BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE
FLAG: Chairman Angelo Terreri called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm
and the Pledge of Allegiance was said. Those present were Mr. Dennis
Richardson, Mr. Kurt Youland, Mr. Richard Keene, Mr. Jeffrey
Timberlake, Town Manager Eva Leavitt, Mr. Ralph Caldwell, Mrs.
Bernice Gilbert, Mr. James Talbot, Budget Committee Chairman Rodney
Shaw and several of the Budget Committee members.
2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Mr. Caldwell
requested a discussion regarding the contract for the elevator at the
2B. SERVICE AGREEMENT LEAVITT INSTITUTE BUILDING
ELEVATOR: Mrs. Bernice Gilbert noted that the Leavitt Institute Board
of Directors held a meeting on Sunday April 4, 2010 and discussed the
existing service agreement the Town has with ThyssenKrupp
Elevator, which was indicated by those present that the Leavitt
Institute Board of Directors was never made aware of an existing
contract with ThyssenKrupp. Mrs. Leavitt
had an Attorney at Skelton, Taintor and
Abbott review the contract and it was determined to be legal and
binding. Part of the language in the contract stipulates the need for
a 90 notice of non-renewal of the contract prior to expiration,
otherwise, it automatically renews for a 5-year period. Indications
reflect the initial agreement was signed in 2003 - expiring in 2008
and then automatically renewed, not to expire until 2013.
The Board of Directors indicates that the
"service" as received from ThyssenKrupp has
been pricey over the years and, the costs continue to rise. Without
the knowledge of the existing contract the Board sought an
alternative service agreement and was quoted from Spectrum Elevator
Services a fee of about $800 for the necessary repairs that would
have cost
Approximately $2,750. through ThyssenKrupp.
Noted was $1,388 annual fee for the existing contract that is for
"service" to the elevator, and the legal opinion from Skelton, Taintor
& Abbott was that the town is bound by the contract for
servicing, however, not for any potential repairs. Mr. Youland
inquired if the Leavitt Board of Directors were
waiting to have the repairs done due to the cost and it was noted,
yes. Mr. Terreri suggested that the town use ThyssenKrupp for service and inspection only as
the contracts states and us Spectrum for the necessary repairs. Mr.
Youland mirrored Mr. Terreri's sentiment by
suggesting that the Town contact ThyssenKrupp
& inform them that the Town plans to seek alternate repair
service. However, further discussion resulted in a decision not to
mention the alternate service contact. Mr. Richardson made a motion
to authorize the Leavitt Institute Board of Directors to get the
necessary repairs done to the cylinder by Spectrum as quoted for
$800, Mr. Timberlake seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
3. TOWN HOUSE BIDS - FOUNDATION: Mrs. Leavitt
noted for the Board that no bids were received for the Town House
Foundation, following that a meeting was held with Mr. Jeff
Timberlake, Mrs. Leavitt, Mr. Tom Perkins and Mr. David Rodgers to
discuss possible alternatives. A Determination was made to ask
interested parties to re-visit the request for proposals to include
jacking the building, site work, foundation work and masonry work.
The proposals are due April 9th. Mr. Youland inquired about the cost,
which could not be answered at this time, however, Mrs. Leavitt noted
she is working on a grant application that could bring approximately
$20,000 to the project, and the town currently has $36,000 available
in a reserve account, and $12,000 is being requested through the Town
Meeting process No action necessary at this time.
4. BEACH PASS DISCUSSION:
Mrs. Leavitt noted that the current cost for a family beach pass is
$8.00 and people have begun to ask about purchasing for the 2010
season. Noted also was the fact that approximately 325 are sold
annually and Mrs. Leavitt requested an increase in the fee to $10.00.
There was a brief discussion to clarify the "free" beach pass and it
was determined that the free pass was intended only for those
"volunteers" who lock and unlock the gate. Mr. Youland made a motion
to charge $10.00 for the season family pass for all except for beach
volunteers, Mr. Terreri seconded the motion, and discussion concluded
however that those attending the summer swimming lessons sponsored by
Turner Athletic Association do not have to have a pass to
participate. The vote was unanimous.
5. ALMIGHTY WASTE - DISCUSSION: Mrs. Leavitt noted
for the Board that Greg from Almighty Waste has offered to haul &
dispose of the cardboard collected at the Transfer Station at no cost
to the Town. Mr. Richardson asked why there wouldn't be a fee and
Mrs. Leavitt simply indicated that it appears by keeping what little
revenue the cardboard might generate would cover the cost for
Almighty. A question was asked regarding the current rate the Town
pays and Mrs. Leavitt noted $65/haul through
6. FUNDING ARTICLES: Mr. Timberlake offered a
handout to those present which identified 6 articles presently on the
town warrant where he has made an additional suggestion for a reduced
recommendation that could save the town 1 - 1 ½ mills on the
next tax rate based on some additional information regarding the
school budget. Mr. Timberlake stated that he believes the school
district broadside the town with possible figures for the next budget
year. It was stated that all are aware of the large cuts being made
by the State regarding the educations budget, which will ultimately
become the responsibility of the communities.
