BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES
January 29, 2007
APPROVED AS AMENDED:
2/5/07 jrl____
AGENDA: Deliberations on the Proposed 2007 Budget.
ATTENDING: Archie Auger (Chairman), Dorcas Gordon (Vice Chairman), Joe Denning
(Selectmen’s Representative), Albert “Skip” Bowie, Dave Carr, Darla Jaquith, Catherine Pitari, Ron Preble, Paul Simard, Jon Thouin, Richie Walenda, Tom Winn.
ABSENT: Don Kimball
OTHERS: Barry Wingate (Police Chief), Mark Bucklin (Highway Superintendent),
Jeff Chartier (Water/Sewer Superintendent), Elizabeth Corrow (Town
Manager), Raymah Simpson (Town Clerk/Tax Collector), Norman
Skantze (Fire Chief), Debbie Gilbert (Librarian), Steve Favorite
(Selectman)
The meeting opened at 7:02 p.m.
MINUTES OF JANUARY 22, 2007: One amendment was made: Page 7, first full paragraph, 7th line, after “General Fund” change to read “unless set up as a revolving land use fund or a special revenue fund.”
D. Gordon made a motion, second by D. Jaquith, to accept the minutes as amended. The motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE: None.
PROPOSED 2007 BUDGET: Mr. Auger asked that the Committee determine salaries for the current positions first. Discussion started with the current full-time employees. The proposed budget shows 12 weeks at the current salary and 3 ½% over the current salary for 40 weeks. Mr. Auger explained that the increase is about $52,000 - $53,000 in all. Mr. Carr asked if the Town Manager comes under the new positions and Mr. Auger said that it does. Mr. Denning stated that he understands that the policy is that an employee must be here for one year before getting a raise. Ms. Jaquith stated that the Town Manager came in October and Mr. Auger said that this is why we shall be looking at new positions separately.
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2007 PROPOSED SALARY INCREASES:
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by D. Jaquith, to ACCEPT 3 ½% FOR THE FULL TIME EMPLOYEES.
Ms. Jaquith pointed out that there is a significant increase for the Fire Chief. Mr. Auger stated that the Budget Committee can recommend a percentage increase but we cannot dictate how it is distributed. Ms. Pitari stated that she understands that this is to be a cola and not based on merit. Ms. Corrow stated that it is for a cola this year and next year she shall look at implementing a merit. 99% will be a cola. This would be approving a 3 ½% pool. Mr. Denning felt that the Selectmen went with 3 ½% but not just a cola. Mr. Thouin asked where we talk about FICA, Medical, etc. Mr. Auger stated that these come under benefits. Ms. Jaquith asked about Chief Wingate’s position once he leaves. Mr. Auger stated that they do not have to use it all but they might.
The vote was called and it CARRIED: 10 for, 0 opposed, 1 abstention
Mr. Auger then called for FICA and Medical and said that they are fixed. Also retirement which is fixed according to what they are paid. He mentioned that Police he believes are 12%, Fire 14% and the regular employees are at 6 or 7%.
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by D. Jaquith, to ACCEPT THE BENEFITS FOR THE FULL TIME EMPLOYEES AS PRESENTED.
Mr. Carr stated that there is to be a sizeable increase in July for these. Mr. Preble asked about the increase and Mr. Auger stated it is in the budget.
The vote CARRIED: 10 for, 0 opposed, 1 abstention.
Mr. Auger stated that he would like to do the Part-time employees with the same approach. Ms. Corrow stated that all positions are at 3 ½% except for the Budget/Planning/Zoning secretary. This is set at $13.00 an hour and with a rounded increase of hours. Mr. Walenda asked about holiday pay for part-time people if they work it. Mr. Auger stated that it is not in the budget. He determined that the crossing guards, transfer station, library and beach have part-time people. He agreed that if they work over 40 hours, they should get over-time. Mr. Walenda said that a few years back, the State Labor Board made the town pay time and a half for employees working on a holiday. Mr. Denning said that he, personally, agrees with Mr. Walenda but the Selectmen have not talked about this except to no longer open the transfer station on holidays; it is open the day after instead. Mr. Auger mentioned that this does not include Call people. Ms. Corrow added that the library has some extra hours also.
