PUBLIC HEARING
TOWN OF NEWTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE
JANUARY 16, 2006
Chairman Harding opened the Public Hearing at 6:59pm. Present were Selectman John P. Ulcickas, Selectman Gary F. Nelson, Chairman Norman P. Harding and Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Selectmen’s Office Manager Mary B. Winglass.
Chairman Harding announced that this Public Hearing is being held in accordance with RSA 32:5, for all residents of Newton, New Hampshire, for the purpose of gathering public input on the proposed 2006 Town Budget and Warrant Articles
Warrant Article #4 - 2006 Operating Budget and Default Budget
2006 Operating Budget
Chairman Harding opened the discussion by stating that the 2005 operating budget was 2,381,619.00 and the 2006 proposed operating budget is $2,498,250.00, which is an increase of $116,631.00. The increase is multi-faceted due to the following;
The Building Inspector’s budget is a budget that requires an approximation of the revenue to be taken in for permits and inspections for the year. In 2005, the Building Department had a very busy year, which resulted in an overage of $56,900.87. Based upon the approximate building for this year, the department has increased the budget by $24,191.00 over the 2005 budget.
The General Government Buildings budget increased to cover the cost of town building repairs and improvements, electric and oil increases for a total variance over the 2005 budget of $23,200.00.
The West Nile budget increased to cover the cost for possible spraying in 2006 for a total variance over the 2005 budget of $19,750.00. Selectman Nelson added that he has heard that this year is projected to be the worse year in the cycle of mosquito activity.
The Highway Winter budget increased to cover the cost of salt/sand materials and equipment rental for a total variance over the 2005 budget of $26,000.00.
Chairman Harding stated that these budgets were the largest increases over the 2005 budget; the remaining budgets have minor increases.
Chairman Harding asked if there were any questions from the public. There were no questions from the public.
2006 Default Budget
Chairman Harding announced that the default budget is $2,423,495.00, which is an increase of $74,755.00 over the 2006 operating budget.
Chairman Harding motioned to recommend the 2006 operating budget warrant article #4. Second by Selectman Nelson. Vote: Unanimous.
Article #5 - Phase I of the installation of a Sprinkler System
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen and the Fire Chief, the sum of $47,500 for phase I of the installation of a “SPRINKLER SYSTEM” in the Town Hall and to withdraw $15,637 plus $4,302.10 in interest from the Sprinkler Capital Reserve Fund created in 1997; and to withdraw $1,844.03 plus $138.38 in interest from the sprinkler fund of public donations toward the Sprinkler System held by the Trustees of Trust Funds. The balance of this years cost, approximately $25,578.49, is to be raised by taxes. This will be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and will not lapse until the sprinkler system is completed or by December 31, 2011, whichever is sooner. (Per Selectmen’s Bid Policy) Phase II will be requested at a later date.
Selectman Nelson discussed that Phase I is for the installation of the plumbing for the sprinkler system at the Town Hall. The Board questioned Fire Chief Ingalls if the Fire Department would be able to hook the pumper truck up to the Town Hall after the plumbing was installed. Chief Ingalls responded that if all the heads are put in and they allow for a hookup, then the Fire Department would be able to use it but it still does not allow for more than 49 people in the hall at one time.
The Board discussed that this article allows for the work to be done in two phases to allow for it to be a little easier on the taxpayers versus paying for the entire cost in one year. The total bid is for $84,600, which is for the water tank and the pump but it does not include the building that the tank would need to be housed in.
The Board questioned Chief Ingalls as to what would be the total capacity allowed in the hall with the sprinkler system in place. Chief Ingalls responded that it depends on the system, but it would be approximately 300 people.
Chairman Harding motioned to recommend warrant article # 5. Second by Selectman Nelson. Vote: Unanimous.
Article #6 - Discontinue the Sprinkler Capital Reserve Fund
If article #5 above fails: To see if the Town will vote to discontinue the Sprinkler Capital Reserve Fund created in 1997. Said funds, with accumulated interest to date of withdrawal, and the funds of public donations with accrued interest to date of withdrawal, held by the Trustee of Trust Funds are to be transferred to the Town of Newton’s General Fund. (Majority Vote Required)
Chairman Harding announced that there is no recommendation on this article as there is no funding with this warrant article.
Article #7 - Replace the existing fire alarm systems in the Town Hall and the Central Fire Station
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate as proposed by the Board of Selectmen and the Fire Chief, the sum of $4,000.00 to replace the existing fire alarm systems in the Town Hall and the Central Fire Station. This will include the monitoring as the current system is outdated and will no longer be supported.
