal. The secretary of the Board shall record each vote and announce the result forthwith, and no other notification shall be required. The board, commission, officer or voter aggrieved by the decision of the Board on a submitted proposal may, within seven (7) business days following such decision, file with the Board, through the Town Manager, a petition or petitions signed in the aggregate by at least 10 percent of registered voters of the Town as of January 1st of the current year, with their street addresses, and street numbers, if any, requesting the inclusion of the rejected article in the warrant. Said petition or petitions shall be referred to the Town Clerk for inspection, and the Clerk, as soon as possible, shall certify to the Board whether or not there are on said petition or petitions the required number of signatures of qualified voters of the town which are in his/her opinion genuine. If the certificate is in the affirmative, the Board shall thereupon insert such article in the warrant with an appropriate legend
to indicate that the same originates by petition. The Board shall have the right to revise such an initiated article before inclusion in the warrant, as to form, on its own motion. It shall also revise the same as to substance to such extent as may be required by written opinion of the Town Attorney to make said article conform to the provisions of the constitution and general law of the state, of this Charter and the Ordinances of the Town.

Section 6. Procedures for Different Appropriation Amount Recommendations.
In the event that the Board of Selectpersons and the Finance Committee do not recommend the same amount to be appropriated for any budgetary item or initiated article, the amount approved by the Selectpersons shall be posed separately from the amount approved by the Finance Committee for the consideration of the voters. In order to be established as the amount for the budget, the vote for an amount must be a majority of the votes cast for that article. If neither amount is approved by the voters by a majority, neither amount will be used for the budget, subject to Article V, Section 4 regarding budgetary items. Any amount for an initiated article that does not receive a majority vote will be defeated and the amount appropriated will be zero.

Podcast: BMOM Initiated Article Options

2010-06-26T09:31:00.001-04:00

The Rumford Monitor Podcast for June 27th, 2010 will address the options available to Black Mountain of Maine supporters in response to their Initiated Article request being defeated in this years town budget. The podcast will begin at 9pm.You can click the link below or use the player on our web site to listen to the show.

Podcast Schedule

Masters Degree Required??

2010-06-24T14:31:00.000-04:00

I was informed recently that the application process for the new Librarian required a masters degree. I don't believe that it takes such a degree to run a small town library. Back in the day we had Librarians who were perhaps educated beyond the high school level. When did it take a Masters Degree to check out books and run cultural programs? We are blessed with multi-talented employees at the library, some of whom perform skills beyond their job description. A good leader doesn't need to know how to do everything, he/she just needs to know that those on whom he relies have the skills to achieve the goals.

Exactly what does a Librarian do that requires a Masters Degree?? A list of Masters level courses include :

Competitive Intelligence
Focuses on the analysis of existing information in order to uncover hidden knowledge about the environment internal and external to (or competing with) an organization. Examines how to analyze and integrate various types of information (patents, financial, production, market); how to use the new knowledge in strategic, tactical and operational decision-making; how to produce reports; and the ethics of competitive intelligence.

Medical Bibliography

Covers the major types of reference tools, including representative titles in the basic medical sciences and clinical specialties, the history and development of medical bibliography, introduction to online searching, and analysis of the reference interview and of typical reference questions. Covers print and electronic reference tools with an emphasis on the integration of electronic tools (Internet, database and CD-ROMs) into the reference collection. Range of materials includes representative titles from collections in hospital libraries, academic health science libraries, consumer health centers, and special libraries (including corporate and non-profit). Covers medical reference information, including the analysis and synthesis of available resources.

Knowledge Management
Provides a broad overview of the emerging field of knowledge management. The primary focus of the course will be on the concepts and approaches useful for managing knowledge from a corporate strategies perspective. Covers KM tools and techniques, and management approaches.

Evaluation of Instruction

Provides study and experience in quantitative and qualitative assessment. Methods for assessing student learning include informal test procedures such as rating scales, checklists, observations, and student self-assessment and formal test procedures such as essay tests, developmental criteria and rubrics, teacher-made objective tests, and standardized tests. Authentic alternative assessments include journals, portfolios, and performance assessments. Processes and problems in test construction and analyzing, summarizing, and reporting student outcomes are examined. Standards for validity and reliability are studied. Qualitative research includes gathering data through observations, interviewing, documentation, and triangulation in field settings. Includes a field component.

Most positions requiring a Masters Degree end up paying much more money than would be paid for a lower level degree. If anyone has information that would lead me to better understand why our small town library needs a leader with advanced level instruction in Medical Bibliography, please contact me. Thanks, Kevin

Town Must Provide Welfare

2010-06-19T08:27:00.000-04:00

Title 22: HEALTH AND WELFARE

Subtitle 3: INCOME SUPPLEMENTATION HEADING: PL 1973, C. 790, §1 (AMD)

Part 5: MUNICIPAL SUPPORT OF THE POOR

Chapter 1161: MUNICIPAL GENERAL ASSISTANCE

§4307. Municipality of responsibility; residency

1. General assistance required. Municipalities shall provide general assistance to all eligible persons at the expense of that municipality, except as provided in section 4311.

A municipality shall not move or transport a person into another municipality to avoid responsibility for general assistance support for that person. Any municipality which illegally moves or transports a person, or illegally denies assistance to a person which results in his relocation, in addition to the other penalties provided in this chapter, shall reimburse twice the amount of assistance to the municipality which provided the assistance to that person. That reimbursement shall be made in accordance with subsection 5.

A. [1987, c. 349, Pt. H, §15 (RP).]

B. [1987, c. 349, Pt. H, §15 (RP).]

[ 1987, c. 349, Pt. H, §15 (RPR) .]

2. Municipality of responsibility. Except as provided in subsection 4, a municipality is responsible for the general assistance support of the following individuals:

A. A resident of the municipality. For the purposes of this section, a "resident" means a person who is physically present in a municipality with the intention of remaining in that municipality to maintain or establish a home and who has no other residence; and [1987, c. 349, Pt. H, §15 (NEW).]

B. Eligible persons who apply to the municipality for assistance and who are not residents of that or any other municipality. If a person is not a resident of any municipality, the municipality where that person first applies shall be responsible for support until a new residence is established. [1987, c. 349, Pt. H, §15 (NEW).]

[ 1987, c. 349, Pt. H, §15 (RPR) .]

3. Durational residency requirement prohibited. No municipality may establish a durational residency requirement for general assistance.

[ 1987, c. 349, Pt. H, §15 (RPR) .]

4. Special circumstances. Overseers of a municipality shall not move or transport an applicant or recipient into another municipality to relieve their municipality of responsibility for that applicant's or recipient's support. The municipality of responsiblity for relocations and institutional settings shall be as follows.

A. When an applicant or recipient requests relocation to another muncipality and the overseers of a muncipality assist that person to relocate to another municipality, the municipality from which that person is moving shall continue to be responsible for the support of the recipient for 30 days after relocation. As used in this paragraph, assist includes:

(1) Granting financial assistance to relocate; and

(2) Making arrangements for a person to relocate. [1987, c. 349, Pt. H, §15 (NEW).]

B. If an applicant is in a group home, shelter, rehabilitation center, nursing home, hospital or other institution at the time of application and has either been in that institution for 6 months or less, or had a residence immediately prior to entering the institution which he had maintained and to which he intends to return, the municipality of responsibility shall be the municipality where the applicant was a resident immediately prior to entering the institution. For the purpose of this paragraph, a hotel, motel or similar place of temporary lodging is considered an institution when a municipality:

(1) Grants financial assistance for a person to move to or stay in temporary lodging;

(2) Makes arrangements for a person to stay in temporary lodging;

(3) Advises or encourages a person to stay in temporary lodging; or

(4) Illegally denies housing assistance and, as a result of that denial, the person stays in temporary lodging. [1987, c. 349, Pt. H, §15 (NEW).]

[ 1987, c. 349, Pt. H, §15 (RPR) .]

5. Disputes between municipalities. Nothing in this section may permit a municipality to deny assistance to an otherwise eligible applicant when there is any dispute regarding residency. In cases of dispute regarding which municipality is the municipality of responsiblity, the municipality where the application has been filed shall provide support until responsibility has been determined by the department. The department shall make a written determination within 30 working days of a complaint or notification of a dispute. The department's decision shall include the sources of information relied upon, findings of fact and conclusions of law regarding which municipality is responsible and the reimbursement due, if any, from the responsible municipality to the municipality providing assistance. If after 30 days the reimbursement has not been paid, the municipality to which reimbursement is due shall notify the department, the department shall credit the municipality owed the reimbursement and either deduct that amount from the debtor municipality or refer the bill to the Treasurer of State for payment from any taxes, revenue, fines or fees due from the State to the municipality.

[ 1987, c. 349, Pt. H, §15 (NEW) .]

6. Appeals. Any municipality or person who is aggrieved by any decision or action made by the department pursuant to this section shall have the right to appeal pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375. A request for that appeal shall be in writing and shall be made within 30 days of the written department decision. The appeal shall be held within 30 days of receipt of that request and shall be conducted by one or more fair hearing officers. In no event may an appeal be held before a person or body responsible for the decision or action. Review of any decision under this subsection shall be pursuant to the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 80C.

[ 1987, c. 349, Pt. H, §15 (NEW) .]

SECTION HISTORY

1983, c. 577, §1 (NEW). 1987, c. 349, §H15 (RPR).

State Reimburses Portion of Welfare Budget

2010-06-19T08:24:00.000-04:00

[Editor's Note: Rumford does not yet qualify for 90% reimbursement under the state formula due to the fact that our Welfare costs do not exceed .0003 of our valuation]

Title 22: HEALTH AND WELFARE

Subtitle 3: INCOME SUPPLEMENTATION HEADING: PL 1973, C. 790, §1 (AMD)

Part 5: MUNICIPAL SUPPORT OF THE POOR

Chapter 1161: MUNICIPAL GENERAL ASSISTANCE

§4311. State reimbursement to municipalities; reports

1. Departmental reimbursement. When a municipality incurs net general assistance costs in any fiscal year in excess of .0003 of that municipality's most recent state valuation relative to the state fiscal year for which reimbursement is being issued, as determined by the State Tax Assessor in the statement filed as provided in Title 36, section 381, the Department of Health and Human Services shall reimburse the municipality for 90% of the amount in excess of these expenditures when the department finds that the municipality has been in compliance with all requirements of this chapter. If a municipality elects to determine need without consideration of funds distributed from any municipally-controlled trust fund that must otherwise be considered for purposes of this chapter, the department shall reimburse the municipality for 66 2/3% of the amount in excess of such expenditures when the department finds that the municipality has otherwise been in compliance with all requirements of this chapter.

[ 1993, c. 410, Pt. AAA, §7 (AMD); 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV) .]

1-A. Municipalities reimbursed. When a municipality pays for expenses approved pursuant to section 4313 for hospital inpatient or outpatient care at any hospital on behalf of any person who is otherwise eligible and who would have been entitled to receive payments for hospital care if that care had been rendered prior to May 1, 1984, for services under the Catastrophic Illness Program, section 3185, the department shall reimburse the municipality for 100% of those payments.

[ 1995, c. 696, Pt. A, §39 (AMD) .]

1-B. Reimbursement for administrative expenses. The department shall reimburse each municipality for the costs of a portion of the direct costs of paying benefits through its general assistance program if the department finds that the municipality was in compliance with all requirements of this chapter during the fiscal year for which reimbursement is sought. The amount of reimbursement to each municipality must be an amount equal to:

A. Fifty percent of all general assistance granted by that municipality below the .0003% of all state valuation amount; or [1991, c. 9, Pt. U, §8 (AMD).]