The vote CARRIED: 10 for, 1 opposed, 0 abstentions.
Mr. Auger called for FICA and Medical for the part-time employees.
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by C. Pitari, to ACCEPT THE BENEFITS FOR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES AS PRESENTED.
The vote CARRIED: 10 for, 0 opposed, 1 abstention.
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2007 PROPOSED BUDGET DELIBERATIONS continued:
Mr. Auger addressed Call people next. He explained that some exceed 3 ½%. He has been told that the reason is that many have not received an increase in some time. The lump figure is about an increase of $33,000. There are 30 people listed. Mr. Carr stated that the average for 2006 was $9.46 and the increase brings the average to $11.35; an increase of about 24%. Mr. Thouin pointed out that line #4220-190 shows what was and what is now proposed. Mr. Carr stated that his numbers came from the break-down of the individual people that we were given.
(Mr. Simard arrived at this time)
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by C. Pitari, to ACCEPT THE PROPOSED SALARIES FOR THE CALL PEOPLE.
Mr. Carr felt that if we hold all the others to 3 ½%, it is only fair to do the same here.
Ms. Jaquith stated that she would normally agree but these people have not had an increase as the others have. Ms. Gordon asked if any benefits are paid and Ms. Corrow stated that FICA and Medicare are paid. Mr. Wynn stated that they pay the Crossing Guards $10.00 and some of the call people only get $7.50 and they put their lives on the line. Mr. Walenda felt that they would have done better if they did not have too many chiefs. A discussion followed for determining which figures to use. Mr. Auger asked if there will still be increases in certification and Ms. Corrow answered that there would be. Mr. Auger mentioned the $6500 for the overall salary study and felt that the percentage should be even for the whole town and let the study adjust things next year. Ms. Gordon asked if we are really being asked for $40,000 and Mr. Auger answered that we are pretty much. Mr. Denning reminded everyone that these people have not had a raise in awhile. The salary study is a two-edged sword and will be adjusted. However, he has a real problem with how things are for what they are expected to do. We need a level playing field. Mr. Simard mentioned an ad for a Fire Chief for a town of 15,000 people with a staff of 3 full time, 1 full time Administrator, and 47 call people. He took an average of 38 communities and found the average is $70.00 a person. Ours would be $220,950 so we spend more. Mr. Simard agreed that what these people do is admirable. Ms. Jaquith asked how the Chief determined the increases. Mr. Auger stated that he brought his proposals to Ms. Corrow. Mr. Skantze added that he used the salaries of other call firemen. Ms. Jaquith felt that we should still improve these increases as we have our other employees and wait for the study to adjust the positions. Ms. Corrow said she is using a pay classification study and is in favor of the increases as the alternative is to pay overtime. The volume of calls must be compared to other towns when determining the overall figures. Ms. Gordon stated that the increase in calls would be connected to overtime. Mr. Denning stated that 47 volunteers is 31% in a community of 15000.
The vote CARRIED: 7 for, 3 opposed, 2 abstentions.
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by D. Jaquith, to ACCEPT FICA AND MEDICARE FOR CALL EMPLOYEES AS PRESENTED.
The vote CARRIED: 10 for, 0 opposed, 2 abstentions
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2007 PROPOSED BUDGET DELIBERATIONS continued:
NEW POSITIONS:
Mr. Auger brought up the Health/Code Enforcement Officer, #4152-190
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by D. Jaquith, to MOVE $39,000 FOR THIS POSITION.
