Conservation Commission Minutes 02.21.12
February 27, 2012
Bradford Conservation Commission Meeting Notes
Date: February 21, 2012
Time: 7pm
Location: Brown Memorial Library
Present: Brooks McCandlish, J. Ann Eldridge, Seth Benowitz, Meg Fearnley, George Beaton. Absent: Nathanial Bruss, Andrea LaMoreaux, Carol Meise, Patty Furness, Amy Blitzer (alternates). Also present: Sam and Andy Rushia.
Presentation by Sam Rushia on plans to rebuild the tilting Bog platform as an Eagle Scout project. He showed drafts of the platform construction, has enlisted aid of Perry Teele who will assist with design and lumber. George Beaton will also donate materials as needed. Ausbon Sargent will be contacted by easement monitor Seth B., Brooks to mark possible trees for base posts. Geocaches will need to be moved, hardware donations sought etc. All will be organized by Sam as part of his Boy Scout project. A motion was made and passed unanimously to sign approval for this rebuild. Time line: to be completed by June.
Secretary’s Report: Draft minutes from January 17, 2011 meeting read and accepted as written.
Treasurer’s Report: Interest earned, approx. $3.15.
Mail pick up: No mail at town offices for Conservation Commission this month.
Town Hall Restoration Committee: a support letter was offered for the Conservation Commission to sign. Discussion followed, decision to bypass Conservation Commission heading as this restoration effort is beyond the scope of a conservation commission.
Planning Board: Public hearing for lot merger on proposed auto salvage yard, owner M. Chivers. Attended by JA Eldridge and Seth Benowitz. Comments and concerns raised about the aquifer, the drainage channel emptying directly into the Warner River, fencing to prevent sprawl of cars in the Shoreland Protection Zone, parking lot snow pushed into the river also an issue. Hearing on site plan continued in March or April.
Dumpster storage site downtown has apparently been discontinued.
Liberty Elm Tree: Spoke to Daughters of the American Revolution in Warner. June 10 suggested. Need to recheck with Bradford Historical Society about possibility of planting by Blacksmith Shop. BCC to retrieve this large, free tree from Keene. BHS meeting on Feb. 29.
Field trips: Hike on Bradford Bog set for September 13 (a Thursday) with Ausbon Sargent.
Hike on Battles Farm easement set for August. Crew headed by Brooks to delineate and build trail. Need to contact Ed re: entrance to trail.
Natural Resource Inventory: Review of remaining items. Hard copy of chapter on invasive species passed out. Will email draft items for appendix. Continuation of NRI update on February 28, at Library at 7pm. This meeting will be posted.
Membership: Selectmen approved request for membership of George Beaton and Patty. New members will need to report to Town Clerk. Current membership list to be sent to Town Clerk office.
Adjourned: 9:10pm , respectfully, J. A. Eldridge
Community Center March
February 24, 2012
Monthly Calendar – March 2012
Thurs. Mar. 1
6:00 PM – Town Hall Restoration Committee
Mon. Mar. 5
1:00 PM – Bridge Group
6:00 PM – Bible Study
Tues. Mar. 6
9:00 AM – 12:00 noon – Fuel Assistance – Call 456-2207 for appointment
5:30 PM – Selectmen meeting
6:00 – 7:30 – Yoga Class – 6:00 – call Fran at 456-3099 for information
Wed. Mar. 7
6:00 PM – Special Party – 10015
7:00 PM - Zoning Board of Adjustment
Thurs. Mar. 8
6:00 PM – Town Hall Restoration Committee
6:00 – PM – Budget Committee
Sat. Mar 10
9:00 AM – Writing Group
10:00 AM – Noon – Candidates Forum – All encouraged to come
Mon. Mar. 12
1:00 PM – Bridge Group
6:00 PM – Bible Study
7:00 PM – Rural Heritage Connection
Tues. Mar. 13 Voting Day – at Elementary School
4:30 PM – Bradford Area Community Center – Committee meeting
6:00 – 7:30 – Yoga Class – 6:00 – call Fran at 456-3099 for information
7:00 PM – Planning Board
Wed. Mar. 14
Town Meeting – 7:00 PM at Elementary School
Thurs. Mar. 15
10:30 AM – Noon – Blood Pressure Clinic
4:30 PM – Friends of BACC
6:00 PM – Town Hall Restoration Committee
Sat. Mar. 17
10:00 AM – Bradford Improvement Assn.
