TOWN OF TURNER BOARD OF SELECTMEN

 

MEETING MINUTES JULY 19, 2010

 

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG: Vice-Chairman Jeffrey Timberlake called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was said. Those present were Mr. Lawrence House, Mr. Dennis Richardson, Mr. Richard Keene, Town Manager Eva Leavitt and a resident with interest. Chairman Angelo Terreri was absent.

 

2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: None Needed.

 

3. NEZINSCOT RIVER DAM REPAIR: Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that necessary repairs initially scheduled to be done last year were put on hold due to the high water level. EMA Director Ross Gagne, Public Works Foreman Charles Poland and Town Manager Eva Leavitt reviewed the dam during the past week and she referenced the plan of action as determined two years ago, which would involve replacement of some of the rock (s) that have moved. Mrs. Leavitt noted that she contacted Dana Murch from the Department of Environmental Protection regarding the need for any permits for this repair work, and Dana indicated that no permits are needed for the cement work necessary. The Boards can be removed one at a time to lower the river to a workable level. Mr. Keene inquired how much money might be involved for the repair costs and Mrs. Leavitt indicated the cost would be minor for the materials and a formal bid process shouldn't be necessary as the total cost should be $2,500 or less. Mr. Timberlake inquired whether the Public Works Department would do the work or an outside contractor. Mrs. Leavitt indicated an outside contractor would be necessary and suggested that Mr. Pete Theriault from Livermore is qualified to do such work and local contractor James Driscoll has also done some repair work for Turner. Mr. Timberlake suggested that Mrs. Leavitt request prices from 3 - 4 contractors and if the amount is under $2,500 to get the repairs done. Mr. Keene made a motion to have the Town Manager get prices from 2 - 3 Contractors and if the amount is less than $3,000 to get the repairs done, Mr. Richardson seconded the motion. Additional discussion brought out the need to notify the abutting property owners and the town of Buckfield of when the river will be lowered and noted that some vegetation needs to be removed. Mr. Timberlake offered to remove the boards when the time comes and Mrs. Leavitt noted that Mr. Ralph Caldwell and Mr. Kurt Youland offered to assist when the time comes. The vote was unanimous.

 

4. BQMC RESERVE ACCOUNT USE - DOOR: Mrs. Leavitt referenced the citation (s) received from the Fire Marshall's Office regarding the Boofy Quimby Memorial Center and noted she met recently with the Board of Directors for BQMC who reviewed the bids received to install a fire rated door between the Fire Station and the hall. The bid results were: Door Services Inc, for $2995.00, Riverside Millwork Center - PDI submitted $2,342.13, and Door Systems Corp for $3,170.15. Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that the bid from Door Services Inc did not include the preparation work to the doors and the frame.

 

The Board of Directors recommends Door Systems for $3,170. Mrs. Leavitt noted also that Board Chairman Angelo Terreri has seen the bids received. Mr. Richardson made a motion to award the bid to Door Systems for $3,170.15, Mr. Keene seconded the motion. Mrs. Leavitt requested permission to use funds from the reserve account to pay for the purchase and installation of the new door, and it was noted this was discussed during the budget process. The Board of Selectmen inquired what the balance currently is in the reserve account and Mrs. Leavitt indicated around $26,000. The Board members agreed this expense is a capital expense. Mr. Richardson amended his motion to award the bid to Door Systems for $3,170.15 with funds used from the BQMC Building Reserve Account, Mr. Keene amended his second and the vote was unanimous.

 

5. BALLOT - MMA VICE-PRESIDENT-DIRECTORS: Mrs. Leavitt referenced the Ballot provided by MMA for Vice President and Directors. The Board discussed the two candidates for Vice President and Mr. Richardson made a motion to support Clint Deschene, Town Manager from Hermon and all three persons nominated for the Executive Board, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

6. GAR HALL/COMMUNITY HOUSE PETTY CASH: Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that setting up petty cash account for the GAR Hall/Community House was discussed previously, but hasn't been established. Mrs. Leavitt noted that the money could come from Administrations budget as a one-time event to establish the petty cash account. Mr. Keene made a motion to allow $300 from Administration to establish a petty cash account for the GAR Hall and Community House, Mr. House seconded the motion and the motion passed.

 

7. TOWN MANAGER'S BUSINESS: 7-1 Q & A MEMO: A note was made regarding a gift of a piano from a former resident and it has been delivered and tuned. Mrs. Leavitt noted that Jim Talbot would provide the Town with a value for insurance purposes. 7-2 TAX COMMITMENT: Mrs. Leavitt provided the Board with some financial information to assist with the preparation of the tax commitment, which included noting that by the next Selectmen's meeting the total value of the Town, will be known. There was some discussion regarding revenue projections and it was noted that the 5-year low point for excise tax has passed and some brief information provided regarding a projected overlay for the tax commitment, no action needed. A brief discussion regarding the current vacancy in Public Works and Mr. Timberlake suggested that the Board of Selectmen get together with the Town Manager to discuss staffing options. It was suggested by Mr. House that Mrs. Leavitt seek legal counsel through the Maine Municipal Association and Mrs. Leavitt indicated she has contacted them. Discussion resulted in a mutual decision to begin the next meeting at 6:30 pm immediately followed by a workshop to discuss staffing issues within Public Works. 7-3 VACATION REQUEST: Mrs. Leavitt submitted a request for vacation from 8/23 through 8/27, Mr. Richardson made a motion to approve the vacation request, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

8. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Richardson informed the Board that 5 people have passed the Emergency Medical Technician exam out of the 8 people sponsored and the remaining three people are able to take the test again, and one has partially repaid the money paid by the Town, and one is anticipating re-imbursement from their employer. No action needed. Mr. Richardson acknowledged the grant money secured by the Town through the grant application done by Mrs. Leavitt and it was noted that perhaps Mrs. Leavitt could assist the Fire Department with a grant application for some equipment. Mrs. Leavitt noted she would gladly assist the application process, however, she noted that grants are more likely to be awarded to Municipalities that have incurred debt.

 

9. CONSENT AGENDA: The minutes from 7/6/2010 were deemed to be in order. Mr. Richardson reviewed the disbursement warrants and recommended their approval. Mr. Terreri will review for 8/2/2010. Ms. Philipon presented an abatement and a supplement for the same amount and noted the abatement request was for C N Brown for the gas pumps located at Bear Pond Variety which went with the sale of the store to new owner Michael & Jessica Richardson. An abatement request for C N Brown requested in the amount of $696.80, and a supplemental tax bill in the same amount to Michael & Jessica Richardson. Mr. Keene made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, Mr. House seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

 

10. ADJOURNMENT: The Board adjourned by mutual consent at 7:40 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

Sandra L Philipon

 

Assessing/Office Assistant