Budget Committee Minutes 03.01.13
March 2, 2013
TOWN OF BRADFORD
BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
MARCH 1, 2013
6:30PM
Call To Order and Roll Call:
Dick Keller, Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30pm as a reconvened meeting of February 27th when there was not a quorum present. Present tonight is: George Cilley, Beth Rodd, Jon Marden, Don Jackson, Harry Wright, Selectmen’s Representative and Marge Cilley Secretary, Will Hurley arrived at 7:05pm.
Review and Consideration of February 11, 2013 minutes and Budget Public Hearing Minutes”
Motion was made by George Cilley to approve the February 11, 2013 minutes.
Page two under Article Five, motion should read: Motion carried 4-1: Motion carried with edit 6-0.
Harry Wright, Selectmen’s Representative requested the Secretary put his name on the send list. (Done)
Motion was made by George Cilley to approve the February Budget Public Hearing. Seconded by Don Jackson. Motion carried 5-0. Beth Rodd abstained, was absent.
Signing of MS-7 by Board Members:
Mention was made that a copy of the MS-7 needs to be forwarded to Department of Revenue after the members have signed it. The Secretary has taken care of this on Saturday, March 2, 2013. Also a signed copy was put on the Administrators desk and in the Town Clerk’s mail box.
The Budget Committee members will be sitting up front at Town Meeting as they did last year. Each member has volunteered and will take responsibility for different Articles to explain the Budget Committees position if necessary.
2014 Budget:
Discussion ensued regarding Revenue for next year’s budget, and Jon Marden explained that it is imperative that the budget committee receives it earlier in the year with more explanation of how it is arrived at.
Also discussed was the need for the committee to review the 4th quarter report when the 1st quarter is out this year.
Sheets for projections for 2014, 2015 and 2016 were reviewed and last years sheet was used for comparison.
Other comments:
Mention was made about the LGC insurance money which is in question as to when and if it will be received by the town.
Conversation ensued concerning many topics of interest and concern for the benefit of the town.
Next meeting is set for: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 6:30pm
to re-organize.
There being no other business to come before the board, meeting adjourned 8:00pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
Budget Committee Minutes 02.27.13
February 27, 2013
TOWN OF BRADFORD
BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
FEBRUARY 27, 2013
6:30PM
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Dick Keller, Chair opened the meeting at 6:35pm with George Cilley and Marge Cilley Secretary present.
Absent were: Don Jackson, Beth Rodd, Will Hurley, Jon Marden, and Harry Wright, Selectmen Representative.
Since there is a snow storm and members were absent, the next meeting has been set tentatively for Friday, March 1, 2013, at 6:30pm
The MS-7’s are at the Cilley’s waiting for signatures, so please stop and sign them at your earliest convenience.
Meeting has been recessed to be continued on March 1, 2013.
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
Budget Committee 02.27.13
February 21, 2013
BRADFORD BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
AGENDA for February 27, 2013 @ 6:30pm — Location
BradfordCommunity Center
1. Call to order & roll call
2. Review and consideration of minutes of February 11, 2013
3. Review and consideration of minutes of Budget Committee Public Hearing of
February 11, 2013
4. Review and signing of MS-7, clarification of acct. 4312, road repair note/bond
5. Discussion of preparation for Town Meeting
6. Any other Committee matters in line for discussion
7.
8. Schedule for next meeting
9. Adjournment
Public input and comments
Budget Committee Minutes Public Hearing 02.11.13
February 12, 2013
TOWN OF BRADFORD
BUDGET COMMITTEE
PUBLIC HEARING
FEBRUARY 11, 2013
7:00PM
Dick Keller, Chair Bradford Budget Committee advised this presentation reflects the Warrant.
Article One To choose all necessary Town officials for the ensuing year.
Article Two from the Planning Board (By Petition)
Article Three To adjourn the meeting until March 13, 2012 at 7:00pm
Article Four: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate One Million Seven Hundred Sixty Seven Thousand Dollars ($1,767,000.00) (gross budget) to renovate the Bradford Town Hall at Map 16, Lot 92 and to authorize the issuance of not more than One Million Seven Hundred Sixty Seven Thousand Dollars ($1,767,000.00) of bonds or notes in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA Chapter 33) and to authorize the Selectmen to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon, the term and other details. Selectmen recommend. Budget Committee recommends. 2/3 ballot vote required).