Sun. Mar. 18
1:30 PM – Special Party-12579
Mon. Mar. 19
1:00 PM – Bridge Group
5:30 PM – 4 – H
6:00 PM – Bible Study
Tues. Mar 20
9:00 AM -12:00 noon -Fuel Assistance – Call 456-2207 for appointment
5:30 PM – Selectmen’s meeting
6:00 PM – Yoga Class
Thurs. Mar. 22
6:00 PM – Budget Committee
6:00 PM – Town Hall Restoration Committee
Sat. Mar. 24
9:00 AM – Writing Group
Sun. Mar.. 25
2:00 PM – Special Party – 10015
Mon. Mar. 26
1:00 PM – Bridge Group
6:00 PM – Bible Study
Tues. Mar 27
4:30 PM – Bradford Area Community Center – Committee meeting
5:30 PM – Selectmen’s meeting
6:00 – 7:30 PM – Yoga Class – 6:00 – call Fran at 456-3099 for information
7:00 PM – Planning Board
Thurs. Mar 28
6:00 PM – Town Hall Restoration Committee
For scheduling activities at the BACC, please call 938-6228 or 938-5900
2012 Parks and Recreation Schedule
February 24, 2012
PARKS & REC SCHEDULE
BATON –Tuesday’s May 1 through July 3. Parade July 7.
FRENCH’S PARK CLEAN UP – tentative date of Saturday, May 19 – 9 am – noon. Refreshments will be provided.
BEEF ROAST – Friday, July 6 from 5-7 pm
5kRoad Race – Saturday, July 7, 2012 - Registration begins at:
Blood Drive – Saturday, July 7, 2012 – time to be determined
Parade – Saturday, July 7, 2012 – 2:00?
Family Fun Day – a Sunday in mid to late September
Halloween – Wednesday, October 31 from 5-7
Parks & Recreation’s meetings are held on Thursday afternoons at 4:30 pm. The following is the list of the scheduled Committee meetings the meetings are always open to the public. If you would like to assist with Parks and Recreation, please feel free to join us at one of our meetings.
- March 22, 2012
- April 19, 2012
- May 17, 2012
- June 21, 2012
- July 19, 2012
- August 16, 2012
- September 20, 2012
- October 18, 2012
- November 15, 2012
Unless otherwise noted regular P&R meetings will be held on the third Thursday of the month.
If you would like to participate in any of these events or have any ideas to share, please let us know. You can leave a message for us at the BACC – 938-6228 or visit us on Facebook.
Select Board Minutes 02.21.12
February 21, 2012
TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
FEBRUARY 21, 2012
5:30PM
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Jack Meaney, Acting Chair called the meeting to order at 5:30pm with Barry Wheeler,
Cheryl Behr, Administrator, Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer and Marge Cilley, Secretary present. Harry Wright, Chair was absent.
APPEARANCES:
Jeff Remillard, Road Agent:
Jeff Remillard, Road Agent advised he had two concerns to discuss with the Selectmen:
- Jeff would like to rent the excavator to screen for three or four days so we would have it available if it snows and also will have it ready for next winter.
The Selectmen approved this request.
- Jeff advised he would like to post the roads tomorrow morning. He stated the dirt roads are getting bad after checking all the roads today. He is concerned with the asphalt roads as well getting soft. Barry Wheeler questioned if any of the workers have been notified and Jeff stated he did not see anyone out when he inspected the roads. The Selectmen approved this request.
