December 12th, 2006
Selectmen Meeting Minutes
December 11th, 2006
Present: M. Genest, R. Haggett, and B. Pratt
Also in attendance: W. Prokop, B. Edwards, P. Vasques, B. Houseworth, C. Lunetta, R. Davis, K. Vance, L. Henderson
The selectmen opened the meeting at 7:00 P.M.
The selectmen approved the minutes of the December 4th meeting.
The selectmen reviewed the amended Planning Board budget request. B. Edwards explained the need to re-write various ordinances, finalize the up-date of the Master Plan, and develop improved sub-division regulations. In addition we will be going through a transition year in the Planning Department whereby P. Vasques will be preparing for retirement in early 2008 and B. Houseworth will be assuming more and more of the daily activities in preparation for the new responsibilities that he will need to assume. Mr. Genest expressed his concern about the budget increases over the past few years. He felt that these increases must be justified to the taxpayers. B. Edwards stated that the growth and needs to update our ordinances and regulations has to be explained and that we all have to realize that things are not like they were ten years ago. It was
agreed that we have to present a plan and budget that will be understood and clearly show results. After some discussion it was agreed the B. Edwards, P. Vasques, B. Houseworth, and B. Prokop will meet and develop a revised plan and budget. This will then be presented to the selectmen by the end of December.
The selectmen did an overall review of the Park and Recreation Department budget and discussed the requests that have come forward via the Town survey and the BBC group to consider funding a “Community Center” for seniors, and teens, and to bring a movie theater to Town Hall. These together with other activities could create the need for a manager, additional space, and revised budgets. The selectmen presented a concept that they want to get input back on regarding the establishment of a Community Services position. (see attached). It was emphasized that this is just a concept at this point. However, it is addressing several of the needs that have been expressed by our citizens. R. Davis commented that he thought that there was a definite need and that he would strongly support the concept. He further stated that if he sells his
business he would even consider applying for the position. C. Lunetta expressed both support and concern. She wanted to be sure that the Board was not unhappy with the Park and Recreation department’s activities and programs. M. Genest stated that this is in no way a reflection on the programs that we are running. He did feel that we may be stretched to the limit and that if this is a real community need, the voters have to have a voice in expressing it. He suggested that this concept be run by the Park and Recreation Commission at their next meeting which will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 21st, and the Recreation Office at the school.
The selectmen reviewed general correspondence and approved payroll and A/P for the week.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for 12/18/06 at 7:30 P.M. The selectmen will be attending a ‘Legal Briefing Session” with the Sr. Officers of the Fire Department and the legal staff of the LGC at 6:30 P.M. on the 18th. The public meeting will start at 7:30 P.M. as stated above.
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