TOWN OF TURNER

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES

 

August 1, 2011

 

 

1.  CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG: 

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Angelo Terreri at 6:30 pm.  Present at the meeting were Mr. Lawrence House, Mr. Angelo Terreri, Mr. Ralph Caldwell, Mr. Dennis Richardson, Mr. Kurt Youland and Town Manager Eva Leavitt. Citizens present were Richard Keene, Ross Gagne, Leo Gagnon and Tom Standard, representing the Lewiston Sun Journal.

 

2.  ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA:

 

A request for Executive Session - A personnel matter under M.R.S.A 405 (6)(A) be added as Item 10 B.  Mrs. Leavitt requested that an item be added under the Town Manager's Business: Item 8-6 Heating Oil contract.

 

3. PAVING BID:

 

Two viable bids were received on the adjusted requirements for the Paving Bid.  Mr. Caldwell made a motion with a second by Mr. House to accept the bid from RC & Sons for Hot Mix at $65. per ton.  Mr. Youland stipulated that the hot mix must meet DOT standards.  Motioned passed. The Road Committee recommended that the Town Public Works crew be used when possible for paving projects. The paver operator is get additional training before undertaking hot mix projects. The Selectmen agreed.

 

4. INTENT TO FIND - Rescue/Fire

 

Mr. Ross Gagne came before the Board to let them know that he is currently searching for an ATV or similar vehicle to be used by Rescue and Fire to travel where a conventional Fire Truck or Ambulance cannot travel.  Mr. Gagne reported that Leeds has a Kawasaki Mule off-road vehicle that is used by both Fire and Rescue that seems to do the job. It is equipped with a water tank and pump. They have used it several times in Turner and Hartford.  Mr. Gagne is looking for something that would support approximately 125 gals of water on the back. Mr. Gagne let the Board know that he would search all avenues before he asks the Board for funding from the reserve account. The Board recommended that Mr. Gagne continue his search and also look for a trailer to go with the unit. 

 

5. INTENT TO FIND - Public Works

 

Currently the Public Works staff is in need of a unit that could hold a compressor, tools, signs, posts and other needed equipment for off-site projects. At the present time a pickup truck is being used and is loaded and unloaded each time equipment is needed at a site.  Mr. Youland felt a 12 or 14' double axel enclosed unit would do the job.  Both new and used trailers can be looked at on the lot at Scott's Recreation in Turner.  Selectmen gave approval to investigate the purchase of an enclosed trailer to store and transport tools and supplies.  No action required at this time.

 

6. FIRE SUPPRESSION CONTRACT - Town of Hartford

 

The required funds for Fire and Rescue support for the Town of Hartford for the coming year has been received and deposited.  Mr. Terreri motioned with a second by Mr. Richardson to sign the contract for fire suppression.  The vote was unanimous.

 

7.  CONSIDERATION OF OLD BUSINESS

 

7-1 Tax Rate - Selectmen discussed how much money could be taken from the undesignated surplus fund without putting the Town in jeopardy.  This would help in setting the tax rate.  Mrs. Leavitt reported that the Assessors had finished their work for the year.  Mr. Youland motioned with a second by Mr. Terreri to take $300,000 from surplus in determining the tax rate for 2011-2012.  Motioned carried although not unanimously.  Mr. Richardson and Mr. Youland voted "yes."  Mr. Caldwell and Mr. House voted "no."  Mr. Terreri broke the tie with his "yes."   The majority of the Board felt this amount would still leave adequate operating capital.  Mrs. Leavitt will compute the math and bring the final numbers back to the Board at the next meeting, when the tax rate will be set.

 

7-2 Recycling Plan - Mrs. Leavitt presented the Board with several waste disposal options available to the Town.  The computed costs on the different options would change significantly if the Town bailed some of the waste.  Mr. Caldwell said he owned a hydraulic compactor/bailer he would loan to the Town.  The Town would have to hook it up.  If the compactor saves significant money, Mr. Caldwell would sell it to the Town at a reasonable price.  If things didn't work out, we would only need to return it.  This item was tabled for further discussion at the next meeting.

 

8.  TOWN MANAGER'S BUSINESS:

 

1. Vacation hours - Town Manager Eva Leavitt requested vacation for the week of August 22. A motion to accept was made by Mr. Caldwell with a second by Mr. Youland. Motion passed. 2. Financials were distributed.  It was pointed out that the Tax Liens are $30,000 less than last year. No action needed.  3. Roadside Mowing - Mrs. Leavitt was looking for guidance from the Board regarding how to put this item out for bid. She is looking to improve what was done last year. The Board recommended by the mile.  4. Tires on Loader/Backhoe - Mrs. Leavitt informed the Board that tires were needed for the Loader and Backhoe. Mr. Poland is researching the cost and Mrs. Leavitt will report back to the Board. The Selectmen recommended Mr. Poland replace the same tires currently on the equipment. 5.  Special Work Area Paving - Mrs. Leavitt reported that there is a section on Main Street where the road dips in the middle that is sorely in need of repair. Mr. Youland offered to take a look at it, make some suggestions about what avenue to take in the repairs and give guidance to Mr. Poland and the Highway Crew.  Mr. Terreri will accompany Mr. Youland for the inspection.  6. Heating Oil Contract - Mrs. Leavitt informed the Board that our contract for Heating Oil expired on June 30. She has not renewed it nor has she signed a contract with anyone else. After brief discussion Selectman decided to put this item on hold.  It was felt there was still time to make a determination in September.

 

9.  CONSENT AGENDA:

 

Motion was made was by Mr. Youland with a second by Mr. House to accept the Minutes from the July 18 meeting.  The notes taken by Mrs. Leavitt at the special Meeting of July 25 are to be placed on file.  Mr. House reviewed the disbursement warrant. Mr. Richardson will review the warrant for 08/15/2011. There were no Veterans' Exemptions. There were no Abatements or Supplements. 

 

10.  EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

            10 A - At 8:50 pm a motion was made by Mr. Youland with a second by Mr. Richardson to go into Executive Session under 1 M.R.S.A. 405 (6)(A) for a personnel matter.  At 9:02 pm the Board came out of executive session:  motioned by Mr. Richardson with a second by Mr. Caldwell.  No action was taken.

 

            10 B - At 9:03 pm a motion by Mr. Richardson with a second by Mr. Youland to go into Executive Session under 1 M.R.S.A. 405 (6)(A) for a personnel matter.  At 10:05 pm the Board came out of executive session.  Motion made by Dennis Richardson with a second by Mr. Caldwell.  The Town Manager and a Board liaison will meet on Tuesday with the staff member.

 

11. ADJOURNMENT:

 

Mr. Richardson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

Joyce E. Moulin

 

Recording Secretary

 

 

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