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Town of Bristol

Budget Committee Minutes

January 21, 2008

DRAFT APPROVED ON: 1/28/08 as amended

ATTENDED: Archie Auger (Chairman), Dorcas Gordon (Vice Chairman), Skip

Bowie, Ron Preble, Richard Walenda, David Carr, Andrew

Hemmingway, Tom Winn, Jon Thouin, Paul Simard, Joe Denning (Selectmen’s Rep) and Diane Marden (Secretary).

ABSENT: Catherine Pitari and Joe Denning were not present at this meeting.

There remains one vacant position on the committee.

OTHERS PRESENT: Elizabeth Corrow (Town Manager), Steve Favorite

(Selectmen), Lt. Lewis (BPD), Chief Clark (BPD), Chief

Skantze (BFD), Bruce Van Derven (Selectmen), and Paul

Fraser (Selectmen).There were also other observers in the audience from the Fire Department and the general public.

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m., and the meeting

was video taped for LRPA.

Minutes of January 14, 2008

Dorcas Gordon made the motion to move the minutes of January 14, 2008. Andrew Hemmingway seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for any changes, omissions, or errors needing to be changed. Secretary Marden stated she had made changes to the minutes reflecting the correct spelling of names that were recommendations of the Town Manger. Chairman Auger asked that Ms. Marden make no changes to the minutes subsequent to the meeting of approval of minutes, as this is the process to be followed. Ms. Marden agreed. Paul Simard stated he was not present at the last meeting, the secretary asked that his name be removed from the present list, and added to the absent list of these minutes. Chairman Auger agreed. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on the amended minutes, the minutes of January 14, 2008 were approved. 9/0, 1 abstention MOTION CARRIED

Opening Discussion

Chairman Auger stated Budget Committee members should have received a number of handouts this evening in their packets regarding the most recent changes to the proposed 2008 Budget.

Opening Discussion Continued

Vacancy Position on Budget Committee

Chairman Auger stated on January 28, 2008, the Budget Committee will interview the ZBA Chairman, Dan Bouchard and Dan Arsneau relative to filling in the vacant position on the Budget Committee. Mr. Auger stated the person chosen will sit in the vacant spot for the remainder of this budget session. Mr. Auger explained anyone having interest in this vacant position should contact a budget committee member or the Town Manager prior to January 28, 2008, in order to be put on the agenda.

Special Request of Budget Committee Member - Salary Discussion

Chairman Auger stated he had a request from Dave Carr to make a report to the Budget Committee this evening. Mr. Auger asked Mr. Carr to address the Budget Committee at this time.

Dave Carr stated he would first like to thank the Board of Selectmen for their willingness to work with the Budget Committee, and their time spent on the Wage Classification Study. In a memorandum to Town Employee’s dated December 14, 2007, the Town Manager stated and I quote “Once approved (assuming by the BOS) the plan can not be further modified by the Budget Committee.” However, I wish the Town Manager had remained neutral, however I do appreciate the BOS willingness to discuss this plan with the Budget Committee.

Mr. Carr stated this is the third Pay Classification Study in the Town of Bristol over the past nine (9) years. Why will this plan work when the others did not? Mr. Carr stated he does not recall what had happened to the study of 1998, but he suspects it was not kept up to date or reviewed every year. Mr. Carr explained the second study seemed to have a chance at working, however, there were discrepancies amongst two (2) departments, and the Police Department set up its own schedule. Mr. Carr stated we may have learned that in order for a study to be fair to everyone it must start out equal across the board.

Mr. Carr continued explaining the United States Congress is currently working to keep the country from going into a recession. The Governor of New Hampshire has put strong spending procedures in place. The Town Official’s and Budget Committee’s must be very careful about increases in their budgets.

Dave Carr stated he would like to talk about Internal Equity we have seen where one plan in one department does not conform to the overall Town plan. Mr. Carr stated the Town will probably never get acceptance entirely on who should be on what grade level. We have a department head who is scheduled to receive a raise of $11,252 in the first year of the plan, the Fire Department has had an increase in their budget since 1996-2007 of 489%, while the total Town Budget has only increased 84%. The Fire Department has overspent three (3) of the last four (4) years.

