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, Rescue Chief Laurel Gagne,
Budget Committee Chairman Rodney Shaw, and several residents with
interest.
2. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: Mrs. Leavitt
requested an item be added to the Town Managers' Business to consider
a resignation and appointment to the Solid Waste Committee. The Board
agreed to add this as item 5 under the Town Managers' Business. A
second item requested was to discuss a request to release up to
$40,000 from the Highway Department's Reserve Account to purchase a
truck. The Board agreed to add this as item 6 under the Town
Managers' Business.
3. PUBLIC HEARING - JUNKYARD/AUTOMOBILE GRAVEYARD
LICENSE RENEWAL: Chairman Terreri opened The Public Hearing at 7:03
pm. Mr.
1. This n That Auto - Jesse Walker,
2. Heck's Auto - Tom Herkimer -
3. David Richardson - 1630B
4. David Richardson -
5. Harry Williams -
6. George Spear -
7. Lester Quimby -
Mr. Williams then noted he inspected each of the
sites and all are in compliance with the Ordinance at this time and
he recommended renewal of each license for the period beginning
10/1/2009 to 10/1/2010; with the understanding that the Board of
Selectmen have the right to revoke any license during the year,
should the site be deemed to be out of compliance. Mr. Williams
offered pictures of each site to accompany the respective
applications.
Mrs. Leavitt noted that the pictures for Mr. Quimby's site appear to be along the roadside
and questioned consideration for any material further down the road.
Mr. Williams noted that the picture was taken from the driveway off
the right hand side. It was questioned if any complaints were
received regarding Mr. Quimby's site and Mrs. Leavitt noted that yes,
the abutting property owner complained previously, and Mr. Williams
noted he did request that Mr. Quimby remove
any items out of the road way. It was then noted that the Board of
Selectmen could approve the renewal license with conditions. Mr.
Williams will follow up with Mr. Quimby in
30 days.
Mr. Keene visited each renewal site and noted that
Mr. Heikkinen did a good job replacing the necessary
boards in his fenced area, however, noted that This N That Auto on
County Road has a large gap in the fence area, which allows a view
between the fence and the birm area. Mr. Keene noted he could see
materials such as wood and sheet rock; which Mr. Williams indicated
Mr. Walker intends to burn. It was further noted there were several
automobiles near the road side and Mr. Williams indicated those
vehicles are all serviceable and for sale.
Discussion regarding the
Mr. Richardson returned to the table.
4. RESCUE DEPARTMENT STAFFING - DISCUSSION: Mrs.
Leavitt began the discussion by noting its become necessary to review
the staffing needs in the Rescue Department and how thinly stretched
the Department is with only 2 full time employees. Overtime hours are
present on a weekly basis and staff availability is an issue. The
existing employees are constantly being called upon to go above and
beyond, specifically Mr. Ross Gagne, Assn't Rescue Chief.
Rescue Chief Laurel Gagne noted that the number of
available Emergency Medical Technicians within the community is
limited and, although EMT's are available from
It was further noted that the person being
considered has recently completed the Basic EMT program and is
scheduled to begin training for the intermediate EMT level, and, it
was noted the person being considered has enough knowledge to perform
of the basic mechanical aspects such as changing the oil in the
units, among other possibilities, thereby adding an additional
savings to the Department. Mrs. Leavitt explained that the person in
this position would be eligible for pro-rated benefits such as
holiday, sick and vacation time; but would not be eligible for the
Flex Benefit. The proposal is to add the part time person now which
will provide a few months history to reflect on as we get into the
next budget year. It was noted that the revenue generated through the
Rescue department usually exceeds any required funds for their annual
budget, and the excess does lapse into the
general fund at fiscal year end.
Mr. Youland inquired if Mrs. Gagne thought the
additional person would cut out overtime? Mrs. Gagne noted that
perhaps not all overtime would be cut, but a third person would
eliminate a great deal of it, and she noted the person she has in
mind has extensive emergency background with excellent references.
Also noted was an existing employee is studying for the intermediate
EMT license as well as one of the frequent volunteers.