The Budget Committee recommends by a unanimous vote of 7-0. The impact of this will not come in to play until 2014 and first payment would be at 2.25% interest at $89,499.00. Year 2015, amount increases to $139,286.00 and carries on for the balance of Fifteen years. DRA advised this would require $ .63 per thousand on the tax bill.
Article Five: Regarding the Highway Bond in the amount of $250,000.00, there has been no specific information for term or interest rate to the Budget Committee. The Budget Committee voted to not recommend this Article.
Dick Keller, Chair handed out a sheet showing on one side the Operating Budget Score Card and side 2, Bradford Budget Committee Recommendations on the 2013 Warrant Articles
Operating Budget:
The Selectmen’s Operating Budget is $1,803,353.00 and the Budget Committee’s Budget is $1,805,698.00. Primary difference between the two budgets is:
1. Executive Department-the Budget Committee decreased the Executive Budget by the amount of the raise at 9.1%.
2. Insurance – the Selectmen recommended $69,881.00 and the settlement from LGC was added into the Budget Committee’s Budget at $78,540.00. This settlement may not take place this year, but if so, it could go into the General Fund.
John Pfeifle advised he has done some comparisons between like size towns, and found them to have a large discrepancy in spending from Town of Bradford for insurance benefits. Jon Marden advised he agrees with John and has made that argument for years. Jon also advised the Budget Committee gets the figures after the contracts have been signed. It was the consensus of the Budget Committee to give John Pfeifle support for checking this out more completely for next year. John Pfeifle also spoke about breaking the benefits out per Departments, not as a lump sum. This too shall be looked at more closely next year.
Bradford Budget Committee Recommendations on 2013 Warrant Articles:
Article Seven: Bradford Corners lease/purchase – This Committee received so little information to base any recommendation or rejection on, moved at their last meeting to not recommend with a vote of 7-0.
Article Eight: Renovate Bradford Corners – The same situation as Article Seven, no details what so ever, and the Budget Committee voted to not recommend by a vote of 7-0.
Article Nine: Capital Reserve Funds:
Article Ten: Police Cruiser lease/purchase at $8,770.00
This Article was recommended by the Selectmen and recommended by the Budget Committee with a vote of 6-1.
Article Eleven: Police Cruiser Capital Reserve at $8,000.00 for replacement of a cruiser in the future. The Budget Committee did not recommend this Article by a vote of 7-0.
John Pfeifle questioned a guidance program for a five or ten year program, a capital expenditure program for equipment replacement which Dick Keller replied that yes, there is a Capital Improvement Program which goes out to six years.
Article Twelve- Highway Safety Sign – Budget Committee recommended Article Twelve at $15,000.00 by a 4-3 vote.
Article Thirteen: Fire Department Generator at $37,000.00. Selectmen Recommend. The Budget Committee recommended Article Thirteen by a vote of 6-0.
Article Fourteen: Fire Department –Vehicle Exhaust Removal System at $27,000.00. Selectmen recommended. Budget Committee recommended 7-0.
Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief remarked that the Scrubber gives some indication of how the CIP is effective. Otherwise, no one would recognize the need for this as Jon Marden pointed out.
Community Center Roof Repair: Selectmen did not put this on the Warrant this year, but will be next year.
Article Fifteen: Bridge Design at $53,215.00 which includes Breezy Hill Road Bridge off Route 103, Covered Bridge and the Second Bridge on West Meadow Road.
The Selectmen recommend. The Budget Committee recommended at a vote of 6-0.
Article Sixteen: Salt and Fuel Capital Reserve at $5,000.00 was recommended by the Selectmen. The Budget Committee recommends with a vote of 6-0.
Article Seventeen: Completion of resurfacing sections of Fairgrounds Road and asphalt road repairs and shimming at $50,000.00. Selectmen recommends. Budget Committee recommends.
Article Eighteen: To fund Boat Launch at $5,000.00. Budget Committee recommended at 6-0.
John Pfeifle questioned rewording description on this for another year.
Article Nineteen: Bradford Newbury Sutton Youth Sports at $2,700.00. Budget Committee recommended.
2013 Warrant Articles as presented at $321,735.00.
2013 Warrant Articles Budget Committee Recommends $313,735.
2013 Operating Budget as Presented $1,815,814.00.
2013 Operating Budget – Budget Committee recommends $1,805,698.00.
There being no other comments:
Motion was made, seconded and carried to close Public Hearing at 7:35pm.
