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Town of AmherstBoard of SelectmenDecember 4, 2006
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New Septic System Presentation
Ray Sawyer told the Board that J&R Engineered Products, Inc. has two major companies dealing with on site wastewater treatment – Smith & Loveless spun off a company called FAST that developed an individual package plant that they use for homes. The process was simple aeration with no moving parts and could be buried under parking lots. A 1.5 unit could fit into a 500 gallon tank and they had several thousand units installed and operating. The system utilizes two different treatment processes, fixed film process and activated sludge or growth. In a diagram, he described how the system worked. Relative to the FAST Certifications, he cited NSF Standard 40 Class I and indicated the system was approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. He commented on the NSF Standard 40 Test Data specifically as it related to BOD5 and TSS data with testing at least once a year.
Mr. Sawyer mentioned that the units can be used by single family dwellings, condominiums, commercial buildings and failed system renovations. Several photographs of the unit was part of the presentation along with the installation. In the State of Massachusetts, the units were required to be tested four times a year with two for maintenance. They had over 2000 units and were meeting the requirements for many units on Cape Cod – many of which were seasonal homes. This system was the simplest and easiest to maintain because it was strictly a blower. There was other new technology that was being tested now. He answered Dr. Starke’s question about sludge containing phosphorous as it related to a .5 or 500 gallon per day system.
Mr. Panasiti asked if this met the requirement of the Town. Mr. Tiedemann added how did this system compare to the one that was previously approved. Mr. Sawyer remarked they were all comparable, a Steptitech System was different, the FAST System was simpler and reduced solids. Dr. Starke commented that in the State of Massachusetts the law says it has to be ten parts per million all of the time, but most of the systems meet 80% of the time and there were ways to control this which allows the grass and roots to absorb the phosphates. In response to questions raise, Mr. Sawyer indicated the sensitive areas were on the Cape. Dr. Starke commented there were installations in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. He asked if they had any contractors in New Hampshire that would install their units. Mr. Sawyer advised his company did the installations.
Mr. Tiedemann asked if this was approved in New Hampshire. Mr. Sawyer indicated that the Geoflow Drip System portion had not been approved, but had been submitted. They had been to the State and had submitted the data and waivers can be requested. Mr. Tiedemann asked how high from the water table did his system need to be set. Mr. Sawyer noted it would be two feet to groundwater and in some instances they would raise the system. Mr. Tiedemann advised that in Amherst they have to have four feet to the SHWT. He asked that since they could not use it practically and it had not been approved by the State, why were they talking about it. He recommended that each manufacturer give a presentation so that they could compare one to the other. There was a brief discussion on the reduction of pipe and stone in New Hampshire relating to these systems. Mr. Sawyer mentioned that Otis was a Federal testing facility for numerous manufacturers of these types of systems.
Mr. Benson told the Board that FAST was approved in the State of New Hampshire, however, the second portion of the operation, Geoflow, had not yet been approved by the State. Mr. Sawyer mentioned that the State would look at this on an individual basis and would give waivers for Geoflow. In response to Mr. Infanti’s comment, Mr. Tiedemann did not think they could compare Septitech and this system. He would like to know the differences between this system and Septitech regarding phosphates and nitrates. Dr. Starke mentioned that phosphates were no danger to people and it allows for the growth of plants, but the one they have to worry about is green algae. They have to concern themselves about the nitrates. All of the systems work very well insofar as the EPA is concerned and work 80% of the time. He mentioned that many systems put in BOS5, but rather they should be having a bioflow and that nitrates were dangerous in well water. There were three wells he was concerned about – one on Mr. Benson’s property and two on adjoining properties. He suggested to Mr. Benson that they needed to have a bioflow system and did not know if stone and pipe would be sufficient with 50% reduction and was strongly against anything less than 75%. He believed the State was in error on this and had not done the proper research.
Mr. Dinkel indicated that in front of them was the Benson’s application and a request for approval. Mr. Benson presented the Board with his prior approved plan. He explained that what was approved last year was a Septitech System which had three separate pumps. He found Mr. Sawyer who was very patient with him as it pertained to his circumstances. The simple issue was replacing the Septitech System with this system. All manufacturers use the same 1500 gallon and the only change is the “guts” that will be replaced. He preferred to have a simple system. Dr. Starke indicated the Town had requirements to four feet, but could give exception to two feet.