The Board read a letter from Chief Deputy Joseph C. Akerley from the Office of the Sheriff, Rockingham County stating that as of July 1st, 2006 the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center will no longer monitor alarm signals transmitted from Mammoth Fire Alarms remote transmitter sites.
Chief Ingalls stated that he has placed calls to get more information and he never heard back from them. Chief Ingalls plans on having more information by the Deliberative Session.
Chairman Harding motioned that the Selectmen recommend warrant article #7. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
Article #8 - Fire Apparatus and Equipment Fund
To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen and the Fire Chief, the sum of $50,000 to be placed in the existing Capital Reserve Fund called the “Fire Apparatus and Equipment Fund created in 2005.
Chairman Harding explained that this program started last year to put aside funds for the future purchase or lease of a fire truck. Chief Ingalls added that the town is not due to purchase another piece of equipment until year 2010 to 2012 and hopefully we will have some funding saved to offset the cost.
Chairman Harding motioned that the Board of Selectmen recommend this warrant article #8. Second by Selectman Nelson. Vote: Unanimous.
Article #9 - Lease acquisition agreement
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to prepare a lease acquisition agreement with Chester Bearce to acquire sufficient land off South Main Street/Merrimac Road to build a Community Safety Complex as recommended by the Safety Complex Building Committee and to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,500.00 to cover the cost of the legal fees associated with the agreement. Such land is to be solely for the purpose stated.
(The proposed lease agreement and any other amounts to be appropriated therefore, will be presented to the voters at the 2007 Town Meeting.)
Chairman Harding stated that this lease acquisition agreement is with Chester Bearce to acquire sufficient land off South Main Street/Merrimac Road.
Chairman of the Safety Complex Building Committee Robert Bartlett spoke about this article. Mr. Bartlett stated that when working on the plans with the architect, the architect asked what does the land look like. In order to design the building, we need to know the land and its capabilities. After researching numerous pieces of land that turned out to be unsuitable or unbelievably expensive, Mr. Bearce approached the committee with a suggestion to help out. Mr. Bearce’s property is in a good location and is about the best piece of land we could ask for and he has made a generous offer. Mr. Bearce is willing to cooperate with the town but we cannot go into detail with the offer for it is not the issue at hand. The Committee is requesting to prepare a lease acquisition agreement with Mr. Bearce at
this time and to come back to the 2007 Town Meeting with the proposed lease acquisition agreement.
Selectman Nelson added that the Selectmen had this information dropped in our lap a month ago, which is not a problem, but feels it is important to get the information to the Selectmen and to the voters. Mr. Bearce responded that a month ago the committee did not have this information either; this has been an ongoing opportunity that has been explored and grew into a good opportunity for the town and that is why you are getting it at the last minute. Mr. Bartlett added that Mr. Bearce does not want any publicity.
Mr. Bartlett added that the committee’s focus has changed since the warrant article has been finalized and the committee will now be working on ways to inform the public. Selectman Nelson stated that the official town website would be a great way to get the information out to the public.
Selectman Nelson motioned to recommend warrant article #9. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
Article #10 - Gale Library Building Fund
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Gale Library Board of Trustees, the sum of $10,000 to be placed in the existing Capital Reserve Fund called the “Gale Library Building Fund” created in 1982.
Carol Szot, Trustee of the Gale Library spoke on the need to set aside funds for the future needs of the Gale Library.
Chairman Harding motioned to recommend warrant article #10. Second by Selectman Nelson. Vote: Unanimous.
Article #11 - Town Building Fund
To see if the Town will vote to establish a Capital Reserve Fund under the provisions of RSA 35:1 to be known as the “Town Buildings Fund” for the purpose of maintenance, repairs and construction; and to raise and appropriate the sum of $25,000.00 to be placed in this fund and to name the Board of Selectmen as Agents.
Chairman Harding explained that this article is due to the need for repairs and maintenance of our town buildings. Our building are old and since we do not have a Capital Improvements Plan through a Master Plan, the only way to appropriate funds is either in the budget or to start a capital reserve fund. There are many repair issues at the Town Hall such as wiring, insulation and we currently have a large critter residing in the duct work.
Chairman Harding motioned to recommend warrant article #11. Second by Selectman Nelson. Vote: Unanimous.
Article #12 - Property Development and Implementation Mapping Program
To see if the Town will vote, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen, to establish a Capital Reserve Fund under the provisions of RSA 35:1 for the purpose of a “Property Development and Implementation Mapping Program”, correcting and digitizing the zoning maps making them compatible with the Town’s Assessing software and to raise and appropriate the sum of $25,000 to be placed in this fund, and to name the Board of Selectmen as Agents.
