Upcoming Agenda
   
Minutes

 

SELECTMEN’S MEETING

September 27, 2016

5:00pm


1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Moved by Bill Shields, seconded by Elise Miller, to accept the agenda as presented. Motion passed 3-0.

 

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Moved by Bill Shields, seconded by Elise Miller, to approve the minutes of the meeting of September 20, 2016 as written. Motion passed 3-0.

 

3. DEPARTMENT HEAD / COMMITTEE CHAIR UPDATES

A. Fire Department:

1. Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG): Chief Johnson requested authorization to seek a federally funded assistance to firefighters grant which opens October 13th and closes November 11th to purchase a new ambulance. He noted that the grant requires a five percent match, however, he also explained that when seeking funding for apparatus, there is little chance of gaining approval if at least twenty percent is not available towards the initial cost. In response to the Chairman’s question regarding when the matching portion of the grant would be needed if approved, the Chief stated that it would probably be processed in the spring, just before the budget process begins. Ed Walsh noted that there is a warrant article that prevents town officials from seeking grants that would encumber the Town in any way. The Chief confirmed that the grant includes an option to accept or deny the grant if it is awarded and noted that if the grant is processed and approved, it could save the Town of Acton from $150,000 to $175,000. Mrs. Roux will assist in processing the paperwork.


Moved by Elise Miller, seconded by Bill Shields, to authorize Chief Johnson to proceed with the application for the assistance to firefighters grant for the purchase of a new ambulance. The motion passed 3-0.


2. Tanker Truck Purchase: The Chairman stated that he and Elise attended the Warrant and Finance Committee meeting regarding the purchase of the used tanker truck from Rochester as discussed at the meeting of September 13th. Mrs. Miller reminded the Board that $8,000 would be used to purchase the truck and $7,000 would be used to equip the vehicle. Ed Walsh stated that the Equipment Reserve Fund currently has a balance of $21,600 so up to $15,000 could be appropriated from that account. Chief Johnson with work with Jennifer to create a bid for the disposal of the old tanker.


Moved by Elise Miller, seconded by Bill Shields, to authorize the Fire Chief to bid on the used tanker truck offered by Rochester, NH not to exceed $15,000 which includes $7,000 for equipping the unit; monies to be taken from the equipment reserve Fund. The motion passed 3-0.


4. OLD BUSINESS:


A. Fire Station Roof Bids: Mrs. Roux stated that after reviewing the bids, confirming insurance and reviewing references, the Code Enforcement Officer and she recommends accepting the roof repair bid offered by Caron Roofing and Construction in the amount of $23,975. The contractor expects to do the repair the first week in October, taking about three days to complete, with approximately twelve workers on the job. She explained that if the Town requires the company to obtain a building permit, the Code Enforcement Office will have the authority to review the project for compliance to the Building Code.


Moved by Elise Miller, seconded by Bill Shields, to award the contract to repair the Fire Department roof to Caron Roofing and Construction for the amount of $23,975. The motion passed 3-0.


B. Library Walkway: Mrs. Roux noted that Tom Drummey, dba Brick, Block and Rock, expects to begin the walkway on Wednesday, September 28. Additionally, it was noted that he spray foam installation had been completed and they continue to work on the siding.


C. Old Sand/Salt Building: The Chairman reported that the Board met with the two Road Commissioners and it was decided that a bid to demolish the building will be offered and if the bids come back within the available budget, hopefully the work can be completed during the current fiscal year.


D. Board of Selectmen Meetings: The Chairman reminded everyone that it was discussed at the last meeting to change the time of the regular board meetings to 4:15 to allow for Board attendance at the York County Sheriff Department’s meetings to review a possible program on Tuesdays to the end of the year. However, there was not enough interest in the program, so those meetings have been canceled. The regular meetings of the Board of Selectmen will remain at 5:00 on Tuesdays.


5. NEW BUSINESS:


A. AED Training: Mrs. Roux reminded the Board that the Library was awarded a grant to purchase an AED machine which is in house and ready to be installed. She requested authority from the Board to close the Town Hall from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on a regular work day to allow for staff training. Consensus of Board Members was to do the staff training as outlined and the Fire Chief would conduct.


B. Delayed Opening: Mrs. Roux requested taking a personal day on Wednesday, October 5th. The current assistant is not yet trained to be left alone, according to state law, therefore the Treasurer has offered to cover for her but is unable to open until noontime on that day. Consensus of the Board Members was to approve the delay of opening for business on the scheduled day.

 

7. PUBLIC COMMENT: None


8. ANNOUNCEMENTS:


A. Volunteers Needed for Recreation, Cemetery and Road Committee

B. 2016-2017 Winter Sand Bid

C. Knitting Club will be held on the first and third Wednesday from 10:00 to 12:00 noon at the Library

D. Story and Activity Hour for infants to pre-school age children at the Library on Fridays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

E. Absentee Ballots will be available on October 4th


9. MEMBERS PRESENT: Ed Walsh, Bill Shields, Elise Miller


10. OTHERS PRESENT: Jennifer Roux, Steve Johnson