Mr. Walenda asked what kind of experience and education will be asked for this position. Mr. Auger directed him to the sheet the Committee has been given. Ms. Corrow read off some of them and added that she is looking for experience with a background in Code Enforcement. Mr. Walenda stated that a person must be well educated in order to know what is needed. He used Plumbing as an example and how, if the person does not know what he is doing, certain fumes could be dangerous. Mr. Auger stated that the new person must follow what is legal in Bristol. Ms. Corrow stated that he/she would not be a Building Inspector, but rather a Land Use person. She used the Planning Board for example in which this person would look at the applications first and would also follow up on them. The person would deal with Zoning and Health issues.
Mr. Simard asked how many permits were given out last year. Ms. Corrow and Ms. Laferriere felt that there were a good 200. The problems now are lack of communication and follow-through. Mr. Walenda said that the State enforces Plumbing and Electrical Inspectors. Mr. Bowie explained that if we have a Code Enforcement Officer, the State will send an inspector. If we say we have a Building Permit Officer, they will not send anyone. Ms. Corrow agreed and said that this is the reason she is calling it a Land Use Officer. Ms. Jaquith asked about it being a full time position and asked if it can’t start as part time. Ms. Corrow stated that the person would also drive around to check people without permits or if they are doing something other than what the permit provides. If the town decides to go for Building Codes, this person could help set it up. Mr. Auger felt that this person should have educational expertise. Mr. Simard asked about fines and fees. Ms. Corrow stated that the State laws allow fines of $250.00 a day. We may just give the property owner so many days in which to comply but can go after the fines and penalties if they refuse to comply. Mr. Auger added that the fines are assigned by the court. Ms. Corrow stated that you would go to the District Court first and often a compromise is reached at that level. Mr. Carr asked if there is an income factor and Ms. Corrow stated that there is but this is more about compliance. Mr. Preble asked who determines that a case goes to court. Ms. Corrow stated that the Land Use Officer would bring it to the Town Manager and they would determine if all avenues have been tried. The Board of Selectmen might be involved in a large case. Mr. Walenda suggested she call the State Plumbers Board as the town is responsible. Ms. Jaquith asked if other towns of our size and nature have this position. Ms. Corrow stated that most usually have a Land Use Officer and a Planner. She did not feel that we needed that at this time and is combining the position with Health Officer. Ms. Gordon is in support of good planning for the town. She would like to see more implementation of the Master Plan. Mr. Thouin added that enforcement is important. Mr. Wynn agreed adding that it protects the town and the people.
The vote was CARRIED: 11 for, 1 opposed, 0 abstentions.
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2007 PROPOSED BUDGET DELIBERATIONS:
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by D. Jaquith, to ACCEPT FICA AND MEDICARE FOR THIS POSITION.
The vote CARRIED: 11 for, 1 opposed, 0 abstentions.
The Fire Department Clerk, #4220-195, was discussed next.
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by D. Jaquith, to ACCEPT THE $10,000 FOR THIS POSITION AS WELL AS THE ACCOMPANYING FICA AND MEDICARE.
Ms. Corrow stated that this is not a new concept as it has come up in previous years. The department has had one person out on a medical disability and the Chief has had to fill in. It is for 20 hours a week with only FICA and Medicare. The person will be looking at ambulance billing and what is coming in. Mr. Wynn asked if it would be okay for him to speak as his daughter, Maggie, works there. He was given permission and he stated that Maggie does most of it now. She may have 4 or 5 calls of 2 hours, then she is off 2 days plus they have what they call Kelly days. This results in a lack of continuity. It is too much for the Chief to do what with all the State requirements that have been added. Mr. Walenda felt that there are a bunch of fulltime help who would have time to do this. Ms. Gordon asked if the Ambulance billing is under contract. Ms. Corrow explained that we generate the paperwork and then Comstar bills. Mr. Preble suggested that this person be a civilian. Mr. Simard mentioned that the last time we had part time people, the town ended up having to make them full time. What will keep this from being full time after the first year. Ms. Corrow stated that the Budget Committee would be a part of any change. Mr. Carr asked if the position would be under the Town Manager or the Fire Chief. Ms. Corrow stated that it would be under the Fire Chief and she is over him. Mr. Walenda feels that it will be full time by next year. Ms. Pitari stated that she doubts that. She has contacted other departments who do this. She did admit that it could eventually evolve into full time. Not having this position makes the paperwork a hit or miss because of the interrupting calls. Mr. Auger stated that this comes to about $10.00 an hour and asked if it will be looked at by the salary study. Ms. Corrow believed that Mr. Auger is right and it will be included. Mr. Bowie stated that the paperwork says $12.50 an hour with a labor grade 8, step 1. Mr. Auger agreed. Mr. Carr asked Ms. Corrow if, in her short time of being here, does she think this will do the job. Ms. Corrow answered that it will help alleviate problems with bookkeeping. It will do the Maintenance Log as he would like. Ms. Pitari felt that the Chief will have a job description for the things that Ms. Corrow needs.
