Town of Bristol

Budget Committee Minutes

December 17, 2007

APPROVED ON:      01/07/2008, 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, Catherine

Pitari, and Diane Marden (Secretary).

ABSENT:                    Joe Denning (Selectmen’s Rep.) was not present at this meeting.

There  remains one vacant position on the committee.

OTHERS PRESENT:   Elizabeth Corrow (Town Manager), Norman Skantze (Fire

Chief), Steve Thompson (BFD), Chris Doloff (BFD), (3) three members of the BFD, and John Clark (Chief of Police) observed the

meeting.                                   

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., and the meeting

was video taped for LRPA.

Chairman Auger explained how the meeting will be conducted, and turned the floor over to the Bristol Fire Chief, Norman Skantze.

Fire Department Proposed 2008 Budget

Chief Skantze stated he would like to start his presentation of the 2008 Proposed Budget by first giving the Budget Committee a brief overview of the department so they are familiar with what it provides to the community. Mr. Skantze stated he would be using a power point presentation, and he handed out a copy of that presentation to members.

Chief Skantze stated their mission is to provide professional fire protection, rescue and advance emergency medical services to the residents and visitors of Bristol. They deliver these serves with a dedicated team of professional career, on call and part-time personnel committed to providing quality emergency service. Mr. Skantze stated the primary objective of the department is to maintain a constant state of readiness in order to meet our mission responsibilities and to respond to all hazards that may arise at anytime. Mr. Skantze stated the department has changed over the years, and our department has an ever growing responsibility to the community commonly referred to as all hazards.

Fire Department Proposed 2008 Budget Discussion Continued

Chief Skantze stated it is the responsibility of the Bristol Fire Department to insure the protection of life and property within the jurisdiction and to protect the health and safety of all department employees. We strive to provide these services through a coordinated approach and by utilizing the available resources that support the mission and achieve the stated goals. Mr. Skantze explained this takes coordination, planning, and a lot of training to do what they do.

Chief Skantze briefly reviewed the Organizational Structure of the department explaining the command staff and general staff. The command staff is the basically the Fire Chief and Deputy Chief who basically set the tone of the department, provide the management oversight information, the safety, and other liaison services with other organizations. Mr. Stantze explained often it is a juggling act trying to meet regulatory compliance’s, Fire Rescue, Haz-Mat, Training, Life Safety issues, Apparatus Needs, Emergency Medical Services, and Personnel Administration needs.

Chief Skantze stated the general staff is the operations side of things like planning, logistics, financial and administrative support of the department. This is made up of (3) three career captains they act as the shift officer but also have some administrative duties that they take part in. Each of the captains has a FF/EMT that works with them. The last part consists of (3) three are the call Lieutenants that are the part-time leaders of the department. We also have an administrative part-time position that was administrated last year. Each of these groups has assigned tasks, regular shift work, and on call emergency services. The rest of the department is broken down into three groups that include call FF/EMT and part-time employees. The department uses a lot of part-time staff to balance out the shift schedules.

Fire Department Apparatus

Fire Chief, Skantze reviewed the department's apparatus as follows:

 Name              Make                           Type                            Equipment                    Miles

Engine 2           2006 HME SMEAL     1500 GPM Pump         1000 Gallon Tank      8,014m

Engine 4           1990 Pierce                  1250 GPM Pump         2500 Tank                25,337m

Ladder 1          1978 Seagraves            None                            100’ Aerial                14,221m

Rescue 1          1993 Ford F-350                                             Heavy Rescue Equip. 7,111m

                                                            Haz-Mat Mitigation

                                                                                                Low-High Angle Rescue

                                                                                                Back Country Rescue

Ambulance 1    2000 F-450 Road Rescue                                                               124,396m

Ambulance 2    2006 Chevy 4500 Horton Ambulance                                                25,427m

Fire Department Apparatus Continued

Name               Make                           Type                            Equipment                    Miles

Car 1               2003 Chevy Suburban                          Command Work Station      32,605m

                                                                                    Communications Equip.