Barry Wheeler questioned where the sand was coming from that was hauled in the past few days, and Jeff stated it came from Ft. Williams in Weare and it was less expensive than a closer pit would charge and the fuel cost was 6 gallons for each trip. Jeff also stated this was for a FEMA project from last year.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Payroll manifest was reviewed and signed.
Intent to Cut was signed for Preston Starr Map 3, Lot 55 & 56.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised the Warrant has been signed and they have until the 27th of the month to post it.
Cheryl also advised the Budget Committee turned in the Budget today, and the Town Report has gone to the printer, and it is being posted on the Web site.
The Department of Labor inspected the Police Station and they are required to put in an Eye Wash Faucet. An OSHA approved Eye Wash Faucet sells for $1,300.00. The Department of Labor will be back to re-inspect the last of March or first of April.
Emergency lighting in the Community Center was discussed and Cheryl Behr questioned if the lighting out back of the building could be checked as it is rather dark there.
There being no public comments or input, meeting adjourned to Non Public session per RSA 91:3IIe; and RSA 91:3IIa at 5:45pm.
There will be no Selectmen’s Meeting on February 28th, 2012.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
Selectmen’s Agenda Feb 21, 2012
February 21, 2012
Agenda
February 21, 2012
Selectmen’s Meeting
The Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Appearances:
1. Jeff Remillard
2.
Regular Business
1. Accounts payable and payroll manifests for signature
2. Warrant for signature
3. Non-public session per RSA 91 3IIe legal and RSA 91 3IIa
Budget Committee 02.09.12 & 02.16.12 Public Hearing Notice
February 17, 2012
TOWN OF BRADFORD
BUDGET COMMITTEE
P O BOX 436
BRADFORD, N.H. 03221
PUBLIC HEARING
The Bradford Budget Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the 2012 Budget on February 9th 2012 at 6:30PM in the Senior Room of the Community Center.
If the 2012 budget is not finalized on Feb. 9th a second hearing is hereby scheduled for Feb. 16th, 2012 time to be announced.
Budget Committee meetings are held on Thursday evenings as posted and are open to the public.
Budget Committee Minutes 02.18.12
February 17, 2012
TOWN OF BRADFORD
BUDGET COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 16, 2012
6:00PM
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Dick Keller, Chair opened the meeting at 6:00pm with Jon Marden, George Cilley, Don Jackson, Gary Wall, Beth Rodd, Jack Meaney, Selectmen’s Representative and Marge Cilley, Secretary.
Review and Consideration of February 9, 2012 minutes:
Motion was made by George Cilley to approve the minutes from February 9, 2012. Gary Wall seconded. Question was asked about the Police budget being $163.00 short, but it was determined it was the way it was stated in these minutes.
Dick Keller added although it was not part of the actual minutes, he is concerned about it, as it was directly after the meeting that Chris Aiken produced a letter to the board, (letter on file) which points out a certain lack of trust which we seem to have in that memo that is being circulated.
Motion carried 6-0. Jack Meaney abstained not having been present to all of that meeting.
Finalization of the Police Budget:
Beth Rodd advised the motion made on February 9, 2012 was meant to be $315,163, and she inadvertently left off the $163.00 when she made the motion.
Motion was made by Beth Rodd to adjust the figure for the Police Budget, #4210-4214 to the original intent of $315,163. Seconded by Jack Meaney, Selectmen Representative. Motion carried 7-0.
Discussion between Cheryl and the Board regarding her receiving the figures from the Budget Committee as soon as they are voted on and available, and not wait for the completion of everything.
MS-7
The board reviewed the current MS-7.
6:15 pm, recessed until the Public Hearing beginning at 6:30pm
Reopened the meeting at 6:50pm and the Budget Committee members signed their Budget for 2012.
