Town of Bristol
Budget Committee Minutes
December 10, 2007
APPROVED ON: 12/17/2007 as amended
ATTENDED: Archie Auger (Chairman), Dorcas Gordon (Vice Chairman), Skip
Bowie, Ron Preble, Richard Walenda, David Carr, Andrew
Hemmingway, Tom Winn Paul Simard, Jon Thouin,and Diane
Marden (Secretary).
ABSENT: Joe Denning (Selectmen’s Rep.), and Catherine Pitari were
excused. There remains one vacant position on the committee.
OTHERS PRESENT: Elizabeth Corrow (Town Manager), John Clark (Chief of Police),
Michael Lewis (Lt. Bristol PD), Gaylene Salmon (Admin. Assistant
BPD), Robert Dupuis (Srgt. BPD), Andrew Magdich (Srgt. BPD),
and two other members of the Bristol Police Department were
observing.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:59 p.m., the meeting
was video taped for LRPA.
Minutes of December 6, 2007
Chairman Auger asked committee members to review the minutes of December 6, 2007. Andrew Hemmingway made the motion to accept the minutes as written. Tom Winn seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED There were three abstentions Dorcas Gordon, Paul Simard, and Jon Thouin for not being present at this meeting.
Correspondence
Chairman Auger reported to the committee that they have received Darla Jaquith’s letter of resignation in writing. Mr. Auger passed the letter around the table for members to read. The letter was then given to the Town Manager, Elizabeth Corrow for proper filing of the document.
Overview of the Bristol Police Department
Chairman Auger introduced Police Chief, John Clark to budget committee members. Chief Clark introduced his staff present at the meeting, and explained he would be doing a power point presentation to present his 2008 Budget. Mr. Clark handed out the presentation in paper format for the committee to follow along with his presentation.
Overview of the Bristol Police Department Continued
Chief Clark explained the Bristol Police Departments mission statement to the budget committee. Mr. Clark stated it is the mission of the BPD to provide services with integrity and dedication, to preserve life, enhance community safety, to enforce the law, and to work in a constant partnership with the community of Bristol.
Mr. Clark stated presently 10 to 15 thousand cars per day travel Rt. 104, and currently Bristol is the third busiest department within the Plymouth Dispatch Region. Mr. Clark stated he has been working with the Town Manager on parking around town, and have made some changes to better the parking situation. Dorcas Gordon asked how many towns were in the Plymouth Dispatch Region? Mr. Clark stated seven or eight towns were in the Dispatch Region.
Chief Clark reviewed the 2007 Case Activity Statistics through November of 2007. The total offenses committed was 810, total felonies 54, total arrests 281, total protective custody 87, total number of motor vehicle accidents 81, total number of motor vehicle stops 2538, 84 parking tickets were issued, and the total number of calls for service was 9,168.
Mr. Clark explained the 2006 verses the 2007 Arrest Statistics through November of 2007 were as follows: Arrests were up, Felonies were up, and Juvenile Crimes have decreased. Mr. Clark stated things are remaining somewhat consistent, and this is the first time the department has been fully staffed.
Mr. Clark reviewed the 2006 verses the 2007 Motor Vehicle Statistics through November 2007. This reviewed the summons, warnings, and parking issues within Bristol. Mr. Clark stated he is proud of his department for keeping the numbers down. Mr. Clark said he is pleased that the department received a $5,000 grant allowing them to do additional radar enforcement. He stated he is happy with the proactive attitude and education the officers use to provide safety to the public.
Chief Clark reviewed the departments 2007 Monthly Statistics stating September is the transitional month where some are going home, others are returning to school, and some are living in the area a few days per week. Mr. Clark stated it is difficult to get their hands around that population, not to count the employee’s commuting to Frudenburg daily, and from other towns through the school district.
Current Responsibilities and Needs of the Bristol Police Department
Chief Clark stated the department deals with a number of Domestic Violence cases. Mr. Clark stated the statistics from Plymouth District Family Court for Bristol Cases Only during 2007 was 26 Domestic Violence Cases and 3 Stalking Cases. Mr. Clark explained that 64 Bristol Cases were handled by Voices Against Violence, and a total of 30 Domestic Violence Orders have been served by the department.
Current Responsibilities and Needs of the Bristol Police Department Continued
Chief Clark stated Domestic Violence is an ongoing issue, and he will not tolerate it within the community.