Board members compared the previously approved plan by the Board of Health 18 months prior simultaneously with the current one being submitted and the number of waivers being requested. In response to Mr. Dinkel’s comment, Mr. Tiedemann indicated this may work, but he would like to see a comparison test. He advised he talked to Septitech and they would be willing to come in in January and do a comparable test. Dr. Starke commented that tests have been done, but not by the competitor or the one selling the system.
Mr. Dinkel liked the simplistic design of the system because all they had to worry about was the blower. Chris Guida, Meridian Land Services, asked if the State had to require a maintenance contract. He knew Septitech required having a maintenance contract at around $2000 per year and unless they ran the same tests at the same locations they will not get the same test results they were looking for. Board members focused on testing data of Septiteh vs. FAST. Mr. Sawyer explained all were testing down at Otis and not just Septitech - they were all performing and the question was on the individual performance of installation and maintenance.
Mr. Bowler moved to adjourn the Board of Health at 6:29 p.m., second by Mr. Panasiti. Discussion: Dr. Starke thought there was a misunderstanding about the system and the plan. Vote: Unanimous.
Regular Meeting
Chairman Bruce Bowler called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.
Volunteer Recognitions
Mr. Bowler told the audience that the Board was there to recognize long term residents Bob and Pixie Lown who would be leaving Amherst and moving to Maine. The Lown’s had moved to Amherst in the mid 60’s with their son and daughter. Mrs. Lown had served as a Selectman from 1980-1986 and in 1983 as Chairman, she served from 1984-1994 as Representative to the General Court, Ex-Officio to the Historic District Commission, served on the Town Government Study Committee, Town Hall Space Needs Committee and Personnel Study Committee. Mr. Lown served as a Selectman from 1975-1977, Ways & Means in the early seventies, Library Trustee since 1994 and served as the Treasurer. He is also a member of the Open Space Advisory Committee. The Board presented Mr. & Mrs. Lown with pewter plates with the Town seal and engraved ”For the many years of service to the Town of Amherst, with gratitude”.
Library Trustees Chairman Don Holden thanked Mr. Lown for his service, guidance and sense of humor. Knowing of his love of art, they would be getting books for the Library on art. The Board recessed the meeting for a short period of time in order to mingle with the Lown’s, their son, granddaughters and Library Trustees who came to say goodbye and wish the Lown’s good luck.
Citizens’ Forum
Jory Goodman, Boston Post Road, spoke to the Board about heavy gravel trucks traveling down Boston Post Road in front of their home beginning at 5:30 a.m. through dinner time every day. They travel past Wilkins School driving fast and he was concerned about safety. He was also concerned about the cracks on their walls in their home as well as in their neighbors homes. There were several options one was to slow them down and weigh them. They had stopped using this route for about two weeks and were now back. Mr. MacGuire indicated that most recently they had enforcement in the area and it does have an effect for the duration. Several times they had looked into passing an ordinance but determined they did not have the ability to do this after receiving numerous responses from Town Counsel. He had not heard from the Police Chief that the trucks were back again since they had brought in Highway Enforcement.
Mr. Goodman mentioned he had not gone to the Chief of Police, but rather to Reed Panasiti who suggested he come in. They had a collapsed catch basin in front of their home and streets were coming apart from them. Mr. MacGuire advised if they could prove that the trucks could not safely use the road for that size vehicle, then they could enforce an ordinance. Mr. Bowler indicated they will have Mr. MacGuire get in touch with Chief Lyon. Mr. MacGuire asked that when they notice this, to either call him or the Chief and they will try to get a quick reaction for enforcement.
Carola Goodman, Boston Post Road, remarked that she wanted the Selectmen to be aware that sooner or later there would be an accident at Wilkins. She commented that you can hear the trucks before they approach her house and the rattling inside was incredible. This should not happen in the village and they know the taxes they have to pay. She invited the Selectmen to her house at 5:30 a.m. Mr. MacGuire indicated he will talk to Peter Lyon because they can’t get Highway Enforcement here that quick.
PMEC – Further Budget Discussion
It was reported that PMEC would be coming in on December 11, 2006.