Next scheduled meeting on: MARCH 8, 2012 AT 6:30PM
Meeting Adjourned 7:15
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley, Secretary
Planning Board Minutes 02.14.12
February 16, 2012
TOWN OF BRADFORD
PLANNING BOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 14, 2012
7:00PM
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Marcia Keller, Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00pm with Phil LaMoreaux, Vice Chair, Mark Keith, Alternate, John Greenwood, Caryl Walker, Alternate, Barry Wheeler, Selectmen’s Representative, Jim Bibbo, Bill Glennie and Marge Cilley, Secretary present. Sonny Harris was absent.
Review and Consideration of the January 10, 2012 minutes:
Motion was made by Phil LaMoreaux, Vice Chair to approve the January 10 minutes as presented. Seconded by John Greenwood. Motion carried 4-0. Barry was absent at that meeting. Caryl Walker and Jim Bibbo had not arrived.
Marcia Keller, Chair seated Mark Keith for Sonny Harris and Caryl Walker for Jim Bibbo, prior to his arriving.
Discussion took place regarding a request to CNHRPC for traffic count in town, and it was thought the Selectmen/Highway Dept. were checking on the new program they have from Central N H Assessment of Roads that came in December. The Planning Board will follow through with this at the work session at the end of the month.
O E Trucking Public Hearing continuation -10 Breezy Hill Road – Automotive Recycling Center –Map 3, Lot 74 and Conceptual Consultation for Boundary Adjustment:
Michael Norman, Horizon Engineering, Representing O E Trucking advised he is here to show the adjustments to the Site Plan resulting from the letter from Central New Hampshire Regional Planning.
Mr. Norman advised he has a letter requesting an extension for the Site Plan Review until at least March 2012 and has brought the Application for the Lot Line Adjustment per the town Attorney’s recommendations.
Marcia Keller, Chair brought up the memo to the Board of Selectmen requesting a Fleet Inspection Station for the busses there, which would be a revision. Mr. Norman advised he would follow up on that.
A three page letter in response to the CNHRPC review letter was provided.
The last item is the actual Lot Line Adjustment Application.
Mr. Norman advised he has not received any response from the Fire Dept.
Mention was made by the Planning Board that an Off Premise sign needs to be documented for identification.
Ann Eldridge and Seth Benowitz from the Conservation Commission as well as Jim McLaughlin from Warner Conservation Commission as well as Clerk of the Water District in Warner, attended this meeting, regarding the Development of Regional Impact.
It was stated that the town issues a Junk Yard permit annually by the Selectmen, which is a state law.
Phil LaMoreaux, Vice Chair read a portion of the RSA236:123 Fencing
“Before use, a new junk yard or automotive recycling yard shall be completely surrounded with a solidly constructed fence at least 6 feet in height which substantially screens the area and with a suitable gate which shall be closed and locked except during the working hours of the junk yard or automotive recycling yard or when the applicant or his agent is within. All motor vehicles and parts stored or deposited by the applicant shall be kept within the enclosure of the junk yard or automotive recycling yard except as removal is necessary for its transportation in the reasonable course of the business.”
Discussion ensued.
Michael Norman requested direction from the Planning Board regarding the fence and gated area. It was stated the Selectmen have the authority to waive or reduce the fencing upon granting their license.
Concerns of the Board of the Area include: 1. Aquifers 2. Set Back 3. Fencing.
Motion was made by Phil LaMoreaux, Vice Chair that the Applicant be required to fence the entire area of the Vehicle Recycling Center per RSA 236:123, and to show on the Site Plan. Seconded by Jim Bibbo. Motion carried 7-0.
The Conservation Commission advised they would like to see the area fenced to keep the area confined.
Another question arose, was there to be crushing and it should show on the plans either way, yes or no.
Lot Line Adjustment Application information was provided by Michael Norman to the board. A colored plan map was observed. Bounds will have to be set with a letter so stating. Michael advised they are in hopes of being prepared for a hearing on March 13th, however, it they cannot make it, the letter suffices in postponing for another month.
Mr. Norman will let the Planning Board know by the end of this week so the notice can be posted accordingly.