Special Request of Budget Committee Member - Salary Discussion Continued

Dave Carr explained another problem he has is with the location of the Superintendent of Water and Sewer on the labor grade chart. Mr. Carr stated he should be on the same level as the Fire and Police Chief’s. This person is not an incident response person but is on 24 hours a day, (7) seven days per week. This person does have to be certified, and this department does not have the luxury of asking for larger budgets each year.

Mr. Carr stated another concern he has is with the External Equity because of limited resources Bristol will never be able to compete with other towns particularly with Concord, Manchester, Laconia, and probably even Meredith. Mr. Carr continued to explain where Bristol stands relative to the size of the town stating this comparison was done between towns having a population among 2,000 and 4,999. Our Police budget ranks a (7), Police Chief (20), Valuation (16), Population (36), Highway budget (43), Valuation by Population (30), Town Tax (20), General Budget (8), Fire budget (2), Fire Chief (5), Full Time Salaries (7), and Total Salaries (6). Mr. Carr stated these numbers are not really too bad. We know that pay is really not at the top of the list for someone looking a job or is considering a position somewhere else. Bristol does a very good job with its employee benefit package, which is much better than most. Another thing to keep in mind when thinking on the lines of implementing the Wage Classification Study is we do not know what this program will cost next year. As each employee moves along the scale over the next few years, what will the total be? What are the horizontal increases? Under normal conditions, when will an employee reach the maximum level? Funding the program over multiple years will it reduce operating expenses? Do we put a certain amount in the bucket to fund these changes? If so, what should that amount be? Mr. Carr stated almost everyone wants an ongoing program and an annual pay increase.

Mr. Carr stated instructed everyone to look at the budget sheet labeled 1/14/08 (4:11 p.m.) for some interesting numbers. Mr. Carr instructed everyone to look at columns 2007 actual for $2,283,000, comparing this to the 2008 proposed by Selectmen of $2,592,000, the projected increase is $309,000, which is a 13.5% increase overall. Mr. Carr stated the Selectmen, Budget Committee, and the taxpayers of Bristol have a large nut to crack. He thanked all present for listening. Chairman Auger thanked Mr. Carr for his comments.

Salary Discussion

Tom Winn stated he is not sure when the last study was done prior to this, and can only recall giving employees a 3% or 3.5% pay increase across the board. Chairman Auger stated in 1993 or 1994 the Local Government Center (formerly known as NH Municipal Association), they used the same process to develop pay grade levels. Sometime between 1994 and 2000, there was additional work done on the study. Mr. Auger stated none of these changes took effect although everyone had been placed appropriately. Mr. Auger stated he knew that in 1994 there seemed to be acceptable equity at that time.

Salary Discussion Continued

Chairman Auger stated in 2000 he was asked to serve as Selectmen and at that time there seemed to be some problems with the pay scale. Mr. Auger stated at that time there were commissions, and the Police Department had the power under RSA: 105 (C) which empowered them to get more control over there pay. These such issues were a part of the reasoning behind going from a Town Administrator to a Town Manager. At that time, the Police Department defended the wage scale as being correct, while other departments did not feel it had been. Mr. Auger continued to explain some at that time all employees were given a COLA plus, at this time the Fire Department also went to full time coverage. Mr. Auger stated he hoped that this would give everyone some back ground on the wage classification studies over the years. Mr. Auger stated Meredith has done a pretty decent job on their pay study and that he does have a copy of it in pdf format should anyone wish to review it. Mr. Auger stated there are a number of differences when comparing the two studies. Those who wished to receive the pdf file signed up on an email list.

Tom Winn stated his questions were not answered. Mr. Winn stated there was study that nothing was ever done with it. Mr. Winn explained because nothing had been done with it Bristol had lost some decent Police Officers as a result. Mr. Winn stated he realizes benefits were never a problem, but pay has been. Chairman Auger stated Bob Veloski had designed a scale with a 10 step increase in labor grades. This study failed because only some were moved up through the steps based on how well they did the tasks required of them. Mr. Auger stated we are now looking at the results of the current study and are trying to analyzing the one we have.