Mr. Timberlake referenced the handout he provided
and noted that the suggested areas to re-consider the recommended
amounts are in reserve accounts that would simply sit in those
accounts until such time as they may be necessary, except for
Paving/Construction, which is a department line item. (Copy attached)
Generally, it was noted reserve accounts have been
established as a way to save for future purchases of a variety of
items. There was some discussion regarding what happens to accounts
that have a balance remaining at the end of the fiscal year and it
was noted that any balances remaining lapse into the general fund.
Discussion regarding the winter and summer road budgets served to
reflect this was the first year that all repairs were handled through
the public works garage opposed to winter and summer road accounts
separately and, the public works account will probably overdraw by
year end, however, Mrs. Leavitt noted that a spending freeze has been
implemented on the public works garage purchases. Mr. Timberlake
proposed the following amended recommendations:
Article 12 - Obsolete Buildings: Proposed: $
10,000 Cut: $10,000 New: 0
Article 18 - Fire Euip
Reserve: Proposed: $ 30,000 Cut: $15,000 New: $15,000
Article 21 - Rescue Equip Res:
Proposed: $ 36,000 Cut: $21,000 New: $15,000
Article 25 - Hwy Equip: Proposed: $125,000 Cut:
$75,000 New: $50,000
Article 26 - Pub Wks Bldg: Proposed: $ 45,000 Cut:
$35,000 New: $10,000
Article 34 - Paving/Constr:
Proposed: $425,000 Cut: $175,000 New: $250,000
Mr. Timberlake noted also that the Selectmen
generally ask for the authority to use up to 20% of the Town's
Surplus to reduce taxes as may be necessary. The total proposed
reductions result in $331,000 less to be raised and/or appropriated.
Discussion on the suggested reductions resulted in a motion by Mr.
Youland to support the proposed reductions as submitted except for
the Public Works building account, which Mr. Youland suggested be
reduced to $0. Mr. Timberlake seconded the motion and discussion
between the Board of the Selectmen and the Budget Committee members
present resulted in mutual recommendations. The vote was unanimous.
Further discussion focused on the need for the amended
recommendations to be provided as a handout at Town Meeting.
7. TOWN MANAGER'S BUSINESS: 7-1 Q & A MEMO:
There was a question regarding whether or not an appeal to the
Hannaford Project has been received, Mrs. Leavitt noted none to date
and the deadline is April 9th. 7-2 FINANCE REPORT FOR PERIOD ENDING
MARCH 31, 2010: Mr. Terreri requested a brief overview of the
department breakdown. Mr. Timberlake inquired if it is common for
departments to be close to the bottom line of any budget for the time
period we are currently in. It was noted that generally speaking
Winter Roads is usually close at this time of year and some other do
run close. Mrs. Leavitt noted those areas that may be close by June
30th although none of the items mentioned were a surprise to the
Board. No action needed. 7-3 DANGEROUS BUILDINGS: Mrs. Leavitt noted
there is a dangerous building situation at a home on Little Wilson
Pond Road, which she made an attempt to get abated in the fall,
without luck. Noted also was that the Rural Community Action Ministry
(RCAM), but not much has been done. The building is described as
unsafe, unstable and unsanitary and, Mrs. Leavitt noted that some
neighbors are willing to assist with the cleanup as they feel the
area is hazardous. Mrs. Leavitt noted she hasn't had any conversation
with the resident personally and offered some pictures of the home.
Mr. Youland offered a used mobile home that he has to assist with the
clean up.
Mr. Timberlake inquired if the town has a legal
obligation and, it was noted that neighbors have complained which now
means the Town needs to at least investigate. Further discussion
resulted in the Board asking Town Manager Eva Leavitt to approach the
resident with the proposed mobile home to replace the existing home,
Mr. Youland offered to accompany her. No further action.
8. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS:
9. CONSENT AGENDA: The minutes from March 15, 2010
were deemed to be in order. Mr. Youland reviewed the disbursement
warrants and recommended their approval. Mr. Keene will review for
4/20/2010. Ms. Philipon presented two Veteran's Widows' exemptions to
continue existing exemptions for widows of two residents and a new
veteran's exemption. There were no abatements or supplement to
consider. Mr. Keene made a motion to approve the consent agenda as
presented, Mr. Timberlake seconded the motion and the vote was
unanimous.
10. ADJOURNMENT: The Board adjourned by mutual
consent at 9:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted:
Sandra L Philipon
Assessing/Office Assistant