Mr. Clark stated Bristol is also starting to see some new crimes in Bristol such as Cyber Crime. Crimes that are committed with the use of a computer through My Space, Face Book, and other Instant Messaging software. The department has had to deal with stalking and harassment issues, Youth Related Activities, Fraud, and dealing with Internet predators. Mr. Clark stated this is not only happening across the country, but here in Bristol as well. Mr. Clark stated 52% of Bristol’s population consist of senior citizens, and often they are the primary targets. Mr. Clark stated these are lengthily and time consuming investigations, and often very difficult to prosecute.
Chief Clark explained that Drug and Related Activities are seen not only in Bristol but regionally as well. Mr. Clark stated the department does work with other departments regarding these issues. Chief Clark stated Mr. Dupuis has a vast background in drug enforcement and working with the task force. Mr. Clark stated a lot of it consists of developing informants, developing strategies to do investigations, working with people, looking at lesser offenses, and it also includes money. Mr. Clark stated you can not do drug investigations without buying drugs. Mr. Clark stated other crimes are also associated with thefts, items that are stolen, and then turned over for drugs. Mr. Clark stated he was going to let Sergeant Dupuis speak relative to these types of investigations.
Sergeant Dupuis stated presently the Bristol Police Department does not have the equipment necessary to process a crime scene. Mr. Dupuis explained the casting equipment required to take a casting of a tire track or the putty to place in a door jam is not available to them currently. Mr. Dupuis stated one of the first things done when the police arrive at a scene is to take pictures, and presently their equipment is more than inadequate to do what is necessary. Mr. Dupuis handed out a photograph from one of the camera’s the department currently has showing the inability to get enough detail. Mr. Dupuis then handed out another photograph showing the difference in the amount of detail.
Mr. Dupuis stated when they go to a crime scene to dust for fingerprints they take the print, then bag it, and send it off to the State Police Crime Unit for processing. Mr. Dupuis stated the turn around is approximately 4 years, unless it has to do with a homicide. Mr. Dupuis explained with the right equipment, it would be put into the bag, chemically lifted, then photographed, and sent to the forensic laboratory. Then they could tell us in a few weeks if we have a suspect. Mr. Dupuis stated the responsibility to the community is certainly not waiting four years to assist them. Mr. Dupuis added that we also have inadequate storage for items that have been confiscated or for items being held for a variety reasons.
Current Responsibilities and Needs of the Bristol Police Department Continued
Chief Clark stated the department deals with gun related or weapons related calls for service on a regular basis. Mr. Clark stated the department consistently work on gaining intelligence to acquire information pertaining potentially violent people. Workplace violence is at the peak concern of the department, and school related violence as well as we had a young girl who was followed out into the woods. This resulted in an additional 32 calls the following week surrounding stalking and other issues. Chief Clark again stated we have a responsibility to this community.
Chief Clark stated as I talk about school issues its not just Bristol but it is all over the country. Mr. Clark stated it is our responsibility to meet the needs of our schools, deal with the drug and alcohol abuse within the schools, any criminal activity that may occur in the schools, and respond to the family crisis if need be. Mr. Clark stated we are fortunate in Bristol, we have a close family network, the other communities look to Bristol. Mr. Clark stated he and the Town Manager are working on ways to get more on board with surrounding communities. Chief Clark stated there is 1,285 students in our school buildings each and every day.
Chief Clark stated historically the Police Department has turned funds back to the Town. Mr. Clark stated hopefully this year we will come in under budget, but what I can tell you is that we will not be handing funds back to the town. Mr. Clark continued saying not when I have police officers in need of technology, personal training and equipment. In the past, these issues have not been properly addressed or maintained to the minimum standards causing these areas to suffer greatly due to inadequate funding. Mr. Clark stated one officer went into his cruiser to get a riffle, and it fell apart in his hands. I personally got into my vehicle after being here for three weeks and the console caught on fire. The police department needs to do their job, and the equipment necessary to do the job, and we need the support. Mr. Clark stated this year the Police Department is coming in with a 2.9% increase this year, and we are not asking for any new personnel. We are only asking for the things needing to be addressed.
