• HARBOR MASTER PROGRAM: Dick Nass was present to review some of the thoughts he has discussed with the selectmen previously. Spencer White is trying to get a program for the Mousam Lake area. Others have expressed interest but no endorsements from the various associations have been received. Shapleigh has given a tentative nod, but both Towns would need to meet on this. It seems to be the general agreement that if a program is established it should begin with the understanding that there will be no pay, no arrest powers, and no equipment furnished by the Town. The Harbor Master would need to be an employee of the Town but only be given a token payment. Nass suggested that SMRPC be requested to draw up some kind of an Ordinance that would spell out the terms. Tom Gore told Nass he feels that maybe Nass is too heavily involved in this, in light of his position. Nass agreed that it is probably true.
• Chip noted there might be a resident warden program. Dick Neal said the Warden Service emphasis is on fish and wildlife. Dick reported that he and Nass have been involved with a nuisance animal problem involving wildlife. No one wants to be responsible for road kill, especially involving large animals. He has a letter that was reportedly sent to the Town several years ago authorizing local municipalities to resolve the problem.
• Harold Pitoniak was present and read a letter thanking the selectmen for the reduction in the assessment of his back lot, but questioning whether all back lots had received adjustments. He asked that his letter be included in the minutes.
  I thank the Acton Selectmen for the 51.65 percent reduction in the assessment of my back lot September 8, 2000.
  I know of two other Acton taxpayers of back lots who received a reduction in their assessments.
  Unless all Acton taxpayers of back lots to all ponds and lakes in Acton ME receive the same reduction in their assessments, the Acton ME tax system is illegal.
  Any Acton taxpayer who is entitled to a 51.65 percent reduction in the assessment of their back lots and they are not notified, they should contact State Representative Richard A. Nass.
  Richard A. Nass should notify the Bureau of Taxation, PO Box 1063, Augusta ME 04332-1063 that Acton ME taxation is illegal.
  Please include this letter in the minutes of the September 26, 2000 Selectmen's meeting.
  Harold R. Pitoniak
  Tom explained to Pitoniak that the backlots on Tax Map 45 were found to be in General Purpose Zone but had been assessed as Shoreland Zone. All the backlots on Map 45 which were in the GP Zone were adjusted for that factor.

1. TRANSFER STATION:
   • Someone from the company that previously owned the baler is coming to demonstrate how to use and where to get supplies.
   • Overhead doors still not repaired. Rochester Door would not come. Virginia DeBoer said door came from Portland Glass. Chip suggested Lift Master be contacted. Dick Neal will pursue.
2. ASSESSING: No action.
3. APPOINTMENTS: No action.
4. EXEMPTION: Lorraine called Revenue Services relative to Veteran's Exemption. As long as the trust is not irrevocable an exemption can be granted.

1. MOM & POP PROPOSAL: Tabled until next meeting.
2. RECREATION ROOM LOCK: Tabled until next meeting.

Sep 27, 7 pm; State Police, Alfred - R Squire to attend
Sep 27; MERC Pay as you Throw
Oct 17 or 24; Bob Bohmann EMA review
Nov 1, 7 pm; Warrant and Finance, Acton School

1. TRANSFER STATION: The electrician should be there on Thursday to connect the baler.
2. ASSESSING: Any changes which were agreed upon before going to commitment will be abated.
3. APPOINTMENTS: No action.

1. MONKIEWICZ VETERAN EXEMPTION: Frank Monkiewicz' widow qualifies for a Veteran's exemption. Lorraine was requested to check with the Bureau of Taxation because the property is in a trust.
2. OTHER BUSINESS:
   • The new State Valuation is $247,850,000. Selectmen will not contest it since our revaluation came in slightly higher.
   • Great East Lake level will be dropped 3 feet on October 1. Horn Pond will be dropped 1.5 feet on October 9.