The vote CARRIED: 8 for, 3 opposed, 1 abstention.
Mr. Auger brought up Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability for full time employees next.
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by D. Jaquith, to ACCEPT BOTH LIFE INSURANCE AND SHORT-TERM DISABILITY AS PRESENTED.
Mr. Auger asked the total cost amounts for these. Ms. Corrow stated that it comes to $2,825.52 for Life Insurance and $10,750.60 for Short-Term Disability. Mr. Auger stated that it is approximately $13,500. Mr. Walenda asked who pays and Mr. Auger said that the town does.
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2007 BUDGET DELIBERATIONS, Insurances continued:
Ms. Corrow stated that there is Worker’s Compensation when someone gets hurt on the job. The Short-term Disability is when someone gets hurt elsewhere and can’t work. They currently use sick time for this. Mr. Simard asked if they have to expend their sick time before using the short-term disability insurance. He was told that they do not. Mr. Denning thought the opposite. He stated that they usually get 60% of their pay for about 13 weeks. Mr. Simard stated that, normally, a company requires that they use their sick time first. Ms. Corrow said that it is sometimes done that way. This kicks in on the second day after an accident or 10 days after an illness starts. She would suggest that the Selectmen set this up along with sick time. Mr. Denning said that it is not automatic. Ms. Jaquith asked about it only being 60% and Ms. Corrow said that it is usually about 2/3rds. The employee could supplement it with sick time. Ms. Jaquith asked if the fee is based on claims and Ms. Corrow said no. The Disability is based on salary and the Life Insurance is a flat fee. Ms. Jaquith asked about other towns and Ms. Corrow said that many have short and long-term disability but she did not see the need of both. Mr. Auger felt that the number of sick days needs to be studied and Ms. Corrow agreed.
The motion CARRIED: 11 for, 1 opposed, 0 abstentions.
A 2-minute break was taken.
EXECUTIVE:
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by D. Jaquith, to ACCEPT THE SELECTMEN’S PROPOSAL AS PRESENTED.
Mr. Simard asked what the note is that is on the Town Manager line. Ms. Corrow stated that $6,400 is to be reimbursed by Water/Sewer.
Mr. Carr asked for a breakdown of line #130 Selectmen. It was determined that the Chairman gets $300. and the rest is divided among the 5. P. Simard made a MOTION, second by D. Jaquith, to AMEND THIS LINE TO $15,300. The amendment CARRIED: 11 for, 0 opposed, 1 abstention.
Mr. Carr asked about #201 Merit Pay. Ms. Corrow explained that the $1500 is a pool to recognize an employee who performs over and above their job. Mr. Simard asked if this is reduced to $1.00, could they find the money in another line. Ms. Corrow said that this might be possible but she is not sure what is going to happen so she cannot say for sure. She would feel more comfortable if we have an amount in this line.
Mr. Carr asked if line #230 Retirement is for one person. Ms. Corrow answered that it is and is for her. The previous Town Administer had his own retirement.
Mr. Thouin asked about line #200 Pay Classification Study. Ms. Corrow stated that it covers all employees except Water and Sewer.
