Work Session
March 4, 2013
Present were Mayor Grenier, Councilors Otis, Remillard, Benski, Morgan Allain, Higbee, Rozek, Theberge; Councilor Nelson was absent.
Others present Patrick MacQueen, Pamela Laflamme,
Mayor Grenier opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Better Buildings Contract Amendment
Pamela Laflamme explained that there was $200,000 in the Better Buildings budget for marketing and to this point about $40,000 has been spent. Both Plymouth and Nashua have marketing money left as well. Lengthening the contract period to find an appropriate avenue for these funds is being proposed; that contract extension would be until August 31 of this year. The extension is not for the entire grant and does not extend the program which will still end May 31, 2013. The final decision would go to the Governor and Council.
Councilor Rozek moved with a second from Council Theberge to accept an extension of the Better Buildings contract with OEP amending the end date of the contract from 5/31/2013 to 8/31/2013; so moved, the motion carried.
Mechanical Permit Fees
Ms. Tremblay explained that the current fees in the city ordinance do not include mechanical permits; however the building inspector needs to do the inspections to conform to the State Code. Mechanical permits include pellet stoves and solar panels. The first reading of the ordinance is on the regular meeting agenda.
Budget
Mr. MacQueen gave an overview of his budget proposal noting that one of the problems is that non property tax revenue keeps going down and that amount gets tacked onto property taxes. This year it is estimated to be a reduction of about 4.3% or $747,799.
The School Department budget is up by 3.4%; the Police Department budget is up by 3.8%; Administration is held flat and in this budget, the Fire Department is reduced by two firefighters and is still up by 1.1%. He noted that the ambulance company had come to the Council and estimated that they would need a substantial increase to stay in business. They were asking for $360,000; this budget is at $300,000. PWD is reduced by 1% by reducing one hourly in Public Works and Solid Waste and reducing a Recreation position to part time. The Affordable Care Act is going to force us to pay health insurance for anyone working 30 hours or more including the housing coordinator.
The tax rate proposed is $36.30 or an increase of 12.4%. The average $100,000 home would see an increase of $399. Capital spending is up to about 15%. Mr. MacQueen indicated that the other major fund is the sewer fund and we should be able to keep the rate at 7.99.
Councilor Rozek confirmed that even if the city budget were left at the same amount as last year, there would still be an increase due to loss of revenue. Mr. MacQueen said that if there is a 10% loss in revenue, a 20% increase is needed to make things even. The Council has been very creative and that will be needed again this year. Mayor Grenier added that it may be difficult to replace the eliminated positions this year. He noted that there is legislation in place to take care of school funding.
Other – City Manager Recruitment
Three professionals will be asked to sit on an interview panel as well as three employees. Mayor Grenier asked Councilors to get their interview questions to staff who will pass them on to Primex. They discussed “homework” questions as well.
City Cemeteries
Councilor Rozek stated that he has been looking into purchasing grave sites in the city and there is a policy not to sell multiple grave sites until someone dies. Other communities allow purchasing a grave site ahead. Ms. Patrick informed the Council that the rule has been part of cemetery bylaws for many years. If purchasing multiple lots is allowed, it makes for a haphazard, erratic cemetery. She offered to call other communities to see what their policies are.
Ms. Patrick clarified that the rule is part of the bylaws of the cemetery and not a city ordinance. Councilor Rozek commented that “need” has to be defined in the rules. Mayor Grenier stated that the discussion needs to take place with the Cemetery Trustees.
At 7:15 p.m., Councilor Remillard moved to go into non-meeting per RSA 91-A:2,I (b) Collective bargaining; Councilor Rozek seconded and the motion carried unanimously by roll call.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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