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
Budget Committee Minutes 02.11.13
February 12, 2013
TOWN OF BRADFORD
BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
FEBRUARY 11, 2013
6:00PM
Call To Order and Roll Call:
Dick Keller, Chair called the meeting to order with Jon Marden, Don Jackson, George Cilley, Harry Wright, Selectmen Representative and Marge Cilley, Secretary. Will Hurley and Beth Rodd were absent.
Operating Budget:
Dick Keller, Chair handed out an Operating Budget Score Card and went over the Executive Line Item as well as the Insurance Line Item.
The flip side of the page contains the Budget Committee Recommendations on the 2013 Warrant Articles which was also discussed.
Review of Article Five:
The February 5, 2013 Budget Committee meeting stated that the Budget Committee unanimously agreed to table this Article at $300,000.00 until the February 8th meeting prior to the Budget Public Hearing scheduled the same night. This meeting did not take place, but was recessed to tonight, February 11, 2013 because of snow storm.
Article 5: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) (gross budget) to repair and rebuild asphalt roads in Bradford and to authorize the issuance of not more than Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) of bonds or notes in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA Chapter 33) and to authorize the Selectmen to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon, the term and other details. The roads to be repaired include Rowe Mountain Road, Susnset Hill road and overlay Pleasant View road. Selectmen recommend. (2/3 ballot vote required)
Motion was made George Cilley to recommend Article 5 as written. Seconded by Don Jackson. Harry Wright, Selectmen Representative voted No Motion carried 4-0.
Question as to how to reconcile this vote? Article 17 is not contingent upon Article 5. It was stated that the Budget Committee can speak to this from the floor at Town Meeting
Article 5: Harry Wright, Chair Selectmen read the following into the minutes, which were reconsidered and recommended at the Selectmen’s meeting tonight:
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) (gross budget) to repair and rebuild asphalt roads in Bradford and to authorize the issuance of not more than Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) of bonds or notes in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA Chapter 33) and to authorize the Selectmen to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon, the term and other details. The roads to be repaired include Rowe Mountain Road and Sunset Hill Road.
Considerable conversation ensued.
Motion to reconsider Article 5 as originally written made by Jon Marden. Seconded by George Cilley. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion was made to recommend Article 5 as re-worded by the Selectmen’s recommendation tonight to change the dollar amount to $250,000.00 by George Cilley. Seconded by Don Jackson. Harry Wright voted Yes. Budget Committee Motion to recommend Article 5 defeated by 1 Yes vote 4 No votes.
Motion made, seconded and carried to recess at 7:02. Motion carried 5-0.
Back into regular Budget Committee meeting at 7:36pm.
Article 17: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) for the completion of resurfacing sections of Fairgrounds Road and asphalt road repairs and shimming. The current available for this purpose is $34,071. This will be non lapsing per RSA 32:7, VI and continue until the project is complete or December 31, 2018.
Motion is made by Jon Marden, seconded by George Cilley to recommend Article 7 as written. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion was made by Jon Marden that the Budget Committee is in favor of their Budget and do not require a second Public Hearing. Seconded by George Cilley. Motion carried 5-0.
Dick Keller, Chair will set up the next meeting prior to Town Meeting.
Mention was made that the Budget Committee requests sitting at the front table with the Selectmen at Town Meeting.
Meeting adjourned 7:40pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie r. Cilley
Secretary
BUDGET COMMITTEE Recessed, Meeting to continue 02.11.13
February 8, 2013
MEETINGS CANCELLED/POSTPONED DUE TO STORM 02.08.13
February 8, 2013
Due to weather conditions, any town meetings scheduled for today, Friday, February 8th have been cancelled or rescheduled. Rescheduled meetings will be noticed separately.
Travel safe!
Budget Committee Minutes 02.05.13
February 6, 2013
TOWN OF BRADFORD
BUDGET COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 5, 2013
6:30PM
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Dick Keller, Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30pm with George Cilley, Beth Rodd, Jon Marden, Don Jackson, Will Hurley, Harry Wright, Selectmen Representative and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
Review and Consideration of January 30, 2013 minutes:
Motion was made by George Cilley to approve the January 30, 2013 minutes, seconded by Beth Rodd.
Jon Marden pointed out in the third paragraph, second sentence, should be omitted: Balance on 12/31/2011 was $22,900.99 in the Trust Fund. Motion carried with edits 7-0.