Ms. Jaquith asked about line #810 New Equipment. Ms. Corrow stated that this is for 2 computers and virus and Adobe updates for the Selectmen’s Office.
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2007 PROPOSED BUDGET DELIBERATIONS, EXECUTIVE continued:
Mr. Walenda stated that the Town Manager has a secretary now. Ms. Corrow explained that Ms. Alpers was working half of the time as Welfare Director and half the time as Selectmen’s Secretary. She is still doing this but is now located in Ms. Corrow’s office area. Nothing else has changed.
Mr. Simard asked for an explanation of #690 Selectmen’s Expense and #691 Administrator’s Expense. Ms. Corrow stated that the Selectmen use theirs for things like flowers, etc. and $875 is for $25.00 gift certificates for holidays. $500 is for the Summertime picnic, $125 for Chief Wingate’s retirement party room and $125 for a retirement gift. $375 is for holiday platters. Mr. Walenda feels that the Town Manager has expensive taste. Mr. Denning stated that the Selectmen have done longevity bonuses in the past. He added that a great many of the employees did extra, especially those who helped with our emergencies.
Mr. Simard again addressed #201 Merit Pay, and asked if there is any criteria for this. Ms. Corrow stated that she goes by the Department Head recommendation. It has to be over and above their normal duties.
Mr. Auger addressed #110 Town Manager and asked if the salary listed is the same. Ms. Corrow stated that it is based on her contract but she could get a raise in October. Mr. Auger asked about the percentage and was told that, according to her contract, a raise is to be 4%. Mr. Denning stated that the Selectmen looked at a general range and wanted to lure Ms. Corrow from Plymouth. He feels that they made a good choice. Mr. Auger asked if the position will be included in the wage study and Ms. Corrow said that it will. Ms. Jaquith asked about her contract and was told that it is a 3-year contract which is renewable and includes a 4% raise each year. She came at the same salary that she had been making. Mr. Simard asked, where this is a separate arrangement, will it be locked to the 3.5% we voted on. Mr. Auger felt that it will not as this is amended.
The vote as amended CARRIED: 10 for, 1 opposed, 1 abstention.
ERV:
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by D. Jaquith, to ACCEPT THE SELECTMEN’S PROPOSAL AS PRESENTED.
D. Carr made an AMENDMENT, second by R. Walenda, to REDUCE LINE #810 NEW EQUIPMENT TO $400. Mr. Carr felt that we could get along without the voting machine, which Ms. Simpson stated was for $6500. The motion CARRIED: 7 for, 5 opposed, 0 abstentions.
The original motion as amended was voted on and CARRIED: 10 for, 2 opposed, 0 abstentions.
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION:
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by R. Preble, to ACCEPT THE SELECTMEN’S PROPOSAL AS PRESENTED.
With no comments, the vote CARRIED: 10 for, 2 opposed, 0 abstentions.
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2007 PROPOSED BUDGET DELIBERATIONS continued:
PROP. REAPPRAISAL:
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by D. Jaquith, to ACCEPT THE SELECTMEN’S PROPOSAL AS PRESENTED.
Mr. Carr mentioned that Assessing has been put out for bid and asked if this is for a new contract. Ms. Corrow said that it is.
The vote CARRIED: 11 for, 1 opposed, 0 abstentions.
GEN. GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS:
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by D. Jaquith, to ACCEPT THE SELECTMEN’S PROPOSAL AS PRESENTED.