B. Ten percent of all general assistance granted. [1991, c. 9, Pt. U, §8 (AMD).]

Each municipality shall elect to be reimbursed under paragraph A or B at the beginning of the fiscal year for which reimbursement is sought.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, this subsection takes effect on July 1, 1989.

[ 1991, c. 9, Pt. U, §8 (AMD) .]

2. Submission of reports. Municipalities shall submit reports as follows.

A. For purposes of this section, those municipalities that received reimbursement at 90% during the previous fiscal year of the State and those municipalities that expect to receive reimbursement at 90% during the current fiscal year of the State must submit monthly reports on forms provided by the department. [1991, c. 9, Pt. U, §9 (AMD).]

B. Those municipalities that did not receive reimbursement at 90% during the previous fiscal year and do not expect to receive reimbursement at 90% for the current fiscal year must submit quarterly or semiannual reports on forms provided by the department. [1991, c. 9, Pt. U, §9 (AMD).]

[ 1991, c. 9, Pt. U, §9 (AMD) .]

3. Claims. The Department of Health and Human Services may refuse to accept and pay any claim for reimbursement that is not submitted by a municipality to the department within 90 days of the payment on which that claim is based or at the end of the reporting period for which reimbursement is sought unless just cause exists for failure to file a timely claim.

[ 1991, c. 9, Pt. U, §10 (AMD); 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV) .]

SECTION HISTORY

1983, c. 577, §1 (NEW). 1983, c. 824, §X4 (AMD). 1985, c. 567, (AMD). 1987, c. 833, (AMD). 1991, c. 9, §§U8-10 (AMD). 1993, c. 410, §AAA7 (AMD). 1995, c. 696, §A39 (AMD). 2003, c. 689, §B6 (REV).

ATV Restrictions Pondered by Board

2010-06-17T23:19:00.000-04:00

Complaints of noise and "other activity" in the right-of-way at the end of Oak Street were received by Maple Street residents tonight. The path that runs along Maple Street is within the 250 foot restriction in which ATVs are not allowed to operate, but the board deferred a decision until the Town Lawyer could be consulted. At issue is ATV access to a pathway running most of the length of Maple Street behind the houses. The board considered posting the path as "No ATVs",

Rumford Board Starts on the Right Foot

2010-06-17T23:13:00.000-04:00

After years of attempting to get the town to follow the rules, they have finally taken the initiative to do so. Chairman Bradford Adley put the board on notice tonight that the rule restricting items from being brought up without being on the agenda would be enforced. The notice specifically noted that the Reports section is for a report and not for generating a dialog. With the board policing themselves on the rules, I really don't know what my function needs to be. :)

Selectmen Recommend $10,000 cut to General Assistance Budget.

2010-06-17T19:17:00.002-04:00

Tonight after an hour long discussion, the Rumford Board of Selectmen voted to recommend a budget of $60,000 for General Assistance (Welfare). It was clarified that the majority of the money spent was mandated by the state, leaving only administration costs to be cut. The board decided to reduce the hours for General Assistance to four days a week. Current General Assistance Administrator Thelma Giberson indicated that she was unsure if she could remain in the position with a reduced income. Ms. Giberson has run the office for a number of years and become quite adept at maintaining a minimal General Assistance expenditure despite numerous requests. It was noted that Ms. Giberson also administers the General Assistance for the Town of Mexico under a joint agreement.

Recount Results

2010-06-16T12:33:00.000-04:00

Slight count variances don't change outcome.

Sent from my U.S. Cellular BlackBerry® smartphone

Thank You, Kudos to our Ballot Clerks, and Get Involved

2010-06-15T17:01:00.000-04:00

I wish to express my most sincere appreciation to the people of Rumford for electing me to the position of Moderator. It is important for Town Meetings to remain orderly and respectful. I believe that we were able to achieve that goal on Monday night.

When I was contacted regarding the position I was reluctant to accept. I had just returned from a cross-country overnight flight achieving little (2 hours) sleep. With the assistance of a little caffeine, I was able to pull through and complete the meeting. I wish to thank the Selectmen for taking on the reading of the warrant articles during the public hearing portion of the meeting, and Town Attorney Thomas Carey for his guidance and support.

I also wish to applaud the Ballot Clerks and Election Wardens who processed the votes on Tuesday night through to 6am Wednesday morning. Despite the challenges of voting machine malfunctions, they remained dedicated to their duty. Of special note are those who spent 22 hours processing ballots, and those who skipped meals to assure that the citizens were provided an expedient polling experience.

Finally, I wish to applaud the Rumford voters for the heavy turn-out. The dedication of our citizens to their community is commendable. When such a large group of citizens participates in the process, the budget better reflects the needs and desires of the entire community. It is my opinion that the near epidemic level of apathy that once existed in our town has been replaced by civic pride. I credit our town government for contributing to this accomplishment. Our Board of Selectmen have achieved peace, which improves overall morale in the town.

Over the next few weeks, openings on town boards and committees will be posted. Some include Economic Development, Planning Board, Finance Committee, and Performing Arts Committee. I encourage everyone to consider volunteering for the board or committee that matches their interests. Some boards, such as the Board of Appeals, have gone with unfilled openings for over a year.Our town needs citizens to step up and become an active part of the planning that will be needed for our town to grow. As our national economy turns around, so too will our local economy. The planning we do today, will be the growth we see down the line. Please contact the Town Manager's office to find out how you can be a part of this exciting part of our community's history.

Again, thank you to everyone for the contributions you have made in improving our community, and for their participation as citizens in the budget process.

Have a GREAT Day!
Kevin N. Saisi

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING AGENDA June 17, 2010,

2010-06-15T07:16:00.000-04:00

[Editor's note: And they're off... like a herd of turtles]

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING
AGENDA
June 17, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Rumford Falls Auditorium

6:00 p.m. Special Selectperson’s Meeting to Determine Welfare Budget for 2010-2011

1. Meeting call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bradford Adley

2. All present pledge allegiance to the American Flag

3. Approval of Minutes from the Selectperson’s Meeting of June 3, 2010 and Organization Meeting of June 9, 2010

4. REPORTS

A. SELECTPERSON’S REPORT
B. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
C. DEPARTMENT MANAGER REPORTS (as necessary)
D. TAX COLLECTOR’S REPORT
E. FINANCIAL REPORTS – Budget vs. Actual and Excise Tax

5. REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT

6. OLD BUSINESS

A.

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval of Town Warrant dated June 18, 2010

B. Scheduling of Informational Meeting for Welfare Budget for July 1

C. Scheduling of Secret Poll Meeting for Welfare Budget

D. Request to Post Paper Street (Oak Street) as No ATV’s or Dirt Bikes Allowed

E. Acceptance of Resignations from Appeals Board and Finance Committee Members

F. Request to Place Revolutionary Flag Display on Memorials

G. Approval of Hawker’s & Peddler’s License for Ginger Pike dba Sweet ‘n Refreshing Shop

H. Approval of Hawker’s & Peddler’s License for Tom Powell dba Surry Seafood Company

I. Approval of Hawker’s & Peddler’s License for Michael Philbrick dba Danmark Food Concessions

J. Election of MMA Legislative Board Members

8. Adjournment

Carlo J. Puiia
Town Manager
CJP/tp

Finance Committee

2010-06-14T23:24:00.000-04:00

As Town Moderator, it is my duty to provide a list of 12 candidates
within 14 days of the Town Meeting. There are four openings on the
committee this year. Three terms expire and the incumbents have not
expressed interest in returning. The other opening is due to a member
moving out of town.

The function of the Finance Committee is to make definite
recommendations to the voters at every annual and special meeting
relative to all articles in the warrant for such meeting involving the
appropriation and expenditure of moneys. The Committee shall also
serve in the capacity of a financial planning agency for the Town.

Letters of interest or suggestions should be submitted in writing to
the Town Clerk for transmittal to the moderator. Such suggestions
shall give the full name, address and occupation of the person
suggested, and his qualifications, and shall give the name and address
of, and shall be signed by the person submitting the same. All
letters of interest or suggestions need to be received no later than
this Friday June 18th to allow me time to process them and submit the
names in a timely manner.

Recount Scheduled for Wednesday

2010-06-14T20:43:00.000-04:00

A recount on the race for a three year term for the Rumford Board of Selectmen has been scheduled for Wednesday morning. The request was submitted by Former Selectman Frank DiConzo. Mr. DiConzo was required to place a deposit for half of the estimated cost of the recount. If the effort changes the outcome in his favor, Mr. DiConzo will receive a refund on the deposit. However, if the result remains the same, he may be responsible for the full cost of the recount.

Ballot Procedures

2010-06-12T08:24:00.002-04:00

The reason that the election results were delayed, is due to the fact that the Election Clerks and Wardens had start from scratch. When the post-it note jam occurred, they had to reset the machine. This lost the data for the ballots that had been counted through that machine. Rather than make a mistake on which ballots had or had not been counted. the Election Warden decided start over. The machines were reset and every ballot was re-entered.

An issue was raised over the unsecured ballot box during the election. Mr. Puiia had brought over the old metal ballot box from the town office, but the decision was made to continue using the tote. I can only speculate that this was due to the fact that the opening on the secured metal ballot box was slightly smaller than the ballots and could have caused damage to the ballots. I observed the operations at various times during the day, and never saw the tote unsupervised. In my opinion, though it was not locked, it might as well have been.

Aside from the unsecured ballot box, the only concern I heard was that the jam may have thrown off the calibration of the machine. Not being a voting machine tech, I cannot speak to this issue, but I have been informed that any recount for the Selectman race will be done by hand count.

Every Vote Counts

2010-06-11T21:18:00.003-04:00

ARTICLE 32. Shall the Town raise and appropriate for RIVER VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE the sum of $3,000.00 for the FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011. If this article is defeated, the appropriation for this item shall be $0. (Request: $3,000.00). Recommendation of the Board of Selectpersons $3,000.00, Vote: 4-0; Recommendation of the Finance Committee $3,000.00, Vote: 7-0
YES 738
NO 741

To all who did not vote because you think your vote doesn't count, please remember that some decisions are made on a very narrow margin. The Chamber of Commerce was denied $3,000 by three votes.

Selectman's Organization Meeting Audio

2010-06-10T22:09:00.003-04:00

Click to hear audio coverage of the 2010 Selectman's Organization Meeting
Click to hear the Selectmen's race results being read by Greg Buccina

Initiated Artilces Revisited??

2010-06-10T20:36:00.005-04:00

The question has been raised as to whether or not the town can reconsider the decision to not fund Black Mountain and the Holy Savior School. The Town Charter is quite clear in stating that initiated articles voted down receive no money. There is no appeal to the decision of the people for such items.

It is questionable as to whether or not the town leaders can include the initiated articles, or even the proposed Welfare ordinance on the warrant of a secret poll meeting called as part of the budget process to pass the General Assistance (welfare) budget. Please note that Article V Section 4 refers to "another secret poll meeting, and not a special town meeting.

In a special town meeting the requirement for inclusion of an item is "exigent circumstance exists relating to town affairs or the welfare of its citizens". The funding for neither institution relates to the welfare of citizens, and certainly is unrelated to town affairs. Article V Section 6 allows discretion of the board as to what can be included in a special town meeting, but only for special town meetings called for a matter of emergency.

It would appear that the additional secret poll meeting is a continuation of the budget process, and not a special town meeting. Therefore, the only item that can be addressed at another secret poll meeting is the welfare budget. There was consideration to include a welfare ordinance with the budget, but it appears that the Charter does not allow for this either. If the board were to call a special town meeting to pass the ordinance, they would have to determine that the ordinance, which we have gone without lo these many years, constituted an exigent circumstance relating to town affairs or the welfare of its citizens requiring immediate action by the voters. But they couldn't include the appropriations for the two institutions with the ordinance unless it was considered by secret ballot. Unfortunately, the town's election budget will likely be exceeded by the time they convene another secret poll meeting, leaving there no money to hold a special town meeting unless it involved the appropriation of additional funds to the elections budget. By my reading of the Charter, it does not provide for a special secret poll meeting. Which would mean that all decisions at a special town meeting would be handled at a specific time by those in attendance, as we did in past town meetings.