Chief Clark stated partnerships are essential within a community. Mr. Clark explained these partnerships have applied for grant funding this year these include the schools, Lions Club, Community Center, the AARP, and a variety of others. We are working on a mutual aid agreement with surrounding communities. Mr. Clark stated he appreciated the budget committee listening to the background of the Police Department, and now wishes to discuss the 2008 budget.
Police Department 2008 Proposed Budget
Chief Clark asked Budget Committee members to look at line 01-4210-140 entitled Overtime. Mr. Clark stated he is requesting $25,000 in overtime this year. He stated the overtime budget is currently $15,000, and to date $48,534.92 has been expended from this line item.
Police Department Overtime Continued
Chief Clark stated in 2006, $15,000 was budgeted and the actual was $20,983.38. In 2005, budgeted was $12,000 and actual was $26,109, and in 2004 $12,000 was budgeted and the actual was $23,937. Mr. Clark stated for three years it has been overspent, and it is his responsibility to address the issue. Paul Simard stated the overtime of $25,000 was spent in lieu of hiring new officers in order to allow the Chief to hire his own staff.
Andrew Hemmingway asked if this is because the department has not been staffed properly until now? Mr. Clark stated as far as his knowledge goes he really has not gone back any further than 2004. Mr. Clark stated in the past it appears that part-time Officers’ were used, and that should not be happening. Mr. Clark stated part-time officers’ in 2006 was budgeted for $12,000 and $16,596.14 was spent, in 2005 the budgeted amount was $12,480 and $10,273 was spent, and in 2004 $12,480 and $19,396 had been spent. Mr. Clark stated a Resource Officer offset the 2005 Budgeted expense, although he is unaware of what that position entailed.
Paul Simard stated last year the budget was overspent but a lot of that overage went towards hiring Chief Clark. Mr. Clark stated lets look at those issues now Mr. Simard. Chief Clark stated there was a lack of staffing in 2007 starting with the department was down without a chief for approximately 12 weeks ($14,538). Then down two Sergeants for 31 weeks ($26,500). Down a patrolman for 12 weeks during an internal investigation, at $17.00 per hour and health care cost the town $8,160 plus health care. This all contributed to other officers having to cover shifts, during this time officers’ were working 16 hours per day to cover the calls of service. A department that has four supervisors only had a Lieutenant for just about half the year, and this should clearly outline the reasons for being over budget.
Andrew Hemmingway asked how this line item is historically funded, how is this determined? Chief Clark stated overtime should reflect no more than 10% of the entire Budget. It has never been budget before because of items like the 4th of July, Old Home Day, the Marathon, and a variety of other events we cover. Mr. Clark stated he looked at what was needed, what shifts need to be filled, and what the days off were for each employee. Chief Clark stated we are not just patrolling, we are answering calls for service, and a variety of other things. We try to run two officers during the day, one doing investigations, and the other patrolling. Sometimes we have up to three officer’s on during the day. Paul Simard asked if it would be possible to have a copy of the schedule? Chief Clark stated certainly. Lt. Michael Lewis handed out copies of the schedule to budget committee members, and explained the format used.
Chief Clark stated it needs to be noted that overtime must also be used to cover shifts, when Officers use their accrued time off. Mr. Clark continued saying shift coverage can not be left unfilled, adequate coverage, and safe officer response needs to be considered first. There are options to this staffing issue but shifts need to be covered accordingly.
Police Department 2008 Proposed Budget
Chief Clark stated relative to line item 01-4210-141 entitled Outside Detail it has been traditionally budgeted for $10,000. Mr. Clark stated we would like to propose that this become a revolving (in/out) account. This would allow the account to be self sustaining as outside details are covered throughout the year. Mr. Clark stated this year we will be addressing the water/sewer issues for example.
Chief Clark reviewed line item 01-4210-142 entitled Investigations with the Budget Committee. Chief Clark stated this is what he was referring to earlier, and they are requesting $3,000 for this line item. Mr. Clark stated this amount would cover the costs of drug investigations, supplies and other costs associated with investigations. Due to the local concern in drug related crimes and the evidence that we have a significant amount of drug related crimes both stemming from DWI arrests, domestic violence, inclusive of the potential drug offenders that we currently have in town, we need to budget more funding for investigative services in this area. This will allow us to appropriately appropriate for investigative related costs dealing with drug interdiction needs as well as running undercover operations.
