Category: government

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## **Town of Hermon** 

## **Public Safety Meeting Room August 10, 2017** 

## **Town Council Meeting** 

**7:00 PM MINUTES** 

Council Meetings may be viewed live online and are archived after the meeting has taken place – check hermon.net for link. 

## ***ALL ITEMS ARE SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATE COUNCIL ACTION*** 

## **I. CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIRPERSON** 

Chair Thomas called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. 

## **II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE** 

Chair Thomas led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

## **III. ROLL CALL** 

## **Members Present:** 

Steve Thomas, Doug Sinclair, Jeanne Jacques, John Snyer, Steve Watson, Donna Ellis and Tim McCluskey 

**Members Absent:** None **Others Present:** Town Manager Howard Kroll, Town Clerk Ruth A. Nickerson, School Superintendant Gary Gonyar, Fire Chief Frank Roma, Senator Geoff Gratwick, Finance Director Rachel Grass, School Committee Chair Tony Reynolds, Donna Pulver, Kevin Boudreau and Bill Scott 

## **IV.     REVIEW CONSENT CALENDAR:  REGULAR BUSINESS, APPOINTMENTS, SIGNATURES, And APPROVALOF MINUTES:** 

MINUTES.         -APPROVE June 1, 2017, June 14, 2017 and June 22, 2017 WARRANTS.    –SIGN August 11, 2017 

## **Councilor Snyer moved to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.  Councilor Sinclair seconded the motion.  A Roll Call vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.** _The motion carries._ 

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## **V. NEWS, PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS** 

None 

## **VI. PUBLIC ITEMS OR COMMENTS (** _Items Not Already on Agenda)_ 

**Senator Gratwick** gave a brief report to the Council, stating that this has been a strange legislative session.  He told how GIS funding will happen, and how this is a pretty big deal for the City of Bangor. June’s referendum questions have provided plenty of work.  Marijuana legalization is very complex. There will be two more referendum questions this November.  Citizens will be asked to vote on a casino in Southern Maine and to vote on the expansion of MaineCare. The Senator told how disappointed he is that the Governor vetoed the new texting law; stating that it should be more illegal than it already is.  18 pedestrians were killed in 2016 by texting motorist here in the State of Maine. 

**Chief Roma** introduced Kevin Boudreau to the Council.  Kevin is just finishing up his first week of Fire Academy.  Kevin is the new live in at our station.  The Fire Chief then echoed the Senator’s statements regarding the serious effects of distracted driving. 

**Kevin Boudreau** spoke to the Council informing them of his background.  He grew up in Westminster, Mass.  He is very familiar with this area having spent summers in Bar Harbor throughout his life.  Kevin told how he grew up watching his dad who is a firefighter.  He then stated that he is looking forward to earning his degree in fire science and becoming a paramedic.  In closing, he thanked the Council for having him here. 

**Ron Beaulieu,** Certified Public Accountant introduced himself to the Council and informed them that he would be happy to answer any questions regarding the audit bid he submitted. 

## **VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS** 

None 

## **VIII.  COMMITTEE REPORTS** 

None 

## **IX. SCHEDULED AGENDA ITEMS** 

## **A. OLD BUSINESS** 

## **#1. Discuss – RFP Audit Services for Fiscal Years 2017, 2018 & 2019.** 

The Town Manager gave a handout to the Councilors that detailed the results of the request for bids received for Audit Services 2017 – 2019.  Bids were received from RKO, RHR Smith and Ron Beaulieu. The Manager affirmed that most of the firms he contacted did respond. He told how most CPA firms avoid municipal governments; additionally, the firms contacted responded that they already have heavy work loads, and if they are going to do municipal auditing, they usually focus on enterprise accounts, (water, sewer, ect.)  The Manager then offered written testimony from 

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Superintendant Gonyar regarding the services received in the past from RKO.  The Manager affirmed that with it being August and with only 3 bids received, again, he strongly recommends that a decision be made.  Chair Thomas asked if it is possible to switch partners if the Town stays with RKO.  He told how the current crew has been doing our audit for at least 8 years and fresh eyes would be good.  Manager Kroll recommended that the bid received from RKO be considered based on our past experience with this firm.  He then reminded the Council that Mr. Beaulieu who also submitted a bid is here this evening.  Chair Thomas asked Mr. Beaulieu if he wanted to speak.  Mr. Beaulieu came to the podium, informing the Council that municipal accounting and auditing is very specialized. He told how his firm could save the Town of Hermon $46,000 over a period of three years. In response to Chair Thomas, and Vice-Chair Sinclair, Ron reviewed the steps taken when running an audit.  Finance Director Rachel Grass agreed that a fresh set of eyes is a good thing and explained RKO’s partnership rotation. 

## **Councilor Watson moved to approve FR17-18-08.  Councilor Sinclair seconded the motion. A Roll Call vote resulted in 6 Yeas and 1 Nay.  Councilor Jacques vote in opposition.** _The motion carries._ 

## ***(FR17-18-08 is attached for review.)** 

## **B. NEW BUSINESS** 

## **#2. Consider purchase of a new Gas Compactor.** 

The Town Manager explained that part of the current Capital Improvement Plan, approved by the Council includes the purchase of gas compactor for the Public Works Department.  3 bids were received, the lowest being from Sunbelt Rental.  Councilor Sinclair asked why the large price difference between companies.  The Manager told how one company had attached a significant delivery fee to their bid. 

