By Nicole Duplessis
Special to the Aroostook Republican
LIMESTONE — A Grand Falls, New Brunswick company was awarded the 2013-14 winter sand and gravel bid during a Sept. 18 meeting of the Limestone Board of Selectpeople.
The board voted unanimously to accept K&M Sand & Gravel’s low bid in the amount of $9 per yard for 5/8 inch of sand at 1,000 yards, and $9 per yard for 1.5 inches of gravel at 500 yards. This was moved by Jesse Philbrick and seconded by Gary O’Neal to award the bid. The other bid was submitted by Trombley Industries, Inc., of Limestone.
Board members unanimously approved committee recommendations for sick and vacation time for full- and part-time municipal employees. They include:
• New hires as of July 2014 do not receive a sick leave payout on amount accumulated;
• that these changes do not affect current town employees;
• that vacation time accrued will max out at 240 hours and at time of separation of employment or retirement when paid out will not exceed 240 hours. Separation shall be in good standing to receive compensation;
• that non-union full-time employees are calculated the same as union employees when it comes to accrued time off;
• that permanent part-time employees receive accrued time off based on a percentage of total hours worked per pay period, and;
• that the account that has already been established for payment at separation of employment be funded yearly in the amount of $2,500.
A recommendation from Library Trustees to change hours of operation for the Robert Frost Memorial Library for Monday, Tuesday Wednesday and Friday from 12-5 p.m., and Thursday from 12-7 p.m. was moved by Marilyn King and seconded by Philbrick. The vote was unanimous.
Selectpeople met with Jeff Harvey in regard to the property conditions in the area of Grand Falls Road and Brook Street. Harvey has his father’s house for sale and feels that the lack of maintenance surrounding his property is preventing him from being able to sell the house. Lawns aren’t mowed or maintained and the buildings are in poor condition. Due to these conditions, Harvey has requested action to be taken or he will obtain legal counsel in this matter.
Selectpeople directed town staff to send letters to Harvey’s neighbors in regard to the unacceptable condition of their property. The vote was unanimous.
Town Manager Donna Bernier informed board members that the extended hours for the Town Office will start when a new staff person is hired. Resumes were accepted until Sept. 25th for the position in the Town Office, and interviews will be conducted in the near future, she said.
Other topics of discussion included:
• Philbrick asked about the coal furnace at the Public Works Department, Bernier reported that Dan Ferris from Easton had come to look at it and will be in contact with recommendations;
• O’Neal asked Public Works Foreman Mike Cote about removing the discarded tires at a tax acquired property. It is on Cote’s to-do list and will get to them soon;
• Resident Roch Dupre asked about property located behind his property as well as Pete’s Place on Main Street. He is concerned about the lack of upkeep, and;
• Resident Cheryl Colsden asked if letters could be sent out to the owners of four houses in her area as well in regards to upkeep. Bernier agreed to send the letters.
A legal matter was discussed during executive session with no action taken.
The next Selectpeople’s meeting will be held tonight at the Limestone Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m.
