Town of Antrim – Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
November 23, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 5:04 p.m. by Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Stephen Schacht at the Antrim Town Hall.
Members Present: Steven Schacht, Gordon Webber, and Michael Genest
Staff Present: Galen Stearns (Town Administrator)
Nancy Torres (Administrative Assistant)
1. Budget Deficit;
Selectmen Genest began the meeting by apologizing on the behalf of the selectmen for not informing the townspeople of the deficit a year ago. He then read a letter explaining how the deficit mounted up.“Last year at this time we received the 2007 year end audit, which showed a deficit of $796,000,” Selectmen Genest read. The letter explained that revenues from several bridge projects had either been counted twice or were “lumped together and not accounted for separately.” Funds from FEMA for the 2005 and 2006 floods, a flaw in the funding of a Betterment, and a $236,000 inaccuracy in Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district were all pointed out as major parts of what led to the deficit.
Town Administrator Galen Stearns, explained that the TIF money was not accounted for properly. He stated that we are working with the DRA to understand how we are to account for the money and that the TIF is a large reason why we are in a deficit at this point.
Selectmen Webber explained that he did not understand the TIF/ he did not want to point fingers, but felt we needed a forensic audit. Selectmen Webber called a company that does forensic audits and was told it could cost between $3000.00 and as much as $90,000.00.
The following people asked questions and spoke in support of having a forensic audit;
Nancy Benda, Wayne Nichols, Barbara Goddard, Carol Karston, Marie Harriman, Krista Tenney, Brian Brown, Lee Bezio, Bob Flanders, Ron Haggett, Ian Johnson, Michael Rondeau, Ken Cass, Thelma Nichols, Peter lamb, John Robertson, Justin Roberts, Shelly Nekins, Eric Hanson, Karen Penny, Bob Baglet, Joseph Immeler, Bob Bagleo, Rick Wood, Chris Salamy.
Chairman Schacht called for a show of hands from the town’s people in support of a forensic audit. The estimated support, roughly ¾ of those present. Chairman Schacht stated that there would be a meeting with DRA on Monday of next week and that he wanted more information before making a decision on a forensic audit.
Selectmen Webber then pointed out that $100,000 that was to be deposited in the Recreation Departments Land Fund was not there, and that the DRA will not allow selectmen to deposit any funds into the account until the deficit is addressed.
After a lengthy question and answer period, Selectmen Webber made a motion calling for the forensic audit with a $15,000 cap.
There was not a second to his motion, Chairman Schacht and Selectmen Genest wanted to meet with DRA and gather more information before making a decision in regards to a forensic audit, motion failed.
It was determined that another Selectmen’s meeting would be held next week, date to be determined after reviewing schedules.
2. Acceptance of the minutes of previous Board of Selectmen meeting.
VOTE: Selectman Webber moved that the minutes of;
November 9, 2009 Meeting shall be accepted as presented. Selectman Genest seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, Chairman Schacht called for the vote. All members voted in favor and the Chairman declared the motion carried.
2. Discussion on correspondence
3. Ian Johnson, discussion on Great Brook Restoration Plan
4. Board Member update / announcements.
5. Board Member updates and announcements
6. 2010 Holiday Schedule
7. Non-public Session – RSA 91:3:
VOTE: Selectman Webber moved that the Board of Selectmen enter into Non-Public session under the provision of RSA 91:3,
Chairman Schacht seconded the motion. Chairman Schacht called for the vote. Selectman Webber, Genest and Chairman Schacht voted in favor and the Chairman declared the motion carried.
The Board entered Non-Public Session at 7:41 p.m. returning to open session at 7:47 p.m.
VOTE: Selectman Webber moved that the minutes of the just concluded Non-Public Session be sealed. Chairman Schacht seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, Chairman Schacht called for the vote. All members present voted in favor and the Chairman declared the motion carried.
There being no further business, the Board decided by consensus to adjourn
at 7:50 p.m.
Recorder: Nancy Torres
Date: November 23, 2009
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