## **Councilor Jacques moved to approve FR17-18-09.  Councilor Ellis seconded the motion.  A Roll Call vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.** _The motion carries._ 

## ***(FR17-18-09 is attached for review.)** 

## **#3. Consider installation of a new street light.** 

The Manager told how residents have requested a street light be installed at an existing intersection within a subdivision that currently has zero illumination.  He affirmed that there is legitimate need for a light there, telling how citizen/pedestrian safety is our number one concern and how safe streets are not too much of an expectation from our citizens.  The Council discussed the potential cost of installing an additional light.  The Finance Director affirmed it would add $20 to $30 a month to our existing bill.  Chair Thomas asked if we could table this agenda item, do more research and wait to make a more informed decision. 

## **Councilor Jacques moved to table agenda item #3.  Councilor Watson seconded the motion. The motion was accepted without doubt.** 

_The motion carries._ 

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## **C. WORKSHOPS** 

## **#4. Review of Sewer Ordinance** 

The Manager stated that the purpose of this review is to focus on the future impact of the collection process.  We recently mailed out notices regarding the past due sewer bills.  We have since been inundated with customer questions and comments.  Some have made payment plans, others have paid their bill in full; however some of the bills are for a significant sum of money.  The Town Manager affirmed that we need to establish the ability to collect these monies, but at the same time we need to protect ourselves. 

The proposed ordinance, prepared by the Town Attorney, is written more for an actual sewer department.  The Manager stated that a review of the current ordinance should take place again with consideration for amending it rather than replacing it in entirely.  Currently property  tax is what pays to maintain these lines, and per the Town Manager that cannot continue. Several questions continue to arise as we work out these details.  Should we create a Town of Hermon Sewer Department?  Do we contract with Bangor once the current agreement retires?  There are currently 250 sewer accounts in Hermon. 60 of those accounts have never been billed. The owners of at least 5 residences have attempted to establish accounts with Bangor unsuccessfully.  The Town of Hermon‘s bill with the City is due in another month.  Councilor Thomas noted that only two pages of the proposed ordinance consider collection and payment procedures. Finance Director Rachel Grass affirmed that 3 major accounts make up for $80,000 of the current amount Hermon owes Bangor. 

The Council agreed to schedule a public hearing for September 7, 2017. 

## **D. OTHER ITEMS (from Table Package)** 

**Councilor Jacques moved to consider items in the Table Packet.  Councilor Snyer seconded the motion.  The motion was accepted without doubt.** 

_The motion carries._ 

## **#5. Consider authorizing the purchase of new command vehicle for the Fire Department** 

Manager Kroll told how the Fire Department was able to collaborate with Penobscot County with regard to the purchase of a new vehicle.  The FD has available to them a 2017 Ford Explorer for the purchase price of $29,706.  While this vehicle has been built to be a pursuit vehicle it has no extra bells and whistles and will not be used as such. 

**Councilor Jacques moved to approve FR17-18-11.  Councilor Snyer seconded the motion.  A Roll Call vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.** 

_The motion carries._ 

## ***(FR17-18-11 is attached for review.)** 

## **#6. Consider authorizing the purchase of a new Police Cruiser for the PD** 

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The purchase of the new Police Cruiser has also been made possible by working with Penobscot County.  It is the same deal as the fire car.  The purchase price of $29,706 does not include outfitting the vehicle for police use. 

## **Councilor Jacques moved to approve FR17-18-12.  Councilor Ellis seconded the motion.  A Roll Call vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.** 

_The motion carries._ 

***(FR17-18-12 is attached for review.)** 

## **X. APPOINTMENTS** 

None 

## **XI. MANAGER STATUS REPORT:** 

**Congratulations** to Josh Berry for obtaining his Licensed Plumbing Inspector Certification. 

**Congratulations** to Michelle Thayer for a successful Summer Sizzler.  It was a fabulous family event and it was so good to see so many people enjoying themselves as a community. 

**Council Meeting** will take place on August 17, 2017 for the purpose of necessary considerations for the School & Rec Construction Projects.  We will be informed of the Guaranteed Maximum Price at this meeting, and we will hear a presentation from the contractor. I am aware that this is a sensitive subject in Town as residents all want to see the school project started. 

## **XII.  FINAL PUBLIC ITEMS OR COMMENT (** _Items Not Already on Agenda)_ 

**Chief Roma** invited the Council to a cookout at 6:00pm on September 5, 2017. 

## **XIII.  COUNCIL ITEMS:** 

**Councilor Watson** stated the Summer Sizzler was great. 

**Councilor Sinclair** asked if we can please decorate the new light poles for Christmas.  He offered that maybe local businesses would be willing to sponsor a pole. 

## **XIV.  EXECUTIVE SESSION:** 

None 

## **XV.     ADJOURNMENT:** 

**Councilor Ellis moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:19pm.  Councilor Sinclair seconded the motion. With no objection, Chair Thomas adjourned the meeting.** 

**Respectfully Submitted,** 

**Ruth A. Nickerson, CCM Town Clerk** 



Question: At the Hermon Town Council meeting of August 10, 2017, how much did auditor Ron Beaulieu claim his firm could save the town over three years on audit services, and what was the purchase price approved for the Fire Department’s 2017 Ford Explorer command vehicle?
Answer: Beaulieu said his firm could save the Town of Hermon $46,000 over three years. The Council unanimously approved purchasing a 2017 Ford Explorer for the Fire Department for $29,706 through collaboration with Penobscot County.