Sep 24, 3 pm; Court of Honor, South Acton Church
Sep 26, 7:30 pm; Warrant and Finance
Sep 27, 7 pm; State Police, Alfred - R Squire to attend
Sep 27; MERC Pay as you Throw
Nov 1, 7 pm; Warrant and Finance, Acton School

1. TRANSFER STATION:
   • Still no word from D&D. Dick will still try to reach them.
   • Rails on the baler are bent. Dick will try to order new ones.
   • Help is still needed on Saturday.
   • No more Sunday hours for the winter.
   • Lorraine will give Dick a copy of Bernie's duties, as described in the contract.
2. ASSESSING:
   • Lorraine and Tom met with Brett on Friday and made some assessing adjustments.
   • Jenny is working at the office this week to make adjustments on property cards and enter them into the computer.
3. APPOINTMENTS: No action.

1. ABATEMENTS - TRAILERS MOVED: On a motion by Lorraine it was voted to abate personal property taxes for Lesinkjas in the amount of $191.26 and T Roy in the amount of $75.74.
2. WAIVER OF LIEN CHARGES: Carol Kachan called. When 30 day notice came her husband made out the check and mailed to the Town. They went to visit in California and she was admitted to the hospital for emergency surgery, then had to remain away while recuperating. When she got home she found the letter returned because no postage had been put on it. She immediately sent the check to the Tax Collector, but in the meantime liens had been place on the property. She requested that the liens charges be waived because the lateness was due to the emergency. Tom noted that because the Town incurs costs in the application of liens, we cannot afford to waive the lien costs. On a motion by Nancy, it was voted to waive the interest charges, but not the lien charges.
3. FD CONVENTION BLOCK PARTY: Biddeford and Old Orchard have agreed to be responsible for the insurance. Acton's Fire Department has made arrangements for coverage by neighboring towns, while they are away, hosting the party.
4. REID AND RIEGE BILL: A bill for $839.12 has been received relative to the Theresa Wentworth case in 1997-1998. Our auditor said it can he paid from last year's appropriation. Lorraine will call Bourque to discuss whether this bill should be paid since it was believed that the account was already closed.

1. TRANSFER STATION:
   • New man didn't show up for work at Transfer Station. Lorraine will put ad in paper.
   • The cardboard baler has been moved into place. Dick Neal will check with D&D for wiring.
2. ASSESSING: Brett did not come to the meeting on Friday. Lorraine will call him to see if he can meet this week on Friday.
3. APPOINTMENTS: At the request of the Roads Study Committee, on a motion by Nancy Ruma, Bernard Yeaton was appointed as an advisory member of the road study committee.

1. ABATEMENT - TRAILER MOVED: The Tax Collector requested an abatement for personal property taxes owed by Paula Gagnon for a trailer which had been located at Apple Valley Campgrounds and which was removed in September of 1999, location unknown. On a motion by Nancy, seconded by Lorraine, it was voted to abate the unpaid taxes of $107.15.
2. SURPLUS SCHOOL PROPERTY: The school has some surplus property which they intend to dispose of. Lorraine will go and look at the items that the Town Hall may be able to use.
3. TOWN HALL REPAIRS: Doug Venell will proceed to replace doors and construct porticos or some type of roof over doors to protect them from rain.

1. TRANSFER STATION:
   • On a motion by Nancy, seconded by Lorraine, it was voted to hire Michael Gadbois to work Saturday and Sunday at the Recycling Building for $7 per hour.
   • Dick is having signs made up for the burn pit.
   • We are waiting to hear back from D&D Electric.
2. ASSESSING: MEETING WITH BRETT FRIDAY 1 PM : There are a few areas that we need to look at and possibly change the basis for assessment.
3. APPOINTMENTS: On a motion by Lorraine, seconded by Nancy, it was voted to reappoint Olive Treadwell, Cathrin Long, Hannah Phillips and appoint Suzanne Doyle to the Conservation Committee.