Dependable Dumpster –Public Hearing – 1290 Route 114, Charles Martin, Site Plan Review – Property Owner – Harriet Hobbs.
Marcia Keller, Chair advised Dependable Dumpster has been in contact with DOT and DES. DOT stated they would need a driveway permit. Elizabeth Ashworth, DOT advised they had just that morning received an E-Mail from Dependable Dumpster. Previously, DOT had forwarded a letter to Ed Hauck, Dependable Dumpster on January 10, 2012 requesting they fill out a Driveway Permit Application and forward it to the District Office in Enfield. On February 5, 2012, the office Manager for Dependable Dumpster stated they will not be filing a Driveway Permit; the containers will be removed by February 29, 2012.
The review from CNHRPC has been received and the Application was accepted as complete on January 10, 2012. Conditions can be approved or disapproved within 65 days from accepting the Application as complete. A final determination can be made at the March 13th, 2012 meeting.
The Planning Board has received nothing directly from Dependable Dumpster.
Motion was made by Jim Bibbo to recommend to continue the hearing until the March 13, 2012 Planning Board meeting. Seconded by Phil LaMoreaux. Motion carried 7-0.
Marcia Keller, Chair read a letter from the Conservation Commission.
Decision by the Planning Board was to forward a letter to Harriet Hobbs, with cc’s to Ed Hauck and Charles Martin, Dependable Dumpster.
Outstanding Issues:
Valley Excavation – Map 3, Lot 82
Old Road Antique – B*B Map 2, Lot 112
Soaring Goose – Lumber Barn, Map 7, Lot 2
Saltamacchia – Wet Basement Solutions –Map 17, Lot 62
Pizza Chef Sign-Flashing sign.
Either personal contact or letters will go out to the above and/or to the Selectmen
Any other business to come before the Board.
Adjourn 8:50pm
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
Select Board Minutes 02.14.12
February 15, 2012
TOWN OF BRADFORD
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
FEBRUARY 14, 2012
5:30PM
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Harry Wright, Chair called the meeting to order at 5:30pm with Barry Wheeler, Jack Meaney, Cheryl Behr, Administrator and Marge Cilley, Secretary present. Marilyn Gordon, Treasurer was absent.
APPEARANCES:
John Belanger, West Road came before the Selectmen with the on going driveway issue and advised his garage is flooded. He presented the members with estimates to correct the problem. Mr. Belanger indicated the garage could be raised, the drain could be lowered or change the driveway. This has come about as when the bridge was done, the road bed was raised four or five inches. Cheryl Behr stated the town does not have insurance to cover this problem. Mr. Belanger also questioned if the town paid for taking down three trees, as he did pay to have them taken down.
Mr. Belanger left the estimates with the Selectmen for a decision to be made.
Laura Woo-sam, Sunset Hill Road, came to the Selectmen’s meeting to see if Sunset Road will be paved sometime soon. Harry Wright, Chair advised not for a while, as they have just compiled a road surface management survey provided by Regional Planning and they did not mention Sunset Hill Road. Ms. Woo-sam stated she has been trying to sell her home for three years. The Road is deplorable and doesn’t help when people come to look at the house, which they take a lot of pride in, and have put a lot of money into. The Selectmen will check to see where Sunset Hill Road is on the list of paving and let Cheryl know and Ms. Woo-sam can call her.
Ann Eldridge, Conservation Commission came to the Selectmen to request the appointment of George Beaton and Patty Furness to the Conservation Commission. They will be replacing Carol Meise and Andrea LaMoreaux, who will both remain as Alternates on the board.
Motion was made by Harry Wright, Chair to appoint George Beaton and Patty Furness to the Conservation Commission. Seconded by Jack Meaney. Motion carried 3-0.
With these appointments, the Conservation Commission membership is as follows:
Nathanial Bruss, Chair
J. Ann Eldridge, Secretary
Meg Fearnley, Treasurer
Brooks McCandlish
Seth Benowitz
Patty Furness
George Beaton
Amy Blitzer, Past Chair and Alternate
Andrea LaMoreaux, Alternate
Carol Meise, Alternate
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Accounts payable were reviewed and signed.
