Jay Board of Selectmen

Transcription

1 Minutes Jay Board of Selectmen Monday, June 27, 2011 Jay Town Office Town Manager Ruth Cushman Board of Selectmen Stephen M. McCourt; Chairman Warren Bryant; Vice Chairman Amy P. Gould Francisco T. DeMillo Thomas C. Goding Present: Steve McCourt, Warren Bryant, Tim DeMillo, Tom Goding, Ruth Cushman Absent: Amy Gould Guests: Al Landry, Larry Thornton, Sylvia Ridley, Danny Latham, Eric Gilbert, Mike Williams, Justin Merrill, John Johnson, Pearl Cook, Denise Acritelli, Mary Howes, Julie Taylor, Marley Dubord, Leanne Lavoie, Kelly Bean (Advertiser), Donna Perry (Sun Journal), Mark Holt, Steve Gettle, Bob Dubord, Tom Fortier, Ericka Buote, Shiloh Ring, Jill Gingras Pledge of Allegiance: 6:00 PM Board of Selectmen: Election of Chair M/M/S: Warren Bryant, Tom Goding to elect Steve McCourt as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for Fiscal Year Board of Selectmen: Election of Vice-Chair M/M/S: Steve McCourt, Tim DeMillo to elect Warren Bryant as Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for Fiscal Year Public Hearing: Planning Board Appointment Public Hearing opened at 6:05 pm to take comments on the appointment of Arthur Holman as Regular Member to the Planning Board. No comments were made and the hearing closed. M/M/S: Warren Bryant, Tim DeMillo to appoint Arthur Holman as Regular Member to the Planning Board Public Hearing: Pinball Renewal Licenses Public Hearing opened at 6:08 pm to take comments on the renewal of Pinball Licenses for the following establishments: Steppin Out, AMVETS, VFW, and Hillside. No comments were made and the hearing closed. M/M/S: Warren Bryant, Tim DeMillo to renew a Pinball License for Steppin Out M/M/S: Warren Bryant, Tim DeMillo to renew a Pinball License for AMVETS M/M/S: Warren Bryant, Tim DeMillo to renew a Pinball License for VFW M/M/S: Warren Bryant, Tim DeMillo to renew a Pinball License for Hillside

2 Acceptance of Minutes: May 23 rd, 2011 M/M/S: Tim DeMillo, Tom Goding to accept the Minutes of the May 23 rd Meeting Old Business: None Select Board Committee Appointments: Members of the Select Board were placed on the following Committees: Road Committee Tom Goding, Steve McCourt Recycling Committee Warren Bryant, Tim DeMillo Recreation Committee Amy Gould AVCOG General Assembly Tom Goding County Budget Committee Warren Bryant, Tim DeMillo Ordinance Review Committee Amy Gould, Steve McCourt Public Announcement: Use of Clear Plastic Bags As of August 1 st the transfer station will implement a new policy to accept only clear plastic bags for trash disposal. This policy will be enforced both at the Transfer Station as well as during curbside pick-up. Franklin County Hazard Mitigation Plan Approval: M/M/S Warren Bryant, Tom Goding to accept the Franklin County Hazard Mitigation Plan as written Request: Recreation Committee Funding Representing the Jay Recreation Committee, Larry Thornton presented the Board with a written plan designed to address the recreational needs for the Town. The committee compiled a list of areas within the Town that could be upgraded or expanded upon in order to provide local residents with safe and accessible recreational opportunities. Larry expressed his concern that there are currently very few recreational opportunities in the area, and that recent timber harvesting has provided funds that may be used to rebuild and restore some of the existing infrastructure already in place that is in such disrepair. The following is the list presented to the Board and the amount of funding requested for each: 1. Jay Tennis Courts $50, Adventure Course (climbing wall upgrade) $500 Adventure Course (High-Five Adventure Training) $ Jay Recreation Property/Trails $ JHS Envirothon Team $ Spruce Mountain Ski Area $2500-$ AYS - $2500-$5000 When asked, Larry affirmed that the committee was not there asking for full funding all at once but merely wanted to present their plan for future approval. Recreation Committee Member Denise Acritelli spoke about the importance of creating more recreational opportunities within the Town to improve the health and wellbeing of the residents. 2 P a g e