1. WILSON LAKE BOAT LAUNCH: Greg Bean has contacted Tom and reported the DEP is satisfied that the boat launch met the intent of their requirements.
2. FD BURN ON HORN POND: The Fire Department has agreed to burn the Smith property on Horn Pond.

1. TRANSFER STATION:
   • There is a need to hire another person at the Transfer Station, especially on Saturday. On a motion by Lorraine, seconded by Nancy, it was voted to advertise for a 1 day position at the current rate of $7 per hour.
   • No word from D&D, yet. Dick Neal said he will follow up on it.
2. ASSESSING: Brett said he will come in early on Thursday to discuss the assessment method.
3. APPOINTMENTS: On a motion by Lorraine, seconded by Nancy, it was voted to reappoint Dwight Venell as a Planning Board member.

The ZBA had requested this meeting because of a concern about a recent request for a variance. For background, Buttrick related that on February 23, Richard L. Ham requested a variance for property located on the comer of Youngs Ridge Road and Hummingbird Lane. Because the site walk was hampered by snow and ice, the hearing was opened, but postponed until the land was free from snow. The next hearing was April 25, at which time a 29 foot variance from Hummingbird Lane and a 5 foot variance from Youngs Ridge Road were granted. The property was sold to Lee Dezan who obtained a building permit for a single story home with a daylight basement. Since that time, Dezan has built a 2 story ranch house on a foundation. It contains an overhang which was not in the original plan. He also moved the original layout for the foundation. Prospective buyers of the property, Gerry and Donna Gallant, applied for a mortgage and when the bank did a site survey, it found that the building does not meet the setbacks granted by the variance. Two more feet on Youngs Ridge Road are required and three more feet on Hummingbird Lane are required. Dezan returned to the ZBA requesting the needed variances. However, because the hardship was created by Dezan himself, the board will probably have to deny the variance. The ZBA hearing was postponed until August 16. Because this is a zoning violation, the ZBA wanted to discuss what alternative measures to correct this situation, can be taken.

Ken noted that if Dezan had hired a surveyor to measure the setbacks, this problems could have been avoided. When Dezan chose to change the angle on the foundation, he should have taken better measurements. One option is to have the building torn down and the portion of the foundation that is in violation removed or covered. Another possibility is to remove the parts of the building that are in violation and remodel the style. Another solution is to allow the violations to exist and request that the selectmen sign a consent agreement and impose a penalty up to $10,000 for the violations.

Tom said he will not consider a consent agreement unless public hearings are conducted and all neighbors and abutters are in agreement with the consent order.

1. TRANSFER STATION: Hannon has delivered the baler. On a motion by Nancy, it was voted to hire D&D Electric to wire it in.
2. ASSESSING: Lorraine has put in a call to Brett to request that he meet with selectmen to explain the method of assessment. Two errors were found in letters sent. ND didn't set the tax map numerals for three places, as needed. Only one numeral printed in all tax map numbers. Also, letter stated Town Hall assessment, and should have simply been Town assessment.
3. BELL ATLANTIC POLE LICENSE: If no further information is received, will delete from agenda.
4. APPOINTMENTS: On a motion by Lorraine it was voted to appoint Robert Buttrick as a member, Ralph Harding as an alternate member, and reappoint Stanley Smith as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Also, reappointment of Richard Nass, Gary Morrison, and Richard Neal to Board of Assessment Review; Gary Morrison, Mary Ann Pitoniak, and Ralph Harding to Fair Hearing Authority. Still to be appointed are members of the Conservation Committee.
5. ZONING ORDINANCE: Tom has sent a letter to the State Planning Office asking for specifics on what areas of the Ordinance are not in compliance with the Comp Plan.

1. REPORTS FOR TOWN REPORT: September 22 was set as a date for all reports to be submitted for the Annual Report. All department heads will be notified.
2. AUDIT: Patterson will begin the annual audit on August 28.
3. PLANNING BOARD MEETING: Courtney Gavin reported that our Ordinance states it is illegal to create a non-conforming lot. He feels we should set in place a mechanism to prevent this. Selectmen feel this would involve another ordinance and considerable research. At the present time, this problem is controlled by building permits being denied on illegal lots.