Review and Consideration of February 7, 2012 minutes:
Motion made by Harry Wright, Chair to approve the minutes of February 7, 2012. Second by Jack Meaney.
Page one, bottom of page, should read Service Provider Agreement for Rescue Squad and Jack Meaney advised Merrill Body and Frame shop is not in Concord, but did not know where it is located. Motion carried with edits 3-0.
An Abatement was filed and entered into the computer incorrectly last year; the correction was signed by the Selectmen.
The Community Center new copier was received today. In a question asked by Jack Meaney, there will be account numbers assigned to Departments as users of the copier.
The Town Report status was discussed, and Cheryl advised she had called the Department of Revenue and LGC who advised her that if it is a problem for the printer, who wanted the material to print today, the Warrant could be printed later and hand it out as an addendum at Town Meeting. The deadline is seven days prior to election to have the Town Report available.
Final figures have to be posted next week per Cheryl Behr.
The contract for the Naughton Landfill monitoring came in today. The annual permit and regular testing is $7900.00, of which we have budgeted $5,000. This testing began in the year 2000 and is for a testing requirement for a period of thirty years.
Town Clerk, Sue Pherson has applied for a Conservation License to have more of the town books rebound. This Grant is for about $8600.00 and this is the third time Sue has done this. The six books looking to be bound are from 1835 through 1935.
The Labor Department will be inspecting the Police Station on Thursday.
Work began on Monday for the new roof on Bement Bridge.
On Thursday of this week, the asbestos remeditator will be inspecting the Sanborn House on East Main Street and Monday, February 20, 2012 demolition will commence.
Motion made, seconded and carried to adjourn at 6:00pm
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
Budget Committee Public Hearing 02.09.12
February 14, 2012
TOWN OF BRADFORD
BUDGET COMMITTEE
PUBLIC HEARING
FEBRUARY 9, 2012
6:30PM
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Dick Keller, Chair called the meeting to order with Gary Wall, Don Jackson, Jon Marden, Beth Rodd, George Cilley and Marge Cilley Secretary present. Jack Meaney, Selectmen’s Representative was absent. Jack Meaney arrived 7:10pm.
Dick Keller, Chair advised the Budget Committee has been greatly aided this year with the Capital Improvement Program which projects major Capital Expenditures facing the town and extending them out over a six year time period.
The Budget Committee’s goal is from last years increase of 8.8%, resulting in the tax hikes and the complaints and negative comments from our fellow tax payers, and those families being evicted was to push for at least a level budget for this year. This was presented to the Selectmen back in November 2011. As you can see, this committee has been ignored, bur remains pretty well on target.
Handouts that were provided to everyone has on one side the Operating Budget and the second side, the Warrant Articles.
The difference between the Selectmen’s operating budget and this committee’s is one hundred twenty three thousand three hundred thirty ($123,330) dollars, or 6.5%. The difference is in the 3.6% increase in wages and benefits and 22% increased budget for the highway budget, all recommended by the Selectmen.
The Budget Committee can deal with the bottom line, and what happens in between is up to the Departments with the acquiescence of the Selectmen.
Budget Committee’s Score Card:
Dick Keller, Chair explained the Budget Committee’s score Card sheet that had been handed out to everyone. The first column shows the 2010 budget, second column shows the 2011 budget, with the % of change between those columns, The next column shows the amount of money expended in 2011 followed by the next column which is the Selectmen’s Budget then showing the % of change between that and the 2011. The last column is the Budget Committee’s recommendation for the 2012 budget.
Operating Budget:
Executive Budget:
The difference between the Selectmen’s executive budget and the Budget Committee’s is for the addition of $14,000 for the additional hours of a part time employee in the Selectmen’s office to work with Cheryl Behr to study the administrative operation and prepare to replace her when Cheryl retires.