What will it cost???
Add the cost of the election plus additional hours this year due to the voting machine malfunction, plus the additional secret poll meeting, plus a special town meeting to approve a welfare ordinance, and a special election to add money to the election budget. Not to mention that one of the selectman candidates wants a recount on the three year term race. PLUS, the additional appropriation if the Selectmen find a way to put the Black Mountain and Holy Savior questions to the voters, and they pass. The total cost will far exceed the Welfare budget that the voters turned down. Oh, by the way, the welfare budget costs are for the most part mandated by the state, so finding any savings will be difficult. So, the voters will still have to pay for the welfare costs.

___________________________________________________________________________

For Your Reference

Rumford Charter

ARTICLE III Warrants for Meetings and Town Referenda
Section 6. Procedures for Different Appropriation Amount Recommendations. In the event that the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee do not recommend the same amount to be appropriated for any budgetary item or initiated article, the amount approved by the Selectmen shall be posed separately from the amount approved by the Finance Committee for the consideration of the voters. In order to be established as the amount for the budget, the vote for an amount must be a majority of the votes cast for that article. If neither amount is approved by the voters by a majority, neither amount will be used for the budget, subject to Article V, Section 4 regarding budgetary items. Any amount for an initiated article that does not receive a majority vote will be defeated and the amount appropriated will be zero.

ARTICLE V Town Meetings

Section 4. Secret Poll Meeting. The secret poll meeting shall be solely for the purpose of voting by Australian ballot for candidates for elective offices; on articles in the warrant relating to ordinances; and on the annual budget.
In the event that any budgetary article is not passed by the voters at the secret poll meeting, the Selectmen will meet within ten (10) days of that secret poll meeting to establish a new budget for any defeated budgetary article. Within thirty (30) days of the secret poll meeting at which a budgetary article is defeated, the Selectmen will hold an informational meeting on the new article or articles. Within forty-five (45) days of the secret poll meeting at which a budgetary article is defeated, the new budgetary articles will be presented to the voters of the Town on a new ballot at another secret poll meeting.

In the event that any budgetary article regarding the annual budget is again defeated at a subsequent secret poll meeting, the process in the preceding paragraph shall be repeated until all budgetary articles pass.
The Town shall continue to operate for any budgetary article that was defeated during this procedure in the preceding paragraphs by using the amount approved for that budgetary article by the voters in the preceding year at a rate of one-twelfth (1/12) of the previous amount each month until the article is passed by the voters.

Section 6. Special Meetings.
Special town meetings shall be called by the Board of Selectmen to fill vacancies in elective offices as provided in Article XX of this charter, and for no other purpose unless in the opinion of the majority of the board an exigent circumstance exists relating to town affairs or the welfare of its citizens is deemed to be presented and which requires prompt action by the voters in special meeting. When 25 qualified voters are of the opinion that such an exigent circumstance exists, they may in writing request the board to call a special meeting, which request shall state specifically the nature of the exigent circumstance and of the action to be taken thereon at the proposed special meeting. The board shall take action on such written request within 5 days from the receipt of same. If such action is unfavorable, it shall be final unless thereafter a petition or petitions signed in the aggregate by at least 500 qualified voters of the town, requesting that a special meeting be called, are filed with the board. Said petition or petitions shall state generally the nature of the exigent circumstance, the purposes to be accomplished by a special meeting, shall request that such a meeting be called by the board, and shall bear the address, street number if any, of each signer, and shall be dated. Upon receipt of such a petition or petitions, the board shall refer the same forthwith to the town clerk for inspection, and the town clerk within 24 hours shall report in writing to the board as to whether the required number of signatures on said petition or petitions appear to be genuine and are the signatures of qualified voters of the town. If such report be in the affirmative, the board shall immediately prepare and issue a warrant for a special meeting, the date thereof to be as soon as consistent with the notice required for such meeting. The warrant for a special town meeting, if called for the purpose of filling vacancies in a public office, shall be limited to that purpose, unless the board of selectmen shall otherwise determine. The warrant for a special town meeting, if called for a matter of emergency, shall be limited to that purpose, unless the board shall otherwise determine.

Election Results

2010-06-09T20:12:00.003-04:00

3 Year Yerm
Bradford Adley 803
Frank Anastatio 384
Frank DiConzo 509
Eric Giroux 219
Jolene Lovejoy 518
Jeremy Volkernick 565

1 Year Term
Paul Lowell 754
Jeff Sterling 815

Town Clerk
Beth Bellegard 1114
Cynthia Kelley 561

2010 Budget ,Ordinance and Non-Binding Referenda Results

2010-06-09T10:44:00.003-04:00

#5 Exceed Tax Cap Yes 314 No 1,080
#6 General Government Sel: 343 Fin: 818 Neither: 561
#7 Public Safety Sel: 380 Fin: 821 Neither: 543
#8 Police Department Sel: 434 Fin: 748 Neither: 544
#9 Fire Department Sel: 433 Fin: 774 Neither: 533
#10 Health and Sanitation Sel: 406 Fin: 844 Neither: 499
#11 Public Works Yes: 1,102 No: 591
#12 Welfare Yes: 727 No: 965
#13 Public Service Sel: 351 Fin: 821 Neither: 519
#14 Debt Service Sel:892 Fin:671
#15 Capital Accounts Sel: 359 Fin:841 Neither:283
#16 Unclassified Yes: 940 No: 718
#17 Androscoggin Home Care Yes:1,187 No:464
#18 Big Brothers/Big Sisters Yes:894 No:793
#19 Black Mountain of Maine Sel:420 Fin: 637 Neither: 657
#20 Chisholm Ski Club Yes: 795 No: 779
#21 Community Concepts Sel: 455 Fin: 678 Neither: 595
#22 Greater Rumford Community Center Sel:532 Fin: 577 Neither:505
#23 GRCC- Summer Programs Sel: 625 Fin: 569 Neither: 523
#24 GR Senior Citizens Yes: 1,281 No: 416
#25 Holy Savior - Textbook Yes: 830 No: 882
#26 Holy Savior - Testing Yes:804 No: 912
#27 Holy Savior - Transportation Yes: 832 No:884
#28 Holy Savior - Nurse Sel: 570 Fin: 439 Neither: 711
#29 Hope Association Sel: 547 Fin: 754 Neither: 419
#30 Oxf County Mental Health Sel: 502 Fin:626 Neither:493
#31 Rape Educ & Crisis Hotline Sel: 573 Fin: 598 Neither:450
#32 RV Chamber of Commerce Yes: 738 No: 741
#33 RV Growth Council Sel: 322 Fin: 658 Neither: 639
#34 RV Healthy Communities Sel: 331 Fin: 522 Neither: 660
#35 Rumf Group Homes Sel: 436 Fin: 585 Neither: 591
#36 Seniors Plus Yes: 1,087 No: 506
#37 Strathglass Park OA Yes: 483 No: 1,075
#38 Tri County MHS Sel: 491 Fin: 546 Neither: 582
#39 WM Transportation Yes: 960 No: 576
#40 WM Veterans Advisory Sel: 633 Fin:609 Neither:369
#41 Cemetaries Yes: 1,048 No: 514
#42 Ordinances
1. Purchasing Agent Yes: 1,034 No: 636
2. Private Equip Usage Yes: 949 No: 723
3. Abandoned Buildings Yes: 1,329 No: 346
4. Authority Having Jurisdiction Yes: 1,195 No: 478
5. Life Safety Code Yes: 998 No: 664
6. Parking Lanes Yes: 1,030 No: 507
7. Shoreland Zoning Hearings Yes: 1,188 No: 453
8. Sign Ordinance Yes: 1,152 No: 506
9. Sex Offender Ordinance Yes: 1,423 No: 248
10.Performing Arts Committee Yes: 1,052 No: 578
11.Locomotive Ordinance Yes: 1,073 No: 541
12.Ordinance Language Yes: 1,102 No; 485

Key:
Sel - Selectmen's Recommendation
Fin - Finance Committee's Recommendation

Non Binding Referenda

Library
A. Correct and Expand :492
B: Correct only :1,091

Gazebo
Yes: 988 No: 646

Lincoln Ave Extension
Yes: 590 No: 1,045

Rumford Election Results Delayed

2010-06-09T00:38:00.002-04:00

Rumford ballot clerks are working hard to re-process all of the ballots cast due to a technical glitch. Results are not expected to be available before 2am.
Sent from my U.S. Cellular BlackBerry® smartphone

The Norris Notice

2010-06-04T17:53:00.002-04:00

It has been reported today that the town has been flooded with calls complaining of notices put on windshields and sent to homes by Jennifer Stowell Norris. The complaints were in response to the language used in the notices which purport to promote a write in campaign for three candidates. The language includes use of the "f-word", which although not a politically wise choice, is likely protected by the First Amendment.

Unfortunately, as much as we may dislike the message as it has been conveyed, there is nothing that the town can do to prevent it without violating constitutional rights.

Write in Campaign

2010-06-04T10:24:00.003-04:00

A local blog indicated that a write in campaign for the post of Selectman has been launched by Jennifer Stowell Norris, Juliet Alexander, and Peter Tinkham. This raises many questions, the least of which is "who are Juliet Alexander, and Peter Tinkham". If they have been to any meetings of the board, I don't know it (and I tend to be at most of the meetings).

Lately Jennifer has presented herself in a very aggressive manner and although her political views differ from Jolene Lovejoy, I fear that her presence on the board would generate as much, if not more turmoil in our town government than we experienced when Ms. Lovejoy was in office.

What Ms. Norris is not understanding is that her write in campaign will spread out the votes even further than it would with just six candidates running for the two seats, perhaps handing the victory to Ms. Lovejoy. I don't believe it is in the best interest of our town for either of these two people to be on the board that oversees the operation of our town.

I encourage everyone to make it a priority to get out and vote on Tuesday. The leading candidates for the three year term are Frank Ananstatio, Frank DiConzo and Bradford Adley. Althouugh I personally support the two Franks, I would encourage you to cast your vote for any two of these candidates to keep our town from returning to turmoil.

June 3 Agenda

2010-06-02T00:50:00.001-04:00

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING
AGENDA
June 3, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Rumford Falls Auditorium

1. Meeting call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bradford Adley

2. All present pledge allegiance to the American Flag

3. Approval of Minutes from the Selectperson’s Meeting of May 20, 2010

4. REPORTS

A. SELECTPERSON’S REPORT
B. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
C. DEPARTMENT MANAGER REPORTS (as necessary)

5. REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT

6. OLD BUSINESS

A.

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval of Town Warrant dated June 4, 2010

B. Request from Hancock Street Citizens Regarding Hancock Street Road Construction Detour

C. Approval of Fire Department Overhead Garage Door Bid

D. Approval to Accept Applications for Utility Firefighter Position

E. Approval of Hawker’s and Peddlers License for Donna’s Gift Emporium

F. Approval of Innholder’s and Victualer’s License for Fortune Cookie Restaurant

G. Request from Park & Recreation Commission Regarding EOY Balances

H. Approval of Application for Liquor License and Special Entertainment Permit for Hotel Rumford

I. Request from Hope Association to Add a Crosswalk Across Lincoln Avenue from Somerset Street

J. Request from Hope Association for a Handicapped Parking Space on Congress Street

K. Reappointment of Wind Power Advisory Committee Members

8. Executive Session pursuant to 1 MRS §405 (6)(A) regarding a personnel matter with the Town Manager

9. Adjournment

Carlo J. Puiia
Town Manager
CJP/tp

Correction

2010-05-29T21:57:00.000-04:00

In my RFT letter to the editor, I made an error in stating that Mr. Volkernick had no municipal board experience. In his letter read at the Candidate's Night he stated that he has served on both the Finance Committee and the Park Commission. I apologize for this oversight.