1. TRANSFER STATION: Bernie said Hannon wants to deliver the cardboard baler. Tom will go to station when called.
2. ASSESSING: Letters sent. Meeting to be August 17 & 18.
3. BELL ATLANTIC POLE LICENSE: Lorraine called but no reply as yet. Tabled.
4. APPOINTMENTS: On a motion by Nancy it was voted to reappoint Tom Drummey, Planning Board member; Acton Recreation Officers Walter Moss, Cindy Stanton, Mary Nieto, Denise Moss.

1. VETERAN'S EXEMPTION: On a motion by Lorraine, Veteran's exemption was granted to James McNamara effective April 1, 2001.
2. ZAITLAND PROPOSAL: Zaitland's proposal to lease a compactor, rent a container and haul, would be about $4,800 a year. Possible generation of income is an estimated $300 a month, for a estimated cost of $3,750 a year. We will need to find out what else is involved, pad, etc. and consider going to a special Town Meeting with it.

   Tom noted that our Zoning must be in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan by January 1, 2003. He will contact the State Planning Office to find out what areas of the Zoning Ordinance are not in compliance.

• Dick suggested a gate or chain should be on tractor shed entrance.
• Bernard asked about dumping ditching materials at Bob Hutchins. Tom said for Bernard to discuss it with the CEO.
• Tom said he has had good feedback relative to the Sheriff and State Police patrol at Horn Pond and Great East boat launches.
• Lorraine will contact the painters to begin the work on the front of the building.

1. TRANSFER STATION: Dick reported Zaitland's proposal is in the mail.
2. ASSESSING: Valuation letter has been approved and will be mailed within a week.
3. BELL ATLANTIC POLE LICENSE: Lorraine is to call Bell Atlantic and discuss licensing poles.
4. APPOINTMENTS: Tabled.

1. MASS GATHERING PERMIT: On a motion by Lorraine, seconded by Nancy, it was voted to grant a Mass Gathering Permit to the York County Chapter of the Maine Trappers for September 8, 9, and 10, with the same conditions as last year.
2. STATE POLICE MEETINGS: Meetings will begin again in September. On a motion by Nancy, seconded by Lorraine, it was voted to offer to host a meeting.
3. WILSON LAKE BOAT LAUNCH: Tom reported the DEP has notified us that the boat launch was placed in emergent vegetation which is not acceptable. We will wait to see if they take any other action.
4. HARBOR MASTER PROGRAM: Tom reported that Nass said the law requires that a Harbor Master be an employee of the Town. Lorraine will contact MMA for up to date information on the program.
5. WEB SITE: Tom reported he has asked Paul Poyant to maintain the Town's web site on GWI.

July 29, 9 am; Mousam Lake Assn.
July 29, 11 am; Mt. View Assn.

The Timber Harvest Study Committee and the Capital Improvement Committee were convened at 7:40. Mary Nieto was appointed secretary of the CIP. Next meeting will be August 15. Tom Cashin was elected secretary of the Timber Committee.

1. TRANSFER STATION:
   • Dick Neal reported he went to Zaitlands and inquired about compactors. They will get back to him with a proposal. He also went to Topsham and looked at trailers.
   • David Winchell has pushed back the areas requested and put in some fill.
2. ASSESSING: After reviewing Brett Purvis's contract; measure and list one fourth of the Town buildings this year and assess all building permits too, for a price of $27,900; on a motion by Lorraine, seconded by Nancy, it was voted to sign the contract.
3. APPOINTMENTS: Voted to table until next week.

