Shapleigh Board of Selectmen

Minutes of Meeting – Time 6:00 pm

December 29, 2020

Call to Order

Chairman Jennifer J. Roux called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm with Scott E. Cudworth and William J. Mageary in attendance. Karla Bergeron, Town Administrator and Joanne Holland, Office Assistant were also in attendance. 

In Attendance:

Roland Legere, Chuck Starbird, Fire Chief Steve Guillemette, and Rescue Chief Lindsey Lacourse.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Approval of minutes from previous meeting: 

A motion was made by William J. Mageary to approve the minutes with minor changes of December 22, 2020; seconded by Scott E. Cudworth.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

Public Comment: 

Addressed the snow plowing issue at the Transfer Station. Chuck Starbird - Snow plowing Contractor stated that the porta potty, tires, and jersey barriers were in the way to be able to properly plow. The brush area had not been plowed on Tuesday because the alternator had broken down on the plow truck so Chuck had obtained a new alternator and had gone to the Transfer Station on Wednesday morning and plowed. The Board had stated that the employees had plowed and shoveled as well. The Board said that the porta potty and jersey barriers are to be moved and if they are not moved within a week or two then to contact Jennifer J. Roux and she will take care of it. The tires are to be picked up within the next three weeks.

Roland Legere has brought to the Boards attention that the stop sign at the corner of Goose Pond Rd. and Route 11 had been hit the last snow storm and was advised by Chairman Jennifer J. Roux to reach out to John Burnell Road Commissioner North directly. Roland also asked the Board if it would be appropriate to reach out to try and obtained some grant funding to help fund the lake front properties retaining walls that have detoriated. Chairman Roux stated that it would not be inappropriate to do so and Roland stated that he would not commit to anything without bringing it in front of the Board. Roland Legere did voice his concern that if the Board did approve the new Fire Truck and Ambulance that it would increase the budget to where the property taxes would go up. The Board explained that the purchase of a new Fire Truck and Ambulance would come out of a reserve account and would not impact the budget.

Unfinished Business:

1. Rescue Department
The Rescue Chief Lindsey Lacourse presented the bid for the new ambulance. Bid needs to be updated to reflect that bids are open to all automotive brands. Also the bid needs to be updated to include a loaner ambulance if the ambulance breaks down. The Town Administrator wanted the bid to also reflect the warranty. The Board stated that the bid is to go out with the updates mentioned with a sealed bid deadline of 02/05/2021.

Ambulance Funding

Total Funds available upon Board Approval to use to fund the ambulance purchase.

$ 35,318.87 ($30K held to use for Per Diem 2021 as per Rescue Budget Proposal)

$ 10,027.20 Subscription Reserve Fund

$ 6,936.70 Donations

$153,602.70 Ambulance Reserve

$208,885.47 Total Funds Available as of 12/02/2020

Charles Gruber Scholarship was reviewed with $3,800 to be used out of the interest account.

New Year's Day was approved for holiday pay at time and a half with limited hours beginning 12:01 on 01/01/2021 through midnight 01/01/2021.

2. Fire Department

Fire Chief Steve Guillemette and the Board went over the proposal for a new fire truck.

Fire Chief requested to use his SCBA budget from this year, ($2498 Reserve Acct./$2900 Operating Acct.)

for the purchase of 5 air bottles at $1000 each. A motion was made by Selectman Mageary and seconded by Selectman Cudworth in the purchasing of 3 air tanks ($2900 to come out of the operating account and $100 to come out of the reserve account). Chairman Roux opposed because she supported the 5 air tanks that was requested. Motion carried 2 - 1 (Roux).

3. General Government Budget Discussion
The Board discussed the General Government Budget. The Fire Department has cut their radio's account by $4000, they also cut their Hydrants by $3000. The budget request for safety building in the amount of $50,000 was also cut. The Town Administrator will update the Fire/Rescue/EMS account with most current numbers. The Warrant deadline is January 22, 2021.

New Business:

A. Dedication of Town Report
The Board stated will put some thought into it and will address at a later date.

B. Emery Mills Bridge Post Cards Discussion
Town Administrator updated the Board on the post cards that are going out to the property owners regarding the Emery Mills Bridge. Edison Press will do the printing and bulk mailing for $434 + Postage, Board of Selectmen approved the demo cards as presented.

Information:

i. Simpson, Inc. - Price increase for disposal of demo

Signatures:

i. Warrants

Any other business to bring before the meeting.

Adjourn :

A motion was made by Scott E. Cudworth to adjourn at 7:30pm; seconded by William J. Mageary.  Motion passed unanimously. 

These minutes are not verbatim.  Joanne Holland, Office Assistant.