                                                                                    Thermal Imaging

                                                                                    Resources

Forestry 1        1967 Jeep Kaiser                                 Accessory Trailer

                                                                                    Fixed Pump

                                                                                    Floating Pump

                                                                                    Portable Pump

                                                                                    Hose

                                                                                    Tools

                                                                                    Power Equip.

Chief Skantze stated the 2006 HME SMEAL replaced Engine 2 last year stating this vehicle is doing an excellent job for the town, and was a much needed replacement.

Mr. Skantze explained the 1990 Pierce-Engine 4 this year we thought we would need to replace the tank, but it turned out to be a bolt around the water tank gage that was leaking so that was a relatively inexpensive. Mr. Skantze stated this vehicle has a good tank, rebuilt tank and rebuilt motor that is working out very well.  The 1978 Seagraves-Ladder Truck that was purchased last year when the 1972 American Lafrance did not pass its service test, and this was purchased from a dealer for $15,000, and is now the primary ladder truck.

Chief Skantze stated the next vehicle is our Rescue Vehicle that is a 1993 Ford F-350 we were very fortunate last to purchase the body on this truck for $300. It was an opportunity we could not turn down. This now carries all our rescue tools, and other equipment. Ambulance 1 is our 2000 Road Rescue that was our old ambulance that we are running as a secondary ambulance. The Ambulance 2-2006 Horton Ambulance is our primary ambulance. The 2003 Chevy Suburban has worked out well as our command station, communication center, and Thermal Imaging equipment. The Forestry 1 1967 Jeep Kaiser is  the vehicle we had purchased for $1 a couple years ago, and this vehicle meets our needs well. Chief Skantze explained the Emergency Management Trailer is a 2005 16’ Trailer this vehicle has gotten a lot of use in a variety of ways.

Bristol Fire Department Statistics

Chief Skantze stated there has been a 21% increase in call volume between 1996 and 2006 this increase consists of all call both in Bristol and other area communities. Mr. Skantze suggested that Budget Committee members take a look at Bristol’s call volumes and other community statistics at the Lakes Region Mutual Aid Fire Associations web site www.lrmfa.org  stating it does have them covering longer periods of time on the site.

Bristol Fire Department Statistics Discussion Continued

Chief Skantze projects approximately 972 calls for the 2007 calendar year. Mr. Skantze stated he has provided the committee with Bristol Calls by Category to show them what type of calls they are handling. The Transports by Community shows the actual percentages within each community for 2006.

Community                               # of Transports             % of Total

Alexandria                                            67                                14.4%

Bridgewater                                          5                                   1.05%

Bristol                                                  254                              53.59%

Danbury                                               81                                17.09%

Hill                                                       38                                8.02%

Plymouth                                              0                                     .0%

New Hampton                                      8                                  1.69%

Other                                                   21                                4.42%

Transports by Community for 2007

Community                               # of Transports             % of Total

Alexandria                                            73                                16.18%

Bridgewater                                          14                                  3.11%

Bristol                                                  277                              61.42%

Danbury                                               54                                11.97%

Hill                                                       26                                5.76%

Plymouth                                              1                                     .23%

New Hampton                                      4                                  .89%

Other                                                   2                                    .44

Fire Department Revenue History

Chief Skantze reviewed the Revenue Tables as presented on the power point presentation as follows:

Revenue History 2004-2006

Revenue 2007 -YTD

Gross Commitments                 $278,963.00

Contractual Allowance  $  91,255.73

Net Commitments                     $187,707.69

Payments Received Comstar     $136,699.20

Net Payment Applied               $134,663.60

Town Fees       (Deduct)           $-77,331.00

Total Revenue -YTD             $211,994.60

Chief Skantze explained the Budget Summary 2000-2007 stating this table shows the increase in the number of employees and reflects the changes over the years.

*Chief Skantze stated the number is much lower than this figure, and that members should go by the Town Managers line on the budget sheets.

Summary of FD Operating Budget

Chief Skantze stated he wanted to spend some time explaining a few things in the budget. Mr. Skantze explained that in the past he had gone over line item for line item, and people had a tendency to become lost in it. Chief Skantze stated this year he has broken it down in order to get a better idea of each line item.

