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| TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES MARCH 30, 2021 ZOOM | Normand Albert 2021 Kasie Kolbe 2021 Allen Ward 2021 Mark Lunt 2022 Donald Fellows 2022 Jeffrey Ganong 2022 Fern Larochelle 2023 |
CALL TO ORDER. The Chairman, Allen Ward, called the meeting to order and led the pledge of allegiance to the flag at 7:00 PM.
ROLL CALL. Members present were Councilors Ward, Albert, Kolbe, Lunt, Larochelle, Ganong, and Fellows. Also present were Diane Barnes, Town Manager; Kayla Tierney, Finance Director; Ryan McGee, Police Chief; Nate LeClair, Fire Chief; Lisa Ward, EMA Director; John Cordts, Lisbon Emergency Captain; Jen Labonte; Lisbon Emergency; James MacDonnell, Lisbon Emergency; Tom Garrepy, Bowdoin Fire Chief; Finance Committee members-Heather Ward, Jesse Paul Zack, Curtis Lunt, and Dan Leeman.
BUDGET WORKSHOP
B. COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
Item taken out of order
Chief McGee presented his Communications budget as follows:
| 14046000 Lisbon Communications Center FY22 Budget | ||||||
| FY22 | FY22 | FY22 | FY22 | |||
| ORG | OBJ | ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION | FY22 Projected Managerial Budget Appropriation | changes from presented budget on 3.16.2021 Increase (Decrease) | FY22 Proposed Budget presented 3.16.2021 | FY Projected Department Budget Appropriation |
| 14046000 | 50104 | Non-Supervisory | 198,255.00 | 5,138.00 | 193,117.00 | 193,117.00 |
| 14046000 | 50116 | Union | 3,500.00 | - | 3,500.00 | 3,500.00 |
| 14046000 | 50130 | Temporary/seasonal | 21,000.00 | - | 21,000.00 | 21,000.00 |
| 14046000 | 50140 | Overtime wages | 1,350.00 | - | 1,350.00 | 1,350.00 |
| 14046000 | 50145 | Replacement Wages | 35,000.00 | - | 35,000.00 | 35,000.00 |
| 14046000 | 50201 | Unemployment Costs | 680.00 | - | 680.00 | 680.00 |
| 14046000 | 50202 | Workers Comp Insurance | 822.00 | 17.00 | 805.00 | 805.00 |
| 14046000 | 50210 | MEPERS - Employer Share | 23,038.00 | 528.00 | 22,510.00 | 22,510.00 |
| 14046000 | 50220 | Health Insurance | 39,245.00 | (19,885.00) | 59,130.00 | 59,130.00 |
| 14046000 | 50230 | FICA Employer Costs | 19,554.00 | 394.00 | 19,160.00 | 19,160.00 |
| 14046000 | 50301 | Office Supplies | 880.00 | - | 880.00 | 880.00 |
| 14046000 | 50307 | Advertising | 120.00 | - | 120.00 | 120.00 |
| 14046000 | 50349 | Recruitment Testing | 300.00 | - | 300.00 | 300.00 |
| 14046000 | 50351 | Clothing/Boot Allowance | 2,250.00 | - | 2,250.00 | 2,250.00 |
| 14046000 | 50401 | Professional Development | 1,450.00 | - | 1,450.00 | 1,450.00 |
| 14046000 | 50413 | Mileage/travel reimbursement | - | - | - | - |
| 14046000 | 50512 | Telephone | 1,682.00 | - | 1,682.00 | 1,682.00 |
| 14046000 | 50536 | R&M: Equipment | 1,125.00 | - | 1,125.00 | 1,125.00 |
| Total 14046000 Lisbon Communications Cen | 350,251.00 | (13,808.00) | 364,059.00 | 364,059.00 | ||
C. ANIMAL CONTROL
Chief McGee presented the Animal Control budget as follows:
| 14045000 Animal Control Officer FY22 Budget | |||||