Bond/Note presentations and discussion
Article Five:
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000) (gross budget) to repair and rebuild asphalt roads in Bradford and to authorize the issuance of not more than Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000) of bonds or notes in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA Chapter 33) and to authorize the Selectmen to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon, the term and other details. The roads to be repaired include (Old Warner Road, Rowe Mountain Road, Sunset Hill Road, West Road, Greenhouse Lane, Pleasant View and Fairgrounds Road) REVISIT ROAD LIST. Selectmen recommend. 2/3 vote required.
Motion was made by Beth Rodd to recommend the Three Hundred Thousand Dollars for Article Five. Seconded by Don Jackson. Discussion ensued regarding the roads to receive attention.
Board unanimously agreed to table this until Friday prior to the Budget Hearing when Selectmen may have list of roads as well as impact on budget.
Article Four:
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate One Million Seven Hundred Sixty Seven Thousand Dollars ($1,767,000.) (gross budget) to renovate the Bradford Town Hall at Map 16, Lot 92 and to authorize the issuance of not more than One Million Seven Hundred Sixty Seven Thousand Dollars ($1,767,000.) of bonds or notes in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA Chapter 33) and to authorize the Selectmen to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon, the term and other details. Selectmen recommend.
Eileen Kelly, Chair Town Hall Restoration Committee introduced Joe Campbell, North Branch Construction who is the Construction Manager. Eileen handed out sheets showing items by line for the Budget Breakdown as well as Standard Estimate Report provided by North Branch Construction, Inc. Also an overview of what has been done over the past year by the Committee was handed out to the Budget Committee and gone over briefly.
Joe Campbell, North Branch Construction went over the figures briefly from the Budget Breakdown sheets. He also advised they are guaranteeing a maximum price.
Marcia Keller advised she has been in contact with two local banks, and the current interest rate is between 2.1% and 2.2%, depending upon which bank, for a fifteen year bond. This could be set up as a stable or decreasing year to year payment plan. Other methods of obtaining funds discussed were fund raising, grants etc. It was explained that there is a sub-committee all set to begin fund raising as soon as this is voted in at Town Meeting as well as applying for Grants at that time. The tax impact is
$ .71 per thousand, calculated as follows:
A $150.000 assessed home @ $ .71 = $106.00 per year
A $200.000 assessed home @ $ .71 = $142.00 per year
A $250,000 assessed home @ $ .71 = $177.00 per year
Cost factors are continued to be worked on as well as rebates which can be applied for, but there is no guarantee at this time.
The letter regarding the town offices being housed in the Community Center was brought up and Marcia Keller advised she has a copy as well as there being one in the Selectmen’s office which should be available to the public.
Motion was made by Beth Rodd to recommend Article Four at $1,767,000 as written. Seconded by Jon Marden. Motion carried Unanimously 7-0.
2013 Warrant Articles/Operating Budget Score Card:
Dick Keller, Chair handed out sheets with the 2013 Warrant Articles and the Operating Budget Score Card. It was noted that the Gravestone Repair line on the Warrant Articles side has deleted the $2,000.00 originally requested by the Cemetery Commission.
Article Ten: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to enter into a four year lease/purchase agreement on a new Police Cruiser and to raise and appropriate the sum of Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy Dollars ($8,770.00) for the first year payment to purchase and outfit with equipment a new all wheel drive police cruiser. Selectmen recommend.
Discussion ensued and it was stated this is a four year lease at a 6.7% interest rate. Savings on gas consumption with a new vehicle was pointed out. Also discussed was putting money into a Capital Reserve account to purchase a new vehicle next year.
Motion was made by Beth Rodd to recommend Article Ten as written. Seconded by George Cilley. Jon Marden voted Nay. Motion carried 6-1.
Article 11: To see if the Town will vote to establish a Capital Reserve Fund for the future funding of police cruisers and to raise and appropriate the sum of Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000.00) to fund this reserve. Selectmen recommend.
Motion was made by Jon Marden to move the question to recommend Article Eleven as written. Motion to recommend failed unanimously 7-0.
Article Twelve: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.) to purchase a solar Highway Safety Sign with proceeds from a Highway Safety grant of Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000.) to offset the cost with Nine Thousand Dollars ($9,000.) to be raised by taxation. This will be a non lapsing per RSA 32:7 VI. Selectmen recommend.
Discussion ensued.
Motion was made by Don Jackson to recommend Article Twelve as written. Seconded by George Cilley. Will Hurley, Jon Marden, Beth Rodd voted to not recommend.