D. Carr made a MOTION, second by R. Walenda, to AMMEND THE MOTION TO REDUCE LINE #812 PUBLIC ACCESS TO $0. Mr. Carr feels that the quality is poor and you never know when things are on. Also, this is a significant increase this year. Mr. Bowie asked if the School isn’t paying some now and Ms. Corrow stated that they are. Mr. Denning feels that it is one of the most watched programs. He added that Mr. Carr is right when he says that we have no control. It would cost another $13,000 and we could own it ourselves. He sees that folks have been for this. Mr. Simard wanted to know what the increase gets us. Mr. Walenda objected to its’ advertising a Bed and Breakfast; that this is a misuse of it. Mr. Auger suggested that the Town Manager look into that. Mr. Bowie asked if the tapes get edited and was told that they do not. Ms. Gordon stated that she does not love it as it stands but some do. The amendment was voted on and was DEFEATED: 1 for, 7 opposed, 4 abstentions.
Mr. Wynn brought up line #431 Radio Site Maintenance. He stated that the tower is in terrible condition. T. Wynn made a MOTION, second by R. Preble, to AMEND LINE #431 TO $10,000. Mr. Wynn stated that a number of things need to be addressed as the site is a mess. It is not going to last forever. Mr. Carr asked if there is any Capital Reserve for this and Mr. Wynn could not tell. Mr. Carr preferred to see a study done: to re-do or look into the site just over the hill from it. Mr. Wynn believes that a study already exists. Chief Wingate stated that he provided that last year for just with the antenna and it was for a total of $168,000 then. Ms. Jaquith felt that the Selectmen need to get more direction on this. Mr. Denning stated that the Selectmen’s goal was to maintain the budget. The amendment was DEFEATED: 1 for, 7 opposed, 4 abstentions.
Mr. Carr asked if #190 Radio Site Custodian is a contract or comes under the 3 ½% increase. Ms. Corrow stated that it is an annual fee. Mr. Bowie stated that Roger Pederson has done this and it is treated the same as the Town Clock.
The original motion was voted on and CARRIED: 11 for, 0 opposed, 1 abstention.
POLICE:
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by T. Wynn, to ACCEPT THE SELECTMEN’S RECOMMENDATION AS PRINTED.
With no comments, the motion CARRIED: 10 for, 2 opposed, 0 abstentions.
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2007 PROPOSED BUDGET DELIBERATIONS continued:
OUTSIDE DETAILS:
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by D. Jaquith, to ACCEPT THE SELECTMEN’S RECOMMENDATION AS PRESENTED.
Mr. Walenda asked what this is used for and Mr. Auger explained that it covers construction projects, games, etc. Mr. Corrow explained that we have to set an amount and there is a revenue reimbursement.
The motion CARRIED: 10 for, 1 opposed, 0 abstentions (Ms. Pitari had left).
FIRE:
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by T. Wynn, to ACCEPT THE SELECTMEN’S RECOMMENDATION AS PRESENTED.
Mr. Thouin asked if Capital Equipment is outside of this budget and was told that it is.
Mr. Walenda asked about the $7,000 raise for the Chief which is not here.
Ms. Jaquith asked about line #391 Training which has a large increase. She asked if any requirements or costs have been given. Chief Skantze stated that it is in the detail. Ms. Corrow thought that the Committee had this. She added that they have not created a policy yet. Ms. Jaquith stated that what we got has no cost attached. Mr. Bowie added that, in looking at last year, this is quite a jump. P. Simard made a MOTION, second by A. Bowie, to AMEND #391 TRAINING TO $10,000. Mr. Simard feels that this is reasonable as it is has never been so much. Ms. Jaquith stated that what we have shows what is wanted but we still need a policy. She wants to be sure that the $10,000 covers State requirements, she added. Mr. Wynn wanted to hear what the $19,000 asked for will do. Ms. Corrow said that it includes a couple of certifications for EMS. The amendment CARRIED: 7 for, 2 opposed, 1 abstention. Ms. Jaquith suggested that the Selectmen can let us know what this includes specifically.
Ms. Gordon asked how #432 Station Maintenance dovetails to the $30,000 asked for under Capital Equipment. Chief Skantze answered that this is for painting the outside and other ordinary maintenance.
