BRUNSWICK

On Monday night, the Brunswick Town Council will have a busy agenda, including setting a public hearing on proposed ordinance changes, establishing an elementary school committee, and hearing comments regarding replacing a firetruck in the department’s fleet.

Public comment will be heard on acquiring a new fire engine, with the total cost not to exceed $650,000. The vehicle will be funded through bonds.

In a memo to the council, Fire Chief Ken Brillant said Engine 2 was built on an American LaFrance chassis. American LaFrance is no longer in business and finding parts is very difficult.

During an inspection of the vehicle, Greenwood Emergency Vehicle noted that the frame was rusting and warping and in rough shape. Rust and corrosion have gotten in the vehicle’s double frame, pushing it apart and warping it.

Brunswick Fire Department has a fleet that includes a tanker, tower truck and ambulances among other vehicles. However, Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention Jeff Emerson said Thursday the department should have three engines in the fleet, and they are currently operating with two.

Emerson said the purchase of a replacement engine falls within the parameters of what is typical practice. The engine to be replaced was purchased in 1998 and is at the end of its life expectancy. Emerson said opposition to purchasing a new truck is usually anticipated, but said this is not a new item, but a replacement.

The truck, if purchased, would be in use in August 2018.

Brilliant and Finance Director Julia Henze will be present at the meeting to answer questions.

Pesticide plans

The town council will also consider whether to amend a citizen-initiated referendum from 2007, which placed restrictions on the application of pesticides on town owned land.

According to the ordinance, all control products and soil amendments, including fertilizer and compost, used under the terms of this article shall be in keeping with, but not limited to, products that can be used on Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association certified farms, and/or products permitted by the Organic Materials Review Institute or the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Program.

As written, town-owned land is defined as land owned or leased by the town and managed by the Parks and Recreation Department, said a memo from Town Manager John Eldridge to the council.

The section that says the land is managed by the Parks and Recreation Department has been interpreted to mean the ordinance does not apply to property managed by other departments, such as the school, said Eldridge.

The proposed amendment would change the definition of town-owned land to all land owned or leased by the town and managed by the town and any of its departments.

If the council is open to the amendment, a public hearing will be slated for Aug. 7.

Committee for new school

The council must also create a school committee consisting of 12 members in preparation for the building of the new school to replace Coffin Elementary School. Five members will be from the school board, two will be council members, and two will be community members to join the school’s business manager, the town manager, the superintendent and the school’s director of facilities.

The committee will be under the auspices of the town council and will work closely with the architecture firm during the school construction.

The council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the town hall.

jlaaka@timesrecord.com

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