PRESENT: Chairman Hathaway, Councilor Cheney, Councilor Kelly, Councilor Friedman and Councilor Hogan; Manager Reed, Assistant Clerk K. Gifford, Assistant Fire Chief Carl Tenney, Police Chief Mark Leonard, Officer Ryan Welch and Medtronic Representative Craig Banton.
ITEM 1. The January 13, 2003 Veazie Town Council was called to order at 7:00 PM.
ITEM 2. Consideration of minutes: Motion By: Councilor Kelly —to accept January 13, 2003 minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor Hogan, Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Agenda: Manager Reed requested to add an update on the Dang Property. This was added as item 6c. Chairman Hathaway requested to discuss the State budget. This was added as item 6d.
ITEM 4. Public Comments: There were no comments from the public.
ITEM 5a. Lifepak Demo & Presentation
Assistant Fire Chief Carl Tenney noted at the last Council meeting the Council had requested to have a demonstration of the Lifepak. He introduced Craig Banton to the Council.
Representative Craig Banton of Medtronic noted that surrounding departments such as the Orono Fire Department, Old Town Fire Department, Bangor Fire Department and the University of Maine all use this device.
Craig Banton outlined that the device will provide a printout of everything that has happened while the patient has been on the monitor and it will hold up to 200 events.
Medtronic offers onsite service and with or without a service contract they will provide a loaner in the event that the Town's needs maintenance or repair. Councilor Hogan inquired what the life span was on this machine. Craig Banton stated that it is 15 years. Councilor Cheney inquied whether the current defibrillator had the same features as the Lifepak 12. Assistant Fire Chief Carl Tenney stated that it did not have the same features. The current defibrillator does not have memory or print out data. Councilor Cheney inquired on where the Lifepak 12 would be carried. Assistant Chief Tenney stated it would be carried in the suburban.
Councilor Cheney asked what the cost of the equipment was. Craig Banton stated that it costs $12,500. Councilor Friedman inquired on how much the service contracts costs. The service contract would cost $900 a year. Councilor Friedman also inquired on whether you could lease purchase the equipment. Craig Banton stated that lease purchases are available. The available plans are $400 a month for 36 months or $257 a month for 60 months.
Officer Ryan Welch gave positive feedback on his use of the equipment working at the University of Maine. Councilor Cheney inquired whether there was anyone on the department who could start an IV. Assistant Chief Tenney stated that Firefighter Nick Sirois and Police Officer Ryan Welch can. Councilor Cheney also inquired whether the fire department was able to administer any medications. Officer Welch stated that currently the department carries 6 drugs none of which are pain medications.
The Council discussed the budget and the possibilities for purchasing the equipment. Manager Reed outlined that he thought the fire department will have some funds free since they received a grant.
Councilor Hogan asked if the Town entered into a lease whether it would be able to buy out the lease a year or two down the road. Craig Banton stated that it would not be possible.
Councilor Hogan asked what the delivery time was. Craig Banton stated 45 days. Councilor Friedman inquired on whether the department could be given one for a month to try out. Craig Banton said that something could be arranged but probably not for a whole month.
It was decided for Manager Reed to come back at the next meeting with a better idea of where the fire department's budget stands to see if it can be funded.
ITEM 5b. Short-Term Disability Policy Discussion
Manager Reed stated that at the present time the Town offers a group based short-term disability policy to its employees at "cost". Manager Reed highlighted that the group rate is very favorable and quite a bit cheaper than acquiring coverage privately. There would be a benefit to the employee by applying under the Town's sponsored program. The current problem is that an individual can collect from his or her policy and request sick time at full rate. Manager Reed outlined that short term disability was meant to balance out sick leave not to encourage its early use.
Motion By: Councilor Cheney--for the Town of Veazie to allow individuals to participate in the Town's group short-term disability program in order to allow the individual to maximize receiving a sick time benefit equal to a sume of 100 percent of his or her weekly wages when balanced with the Town's sick time benefit. The Town does not wish for any participant to receive a net benefit of more than 100 percent of his or her wage at any time while benefiting from the Town's group plan and sick time usage. Nothing in this policy should be construed to limit any individual's right to obtain a "private" or "non-town approved" short-term disability policy. Seconded: Councilor Friedman, Voted 5-0 in favor.
Councilor Kelly inquired whether employees accrued sick and vacation time while they are out. Manager Reed stated they do not.
ITEM 6a. Conservation Commission Update
Manager Reed stated that Town Forester Carol Redelsheimer could not attend the meeting but will be invited to the next meeting. Manager Reed outlined that abutters of the McPhetre Farm lot have been sent letters regarding the harvesting that will be taking place.
Councilor Cheney inquired whether the machinery and gas will be looked after to make sure everything is up to par with regulations. Manager Reed outlined that Town Forester Carol Redelsheimer will be on site to make sure everything goes smoothly. He also pointed out that the Conservation Commission waited until now so that the ground would be frozen to minimize damage.
Chairman Hathaway asked if the harvester was certified. Manager Reed outlined that he was.
ITEM 6b. Technology Policy Update
Manager Reed outlined that the Town has never had a technology policy. Included in the Council packets was the proposed policy. Chairman Hathaway inquired on whether the Town attorney has looked over the policy. Manager Reed stated that he has discussed it with him but he has not read the policy in its entirety. He will send him a copy to review. Police Chief Mark Leonard and CEO Allan Thomas also assisted in putting the policy together. Manager Reed will have the Town attorney review it and bring it back to the next Council meeting.
ITEM 6c. Dang Property Update
Manager Reed outlined that the property has not been sold yet. It was noted that a few people have approached and wanted to purchse it and make it into a business, however, it is a residential zoned property. Manager Reed stated that the realtor inquired whether the Town wanted to throw out another figure that was higher then the intital offer. It was the consensus of the Council that Manager Reed write a letter stating the Town's original offer and have them come back with either a counter offer or denial.
ITEM 6d. State Budget
Chairman Hathaway stated this ocming fiscal year the budget is toing to be very tough. The State budget does not look good and the biggest cut is going to be in the school aid budget. Chairman Hathaway noted that it is going to be a tough year for all departments and would like to avoid unnecessary spending.
Motion By: Chairman Hathaway--for all departments to curb all new spending for the remainder of the year. Seconded: Councilor Kelly, Voted 5-0 in favor.
ITEM 7. Manager’s Report
a. The Council reviewed a copy of the Town’s investment summary.
b. The Council reviewed a copy of the Maine Municipals Risk Pools annual report.
ITEM 8. Requests for Information/Council Comments: There were no requests for information or comments from the Council.
ITEM 9. Warrants: Town Warrant 15 & 15A, Town Payroll Warrant 15, School Warrant 15, School Lunch Warrant 15 and School Payroll Warrant 15 were circulated and signed.
ITEM 10. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor Friedman —to adjourn January 13, 2003, Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Hogan, Voted 5-0 in favor. There was no further discussion. Meeting adjourned at 8:21pm
Respectively submitted,
Karen Gifford
Assistant Clerk
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