Solid Waste Update
Tom Lewis and Ted Krantz met with the Board. Mr. Lewis brought the Board up to date on the recycling data year to date through the third quarter 2005 vs. 2006. Every ton that is recycled is worth $115.00 to the Town. If they were able to bring the percentage up to 22%, it would be worth $24,500 to Amherst. There were 20 volunteers, mostly from the Lions Club, at the Transfer Station along with cider, coffee and donuts at the top of the hill. The web site is up with the latest recycling information. They have a plan to take the information on the web site and make a flyer so that people can take it with them. In the spring, PMEC and a 4H group will have a project to increase recycling.
Mr. Lewis indicated that the neighboring towns recycle in the 20-25% range and generally have one spot where they recycle. Mr. Bowler mentioned that the other towns in the District had always been set up as Transfer Stations where Amherst was not. He has been on the committee with them and every little bit helps. Each year there is an increase in tipping fees. Mr. Lewis commented that they need to encourage people to recycle. Liz Overholt, Horace Greeley, made several suggestions on how to gain people’s attention on recycling.
Mr. Lewis also told the Board they were again seeking to pass a warrant article. The Committee and 59% of the voters last March believe this should be done. The upgrades would let them realize a savings. The Landfill District has held $180,000 for Amherst for two years and if they don’t use it this year it will not be there for them next year. Without the upgrade, they will have to hire more employees. People don’t have time to take a lunch break and they have to have breaks by law. It costs them thousands of dollars per year because people show up with demolition material and the attendants are no there. He hoped the Selectmen would support this again this year. They received the message last year that they had asked for too much money. They were looking for $150,000 down from $350,000 last year. He described the redesigned plan as it now stands and with the changes being proposed, it brings the cost down significantly.
All the changes being proposed add up to a win, in his mind, for the Town. Mr. Berry explained the situation at the Transfer Station in response to comments overheard by the Tax Collector.
In response to Board questions, Mr. Lewis did not believe they would have cars backed up onto Route 101 because they will have room for 18 cars at one time – currently they have four people at one time dropping off trash and others at the recycling area. He did not think they will have lines indicting where people can park, but could just pull in when there is a space. The way the warrant article is written they have up to three years to spread the work out. Mr. Dinkel asked if they thought of outsourcing the work rather than having the DPW employees do it. Mr. Lewis explained the Committee had talked to Bruce about this and he was sure they could do the work. Mr. Berry appreciated the support and would love to defer this, but thought it was desperately needed and felt this was the only way it would pass. Mr. Dinkel would like to know the numbers in case they have to have an outside contractor do it and this and may be one way to sell it. Mr. Bowler briefly explained that the District would be spending the $180,000 on equipment and not on the site.
Overpayment of Taxes – Requested Refund
Mr. MacGuire informed the Board they had been in this position before, however, not with this person and he did not know if there was any recommendation to do something. Mr. Grella moved to table discussion until next week, second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: Unanimous.
Award Police Cruiser Bid
Mr. MacGuire reported that past practice the Police Chief received bids from three dealers. All purporting they have some portion of the State bid. The three vendors have been the same three the Department used for the last several years. Grappone Ford in Concord $21,388, Irwin Ford in Laconia $21,337 and Gladstone Ford in Londonderry $21,235. Mr. Infanti moved to go with Gladstone Ford in Londonderry for $21,235 per cruiser, second by Mr. Grella. Discussion: Mr. MacGuire added that Gladstone delivers the vehicles which saves the Department time from going and picking them up. Vote: Unanimous.
Draft Warrant Articles
Mr. MacGuire advised what the Board had was articles being proposed for the 2008 warrant from the Department Heads. They were in no particular order and no where near the proper language. After going through them, he hoped for some direction from the Board.
DPW Replacement Trucks: Mr. MacGuire indicated the amount being requested was $252,492 for two replacement dump truck vehicles. Mr. Berry explained he had not changed his opinion about getting a ten wheeler, but had moved that request further down the line. He would like to replace the 1992 International truck (bought new) and the 1990 International (purchased used several years ago that did not pass inspection). Mr. MacGuire told the Board there was $109,759 in the Highway Vehicle Capital Reserves. Mr. Bowler added that another $85,000 will be put in for this year.