Withdrawal of Support

2010-05-27T22:39:00.003-04:00

Tonight Mr. Paul Lowell asked people to vote for him only if we agree with him. Unfortunately, his other statements tonight were sufficient to help me realize that I do not agree with him. Under Mr. Lowell's plan, our government would be cut to below the service level of some of our neighboring towns, we would be doing nothing as a town to improve the economy, and we would risk having nuclear waste being generated within yards of residential neighborhoods.

I have stated that I support candidates who would make reasonable cuts to the budget. Mr. Lowell is not one of them. I hereby withdraw my support for Mr. Lowell and endorse Mr. Sterling for the one year term.

Sign Ordinance Unenforceable

2010-05-26T13:54:00.002-04:00

A sign ordinance passed last year limiting the size and location of political and yard sale signs has been deemed unenforceable. The ordinance would have prohibited billboard style signs. The fly in the ointment is that the ordinance limits a specific type of sign, which is a violation of the First Amendment. The unsightly signs will be allowed to remain on display, as will smaller signs that exceed the size limitation.

Sunday Podcast

2010-05-24T09:09:00.001-04:00

Rumford Election 2010

Analysis of the Ballot

May 20th Selectmen's Meeting

2010-05-21T06:32:00.000-04:00

Selectmen's Report
Greg Buccina

Attended the MedCare meeting with a majority of the board. He would like to see the towns work together to find a solution that is in the best interest of all communities.

Mark Belanger

Complimented the Public Works Road Crew for getting the road painting and sand removal done so quickly this year.
Asked if the blue banners welcoming people to Rumford could be maintained better.
Raised issue with the quality of work done on the library's slate roof. Work was completed this past fall, and slates are already falling off. He asked who provided oversight, and recommended that Code Enforcement Officer be in charge of oversight.

Jeff Sterling

Recognized a number of individuals and groups for "doing something great"

Bradford Adley

Noted that the fence is falling down at the Rumford Point Cemetary
Attended the MedCare meeting
Identified the Economic Development workshop as a "worthy couple of hours"
Attended the Rumford Fire Department open house
Noted an article in Downeast magazine featuring Brian's Bistro
Expressed a philosophy he learned at a banking forum: Nose In Fingers Out (NIFO), which he sees as the way the board should operate the town.

Town Manager's Report

Reported that FirstWind will do a presentation at the June 17th meeting and hold a public meeting in July or August.
Attended a luncheon for Maine Veterans
Reported the progress of the inflow /infiltration study being done by the water district
Attended the Economic Development workshop.
Noted that the warrant for the town meeting is available online at RumfordMaine.net

Dept. Manager's Report
Police Chief Stacy Carter

Thanked agencies participating in the active shooter drill on May 5th
Noted that the former DAREmobile will be sold by bid in the near future
Announced that the town has been awarded $9,446 as part of a grant for equipment and supplemental personnel services
Announced that Ian Theriault is graduating from the police academy and will be filling in for officers deployed in the military

Requests of Citizens Present
Kevin Saisi commended the board for bringing peace and honor to our town government

There was no Old Business

New Business
A. The board approved the town warrant permitting bills and personnel to be paid
B. The board appointed Greg Buccina as Election Warden and Mark Belanger and Arthur Boivin as Deputy Wardens
C. The board approved filing certificates for ordinance changes being put on the ballot this June
D. The board approved the elimination of night-time voter registration hours due to the fact that voters can now register when they vote.
E. The board approved the RSU#10 warrant
F. The board approved the sewer assessment which is set at $110.50 per household, up from $106 last year.
G. The board approved a permit for the American Legion to hold the annual Memorial Day Parade
H. The board approved a plow, body and sander for a new plow truck that they recently purchased. The approved bid was $83,997 to Viking Civis. In the discussion, Shawn from the town garage asked why the town didn't go to auction and buy used vehicles for construction so that the plow trucks would last longer. He was advised that our purchasing policies don't allow auction purchases, but the board agreed to look at how purchases are made and consider proposing a change to the voters at a later election.
I. The board approved the purchase of a turf aerator to replace the one that is missing from the Park and Recreation Commission. The winning bid was for $56,670 to Turf Products. It was noted that the aerator that was purchased previously is not commercial grade and useless to the parks crew.
J. The board apporved a bid to Bruce Manzer for hot mix for paving. It was noted that there are a number of options available to the town including choosing warm mix, and reclaiming used pavement for a credit from Manzer.
K. The board approved a bid of $159,295 to Knox Loam and Gravel for winter sand and gravel. A question arose over the quantity of sand purchased, due to the mild winter this past year, but Public Works Superintendent Andy Russel was not present to answer the question.
L. The board approved a bid of $6,066.96 to Bergeron Protective Clothing for hitch gear for the fire department.
M.The board approved a liquor license for Brian's Bistro
N. (Item N was removed from the agenda)
O. The board approved the placement of a sign to designate Rumford Center Cemetery. It was noted that there are still available plots, and it would be good for people to be aware that the cemetery is there, behind the Rumford Center Meeting House.
P. The board approved a number of Innholder and Victualer licenses for local businesses. An issue arose over the listing for King Wok which was recently sold and is now Fortune Cookie. Town Manager Puiia will look into whether or not the new establishment has a license.

The board went into Executive Session with Town Manager Puiia over a personnel matter. While it was not disclosed what the matter was, it is customary for the board to do an end-of-year performance review on the Town Manager.

Tammany Hall Redux??

2010-05-20T13:35:00.002-04:00

Opinion: When Ms. Lovejoy was in office, Mr Fallon referred to our government as Tammany Hall. Now he is supporting one of the very persons who seemingly brought such turmoil to our community. I am confused.

http://www.sunjournal.com/letters/story/847345

Agenda Items

2010-05-18T23:21:00.002-04:00

Aside from the regular agenda, the following items will be addressed at the meeting:

Approval of Warden and Deputy Warden for the June Election
Proposed Ordinance Changes
Eliminating Night Hours for Voter Registration
RSU 10 Budget Validation Warrant
Sewer Bill Assessment
Memorial Day Parade Permit
Approval of Plow Equipment, Body and Sander Bid
Commercial Turf Aerator Bid
Gravel and Winter Sand Bid
Hit Mix Asphalt Bid
Fire Department Hitch Gear Bid
Liquor License for Brian's Bistro
Peddler's License for Patricia Pepin d.b.a. The Healing Connection
Liquor License for Brian's Bistro
Sign at Rumford Center Cemetery
Innholders and Victualar Licenses for a number of businesses
Executive Session with Town Manager Carlo Puiia

May 20th Meeting Marks End

2010-05-15T07:56:00.004-04:00

As this board ends, and another board begins, I will be making changes to how I cover the meetings. The changes will be based upon the composure of the board. If we have a board that follows the rules and doesn't grandstand or carry on long winded speeches, I will likely hit the highlights of the substance of the meeting. If , however, we have board members casting caution to the wind when it comes to rules and protocol, I may initiate a more involved web site with more audio, video and analysis (like Keith Olbermann??). The major difference between these two options and what I currently do is that smaller items such as permits and licenses will not be included. I am sure that some of the Selectman's Report will be included, but not to the level of detail previously provided.

As an example, at the previous meeting Mr. Belanger raised the issue that some town positions had not been posted, and asked that all future positions be posted. This would be reported because it addresses a procedural failure. However, Mr. Adley attending the opening of Barks and Bubbles would not be included. Essentially, I am cutting out the fluff and concentrating on the important functions of government. You can also expect more analysis from me (for better or worse).

When I started the original River Valley Reporter, I seriously though of developing it into a bona-fide news service. Unfortunately, my schedule and finances didn't make that feasible. After giving away that blog and taking some time off, I decided that we need a watchdog blog to monitor our government. I tried to return to presenting it in news style, but it became too time consuming (especially at midnight). As you can see I have been reduced to bullet points, but even this takes a while to prepare (especially when fumble-thumbs accidentally deletes the entry half way through). So, I believe I will make the aforementioned changes starting with the new board. I will be away on June 3rd, so the final report in the current format will be this next meeting.

Opinion: What Did They Expect??

2010-05-12T19:41:00.003-04:00

In the Times this week we find an article about the multi-million dollar ambulance garage. There is no argument that something has to be done to address problems at a number of public safety facilities in the area. Most are out of code (have safety problems). I do not support individual efforts by individual agencies. I believe that the primary response apparatus and staffing should come from one building.

When the issue was first raised, the MedCare board decided to not pursue a stand alone building. The intent was that they would sit down and work out a cooperative solution with the other public safety agencies. Since then, the Rumford board has done nothing. There have been no meetings, nor even any informal discussion that I know of regarding the topic. Now the Rumford board members are upset.

What did they expect??

2010-05-08T21:09:00.006-04:00

Selectmen's Report

Selectman Sterling

Reflected on the Garneau funeral and the support shown
Wished Happy Mother's Day to mothers

Selectman DiConzo

Reflected on the Garneau struggle
Thanked Town Manager Puiia for handling the tree on the Memorial Green before Memorial Day
Expressed intent to have trees on Congress Street addressed soon.

Selectman Belanger

Requested that all municipal jobs be posted
Asked that the town consider refurbishing equipment rather than buying new.
Informed the town that Med Care has started moving toward a new building once again.

Selectman Buccina

Asked that the Med Care building be put on the agenda for discussion

Selectman Adley

Attended Barks and Bubbles opening
Spent 1/2 hour with Mike Michaud
Spent an hour at the town garage, has ideas to save on heating
Sent condolences to Garneau family

Town Manager's Report

Spring Clean Up had 166 loads, down from 274 loads, perhaps skip next year
Read a letter from Forrester Brian Milligan regarding tree cutting at the business park. Cutting has earned $41,995.42 thus far and likely to earn an additional 8,000 to 10,000 before the job is done.
Read a letter from Karl Aromaa indicating that he will be retiring in July, but will take unused vacation beginning in June.
Met with Mike Michaud
Addressed Memorial Green tree removal. He informed the board that the tree was part of a special planting done by Paul Harris of Rotary International, and should be replaced.
Reported that he has been reviewing the personnel policy with department heads and will continue to do so
Reported that he attended an active shooter simulation at the hospital and was part of the command center.
Reported that he and Selectman DiConzo will be meeting with FirstWind on Firday5/7.
Attended Barks and Bubbles opening
Reported that the light replacement in the Municipal Building is going well and will likely produce more savings than anticipated.
Affirmed Mr. Adley's report regarding ways of saving money at the Municipal Garage.
Announced that there will be an Economic Development Workshop on May 13th at 6pm in the Rumford Falls Auditorium.
Extended condolences to the Garneau family.

Department Manager's Report

Fire Chief Chase

There will be an Open House with activities for children on May 15th 11-3pm

Public Works Superintendent Russell

The town will not be going back to pick up clean up debris put out after the deadline. It is up to the citizens to dispose of the debris. The Code Enforcement Officer may get involved, and people charged i debris needs to be removed by the town.

Requests of Citizens Present

Paul Lowell

Requested the costs associated with pensions and insurance. Town Manager Puiia asked Mr. Lowell to contact him the next day for the data.

Richard Scaglioli

Asked for the schools to provide free information and counseling on alcohol to students. He was informed that the town does not control the schools, and he needed to direct his concern to the Superintendent.

Kevin Saisi

Requested that the budget information be made available online for the public to access.