3 Resident Julie Taylor expressed her concern with the condition of the tennis courts, stating that they are unable to be used by the High School Tennis Team due to deterioration and safety issues. Arrangements had to be made with a private owner this year so that the team could practice and compete. Julie also explained that they are looking into two separate grants to get additional funding for the refurbishment of the tennis courts. One of the grants, offered through the USDA, is a 20% matching grant available to communities with projects such as this, but the project must be community supported and financed in order to be eligible for additional funding. Leanne Lavoie stated that her family is looking to move to the area, and that having access to tennis courts and other recreational opportunities would be a reason to move to Jay. Sylvia Ridley expressed her concerns about the Town of Jay contributing $50,000 to the existing tennis courts since they will be owned by RSU 73 as of July 1 st. She would rather see Jay invest in new courts owned solely by the Town, rather than put that kind of money into property owned by Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls combined. Chairman Steve McCourt recalled that two years prior, residents of the Town of Jay voted down an article at Town Meeting for the refurbishment of the tennis courts. Larry Thornton added that although there was nothing currently in the plan for older residents, the committee will also be discussing ways to support recreation for senior citizens. After being asked how much money has come in from the timber harvesting on the recreation land, Ruth Cushman explained that as of June 30 th, the Tower Fund balance was $82, This figure includes monies that have come in from the timber harvesting as well as the $600 monthly tower rental fee. Resident Tom Fortier expressed his concern about the Boards seeming disinterest in supporting recreation within the Town, stating that after many years of little to no action, the Recreation Committee has finally come up with a plan. Board member Tim DeMillo responded that the Selectmen do support recreation in Jay, citing the following examples: 1. The combined effort with Androscoggin Land Trust and Verso Paper to transfer the area known as French Falls to the Town for recreational purposes. 2. Support of the Chisholm Trails Group in creating and building a trail that will run from French Falls in Jay, through the Town of Livermore Falls and ending in Livermore. 3. Support of the North Jay White Granite Park that offers hiking trails from the apple orchard to the old granite quarry. The Selectmen thanked the recreation committee for attending and presenting their ideas. No decision to allocate funds toward the plan was made at this time. Town Government Annual Appointments (see attached) A listing of all Town Government Appointments for the new fiscal year was read by Steve McCourt. All appointments were approved. 3 P a g e

4 M/M/S Warren Bryant, Tom Goding to appoint all positions as read (excluding the positions of Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer) M/M/S Tim DeMillo, Tom Goding to appoint the positions of Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer Road Committee Reorganization Steve McCourt stated that the Road Committee is looking for additional members. Meetings are to be held monthly and will be scheduled in the early morning. Establish Sewer Flow Rate Sewer Superintendent Mark Holt presented the Board with recommendations for the sewer flow rate for fiscal year Due to no significant change in flow between Livermore Falls and Jay within the past year, it is Mark s recommendation that the rates stay the same as last year with percentages at 44.6 for Livermore Falls and 55.4 for The Town of Jay. Mark reported that the flow meter at the town line on Route 4 has shown inaccurate readings on many occasions therefore, this station was not factored into the flow rate assessment for the upcoming year. The meter at this location is scheduled to be replaced this fall. M/M/S: Warren Bryant, Tom Goding to accept the sewer flow rates of 44.6% for Livermore Falls and 55.4% for The Town of Jay to be contingent upon the acceptance of said rates by the Town of Livermore Falls Update: Wood Harvest of Recreation Lot Forester Steve Gettle was present to update the Board on the wood harvesting project. A portion of the land being harvested will be signed over to Regional School Unit 73 as of July 1 st when the consolidation of SAD 36 and the Jay Schools is implemented. Steve assured the selectmen that the wood being harvested on the land designated as RSU 73 property is almost complete and will be finished within the week, ahead of the July 1 st deadline. Mr. Gettle stated that he has spoken to the Superintendent of Schools to see if the landing currently being used to haul lumber out of the woods will still be accessible after the transfer of land to RSU 73. The landing is on a portion of the property designated to be handed over to the school district. Dr. Wall agreed to allow the use of the landing so that the Town may complete harvesting on the upper portion of the property without having to create another access point to remove the timber. Update: Highway Department Equipment Needs Highway Foreman John Johnson was present to discuss equipment needs for the upcoming year. The highway department has a 2000 Volvo wheeler that needs replacing this year. After the May 9 th Selectmen s meeting, mechanics Danny Latham and Eric Gilbert researched the cost to repair the wheeler and came back to the Board with a figure of $19,000. John remarked that he received a trade-in value of $20,000 and asked if it makes sense to put $19,000 of repairs into a truck that s value is only $20,000. John stated that there are several options for the Board to consider: 1. Fix the wheeler at a cost of $19, Trade the wheeler in for a new wheeler at a cost of $195,000 (as of July 1 st ). 3. Trade the wheeler in and purchase a smaller truck such as an F550 at a cost of approximately 75,000 (includes plow gear). 4 P a g e