1. ROAD PAVING BIDS: The following bids were received:
   • Torno - $32.50 per ton;
   • Carroll - $32.90 per ton;
   • Pike - $36.50 per ton;
   • Dayton - $32.30 per ton.
   After discussing with the Road Commissioners, Lorraine made a motion, seconded by Nancy, to accept Dayton Sand and Gravel's bid.
2. BELL ATLANTIC POLE LICENSE: Voted to table until next week.
3. DOT AGREEMENT: Selectmen signed an agreement with DOT, certifying that all money from the Urban-Rural Initiative Program will be used for capital improvement of public roads. Amount estimated to be received, $73,740.
4. THRUSH ROAD: Persons designated as living on Nicholas Lane have asked that their addresses be changed back to Thrush Road. On a motion by Lorraine, seconded by Nancy, it was voted to do so.
5. VANDALISM AT TRACTOR SHED: An estimated damage of $200 was the result of vandalism. The windows will be replaced with plexiglass. Tom filed the report with the Sheriff Department.
6. MMA INSURANCE: A representative came to the office and reported the only change will be that MMA now covers themselves instead of leasing out.
7. HOUSE GIVE AWAY: Someone on Mountain View wants to give away their modular home. It must be removed from the lot. No suggestions of how to expedite this.
8. COMMUNITY BLOCK GRANT: A grant application has been received but no plans to apply.

• David and Joyce Winchell were in to inquire the status of the work permit for their daughter, Mindy. Bureau of Labor sent the Town a letter requesting that they call and define exactly what the work involved would be. They note that the Town might be in violation of child labor laws if we employed her. Catherine has the notice, so the Winchells will come in while Catherine is in her office.
• Road signs were discussed.
• David said he will do the bulldozing work at the Transfer Station.
• Dick Neal reported the 911 listing is completed.

1. TRANSFER STATION: Dick Neal volunteered to call Zaitland about the cardboard.
2. ASSESSING: Tom has drafted a letter to be sent with the new values.
3. EMERY MILLS ENERGY: Tom talked with Bob Muse. Will disregard proposal.
4. APPOINTMENTS: On a motion by Lorraine, seconded by Nancy, it was voted to reappoint Ken Paul as CEO, John Garvin as Deputy LPI, Peter Gallagher as Constable, Linda Whitman as Health Officer, Richard Neal as EMA Director, Peter Smith as EMA Deputy Director. Appointed to the Capital Improvement Committee were, Mary Nieto, Richard Neal, and Jim Driscoll. Appointed to the Timber Harvest Study Committee were Mark Hurd, John Moore, and William Maloney.

1. CONSENT AGREEMENT: After consulting with CEO Paul and Attorney Jean Walsh, on a motion by Lorraine, seconded by Nancy, it was voted to grant a consent agreement for Map 21, lots 6 and 7, confirming that the Town will take no action with regard to the change in the lot lines.
2. BLOOD TESTS: Since the Town no longer employs the persons covered by the drug testing program, on a motion by Nancy, seconded by Lorraine, it was voted to table action on whether or not to discontinue the program until we know if David Winchell is going to get his own program or not.
3. MESSAGE MACHINE: On a motion by Lorraine, seconded by Nancy, it was voted to purchase two message machines, one for Ken's office and one for Catherine's.
4. ROAD COMMITTEE: Tom has written a letter for Virginia Grover about what the committee needs to be doing. If she wants to discuss further, she should meet with the board.

1. TRANSFER STATION: No action.
2. ASSESSING: No action.

1. REVAL NOTICE: Notice will be sent to property owners that their property has been revalued and the assessors will be in the office August 17 and 18 to hear any comments. A sample letter that Brunswick used will be used as a basis for our letter.
2. EMERY MILLS ENERGY: Emery Mills Oil is changed to Emery Mills Energy. They are offering some options for pricing. Tom will discuss with Bob Muse.
3. APPOINTMENTS: On a motion by Lorraine, seconded by Nancy, Harold Smith was appointed as Fire Chief and Frank Shippee as Animal Control Officer.