Minutes

 

 

 

Pledge of Allegiance

Declaration of Quorum: by voice vote by name. Six present one excused

 

• Review Warrant and Financial Statement for the March 5, 2024 Special Town Meeting Referendum Vote: Presentation to Town Budget Committee by John Cross Director of Public Works and presentation of 8/21/23 and 11/14/23 memoranda from Mr. Cross to Town Council and Town Manager about snow contractor bids for 2024-2025 season (not current) and increases in cost for next season to almost double one bid and no bidders on other for roads not handled by state plowing or town already. Both current bidders (at end of three-year contract this season) have chosen not to bid for next season and alternative strategy has been proposed to the town. This strategy requires the town put out to bond $700,000 during a special town meeting referendum vote on Tuesday March 5^th at six pm at town hall. In November 14^th 2024 memo on page two it details “To service this extra 50 miles of centerline roadway paving, at a minimum I determined we would need to purchase 4 trucks under CDL requirement with plows, wings, sanders. The current cost of these vehicles is $170,000 each. The total cost for the vehicles $680,000 bonded over 10 year is $81,605 per year with interest.” Mr. Cross also provided the committee a quote and pictures of vehicles purchases recently by city of Westbrook, Maine. Mr. Cross also provided copy of updated cost from only bidder on Route One of Snow plowing for 2024/2025, 2025/2026, 2026/2027 seasons. Some questions were asked from committee and one Mrs. Higgins and once discussion a motion was put forth.

• Budget Committee to Vote on their Recommendation of Bond Question

Motion (Joseph Paul/Pamela Smith): To support with “Yes” Vote by town budget committee the $700,00 bond which will done at a special town meeting referendum March 5^th, 2024 to support the purchase of new plow trucks. The capital expenditure will be financed obligation bonds total principal amount of $700,000. Total estimated debt service $838,534, of which principal is $700,000 and estimated interest of 3.7%, over ten years is $138,534 roughly. By voice vote of each member all in favor present.

 

Adjourn Motion to Adjourn (Joseph Paul/Pamela Smith): By voice vote of each member all in favor.

 

Presented Respectfully,

 

Todd Delaney

Vice Chairperson

Town of Standish Budget Committee

December 28, 2023