BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES

August 14, 2006

APPROVED:

9/11/06___________

AGENDA:                   2006 Budget Review

                                    Highway Update – canceled due to jury duty

ATTENDING:             Archie Auger (Chairman), Dorcas Gordon (Vice Chairman), Joe Denning (Selectmen’s Rep.), Albert (“Skip”) Bowie, David C. Carr, Darla Jaquith,  Don Kimball, Catherine Pitari, Ron Preble, Paul Simard, Jon Thouin, Richard Walenda

ABSENT:                    Tom Winn (away)

OTHER:                       Bob Veloski (Town Administrator)

The meeting opened at 7:00 pm.

MINUTES OF JULY 10, 2006:  P. Simard made a motion, second by C. Pitari, to accept the minutes as printed.  The ladder truck cost was discussed.  It was determined that what the minutes reflect was what was said at the meeting.  The motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS:

A flyer for Budget workshops was passed around for members to decide if they wish to attend.  It will be in the secretary’s office, if anyone needs to come back to it.

EMERGENCY FUNDS REQUEST:

A letter was received from the Town Administrator requesting permission to expend emergency funds under RSA 32:11,II.  It is to allow the Town to accept and expend additional funds in the amount of $71,546.16 due to the emergency under the spring flooding this past May.  The Town has applied to FEMA for reimbursement in this amount.  It is expected that FEMA funds will be 75% ($53,659.62), State Flood Funds at 12.5% ($8,943.27) and Town Funds at 12.5% ($8,943.27) from the operating budget.

            Mr. Carr asked where Mr. Veloski expects to take the Town funds from.  Mr. Veloski answered that he expects it to come from the Kelley Park additions.  Mr. Auger asked when they need to decide this and was told that the books close January 10^th.  Mr. Bowie asked if we shall receive any funds from Freudenberg NOK (owners of the dams).  Mr. Veloski said that we are negotiating with them.  Mr. Auger asked if the FEMA and State funds are fixed and was told that they are. 

-2-

Budget Committee Minutes

8/14/06

EMERGENCY FUNDS continued:

            When asked why funds are not coming out of Fire and Police (the most personnel involved), Mr. Denning stated that the emergency was for town-wide protection.  Mr. Veloski stated that the largest portion was for the derrick and miscellaneous items (about $38,000.).  Mr. Simard asked if some may be tapped from the Police Station study.  Mr. Auger felt that the Selectmen will have to look at the balance at the end of the year for this.  Mr. Bowie asked if it is possible that Freudenberg NOK can pay the entire Town portion.  Mr. Auger stated that what comes from Freudenberg NOK is a separate issue.

            Ms. Jaquith stated that it would be easier for her to understand if we received the costs in a breakdown.  Mr. Veloski stated that what she is looking for is the FEMA breakdown which he has and he can give her a copy.  Ms. Pitari felt that the FEMA breakdown would help her, as well as the other members, to understand, as well.

            Mr. Simard felt that each Department should contribute to fund the Town portion.  Ms. Gordon agreed and added that she has a concern that it is unfair to take all of the funds from Kelley Park.  Mr. Auger stated that it is not the Budget Committee’s position to tell the Selectmen how to administer the funds.  Mr. Preble agreed with Mr. Simard.  Mr. Walenda stated that, on TV, it was said that we have a million dollars extra from last year.  Mr. Auger and Mr. Veloski stated that the amount from last year is actually about $230,000.00. 

            Mr. A. Bowie made a MOTION, second by R. Preble, to AGREE TO THE REQUEST MADE FOR EMERGENCY FUNDS AND SIGN THE PAPERWORK.  The motion CARRIED.

HIGHWAY UPDATE:

            It was reported that Mark Bucklin, Highway Superintendent, was called for jury duty.  This will be put on next month’s schedule.

2006 BUDGET REVIEW:

            Mr. Veloski stated that there are a few places where it appears that lines are over but some, like insurances and Worker’s Comp. are paid up for the year and some have offset income.  He projects an average of about $112,000. left at the end of the year.  Mr. Auger stated that this will make it easy enough to find the $9,000. needed for Town funds.  Mr. Veloski continued by pointing out that, under Grants, they have placed $38,571.38 which is the amount spent outside of Department costs for the flood.

            Ms. Jaquith asked about #4312-390 Highway Projects, Resurfacing Roads.  Mr. Veloski felt that part of the cost should be in other lines.  He added that the cost of asphalt is up and all of the road surfacing has been done.  Mr. Auger stated that some damage was done to the roads with the flooding and rains but it was minimal. 

