Chichester Board of Selectmen
SELECTMEN’S MINUTES
December 18, 2007
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Colbert, Selectman DeBold, Selectman MacCleery and Administrator Lisa Stevens.
Chairman Colbert opened the meeting at 7:05pm.
SUBJECT: 2008 budget proposals
PRESENT: Budget Committee members, Bruce Dyke, Lisa Drouse, Norm Larochelle, Scott Marston, Jason Weir and John Martel.
A lengthy discussion took place on the finalization of the 2008 operating budget with attention to the employee pay increases and adjustments and an overview of the expanded benefit package re-aligning the benefits to become consistent with what is being offered to employees of the Chichester School. Increases in the employee contributions are being offset this year so there will be no negative impact to the employee. These new ratios are offsetting the cost of the increased benefits.
Selectman MacCleery explained the rationale behind the proposed increase of the Selectmen’s stipends. This stipend has not been adjusted since 1999. The Budget Committee suggested the Selectmen conduct some research on area towns to compare the time commitment and stipends received by those Selectmen. Selectman DeBold will pursue that research.
The warrant articles were discussed. The Budget Committee is still looking to see some comparison data for the purchase of a new ambulance and a comprehensive plan for replacing and funding the SCBA Breathing Apparatus. The option of seeking a private company such as Tri-Town Ambulance was initially discussed during the work of the Town Organization Committee and again mentioned at the regional select board meeting held here in November. Bruce will make initial contact with Tri-Town and if there is interest, he will bring the Fire Chief in on the process.
GENERAL BUSINESS/BOARD DISCUSSION:
Lisa updated the Board with the figures received from the Road Agent for snowplow contractors. The Board is requesting clarification in writing and a written schedule. Lisa will follow-up with the State.
The Board accepted with regret the resignation of part-time police officer, Stacy Seluk.
Motion Chairman Colbert, second Selectman DeBold to encumber the following funds appropriated by the 2007 operating budget;
$18,700 – for the repair to the roof and painting the exterior trim on the Grange Hall
$ 3,600 – costs for the implementation of GASB 34
All were in favor. Motion carries.
Motion Selectman DeBold, second Selectman MacCleery to adopt the official copy of the Fire Department SOG and Organizational Manual. All were in favor. Motion carries. The Board signed the signature page; Lisa will contact the Fire Chief for his signature.
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BOS minutes
December 18, 2007
Selectman DeBold will work on a draft Selectmen’s report for the annual report. Due date is January 19, 2008.
The Board discussed the recent decision by the Planning Board regarding the impact fees assessed to the Giuda and Merrill subdivisions. Lisa was directed to review the schedule once again with the Planning Board secretary.
The proposal for funding from American Red Cross was denied by the Board.
The Board directed Lisa to schedule the Conservation Commission for discussion regarding the proposed warrant article to amend the Land Use Change Tax Revenue distribution.
Mail and correspondence was reviewed.
Accounts payable and payroll were signed.
The Board approved the minutes of December11, 2007 as corrected.
The Board adopted the Fire Department Organization, Operations & SOG Manual as amended and corrected this evening.
The Board signed a renewal trail permit for the NH Trail Dawgs Snowmobile Club.
Due to the upcoming holidays and the January primary, the Board will not meet on Tuesday, December 25, 2007, January 1, 2008 and January 8, 2008.
The Board will meet on Wednesday, January 2, 2008.
Being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 11:45pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Stevens
Administrator
______________________ _______________________ _______________________
David Colbert, Chairman Richard DeBold Stephen MacCleery
APPROVED AS CORRECTED 1/2/2008
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