| FY22 | FY22 | FY22 | FY22 | ||
| OBJ | ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION | FY22 Projected Managerial Budget Appropriation | changes from presented budget on 3.16.2021 Increase (Decrease) | FY22 Proposed Budget presented 3.16.2021 | FY Projected Department Budget Appropriation |
| 50104 | Non-Supervisory | 46,204.00 | - | 46,204.00 | 46,204.00 |
| 50140 | Overtime | 2,160.00 | - | 2,160.00 | 2,160.00 |
| 50201 | Unemployment Costs | 137.00 | - | 137.00 | 137.00 |
| 50202 | Workers Comp Insurance | 945.00 | - | 945.00 | 945.00 |
| 50210 | MEPERS - Employer Share | 4,449.00 | - | 4,449.00 | 4,449.00 |
| 50220 | Health Insurance | 24,365.00 | - | 24,365.00 | 24,365.00 |
| 50230 | FICA Employer Costs | 3,700.00 | - | 3,700.00 | 3,700.00 |
| 50302 | Operating supplies | 425.00 | - | 425.00 | 425.00 |
| 50351 | Clothing/Boot Allowance | 600.00 | - | 600.00 | 600.00 |
| 50352 | Cell Phone/Allowances | 350.00 | - | 350.00 | 350.00 |
| 50375 | Gas | 2,250.00 | - | 2,250.00 | 2,250.00 |
| 50378 | Tires Expense | 700.00 | - | 700.00 | 700.00 |
| 50401 | Professional Development | 400.00 | - | 400.00 | 400.00 |
| 50451 | Contracted Professional Servi | - | - | - | - |
| 50453 | Animal Shelter Services | 13,064.00 | | 13,064.00 | 13,064.00 |
| 50536 | R&M: Equipment | 950.00 | - | 950.00 | 950.00 |
| 50710 | Equipment | 250.00 | - | 250.00 | 250.00 |
| Total 14045000 Animal Control Officer | 100,949.00 | - | 100,949.00 | 100,949.00 |
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief McGee presented the Police Department Budget as follows:
| 14040500 Police Dept FY22 Budget | FY22 | FY22 | FY22 | FY22 | |
| OBJ | ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION | FY22 Projected Managerial Budget Appropriation | changes from presented budget on 3.16.2021 Increase (Decrease) | FY22 Proposed Budget presented 3.16.2021 | FY Projected Department Budget Appropriation |
| 50102 | Department Head | 81,598.00 | - | 81,598.00 | 81,598.00 |
| 50104 | Non-Supervisory | 781,144.00 | (1,560.00) | 782,704.00 | 782,704.00 |
| 50107 | Administrative | 41,778.00 | - | 41,778.00 | 41,778.00 |
| 50116 | Union | 17,000.00 | (200.00) | 17,200.00 | 17,200.00 |
| 50117 | Misc. Police Detail | 7,000.00 | - | 7,000.00 | 7,000.00 |
| 50130 | Temporary/seasonal | 18,000.00 | - | 18,000.00 | 18,000.00 |
| 50140 | Overtime wages | 27,040.00 | (500.00) | 27,540.00 | 27,540.00 |
| 50143 | Court time | 5,000.00 | - | 5,000.00 | 5,000.00 |
| 50145 | Replacement Wages | 108,403.00 | - | 108,403.00 | 108,403.00 |
| 50201 | Unemployment Costs | 2,040.00 | - | 2,040.00 | 2,040.00 |
| 50202 | Workers Comp Insurance | 37,163.00 | (75.00) | 37,238.00 | 37,238.00 |
| 50210 | MEPERS - Employer Share | 116,193.00 | (232.00) | 116,425.00 | 116,425.00 |
| 50220 | Health Insurance | 293,934.00 | - | 293,934.00 | 293,934.00 |
| 50230 | FICA Employer Costs | 81,850.00 | (160.00) | 82,010.00 | 82,010.00 |
| 50260 | Uniform cleaning | 500.00 | - | 500.00 | 500.00 |