Motion carried to recommend 4-3.
Article Fourteen: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty Seven Thousand Dollars ($27,000.) for a Vehicle Exhaust Removal System for the Fire House. This will be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7,VI and continue until the money is used or December 31, 2018. Selectmen recommend.
Motion was made by George Cilley to recommend Article Fourteen as written. Seconded by Beth Rodd. Motion carried unanimously 7-0.
Article Fifteen and Sixteen already voted on.
Article Seventeen: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.) for asphalt road repairs and shimming. Remaining balance on this non lapsing account is $34,071. This article will be used to fund the paving of Fairgrounds Road if the Road Bond (Article 5) is defeated. This will be non lapsing per RSA 32:7,VI and continue until the project is complete or December 31, 2018. Selectmen recommend.
Motion was made by George Cilley to recommend Article Seventeen as written. Seconded by Beth Rodd. Motion carried Unanimously 7-0.
Articles Eighteen and Article Nineteen: Previously voted on.
#4194 General Buildings – CommunityBuilding:
The Select Board did not recommend at this time and will look at it next year.
Any Other Committee matters in line for discussion:
Article Seven: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a five Year lease/purchase agreement to acquire Bradford Corners Map 2, Lot 102, 103,103-a to be used for town office space for the amount of Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($650,000.). In addition, to vote to raise and appropriate One Hundred Thirty Eight Thousand Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($138,450.00) for the first year payment. This payment would be funded from Thirty One Thousand Dollars ($31,000.) in rents with the remaining One Hundred Seven Thousand Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($107,450.00) to be raised by taxation. This lease has a non funding clause. (By Petition)
No one was present related to this petition to ask questions of.
Motion was made by Don Jackson to not recommend Article Seven as written. Seconded by Jon Marden. Motion to not recommend carried unanimously 7-0.
Article Eight: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ninety Five Thousand Dollars ($95,000.00) to renovate and move the offices of the Town of Bradford to the Bradford Corners. This will be a non lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and will continue until the money is spent or December 31, 2018. This article is contingent upon the passage of Article Seven.
Motion was made by Will Hurley to not recommend Article Eight. Seconded by George.
Motion carried unanimously to not recommend 7-0.
There being no other business to come before the Budget Committee, meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
Budget Committee Agenda 02.05.13
February 1, 2013
BRADFORD BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
AGENDA for February 5, 2013 @ 6:30pm — Location Bradford Community Center
1. Call to order & roll call
2. Review and consideration of minutes of January 30, 2013
3. Bond/Note presentations and discussion
4. Operating Budget issues
5. Warrant Articles to be resolved
Item Selectmen Budget Committee Vote
4210 Police Dept cruiser $35,240 $____________ ______
highway sign $______ $____________ ______
4220Fire Dept. air scrubbers $______$____________ ______
4194 Gen. Bldgs-Community Bldg. $_______ $_____________ ______
6. Any other Committee matters in line for discussion
7. Public input and comments
8. Schedule for next meeting Friday February 8,2013 at 6pm: hearing at 7:00pm
9. Adjournment
Budget Committee Minutes 01.30.13
January 31, 2013
TOWN OF BRADFORD
BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
JANUARY 30, 2013
6:30PM
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Dick Keller, Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm with Jon Marden, Will Hurley, George Cilley, Beth Rodd, Harry Wright, Selectmen’s Representative, Cheryl Behr, Administrator and Marge Cilley, Secretary present.
Review and Consideration of January 16, 2013 minutes:
Motion was made to approve the January 16, 2013 minutes as presented by George Cilley. Seconded by Jon Marden. Motion carried 4-0. (Harry Wright and Beth Rodd had not yet arrived.)
Review and Recommendation on Warrant Articles:
Tom Riley, #4195 Cemetery came before the Budget Committee stating the gravestone repair was requested at $2,000.00. Balance on 12/31/2011 was $22,900.99 in the Trust Fund. In 2012 $4,000.00 was spent, leaving a balance of $18,900.99. An estimate of what is to be done for gravestone repair next year by StoneFalls was received by the Board, which Tom stated as being $2625.00.
This is not included in the Operating Budget as it is a Warrant Article. Jon Marden questioned him as to the amount being $2,625.00. (Amount not clear on the tape.) Tom was questioned if interest from the Trust Fund can be applied to which Tom Riley replied yes, if there is any.
4210 Police Department:
No one appeared from the Police Department.
#4220 Fire Department – Generator:
Mark Goldberg came before the Budget Committee.