The score card was gone over line by line.
Employee Benefits:
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised there was a new line added to Employee Benefits to show Vacation Buy outs which increased the Selectmen’s budget to $298,975.00. The Budget Committee Budget is $286,775.00. The Budget Committee reduced the Health Insurance budget line by $6,000.00. Cheryl Behr, Administrator questioned this since the contract has already been signed. Jon Marden stated that since the Selectmen did not see fit to renegotiate anything other than that was currently available, they will have to make an adjustment wherever they choose to. Question from the public was how can they break a contract to which they were informed it is a thirty day contract.
Dick Keller, Chair reiterated that the Budget Committee is trying to bring the budget in line so our tax burden is reasonable. We are also hoping to bring this through for a few years and spread the Warrant Articles out because of their burden. The figure issued to the budget committee on December 15, 2011 (revised budget) was in the amount of $182,100. The Selectmen department request was $177,800. and the Selectmen approved that number. Cheryl Behr advised there were some changes in personnel, consequently changing the numbers during the year.
Dick Keller, Chair recommended this be revisited as a committee, taking into consideration comments made at this meeting.
General Government Buildings
The Selectmen recommended $68,463.00 and the Budget Committee recommends $$54,097.00, the difference is many of the items making up this amount are already listed in the Community Center Budget was explained by Dick Keller, Chair. Cheryl Behr stated that $20,000.00 was added for repair of the Town Hall as there was not enough money in the Community Center Budget to do enough repairs to the Town Hall to move back into if the Town Hall Restoration Committee’s Bond Article (which was never initiated) did not pass.
Other Government Buildings:
Question was why is this item up to which Jon Marden advised it includes:
Mill Foil Remediation at Lake Massasecum, Contract Services for Environmental Testing (Required) Sanitation Units at Boat Launch at French’s Park, and French’s Park testing, the four major categories.
Police Dept.
Selectmen recommend $ 316,747.00 and the Budget Committee recommends $305,163.00. Question was will this endanger the Cops Grant, and the reply was negative. Also where is the difference coming from. Reply was the Secretarial services plus some other minor items which were discussed with the Chief who stated he could still work within that budget. Chief Valiquet advised they may have to give up some programs such as DARE if they cannot afford to do it. Chief Valiquet advised they are not asking for more hours or increase in pay for the Secretary. Chief Valiquet advised he only asks for what he needs, then stands up for it. It was stated that the Cops Grant goes through 2014, by Chief Valiquet. Discussion ensued from the public.
Budget Committee recommends revisiting this issue.
Rescue Squad:
Laurie Brown questioned if the tax payers do not pass Article 14 regarding the $106,000, would the Budgeted amount of the Selectmen and Budget Committee of $70,860 be enough?
Highway Department:
Jeff Remillard, Road Agent advised he would like to discuss the $444,000 that they all agreed on, then the Budget Committee went behind his back and cut it down to $425,000 which he has a problem with. Where did the Budget Committee cut more money, what line item? Jon Marden advised this was an unspecified cut. Jon Marden stated that last year $403,000 and some change was voted at town meeting, and within a week it went to $415,000, obviously, money can be moved between departments. Cheryl advised after town meeting last year they had to immediately transfer money from Emergency Capital Reserve Fund to cover salt budget and fuel. Shortly after that, money was transferred from the Fire Dept. to the Highway Dept. as they did the work on the Fire Pond. Other than that, they transferred money from the Transfer Station in the amount of $12,000, then we received from FEMA $101,000. That money did not go into the highway budget, but showed up in Revenue. Much discussion ensued.
Dick Keller, Chair advised the $415,000 amount is 11.1% over the 2010 budget. Over 5% each year increase. Dick continued saying the population has not gone up accordingly.
Jeff Remillard, Road Agent advised they have 4 minutes worth of pictures to show the group. It was agreed that it would be put on the web site.