| 50301 | Office Supplies | 3,950.00 | - | 3,950.00 | 3,950.00 |
| 50302 | Operating supplies | 14,000.00 | (3,000.00) | 17,000.00 | 17,000.00 |
| 50306 | Postage | 350.00 | - | 350.00 | 350.00 |
| 50307 | Advertising | 200.00 | - | 200.00 | 200.00 |
| 50308 | Printing | 2,350.00 | - | 2,350.00 | 2,350.00 |
| 50349 | Recruitment Testing | 1,750.00 | - | 1,750.00 | 1,750.00 |
| 50351 | Clothing/Boot Allowance | 19,400.00 | - | 19,400.00 | 19,400.00 |
| 50352 | Cell Phone/Allowances | 5,854.00 | - | 5,854.00 | 5,854.00 |
| 50353 | Physicals | 1,300.00 | - | 1,300.00 | 1,300.00 |
| 50375 | Gas | 24,046.00 | - | 24,046.00 | 24,046.00 |
| 50377 | Diesel | 79.00 | - | 79.00 | 79.00 |
| 50378 | Tires Expense | 4,128.00 | - | 4,128.00 | 4,128.00 |
| 50401 | Professional Development | 12,386.00 | - | 12,386.00 | 12,386.00 |
| 50413 | Mileage/ travel reimbursement | 450.00 | - | 450.00 | 450.00 |
| 50415 | Education Program | 2,608.00 | - | 2,608.00 | 2,608.00 |
| 50501 | Vehicle Repairs | 9,000.00 | - | 9,000.00 | 9,000.00 |
| 50512 | Telephone | 9,228.00 | - | 9,228.00 | 9,228.00 |
| 50532 | R&M Office Equipment | 2,000.00 | - | 2,000.00 | 2,000.00 |
| 50536 | R&M: Equipment | 5,500.00 | - | 5,500.00 | 5,500.00 |
| 50544 | R&M: Radios | - | - | - | - |
| 50710 | Equipment | 3,750.00 | - | 3,750.00 | 36,500.00 |
| 50720 | Equipment – vehicles | 67,000.00 | (7,000.00) | 74,000.00 | 74,000.00 |
| Total 14040500 Police | 1,807,972.00 | (12,727.00) | 1,820,699.00 | 1,853,449.00 |
Councilor Ward asked when the Lieutenant position would be filled and he recommended budgeting a half year of this Lieutenants position. He indicated he is inclined to make zero cuts to this budget.
Councilor Larochelle said he is in full support of this budget and asked if the Police Department is looking to add another School Resource Officer to the staff. Chief McGee recommended the Council concentrate on hiring more patrol officer positions, which would also help with the schools. He said he actively looks for grants to get services for our community and will continue to do so for the SRO position. Councilor Larochelle asked if Chief McGee is planning on budgeting for a full year or a half-year for the Lieutenants position. Chief McGee said he would plan on filling that position in late December due to the training times coming up for his staff. Councilor Larochelle said he would rather budget for a full year position, that way the money would be available should they be able to hire the Lieutenant sooner. Chief McGee said if they decide to budget for the full year that would allow him to hire the two new patrol officers beginning July 1st.
Mr. Leeman asked if the K-9 position would be refilled eventually. Chief McGee said he will apply for grants to cover the cost of the K-9, equipment, and outfitting the cruiser, but not in this budget because he would have to commit to an officer going away to Patrol & Drug Detection School.
Councilor Ward recommended they accept the Police Department Budget as presented with no objections.