Town Road Repairs: Mr. MacGuire advised the amount being considered was $400,000. It was still being discussed at the CIP level and there had been a discussion that this be an annual appropriation. Mr. Infanti felt they needed to get started and suggested adding language after “reconstructing and repairing” “certain Town roads”. The Board talked about this being a one time expense or about bonding for future years. It was mentioned that this would be a huge undertaking if all the roads were being worked on at the same time. Mr. Dinkel said this was a big project and the intent would be to get roads up to where they want them. Over time, they would have a number like this or higher on an annual basis or in future years it may be put into the budget. He indicated that they had a Road Surface Management Plan and they needed to make sure the public is aware of this plan. Mr. Bowler remarked that the $3 million dollars was Bruce’s number to get it done by his Department.
Baboosic Lake Community Septic: Mr. MacGuire indicated the purpose was to appropriate $534.800 to construct Phase III, of which as much as $243,600 may be provided by a DES grant and $81,200 may be provided by the State of NH State Aid Grant. This article would have no tax impact and will complete the three phases envisioned.
Replacement Generator – Emergency Operations Center: Mr. MacGuire told the Board that within the last several months they had to replace the transfer switch. If there was a power failure, this switch kicks it on. They were looking to appropriate $42,000 to replace this 1986 generator and would be for the Communications Center and EOC. They may want to cross their fingers and hope it lasted another year.
Replace Town Emergency Communications Tower: They were looking to appropriate $29,000 to relocate the 1986 generator to be used at the Transfer Station for backup power said Mr. MacGuire and were not talking about the same desire for reliability as at the EOC. Mr. Berry explained the costs associated with this move. The Transfer Station lost power three times since he has been with the Town. They have one computer working the scale and if the power goes out, they “eat” the demolition income they might have received. The Board discussed the matter of buying a new one and the approximate cost. They thought this was a great deal of money for what they would be doing and asked why didn’t they just close the gate when the power went out. It was suggested the generator be traded in to get some value from it. If power was out for a lengthy time, they could consider renting one. This article was taken out of the draft warrant.
Replace Town Emergency Communications Tower: Mr. MacGuire advised this replacement has been on the CIP for some time. Last year an article was passed for the Selectmen to enter into a lease agreement. If this happened, the article for $97,000 would be withdrawn. The tower was 25 +/- years old and was evaluated several times when they opened the Communications Center. Towers have a life span on them and it was reaching the end of it. This was another “can we wait another two or three years”, but it was something that needed to be replaced at some point. The Board suggested they could add wording about the leasing option in order to go forward with it, but would be something they didn’t have to do if they found someone to do it for them. The Board asked about removal - Mr. Berry indicated the requested appropriation did not include it. Mr. Bowler thought the removal cost should be included and hoped they could come up with some type of cellular tower agreement. With this cost included, it would come close to the $130,000 original amount projected. He asked that these numbers be looked into.
DPW Loader Replacement: Mr. MacGuire explained this article was seeking a five-year municipal lease for $132,000 to replace the loader and were still doing some “homework” on the loader problems at the Landfill. Mr. Berry briefed the Board on the situation and the costs associated with the repair work. He commented that the Board had tasked him to do as much as possible with less manpower. Mr. MacGuire added that both he and Bruce were still in the discussion stage on the matter of where they go in July of next year - chapter 2 to be continued prior to completing the warrant. After a brief question and answer period, Mr. MacGuire indicated they will look to research all the options based on circumstances.
Discontinue Jones Road Section: Mr. MacGuire described the plan as contained in the article. The proposal was to discontinue the “dog leg” vehicular traffic that has been discussed for more than a year and proposed by various individuals. The proposal has been addressed by Highway Safety, with the thought to improve traffic safety in that area. It would increase the amount of green space and lessen the maintenance of pavement. In response to Mr. Panasiti’s question of “why”, Mr. Bowler indicated several people had commented about this, they talked about putting it on last year’s warrant and haven’t closed it even temporary. Mr. MacGuire indicated that Highway Safety said there was no advantage of it being there. They would have one less traffic movement in a somewhat congested traffic area and Highway Safety could find no way of not doing it. Mr. Panasiti felt that if closed, a fire truck would have a very narrow turning area. Mr. Bowler spoke of the history of Jones Road that became paved when Wilkins School was built. It was also thought that the area was originally a driveway to a home on Jones Road.
