I arrived at 8:50 am, and the meeting had already started, so I picked up in process. All Selectmen were present.
Meeting Highlights:
Fire Chief Skip Wood was explaining the cost and options for a new Fire Truck to the Selectmen and fielding questions. Much of the discussion focused on the overall cost, finance options such as a bond, and various models of engine and options that would meet Lebanon’s needs.
One of the problems cited is the need to have good capital improvement account to fund a large expense like and engine and the fact according to Mr. Wood they need an engine now. Numbers varied from $245,000 – $380,000 depending on options and if they could find a “demo” vehicle or not. Selectmen Cole asked about getting a smaller truck like a Ford F550 which could carry several people, a foamer, Jaws of life etc that could be used to quickly respond to accidents, since this accounted for the majority of the call volume. Chairman Frizzell felt the body wouldn’t last as long as a real engine would. Trade-in and value of the old engine was discussed.
9:21 Ray Davis addressed Selectmen
A resident on Upper Barley requested he place a dead end street sign be placed on the street, is this o.k.? It was discussed and checked with the CEO that yes the Dead End signs could be placed. The road is only passable by off road vehicles and hopefully this would prevent someone from attempt crossing with a regular vehicle.
Mr. Davis also inquired about moving stuff 8am tomorrow, it was confirmed
Mr. Davis explained Sewel Shores residents have been asking about road work. A meeting is scheduled for the 15th. Town has spent 80k on the bottom portion, they want road corner changed. The 300′ of work they want could be an easy 100k estimated cost. Selectmen felt they had done enough to accommodate the needs and that the monies could be better spent elsewhere. Nothing will be done until the meeting.
Sue Collins Addressed Selectmen regarding a couple residents contesting the Tax Abatement denial. One property was fairly taxed the other will be looked into further. Selectmen Cole is following up.
Brian Rainaud the Code Enforcement Officer addressed Selectmen. They went into executive session for roughly 11 minutes.
Jane Gerrish approached Selectmen and requested permission to contact the towns Attorney Alan Sherphard on a matter of foreclosure. Selectmen said it would be o.k. this time.
Sue Collins Addressed Selectmen regarding the wording for a letter to the department heads on preparing budgets. Do they want it to state no increases in budgets? This needs to be decided quickly so they can be sent, the Department Head meeting is approaching quickly on 12/15.
Ms. Collins also stated she was attending a meeting this week on getting residents the Weatherization kits. She is hoping they are handled like they were last year, but fears they may make things more complicated than necessary.
Ms. Collins also stated that Richard Nass called and recommended build America bonds as well as HLS and FEMA grants for potential sources to finance Fire Truck.
Ms. Collins said at 11:45am tomorrow at the Fire Station a resident who is 106 years old will be recognized.
Ms. Collins has attempted to contact the home health visiting nurse as requested by Selectmen. She has yet to receive a response. Selectmen want to meet with them over clinic.
Ms. Collins asked is Selectmen support having an Auction in spring on foreclosed properties? If so things have to happen fast to have everything ready and allow for proper notice, to have it done before April 1st. The benefit is tax bills can be cut cleanly and it keeps things in order. Selectmen supported this
Selectmen Cole stated the Assistant Animal Control Officer has been laid off
Selectmen Cole had to leave…
Cindy Arroyo addressed Selectmen – 18 bags of clothes need to be laundered for clothes pantry. She left momentarily and returned later stating Jim Boucher and Ms Tibia are donating laundry services to cover the expenses.
Ms. Collins provided a proposal from Paul Andrade about the school for Selectmen to review, she also provided copies of the minutes for Selectmen to review & approve.
10:19 – Christine Torno and Cindy Arroyo met with Selectmen on a personal matter
Video of the meeting may be downloaded directly here (right click “save as”) andis 1 :15 min long. You may also view the 5 min preview below and watch the entire video online by clicking links below the preview. Alternatively you may view the entire online video library here.
Watch 12-01-09 Lebanon Selectmen Workshop in News | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
Thanks Pat that was my point I was trying to get across.
There’s been alot of talk about the flyer that went out at the last minute. I also got it and read it. Whether it be legal or not legal what I have to say is, when you present an image of yourself you had better be able to uphold to that image. In other words, walk the walk just not talk the talk. Some of the things that I am aware of just made chuckle. Arrogance comes to mind!!!!!
This past year I have written many many articles, NOT just to complain but I truly wanted the citizens to become aware of situations that were happening here in town. I think we did just that. Now comes the time to pick a problem and work on it. There is so much crap in the world can’t we all just get along?
I liked the idea of a capital improvement fund to purchase a new fire truck in the coming years or as someone else said look for grants. As far as greed if you dont ask people wont know you need something. yes the fire truck didnt pass this year but now people are aware that yes a fire apparatus are becoming outdated and need to be replaced so i see no fault in the LFD asking at this time. If people had voted for the fire truck then a message would have been sent, we need a new fire truck. You are right this year the people said we didnt need it but the topic is still out there and the town understands the need for next years ballot.