E. LISBON EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (LEMS)
/EMERGENCY MANAGEENT AGENCY (EMA)
Item taken out of order
John Cordts, 2nd Captain for Lisbon Emergency, presented the Lisbon Emergency budget as follows:
| 14043000 Emergency Management FY22 Budget | FY22 | FY22 | FY22 | FY22 | |
| OBJ | ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION | FY22 Projected Managerial Budget Appropriation | changes from presented budget on 3.16.2021 Increase (Decrease) | FY22 Proposed Budget presented 3.16.2021 | FY Projected Department Budget Appropriation |
| 50100 | LEMS Stipend | 199,842.00 | - | 199,842.00 | 199,842.00 |
| 50104 | Non-Supervisory | 1,570.00 | - | 1,570.00 | 1,570.00 |
| 50201 | Unemployment Costs | 12.00 | - | 12.00 | 12.00 |
| 50202 | Workers Comp Insurance | 62.00 | - | 62.00 | 62.00 |
| 50230 | FICA Employer Costs | 120.00 | - | 120.00 | 120.00 |
| 50402 | Dues and Memberships | - | - | - | - |
| Total 14043000 Emergency Management | 201,606.00 | - | 201,606.00 | 201,606.00 |
Councilor Ward asked Mr. Cordts what his financial outlook for the next three-year period would be.
Mr. Cordts said it is unknown at this time. He indicated their focus is on funding the Capital Improvement Plan, lowering the budget line or keeping it at the same level. The revenues fluctuate and depend a lot on the Government and what their reimbursements will be. He said what everyone looks for in an EMS organization is what the Medicare pay rate is, which means what percentage of your base do clients/patients pay by Medicare. He said ours is about 67%, which is a little bit high. He said when you are on that higher side of the scale, you get less revenue.
Councilor Larochelle requested call out data standards per call for the Fire Department and Lisbon Emergency Medical Services to see how they roll per call and what the requirements are.
Lisa Ward, the EMA Director, presented her portion of this Budget.
Councilor Ward recommended they accept the budget for LEMS/EMA as presented with no objections.
D. FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chief LeClair presented the Fire Department Budget as follows:
| FY22 | FY22 | FY22 | FY22 | ||
| OBJ | ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION | FY22 Projected Managerial Budget Appropriation | changes from presented budget on 3.16.2021 Increase (Decrease) | FY22 Proposed Budget presented 3.16.2021 | FY Projected Department Budget Appropriation |
| 50102 | Department Head | 73,932.00 | - | 73,932.00 | 73,932.00 |
| 50104 | Non-Supervisory | 218,000.00 | - | 218,000.00 | 218,000.00 |
| 50201 | Unemployment Costs | 1,188.00 | - | 1,188.00 | 1,188.00 |
| 50202 | Workers Comp Insurance | 19,434.00 | - | 19,434.00 | 19,434.00 |
| 50210 | MEPERS - Employer Share | 7,615.00 | - | 7,615.00 | 7,615.00 |
| 50220 | Health Insurance | 24,365.00 | - | 24,365.00 | 24,365.00 |
| 50230 | FICA Employer Costs | 22,333.00 | - | 22,333.00 | 22,333.00 |
| 50301 | Office Supplies | 500.00 | - | 500.00 | 500.00 |
| 50302 | Operating supplies | 9,000.00 | - | 9,000.00 | 9,000.00 |
| 50306 | Postage | 75.00 | - | 75.00 | 75.00 |
| 50351 | Clothing/Boot Allowance | 3,000.00 | - | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 |
| 50352 | Cell Phone/Allowances | 420.00 | - | 420.00 | 420.00 |
| 50353 | Physicals | 5,000.00 | - | 5,000.00 | 5,000.00 |
| 50370 | Parts - Supplies | 6,200.00 | - | 6,200.00 | 6,200.00 |
| 50375 | Gas | 1,250.00 | - | 1,250.00 | 1,250.00 |
| 50377 | Diesel | 3,500.00 | - | 3,500.00 | 3,500.00 |
| 50378 | Tires Expense | 2,500.00 | - | 2,500.00 | 2,500.00 |
| 50401 | Professional Development | 7,500.00 | - | 7,500.00 | 7,500.00 |
| 50413 | Mileage/ travel reimbursement | 175.00 | - | 175.00 | 175.00 |
| 50451 | Contracted Services | - | - | - | 30,000.00 |
| 50490 | Capital Projects Reserve | 75,000.00 | - | 75,000.00 | 75,000.00 |
| 50511 | Water Usage | 525.00 | - | 525.00 | 525.00 |
| 50512 | Telephone | 2,508.00 | - | 2,508.00 | 2,508.00 |
