MONDAY JULY 20, 2009

 

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. Richard Keene, Mr. Jeffrey Timberlake, Town Manager Eva Leavitt and residents with interest. Mr. Richardson was absent and Mr. Youland arrived at 7: 15 pm.

 

2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Mr. Timberlake requested an item be added to discuss some concerns regarding the Transfer Station, and the Board agreed to discuss the Transfer Station as item 3A.

 

3. NORTH MAIN STREET DEMOLITION PROJECT: Mrs. Leavitt noted she requested proposals from several businesses for the demolition of the North Main Street property and received 4 proposals as of 4:00 pm July 6th with a range in estimates from $7,700 to $36,498 and it was noted that Public Works could probably do the demolition for around $8,500 but would then need to rent an excavator at an additional $1,800 estimated cost. Mrs. Leavitt noted that she spoke with Senator John Nutting regarding the possibility of partnering with MDOT during the re-construction of Route 117, however, Senator Nutting indicated there isn't any funding available from MDOT to the best of his knowledge, however Senator Nutting suggested that the town approach MDOT and propose a project change for the intersection of Rte 117 & North Main Street. Mrs. Leavitt further noted that the bids received for the re-construction of Route 117 were all lower than anticipated and MDOT hasn't awarded the bid yet. It was noted that the requests the Town sent for don't include filling in the cellar hole after demolition. Mr. Terreri questioned if anyone had knowledge of Mr. Roland Chabot's work history and it was noted he has a good reputation and has done work for Lewiston, Auburn and other neighboring communities in the past and is well regarded. Mr. Timberlake suggested waiting until the State responds to the Town's request to partner, and it was noted that it could take 6 to 8 weeks to get any response. Mr. Keene made a motion to table action until a full Board is present and the State has responded to the Town, the motion failed due to the lack of a second. Mr. Timberlake suggested awarding the bid to demolish the building on North Main Street to Mr. Roland Chabot to secure the price, with a stipulation that the work not begins until Turner has a response from MDOT.

 

Following a brief discussion, Mr. Timberlake made a motion to award the bid to demolish the North Main Street property to Mr. Roland Chabot for $7,700 with the stipulation that the work isn't started until the Town of Turner gets a response from MDOT regarding the request for an amendment to the plan and to partner for the work at the intersection of Route 117 & North Main Street, Mr. Keene seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

 

3A. TRANSFER STATION: Mr. Timberlake stated that based on a recent experience at the Transfer Station he feels it may be necessary to review the guidelines currently used by residents and the attendants at the Transfer Station. Discussion included noting that commercial waste has been banned from the facility since 2007 with significant savings as a result of the change.

 

Mr. Timberlake's concern is that most of the area businesses pay for dumpsters at their businesses, however, many also have rental properties that require cleaning from time to time and these items are residential in type. Mr. Terreri explained that the policy of not accepting any commercial waste was put in place due to the abuse of use by resident contractors bringing materials from jobs done in other towns and, this ban of commercially generated waste has resulted in significant savings to the Town. Mrs. Leavitt noted that the Board could include the Transfer Station as part of the review of the Policies to be done in the near future. No further discussion at this time.

 

4. TOWN MANAGER'S BUSINESS: Q & A WEEKLY MEMO: Mr. Keene commented on the note regarding an agent from AFLAC and Mrs. Leavitt noted that Leo Soucy met with Town Employees to offer an alternate insurance. It was further noted that the various options offered by AFLAC were well received by employees and AFLAC would be added as a vendor for use of the Flex Plan. Mr. Youland inquired if other estimates will be obtained for the work needed at the Highway Garage and Mrs. Leavitt indicated she has contacted other contractors, but hasn't yet received any estimates. Mr. Terreri questioned the idea of Auctions being held at BQMC, and it was noted they would be scheduled on Wednesday evenings during the fall. Also questioned was a request from the Town of Sabattus noting interest in joining the Tri-Town Selectmen's meetings, and it was noted that the inclusion of additional communities would change the status of the meetings to regional. Mrs. Leavitt noted that Public Works did some culvert work on the Allen Road to resolve the beaver problem, which Mr. Keene complimented the work done on the culvert, however, Mr. Keene also noted that there are several ways to handle beaver issues and unless the culvert is blocked in a manner that won't allow the beaver to enter, they will return. Mr. Terreri commented on a recent newspaper article that contained several errors and he requested that Mrs. Leavitt request a retraction to correct the errors, suggesting that Mrs. Leavitt go directly to the editor, which Mr. Timberlake noted is Mr. Steve Costello. 4-2 RECYCLING REPORT: Mrs. Leavitt noted that the Town's recycling efforts have increased the overall percentage of recycling to 47%, which is the highest recycling rate the Town has seen. Mrs. Leavitt attributes the higher rate to more metal products being recycled. 4-3 WORKSHOP PROCEDURES: Mrs. Leavitt referenced guidelines received from MMA regarding procedures the Board could use for workshops they may hold and the discussion included changing the date when the review will begin. The Board agreed to have the item placed on the agenda in September for scheduling later in the fall. 4-4 MMA ELECTION OF OFFICERS BALLOT: The Board discussed the ballot as received from MMA for the election of officers. Mrs. Leavitt noted a personal request for support from Mark Green as a candidate for Vice President who provided a biography for the Board, however, support from the Board went to Mr. Steven Bunker and the remaining ballot had 3 candidates for three vacancies, which the Board voted to support.

 

5. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: 1. SALE OF PROPERTY: Mrs. Leavitt noted that no offers were received on any items available at the highway garage for sale and indicated that most items will be taken to the Transfer Station to be removed with other metal items. Discussion also resulted in a note that no reasonable offer should be refused if one is made, and the material must be moved before winter.

 

Mrs. Leavitt noted to the Board that she was made aware that the School District has brought multiple loads of old carpet to the Transfer Station as they have been remodeling. This prompted discussion regarding the commercial aspect of materials, and it was noted that this type of remodeling at the school isn't likely to transpire frequently. The Board came to a general consensus that the school district doesn't bring this type of material to the Transfer Station often, and if the District needs to pay to bring materials elsewhere, the Town will ultimately bear a portion of the cost.

 

6. CONSENT AGENDA: The minutes from July 6th were deemed to be in order. Mr. Keene reviewed the disbursement warrants and recommended their approval. Mr. Richardson will review for August 3rd. There were no Veteran's Exemptions or Abatements or Supplements to consider. Mr. Youland made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, Mr. Keene seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

 

7. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1 M. R. S. A. ss 405 (6) (D) UNION NEGOTIATIONS: Mr. Youland made a motion to go into executive session referencing the above title at 8:31 pm, Mr. Keene seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous. Mr. Youland made a motion to come out of executive session at 8:38 pm, Mr. Keene seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous. Mr. Youland then made a motion to accept and sign a one-year union contract as presented, Mr. Keene seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

 

8. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1 M. R. S. A. ss 405 (6) (A) PERSONNEL MATTER: Mr. Youland made a motion to enter executive session referencing the above Title at 8:39 pm, Mr. Keene seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. Mr. Youland made a motion to come out of executive session at 8:49 pm, Mr. Keene seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous. Mr. Youland made a motion to sign a one-year contract with Town Manager Eva Leavitt with no changes, Mr. Keene seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

 

9. ADJOURNMENT: The Board unanimously adjourned at 8:55 pm.

 

Respectfully Submitted:

 

Sandra L Philipon

 

Assessing/Office Assistant