Summary of FD Capital Outlay

Fire Equipment

Chief Skantze reviewed the Fire Equipment line items that include 01-4220-810 entitled Tools & Equipment, line item 01-4220-814 entitled Protective Clothing, and line item 01-4220-817 entitled Radio Equipment. Mr. Skantze stated in the Radio Equipment line they wish to purchase two digital radios for the only two vehicles that do not have radios. Mr. Skantze stated all other vehicles have radios that were purchased through a federal grant, and all portables were also purchased through a federal grant. Chief Skantze stated now they need to purchase the batteries and chargers for the portable radios. If we are able to purchase these radios we would have digital radios across the board for a long period of time. Mr. Skantze explained that in the Protective Clothing line item is a continuation of what we have been working on for years that is buying (3) three sets of gear each year.

EMS Equipment

Chief Skantze stated the EMS Equipment category includes line item 01-4220-680 entitled Disposable Medical Supplies for $5,000, line item 01-4220-681 entitled Oxygen for $2,500, and EMS Tools & Equipment line item 01-4220-812 in the amount of $5,500.

Personnel Expense

Chief  Skantze stated obviously the Personnel Expenses are the largest portion of the budget. Mr. Skantze provided the Budget Committee with an individual list of expenses under line items' 01-4220-110 through 01-4220-350 for a total of $613,253. Mr. Skantze stated this included all benefits as well.

Administrative Costs

Chief Skantze stated these items are the general costs associated with doing daily business at the department. This includes line items' 01-4220-330 through 01-4220-625 for a total cost of $29,722.

Fire Alarm and Dispatching line items 01-4220-390 & 01-4220-395

Chief Skantze stated the Municipal Fire Alarm System consists of alarm boxes located in various buildings throughout town that the fire department monitors. Mr. Skantze explained often people are confused between a fire alarm and a municipal fire alarm system so he wanted to bring attention to the difference between the two. Chief Skantze stated the Lakes Region Mutual Aid is a system that works very well, and is at a reasonable cost. Mr. Skantze stated that the Lakes Region Mutual Aid costs are somewhat of a fixed cost basically divided up by a formula used by the Board of Directors. They provide a 24 hour dispatch service to multiple communities, and the costs are shared amongst these communities. Chief Skantze stated he considers them to be lucky to be part of the system, and they do an excellent job.

Training and Education

Fire Chief, Skantze stated Training and Education Courses totaling $19,650 may seem like a lot of money, but it is well spent. Mr. Skantze explained this includes both Fire Training and EMS Training. This consists of various certification courses, money to send people to seminars, specialized training, monthly continuing EMT/Paramedic courses, and a variety of other training.

Facility Expense line items 01-4220-410 through 01-4220-610

Chief Skantze explained these line items consist of Electrical Expense, Heating Fuel, and Station Maintenance. Mr. Skantze stated they anticipate replacing the doors to the Training Room, make improvements to the Heating System Zones to save on Fuel, Painting of the Exterior of the Building, and have some funds set aside for Unanticipated Repairs & Maintenance.

Equipment Maintenance line items 01-4220-430 through 01-4220-434

Chief Skantze stated these line items cover items that are not any other place in the budget such as: Defibrillator Maintenance Contracts, Chain Saws, Power Equipment, devices, and anything else that is on a vehicle that does not have its own line item.  The Radio Repair-Emergency Light Maintenance has to do with emergency lighting repairs, and the SCBA Maintenance, Repairs, and Certifications are general maintenance of these items. The total of these line items is $9,200.

Apparatus line items 01-4220-635 through 01-4220-669

Fire Chief, Skantze stated these line items have pretty much stayed the same other than line item 01-4220-663 entitled 1993 Ford F-350 Rescue. This item has been increased by $3,500 in order to paint the body of that vehicle. Line item 01-4220-664 entitled 1990 Pierce Engine 4 is also showing an increase of $1,000 basically to rebuild some valves on that engine.

Forestry line items 01-4230-190 through 01-4230-812

Chief Skantze stated the Forestry Budget is managed by the department that has not changed much from last year. One of the things that has occurred over the past few years is by doing a routine inspection of burning permits it has cut down on unnecessary fires that may have otherwise gotten out of control. Mr. Skantze stated duty staff checks the burn piles, and have items removed from them prior to issuing the permits.