| 50513 | Sewer Expense | 337.00 | - | 337.00 | 337.00 |
| 50536 | R&M: Equipment | 25,000.00 | - | 25,000.00 | 25,000.00 |
| 50544 | R & M: Radios | 5,800.00 | - | 5,800.00 | 16,460.00 |
| 50560 | Fire Fighting Foam | 3,000.00 | - | 3,000.00 | 3,000.00 |
| 50561 | EMS Supplies | 2,500.00 | - | 2,500.00 | 2,500.00 |
| 50562 | Personal Protective Equipment | 26,460.00 | - | 26,460.00 | 26,460.00 |
| 50563 | Hose Replacement | 8,000.00 | - | 8,000.00 | 8,000.00 |
| 50710 | Equipment | 14,175.00 | - | 14,175.00 | 14,175.00 |
| Total 14041500 Fire Department | 569,292.00 | - | 569,292.00 | 609,952.00 |
Councilor Larochelle asked where Chief LeClair sees the Fire Department in three to five years due to recruitment difficulties and the steady decline in staff.
Chief LeClair said he sees the Fire Department hurting since five of his most senior people will be retiring.
Councilor Larochelle asked if there was a solution for this. Chief LeClair suggested hiring three full time people to work from 8:00am to 4:00pm from Monday through Friday.
Councilor Ward asked how other small towns are surviving with their staffing levels. Chief LeClair stated that they are hiring one full time person for daytime hours and other smaller towns are hiring per diem positions.
Councilor Ward asked what the wish of the Council is for the Non-Supervisory line increase in this budget.
Councilor Larochelle asked if they hire Per Diem would they be working out of one fire station. Chief LeClair replied yes and said this would not be replacing the part-time people, but would be supplementing the daytime people he already has. The national standards for volunteer operations requires 10 to 14 people to work a fire scene.
The Council unanimously decided to move this line item forward.
Councilor Larochelle said the town put aside $30,000 for a study and suggested leaving it in there. He indicated he would like to see an internal study done first, gathering the information we already have, including the two fire houses as far as age, what happens there, the equipment, yearly costs for lights, heat, maintenance, what the capital outlay is for the next 10 years, and daily staffing numbers.
Councilor Albert said the good thing about having an outside study done is that they will be able to look at things more objectively.
Mrs. Barnes reminded Council that this $30,000 expense for the study is not in the budget, but would be funded through the unassigned fund balance. She said that when you do a study of this magnitude it is important that the study come from an independent outside source, which removes the bias if done internally.
Councilor Fellows said he supported the independent study as well.
Councilor Ward asked the Council what the study should focus on. He suggested the study focus on running two different fire stations or running one fire station.
Councilor Albert suggested looking at the Fire Department’s CIP plan for the cost of maintaining both buildings to estimate costs.
Councilor Ward asked Chief LeClair what Fire Station the new employees would work at. Chief LeClair said he is leaning toward the Lisbon Falls Station where the Rescue truck, Engine Truck, and Ladder Truck because that station has all the equipment to cover calls that come in.
The Council gave approval for the Capital Improvement Plan and asked Mrs. Barnes to put the Independent Study on the list.
Councilor Larochelle asked if the per diem employees being hired would be required to be Firefighter and EMA certified. Chief LeClair replied at least one on duty needs to be certified for both. He reported the $78,000 extra in the budget took into account all 52 weeks with three (3) EMT Firefighters on duty.
ADJOURNMENT
VOTE (2021-70) Councilor Larochelle, seconded by Councilor Albert moved to adjourn at 8:40 pm.
Roll Call Vote: Yeas – Albert, Lunt, Larochelle, Ward, Kolbe, Ganong and Fellows. Nays - None. Order passed - Vote 7-0.
_____________________________
Lisa B. Smith, Deputy Town Clerk
Date Approved: April 20, 2021