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North Haven Select Board approves grant acceptances, equipment purchases and transfer‑station camera; appoints budget committee member
Summary
At its Feb. 4 meeting the North Haven Select Board accepted a fire‑department grant and authorized the town’s required match (amounts in the minutes are inconsistently recorded in the transcript), appointed Allison Hughes to the budget committee, approved purchase authority for a new zero‑turn mower up to $8,500, agreed to spend up to $2,300 on a brush‑pile camera, and selected Over Associates for sewer RFP work.
The North Haven Select Board on Feb. 4 approved a package of routine actions that the board and staff say are intended to sustain town services and prepare for spring operations.
Jaclyn Curtis, acting chair, read notes from staff about a grant awarded to the North Haven Fire Department from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The transcript contains inconsistent/partially redacted figures for the grant amount in places; the board voted to accept the grant as presented and separately voted to authorize the town’s matching contribution. The minutes and staff follow‑up are expected to clarify exact dollar amounts and reimbursement timing.
The board unanimously accepted a budget‑committee resignation from a member identified in the minutes as Christy Hallowell and appointed Allison Hughes to fill the remainder of that term.
On local equipment and maintenance, the board discussed long‑running cemetery‑mowing needs and authorized the purchase of a John Deere Z740R (or similar zero‑turn mower) at the lowest available price up to $8,500, with funds to come from the property maintenance reserve. Board members debated estate vs. commercial mower models, trailer compatibility and shared‑use/liability concerns; they agreed to proceed with a capped purchase price and to confirm details with the vendor and with staff before completing the transaction.
Kenny moved to spend up to $2,300 from the Transfer Station Reserve Fund to install a camera and recording equipment focused on the town brush pile to deter illegal dumping and to allow the brush pile to be opened regularly during staffed hours. The motion passed. Board members emphasized that installation will be paired with clear signage and public outreach explaining acceptable uses and consequences for improper dumping.
For sewer infrastructure planning, the board reviewed RFP results and voted to accept a proposal from Over Associates (listed in the evaluation as the chosen engineering firm) to advance the town’s planning and design work for sewer upgrades. Board members cited the importance of contractor experience with island projects and regulatory permitting.
The board also discussed prior estimates for a town‑office generator and agreed staff will collect detailed installation quotes (including transfer switch and electrician costs) to consider in the FY27 budget rather than expend reserves immediately.
The board adjourned the public portion of the meeting and entered executive session under MRSA Title 1, Chapter 13, Subchapter 1, subsection 4 (personnel).