Emergency Management line items 01-4290-190, & 01-4220-191 through 01-4220-810

Chief Skantze explained these line items are the same as last year and are having to do with the emergency management function including salaries for the Emergency Management Director. Mr. Skantze stated he is often asked if the trailer is ever going to be complete, and his answer is that over time we have added to the trailer getting a lot of use from the unit. CERT is a volunteer group that is made up of community leaders who do a variety of activities within the community.

Conclusion

Chief Skantze stated that concludes his presentation of the Fire Department’s 2008 Proposed Budget, and would like to answer any questions the Budget Committee members may have at this time. Chairman Auger asked for any questions on the Fire Department budget.

Discussions of Fire Department 2008 Proposed Budget

Richard Walenda stated the Town of Bristol can not continue to pay into the mutual aid system that continues to help towns that do not pay into the system. Skip Bowie asked about the Call Volume By Town wondering if Bridgewater was included in this? Chief Skantze stated the Call Volume By Town is ambulance calls only, this does not reflect the number of mutual calls.

Paul Simard stated over half our calls are outside of Bristol asking if that is correct? Chief Skantze stated that is not correct. This only reflects the number of transports made in the corresponding communities, not all calls for mutual aid.

Mutual Aid Discussion Continued

Dorcas Gordon asked if the Call Volume by Town is the total number of calls made by those towns, having nothing to do with Bristol? Mr. Skantze replied that is correct. Dave Carr asked why would you include the numbers in the presentation? Chief Skantze stated to show the increase in the number of calls in communities around Bristol, to show not only our calls are increasing but others around us as well.

Skip Bowie asked if New Hampton, Hebron, and Bridgewater were being billed on ambulance calls when they are not in the contracted area? Mr. Skantze stated LRMA breaks it down is by (3)three categories that are Mutual Aid, Automatic Aid, and Contracted Services. For the use of the ambulance to Alexandria, Hill, and Danbury the Town of Bristol provides a contract for services. For the use of the ambulance in the towns of  New Hampton, Bridgewater, and Hebron technically we are providing mutual aid because they have an ambulance in turn that can provide services to the Town of Bristol. Mr. Skantze stated the problem comes in where communities that have the ambulance, but can not provide the service due to lack of man power.

Ron Preble asked if Bridgewater is a problem? Mr. Skantze stated he and the Elizabeth Corrow has had numerous discussions along with the Board of Selectmen regarding the issues surrounding Mutual Aid. Unfortunately, there is no easy solution at this time, but they are continuing to work on things. Mr. Skantze stated they had recently discussed this with the Board of Selectmen in the town of Alexandria, and are trying to come to some sort of agreement that would make it fair for both communities. They had expressed a concern about Ragged Mountain becoming more active so a variety of scenarios are being looked at presently.

Paul Simard stated every year for the past 10 years this issue has come up, and he wants to know at what point is this issue with other communities going to be addressed? He asked if there was some sort of deadline or something to address these issues? Town Manager, Elizabeth Corrow stated she is trying to get a new system in place by the next budget season, but ultimately it is a policy decision that would be implemented by the Board of Selectmen.

Personnel Discussion

Dave Carr asked Chief Skantze why the call volume has increased 21% and why it appears that the budget has gone up 200-300%? Mr. Skantze stated this is not correct, that he originally wanted to hire additional personnel, but that is not going to take place this year. Mr. Skantze stated to Mr. Carr that he should be looking at the Town Managers budget column not the original Fire Department column. Mr. Skantze stated he does not plan to add any additional personnel this year.

Personnel Discussion Continued

Chief Skantze stated currently the department has (7) seven Full-time Employees’ who at this time can not cover all shifts. Mr. Skantze stated he was interested in adding (1) one employee per shift rather than using the Part-time or Volunteer on the Kelley Day of each week meaning the Wednesday and Saturday shifts. Mr. Skantze stated this was my original intention, but at this time I have agreed to stay with the Town Manager’s recommended budget.