Paul Simard stated to Mr. Winn that the Police Commissioner actually did a pay classification on members of the Police Department. Mr. Simard stated as Mr. Carr just explained the Police Department ranked seventh out of 68 towns having a population between 2,000 and 4,999. Mr. Winn stated the population figures are ridiculous due to the population changes in this town during the winter and summer months. Mr. Winn stated he has said this before, and he will say it again, there is no way to accurately figure Bristol’s population.

Chairman Auger stated he would like to listen to the Board of Selectmen at this time. Mr. Auger asked for an explanation relative to the changes that occurred from the January 14, 2008, meeting.

Selectmen, Bruce Van Derven explained he would like to first comment on what has happened in the past with the wage classification studies. Mr. Van Derven stated the new information will come from the Town Manager. Mr. Van Derven explained that part of the reasoning behind doing this study was that the 10 step study caused inequities within the study. Mr. Van Derven stated once an employee reached step 10 there was no other growth to be had on the scale, therefore the employees we were trying to keep in access of 10 years were stagnant on the scale.

Salary Discussion Continued

Selectmen Van Derven explained the reasoning behind this study is to look at the overall structure rather than implementation of salaries on the basis of satisfactory performance. Chairman Auger thanked Mr. Van Derven for his comments, but would like to move on from old information to the new information that will be presented this evening.

Town Manager, Elizabeth Corrow explained that at the conclusion of the January 14, 2008, Budget Committee meeting, the Board of Selectmen expressed the importance of trying to implement the wage classification study this year. The Board of Selectmen went back over the budget on 1/17/2008 at their meeting, and made additional cuts to the budget. The Budget Sheets in your packets tonight reflect the cuts that were made at that meeting.

Ms. Corrow stated the calculations in order to implement the pay study is according to the Local Government Center who has placed a value on each position. In order to implement those recommendations in the Town of Bristol the cost would be $151,042, after the board met an additional $129,148 was cut from the budget the difference remaining is $21,894. Mr. Corrow explained this was done in the hopes of implementing the pay study all in one year.

Town Manager Corrow explained they looked at the Town Hall Construction Project bond payment and moved it up to 2009 that will be the first payment. If the pay study was implemented over the course of a couple of years, the difference would be $71,000. Ms. Corrow stated the Board of Selectmen are really hoping to implement the study in one year, rather than running the risk of causing additional inequities by doing it over the course of two years.

Ms. Corrow stated regarding the pay study in reference to the letter that went out to the employees it is not my job to be neutral when it comes to personnel issues. It is my job to make recommendations, to figure out what the position entails, what is the value of that position, and how to address them. Ms. Corrow continued explaining that she is not taking the Budget Committee’s side nor is she taking the Board of Selectmen’s side. She is making strictly a recommendation based on the information that has been provided. Ms. Corrow stated she wanted to make sure that was clear.

Ms. Corrow stated relative to the plans from the past she feels that they have paid good money for these plans, we have looked at the studies in great detail, and we have learned a lot from them. The Local Government Center recommends updating them ever five (5) to seven (7) years. Ms. Corrow stated relative to Internal Equity she agrees some department heads are receiving larger increases than others, but whether or not they over spent their budget does not factor in when determining wages. Ms. Corrow explained the value of the position is what the position is worth, not what the department head may have overspent.

Salary Discussion Continued

Town Manager Corrow stated the budget is an entirely different issue when looking at wages. Ms. Corrow explained you need to look at the person in that position, and look at whether or not the range lines up with the others. This study gives each position room to grow, and evaluates the employees fairly. Other factors when looking at last year's budget in comparison to this year's one should look at the positions that were vacant, those that were hired, and a number of other issues that may have caused the bottom line of the budget to increase or decrease. Ms. Corrow stated the Board of Selectmen went back over the budget and asked department heads to look closer at their budgets to determine what they could do without this year in order to implement the study. This was a lot of work not only for the Board but the department heads as well. Ms. Corrow stated the Board of Selectmen feel strongly about paying employees fairly and for what they deserve.

