and Sandra Buchanan Shirley Austin (Library Trustee), Tim and Marie-Anne Hanson (Rumford Falls Times) and Terry Karkos (Lewiston Journal)

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF MEETING Town of Dixfield Board of Selectmen/Assessors/Overseers of the Poor Water Department Trustees October 27, :30 p.m. Town Office Board Members Present: Board Members Absent: Hugh G. Daley (Chair), Stephen G. Donahue, and Sandra Buchanan Montell C. Kennedy and Eugene R. Skibitsky Administration Present: Nanci A. Allard (Town Manager), Charlotte M. Collins (Secretary/Minutes), Darlene Brann (Water/Sewer Secretary), Richard A. Pickett (Police Chief), Peggy Malley (Library Director) and Jerrod Wiswell (Reserve Officer) North St. Water Problem: Bentley and Gertrude Crosby, Robert McPhee, Charlotte Mesko, Charles and Lucille Blanche and Kenneth Brigette Others Present: Shirley Austin (Library Trustee), Tim and Marie-Anne Hanson (Rumford Falls Times) and Terry Karkos (Lewiston Journal) 1. Call to Order: Hugh G. Daley, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m 2. Approval of Previous Minutes: On a motion from Mrs. Buchanan and a second from Mr. Donahue, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of August 25, On a motion from Mr. Donahue and a second from Mr. Daley, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of August 25, Department Heads: (1st Meeting of the Month) OUT OF ORDER 5. New Business: c. Bentley Crosby/Water Issue: Mr. & Mrs. Crosby were on hand (with several other North Street neighbors) to complain about the water quality that services the North Street residences. There's low pressure

2 Clothes are being ruined by staining during washing There's dirt in the water It's now a health issue The problem has existed for too long The Town Manager explained that the line changes from an 8" pipe on Pine Street to a portion of the street with a 2" line, then down to a 1" line. The street also deadens at the home of Mr. McPhee. A new line needs to be installed with it looping over to Kidder Avenue for a constant flow of water. She also explained that there are some FEMA funds remaining which might be used to correct the problem. The town in currently in the process of creating a Capital Improvement Program through funds received from grants. Mr. Daley commented that because of the small service line, the problem is also one of fire prevention due to the availability of adequate pressure with which to fight fires. Chairman Daley directed the Town Manager to investigate options for alleviating the problem and report to the next Selectmen's/Water Department Trustees' Meeting of November 10, A solution to the problem will be addressed at that time. All residents of North Street are to be notified. e. Reserve Officer Appointments: The Board approved the appointments on a motion from Mrs. Buchanan and second from Mr. Donahue of Jerrod Wiswell, Thomas Gould and James Black as Reserve Police Officers. Mr. Wiswell was introduced by Chief Pickett. 4. Old Business: a. Confined Space Entry Program: The Town Manager explained the progress made in training employees to various safety policies. Ms. Allard encouraged the Board to approve the safety policies presented as the town would at least have these programs on the books in case of inspection by the State. Additions or amendments can always be made at a later date. On a motion from Mr. Donahue and a second from Mrs. Buchanan, the Board voted unanimously to approve the following policies: 1. Confine Space Entry 2. Emergency Action Plan 3. Video Display Terminal 4. Hazardous Communications 5. Respiratory Protection Program 6. Lockout/Tagout Policy 7. Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan b. Librarian's Hours: A discussion ensued with Library Trustee Shirley Austin and the Board of Selectmen. Mrs. Austin stated that the Board of Trustees felt that a 40-hour work week was needed to complete the librarian's duties. Mrs. Austin also stated that Mrs. Malley was doing a very good job, but that the town had approved a budget for 40 hours a week. Mrs. Malley