Chief Clark explained line item 01-4210-143 entitled Witness Fees stating his request is for $6,500. Mr. Clark stated there is an increase in the number of court cases and Officers that are required to testify in court. Both the quality and quantity of cases have increased dramatically. In enhancing the managerial aspects of the department relative to investigative needs and the prosecution of cases, there fore resulting in an increase in the time spent in court.
Chief Clark stated line item 01-4210-190 entitled Certified Special Police has been increased from $12,000 to $20,000. Mr. Clark stated currently this line item covers a Part-time Police Officer, and he is proposing to increase this line item to include one more extra part time officer for the summer months for 34-40 hours per week. This would be an additional $15,480 at a rate of $15 per hour for this person. I would like to put this person out on the streets, around the beach, downtown, and primarily on Saturday’s and Sunday’s.
Chief Clark stated line item 01-4210-191 entitled Uncertified Police Officer remains the same as last year. Mr. Clark stated this would be for traffic control, or some job that does not require any certifications.
Chief Clark stated line item 01-4210-192 entitled Animal Control Officer is budget the same as last year for $1,500. Mr. Clark stated he feels that animals should not be placed in cruisers, and would like to continue this line item. Mr. Clark explained often an animal will urinate or vomit in the vehicle and there seems to be no place for that in a cruiser where humans may later be placed.
Police Department 2008 Proposed Budget Continued
Chief Clark reviewed line item 01-4210-194 entitled DARE Payroll in the amount of $1,400. Mr. Clark stated this amount is the same as last year. This program will be reintroduced to the Newfound Area Schools. Our DARE Officer has recently been recertified and will be implementing the program again this year. He is also working on the Explorer Program, currently has 13 students enrolled, and applications keep coming in all the time.
Police Chief Clark briefly touched on the following line items:
01-4210-198 entitled Accrued Benefits Payable for $7,800
01-4210-210 entitled Health Insurance for $66, 040.24
Family Plan 16,008.48
2 Person Plan 11,763.84
Single Plan 5,301.00
Chief Clark stated line item 01-4210-211 entitled Disability for $3,385 is an employee morale booster. Mr. Clark stated this covers the employee if something happens off the job site, and it helps keep good employees.
The Police Chief briefly went through the following items:
01-4210-212 entitled Life Insurance for $521. Dave Carr asked if this included the Police Chief’s premium? Mr. Clark stated it does.
01-4210-220 FICA & 01-4210-225 Medicare & 01-4210-230 Retirement has not adjusted to the new rate as of yet.
Chief Clark explained line item 01-4210-290 entitled Travel at $500. Mr. Clark stated this is needed so that Officers can travel for investigations or other administrative duties.
Chief Clark stated line item 01-4210-292 entitled Bike Patrol was initiated this year. Mr. Clark stated the $1,500 in this line item will cover the upkeep of equipment and the required training and outfitting of officers for the Bike Patrol Unit. This is a well-received community policing orientated patrol. This year is the first time it has been implemented with its own line item.
Chief Clark went over line item 01-4210-293 entitled Uniforms explained the $10,000 would replace and outfit the current staff with all uniform needs. On average (3) Summer and winter shirts, (3) pairs of pants, foot ware is provided to each officer. This line item covers both full and part time officers.
Police Department 2008 Proposed Budget Continued
Police Chief, Clark stated line item 01-4210-294 entitled Vest Replacement is the same as last year. The $3,000 allows for the replacement program for old vests and (2) new vests for any new employee. Mr. Clark stated the Vests are considered to be an undergarment, and have a life of 5 to 8 years.
Chief Clark stated line item 01-4210-340 entitled Dispatch Telephone is $6,500 that is based on the increased number of calls into the dispatch center. This amount covers both emergency telephone lines that go directly to the dispatch center in Plymouth.
Chief Clark briefly stated line item 01-4210-340 entitled Telephone is for the amount of $3,000 explaining the department obviously could not go without one.
Chief Clark reviewed line item 01-4210-342 entitled Computer Expenses in the amount of $10,000. Mr. Clark stated this is an increase from $7,500 that includes supplies and services on the computers. The increase is primarily the contract fee for our police software company ($5,025) as well as the increase in repairs or IMC updates. This would also include computer replacement program of two (2) computers per year. There has not been a replacement program in place in the past to meet this need. Mr. Clark stated the current computers are 3 to 5 years old.