Old Business

A. The board approved three 15 minute Loading Zone Parking Spaces 8am to 3pm along Lowell St to accommodate the needs of Child Development Services who will be moving into the production area of the Technology Center.
B. The board approved a non-binding (survey) question for the ballot asking what the voters want to do to address the needs of the library. The options include only addressing code violations or addressing the violations and building an addition to the existing building on the existing site.

New Business

A. The Board approved the weekly warrant to pay bills and payroll

B. Town Manager Puiia updated the board on the Route 108 project involving the addition of turning lanes at the business park, ledge blasting at the Veterans St intersection, and other improvements.

(Items C and D were deferred)

E. The Board finalized the town warrant for the June 2010 election.

F. Richard Scaglioli requested permission for a monthly flea market under the pines at Strathglass Park as a fundraiser for the Strathglass Park Owners Association. However, SPOA Chairperson Stefanie Wilson stated that the topic had not yet been discussed by the SPOA board. The Selectmen declined the request and instructed Mr. Scaglioli to consult with the SPOA board.

G. The Board approved expending money to register with a website that connects municipalities with grant money. The cost is 29.95 per month.

H. The Board appointed Greg Buccina to the Maine Municipal Association Legislative Policy Committee.

I. The Board granted the Sons of Itaqly permission to hold poker tournaments through 2010.

J. The Board approved a $1,901.75 bid to replace and repair guy wires on a radio tower owned by the town on High Street.

K. The Board put out a bid for a used pickup truck to replace a vehicle needing replacement at public works.

L. The Board appointed William Porter to the Oxford County Solid Waste Board.

M. The Board approved a $ 13,000 UDAG grant for the River Valley Growth Council as part of a five institution financing package to renovate space in the Technology Center for the Child Development Center.

N. The Board amended a motion regarding an agreement for the lease of land in the business park. This was the result of an error made in the original motion.

Executive Sessions

The Board met with Linda Wallbridge regarding an economic development issue.

The Board met with the Fire Chief and Town Attorney regarding union negotiations.

May 6th Selectmen's Meeting

2010-05-06T22:45:00.002-04:00

(Sorry, technical glitch. I lost everything I just typed in. I will attempt to repost it by Saturday night)

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING AGENDA May 6, 2010, 7:00 p.m.

2010-05-04T20:11:00.001-04:00

CHARTER HEARING
6:00 p.m.

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING
AGENDA
May 6, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Rumford Falls Auditorium

1. Meeting call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bradford Adley

2. All present pledge allegiance to the American Flag

3. Approval of Minutes from the Selectperson’s Meeting of April 15, 2010 and Ordinance Hearings of April 20, 2010 and April 27, 2010

4. REPORTS

A. SELECTPERSON’S REPORT
B. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
C. DEPARTMENT MANAGER REPORTS (as necessary)

5. REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT

6. OLD BUSINESS

A. Request for Loading Zone Parking Spaces on Lowell Street

B. Approval of Library Question to place on June Town Warrant

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval of Town Warrant dated May 7, 2010

B. MDOT Project Update for Route 108

C. Adoption of Annual Budget for 2010-2011

D. Approval of Proposed Charter Change

E. Approval of Annual Town Warrant

F. Request to Hold Flea Markets in Strathglass Park

G. Approval of Funding for Grant Website

H. Nomination of MMA Legislative Policy Committee Member

I. Request from the Sons of Italy to Hold Poker Tournaments for the Year 2010

J. Approval of Radio Tower Bid

K. Request from Public Works Department to Replace Pick Up Truck

L. Appointment to Northern Oxford Regional Solid Waste Board

M. Request for UDAG Loan from River Valley Growth Council

N. Request to Amend the Business Park Lease Vote of April 1, 2010

8. Executive Session pursuant to 1 MRS §405 (6) (C) regarding economic development with the Town Manager and Linda Walbridge

9. Executive Session pursuant to 1 MRS §405 (6) (D) regarding union negotiations with the Town Manager, Fire Chief and Town Attorney
Adjournment

Carlo J. Puiia
Town Manager
CJP/tp

J. Eugene Boivin Memorial Society

2010-04-25T00:23:00.000-04:00

The J. Eugene Boivin Memorial Society is an online group dedicated to the memory of Gene and the things for which he stood.

1. Community Service
2. Civic Participation
3. Citizen control of government (i.e.) The Rumford Charter
4. Family

Visit the Facebook page

Department Budget Approvals

2010-04-21T19:52:00.001-04:00

Department Budget Approvals
March 26, 2010
5:00 p.m.
Present: Chairperson Bradford Adley, Selectperson Gregory Buccina, Selectperson Jeffrey Sterling,
Selectperson Mark Belanger, Town Manager Carlo Puiia. Absent: Vice-Chairperson Frank DiConzo
Other Attendees: Karl Aromaa, Terry Karkos, Bruce Farrin, Rick Kent, John Martin, Stacy Carter

1. Meeting called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bradford Adley
Mr. Belanger noted that no cuts were made and he felt uneasy about this. He would like to see a 5-10 percent cut because of the 22 ½ percent mil increase.
2. The following budgets were approved by the Board:
Police
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $817,332. Vote: 3-1, Mr. Belanger opposed.
Animal Control Officer
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $29,900. Vote: 4-0
Library
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $238,320. Vote: 3-1, Mr. Belanger opposed.
Fire Department
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $698,871. Vote: 3-1, Mr. Belanger opposed.
Emergency Management
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $8,800. Vote: 4-0
Code Enforcement
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $47,545. Vote: 4-0
Sewer Maintenance
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $43,063. Vote: 4-0
Summer Roads
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $284,962. Vote: 3-1, Mr. Belanger opposed.
Winter Roads
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $581,405. Vote: 3-1, Mr. Belanger opposed.
Bituminous
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $70,000. Vote: 4-0
State Aid Roads
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $45,000. Vote: 4-0
Board

Initiated Article and Department Budget Approvals

2010-04-21T12:33:00.001-04:00

Initiated Article and Department Budget Approvals
March 25, 2010
6:00 p.m.
Present: Chairperson Bradford Adley, Selectperson Gregory Buccina, Selectperson Jeffrey Sterling,
Selectperson Mark Belanger, Town Manager Carlo Puiia. Absent: Vice-Chairperson Frank DiConzo
Other Attendees: Patty Duguay, Bob Anderson, Laurie Winsor, Ron McHugh, Linnell Geronda, John
Giambattista, Barbara Pelletier, Philip Mills, Jane Giasson, Deborah Laurinaitis
1. Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bradford Adley
2. All pledged allegiance to the American Flag
3. Approval of Initiated Article Requests
The Town Manager noted that the Abused Womens Advocacy Project and American Red Cross were
not present at the meetings of March 15, 2010 and March 22, 2010.
Chairperson Adley read a recommendation from Selectperson DiConzo that the total for all Initiated
Articles not exceed $100,000.
Selectperson Belanger would like to cap at $150,000 for all Initiated Articles.
Selectperson Sterling would like to see the Board approve the same amount that was approved by the
voters last year. He noted that in the past the LD1 factor was instrumental in the decreases of the
amounts approved for the Initiated Article requests. This year the budget requests are well under the
LD1 amount. Mr. Sterling also noted that the Municipal budget stayed at approximately ¾ of 1
percent and that Initiated Articles should also stay flat funded.
Mr. Belanger noted a 22 percent increase over prior years.
Mr. Buccina has heard both sides of the concerns and believes we should also consider flat funding
for the Initiated Articles.
Abused Women’s Advocacy Project
Mr. Belanger made a motion for $0. Vote: 4-0
American Red Cross
Mr. Buccina made a motion for $0. Vote: 4-0
Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $3,200. Vote 4-0
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Mr. Buccina made a motion to approve $500. Vote: 3-1, Mr. Sterling opposed.
Board of Selectpersons Initiated Article and Budget Approvals 03.25.2010
APPROVED 04 01 10
2
Black Mountain of Maine
Mr. Adley made a motion to approve $56,700. Vote: 3-1, Mr. Belanger opposed.
Chisholm Ski Club
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $1,540. Vote: 4-0
Community Concepts
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $5,000. Vote: 3-1, Mr. Sterling opposed.
Greater Rumford Community Center
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $85,000. Vote: 2-2, Mr. Belanger and Mr. Buccina opposed.
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $80,000. Vote: 3-1, Mr. Belanger opposed.
Greater Rumford Community Center, Summer Programs
Mr. Adley made a motion to approve $20,448. Vote: 2-2, Mr. Belanger and Mr. Buccina opposed.
Mr. Belanger made a motion to allow Bob Anderson, a non-resident, to speak. Vote: 4-0
Mr. Buccina requested an overview of what is included in Summer Programs. Mr. Anderson gave a
brief summary as requested.
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $15,000. Vote: 2-2, Mr. Adley and Mr.Sterling opposed.
Mr. Buccina made a motion to approve $17,500. Vote: 3-1, Mr. Adley opposed.
Holy Savior School, Text Books
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $1,400. Vote: 4-0
Holy Savior School, Testing
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $1,500. Vote: 4-0
Holy Savior School, Transportation
Mr. Adley made a motion to approve $6,150. Vote: 4-0
Holy Savior School, Nurse
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $527. Vote: 4-0
Hope Association
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $6,560. Motion was withdrawn.
Mr. Buccina made a motion to approve $8,000. Vote: 4-0
Oxford County Mental Health
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $1,700. Motion was withdrawn.
Mr. Buccina made a motion to approve $2,000. Vote: 4-0
Rape Education and Crisis Hotline
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $300. Vote: 3-1, Mr. Sterling opposed.
River Valley Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $3,000. Vote: 4-0
Board of Selectpersons Initiated Article and Budget Approvals 03.25.2010
APPROVED 04 01 10
3
River Valley Growth Council
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $10,000. Vote: 4-0
River Valley Healthy Communities
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $2,200. Motion was withdrawn.
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $2,500. Vote: 4-0
Rumford Group Homes
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $1,200. Vote: 4-0
Rumford Senior Citizens
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $6,400. Vote: 4-0
Seniors Plus
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $5,000. Vote: 4-0
Strathglass Park Owners Association
Mr. Buccina made a motion to approve $250. Vote: 4-0
Tri-County Mental Health
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $3,500. Vote: 4-0
Western Maine Transportation
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $3,000. Vote: 4-0
Western Maine Veterans
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $400. Vote: 4-0
2. The following department budget amounts were approved:
Town Clerk-Treasurer
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $74,996. Vote: 4-0
Tax Collector
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $78,120. Vote: 4-0
Tax Assessor
Mr. Buccina would like to review the Assessor’s wage request. Assessor Linnell Geronda cited the
Town’s Personnel Policy.
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $100,008. Vote: 2-2, Mr. Sterling and Mr. Adley opposed.
Mr. Sterling would like to set the increase at half of the request and adjust the other half next year
incrementally. Mr. Belanger noted that the Board approved a 2 percent increase for all non-union
employees.
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $100,008. Vote: 3-1, Mr. Sterling opposed.
Elections
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $19,985. Vote: 4-0
Board of Selectpersons Initiated Article and Budget Approvals 03.25.2010
APPROVED 04 01 10
4
Welfare
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $70,021. Vote: 4-0
Selectpersons
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $5,850. Vote: 4-0
Town Manager
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $161,630. Vote: 4-0
Town Attorney
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $30,000. Vote: 4-0
Town Audit
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $20,000. Vote: 4-0
Economic Development
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $40,000. Vote: 4-0
Municipal Building
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $118,600. Vote: 4-0
Computer
Mr. Sterling made a motion to allow Finance Director Deborah Laurinaitis, a non-resident, to speak.
Vote: 4-0
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $18,900. Vote: 4-0
Information Center
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $13,200. Vote: 4-0
Maine State Retirement System
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $34,400. Vote: 4-0
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $450. Vote: 4-0
Utilities
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $489,000. Vote: 4-0
Maine State Retirement System – Police and Fire
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $130,000. Vote: 4-0
Health Department
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $112,000. Vote: 4-0
Health and Sanitation – Solid Waste
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $535,000. Vote: 4-0
Municipal Planning
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $24,500. Vote: 4-0
Board of Selectpersons Initiated Article and Budget Approvals 03.25.2010
APPROVED 04 01 10
5
Bonds
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $341,045. Vote: 4-0
Insurances / Social Security
Mr. Sterling made a motion to approve $999,300. Vote: 4-0
Contingency
Mr. Belanger made a motion to approve $15,000. Vote: 4-0
Mr. Sterling commented that he was pleased that Selectperson DiConzo’s input on Initiated Articles
was read at the beginning of the meeting. He also believes the discussion tonight was thoughtful and
respectful.
3. Adjournment
Mr. Belanger made a motion to adjourn at 8:05 p.m. Vote: 4-0

Ordinance Changes Proposed Tonight

2010-04-20T23:08:00.004-04:00

The following proposals are some of those proposed at the hearing tonight. The Rumford Selectmen will be accepting suggestions again next Tuesday at 6pm,

Chapter 3

Section 2. Agenda.

The regular meeting agenda will be prepared and posted at least three (3) days in advance of this meeting. An item not on the agenda will not be discussed at the meeting unless sixty per cent (60%) of the

members of the Board present declare that such an item is of an urgent nature.

Chapter 13

Section 2. Use of Receipts.

Funds received by the Town shall be used as directed by the Town’s current

budget and/or the Board of Selectpersons in their capacity as agents for the Town’s People. All private requests for funds shall go through the initiated article process except in cases of emergency or provided through ordinance.

Note: This ordinance change shall be effective as of the close of the 2010-11 fiscal year.

Chapter 13

Section 9. Monies Received From Cable T.V. Franchise Agreement.

Monies received from the cable television franchise agreement shall be paid to the Town Treasurer to be disbursed by vote of the Board of Selectpersons for cable TV related expenses.. In the event of a surplus at the end of the fiscal year, it shall be transferred to the undesignated fund balance. Cable TV Franchise Fund.

Chapter 13

Section 7. Overdrafts and Surpluses.

(a) It is the duty of all municipal officers and staff to comply with the laws of the State of Maine and to

refrain from exceeding their approved budget without appropriate approval of the Town Manager

and the Board of Selectpersons.

(b) Any deficit that does occur must be properly accounted in accordance with generally accepted

accounting principles.

(c) In the event of unavoidable expenditures that will exceed the a budgeted line item amount, the Board of

Selectpersons may seek to cover the overdraft from within the department, so long as the

department’s budget is not exceeded or the Board shall call a special Town Meeting to seek further

appropriations.

(d) In the event that expenditures for any account do not exceed the amount budgeted for them, the

Board of Selectpersons shall either lapse the excess to Undesignated Fund Balance (a/k/a

Surplus) or designate the balance to be carried forward.

CHAPTER 36-B

Section 3. Grounds for Recall

An elected official may be recalled only on one or more of the following grounds and for no other reason,

including, but not limited to, the manner and substance of his or her performance in office.

a. Conviction for the commission of a Class A, B, C or D crime under the laws of the State of Maine or a

felony under the laws of the United States or entry of a plea of guilty to such an offense; or

b. In the case of Selectpersons, absence from at least half of the regularly scheduled meetings of the

Board of Selectpersons during any six month period for any reason whatever, except as otherwise

provided in the Ordinance; provided that this Ordinance does not require the Selectpersons to schedule

meetings at any specified interval; or

c. In case of two or more violations of the Rumford, Maine Town Charter and or Ordinances; as

determined by the Town Attorney, or

d. In the case of Tax Collector and Town Clerk, absence from his or her office for a period of 45

consecutive days for any reason whatsoever, except as otherwise provided in this Ordinance; or

e. Two or more violations of the laws of the State of Maine with respect to the Maine Freedom of Access

law or conflict of interest laws when determined by the court or other body of competent jurisdiction of

such violations has made a final determination.

f. Failure or refusal of a Selectperson to order an election as provided in this Ordinance. In the

determination of absence, use of reasonable vacation time and sick leave in accordance with Town

policy shall not be considered absence within the meaning of the Section.

g. Use of one's position to influence the decision of any other department, board, commission, committee, or task force of which the Selectperson is not a member.

h. It shall be a defense from recall for an elected official to be absent under doctors orders while recovering from one or more non-elective medical procedures for a potentially life threatening condition.

Chapter 1

Section 1. Town Manager-Purchasing Agent. The Town Manager, as purchasing agent for all departments,

boards, commissions and officials, shall purchase single items involving the expenditure of $2,000 or more through competitive bids, and on such items, final selection rests with the board or official making the requisition of Selectpersons.

CHAPTER 6

Board of Library Trustees

Section 1. Powers and Duties. The Board of Library Trustees shall be and is charged with the duty of

maintaining and operating the Rumford Public Library, and shall be and is hereby invested with all

powers necessary to that end, except that major capital improvements must be approved by the citizens on the annual election ballot. The Board shall accomplish the purposes herein stated within the

means provided by appropriations of the Town, assistance rendered by the State and private

gratuities. All incidental income resulting from the operation shall be paid in to the Town Treasurer

monthly, and shall be allocated to the Library Budget in addition to the Town appropriation, so that

the funds may be drawn upon for Public Library expenses.

Proposed Charter Change

ARTICLE XXII

Miscellaneous Provisions

Section 1. Oath of Office. All town officers, elected or appointed, before entering upon the performance of their official duties shall be sworn by the town clerk, a notary public or justice of the peace, to the faithful performance of their duties, to support and defend the Town Charter and Ordinances, and such oath shall be subscribed to and filed in the office of the clerk.

Selectmen's Meeting (continued)

2010-04-18T18:13:00.002-04:00

(sorry for the delay)

Requests of Citizens Present

Emile Barre requested that the town extend Lincoln Avenue to Spruce Street.
Cheryl Gallant requested that the board reconsider their vote on the grant for the library.
Kevin N. Saisi Requested that the town address the condition of the Veterans Street railroad crossing with the mill.
Marie Boudreau asked to speak on the library issue, and was instructed to wait until it was addressed later in the agenda.
Stefanie Wilson asked for permission for the Strathglass Park Owners Association to remove the stumps left when the trees were taken down on Hancock St, and for them to be permitted to plant new trees. The general consensus was that they could do so.
Kevin Knox asked for security cameras to be installed by the town to protect his garage on Route 108. he was informed that he would have to purchase his own security system.

Wind Power Moratorium
A motion to table a moratorium on wind power development was made by Mark Belanger. His rationale was that he wanted to see how the meeting with First Wind went before extending the moratorium. It was pointed out that if the extention was not voted upon before a certain date, the options for those who support the moratorium would be limited by statute. The motion to table failed by a vote of 3:2. A motion to extend the moratorium 6 months passed by a vote of 4:1.

Other Business:
A liquor license, but not special amusement permit was issued to Le Paresseux . The restriction was placed due t0 a need for a fire inspection.

A Hawkers & Peddler's License was issued to LLoyd's Farmstand.

Stefanie Wilson, President of the SPOA (Strathglass Park Owners Association) requested permission for the association to hold a yard sale as a fund raiser on the town owned area known as The Pines. The request was approved.

Representing the River Valley Growth Council, Jim Rinaldo requested that 4 parking spots on Lowell St. be designated loading zones during certain hours to accommodate their new tenant. Child Development Services is planning on moving into the River Valley Technology Center in June. The request was approved.

A request for directional signs was actually permission for the Economic Development Committee to print oxen hoof-prints along the sidewalk from J. Eugene Boivin Park to the blue ox located at Rite Aid. The request was approved.

The board decided to place a question on the ballot asking the townspeople to decide who to proceed with library improvements. The options listed included building new, adding to the existing library at its present location, or fixing the code violations that exist in the current building. The board asked Mr. Puiia to draft a question for approval at the next meeting. The question will appear on the June ballot.

The board awarded the Municipal Lighting Bid to Wescott Electric for 11,865.

Ripoff Alert: Far East

2010-04-18T06:24:00.004-04:00

The beef teriacki was half the size I expected. When I sent them back, I received pieces that were about an inch longer. It took about 10 minutes for them to bring out the replacements, and the flavor was bland. The chicken fingers were small too. The chicken teriacki was dry on the outside as if it had been sitting for a while and nuked. It took me a few hours to fully digest the meal. At King Wok, for about the same price, I usually left feeling full and had enough leftovers for lunch the next day, but this meal left me unsatisfied. :(

2010-04-15T22:52:00.003-04:00

Selectmen's Report

Mr. Buccina had nothing to report

Mr. Belanger thanked Mark for videotaping the Finance Committee proceedings so that they could be televised. he also asked that meetings be conducted so that the person speaking is not interrupted. He closed by asking that signs be erected at Boivin Park asking that the geese not be fed. The feeding of the wildlife has become a problem with their droppings.

Mr. DiConzo expanded upon Mr. Belanger's request asking that many signs be erected to assure that people see them. He reported that he attended an Maine Municipal Association training on grant funding and asked that an item be placed on the next agenda to consider membership to a grant website at a cost of $350 per year. Mr. DiConzo also noted that the trees downtown were damaging the sidewalks. He recommended that they be removed and replaced with dwarf trees in planters.

Mr. Adley reported that he attended the DARE graduation and the dedication of J. Eugene Boivin Park. He stated that the DARE event was great, and the Boivin dedication was well deserved due to the work he has done for the town. Mr. Adley lamented the lack of citizen participation in the budget hearings.

Mr. Sterling presented Town Manager Puiia with a birthday cake comprised of cupcakes. Mr. Puiia turns 50 on Friday.

Town Manager's Report

Mr. Puiia read a letter from the local office of the Census thanking the town for the use of the auditorium for training purposes.
He commented that the DARE graduation was an "excellent, organized event" and referred to DARE as a "very valuable program".
Mr. Puiia also attended the grant workshop and suggested that funds to repair the sidewalks might be found through what they learned.
He reported that he attended a Table Top Exercise organized by Oxford County Emergency Management in preparation for a drill to be held in May.
He thanked the Finance Committee for their time and effort in making tough decisions.
He reported that the Department of Transportation will be at the May 5th meeting to discuss work to be done on Route 108.
He reported that he attended the press conference of the American Manufacturers Alliance which addressed the affect of imports on the paper market.
He facilitated the ceremony at J. Eugene Boivin Park and commented that Mr. Boivin made Rumford a better place to live.
He reported that Mike Worthley of the ATV club notified him that they will be performing a road side cleanup on Saturday April 24th along Route 120 from the high school to Roxbury Town Hall.
He reported that a professional has evaluated the tree on the Veterans Green and it needs to come down. He suggested that the board could look at replacement options in the future.

Department Manager's Report

Fire Chief Robert Chase reported that the seals on one of their pumpers need to be changed. he had estimates on the work, and the lowest estimate was $9,950, but he cautioned that the true cost may be different based upon the amount of work needed. He explained that the truck is due to be replaced in two years, but the budget likely will not support the replacement. He also clarified a concern from a previous meeting regarding the firefighters sleeping in the unsafe central fire station. He stated that the law indicates it is acceptable as long as the town has a plan of correction on file, which it does.