Catherine Pitari asked if the Bristol Call Volume 1996 through 1999 consisted of Fire and EMS? Chief Skantze stated it is a combination of both. Ms. Pitari asked of the number of SCBA purchased on lease how many of them are still in active service? Chief Skantze explained the town had purchased a number of SCBA on a lease purchase a number of years ago, but most have become outdated due to new technology. Steve Thompson of the Bristol Fire Department stated all are currently in operation today. Mr. Thompson stated the problem is they are quickly going out of date all at once. Mr. Thompson explained the packs last year averaged $2,100 and now they are $5,100 because of new improved technology.

Skip Bowie asked if the Administrative Assistant Position would be going Full-time this year? Chief Skantze stated it would not be a Full-time position reminding him that the position was created in April 2007 so it did not reflect a full year's salary. The position is still part-time 20 hours per week.

Andrew Hemmingway asked for an explaination relative to the Medicare and why they could not bill them? Chief Skantze explained that Medicare and Medicaid are not billed at 100% for services. That they are billed at 60% & 40% for services as the rates are discounted being that one is a Federal Government Insurance and the other a State Insurance. This is also the same rate that hospitals, pharmacies, physician’s, and everyone in the medical community. Mr. Skantze stated the Medicare Amounts on page 7 of the handout reflect the uncollected amounts.

Dorcas Gordon asked if the Town is actually using the Municipal Fire Alarm System? Chief Skantze stated he believes this is a system that is valuable and reliable. Mr. Skantze stated they are trying to expand the system to others rather than pay a private company who may not respond as quickly. The Chief stated there have been numerous alarms to a variety of buildings that when the fire department arrived there was an actual fire. Catherine Pitari asked if the Central Square box will be fixed this year? Chief Skantze stated it is a line problem and it will be repaired.

Skip Bowie asked if the hydrants are getting Bristol residents an ISO class 5 rating allowing them to get decrease in insurance premiums? Chief Skantze stated ISO ratings would be a good project with improvements between the water/fire department having additional changes taking place this year.

Discussion Continued

Dorcas Gordon asked if the Fire Chief had any plans to improve the outside of the station this year regarding signage, traffic, shrubs or anything? Chief Skantze stated he planned on paving the parking lot, repaving the apron, and paint the outside of the building.

Paul Simard asked for his department's relationship with the CIP Committee? Chief Skantze stated the Fire Department has its own  CIP Committee who makes recommendations each year. The committee looks at issues of the fire department, makes recommendations, and plans over the course of a 10 year process. This year the Town Manager, Elizabeth Corrow created a Department Head - CIP Committee that is now looking at everything town wide, which is a great asset to the Town of  Bristol. Mr. Skantze stated the fire department is in alignment with the CIP Committee.

Paul Simard asked where the CIP items tonight came from? Town Manager, Elizabeth Corrow stated tonight the CIP request came from the department. A group met to discuss the 10 year plan and the group tried to balance everything out. So when the CIP committee comes to the Budget Committee on January 7, 2008, they will recommend what they see as a whole for the town. Ms. Corrow stated instead of looking at one budget at a time, we are looking at CIP projects as a whole that is helpful. Paul Simard stated it helps eliminate competition amongst departments and instead creates teamwork.

Chairman Auger stated it is important to know that the Fire Department has agreed to go with the Town Managers recommended budget for the Fire Department. Chief Skantze stated it is not because he has to go with the Town Managers budget, but because he is in agreement with her budget.

Chairman Auger stated there are at least 35 pages of information that had been submitted by the Fire Department with a great amount of detail. Chief Skantze stated he would like to give credit to those who helped put the budget together stating it was a joint effort on behalf of his department. Chief Skantze introduced some of the department members present.

Jon Thouin asked if the Chief could talk a little bit about the Pneumatic Rescue Bag? Chris Doloff explained it is a series of bags designed to elevate heavy lifting of approximately 116 lbs. per square inch. The current set the department has are a little over 20 years old, and each time they are used the rubber starts to break down. So currently we are looking at getting smaller bags for inside machine shops as well as updating what we currently have.

Mr. Thouin stated historically we have used Lakes Region Fire Mutual Aid Association and Plymouth Dispatch. Mr. Thouin asked if Chief Skantze could explain how they interact and how they are different?