-3-

Budget Committee Minutes

8/14/06

2006 BUDGET REVIEW continued:

            Mr. Preble asked about #4901-722, Bike Path.  Mr. Veloski stated that they have been paid for two payrolls; the Town pays the Company as they go.  About $380,000 has been paid, some paid in previous years.  Mr. Denning said that they are about 1 ½ weeks behind schedule.  Mr. Simard asked what they are going to do about the telephone pole in the middle of the path.  Mr. Veloski stated that they are to swing around it.  Mr. Denning said that, originally, it was to go on each side of it and the Selectmen determined that a Clerk of the Works was needed and they now have Bill Barrett for this.  Eventually, the path will be paved. 

SELECTMEN UPDATE:

            Mr. Denning stated that they have determined to hire Elizabeth Corrow as the new Town Manager.  She is the present Town Administrator of Plymouth with 8 years experience and additional assets.  33 applicants applied.  Mr. Veloski is to stay on until the transition and Ms. Corrow will start in mid-October.

            The Selectmen are looking at the budget and are asking the Department Heads to slow buying as we did last year.  The Fire Engine is to be bought for $15,000.  They have not picked it up as yet. 

            Mr. Preble asked if it is certified.  Ms. Pitari has spoken with Lt. Dolloff and learned that they are waiting for ladder certification, for brake repairs and tires.  Mr. Bowie stated that he thought they told us that it was ready to go.  Mr. Denning agreed.  Ms. Gordon asked if there are to be any additional costs to us.  Mr. Denning does not know; he added that the Selectmen have only authorized the $15,000.  Ms. Pitari said that she understands that additional costs are to be absorbed in the Department Operating Funds.  Mr. Auger felt that there is a problem with this and mentioned that, for example, if the cost is $5,000 more, they need to come back to the Budget Committee and discuss it.  Ms. Jaquith asked if they can legally do this.  Mr. Auger feels that they should let the Committee and Selectmen know.  Mr. Simard asked if this isn’t the same Company that they plan on getting the new ladder from.  He feels that, if it is, the Selectmen have leverage. 

            Mr. Bowie stated that we have been sold a bill of goods again.  At this rate, they could have waited until March and let the voters determine what to do.  Ms. Jaquith feels that it is a question of policy.  They told us that it was ready to go for $15,000.  Ms. Pitari stated that an aerial certification can take 6 weeks as there are only certain people who can do this.  Ms. Jaquith thought that what was said was that it was able to be certified.  Mr. Denning stated that he understands the concern of the Budget Committee but feels we also have to keep in mind the impact of not having this on business insurance (it will cause their premiums to go up).

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE:         

            Mr. Veloski stated that the new ambulance is to be in tomorrow and it will take a week to put it into service.  The radios, etc. must be inserted.

-4-

Budget Committee Minutes

8/14/06

OTHER:

            Mr. Walenda questioned why Hall Rd. has not been fixed or paved.  He said that it should be patched as the potholes are getting bigger.  Mr. Denning stated that he should see Mr. Bucklin (or he will for him), then go to Mr. Veloski, and then to the Selectmen with complaints.  Mr. Denning added that the last he knew after South Main Street caved, Mr. Bucklin is now pretty caught up but then was called for jury duty.

            Ms. Jaquith asked if the Fire Department will be looking for more equipment.  Ms. Pitari stated that the remaining truck has radiator repair work in the 2006 budget.  The Committee discussed the possibility of keeping the used ladder a few more years if it is working well.

            Mr. Simard mentioned that Upper Beech Street has been having a wild-life problem.  8 skunks have been trapped earlier and today they got 3 raccoons and a skunk.  They have hired a trapper and it costs $50.00 per animal.  He asked if they can get any help from the Town.  Mr. Preble asked if we can charge the apartment house there for all the false alarms.  Mr. Denning answered that they have given that some thought but it is really an enforcement issue.  Mr. Simard needs to bring his problem to the Selectmen.  Mr. Bowie stated that the Fish and Game will trap wild animals and Mr. Simard stated that it is the Fish and Game that they have.  Ms. Pitari said that she has had a bear and 4 cubs in her yard recently.

NEXT MEETING:  The next meeting will be on September 11.  We shall have both the Highway and the Public Works in for updates.

With no other business, P. Simard made a motion, second by A. Bowie, to adjourn at 7:50 pm.

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

                                                            Jan Laferriere, secretary