MINUTES
Selectmen’s Meeting October 1, 2007
Town Hall 6:30
PM
Allan Carr David Stickney Leo Enos
Becky Newton Ed Samson
Don Williams
Joe Bachofer Murray Vashaw Jim Magoon
Selectman
Stickney called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Prior to convening this meeting the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager Samson and Administrative Services Manager Becky Newton met with representatives from H.E. Bergeron Engineers, Inc. beginning at 5:45 PM for an interview regarding the Arthur White Bridge Project.
Town Manager Samson advised that Alan and Nicki Cormier, although not on tonight’s agenda, were present to speak to the board regarding the recent flooding of their basement. He said that they have spoken with Selectmen Carr and he suggested that they attend a Selectmen’s meeting.
The Cormiers
explained the following to the board:
·
They purchased
the property on Stevens Terrace in March of this year.
·
They knew when
they purchased the property that the sewer had backed up and flooded the
basement in December of 2006.
·
This past
Friday the newly renovated basement flooded again. The storm water run-off caused the sewer to
backup through the shower in the basement and completely flood the basement.
·
Personal
furnishings were destroyed.
·
Personal
insurance will pay $2500 with a $500 deductible – this will not cover the cost
of the flooring.
·
There may be
some issues within the Town – with storm drains and manholes.
·
Looked in the
manhole after it emptied and it was full of debris. Manhole is also very deep – approx. 6’.
·
There are at
least 3 and maybe 5 storm drains that run in to that one manhole.
·
The Cormiers had
photos of the damage to the basement.
Also a sketch of Stevens Terrace showing the location of the storm
drains and the manhole (now part of Town Manager’s file on the case).
Town Manager Samson stated that he received the call regarding the flooding on Friday morning (9/28). It had occurred during the night. Tim Brown and Justin McMann (Water/Sewer Dept employees) responded to the call. He said that the storm water went through the shower in the basement area where there are 4 or 5 completely finished rooms. Mr. Samson said there was water throughout. Regarding the depth of the manhole, Mr. Samson said he did not know it was that deep but will check it out. He said that there is a back flow device installed but it did not work. Mr. Samson said he would like to expose the line and see if
Page 2 – Minutes Oct 1, 2007 Selectmen’s meeting
there is a problem. Another option is to camera their line and the main line. Mr. Samson said that storm water does run into manholes in areas of the town. It is not illegal but not cost efficient, as the storm water has to be treated along with the sewage. Mr. Samson said that the low point in the basement is the “path of least resistance” and that is where the water came in. He said he has notified the Town’s insurance company. Mr. Samson said the insurance coverage allows for a no fault guarantee payment of $3500 if it is accepted by the property owner with no further liability. He said he has not heard back from the insurance company as yet. Mr. Samson said that the town would try to address the issue if it’s the town’s line but it is a long time fix, as it will impact the budget. Mr. Samson said the elevation of the manhole and the basement is very close.
The Cormiers were agreeable to allowing the town to dig up the line on their property. It was decided to camera the line before any digging is done. Mr. Samson will make arrangements to camera the line as soon as possible.
1.
Review and
approval of September 17, 2007 Selectmen’s meeting minutes.
Moved by Leo Enos
and seconded by Allan Carr to approve the minutes of the September 17, 2007
meeting minutes.
Motion carried – unanimous.
2.
Signing of
various paperwork (Confirmation of Receipt of Tax-Exempt Properties Forms A-9
& A-12).
Mr. Samson said the board has to approve for tax-exempt status the list of all religious, educational and charitable organizations in the Town of Lancaster (list attached).
Moved by Allan Carr and seconded by Leo Enos to approve
and sign the confirmation of receipt of tax-exempt properties’ forms A-9 and
A-12.
Motion carried – unanimous.
1.
Welcome Center
PILT
Mr. Samson stated that the Lancaster Renaissance is again requested payment in lieu of taxes for the Welcome Center.
Moved by Allan Carr and seconded by Leo Enos to assess
the Welcome Center at 38% of the total assessed value and to apply the town and
county portion of the tax only.
Motion carried – unanimous.
2.
Sewer Rates
Becky Newton introduced Jim Magoon, who is a member of the Water Rates Committee, to explain the new proposed sewer rates. (information attached to minutes)
Mr. Magoon stated the
following:
·
The committee
looked at the rates and realized that there was a problem with the present
rates.
·
The town’s
billable sewer usage is 80-82 million gallons.
·
With new meter
fees - $125 commercial rate and $60 residential dwelling unit per half, the
town raises $100,000 a year in meter fees.
The remaining to bill out is $182,600 at 83 million gallons.
·
The 2007
budget is $287,539. There is $10,000
other sewer revenue annually.
·
The committee
is proposing a rate of $2.20 per thousand gallons – a flat rate.
·
There will no
longer be a tiered rate – it will be an across the board rate.
·
Most people
will realize a reduction in their bill.
The trailer park will be the largest sewer user in the town and will be
hit the hardest – approx. $13,000 per half year shared among 80 households.
·
There are a
lot of low-income people in the park.
Rev. Williams noted that there are a lot of low-income people in all
parts of the town.
·
Will have to
look at the warrant for the 2007 2nd half billing to be sure no more
adjustments need to be made.
·
Will not have
to change water rates until 2nd half of next year.
B. Newton commended Mr. Magoon for being open minded about the change as he resides in Page Hill Trailer Park whose residents will be hardest hit with the change.
It
was stated that the 2nd half bills for this year would be looked at
to be sure the rate is ok. The water
rates will not be changed until the 2nd half of next year.
1.
2008 Committee
Meeting Schedule – in board packets.
1.
Bids for Play
and Learning Center were opened. There
is a shortfall in funds for the project in the amount of $2600. Looking for contributions. Total budget is $437,596.00. If more money is raised then siding and the
windows can be replaced in the old part of the building.
2.
Water Street
Project is substantially complete. The
contractor is working on the punch list now.
Rev Williams asked about the road paving. Mr. Samson said that the topcoat would be put
on next spring. He said the sidewalk and
driveway entrances are complete.
3.
LCHIP – grant
in the amount of $500,000. Grant officials
will be coming for a site visit on Thursday and will walk through the entire
building (Town Hall). The town will know
if the grant is successful by the end of October. It is a good sign that they are making a site
visit, as they are not walking through all the applicant’s buildings. If the town gets the grant there is a 50/50
match required. It will impact the 2008
budget. So far the town has $150,000 in
electrical appropriated, $50,000 USDA, $75,000 in capital reserve and has been
encouraged to apply for another $50,000 grant.
May be able to split the 50/50 match over a 2-year period. A small bond is also an option.
4.
Nancy Mayville
has requested for a couple of things for the closeout of Mechanic Street Bridge
project.
Don Williams asked about the status of the Water Street project. Mr. Samson advised that the project is substantially complete with just a punch list remaining. The topcoat on the road will be done next spring.
Page 4 – Minutes Oct 1, 2007 Selectmen’s meeting
Moved by Alan Carr and seconded by Leo Enos to move forward with H. E. Bergeron’s proposal for preliminary engineering.
Motion
carried – unanimous.
Motion was made, seconded and carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 PM.
Respectfully
submitted,
Jean E. Oleson
Signed/Date:
________________________________________
David Stickney
________________________________________
Leo Enos
________________________________________
Allan Carr