Discussion Continued

Chief Skantze stated that the Lakes Region has been extremely fortunate since 1972, the LRFMA have been dispatching both Fire and EMS prior to that they had only dispatched Fire calls. Mr. Skantze stated many years prior had towns billing one another, and through legislation it had been changed to a mutual aid situation to eliminate some of the costs. Chris Doloff has the job of maintaining response tables, which are set up with Lakes Region. Lake's Region has (2) dispatchers on 24 hours a day, and they use these response tables under certain criteria. Chief Skantze stated as far as the police dispatching that would have to be asked of the Police Chief. We are currently working with a number of police dispatch areas within Bristol. Communications will improve once the communication issues are addressed making it easier to monitor every frequency, and enable us to contact whom ever we need to through the use of one radio.

Chairman Auger asked how we can be reassured that taxpayers are getting the most for their money? Chief Skantze stated his department does aggressive purchasing that consists of a variety of vendors. In most instances, 3 vendor estimates are required when using a purchase order, before presenting it to the Town Manager. Chris Doloff stated the department has a chart of accounts with 6-8 vendors, the department then buys at the very best price, as the department too wants more equipment for their money. Mr. Doloff stated the only thing that is not compared to other items is the gear or suiting that comes from one vendor.

Andrew Hemmingway asked about the EMS Trailer wondering if this item should be completed overtime or is it drastically needed now? Chief Skantze stated the town was fortunate to receive the trailer through a grant, and it is getting use currently in its condition. Mr. Skantze stated this is something they can continue to improve upon over the next few years, it is not something that needs to be completed immediately.

Rich Walenda asked if Mutual Aid is mandated by the State do they pay for it? Chief Skantze stated it is not mandated by the State. The Mutual Aid side of the coin is mostly fair, maybe not on the ambulance side, but we do get a lot for our money on Fire Mutual Aid. Maybe the ambulance side of things does need to be more closely looked at. Pre 1970’s error, some towns did not have a fire department established, and Bristol covered those towns so there is a relationship established there. Mr. Skantze stated he did not feel that it was such a burden to be assisting these other towns when there is a fire.

Paul Simard asked if there was a formula of some sort to the communities we assist with our ambulance? Chief Skantze stated there is a formula, but there is a good chance that formula will change next year. Four towns share the cost of (2) employees and their benefits in addition whatever we bill and collect.

Dorcas Gordon stated of the $25,777 from each town plus the receivable collectively? Chief Skantze stated that would be collectively. Some towns that may have an ambulance in service, may not necessarily have the staff to put it into service.

Discussion Continued

Chris Doloff stated something I would like to add to mutual aid system that often is overlooked is the valuable hands on training that the employees receive by engaging in the experience. Ron Preble stated he has a problem with the communities who got out of the system, but whom we continue to assist stating he believes they should be charged. Mr. Skantze stated he shared his concern, but some are not staffed enough to get the services to the people. Mr. Skantze stated in situations as such he would rather have another town respond than to keep re-toning for an ambulance.

Catherine Pitari asked if the department was still getting someone from outside of the department to do Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement information? Chief Skantze stated it was cut from the budget last year, which is a third party review of how well the EMT/Paramedics are doing. Everyone needs a check point, and it is better done by an outside party like Dave River Associates, someone who will not let things slide and who can look at things regularly.

Dorcas Gordon stated she has heard from several members of the community that the Bristol Fire Department’s service is extraordinary, and wanted to thank them for a job well done. Chief Skantze stated he appreciated the comment and thanked Ms. Gordon.

Chairman Auger asked Fire Chief, Skantze to comment on how the Bristol Fire Department functions as a unit? Chief Skantze explained that Bristol had been a Fire Department without EMS in the beginning years, and now that EMS is a part of the picture it is a huge percentage of what they do on a daily basis. During the last few years it has become an all hazard's industry dealing with everything from dog rescues, flooded basements, and a variety of other broad range of calls. Most know that when the call 911 that they will get the Fire Department and the Police Department making the quality of service more adequate. From the Fire Departments stand point it requires EMS, Haz-Mat, Fires, and now Hazards. The Department of Health and Human Services and local Health Care Agencies are designing plans along with the Fire Departments to deal with large scale pandemic flu outbreaks and a variety of other potentially hazardous situations. So considering all that is changing with the times, he feels confident that his department can handle a multitude of situations relatively fast.