Budget Changes

Paul Simard stated we are looking at a budget of $151,000, and after this weeks cuts of $129,148 what is the new bottom line? Ms. Corrow explained the difference is $21,894 that is $ .04 on the tax rate for this comparison (not overall budget).

Skip Bowie stated to Ms. Corrow that she is assuming the Police Station and Town Hall will go through by the towns' people. Ms. Corrow stated this assumes a lot of things' contingent upon taxpayers.

Rich Walenda stated the townspeople are under paid, many are on a fixed income, and we do not want people to pick up and move.

Andrew Hemmingway asked Ms. Corrow about the significant change in line item 01-4155-260 entitled Workers Compensation? Ms. Corrow responded saying we were able to save $12,748 simply by changing from Primex to the Local Government Center.

Jon Thouin stated he was not impressed by the Local Government Center Wage Classification Study. Mr. Thouin stated the study seems to be higher than what the area can support. He does not believe in the study, and at this time he is unable to support it. Mr. Thouin asked who is the responsible for what portions and implementation of this study? Ms. Corrow stated the Local Government Center did the study, they are the professionals who compiled the information, and developed it. Ms. Corrow continued to say the Board requested that the study be done, and she places employees when hired into the study. The Budget Committee does the numbers.

Chairman Auger stated Ms. Corrow did a fine job explaining this process. The Board of Selectmen reviewed the findings of the study, the Town Manager has now turned the information over to the Budget Committee. Mr. Auger stated it is the responsibility of the Budget Committee to bring a budget to the taxpayers for their approval. Mr. Auger stated the final decision is made by the voters.

Salary Discussion Continued

Selectmen, Bruce Van Derven stated the Board of Selectmen did discuss trying to find common ground between the Board and the Budget Committee. The Selectmen feel if they do all the cutting that it will leave nothing for the Budget Committee to do, and that would leave them out of this important process. Mr. Van Derven stated it is a bottom line budget, and often that means it is our best guess. Mr. Van Derven stated he heard Mr. Bowie loud and clear at the last meeting when it comes to the elderly population on a fixed income. Mr. Van Derven stated the Board is also very concerned about those individuals. Mr. Van Derven explained the Town Manager has worked very hard on the budget this year doing an incredible job for the Town of Bristol and its employees. Mr. Van Derven stated it seems to me that if the Town Hall/Police Station does not pass it will drastically reduce the bottom line.

Paul Simard stated he wanted to remind everyone that the economic news lately has not been good, and he expects that things are going to get tighter as we go along. Dave Carr stated his remarks were not made to criticize anyone but rather geared to make everyone think using caution.

Chairman Auger asked if any of the Pay Classifications has been changed since the study had been completed? Mr. Auger stated six (6) have been changed since last week, which is in direct opposition of what the pay study was from the professionals. Mr. Auger explained he realizes this was done to make it more salable, but if the Board valued the study this would not have been done. Ms. Corrow asked Mr. Auger if she could explain this further? Mr. Auger stated he understood she had explained it last week. Ms. Corrow stated she would like to explain it further if the chair did not mind? Mr. Auger stated sure you may explain further.

Town Manager, Corrow explained that when the pay study was done, the Fire Department positions were the most difficult to deal with. Primarily because we do have an influx in population over the summer months from 3,000 to over 10,000. When the Local Government Center looked at these positions for the Fire Department they looked at the market analysis and internal equity it did not place them on the same spot. The internal equity was placing them in one place, and the market analysis was placing them in another. So the Board looked at the positions once again, and made a compromise between the two (2) differences. Ms. Corrow explained they had looked at the 24 hour issue, and realized at least some of the time these employees would be sleeping while on duty. These individuals are not salary employees, but hourly employees. We discussed it with the Chief and he was not happy a first either, but after some discussions he too understood the inequities we were facing. The Board then went back to make the changes, and these positions came out on the scale as you see them today.