Discontinue Thornton Ferry Road II Section: Mr. MacGuire explained they were talking about a wide intersection where it intersects with Boston Post Road and the plan was to abandon the northern portion. Recently a water main was put through the southern area. Over the years accidents have occurred in this vicinity. The plan will bring the area closer to a “T” intersection. All Board members agreed with putting this on the warrant.
Reconstruction of Main Street at Town Hall: Mr. MacGuire advised the appropriation for $65,250 was to work with the Heritage Commission that came up with a grant and at some point they had to come up with a match for a $300,000 grant received. The Board discussed the matter as it related to grants that the voters do not often have to vote on, the timeframe for engineering of the project, if this could be carried over several years and that it was not a very substantial amount for the total cost. Mr. MacGuire thought they were looking at a commitment. He suggested putting the funds into a capital reserve because he was not sure they needed the $65,000 until construction. He thought it a favorable project, but had some questions on how much of the $261,000 was for diagrams and plans that they saw. This was a good change for the traffic pattern and where Town Hall sits. Board members agreed to ask Bill Veillette and Will Ludt back in to discuss the matter. While several members were in favor of the plan, Mr. Bowler was not, as he had concerns about the traffic pattern and felt the fire trucks would have a harder time out front if they did something.
Transfer Station Renovation: Mr. Dinkel suggested that while they had already discussed this item, he would like to see this article put after the bond for Baboosic Lake. Mr. Panasiti commented this was one of the projects that increases revenue to the Town and he would like to be using some of the LUCT funds for this as it addresses environmental questions, recycling and revenue. He felt that the $150,000 in the LUCT fund would be money well spent for something like this. While Mr. Infanti supported the renovations, he would like to think about his suggestion further. Mr. Grella agreed with Mr. Panasiti. Mr. Dinkel indicated that these funds were reserve savings and the intent of the meeting was for land acquisition and if they were going to raid the funds, they needed to know why.
EMS Part Time Salary Adjustment: Mr. MacGuire advised the Board heard Brian’s presentation and this was broken down as a 5% supplemental COLA, Social Security and Medicare. As the Director explained they have fallen out of competitiveness and this was an attempt to get him back on par as other services were spending. While several Board members agreed with this, Mr. Infanti took the position that he supported it, but wondered why was the $8735 not part of the budget. He could not imagine anyone not going along with this. Because the number went back and forth during previous discussions relating to splitting the amount between a warrant article and a budget number, Mr. MacGuire will verify the amount. He knew that Brian was comfortable about this being a warrant article and that the voters would recognize there would be a shortage and he wanted to stand up for what the voters wanted to do. W&M indicated they felt Brian wanted the voters know the value of what they are getting and that was the reason for the article. The Committee supports it and does not know why it was not included in the budget. Mr. MacGuire spoke for Brian in that Brian wanted his people to receive the funds and would be very supportive of whatever the Selectmen thought and W&M in whatever way they thought best to see this accomplished.
Fire Department Command Vehicle: Mr. MacGuire indicated that this was an identical article as last year with the exception of the dollar amount now at $30,000. Board members were in agreement with the article and supported it, however, they did question the cost for an Explorer being this high. Tedd Landon did not think the Department needed a new vehicle.
Recreation Vehicle Registration Funding: Mr. MacGuire explained this was a repeat article they had several years ago and the language needs some work from Town Counsel and passed by DRA.
Police Union Contract: Mr. MacGuire advised this was the second year of a three year contract. The number is a bit lower at $65,965 and is based on a COLA of 2.3%, Overtime and Benefits.
Recreation Bean Field LUCT Funding: Mr. MacGuire explained that the sum is still to be determined. The LUCT fund has approximately $800,000 in it and will require a vote of Town Meeting to authorize disbursement of these funds. Mr. Panasiti commented this also involves the Amherst School Board and they were in the middle of trying to appropriate money through taxes to build a new school or renovate them. Dana Redmond and Nancy McMillan came in and talked about the possibility of receiving State aid for the fields. The School Board did not think this was a good time to discuss fields with Recreation The Recreation Commission was trying to get enough playing fields for the children in the Town. He further gave his thoughts on the matter. He also mentioned that the total tax bill for Amherst was $18.83 with $12.95 going to the local education tax or 85% and was a lot of money for the school system to get from them. As a Town, they were charged to fund recreational needs and find recreational space. By not being addressed now, it puts them three years out for developing the Bean property. The Board wondered if they should go ahead with the article if the owners don’t want to discuss the matter. Neal Foley thought there should be some leadership on this. If they wanted him to, he would talk to the School’s W&M Chairman.