Mr. Clark stated line item 01-4210-343 entitled Copier is for $2,000 that includes the contract agreement and supplies. This amount is a monthly fee of $145.oo and the cost of any copy overage that might occur. Dave Carr asked if the Police Department has their own copier? Mr. Clark responded stating they do because of confidentiality issues.
Chief Clark explained line item 01-4210-346 entitled Cell Phones to Budget Committee members. Mr. Clark stated the cost is $2,500 and is based on the increase in the number of phones plus the cost of service. All police vehicles currently have cell phones installed in them. They are utilized during emergency situations, for the confidential transmission of information that can not be aired over the radio, and to return telephone calls to citizens so officers do not have to return to the police station to make return telephone calls. With the use of cell phones the supervisors are also able to manage the staff much better as it allows all members to be in contact as needed at any level of routine, emergency or crisis communications. It would be inappropriate for officers to be required to use their personal cell phones for police business.
Chief Clark reviewed line item 01-4210-347 entitled Pagers in the amount of $1,400. Mr. Clark stated this line item is to supply papers to each member of the department. There is currently no way to immediately contact all members of the department during an emergency. During an emergency a phone tree is very inappropriate and during this time dispatch is too busy to make individual phone calls. There would be a policy in place mandating that all officers carry their pagers at all times. Andrew Hemmingway asked if this was a standard protocol for most police departments.
Pagers Continued
Chief Clark stated all departments within the state carry pagers. Mr. Hemmingway asked if this same function could be accomplished through the use of cell phones? Mr. Clark stated cell phones are not as reliable due to no service in some areas. Dorcas Gordon asked how many cell phones does the department currently have? Mr. Clark stated there is one in every cruiser, and at this time there are five cruisers. Jon Thouin asked if there is a coverage area? Mr. Clark stated the coverage area is within the State of New Hampshire.
Andrew Hemmingway asked where do the radio’s come into play? Lt. Michael Lewis stated the dispatcher can speak with the officer over the radio dispatching them to another call, checking in on them, or letting them know whom they need to contact via cell phone rather than having the officer drive back to the station to do this sort of business. Mr. Lewis stated in juvenile matters' things can not be aired over the radio, therefore the officer may be instructed to contact the station for additional information.
Chief Clark stated line item 01-4210-350 entitled Medical Expense for $1,500 is the same as last year. This amount covers any required pre employment physicals as well as the cost to run any polygraph exams.
Chief Clark reviewed line item 01-4210-351 entitled Breath Test Supplies in the amount of $500. Mr. Clark stated unfortunately DWI is still occurring in the state and this amount covers all the supplies needed to operate the Intoxilizer machine as well as the tubes and tank required for the Portable Breath Testing Devices.
Chief Clark touched on line item 01-4210-355 entitled Film Processing explaining the $150 is to cover the cost of photographs for any Felony level cases.
Chief Clark explained line item 01-4210-390 entitled Prosecutor was increased by $2,000 from $21,000 to $23,000. Mr. Clark stated currently we are looking at a case load increase especially regarding domestic violence and stalking related cases. The prosecutor will possibly assist the new code enforcement officer through any court proceedings in District Court. We will also be looking to connect with one other community to allow us to work in a partnership with the prosecutor. Dave Carr asked about the 30% increase over last years? Mr. Clark stated this was based on the number of cases handled last year, and up coming zoning issues that will take place this year.
Chief Clark stated line item 01-4210-391 entitled Training Materials/Instruction in the amount of $4,000. Chief Clark explained that this amount is for best practices of training opportunities for NH Police Standards & Training as well as to help offset the increasing costs of outside training, conferences, and the increase of the number of officers requiring training. This amount also includes all firearm training and the necessary ammunition required for qualifications. This also keeps officer’s invigorated in their careers.
Police Department 2008 Proposed Budget Continued
Chief Clark reviewed line item 01-4210-395 entitled Plymouth Police Dispatch in the amount of $52,500. The Chief explained this is a predetermined rate based on the number of calls for service in the 2007 year. Mr. Clark stated this is a 25% increase over last years budgeted amount, and is based on Bristol’s actual usage of 18.36%.