Chairman Auger asked Chief Skantze if he had to rate his department what letter grade would he give the department? Chief Skantze stated his department does a Class A job, but states there is always room for improvement. He stated the department has an Extraordinary Save Plaque for those who have done something such as save a life. He stated the personnel care deeply about the community, work hard at their careers, no matter if Full-time or Part-time employees they do a great job. They are a great team. Tom Winn commented that the ambulance had come to his home a number of times a few years ago, and they were always right there, and were very professional. Chief Skantze thanked everyone for their comments, and invites all to stop at the station to have a look around whenever they wish.

Discussion Continued

Chairman Auger thanked Fire Chief, Skantze for his presentation. Town Manager, Elizabeth Corrow stated she too has heard a lot of great comments about the Fire Department over the past couple of years. She stated she just wanted to say they are doing a great job considering the budget issues they have had to deal with, yet they still continue to do there best which often makes it difficult.

Rich Walenda asked if the Town Manager was going to get an equal amount of money for services? Town Manager, Corrow stated they will be working on that. Catherine Pitari stated that Bridgewater had a lack of staff on their ambulance and since those issues have been resolved.

Chief Skantze and the members of the Bristol Fire Department exited the meeting. Town Manger, Elizabeth Corrow also exited the meeting. The Budget Committee took a two minute recess.

Minutes of December 10, 2007

Chairman Auger stated he had postponed the minutes until after the Fire Departments presentation, and would like Budget Committee members to review them at this time. Chairman Auger asked for any changes, errors or omissions in the minutes of December 10, 2007. Paul Simard made changes to page 5, 10 and 14 of the minutes. Chairman Auger made changes to page 14, and Dorcas Gordon to page 9. Dorcas Gordon made the motion to accept the minutes with the recommended changes. There was lengthily discussion of changes to the minutes. Andrew Hemmingway seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED. Catherine Pitari and Thomas Winn abstaining.

Fire Chief Comparison Sheets

Chairman Auger passed out a Fire Chief Comparison sheets to the Budget Committee that he had prepared relative to other Fire Department budgets within the State of New Hampshire. Mr. Auger stated the rank of Bristol as compared with other cities and towns having the same population are outline on the sheets. Mr. Auger stated this may be something that members may want to reference in the future, and something they may just want to look at closely.

Dave Carr stated he would like to see the budget in a 3 or 5 year budget so that the committee has more to work with. Chairman Auger stated he has requested it several times, but would ask for it again. He would like to see it in an electronic format so that it can be analyzed easier. Paul Simard stated to the Chairman should that be put in writing to someone as we have requested it several times. Mr. Auger stated he will ask one more time prior to putting anything in writing. Mr. Simard stated it is almost the end of December and we still have not received it.

Closing

Chairman Auger stated the next meeting of the Budget Committee will be held on Monday, January 7, 2008. Mr. Auger stated Executive Salaries/Benefits and CIP will be at this meeting. Mr. Auger stated he would contact the Town Manager to get the 5 year budget electronically before the January 7^th meeting, and request that Mr. Walenda gets his mailed out to him.

Chairman Auger stated you should have received the update of the 2007 Salary Classifications that the Town Manager gave to them this evening. Chairman Auger stated he would prepare a similar sheet relative to salaries, as he had done this evening with the Fire Department. Mr. Auger stated again this information he has compiled using the Local Government Centers web site.

Skip Bowie stated he is confused about these sheets. Chairman Auger stated he had looked up job descriptions on the Local Government Center and did  comparisons of towns for the committee to review. Now the Salary Study that will come before us, is based on some selected towns that the Town Manager and Selectmen had chosen. Based on their information, these classifications were put together. The Local Government Center was the neutral party doing the study, but the Town Manager and Selectmen chose the towns to do the comparison on.

Adjournment

Paul Simard made the motion to adjourn at 9:42 p.m. Ron Preble seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED