Selectmen’s Minutes, March 18, 2021

TOWN OF SEDGWICK
SELECTMEN’S MINUTES
March 18, 2021
Opened the meeting and declared a quorum present. Selectmen present: Ben Astbury (by phone Bob Publicover, Michael Sheahan). Also present: Assistant Barbara Grindle (by phone CEO Duane Ford, Fire Chief David Carter, Superintendent Chris Elkington, School Board Chairman Kelly Samperi, Budget Committee members Leslie Schneider, Susan Ford, Paul Trowbridge, Douglas Drown, Horace Wardwell, Donna Beninati, Jerry Wetterskog, Jeffrey Roth).
There being no errors or omissions in the records of the last meeting, moved, seconded and roll call voted 3-0 to approve them as written.
Reviewed and signed the treasurer’s warrant for $95,724.04; general assistance $725, education $90,431.35, town house $59.40, town office $370.65, fire protection $2, 879.43, administration $183.71, fees $140, clearing/mv $934.50.
CEO REPORT: An unusual week- activity on Shore Road, not illegal, question about the camper at the head of Shore Road, cannot be permanent; Strong Brewery asking about another driveway, referred to the road commissioner; Grist Mill Road, will follow up with DEP re wetlands and storage of tanks and vehicles; a building notification form for a possible large solar array; BDN article regarding scenic areas-people are moving here to enjoy our area, we must not be complacent and watch what is being done so it doesn’t change the way we live.. Thank you to selectmen for what they do and they should be paid more. (Wetterskog echoed this sentiment.)
FIRE CHIEF UPDATE: Reported that all that wished covid shots have received their second shots. May start meeting in-person next month.
DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1) Heat Pumps at the Town Office – The Town Office Repair account has enough money for 3 heat pumps and the electrical upgrade needed. We need a new panel and other work done also. Moved, seconded and voted 3-0 to pursue the electrical upgrade and the heat pumps not to exceed $5,000. These should cut our oil bill by a third and also solve the air conditioning issue.
2) Workshop with Budget Committee/Superintendent – Elkington and Samperi presented the revised school budget. Overall budget up 1.67%, with a reduction to taxpayers of 1.12%.
3) Broadband Committee Update – Forming a committee to estimate cost and customers and collecting data using road information, 911 information and the tax commitment book (thanks to assistant, 911 officer and tax collector.) Beninati has contacted area towns to see if they are interested in joining the group. Brooklin adopted the Coalition Principals on March 16. Sedgwick moved, seconded and roll call voted 3-0 to adopt the principals, will sign the agreement.
4) Any Unresolved Business – Sheahan-roadside cleanup April 24, put notice on website and send out by mailchimp. Volunteers needed.
Sheahan-Northern Light would like to host a vaccination clinic locally, called the contact person and found they are looking for places to host, also referred him to Healthy Peninsula’s Anne Schroth; Fire Chief volunteered the fire station, and possible volunteers. Will keep in touch.
Astbury-contacting Jon Woodward concerning the vault roof.
ACTION ITEMS: 1) Heat Pump/Electrical Upgrade vote – voted after discussion. Also voted to adopt the Peninsular Broadband Coalition and sign the Guiding Principles.
ASSISTANT’S REPORT – none
PUBLIC COMMENTS – none
ADJOURN: There being no further business, moved, seconded and voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:11 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Grindle, Assistant