3 stated that she had been accomplishing the job on 32 hours a week for the past three months and that it was working well. The Town Manager explained that the town was saving $4,000 per year and that the money was in the budget if Mrs. Malley needed additional hours from time to time to complete various projects and duties. Mrs. Austin felt that the decision should be brought before the voters. The Chair agreed with the Town Manager to try the arrangement for the time being. Mrs. Buchanan disagreed. The decision will be made at the last meeting in November of the Board of Selectmen. 5. New Business: e. Appointments (cont.): On a motion from Mrs. Buchanan and a second from Mr. Donahue, the Board voted unanimously to approve the appointment of the Finance Committee's recommendation of Scott Dennett as a member of its committee. A discussion followed regarding the hiring of a fourth officer. Matthew Noyes has been training over the past few weeks, usually 40-hour weeks. He's passed all the necessary tests which are required to date, and Chief Pickett stated that he was doing extremely well and strongly urged the Board of Selectmen to appoint him to a full-time position. The Town Manager agreed. Chairman Daley stated that the town could not afford to lose another good officer due to slow action being taken by the Board. It was agreed to up-grade Mr. Noyes on Saturday, November 1st, to the full-time position and confirm his appointment at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Selectmen. b. Plow Truck/Fire Station Loan: The Town Manager informed the Board that the paperwork had been completed for the loan with 2.87% interest rate for five years from Key Bank. On a motion from Mr. Donahue and a second from Mrs. Buchanan, the Board voted unanimously to accept the loan. d. Tax Abatements: The Board approve all abatements on the attached list with the exception of the Knowles property (Map 2, Lot 3A) on the Canton Point Road. He would like further studies done of mobile homes and the depreciation rate before this is approved. Tabled until the next meeting. f. Audit: The Town Manager stated that the town's auditor, Mr. Keel Hood, will be present at the meeting of November 10th to explain any questions that the Board, Library Trustees or the public has regarding the audit for 2002/03. g. Variance - Water/Sewer Depts.: Mrs. Brann explained that Norman and Donna Towle had

4 requested the variance on the lot they had recently purchased from Charles Norris, located next door to the Corner Store until such time as they decided on plans for this business property. The building was razed and the lot is currently empty. On a motion from Mrs. Buchanan and a second from Mr. Donahue, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Sewer Variance on the lot. h. Pine Tree Zone: The Board tabled this item until a full Board could be present. 6. Town Manager's Report: The Town Manager reported on the following items: There are funds available for septic system improvement from the State Work on the Water Capital Improvement Plan has commenced; the engineer was here today working on gathering data Repairs to the Hall Hill leak will be done on Tuesday by Vining Co. David Harvey is working on enlarging the McGrouldrick Park skating rink The Town will be sponsoring a float in the Christmas in the Valley Parade; most employees will participate Harlow Park has had the new sign installed with appreciation going to Bitsy Ionta, Tim Hanson and the students of S.A.D. No. 21 Appreciation to Irving Forest Products was acknowledge by the town with a plaque and by S.A.D. No. 21 with an autographed football and soccer ball from the team players 7. Selectmen Questions/Comments: Mr. Daley: Mr. Daley praised the work completed on the Dunn Cemetery by Cur Curtis Bucher of Peru who is working towards his Eagle Scout Badge. Mr. Donahue: Mr. Donahue stated that he was willing to serve on the committee that will be addressing the North Street water problem. Mr. Skibitsky: Not present. Mrs. Buchanan: Mrs. Buchanan asked about the Emergency Cards and if we could update them and have them available once again to the public. Mr. Kennedy: Not present. Other Comments: Tim Hanson asked the town to cut the trees down at Harlow Park. If cutting proved too expensive, pruning will help. Tim also recognized the volunteer efforts of Bitsy Ionta and the help he has given with the park and different projects in town. 8. Executive Session: Real estate item table until November 10, 2003 meeting.

5 9. FYI - Meetings/Notices: So noted. 10. Next Meeting: November 10, 2003, 4:30 p.m. at the Dixfield Town Office. 11. The meeting adjourned at 6:06 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Charlotte M. Collins Secretary /cmc Attachments