Chairman Auger stated he does not believe there was much discussion with the Local Government Center relative to this most recent change. Ms. Corrow stated there was discussion with the Local Government Center relative to these Fire Department positions.

Salary Discussion Continued

Chairman Auger stated he would have a rather dim view of administration taking away any confidence the people may have in this community. Selectmen Van Derven replied by saying the Board of Selectmen reserve the right to review these items in order to try to find a unified stance for the Towns people. Mr. Van Derven stated that when he applied for his position he stacked up pretty well. We have been half stepping and tripping on ourselves for the past four (4) years, and he finds it to be troubling. Mr. Van Derven stated this should not be a them verses us situation, it should be that we are working together to resolve these issues. Soft numbers or hard numbers all need to be addressed. Mr. Van Derven explained that the Board of Selectmen also shares the responsibility of giving taxpayers a chance, and the Budget Committee along with the Selectmen should be working on the budget together. Mr. Van Derven stated he believes this study is a good product, and he does stand behind it.

Skip Bowies thanked the Board of Selectmen for going back last week to review the budget further. Andrew Hemmingway agreed with Mr. Bowie and also thanked the Board. Mr. Hemmingway stated as a Budget Committee member he needed additional information asking Chief Norman Skantze on a scale of 1-10 what the morale of his department is at this time? Chief Skantze stated overall he thinks the morale is very good, but our long time employees are awaiting the wage increases. Andrew Hemmingway asked if we are currently losing employees because of pay? Mr. Skantze stated at this time the department is not losing employees.

Mr. Hemmingway asked the Town Manager about the overall morale of the employees? Ms. Corrow stated she feels morale is doing fine, but has had a loss of two people since she has worked for the town because of pay. Ms. Corrow continued stating the majority of the problems she sees is the recruiting of employees, and then retaining them after money has been spent training them. She does feel it could be negatively impacted if the study does not go through. Rich Walenda asked how many retired people in this town own homes? These people are taxed too much they will be driven out of town.

Dorcas Gordon stated she does not question the pay classification study? She does not buy that the Local Government Center had all the input of the study, but she would rather see it implemented over a few years and phased in. Selectmen Paul Fraser thanked everyone for their input in this difficult process. Although often there may be some tension between the two (2) boards, ultimately it comes down to the voters.

Chairman Auger called for a 3 minute recess from discussions.

Chairman Auger stated next week the Budget Committee will interview Dan Bouchard and Dan Arseau for the vacant position on the Budget Committee. Mr. Auger reminded members should they know of anyone else who may be interested in this vacancy to have them be present next week.

Budget Committee Recommendations on 2008 Budget

Chairman Auger stated at this time he would like to go through the budget line items to make any changes, making firm recommendations, and then voting on those recommendations. Mr. Auger stated we will be skipping over all salaries and benefits at this time to avoid going around in circles on these issues. Giving members enough time to think about the salaries for next week's meeting.

Executive Office line items 01-4130- (331-810)

Paul Simard made the motion to discuss line items 01-4130- (331-810) of the Executive Office. Rich Walenda seconded the motion.

Paul Simard asked about the EX Consultant Service line item 01-4130-331? Ms. Corrow stated this is so she can bring in someone to finish up some things from last year.

Paul Simard made the motion to amend line item 01-4130-560 entitled EX Meeting/Memberships/Training from $5,343 to $4,500. Rich Walenda seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on this line item.

5 /5 MOTION DEFEATED

Paul Simard made the motion to approve line items 01-4130- (331-810) of the Executive Office as amended, and as recommended by the board of Selectmen. Ron Preble seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on these line items.

10/0 MOTION CARRIED

Elections and Registrations line items 01-4140- (300-810)

Chairman Auger asked for any questions on line items 01-4140- (300-810) of the Elections and Registrations budget. Andrew Hemmingway asked why the new equipment line item 01-4150-810 had been cut. Ms. Corrow stated the computer was purchased using this years funds.

Paul Simard made the motion to accept line items 01-4140- (300-810) as printed under Elections and Registrations. Skip Bowies seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on these line items.

9/1 MOTION CARRIED

Financial Administration line items 01-4150- (301-810)

Chairman Auger asked for any questions on line items 01-4150- (301-810) of the Financial Administration budget. Rich Walenda explained they should pay for their own training. Mr. Auger stated some of this training is mandated. Mr. Hemmingway stated the more training the more morale, and it helps the town all around. Mr. Hemmingway stated he supports training.

Financial Administration Continued

Paul Simard made the motion to accept line items 01-4150- (301-810) of the Financial Administration as recommended . Skip Bowie seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion, no further discussion. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on these line items.

10/0 MOTION CARRIED

Property Reappraisal line items 01-4152- (312-625)

Ron Preble made the motion to accept line items 01-4152- (312-625) under the Property Reappraisal budget. Skip Bowie seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for any questions. Paul Simard asked how the assessing contract was working out and if things were on time? Ms. Corrow stated it is working out well, and she is very satisfied. Chairman Auger asked for additional questions, no further questions were asked. Mr. Auger asked for a vote on these line items as recommended by the Board of Selectmen.

10/0 MOTION CARRIED

Legal line items 01-4153- (320-670)

Chairman Auger asked for discussion on line items 01-4153- (320-670) of the Legal budget. No discussion. Paul Simard made the motion to accept line items 01-4153-(320-670) as recommended by the Board of Selectmen. Tom Winn seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on these line items.

10/0 MOTION CARRIED

Personnel Administration line items 01-4155 - (198-270)

These items were skipped during this meeting.

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN AT THIS TIME.

Planning Board line items 01-4191- (320-812)

Paul Simard made the motion to accept line items 01-4191- (320-812) under the Planning Board, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen. Skip Bowie seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for any questions regarding line items (320-812). Mr. Simard asked what the CIP line item was for? Ms. Corrow explained line item 01-4191-812 entitled PB CIP Committee is basically for expenses for copies, binders, etc. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion, there was no further discussion. Mr. Auger asked for a vote on these line items.

10/0 MOTION CARRIED

Zoning Board line items 01-4192- (550-812)

Paul Simard made the motion to accept line items 01-4192- (550-812) under the Zoning Board, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen. Ron Preble seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion on these line items. Ron Preble asked about the ZB Meetings/Memberships was $600, and it was lowered to $300. Town Manager, Corrow stated there were a few requirements they had to meet this year. Chairman Auger asked for any further question, no further comments were made. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on these line items.

10/0 MOTION CARRIED

Tax Map Update line item 01-4193-390

Paul Simard made the motion to approve line item 01-4193-390 entitled Tax Map Update as proposed by the Board of Selectmen. Jon Thouin seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion. Mr. Simard asked why the actual had not been expended? Ms. Corrow stated this is for an update to the map relative to 911 changes, and it has not been completed yet. Mr. Simard asked if Cartographic’s are still doing the tax maps. Ms. Corrow stated they are. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion, no further comments were made. Mr. Auger asked for a vote on line item 01-4193-390 entitled Tax Map Update.

10/0 MOTION CARRIED

General Government Buildings line items 01-4194- (410-815)

Paul Simard made the motion to move line items 01-4194- (410-815) under General Government Buildings as presented by the Board of Selectmen. Tom Winn seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked the group for discussion on these line items.

Dave Carr asked about line item 01-4194-410 entitled GGB Electricity stating this is a level funded line item, and it does not appear that December’s bill has been reduced from this line item? Town Manager, Corrow stated the funds have not come out of the account for December as of yet.

Paul Simard inquired about line item 01-4194-432 entitled Safety Committee Repairs, wondering if anything has been expended from the 2007 budget? Ms. Corrow stated the Highway Department Fire Alarm System has not come out of that line item at this time.

Jon Thouin asked about 01-4194-430 entitled GGB Maintenance Repairs why it had not been expended? Ms. Corrow stated the Fire Alarm System in the Police Station has not been moved yet, until we know what is going to happen with the building we decided not to move it until that is known. Should it not pass we will have it moved, if it does pass it will save the Town money, and revert back to the general fund.

General Government Building Discussion Continued

Dorcas Gordon asked about line item 01-4194-815 entitled Public Communications in the amount of $46,540 is there a detailed list of items being purchased for that amount? Ms. Corrow stated she does have a list of items, but does not have it with her. She stated this will allow them to hire someone part time to set up the system in order to go live, and $10,000 of this is for equipment.

Chairman Auger stated the difference goes into the general fund if the $46,540 was not spent is that correct Ms. Corrow? Ms. Corrow stated if not approved by the taxpayers it will offset the revenue. Ms. Corrow stated they can only spend what is received in revenue. Ms. Corrow stated if the revenue goes over the budgeted amount the remaining will go into the general fund. Paul Simard asked if it would make sense to establish an enterprise fund? Ms. Corrow stated she did not know, she asked the Local Government Center to handle these franchise fees, but she does believe that could be done. Ms. Corrow stated we are looking at what will happen with this fund this first year, and then next year make some decisions on how the fund should be set up.

Paul Simard asked about the GGB Town Car line item 01-4194-660 do we have a new car coming in? Town Manager, Corrow explained that the Town Car is a new one coming from the Police Department with over 100,000 miles it was not used as much last year that is why the funds were not used entirely. Ms. Corrow stated this year it will be used by two people, so she decided they should level fund that this year. Paul Simard asked if it would be more reasonable to decrease the line item from $1,500 to $1,000? Ms. Corrow stated she would prefer it to remain at the $1,500 in case the car has some unforeseen breakdown. Paul Simard made the motion to decrease line item 01-4194-660 entitled GGB Town Car to $1,000. Richard Walenda seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion on the Town Car, no further comments were made. Mr. Auger asked for a vote on line item 01-4194-660 entitled GGB Town Car reducing the line item to $1,000.

5/5 MOTION DEFEATED

Chairman Auger made the motion to reduce line item 01-4194-815 entitled Public Communications from $46,540 to $30,000. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Dorcas Gordon, Vice Chairman asked for discussion. Andrew Hemmingway asked why? Mr. Auger stated he believes this amount will be enough to get it started. Mr. Auger stated they asked for the maximum percentage on the franchise fee, and he would have rather seen them start at a smaller amount to start off with. Dorcas Gordon explained that there are other items within the budget such as the Downtown person who will start programs in the downtown area. Vice Chairman, Gordon asked for a vote on the amended line item 01-4194-815 entitled Public Communications in the amount of $30,000.

7/3 MOTION CARRIED

Line item 01-4194-815 entitled Public Communications Continued Discussion

Dave Carr made the motion to ZERO line item 01-4194-815 entitled Public Communications stating this is beyond the scope of the town. Rich Walenda seconded the motion. Andrew Hemmingway stated he understands where Mr. Carr is coming from, but the voters wanted to be in a position to use the public access station. Mr. Hemmingway also believes it will give the community a chance to gain some revenue, and being able to watch it at better times is a benefit. Dorcas Gordon stated she is not in favor of zeroing the line item as she can see some benefit from this. Vice Chairman, Gordon asked for a vote on line item 01-4194-815 entitled Public Communications in the amount of $0.

2/7, 1 abstention MOTION FAILED

Paul Simard made the motion to accept line items 01-4194-(410-815) as amended under General Government Buildings. Ron Preble seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion, no additional comments or discussion was added. Mr. Auger asked for a vote on these line items.

9/0, 1 abstention MOTION CARRIED

Cemeteries line items 01-4196- (650-651)

Skip Bowie made the motion to move line items 01-4196- (650-651) under Cemeteries as recommended by the Board of Selectmen. Andrew Hemmingway seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for any discussion. Paul Simard asked why are we supporting the Homeland Cemetery, why has the Town not taken control of this cemetery? Chairman Auger stated this is not the appropriate time to discuss this. Paul Simard made the motion to ZERO line item 01-4196-651 entitled Homeland Cemetery. No one seconded Mr. Simard’s motion.