Paul Simard asked at what point would Bristol be better off to dispatch themselves? Mr. Clark stated Bristol sits in the middle of a triangle, a triangle of other communities who may need assistance in a call for service. Mr. Clark stated he shares with the budget committee their concerns regarding being paid each time we assist another community. Although, these towns also assist Bristol in emergency situations when needed. Mr. Clark stated this is something that has been allowed to happen for many years, and is something that needs to be part of the discussions with these other communities. Town Manager, Elizabeth Corrow stated there has been some discussion regarding these issues. Mr. Simard stated the taxpayers of Bristol have contracted this service, it is not correct to provide these services to Towns that chose not to provide funds for this service, and who are getting these services at no cost to the taxpayers these issues need must be addressed. Chief Clark and Town Manager Corrow both agreed.
The Budget Committee took a 3 minute recess at this time.
Chief Clark explained line item 01-4210-430 entitled Maintenance/Repairs Building for $1,500. Mr. Clark stated General maintenance and repair that are needed to keep the Police Department a safe and clean working environment. These items include cleaning, painting, signage as well as electrical radio needs. The cell block area needs to be painted as well as repairs to lights. Mr. Clark stated he did speak with the Grafton County Department of Corrections to get some inmates in to do most of the painting.
Chief Clark reviewed line item 01-4210-433 entitled Radio Repairs in the amount of $4,000. Mr. Clark explained due to the recent updating of the current analog radios to digital as required to communicate with Plymouth Regional Dispatch. The digital radios are no longer compatible with other town departments. The radios were inadequate prior to this occurring. Mr. Clark stated we will need a new frequency and a repeater to enhance communications between the town departments. Police, Fire/EMS, Highway, and Water & Sewer. This amount will also cover the repairs to old radios and the replacement of antennas and micro-chips within the radios as needed. Skip Bowie asked why does all of this come out of the Police Department Budget instead of a portion from all town departments? Mr. Clark stated he is trying to make this all work together with the Police Department radios. Mr. Clark stated it could be divided out between all departments if that is what everyone prefers.
Police Department Advertising Discussion Continued
Chief Clark briefly outlined line item 01-4210-550 entitled Advertising for the amount of $1,500. Mr. Clark stated this amount will cover simple printing costs of letterhead, envelopes, business cards, criminal court complaints, motor vehicle warnings and parking tickets and any advertising that may become necessary. It will also cover our community orientated policing as we will be having poster and information packages printed for the public as well as public safety pamphlets that will be distributed.
Chief Clark discussed line item 01-4210-560 entitled Meetings/Memberships in the amount of $2,000. Mr. Clark explained the line item has increased due to increased membership fees and the attendance at more required meetings, also used to enhance career development. This amount will also cover one NH Association of Chief’s of Police Conferences. Srgt Robert Dupuis explained the department belongs to NESPIN that allows us to use surveillance equipment, access to some computer forensics, assists with photo enhancement, phone bill research, and a variety of other training materials.
Chief Clark reviewed line item 01-4210-561 entitled Special Operations Unit in the amount of $2,500. Mr. Clark explained this team now extends from Lincoln, NH to Bow, NH. Mr. Clark stated the beauty about this team is that should there be a missing child our department will have access to 30 to 40 individuals looking for that child. Should there be an hazmat incident again will have the people to work the scene. Mr. Clark stated during the flood we used this team.
Chief Clark briefly reviewed the following accounts explaining they are everyday costs associated with doing business:
Line item 01-4210-620 entitled Office Supplies for $4,000 that is the amount needed to offset increases in costs and being a full staff with employees.
Line item 01-4210-625 entitled Postage for $850 this cost is due to an increase in the US Postal Fees and Box rental costs. David Carr asked why the Police Department has a Post Office Box? Mr. Clark explained often confidential materials in the mail and this is a secure way of getting them.
Chief Clark explained line item 01-4210-30 entitled Tires for $2,500. Mr. Clark stated this line item has increased because of an additional vehicle in the fleet. This amount was previously under budgeted for the amount of vehicles operated by the Police Department. In the past only $500, this amount would not buy a set of snow tires as well as summer tires. Chief Clark stated this amount reflects the state bid, and you can not get them any cheaper than that. Mr. Clark stated excluding the SUV each cruiser runs about $800 per year. These vehicles are inspected each shift, and we do maintain a maintenance program on these vehicles.