PMEC Building Phase III LUCT Funding: Mr. MacGuire mentioned that they will be meeting with PMEC next week and will get the amount at that time. Mr. Panasiti commented that the addition being built now was paid for by private donations and had not been a tax burden for the citizens. They feel they should ask for LUCT funds for Phase III of PMEC. The building will be used for environmental purposes and also generate revenue for the Town and Department. Board members were in favor of this article and gave their support.
Town Computer System Capital Reserve Fund: Mr. MacGuire advised they proposed this same article last year. They were performing their IT work a bit differently now and have issues coming up over the next few years and this would be a method to soften those purchases, upgrades and emergency issues that come up with larger ticket items. The Board agreed with funding the article at $7500 and would support it. Mr. MacGuire explained no one has come in for plans for updates in the ’08 budget. They had some server issues at the Police Department. These funds would be used for the big ticket items not the smaller ones. W&M indicated that last year there was no plan and they didn’t know how much things cost. A list of questions was submitted last year and didn’t get any answers. Mr. MacGuire explained he had some discussion with their IT person and will arrange to sit down and have it all on track this year.
Public Access Television Equipment Fund: Mr. MacGuire explained that last year the $10,000 shrunk down to $5,000 and there were some issues waiting on that may affect this proposed capital reserve for $10,000. Mr. Dinkel mentioned that Doug McAllister was there last week talking about $20,000. The Board discussed whether or not they should put this in the budget or keep it as a warrant article to see if people want additional services on TV.
Veteran’s Tax Credit: Mr. MacGuire indicated they were raising the credit from $300 to $500. Board members indicated they made a commitment last year to do this.
Disabled Exemption: Mr. MacGuire advised he was waiting for language from the Tax Collector.
Town 250th Anniversary Celebration: Mr. MacGuire mentioned they could talk about this more when they have Bill Veillette and Will Ludt in to discuss the other warrant article. Will was looking at a set amount of funds to do this in 2010. Mr. MacGuire created this as a capital reserve and believed they were looking for a total of $15,000. Mr. Grella added that a capital reserve was started when they had the Bicentennial back in the 1970’s. This will be a year long celebration with something every month.
NH Association for the Blind: Mr. MacGuire indicated they were seeking $1500 and had serviced 29 residents, however, they had not provided them with any projected revenue or expenses.
Child Advocacy Center: Mr. MacGuire told the group the purpose of this organization was to benefit and facilitate investigations of child sexual and physical abuse and witnesses of crimes. Their program served 12 since November 2004 at a cost of $1300 per case, saving Amherst over $15,000. They were requesting $2,000.
Health Insurance Analysis
Mr. MacGuire presented the Board with the above analysis. It contained information on Alternative Employee Contributions by Percentage as well as Employee Impact consisting of salary ranges from $30,000 through $60,000 – with 2.3% COLA and 2% Steps. He asked the Board to digest this and he hoped to have a better package put together soon. He was waiting for some numbers from Primex and briefly described the information contained in the analysis.
Other Business
Mr. Infanti reported on the number of applications before the Planning Board. Mr. Panasiti reported that the Conservation Commission reviews many of these plans and has a concern about build-outs. They are putting together a Natural Resource Inventory and a booklet on what Amherst has for natural resources. They were doing this in conjunction with the Master Plan.
Minutes
Mr. Infanti moved to approve the minutes of November 27, 2006, second by Mr. Grella amended as follows: Lines 55-56 – Strike “Also included was an $8000.00 repair” and replace with “The Town has also spent $8000.00 in repairs”; Line 136 – Change “employee” to “employ”; Line 232 – Change “near” to “new”; Line 183 – Strike “much”; Line 285 – Add “so much” after “does”; Line 350 – Change “4-0-1” to “4-1”. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 p.m., second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon L. Frydlo
Executive Assistant