(more tomorrow) :)

Marie Boudreau Ignights With Passion Over Library

2010-04-15T22:30:00.004-04:00

Citizen Marie Boudreau may have had a difficult time hearing what others said at the meeting tonight, but nobody had difficulty hearing her. Ms. Boudreau, a long time trustee of the library, blasted the Library Growth Committee for circumventing the trustees on the issue of library improvements. Ms. Boudreau claims that the Library Growth Committee, which consists of people from other towns, has brought requests to the town without the approval of the trustees. Despite the fact that Carolyn Kennard is on both boards, the trustees have not been asked about the project. While Ms. Kennard may brief members on progress, the board has not been asked to act on the most recent request. Ms. Boudreau stated that the Library Growth Committee does not represent her, and has no right to decide for the town. She stated that the town needs to respect what we have and the Selectmen need to" listen to the people who elected you".

At issue was a question to be placed on the June ballot to seek direction from the citizens on how they think the town should spend money to improve the library. The three options listed are moving the library at a cost of 3.2 million dollars, adding to the library at a cost of 2.2 million dollars, or bringing it up to code for around one million dollars. Selectman Sterling stated that he believed the town should hold off on the ballot question to allow the library time to make their case to the people. It was pointed out that the issue had been ongoing for a number of years and the library had chosen to only promote the option they wanted. Ms. Boudreau stated that discussion of the library was all over town, and "the people of Rumford are not ignorant". The board voted to have Town Manager Puiia draft a ballot question for the next meeting so that the issue can be put to bed at the June election. The vote was 3:2.

BRIBERY AND CORRUPT PRACTICES §603. Improper influence

2010-04-15T11:27:00.001-04:00

Title 17-A: MAINE CRIMINAL CODE
Part 2: SUBSTANTIVE OFFENSES
Chapter 25: BRIBERY AND CORRUPT PRACTICES
§603. Improper influence
1. A person is guilty of improper influence if he:
A. Threatens any harm to a public servant, party official or voter with the purpose of influencing his action, decision, opinion, recommendation, nomination, vote or other exercise of discretion; [1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).]
B. Privately addresses to any public servant who has or will have an official discretion in a judicial or administrative proceeding any representation, argument or other communication with the intention of influencing that discretion on the basis of considerations other than those authorized by law; or [1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).]
C. Being a public servant or party official, fails to report to a law enforcement officer conduct designed to influence him in violation of paragraphs A or B. [1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).]
2. "Harm" means any disadvantage or injury, pecuniary or otherwise, including disadvantage or injury to any other person or entity in whose welfare the public servant, party official or voter is interested.
[ 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW) .]
3. Improper influence is a Class D crime.
[ 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW) .]
SECTION HISTORY
1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).

April 15, 2010 Agenda

2010-04-14T06:58:00.001-04:00

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING
AGENDA
April 15, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Rumford Falls Auditorium

6:15 p.m. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PUBLIC HEARING

1. Meeting call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bradford Adley

2. All present pledge allegiance to the American Flag

3. Approval of Minutes from the Selectperson’s Meeting of April 1, 2010

4. REPORTS

A. SELECTPERSON’S REPORT
B. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
C. DEPARTMENT MANAGER REPORTS (as necessary)
D. TAX COLLECTOR’S REPORT
E. FINANCIAL REPORTS – Budget vs. Actual and Excise Tax

5. REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT
6. OLD BUSINESS

7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval of Town Warrant dated April 16, 2010

B. Request to Extend Wind Power Moratorium

C. Approval of Liquor License and Special Amusement Permit for Le Paresseux

D. Approval of Hawker’s & Peddler’s License for Lloyd’s Farmstand

E. Request to Hold Flea Market in Strathglass Park

F. Request for Loading Zone Parking Spaces on Lowell Street

G. Request for Directional Sign from Economic Development Committee

H. Discussion to Place Question on June Ballot for Library Plans

I. Approval of Municipal Lighting Bid

J. Approval of Ballot Clerks

8. Adjournment

Carlo J. Puiia
Town Manager
CJP/tp

J. Eugene Boivin Park dedication

2010-04-10T21:51:00.003-04:00

The Town of Rumford formally dedicated the area around the information booth as J. Eugene Boivin Park. Many friends and family were on hand for the dedication. Town Manager Carlo Puiia coordinated the event which included comments by Representative Matt Peterson, Monique Aniel, Vice Chairman Frank DiConzo, and former selectman Jim Peterson, as well as a brief comment from one of Mr. Boivin's young granddaughters. Chairman Bradford Adley attended, but declined to comment when offered the opportunity.

Mr. Boivin is well known in town for his volunteer work including the development of the area dedicated to him today. Mr. Boivin developed the diorama of Native Americans, the information booth with working water wheel, and assisted with the Paul Bunyan statue.

In municipal government, Mr. Boivin held numerous positions including Selectman, Town Moderator, School Board Member, Charter Commission Member, and Fire Chief. He is perhaps best known for monitoring town government, especially Town Meetings. Mr. Boivin's deep bellowing voice was usually heard from the back of the auditorium calling "Point of Order, Mr. Chairman" when things went astray.

J. Eugene Boivin Park Dedication Saturday

2010-04-08T10:12:00.003-04:00

Uploaded on November 16, 2007
by Just Us 3

Some rights reserved

The area surrounding the Rumford Information Booth will be dedicated on Saturday at 1pm to J. Eugene Boivin. The park is home to a number of projects that were spearheaded by Mr. Boivin including the Indian silhouettes and the grist mill themed information center, complete with working waterwheel. Town Manager Puiia and Selectman DiConzo had presented a plaque to Mr. Boivin regarding the dedication prior to his death earlier this year.

Disorderly Conduct??

2010-04-07T06:07:00.004-04:00

Yesterday a member of the Rumford Finance Committee was warned by a Rumford Police Officer for using the word Bulls#!t in the Rumford Municipal Building. I found it ironic that the word would be restricted from being used in a building where so much of it is produced. While I agree that the word is distasteful (no pun intended), it is not illegal to say. The officer provided an official warning, citing "disorderly conduct" as the offense. Let's look at the statute:

§501-A. Disorderly conduct

1. A person is guilty of disorderly conduct if:

A. In a public place, the person intentionally or recklessly causes annoyance to others by intentionally:

(1) Making loud and unreasonable noises;

(2) Activating a device, or exposing a substance, that releases noxious and offensive odors; or

(3) Engaging in fighting, without being licensed or privileged to do so; [2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW).]

B. In a public or private place, the person knowingly accosts, insults, taunts or challenges any person with offensive, derisive or annoying words, or by gestures or other physical conduct, that would in fact have a direct tendency to cause a violent response by an ordinary person in the situation of the person so accosted, insulted, taunted or challenged; [2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW).]

C. In a private place, the person makes loud and unreasonable noise that can be heard by another person, who may be a law enforcement officer, as unreasonable noise in a public place or in another private place, after having been ordered by a law enforcement officer to cease the noise; or [2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW).]

D. In a private or public place on or near property where a funeral, burial or memorial service is being held, the person knowingly accosts, insults, taunts or challenges any person in mourning and in attendance at the funeral, burial or memorial service with unwanted, obtrusive communications by way of offensive, derisive or annoying words, or by gestures or other physical conduct, that would in fact have a direct tendency to cause a violent response by an ordinary person in mourning and in attendance at a funeral, burial or memorial service. [2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW).]

[ 2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW) .]

2. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. "Public place" means a place to which the public at large or a substantial group has access, including but not limited to:

(1) Public ways as defined in section 505;

(2) Schools and government-owned custodial facilities; and

(3) The lobbies, hallways, lavatories, toilets and basement portions of apartment houses, hotels, public buildings and transportation terminals. [2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW).]

B. "Private place" means any place that is not a public place. [2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW).]

[ 2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW) .]

3. Disorderly conduct is a Class E crime.

[ 2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW) .]

SECTION HISTORY
2007, c. 144, §3 (NEW).

We were having a discussion about town politics. We both agreed on the issue and nobody was being accosted, insulted, taunted or challenged in any way. If the officer, who is a detective with the department, had taken a moment to investigate before angrily responding, he would have better understood that no law was being broken.

This incident raises two questions in my mind. First, I wonder how many police officers abuse their authority against members of the public who don't know the laws. I recall back a number of years when the police used to clear congress street of teenagers by threatening to charge them for riot for sitting on the Municipal Building steps. The law clearly states

§503. Riot

1. A person is guilty of riot if, together with 5 or more other persons, he engages in disorderly conduct;

A. With intent imminently to commit or facilitate the commission of a crime involving physical injury or property damage against persons who are not participants; or [1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).]

B. When he or any other participant to his knowledge uses or intends to use a firearm or other dangerous weapon in the course of the disorderly conduct. [1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).]

2. Riot is a Class D crime.

[ 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW) .]

SECTION HISTORY
1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).

Of course, the law may have changed, but the same basic intent is there. You must prove the intent to commit a crime. Just because crimes have been committed in the area previously, it doesn't mean that the current group of persons intends on committing a crime, even if one of more of them has done so in the past.

Under previous board of selectmen, it was common for two or more to stand outside of the Municipal Building after the meeting to discuss town business. I called it the "aftermeeting", and it violates the law, hence "committing a crime". At times the group would number more than five people. I recall one time asking a police officer if they should be arrested for riot, because there were more than five and they were committing a crime. Of course there was no physical injury involved, but at the time I don't believe the law required it. I believe the law stated "with the intent to commit a crime". Obviously, no arrests were made.

Secondly, (with all due respect to our soldiers and the job they perform) do the officers who come from military backgrounds understand that this is a civilian population on American soil, and we are not subject to the same treatment as may be necessary in a war zone. We are Americans, and we have rights.

I used to carry a copy of the criminal code in my vehicle, but now that we have mobile internet capabilities, I don't have to. If you would like to learn more about Maine laws and your rights, please visit http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/search.htm.

Where Does Rumford Stand? What Should the Board Do?

2010-04-04T16:40:00.004-04:00

The question was posed to the Rumford Board of Selectmen; Where does Rumford stand, and what goals should be pursued over the next 14 months. Below are the answers from each member of the board.

Bradford Adley
Mr. Adley stated that he sees the glass as 1/2 full, and he thinks things are fine as they are. He supports municipal government maintaining services at the current level, and keeping taxes "in tact". Mr. Adley expressed that the town doesn't need to do "a lot in economic development.

Greg Buccina
Mr. Buccina stated that he read a book called Smart Growth which advocated maintaining levels of service on core functions in poor economic times. It stated that if your community looks smaller, it will get smaller. He then stated that he sees the economy on the rebound, and considers the mill to be "in full swing". Mr. Buccina supports working more with the River Valley Growth Council to create jobs and develop Route 2. Mr. Buccina stated that he sees the river as a focal point in the valley. He would like to see it developed with boat runs , a cable car, and kayak service. Despite being employed by the New Page , Mr. Buccina advocates for the town to work toward an economy which is diversified away from the mill. He would like to see levels of service supported this year, but would support cuts if there is n0 improvement by next year. nd the services even after they retire. He states that the people deserve the services the town provides.

Jeff Sterling
Mr. Sterling stated that he moved to Rumford 25 years ago and was impressed with what the town had to offer. He identified our town as "vibrant" and cautioned against rumors of a potential mill shut down/ closure. He likened such comments to chicken little's claim that the "sky is falling". Mr. Sterling advocates the town's investment in services. He identified that Town Manager Puiia's proposed budget reflected only 3/4% increase from last year and the board only increased that by one and a quarter percent. They did this by thinking outside of the box. Mr. Sterling lamented the lack of public input at the budget hearings. He had no idea what the board should do over the next 14 months, except to hope for an upswing. He stated "If I am wrong, I won't be re-elected" [editor's note: Mr. Sterling was not elected. He was appointed by the board to fill a vacancy caused by Mr. Cameron's resignation].