Chairman Harding stated that we have completed the assessing of the town but when you look at the maps there are some major issues and the only way to fix it is by contracting out to an independent company to research the deeds, titles, property lines and provide an aerial survey. The cost is to be no more than $55,000 and will take what records that the town has and then go to the registry of deeds for the balance. This will bring the maps into the 20th Century.
Chairman Harding motioned to recommend warrant article #12. Second by Selectman Nelson. Vote: Unanimous.
Article #13 - Community Services
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $37,018.00 for the following Community Services:
A Safe Place $ 1,250.00
Area Homecare and Family Services 3,800.00
Drugs Are Dangerous 2,000.00
Family Mediation 5,947.00
Lamprey Health Care 2,000.00
NHSPCA 550.00
Rockingham County Community Action 6,093.00
RVNA-Hospice 5,678.00
The Sad Café 5,000.00
Seacare Health Services 2,000.00
Vic Geary Center 2,700.00
$37,018.00
Chairman Harding stated that this list of Community Services have passed individually as petition warrant articles before being added to the list. Selectman Nelson added that this warrant article is starting to increase and we may need to put some controls on it.
Chairman Harding motioned to recommend this warrant article #13. Second by Selectman Nelson. Vote: Unanimous.
Article #14 - Petition Warrant Article, Child Advocacy Center of Rockingham County
On a petition of 25 or more legal voters of the Town of Newton, to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,000 for the Child Advocacy Center of Rockingham County.
Police Chief Streeter stated that he has worked with this center on several occasions and would personally recommend this article, even though he was not the one to sponsor it. Anybody that has watched the TV show Law and Order, which deals with the sexual assault involving juveniles and young adults, Child Advocacy Center provides a similar service for the prosecuting of these crimes.
Chairman Harding motioned that the Board of Selectmen recommend warrant article #14. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
Article #15 - Increase the Selectmen’s Salary
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000 to increase the salary for the three Selectmen from $2,500 per year to $3,500 per year. (Last increase was in 1989)
Chairman Harding stated that even though he is not running this year he would support this article. The amount of time the Board puts in at the Town Hall and taking time off from work to attend court, is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Selectman Nelson added that he hopes that with this increase it will increase the number of candidates and get more people involved. It is a lot of hard work but it also brings a good feeling to contribute to the town.
Chairman Harding motioned to recommend warrant article #15. Second by Selectman Nelson. Vote: Unanimous.
Article #16 - Part-time Code Enforcement Officer
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen, the sum of $5,500 for the position of a Part-time Code Enforcement Officer. All fines and fees shall be returned to the Town as an offset to this appropriation.
Chairman Harding stated that this can be a hot item as it has been on the ballot before and has been defeated. The town receives a lot of complaints about zoning, junk cars and building violations.
Chairman Harding motioned to recommend warrant article #16. Second by Selectman Nelson. Selectman Ulcickas stated that with this position it should help speed along the process with some of the issues and would help when someone has a complaint or a question to receive an answer in a timely manner. Vote: Unanimous.
Article #17 - Heath Street and Maple Avenue
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen and the Road Agent, the sum of $75,900 to reconstruct the road base, shoulder and apply the binder coat for the entire length of Heath Street and Maple Avenue.
Selectman Ulcickas stated that this warrant article is worded incorrectly. The warrant article is not to include “for the entire length”. Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley stated that she showed the warrant article as written to Road Agent Frank Gibbs and he approved of it. The Selectmen discussed that there must have been a misunderstanding for you could not reconstruct the road base, shoulder and apply the binder coat for the entire length of Heath Street and Maple Avenue for $75,900.
TA, Wrigley stated that the Board can make the change at the Deliberative Session on February 7th, but we cannot change it tonight for to make any changes tonight requires that the Board hold a second Public Hearing and we do not have the time to hold a second Public Hearing.
Selectman Nelson motioned to recommend this warrant article with the edited language. It was discussed that the Selectmen cannot edit without holding another public hearing.
Selectman Nelson motioned to not recommend this warrant article #17 until the deliberative session for the wording to change. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
Article #18 - Reconstruction of the town tennis court located at Greenie Park
To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Recreation Commission, the sum of $10,000 to be used toward the reconstruction of the town tennis court located at Greenie Park on Heath Street. (The balance of the tennis court reconstruction cost of $11,000 will be paid for out of the Recreation Commission savings account.)
Chairman of the Recreation Commission, Rick Bailey explained that each tennis court is good for 15 to 20 years and the court at Greenie Park needs to be rebuilt. The town’s tennis program run by the Recreation Commission each summer for the past ten years has grown over the years and many of the players go on to play at the High School.
Selectman Nelson motion to recommend article #18 as written. Second by Selectman Ulcickas. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Harding closed the Public Hearing at 8:10pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass
Office Manger
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