Paul Charbonneau came before the Budget Committee explaining he has spent his lifetime working with diesel engines and the benefits of it over propane. Mr. Charbonneau advised a propane generator will have a lifespan of about 1/3 of the diesel lifespan. Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief presented a comparison sheet for both, Diesel and LP and handed them out to the Board as he went over the facts and figures. Questions and answers ensued. It was stated that different towns use different sizes and types for various reasons. Mark reiterated that the Fire Department voted unanimously to request to include the $8,900. from their repair account and put towards the Generator in reply to a question asked by Jon Marden. The Capital Reserve is saved for large items. Dick Keller, Chair questioned Harry Wright, Selectmen Representative if the Selectmen are in agreement, and Harry stated their vote was for diesel, voted on at their Jan. 14, 2013 meeting.
Chris Frey suggested they reduce the $8,900. line item by $8,800, leaving $100.00 in that account.
Motion was made to recommend #4220 Fire Department Generator in the Warrant at $37,000. by Will Hurley, Seconded by Beth Rodd. Motion carried 6-0.
Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief advised scrubbers are needed; however the generator does come first, with scrubbers to be considered next year. Mark also suggested talking budgets earlier in the year.
#4194 General Buildings – Community Building:
Warrant Article still not discussed by the Selectmen as the results of Peter Steffansen, the structural engineer who has checked on the building, has not been received at this time. It is anticipated he will be getting in touch with Bruss Construction who Harry Wright, Selectmen Representative will follow up with. It was reiterated that the Hearing is scheduled for the 8th of February. The existing Warrant Article amount is $14,000.00 for a certain task. There is currently $15,000.00 in Emergency Repair with an additional $5,000.00 voted to be added this year.
This is on hold for now.
Jon Marden questioned how many meetings will the Budget Committee hold next week.
Only room for two is available per Dick Keller, Chair, Jon went on to state we have not gone through half the Warrants as they are not prepared. Comment was if they are not prepared, then the Budget Committee will not act on them.
#4210 Police Department:
It was hoped that Chief Valiquet would be present as he had been discussing leasing a cruiser and was going to put figures together per Dick Keller, Chair. Discussion regarding purchasing a new cruiser this quickly. Would like to see the Selectmen recommend a Warrant Article for Capital Reserve for $10,000 or $15,000 to purchase a cruiser the following year. Much discussion ensued.
Highway Sign for the Police Department was discussed. Was listed at $20,000 originally is now $17,500.00. Selectmen have not recommended at this time, but did discuss it. Management questioned as well as advantages. Signs in other locations were related to as to effect. Will Hurley advised there are Solar Signs available for $4,000 and $3,000 for direct wire. It was also stated that we have a very low fatality rate, and reasonably low accident rate in this town, and if this sign is intended to reduce both of those, what is the benefit? If the Selectmen do not recommend, this will not be on the Warrant.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013 is the next Budget Committee meeting at 6:30.
Bond Issues and possible Petition Articles are questionable at this time.
Jon Marden advised if the Selectmen have not voted on them by Tuesday, then he will vote no, no matter what as that is the last opportunity prior to the Public Hearing on February 8th. It is hoped the Town Hall Restoration Bond amount will be available by next Monday.
Warrant Article Five:
Discussion regarding Road Bond amount and detail transpired. Harry Wright, Selectmen Representative advised candidly he has been on the edges of that Article from day one.
He is still waiting for numbers to justify amount. The Selectmen did not vote on this.
Debbie Flinkstrom – Parks and Rec:
Debbie Flinkstrom had called to see if she could talk with the Budget Committee this evening regarding Parks and Rec, as they are requesting $2,000.00. This is being asked for as they are planning on some additional programs, such as a skating rink and a nature walk out back, and need the additional $500.00 for funding.
Motion was made to reconsider the Parks and Rec Budget to $2,000.00 made by Beth Rodd. Motion seconded by Will Hurley. Motion carried 6-0.
Motion was made by Beth Rodd to recommend the Parks and Rec Budget be raised to $2,000.00. Jon Marden voted No. Motion carried 5-1.
Discussion regarding the skating rink and the two areas considered are the Brown and ShattuckPark and the Town Hall parking lot. It was suggested the Town Hall parking lot not be used as a skating rink.
There being no other business to come before the Board, motion was made, seconded and carried to adjourn at 8:30pm.
Next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 5, 2013.
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary
