Town of Bristol
Budget Committee Minutes
March 3, 2008
APPROVED ON: 04/16/2008
ATTENDED: Archie Auger (Chairman), Dorcas Gordon (Vice Chairman), Ron
Preble, Richard Walenda, David Carr, Andrew Hemingway, Tom
Winn, Jon Thouin, Joe Denning (Selectmen’s Rep), Dan Arsneau,
and Diane Marden (Secretary).
ABSENT: Skip Bowie, Paul Simard, and Catherine Pitari, was not present at
this meeting.
OTHERS
PRESENT: Elizabeth Corrow (Town Manager).
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m., at the Bristol Town Offices, and the meeting was video taped for LRPA.
Opening Discussion
Chairman Auger stated he had called the meeting to tie up some loose ends prior to resigning from Chairman of the Budget Committee. Mr. Auger passed around general correspondence, and asked members to review the minutes of the February 4, 2008, Budget Committee meeting for approval.
Minutes of February 4, 2008
Andrew Hemingway made the motion to accept the minutes of February 4, 2008, as written. Joe Denning seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for any discussion, omissions, or errors within the minutes. No comments were made at this time. Chairman Auger asked for a vote.
9/0-1 abstention MOTION CARRIED
Minutes of February 11, 2008 Public Hearing
Dorcas Gordon made the motion to accept the minutes of the Public Hearing held on February 11, 2008. Joe Denning seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for any discussion, omissions, or errors within the Public Hearing minutes. Secretary Marden stated on page 11, under the Water/Sewer accounts it states Superintendent Bucklin that should read Superintendent Chartier. Chairman Auger agreed. Mr. Auger asked for additional discussion, and no other comments were made. Mr. Auger asked for a vote on the motion as amended by the Secretary.
10/0 MOTION CARRIED
Other Discussion
Chairman Auger stated he would like all Budget Committee members present at Town Meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, if not just to answer questions, but to vote as well. Mr. Auger stated the Business Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, 2008. Chairman Auger asked the Secretary Diane Marden to prepare the list of votes made throughout the budget process for committee members to have at Town Meeting. Ms. Marden stated she would do so.
Ron Preble stated he would prefer people who have abstained on a vote to say they abstained rather than saying they did not vote for that particular item. Mr. Preble explained it is important to let the public know we discussed and voted together on the recommended line items within the budget. Chairman Auger agrees with Mr. Preble. Richard Walenda stated he has abstained on all votes pertaining to the Fire Department as his son works there, and it would be a conflict of interest.
MS7 and Warrant Article Discussions
Town Manager, Elizabeth Corrow handed out the MS7 and a list of Warrant Articles for the 2008 Town Warrant. Ms. Corrow stated the Fire Truck for the Fire Department was originally on the MS7, but that has been changes as the first payment will not take effect until 2009.
Ms. Corrow stated that Warrant Article #32 exactly matches the number approved and recommended by the Budget Committee. Ms. Corrow stated all of the Warrant Articles being presented were in the proposed 2008 Budget.
Dave Carr stated most have a reference to RSA 32:7. Ms. Corrow stated that is correct these are non lapsing, non transferable items explaining the money can not be moved into another account, if it is not spent, it reverts back to the general fund.
Town Reports
Joe Denning stated the Board of Selectmen have expanded the Town Report mailing list this year to include not only taxpayers, but other residents as well. Ms. Corrow stated the Town of Bristol does the mailing using a book rate.
Other Discussions
Richard Walenda asked Town Manager Corrow why certain things were cut out of the taping for LRPA? Ms. Corrow stated they are not altered by any town employee, but that something may have been left out when tapes were being changed, or when LRPA splices the segments together.
Other Discussions Continued
Secretary Marden reminded everyone to hand in their budget books to Krystal Alpers at Town Hall in preparation for next years budget process.
Joe Denning stated it has been an honor working with Chairman Auger over the years, and thanked him for getting the Budget Committee on track moving in the right direction. Dorcas Gordon also thanked Mr. Auger for his efforts. The majority of the committee felt that Mr. Auger is an asset to the community stating he would be missed.
Adjournment
Joe Denning made the motion to adjourn at 7:35 p.m. Ron Preble seconded the motion.
10/0 MOTION CARRIED