Fred Michael explained to the Burlington Town Council at last week’s meeting that the new leaf vac is too heavy to be pulled by the town truck. He asked officials to consider the purchase of a hitch dolly that will carry 1,800 pounds at an estimated cost of $1,300.

Michael said he has tried dealing with the manufacturer with no satisfaction. He is not sure if the dolly is the answer.

The 2,100-pound leaf vac was secured through a grant and “we’re obligated to run the machine for five years,” said Michael.

“We’re going to have to deal with it until the grant requirements are satisfied,” said council member Ted Huffer. “We’re going to have to fix it.”

Council member Joe Armstrong suggested that Michael check with Mac Gray on how to make the hitch stronger.

The purchase of a new hitch dolly was approved.

Michael said that leaf pickup will not start until sometime in November. Pick-up dates are Mondays and Thursdays (except Thanksgiving when the date is the 27th) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Leaves should be curbside with as few sticks in the piles as possible.

A decision was tabled on the purchase of a defibrillator for the police car until the marshal has time to explore whether grants are available

Marshal Jill Hammond explained that when an ambulance is not readily available the officer on duty is often asked to respond. Having a defibrillator in the police car may save a life, she said.

Hammond secured a quote for a defibrillator in the amount of $1,325.36. Both she and her deputy are trained in its use.

Trick-or-Treat Night was set for Friday, Oct. 30, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. On Halloween night, the Kiwanis Club is hosting its annual Harvest Party and the Junior League is sponsoring a Haunted Woods at the park.

The bid from Ted Keller for work at the wastewater plant was approved for $2,750. Water runoff is damaging the building. Keller will remove sidewalk and eight inches of blacktop and then install and level new stone. The town will purchase the estimated 100-ton of stone.

“This will keep the water away,” said council president Stan Moore, “but it won’t fix the damage to the building.”

Council members agreed to secure bids for work on town streets, cleaning cracks and sealing. “This should help the longevity of these roads,” said Moore.

The council approved the State Board of Account’s recommendation for mileage reimbursement at 55¢ per mile.

It was reported that the Park Board will appoint a committee to look into whether or not additional signage is needed in the park. The new entrance sign has been installed and the cameras are up and running.

Carroll County Emergency Management Agency Director Dave McDowell sent a letter stating that the county must have a “Multi Hazard Mitigation Plan” on file in order to receive state disaster funds. He has set a county-wide meeting for 6 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Flora Community Center. He requested that Burlington’s safety representatives, Mark Michael and Hammond, attend as that town’s representatives.

Moore complimented all those who worked on this year’s Fall Festival.

“The Community Club does a great job with the Fall Festival, said Moore. “We appreciate all those who worked so very hard to make it a success.”

The next Burlington Area Community Watch program will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Community Building.

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at the town hall.