Police Department Gasoline/Oil Discussion Continued
Chief Clark reviewed line item 01-4210-635 entitled Gasoline/Oil in the amount of $20,000. Mr. Clark stated gasoline for vehicles is increasing yearly and could possibly reach over $3.00 per gallon in the near future. This line item will need to be adjusted annually. Dave Carr asked about the mileage of vehicles within the department? Administrative Assistant, Gaylene Salmon stated so far this year 121,093 miles have been put on this year.
Chief Clark stated line items' 01-4210-660 through 666 entitled Cruiser Maintenance should be increased to a minimum of $1,500 per vehicle this year. Mr. Clark stated the cruiser maintenance line items will need to be adjusted to reflect the cost of engine checks at 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, and 90,000 mile requirements. These are manufacturer required checks for each vehicle. This is at a cost of approximately $600 per vehicle check. So each line item should be adjusted to a minimum of $1,500 per vehicle per year. This is the amount needed for standard and unexpected maintenance to keep vehicles safe and operable. The breakdown is as follows:
01-4210-660 Cruiser 1 - 2007 $1,500
01-4210-661 Cruiser 2 - 2007 $1,500
01-4210-662 Cruiser 4 - Becomes a Town Car this year.
01-4210-663 Cruiser 2008 $750
01-4210-664 Cruiser 5 - 2008 $1,500
01-4210-665 Cruiser 3 - 2003 $1,500
Chief Clark briefly stated that line item 01-4210-670 entitled Law Book Updates for $600 has increased due to the increase in cost of the updates for our RSA and law library.
Chief Clark explained that line item 01-4210-690 entitled Chief’s Expense for $200 has remained the same as last year. Mr. Clark stated this covers plaques and items for special recognition as needed within the community.
Police Chief, Clark reviewed line item 01-4210-810 entitled New Equipment in the amount of $8,600. Chief Clark explained the new equipment would include the following items to be replaced as needed: one (1) Taser ($800 each), two (2) rifles ($1,000 each), one (1) digital camera ($1,800 each) for investigative needs, and the replacement of two (2) radios per year ($1,500 each). Chairman Auger stated the replacement of the radios should also be in this line item. Chief Clark stated either line is fine with him. Mr. Auger stated they should shop around for a camera explaining he thinks it can be obtained cheaper. Srgt Robert Dupuis stated this includes the multiple lenses and other equipment plus the camera. Mr. Dupuis explained this is a state bid camera, and is the cheapest they can get.
Police Department New Equipment Discussion Continued
Chief Clark stated line item 01-4210-890 entitled D.A.R.E. Program is the same as last year $800. Mr. Clark stated this program will be reintroduced to the Newfound Area Schools. Our DARE Officer has recently been recertified and will be implementing the program. This year we plan on expanding our community orientated policy using this program.
Dave Carr asked if the Police Department is reimbursed for the D.A.R.E. Program? Mr. Clark stated the Mason’s makes an additional contribution to the program that is still in the budget. We do get reimbursed for payroll, but that is in another line item.
Police Chief, Clark reviewed line item 01-4210-893 entitled Civic Events for $12,000. Mr. Clark explained the total cost to cover all Town Functions is $12,000 per year. This amount covers (3) parades, Halloween, Old Home Day, 4th of July Fireworks, the Carnival and the NH Marathon. It needs to be noted that overtime must also be used to cover shifts when Officers used their accrued time off. Mr. Clark stated it has been discussed whether or not the Police and Fire Departments should cover the Civic Events, and if it should cover them what events are traditional and what are not? Mr. Clark stated obviously the coverage needs to be there, but for example the Town of Bristol does not benefit in anyway from the NH Marathon event. Mr. Clark stated in his opinion it should be detailed to the departments for these services. Mr. Clark explained this is why he decided to create its own line item rather than having it come out of overtime. Paul Simard asked if he feels some of these should be considered outside details within the budget? Mr. Clark stated he does believe some should be considered detail. Dave Carr asked if the Fire Department is in the same situation on this issue? Mr. Clark stated they are in the same situation.
Chief Clark stated this year he would like to see a New Cruiser ($27,524) explaining the replacement of new vehicles in the fleet would be a rotation of vehicles through the fleet in a 5 year rotation. Mr. Clark stated the new cruiser cost would include all new equipment and a 100,000 mile warranty. Each vehicle would be replaced after 5 years unless there is a staffing increase that could affect the number of vehicles needed by the department.