Mr. Walenda asked how many cell phones they have and why. Mr. Skantze answered that they have 4 and they are used for communication. Mr. Walenda said that they have radios in their vehicles. Mr. Skantze stated that they use the cell phones to notify the hospital when coming in to it and also at fires when they are away from their vehicles. Mr. Denning stated that they used them a lot this summer during the emergency. Mr. Walenda felt that it seemed high for just 4 cell phones. Mr. Skantze stated that they stay within the plan and Mr. Denning thought that the plan is about $50.00 a month for each.
The amended motion was voted and CARRIED: 9 for, 2 opposed, 0 abstentions.
FORESTRY:
D. Jaquith made a MOTION, second by J. Denning, to ACCEPT THE SELECTMEN’S RECOMMENDATION AS PRESENTED.
With no comments, the motion CARRIED: 10 for, 0 opposed, 1 abstention.
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2007 PROPOSED BUDGET DELIBERATIONS continued:
CROSSING GUARDS:
J. Denning made a MOTION, second by D. Jaquith, to ACCEPT THE SELECTMEN’S RECOMMENDATION AS PRESENTED.
The vote CARRIED: 10 for, 0 opposed, 1 abstention.
NEXT WEEK AND OTHER ITEMS:
At this time, Mr. Auger stated that next week we shall finish the whole budget. Mr. Simard asked if we shall have the warrant articles then and if we can get them before the meeting. Mr. Auger felt that we should and explained that all money warrant articles come before the Board for their recommendation.
Mr. Walenda stated that the budget is confusing as it is stapled for left-handers.
Ms. Corrow distributed Bond information and material on an EPA Grant which is 100% reimbursable. She stated that the Central Street bridge is in the operating budget under bridges. The cost is 4.5million with 80% reimbursed by the State. We will need 2/3rds. The Rural Development Grant is for Water and Sewer for $407,000 with $303,000 to be reimbursed by DES. Ms. Corrow stated that we also need to rescind part of an old bond that was created (all but the town’s share) as this limits the town’s bonding ability. Mr. Denning felt that the last sentence in regard to the Central St. bridge needs rewording.
Ms. Corrow mentioned the Ladder Truck that is in Capital Equipment and stated that there is $50,000 in Capital Reserve. Mr. Auger asked where and she stated that it is in the budget. She stated that the Board of Selectmen is awaiting recommendations from the Budget Committee to recommend what should be warrant articles. Mr. Auger stated that the Budget Committee needs to know what they want for warrant articles and how they want them done. RSA32 says that they are to give these to the Budget Committee when they are asked. Mr. Denning asked if they want the $50,000 in a separate warrant. Mr. Auger explained that this is not up to the Budget Committee but up to the Selectmen. A discussion followed. Ms. Corrow thought that how the Selectmen want to do this is at the very end. Mr. Denning asked if next week the Budget Committee gives the Selectmen what they recommend. Mr. Auger again stated that the Selectmen need to give the Budget Committee their recommendation so that we can present it at the budget hearing. He suggested that the Town Manager re-read RSA32. Mr. Denning asked if a warrant article for $50,000 for the Capital Improvement Plan would do. Ms. Gordon stated that the Selectmen can decide to put it in the budget. They just need to decide if it is in a warrant article or in the budget. Ms. Gordon used the pier as an example, stating that this could be a warrant article if they decided. Mr. Bowie added that we took the pier out of the budget so they can make it a warrant article if they choose. Mr. Carr stated that anything of significance may be put in a warrant article but it is up to the Selectmen to determine.
Mr. Simard referred to the bond that needs to be rescinded and asked if a vote takes it off the table and do we need a simple majority. Mr. Auger thought that a majority vote could do this.
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OTHER ITEMS continued:
Mr. Walenda stated that he got backlash yesterday at the Selectmen’s meeting for how the Budget Committee voted on the pier; this is on camera and he did not think it was appropriate. Mr. Auger explained that this cannot be brought up here as we can only deal with money items.
With no other comments, P. Simard made a motion, second by J. Denning, to adjourn at 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Laferriere, recording secretary