Other Conservation:
Difference between Selectmen and Budget Committee is $10.00 – typo error?
Warrant Articles:
5. Architectural evaluation – Town Hall – $13,000 Recommended by the Budget Comm.,
7. Retrofit downstairs of Community Building: – $25,000.00 Budget Committee does Not recommend.
8. Revaluation – Capital Reserve – $10,000 – Budget Committee recommends
9. Gravestone Repair – $4,000 – Budget Committee recommends
10. Police Cruiser – $35,240. – Budget Committee recommends
11. Fire Dept. Heavy Equip Capital Reserve – $25,000 Budget Committee Recommends
12. Fire/Highway/Police communication – $37,000. (Figures on sheets handed out tonight are incorrect figures.) Budget Committee Recommends.
“Communication Equipment Capital Reserve – $5,000 (This amount was moved into the above account) This is no longer an Article.
13. Ambulance Capital Reserve – $10,000 – Budget Committee recommends
14. Ambulance service Fund Balance – $106,000 – Budget Committee recommends
15. Highway Dept Hvy Equip Capital Reserve – $30,000 –Budget Committee recommends.
16. Salt & Fuel Emergency Fund – $5,000 – Budget Committee recommends
17. Highway Dept. Grader – $272,700 – Budget Committee recommends
18. Highway Dept. Grader grant – $68,000 – Is included in the above Article with the $272,700 amount.
Highway Dept. Grader Fund Transfer is omitted.
19. Bridge Design – $48,000 – Budget Committee does not recommend, but does recommend $28,000
At this time, Jon Marden re-stated that the Selectmen choose the amount of the Warrant, and the Budget Committee either approves or disapproves the amount of it. The town, then votes its own. The Budget Committee makes a recommendation to the Selectmen. and they chose to not approve. This does not mean it cannot be amended on the floor, at town meeting or doesn’t mean it cannot be passed in its entirety.
20. Road Const. E. Main St, Old Warner Rd., Howlett Road & Greenhouse Lane $375,000. The Budget Committee does not recommend.
In reply to a question as to why, Dick Keller advised the amount came in with no method of making the payment on it, how to fund it, other than taxes.
Don Jackson inquired of the Road Committee if they received a report from DOT, is it available, and when was it received? Jeff Remillard advised they surveyed every road in town in December 2011. Jeff Remillard, Road Agent advised it is on the Highway computer and he can print it off. It was also pointed out, that we’ve seen requests for roads for resurfacing, repair for years and all of a sudden, there are two roads that just came up. Nothing about Fairgrounds Road, West Road, any other roads that are in rough shape, and it is confusing to know where the priorities are, and who determined it.
Much discussion ensued.
Jack Meaney pointed out that on East Main Street after the new sidewalks and bike lanes were put in, there is only a five foot strip in the middle left to put asphalt on. If this is not done, the rest of the work would get broken up.
21. Road Construction, East Main Street – $140,000. Budget Committee recommends.
22. Asphalt Rd. Repairs & Shimming – $50,000- Budget Committee does not recommend
Budget Committee recommendation is $20,000 based on the $30,000 that is remaining in that fund.
23. Town Building Emergency Repair Capital Reserve – $5,000-Budget committee recommends.
24. Town Bldg & Facility Renovate Capital Reserve – $5,000 – Budget Committee recommends.
25. Boat Launch – $5,000 – Budget Committee recommends.
26. Youth Sports – $2750. – Budget Committee recommends
27. Main Street Improvement Capital Reserve – $10,000. – Budget Committee recommends.
Total Operating Budget from the Score card handed out, including the Operating Budget and the Warrant Articles by the selectmen is Two million, seven hundred thirty five thousand nine hundred sixty six dollars ($2,735,966) for a 21% increase.
Dick Keller, Chair advised there are some numbers on the Budget Committee recommendations that need changing, but their budget is between .05% & 1% increase.
Next meeting is scheduled if needed will be: February 16, 2012 at 6:30pm
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