Police Department Capital Improvement Projects
Chief Clark explained the Grant Equipment items under the Capital Improvement Projects for 2008. Mr. Clark stated the department has already received funding for one (1) speed trailer totaling $7,000 for the cost of the unit. Mr. Clark explained that his is a 50/50 match grant with the Highway Safety Agency. This would be a proactive community oriented approach for speed control to enhance our ability to remind and educate motor vehicle operators of the appropriate speed in concerning areas without requiring an officer to be tied up on a radar detail. Paul Simard asked if we could generate revenue by sharing it with other communities? Mr. Clark stated he does not know if the grant prohibits that or not.
Police Department Capital Improvement Project Discussion Continued
Chief Clark stated he trusted his employee’s with the equipment, but would not be comfortable with other communities using it. Paul Simard asked if the equipment would have a warranty? Lt. Lewis stated it would come with a five year warranty, a locking mechanism, and it comes certified. Skip Bowie asked if it would need to be recertified? Lt. Lewis stated policy is every 6 months.
Chief Clark stated that the Town Manager, Elizabeth Corrow will be working on proposing the construction of the “New” Police Building.Mr. Clark stated his department is very limited on storage, staff is unable to walk through the office without bumping into something, and our booking office is a liability.
Police Chief, Clark stated it would cost $4,400 for an Office Trailer for three officers and a restroom, and an additional $900 for Equipment storage facility. This will be needed if the “New” Police Building Construction does not get approved. The police department can no continue to live in the hallway violating safety codes. Both of these would become a yearly cost until a new facility is constructed. Mr. Clark asked for the Budget Committee’s support on these issues.
Chief Clark stated the radio tower site needs to be addressed as soon as possible. This site allows for town wide communication for all departments. This could be a joint funding proposal. Cost of this project unknown at this time. Mr. Clark continued to explain at some point video camera need to be placed in three (3) cruisers a projected cost of $16,000. Mr. Clark stated he believes he could obtain some funding for the video cameras.
Chief Clark stated he had also discussed with the Fire Department about looking into the possibility of purchasing a Public Safety Boat for responding to incidents in Newfound Lake. This would be a joint Police and Fire effort. This could be possibly obtained through a donation or grant, but would require funding relative to maintenance, gasoline, and other general use items.
Chief Clark thanked the Budget Committee for the opportunity to come before them this evening. He encouraged anyone having any questions to contact him directly, and he would be happy to sit and discuss any part of his budget presented this evening. Chairman Auger thanked the Chief for a thorough presentation, and stated he realized the department has a lot of demands placed upon them.
Chief Clark and other members of the Police Department exited the meeting.
Pay Classification Study
Chairman Auger asked the Town Manager, Elizabeth Corrow for the information regarding the Pay Classification Study. Ms. Corrow indicated that the pay classification is presently incomplete.
Pay Classification Study Discussion Continued
Town Manager, Corrow stated she had emailed Chairman Auger relative to this information. Ms. Corrow stated it was worked on three days last week, but is not complete. Ms. Corrow explained the draft grade schedule she had given to the Budget Committee has since changed. Ms. Corrow stated she can give the Budget Committee the Grade Level Classification, but it is inaccurate, it could change, and could cause problems. Chairman Auger stated under RSA 16 & 17, the budget committee has the right to review this public information as they were told they would receive it at this meeting. Ms. Corrow stated she can not comply with something that does not exist at this point, nor can she give something to the Budget Committee that she does not have. Tom Winn stated he does not want to look at information that is incomplete and that could cause problems with employee’s when the information is not correct. Mr. Winn stated it should not be released until it is finalized.
Police Department Budget Comparisons
Chairman Auger handed out sheets to the Budget Committee relative to other comparable towns, and the status of their Police Department Budgets. Mr. Auger asked members to review the sheet so that they would have a good idea of what other towns are doing.
Fire Department Budget Comparisons
Chairman Auger stated next week the committee will meet with the Fire Department, and he will produce the statistics on Fire Departments within the State. Mr. Auger stated again this information has been complied through the use of the Local Government Center website.
Closing Discussion
Chairman Auger asked for additional discussions. No members had any further discussion. Mr. Auger stated the next meeting of the Budget Committee will be on December 17, 2007 at 7 p.m.
Adjournment
Paul Simard made the motion to adjourn at 9:55 p.m. Ron Preble seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED