Regular Meeting (10-18-2021)
Selectmen Present: Suzan Rudnicki, Douglas Small, Jared Fitts, Isaac Raymond and Daniel Frye
Town Manager/CEO: Kevin Howell
Rec. Secretary: Coreen Sylvester
Guests Present: Glennis McSorley and Toby Pelletier
7:32 PM: Suzan Rudnicki called the Selectmen’s meeting to order.
MINUTES: Daniel Frye made a motion to accept the minutes of September 27, 2021 as written Jared Fitts seconded. Four voted in favor. Sue Rudnicki abstained as she was not present for that meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Paving Update: The Town Manager said the paving on Horseback and Bemis Roads is complete and said it was a battle getting through it, but the finished product is good.
There was discussion of future road maintenance planning. Kevin proposed doing an aggressive crack sealing program. There was discussion of which roads would need crack sealing and shimming and overlay afterwards. Daniel Frye made a motion to authorize the Town Manager to go ahead with the proposed crack sealing project. Douglas Small seconded. Five voted in favor.
Update on Old Fire Station: Kevin stated the old fire station windows are fixed and the roof is almost finished. The last thing that needs to be done is replacing the doors. Chris Wiggin has given a quote of $6,700.00, which includes installation and removal of old doors.
After discussion, Jared Fitts made a motion to authorize the Town Manager to order the doors after getting a second quote at no more than $6,700.00. Isaac Raymond seconded. Five voted in favor.
ARPA Update: Kevin said he met with a group of about twenty other town managers to discuss possible uses of the American Rescue Plan Act funds all towns receive. Improved communications is definitely an acceptable use, and Kevin suggested purchasing a digital sign and re-designing our website. Expansion of capacity of the town office was also discussed, but Kevin suggested holding off to find out what other uses are approved as other towns and cities use the funds.
After discussion, Daniel Frye made a motion to authorize the Town Manager to order a digital sign and website redesign out of the ARPA funds. Isaac Raymond seconded. Five voted in favor.
Community Events Update: Kevin said Carmel Days was a big hit with a huge turnout for the parade and the festivities. We will be having a Trunk or Treat this year. Also, people have expressed interest to Kevin in having a Festival of Lights, and it is under consideration. There was also discussion about having donations for gifts for the children who participate in the town’s tree decorating.
WARRANT: Isaac Raymond made a motion to accept the accounts payable warrant of September 30, 2021 in the amount of $63,267.49. Daniel Frye seconded. Five voted in favor.
WARRANT: Isaac Raymond made a motion to accept the payroll warrant of October 4, 2021 in the amount of $14,018.61. Daniel Frye seconded. Five voted in favor.
WARRANT: Isaac Raymond made a motion to accept the payroll warrant of October 11, 2021 in the amount of 6,540.08. Daniel Frye seconded. Five voted in favor.
WARRANT: Isaac Raymond made a motion to accept the payroll warrant of October 18, 2021 in the amount of 6,712.29. Daniel Frye seconded. Five voted in favor.
WARRANT: Isaac Raymond made a motion to accept the accounts payable warrant of October 18, 2021 in the amount of $595,874.58. Daniel Frye seconded. Five voted in favor.
OTHER BUSINESS: Roadside Bush Cutting: Kevin said Aggressive Cuts not only does the regular roadside mowing but has a machine that cuts bushes, and Kevin said he plans to add it to the budget this year to keep the bushes back in a few sections of town. The cost is approximately $1,500.00 per mile.
ADJOURNMENT: Sue Rudnicki made a motion to adjourn. Dan Frye seconded. Five voted in favor. Meeting adjourned at 9:35 pm.