PRESENT: Chairman Friedman, Councilor Hathaway, Councilor Parker, Councilor King, Manager W. Reed, Deputy Clerk K. Humphrey, Fire Chief G. Martin, Asst. Fire Chief C. Tenney, Firefighter N. Sirois. Councilor Perkins was absent absent and excused.
ITEM 1. The February 4, 2008 Veazie Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:00PM.
ITEM 2. Consideration of the Minutes
Motion By: Councilor King—to accept the January 7, 2008 meeting minutes as written. Seconded: Councilor Parker, Voted 3-0-1 in favor.
ITEM 3. Consideration of the Agenda
Chairman Friedman requested a list of outstanding taxes still due.
ITEM 4a. Discussion of Lease Purchase Option
Manager Reed outlined that the federal rate had dropped and will most likely drop again. Staff is proposing that we have all vendors resubmit proposals for the full purchase price of the fire truck for the terms of seven and ten years. Manager Reed added that one of the vendors had a rate drop of 4.69% to 4.15% on a ten year note.
Manager Reed stated that Municipal Service Group, who the Town has used in the past, outlined that they would not give an official “offer/quote” until a purchase order was issued.
It was the consensus of the Council to get new quotes from vendors.
ITEM 5a. Pumper Truck Discussion
Manager Reed stated that the Town Attorney looked over the contract and is happy with it as submitted.
Motion By: Councilor King—to authorize the Town Manager and Fire Chief on behalf of the Veazie Town Council to execute a purchase order for the proposed E-One Typhoon Class Pumper under any and all terms and conditions deemed necessary and appropriate by the Town Manager, Fire Chief and Town Attorney. Said truck shall be designated for use by the Casco Bay Energy Development District and the Town of Veazie as a whole. Tax increment revenues shall be allocated as described in the CBEC Credit Enhancement Agreement between the Town of Veazie, Maine and Casco Bay Energy Co. L.L.C. dated March 31, 1998. Seconded By: Councilor Hathaway, Voted 4-0 in favor.
ITEM 6. Comments from the Public
Fire Chief Gerry Martin stated that he is working with Chief Webb of Orono on changing Veazie’s radio frequency to the same as Orono’s. Right now the department is currently on a frequency with most of Penobscot County. The new frequency will only have Old Town, Orono, Milford and Veazie. By going with their frequency the department will be put on their page system.
Chairman Friedman asked whether there was a cost associated with the change. Chief Martin stated that the only cost will be reprogramming the radios.
ITEM 7. Manager’s Report
a. The Town Council reviewed a copy of the Budget Committee’s meeting minutes and latest investment report.
b. The Town Council reviewed a copy of the 2008-2009 Budget Meeting Schedule.
Manager Reed outlined that there were some properties that the Town has tax foreclosed on. He has met with the Town Attorney to review the properties and discuss the Town’s options. The Town Attorney has advised staff to write a letter to the property owner and give them 30 days to pay in full. If the individual does not pay then the Town will have to decide what to do with the properties. The other option was to take possession of it currently and not give the individual a chance to pay.
Councilor Hathaway stated that with possession comes liability. He would like to have a letter sent and give the property owner 30 days to pay. He would also like to be provided with information on the buildings.
Manager Reed outlined that the Town is exempt from a good amount of liability since it tax acquired the property.
Manager Reed stated that the Town of Orono was coming to meet with him tomorrow to discuss the possibility of building a Public Works Department for Veazie and Orono on School Street.
Councilor Hathaway outlined that he would like to see them brokered and developed.
It was the consensus of the Council to send a certified letter to the property owner and allow them 30 days to pay the taxes.
ITEM 8. Requests for Information and Town Council Comments
Councilor Parker inquired on why the Town was paying the Superintendent of Public Works to plow. Manager Reed stated that he is using his personal vehicle therefore the Town has to pay him for the use of the equipment. He outlined that there are certain areas that it is easier to use a small truck rather than the big plow trucks.
Manager Reed added that in the coming fiscal year, staff is recommending that the Town eliminate the use of personal vehicles in the Public Works Department and purchase a pickup truck.
There was discussion on insurance and liability when personal vehicles are involved in town operations.
Councilor Friedman suggested the possibility of the Fire Department, Parks & Recreation Department and Public Works all purchasing a truck together and sharing it. It was pointed out that the Public Works employees use their personal vehicles everyday, from running errands, hauling trailers and going to worksites in Town to do work.
Councilor King mentioned that the Water District sells their trucks after so much use. Usually they have low miles and can purchase one for around $6,000. Staff will look into this option.
ITEM 9. Warrants: Town Warrant 16, Town Warrant 16, Town Payroll Warrant 16, School Warrant 16, School Lunch Warrant and School Payroll Warrant 16 were circulated and signed.
ITEM 10. Adjournment: Motion: Councilor King—to adjourn the February 4, 2008 Town Council Meeting. Seconded: Councilor Hathaway—there was no further discussion. Voted 4-0. Meeting adjourned 8:59pm.
A true record, Attest:
Karen Humphrey
Deputy Clerk
Town of Veazie
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