Mr. Youland inquired whether or not the third
person would have the necessary mechanical tools to do the
maintenance work, and Mrs. Leavitt noted that some of the maintenance
aspects could be done at the Highway Garage where tools are readily
available. There was some discussion regarding work weeks that may
involve 40 hours for many weeks at a time and whether or not this
would then qualify the person for all full time benefits, however,
Mrs. Leavitt noted that the position, if approved, will be stipulated
to be a 32 hour work week with the limited benefits outlined, and the
Personnel Policy clearly states how benefits are accrued.
Mr. Richardson noted as a person who has been
volunteering to drive recently a large number of calls occur between
4:00 pm and 9:00 pm and are for elderly residents. Chairman of the
Budget Committee Rodney Shaw noted that by making the change now,
cutting overtime to assist with the funding would provide the Budget
Committee with good information during the budget process. Mrs.
Leavitt added that the use of mechanical skills will add to the
dollar savings overall. Discussion then focused on revenue acquired
through the billing process that has lapsed to the General Fund at
fiscal year end could be voted through a special town meeting if
necessary to assist with funding. Mr. Timberlake made a motion to
accept the plan as proposed for a part time third position for
rescue, Mr. Youland seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.
5. TOWN MANAGERS' BUSINESS: 5-1. Q & A WEEKLY
MEMO: Mr. Keene questioned where the
Discussion included noting that a simple agreement
for the use of the building should be done, the association will
still control their own finances and the Town will obtain information
on increased insurance for the contents. 5-5 RESIGNATION/APPOINTMENT
SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE: Mrs. Leavitt referenced the letter of
resignation from the Solid Waste Committee by Mr. Paul Roy who is
relocating out of State. Mr. Richardson made a motion to accept the
resignation from Mr. Roy, Mr. Keene seconded the motion, and the vote
was unanimous. Mrs. Leavitt then presented an application from Mr.
Rick Simmons to be considered for the Solid Waste Committee. With
limited discussion Mr. Richardson made a motion to appoint Mr. Rick
Simmons to the Solid Waste Committee, Mr. Timberlake seconded the
motion, and the vote was unanimous. 5-6 REQUEST RELEASE OF UP TO $40,000 FROM HIGHWAY
EQUIPMENT RESERVE: Mrs. Leavitt noted that the Road Committee
met on the previous Thursday and were able to obtain a truck as
discussed previously for Highway through the auction process. The
truck is a 2006 GMC 5500 already equipped with a 10' plow. Mr.
Youland left the table during this discussion. It was noted that this
truck could also dump from both sides, which will make many things
easier. Mr. Youland noted that the Town of
6. CONSIDERATION OF ANY OLD BUSINESS: Draft
By-Laws GAR Hall/Community House: Mrs. Leavitt noted that she has
presented the Draft to those residents involved with the GAR Hall and
the Community House, they were pleased with
the draft. The Board of Selectmen also gave their approval for the
wording Mr. Timberlake made a motion to accept the draft by-laws, Mr.
Keene seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.
7. CONSENT AGENDA: The minutes from 9/8/09 were
deemed to be in order. Mr. Youland reviewed the disbursement warrants
and recommended their approval. Mr. Keene will review for 10/5/2009.
There were no Veteran's Exemptions to consider. Ms. Philipon
presented an abatement for Mr. David Violet
for a building listing error in the amount of $65.66, an abatement
for Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Greenier for an
incorrect lot billed in the amount of $2,720.20, along with a
Supplemental Tax Bill for the correct lot in the amount of $2,659.90.
Also presented was an abatement for Fortin Home Construction Inc for
an incorrect lot billed in the amount of $2,245.84 along with a
Supplemental Tax Bill for the correct lot in the amount of $2,730.92.
Mr. Timberlake made a motion to approve the consent agenda as
presented, Mr. Keene seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.
8. EXECUTIVE SESSION: None needed
9. ADJOURNMENT: The Board adjourned by mutual
consent at 8:39 pm.
Respectfully submitted:
Sandra L Philipon
Assessing/Office Assistant