Chairman Auger asked that Vice Chairman, Dorcas Gordon take over the chair at this time. Mr. Auger made the motion to move line item 01-4196-650 entitled Town Cemeteries Appropriation from $750 to $1,500. Dave Carr seconded the motion. Mr. Auger stated the reason for changing this is that they had originally requested that amount, and it is needed for maintenance of the cemeteries. Mr. Auger stated the trustees have been taking care of the majority of the maintenance, and the $1,500 is the actual amount needed to take care of these items. Paul Simard stated he speaks against the support of Homeland Cemetery. Ms. Corrow stated the grounds keeper at Kelley Park was mowing the cemeteries last year, whether or not there was a communication problem she is not sure, she had thought he had been doing all of them. There is the possibility of using that person again this year should the trustee’s feel they would like to do that. Jon Thouin stated $1,500 is not a whole lot of money, and he is in support of the amendment. Vice Chairman, Gordon asked for a vote on amending line item 01-4196-650 entitled Town Cemeteries Appropriation from $750 to $1,500.

7/2, 1 abstention MOTION CARRIED

Cemetery Discussion Continued

Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion on cemeteries. Rich Walenda stated line item 01-4195-651 entitled Homeland Cemetery should be decreased as it went up $2,600 from the previous year.

Rich Walenda made a motion to move line item 01-4195-651 entitled Homeland Cemetery for $5,000. No second on this motion occurred. Jon Thouin made the motion to accept line item 01-4195-651 entitled Homeland Cemetery for the requested $10,000. Skip Bowie seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for further discussion, no additional comments were made. Mr. Auger asked for a vote on line item 01-4195-651 entitled Homeland Cemetery for $10,000.

8/0, 2 abstentions MOTION CARRIED

Insurance line items 01-4196- (480-483)

Ron Preble made the motion to accept line items 01-4196- (480-483) under Insurance as recommended by the Board of Selectmen. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion, no discussion or comments were made. Mr. Auger asked for a vote on these line items.

9/0,1 abstention MOTION CARRIED

Regional Associations line items 01-4197- (830-837)

Paul Simard made the motion to move line items 01-4197- (830-837) entitled Regional Associations as recommended by the Selectmen. Tom Winn seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion. Dave Carr asked why line item 01-4197-830 entitled Chamber of Commerce funds had not been expended? Town Manager, Corrow stated it is because they never submitted for the funds. Andrew Hemmingway would like to amend the line item 01-4197-830 entitled Chamber of Commerce to $500. Paul Simard seconded the amendment. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion, no further discussion. Mr. Auger asked for a vote on line item 01-497-830 entitled Chamber of Commerce raising the item from $250 to $500.

4/6 MOTION FAILED

Chairman Auger asked for further discussion on the original motion of 01-4197- (830-837) entitled Regional Associations as recommended by the Board of Selectmen in the amount of $4,596. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on the above motion.

10/0 MOTION CARRIED

Contingency Fund 01-4199-890

Paul Simard made the motion to move line item 01-4199-890 entitled Contingency Fund in the amount of $20,000. Andrew Hemmingway seconded the motion.

Contingency Fund 01-4199-890 Continued

Chairman Auger asked for any discussion. Mr. Simard asked if anything was used in the Contingency Fund last year? Town Manager, Corrow stated nothing had been used from this fund. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion on the line item, no other comments were made. Mr. Auger asked for a vote on this line item.

9/1 MOTION CARRIED

Closing Remarks

Chairman Auger stated we have completed what are going to for this evening. Mr. Auger stated we will continue on next week starting with the Police Department, and again continue without voting on benefits and salaries. We will have additional discussion on salaries and benefits, but will not be voting on them. Mr. Auger stated we will also interview individuals for the vacant budget committee position.

Adjournment

Paul Simard made the motion to adjourn at 10:08 p.m. Skip Bowie seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for a vote.

10/0 MOTION CARRIED

The next meeting will take place on Monday, January 28, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the lower level of Bristol Town Office’s.