5 If the board chooses to downsize, some of the plow routes can be changed so that the F550 is plowing roads appropriate to the truck s size. John also mentioned that the highway has another wheeler in similar condition that the Board will have to make a decision on next year. If the Board chooses not to replace the 2000 wheeler this year, they will be looking at replacing two trucks the following year. Steve McCourt mentioned several times that he would rather fix the wheeler and wait to purchase a new truck at a later date, stating that this is a time to save money not spend. Board member Warren Bryant agreed that he would also like to see the wheeler repaired rather than purchase a new one at this time. Eric Gilbert mentioned the safety factor of putting a 10 year old truck out on the road to plow during stormy weather and asked that the Selectmen also take into consideration employee safety. Board member Tom Goding replied that it does not make good business sense to invest $19,000 into a 10 year old truck that is only valued at 20,000 and would rather put the investment into purchasing something new that will retain it s value. Both Justin Merrill and Mary Howes, Jay business owners, agreed with Tom s assessment. When asked his opinion, Al Landry remarked that he feels the Town should purchase a new truck. M/M/S: Tom Goding, Tim DeMillo to purchase a new Ford F550 to replace the 2000 Volvo wheeler Motion failed. M/M/S: Tom Goding, Tim DeMillo to purchase a new wheeler to replace the 2000 Volvo wheeler. Discussion ensued. Tom Goding mentioned that another option is to purchase the F550 now and see if it meets the needs of the department. If the department finds that the smaller truck is not able to keep up with plowing needs, the Board could look at purchasing another wheeler at that time. The highway department could then use the newer F550 as a replacement for the old one. M/M/S: Tom Goding, Tim DeMillo to rescind previous motion. M/M/S Warren Bryant, Tom Goding to purchase a new Ford F550 to replace the 2000 Volvo wheeler It was agreed that the 2000 Volvo wheeler would be put out to bid. Oak Street Property Ruth Cushman received a request from Byron Ramsdell (16 Oak Street) to purchase the strip of land owned by the Town that his shed currently sits on. A June 1 st deadline had been given to Mr. Ramsdell to either purchase the land from the Town or move the structure off Town property. Since the deadline was not met, the request was denied. M/M/S Tom Goding, Tim DeMillo giving Byron Ramsdell until July 31 st to move the structure off Town property P a g e

6 Recycling Committee Recommendation: Disposition of Dumpsters A decision was made on the disposition of dumpsters that were collected from local businesses after the dumpster policy change went into affect on June 30 th. It was agreed that the dumpsters would be put out to bid. The dumpsters will go to sale by bid unless the scrap metal pricing is greater than the proposed bids. Other Business: Ruth Cushman advised the Board that the recent carnival put on by Smokey s Greatest Shows raised $1480 for the gazebo project. Mary Howes gave an update on the North Jay White Granite Park. The park received visits from 421 people during the past year. The park has now seen visitors from 71 different towns in Maine, 34 different states, and a total of 7 countries. New trails have been added to the park, along with new signage and a new gazebo. The trail system is projected to be complete within the next year. Justin Merrill asked for a donation of one used dumpsters to go to the Jay Fire Department for replacement of an existing dumpster that is rusting out. He explained that the department uses the dumpster to collect bottle donations. The selectmen approved the donation. John Johnson asked that one of the used dumpsters remain at the transfer station to be used as an ash bin. The selectmen agreed to retain one dumpster for the transfer station. Bob Dubord asked that the upkeep of the cemetery located on the Franklin Road next to Wiles Funeral Home be looked at, stating that the grass was quite tall and needed mowing. Ruth Cushman affirmed that due to the rainy spring season, some of the cemetery work was behind schedule. Ruth agreed to speak with the sexton in regards to the cemetery. Executive Session : 8:36 PM M/M/S: Warren Bryant, Tim DeMillo to proceed into executive session under MRSA Title 1 Chapter 13 Section 405 Subsection 6 for the purpose of: a. Union Negotiation Update b. Pending Legal Issue M/M/S: Warren Bryant, Tim DeMillo to return to regular session at 8:50 PM. No action was taken Adjourn: 9:04 PM M/M/S: Steve McCourt, Tom Goding to adjourn Respectfully Submitted, Jill Gingras Deputy Finance Director 6 P a g e

7 APPOINTMENTS Police Commissioner Ruth Cushman Road Commissioner- Ruth Cushman Purchasing Agent Ruth Cushman Town Manager Ruth Cushman Public Health Officer Dr. Leslie Harding Plumbing Inspector Kent Mitchell Town Clerk Ronda Palmer Tax Collector Ronda Palmer Registrar Ronda Palmer Agent to the Overseer of the Poor Ronda Palmer Building Inspector Shiloh Ring Code Enforcement Officer Shiloh Ring Addressing Officer Shiloh Ring Deputy Town Clerk- Lori Simpson Deputy Tax Collector Lori Shink Deputy Road Commissioner John Johnson Treasurer Lisa Bryant Deputy Treasurer Jill Gingras Public Safety Director Larry White Police Chief Larry White Constable Larry White Agent to the Assessors O Donnell & Associates Animal Control Officer Larry Wright Deputy Animal Control Officer Charles Haskell Jr. Project Manager Andrew Hogan 7 P a g e