SELECTMEN’S PUBLIC MEETING
November 24, 2009
Chairman McCarthy called the meeting to order at 5:48pm. In attendance were Chairman Trisha J. McCarthy, Selectman Raymond D. Thayer, Selectman Robert S. Donovan, Jr., Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
- Introduction of Guests
- Old Business
A. Cont. discussion on the Building Department Permit Fees
Present were Chief Building Official Ron LeMere and Deputy Building Official Sam Zannini
Chief Building Official LeMere handed out a proposed change to the Building Department Permit fee schedule and discussed how the increase to the fees over the recent change made in October will increase the percentage to the general fund and will cover the costs of office supplies, books and training for the department. LeMere added that from this fee schedule he would be able to propose a 2010 budget that will not negatively impact his department.
The negative impact to the building department would include fees that do not cover the expenses to the department. Instead we need to look at a fee schedule that realizes a reduction that the department can support and to cover the costs of the department.
Currently the town receives 5% of the permit fees to cover the costs of the department; LeMere proposed an increase to 10% and with the new proposed fee schedule will cover the office hours and administration fees. LeMere explained that there are many variables based upon how many permits are pulled and the work to complete the permits. There has been a tremendous reduction in the construction industry and the department has done okay but with the change to the permit fee schedule will not sustain the balance within the department and his recommendation to the Board is the proposed fee schedule given to them tonight.
The positive factors when considering the new fee schedule include covering the cost to staff the office and expenses such as training, books and printing of the permits, IT support, software and computer costs; last year the department funded the cost of new file cabinets for all the departments working within his office all paid out of the building department budget. A discussion ensued regarding the permit fee schedule and the cost for permits for re-roofing and re-siding. LeMere explained that with most renovations the department works with the homeowner for generally they do not have a good knowledge of the process and materials for the job. Therefore this requires additional work for the inspectors to explain the process as the homeowners enter into the design stage. LeMere explained that the
inspectors end up creating a “punch list” when conducting final inspections on simple items not yet completed.
Deputy Building Official Zannini explained that when inspecting new construction many will wait to see what the inspectors find, the inspections are requested almost always at the last minute and then they want you to return, in short notice to complete the final inspection. Many use the $30 re-inspection fee to create the outstanding “punch list”. When working with homeowners, the inspectors help them with deficiencies and very rarely charge a re-inspection fee.
Selectman Donovan stated that he feels that re-roofing, re-siding and basic home repairs should not require a permit. LeMere responded that with a re-roofing or re-siding there has been some resistance to the cost of having that done and the issue is not with the re-roof but more with the re-siding. Siding requires some electrical changes but with all permits pulled triggers assessing, helps maintain the property file and with FHA loans these forms are becoming necessary with the changes in the banking process. Also the re-roofing permit requires a check to make sure all debris has been taken away and whether it includes an ice and water shield; with re-siding some of it can contain asbestos which needs to be handled carefully.
A discussion on how the office is staffed and a proposed change to include a permit clerk may be considered for the future; some comments were how to convey the technical expertise to those pulling the permits when dealing with a permit clerk. Currently the inspectors review plans and meet directly with the applicant to review the permit process and answer any questions.
The Board decided to take some time to digest the new proposed fee schedule and to meet again on Monday, November 30, 2009. As the agenda for this meeting has already been posted, the Board decided to take this item under “Other Business”.
B. Building Department 2010 Budget
The Building Department budget is not complete until the permit fee schedule has been finalized.
6:15pm – Nonpublic Session under RSA 91-A:3 II (c) – Fire Department
Chairman McCarthy motioned to go into nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3 II (c) – Fire Department at 7:04pm. Second by Selectman Donovan. Roll Call Vote: Chairman McCarthy – aye, Selectman Thayer – aye, Selectman Donovan – aye. Vote is Unanimous.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to adjourn the nonpublic session at 8pm. Second by Selectman Thayer. Per unanimous roll call vote, the minutes of the meeting will remain confidential until in the opinion of the majority of the members the circumstances no longer apply.
A. Fire Department 2010 Budget
The Board reviewed a requisition for the purchase of a radio and supplies for the new ambulance for a total of $3,983.48. The price is a state contract price from 2-Way Communications Service. The Board reviewed the town’s purchase policy in that one of the exclusions to the bid requirement for purchases over $3,500 is a State Contract Price.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer both signed the requisition.
The Board then reviewed the proposed 2010 Fire Department budget of $206,646.00 which is an increase of $625.00 over the 2009 Default Budget.
Selectman Donovan motioned to accept the 2010 Fire Department budget as written totaling $206,646.00. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
V. Announcements
VI. Accept Minutes of Selectmen Meetings
VII. Reports from Department Heads
VIII. Other Business
IX. Adjourn
Chairman McCarthy motioned to adjourn at 8:22pm. Second by Selectman Donovan. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass, BOS Office Manager
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