Frank DiConzo
Mr. DiConzo has repeatedly expressed displeasure with the lack of action by the board. He has stated that he feels ou town is in a decline, and needs action to help us restore our local economy and infrastructure. Not realizing that the question would be posed under Requests of Citizens Present, Mr. DiConzo outlined a number of action items under Selectman's Report. He added some items under this request. Some of the items mentioned include addressing the safety problems at Rumford's Central Fire Station. Included in this is cooperative efforts with our neighboring towns. DiConzo stated that efforts in the past had fallen by the wayside, and needed to be re-initiated. He stated that the three town managers need to start meeting and pursuing this.He also suggested enhancing the functionality of our recreational facilities by looking into a the prospect of building a dyke around Falmouth Field to reduce the impact of spring flooding.

Mr DiConzo would like to see the development of Route 2 from the top of Falls Hill toward the west. Mr. DiConzo noted that permission needs to be obtained from the State Department of Environmental Protection, but if we don't initiate efforts, it will never happen. He also stated that we need to work toward finding a solution to take advantage of the wind power efforts, suggesting that the developers be encouraged to invest in newer technology that eliminates many of the adverse affects that plague wind power efforts. He stated that the new technology is available through companies based in the United States, which would help our national economy.

Mr Belanger was not present at the meeting at which the question was raised to the board.

Reports & Requests

2010-04-03T21:10:00.003-04:00

Town Manager Puiia reported the following

the information booth will reopen April 5th, and be open until Memorial Day.
the Chamber of Commerce is looking for a person to serve on the Board of Directors.
April 10th, the Maine Hysterical Society will perform in Rumford Falls Auditorium
the Finance Committee will hold their budget hearings on the 2th, 13th, and 14th at 6pm, and they will extend to the 15th if needed.
He has initiated the process of re-negotiating the cable TV franchise with Time Warner Cable.
the board will be reviewing the personnel policy, and the department heads have been asked to contribute their thoughts.
Mike Mills has returned to the position of Foreman of Parks and Recreation.

Department Heads Report
Fire Chief Bob Chase applauded the budget process, stating that it provided an "elaborate opportunity to interact". He stated that anyone with further questions should contact him, and he has an open door policy.

Requests of Citizens Present
Citizen Paul Lowell requeste an explanation as to why the October vote to cut 10% from the current budget was not honored. Mr. Puiia stated that the current year is not completed. Selectman Adley stated "the people I represent want to keep the level of service". Mr. Lowell then asked about the 100/70% insurance for employees. The response indicated that they were a product of union negotiations. Selectman Buccina stated that he investigated the cost of hydrant rental and found out that the town's rental rate was established in the 1960s, and that he is working with Representative Matt Peterson to look into it.

Citizen Richard Scaglioli inquired as to the structure of the fire department. He asked why Mexico can maintain a call force while meeting the same standards as Rumford. He suggested an all volunteer force stating "why pay the unions". Mr. Scaglioli then pointed out that Mexico has a history of arriving at Rumford Fires before the Rumford firefighters. He asked "why can't we be proud of our fire department"?

Fire Chief Chase responded that Rumford runs a "combo department" with the majority being paid on-call members. He stated that all firefighters must meet minimum standards of training, though duties can be adapted to one's capabilities. He closed by stating that all fire departments are having trouble with volunteerism.

[Editor's Note: I made a request to the board that each member identify where they thought the town stood and what the member thought the town leadership should do in the next 14 months to meet the needs of the town. This will be a separate article|

DiConzo Returns With New Found Furvor

2010-04-03T19:50:00.004-04:00

In honor of his return from a health imposed leave of absence, Selectman Frank DiConzo was provided with the opportunity to express his feelings about the budget process and direction of the board efforts. Mr. DiConzo stated that he had ample time while recovering to look at things more in depth.

After thanking people for their cards, wishes and prayers, he outlined a number of thoughts. Mr. DiConzo stated that he believes in transparency, and believes in common sense for the common good. He stated that he ran for office after 18 years on the finance board where he felt the majority "rubber stamped" the Selectmen's proposal each year. He stated that he felt he could be more effective on this level, though his recent illness prevented his participation this year. Mr. DiConzo stated that he believes that most departments submit a budget with at leats 10% "fluff" in anticipation of cuts, and claims to have heard stories from local vendors of department heads stating that they've "got to spend it now" in reference to budget surpluses, to avoid being cut. In reference to the current budget process, Mr. DiConzo stated that he feels "This board failed this year" to provide cuts. He pointed out that the tax paying population is depleting and the tax base is decreasing. He pointed out that taxes and budgets will continue to increase unless something is done. With the recent RSU merger, DiConzo stated that there will be an increase for the next 8 years until things level off.

Mr. DiConzo pointed out that the board failed to remedy a policy issue which provides an employee with 100% health insurance for himself and 70% for his family for working 21 hours a week. He also stated that the town needs to look at ways to cut the welfare expense and other policy problems. Ten, turning to Town Manager Carlo Puiia, Mr. Diconzo expressed that he felt Puiia was spending too much time talking with people, and not tending to his duties. He suggested that Puiia work with the State Department of Environmental Protection to open up Route 2 atop Falls Hill for development. DiConzo stated that Puiia was a good choice because he knew the problems that existed in the town, and could more easily address them, but he feels that Puiia needs to speak up more , and identify problems before mistakes are made.

Mr. DiConzo stated that he had proposed a 100,000 cap for funding Initiated Articles, but the board recommended $215,000. In the municipal budget, DiConzo identified that the Selectmen and even the Finance Committee are powerless to direct how money is spent within the departments, and cannot cut specific line items. He was disappointed when the board recommendation reflected no cuts in the budgets. He then stated he had passed on to Selectman Belanger a list of $273,000 in additional cuts that could have been made, but the majority of the board ignored the recommendations.

On another topic, Mr. DiConzo distributed documents that authenticate that the Stephens High Memorial Park was designated as such on June 4th, 2001. He expressed discontent that the location was being considered for a new location for our historic library.

Mr. DiConzo identified that numerous safety issues have gone unresolved in the Central Fire Station. He stated that the safety issues put our firefighters at risk every night they sleep in the building. He recommended that the Fire Chief be directed to schedule 12 hour shifts until the safety issues are resolved.

Mr. DiConzo stated that a tree on the Memorial Green is deteriorating, and needs attention. Hs stated that it needs to be addressed before the tree falls on a vehicle.

Mr. DiConzo suggested that a dyke be put in place to eliminate the flooding on Falmouth Field, so that our athletes can start their season on time.

Mr. Diconzo then read a number of excepts from emails he had sent the board during his recovery. The excepts addressed issues such as his disappointment at the lack of policy change, stating that he has earned the designation as a "shaker" by those out of town who read the reports and comments in the newspaper, and asking the board to not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk when it comes to saving money (in reference to the 10% savings that was supposed to be realized this year due to changes enacted by the departments and board).

He closed by asking the Finance Committee to "right the wrong" done by the selectmen. He then stated that if they don't the citizens should vote "zero" on the municipal budget, sending it back to be redone.

Selectman Sterling was the first to follow Mr. DiConzo in the Selectmen's Report. He stated that it was "not necessary to respond" but then responded by saying that the board was aware of Mr. DiConzo's opinions. He then changed the subject by asking whether or not the funding request for Boys State and Girls State should have been submitted as an initiated article. The board agreed that it has been done separately for decades, but it should be discussed. [Editor's Note: An ordinance change has been submitted that would require all such requests to go through the Initiated Article process except for items handled per ordinance, and actual emergencies. ]

Selectman Buccina was next to report. He referred to Mr. DiConzo's comments as a "tirade" and expressed that he was offended by the comments. Mr Buccina stated that he thinks the selectmen followed the Town Manager's recommendations [Editor's Note: The Town Manager's Recommendation was lower than the amount recommended by the board].

Mr. Buccina suggested that Mr. DiConzo refrain from making such comments. He then identified that he believes that Chadborne is responsible for the water problem on Holyoke Avenue. He stated that they are cutting on the side of the mountain, and that a sinkhole may occur if the problem is not addressed. He asked that the Town Manager look into it.

Mr. Buccina stated that the boat ramp by McDonalds descends against the flow of the river, and he suggested that it be moved to descend with the flow.

Selectman Adley expressed that he was offended by Mr. DiConzo's comments. He reminded everyone about DARE Graduation, and thanked the Department heads for their hard work in preparing their budgets. He ended by wishing everyone "Happy Easter".

Meeting Summary

2010-04-01T22:50:00.003-04:00

[Editor's note: The Board of Selectmen met tonight. The meeting was filled with good discussion and respectful expression of opinion. However, I now have eight pages of notes to compile into a reasonable representation of what occurred. This may take a few days]

Quick Summary:

The board voted 3:1 (Sterling opposed) not to pursue a grant to move the library to Stephens High School Memorial Park.
The board approved Hawkers and Peddlers licenses for Dave's Hot Dog Stand and Mr. & Mrs Sausage.
The board approved construction in rights of way for Michael Ronan, Sr. and Angela Howitt.
The board approved funding one boy and one girl to Boys State ($230)and Girls State($250) respectively
The board approved a Quit Claim Deed for Wendy Carey (clerical error in 1951)
The board approved the discharge of a mortgage for Matthew Baker DBA Woodstock Oil Company
The board approved use of town cones and barricades for the Strathglass Park Preservation Society to permit improvements to the entrance gate.
The board authorized Selectman Jeff Sterling to ride with the police department contingent on his signing a waiver of liability.
Phil Blampied presented a final report on the Gateway Project for which he had been contracted.

Details on this and other significant discussions will be posted later this weekend.

2010-03-30T20:02:00.000-04:00

Discussion: What goals would you like to see the Rumford Selectmen achieve in the next 14 months?

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING AGENDA April 1, 2010

2010-03-29T20:03:00.002-04:00

SELECTPERSON’S MEETING
AGENDA
April 1, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Rumford Falls Auditorium

1. Meeting call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bradford Adley

2. All present pledge allegiance to the American Flag

3. Approval of Minutes from the following meetings: Selectperson’s Meeting of March 18, 2010, Department Head Budget Request Meetings of March 10 and March 11, 2010, Initiated Article Request Meetings of March 15 and March 22, 2010, Initiated Article and Department Budget Approvals of March 25, 2010 and Department Budget Approvals of March 26, 2010

4. REPORTS
A. SELECTPERSON’S REPORT
B. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
C. DEPARTMENT MANAGER REPORTS (as necessary)

5. REQUESTS OF CITIZENS PRESENT
6. OLD BUSINESS
7. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval of Town Warrant dated April 2, 2010

B. Request to Apply to the USDA to receive Public Assistance for the Rumford Library Project

C. Approval of Hawker’s & Peddler’s License for Dave Marchand, dba Dave’s Hot Dog Stand

D. Approval of Hawker’s & Peddler’s License for Lee Brawn, dba Mr. & Mrs. Sausage

E. Approval of Construction within a Right-of-Way for Michael Ronan, Sr.

F. Approval of Construction within a Right-of-Way for Angela Howitt

G. Approval of Funding Request from American Legion for Boys State

H. Approval of Funding Request from American Legion for Girls State

I. Approval of Quit Claim Deed for Wendy Carey

J. Approval of Discharge of Mortgage for Matthew Baker, dba Woodstock Oil Company

K. Request by Strathglass Park Owners Association to use Town Equipment

L. Presentation of Gateway Project by Phil Blampied

M. Approval of Ride Along with Rumford Police Department for Selectperson

8. Executive Session pursuant to 1 MRS §405 (6)(D) regarding contract negotiations with the Town Manager, Town Attorney and Public Works Superintendent

9. Executive Session pursuant to 1 MRS §405 (6)(C) regarding economic development with the Town Manager and prospective business representatives

10. Adjournment

Carlo J. Puiia, Town Manager