Advisory Committee Present: Christopher Slade
January 25, 2005 Wendy Rogers
Scott Powell
David Lindsay
Panny Gerken
The Advisory Committee met at the Town Hall at 7:30 p.m.
SNOW AND ICE DEFICIT
On a motion made by Gerken and seconded by Rogers the Advisory Committee voted unanimously to authorize the deficit spending up to $125,000.00 to cover snow and sand removal (account # 423). (Slade – yes, Rogers – yes, Powell – yes, Lindsay – yes, Powell – yes)
FINANCIAL MEETING
The next financial meeting is Wednesday, January 26 at 9:00 a.m. The Committee will review an update on our FY05 figures and update the FY06 projects based on the budgets we received.
LIBRARY TRUSTEES
Present: Bob Zak, Chris Sterling and Barbara Carvalho
Misc. programs (5780) – the increase from $9,100 to $11,514 is for upgrades in computers and one printer at $2,500.00. Town Administrator Jodi Ross stated that two computers were budgeted for within the computer account at $800 per computer. Therefore Library account 5780 will be reduced by $2,500 and $150.00 will be added to the computer account for a printer. The Trustees were made aware that a scanner is available if needed. Reducing the miscellaneous by $2,500 will reduce the books and periodicals.
Wages increase (5114) – reflects a new part time, unbenefited clerical staff position
Overall the budget increased 15 ½ %; without the addition of clerical staff it represents a
6 ¾% increase.
It was also noted that heating was increased by 20% and electric by 25%. Advisory Committee suggested that heating be increased by 25% and electric more like 10%. They did not ask that the budget be reduced but that the difference from electric line item is added to heating line item.
Mr. Zak noted the Library’s history of level or reduced staffing while services have increased. Ms. Ross has stated that Ms. Collins has not been able to attend department head meetings because of the staffing situation. Library is open 42 hours per week; closed Monday and Sunday; and closed on Saturdays for July and August. The budget will be revised to reflect the discussion this evening and resubmitted to the Advisory Committee/Board of Selectmen.
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Present: Bill Fateiger, Carol Gumbart
Advertising line item was decreased as method has been changed where applicants pay for the legal notices instead of the Commission being responsible.
Capital Outlay line item has increased which is solely for beavers at this point. It is at $8,000 with potential of having to trap the beavers this spring; leaving a little money for additional pipes or any additional beavers moving into town. The Advisory Committee suggested that $7,000 be moved to Purchase of Service leaving $1,000 in the capital outlay account. Other areas of concern: Corn Road, South Bolton Road, Bowers Springs Conservation land.
The Conservation fund was increased to $10,000 and is used for purchase of conservation land. The present conservation fund has an estimated $50,000 which has been allocated for the Stephenson property purchase and will therefore have a $0.00 balance.
POLICE STATON TASK FORCE
Mr. Slade reported that he attended the Police Station Task Force meeting with David Lindsay. Ms. Ross informed the Committee that she spoke with David Boyer at DEP and suggested that town officials met with DEP. Mr. Boyer provided Ms. Ross with a list of 8-10 documents that should be brought to the meeting.
MOEN PROPERTY
Ms. Ross informed the Advisory Committee that she will be speaking with the Board of Selectmen regarding the Moen Property and if they will require a minimum. The Committee did not support requiring a minimum. Their feeling was that March/April was the best time to sell the property. A suggestion was also made to run the ad for a good 6 weeks.
Meeting adjourned.
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