SB Meeting March 7, 2023

6:00 p.m. Meet with State Representative Natalie Blais

• Blais asked to hear from the town as to what it needs from the state.  Among things mentioned was the cost of Broadband, the need for building maintenance, the residents' tax burden.
• She spoke about working on rural schools and infrastructure.
• Introduced a bill to establish an Office of Rural Policy staffed with a full time person to assist towns.
• To know when there is a hearing on the bill, signup for alerts at: https://malegislature.gov/
• Link for Blais sponsored bills 

Municipal Light Plant Backhaul Agreement, Appendix 2—SB voted to approve
Other Business
o Auditor’s Report (Tom Scanlon)

• FinComm reviewed the report and had some concerns, some of which Robyn is already addressing.
• SB voted to create a subcommittee  with one SB member, one FinComm member, and Hilma for  setting benchmarks to respond to weaknesses found by he auditor's report.

o FY24 Budget—general discussion with Finance Committee

• Missing budget for Planning Board, Treasurer to update insurance number as rates have gone up, final figures from FRCOG, the accountant wants a $10,000 increase over 12 months (claims Heath does not pay for software update expenses).
• Need to allow for MTRSD $44,000 assessment in the budget, need to determine how to pay.
• MTRSD operating budget to increase by $30,000

o Highway Department

• SB approved updated position descriptions
• Robyn is drafting a letter to summarize meetings she has had with Jeff J. on highway department functions. 

o Community Hall

• No update on water damages, waiting on insurance adjuster estimate.
• March 18 event scheduled, second floor is ok, but lower floor is not. SB feels the square dance can be held if tiles on lower floor tiles that have come up can be covered.

o Donation for Community Hall Window Renovation

• SB voted to accept $180 for CH Window Renovation and and  the establishment  of an account for this purpose.

o Farmland of Local Importance—Robyn to contact promoter
o Naming Jacobs Road property

• Eliminated  names with words Campus, People's names, School, Branch, Jacobs, Serenity, and possibly a late comer, Heath Hub at Jacobs Road.

o ​Smith Vocational School—Superintendent Stanton, said a Heath student at MTRSD was over looked when vocational schools were chosen. The student was allowed to switch mid year in which case Heath owes all charges.  Transportation cost is $4554, tuition for full year is $20,000 so Heath would be responsible for the  $10,000 remaining.
o Salt Shed

• Feedback on independent study for salt shed—Bray Road has enough room. Heath should not spend money on existing salt shed location if rebuilding is not feasible.  [Walter Cudnohufsky Associates, Inc?]
• Letter to McGovern to include Salt Shed, Broadband, shared services with other towns, highway dept needs, and 2 items more I didn't catch.