POLAND — The Select Board on Tuesday night authorized $49,400 in hazard pay for employees who worked during the statewide COVID-19 emergency declaration March 15, 2020, to June 30, 2021.
The money will come from the town’s allotment of the American Rescue Plan Act funds. The distribution will be based on hours worked. The scale was developed by Town Manager Matt Garside, Deputy Town Manager Nicki Pratt and Selectpersons Mary-Beth Taylor and Nathan McNally.
Since it is less than $50,000 it does not require voter approval.
However, voters at the town meeting in April will decide whether to use $65,000 from the federal allotment for two power lift stretchers for the Fire and Rescue Departments.
A warrant article authorizing the town to bond up to $850,000 to expand the A.B. Ricker Memorial Library was tabled until it’s known whether the maturity date would be for 10, 20 or 30 years and how much the library’s Stone Fund could contribute.
The board also authorized Garside to sign a letter of intent with ReVision Energy. The company would install a $228,271 solar energy system allowing the town to use solar power as its primary electrical source at its municipal facilities. The letter allows ReVision to begin preliminary work on the project.
Town meeting voters will also decide whether to go along with the installation.
According to the warrant article approved by the board, during the first five years of the system the town would purchase solar energy up to 45% less than the current utility rates. In the sixth year the town would have the option of purchasing the system for $143,811, if voters approve then.
If the system is voted down the town would be obligated to pay no more $2,500 in the preliminary expenses.
The board approved another warrant article requesting the reallocation of $54,544 from the Law Enforcement Reserve Account to set up a new Solid Waste Reserve account of $28,235 and allocate $26,309 to the Road Reserve account.
A warrant article was approved authorizing the town manager to apply “for federal financing assistance under the provisions of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act” for the development of the Ricker Park. The park is planned behind the library and town offices on Route 26. Garside said local contractors are willing to donate time and material for construction.
The board also approved allocating $6,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Poland Community Food Bank.
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