January 19, 2010
Board of Selectmen
Public Hearing
Chairman McCarthy opened the Public Hearing at 6:32pm. In attendance were Trisha J. McCarthy, Selectman Raymond D. Thayer, Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Selectmen’s Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. The Public Hearing was video taped; minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
Chairman McCarthy stated that Selectman Robert S. Donovan, Jr. is not present due to a death in the family, currently he is on his way home from Florida.
Chairman McCarthy read the following notice;
In accordance with RSA 32:5, notice was given to all residents of Newton, New Hampshire, that a Public Hearing for the purpose of gathering public input on the proposed 2010 Town Budget and Warrant Articles will be held on Monday, January 18, 2010 at the Newton Town Hall starting at 6:30pm with a snow date of Tuesday, January 19, 2010.
Chairman McCarthy stated that she will start with warrant article #4, the Town Budget and will go through it alphabetical as shown on the spreadsheet available at the meeting.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer took turns announcing the proposed 2010 budget figures for each town department and if there was an increase and the tax impact over the prior year’s budget. The overall 2010 proposed budget of $2,921,213.00 has a 5.79% tax impact increase over the 2009 default budget.
Some comments made during the budget review;
- The town just finished it’s second year working with a default budget. It is difficult to keep services going when we stay stationary.
- Care of Trees - There are many hazardous trees that need to be taken down in 2010.
- Emergency Management informed those in attendance that the town must appropriate in order to spend state funds and the town is required to perform three drills this year for Seabrook. A second budget has been prepared for the Town’s Emergency Management for with the 2008 ice storm brought many deficiencies to light. The Town has been working on a Hazard Mitigation Plan to put on paper projects that need to be addressed in an effort to mitigate future hazards.
- Fire Department received a recommendation from the Bookkeeper to start a new line item in the budget for the ambulance; $5,000 was taken out of the medical supplies line item to fund this new line. Chief Ingalls replied to a few questions surrounding the new ambulance such as the anticipated use is that only 6 to 8 people per year will be transported by Newton’s Ambulance for it will only be used when no other transportation is available.
- General Government Buildings – Town Administrator prepared a list of repairs and improvements to the town buildings.
All budgets were reviewed with little to no discussion. Chairman McCarthy announced that the Board will now address each warrant article and will give their recommendation or a “no” recommendation for each article.
3. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Newton Police Chief, the sum of One Million, Two Hundred, Sixty Eight Thousand Dollars (1,268,000.00) for the design, engineering, site preparation, building construction and renovation, equipment and furnishing of the Newton Police Department. Said construction, renovation and related references are proposed for the current Police Station location at 2 Amesbury Road, and to further authorize the issuance of not more than One Million, Two Hundred, Sixty Eight Thousand Dollars (1,268,000.00) in the form of bonds and/or notes under and in compliance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act, NH RSA 33 as amended. To authorize the Selectmen to apply for, obtain and accept federal, state or other aid,
if any, which may be available for said project and to comply with all laws applicable to said project; and to authorize the Selectmen to issue, negotiate, sell and deliver said bonds and/or notes, and to determine the rate of interest thereon and the maturity, and other terms thereof. (3/5 ballot vote required)
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
4. “Shall the Town of Newton raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $2,921,213.00?
Should this article above be defeated, the default budget shall be $2,875,861.00, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the Town of Newton or by law; or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only.” NOTE: This operating budget warrant article does not include appropriations contained in ANY other warrant articles.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen, the sum of $65,000.00 for a full-time Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer, including payroll taxes and benefits and to eliminate the current part-time positions of Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer. (All permit fees will revert back to the Town.) This money raised is for a partial year beginning in April 2010.
(If this article is approved, this position will become a part of next year’s operating budget.)
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen, the sum of $12,000.00 including payroll taxes, for a part-time Permit Clerk for the Department of Building Safety.
This money raised is for a partial year beginning in April 2010.
(If this article is approved, this position will become a part of next year’s operating budget.)
Chairman McCarthy and Selectmen Thayer do not recommend this article. When questioned who sponsored this article, Chairman McCarthy answered that the Selectmen thought that they may need a clerk while the inspectors are in the field.
7. To see if the Town will vote to change the office of Town Treasurer from an elected position to an appointed position, per RSA 41:26-e. Such appointment shall be made in accordance with RSA 669:17-d by the Board of Selectmen. Such appointment shall be made in writing and shall include the compensation to be paid. (Should this article pass, the elected Treasurer will hold office until the first town election following the discontinuance of the office at which time the elected Treasurer’s term shall terminate.)
Chairman McCarthy recommends this article; Selectman Thayer does not recommend this article. An elected position is limited to only those that live in town.
8. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen & the Town Administrator, the sum of $10,000.00 including payroll taxes, for the purpose of hiring a Part-Time Secretary to assist the Board of Selectmen. This money raised is for a partial year beginning in April 2010.
(If this article is approved, this position will become a part of next year’s operating budget.)
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
9. To see if the Town will vote, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen, to raise and appropriate the sum of $20,000.00 to offset the disposal costs of the 2010 SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL BUDGET and to authorize the withdrawal of $20,000 from the Transfer Station/Recycling Special Revenue Fund created in 2003 for this purpose.
[Intent: This proposed article will result in no increase in the amount to be raised by taxes.]
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
10. To see if the Town will vote, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen, to raise and appropriate the sum of $15,000.00 for the purpose of a “Fee Free Solid Waste Disposal Weekend” in 2010 and further to authorize the withdrawal of $15,000 from the Transfer Station/Recycling Special Revenue Fund created in 2003 for this purpose.
[Intent: This proposed article will result in no increase in the amount to be raised by taxes.]
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
11. To see if the Town will vote, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen, to raise and appropriate the sum of $20,000 for a “10’ High Fence” at the Newton Transfer Station, in an effort to replace the existing fence, add new fencing along Dugway Road down to the Fire Pond and to include a gate at the Fire Pond Entrance, and to further authorize the withdrawal of $20,000 from the Transfer Station/Recycling Special Revenue Fund created in 2003 for this purpose.
[Intent: This proposed article will result in no increase in the amount to be raised by taxes.]
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Recreation Commission and the Board of Selectmen, the sum of $5,000.00 for recreational programs and trips for senior citizens.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
13. 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 $66,392.00 for Phase II of the installation of a “SPRINKLER SYSTEM” in the Newton Town Hall and to further withdraw $1,523.00 from the Sprinkler Capital Reserve fund created in 1997. 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, 2015, whichever is sooner. (Per Selectmen’s Bid Policy)
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
14. If article 13 above fails: 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 $31,500.00 to be placed in the existing “SPRINKLER SYTEM” Capital Reserve Fund for the Town Hall Sprinkler System.
(Per Selectmen’s Bid Policy)
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
15. 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 $15,000.00 to be placed in the existing Capital Reserve Fund called “ROAD SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENT FUND” created in 2001 for the purpose of maintenance, repairs and construction.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
16. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate $93,881.00 for the repair and maintenance of town roads and to authorize the use of the NH Highway Block Grant in the amount of $93,881.00 to offset this appropriation. This is a non-lapsing warrant article and will not lapse until December 31, 2015 or until the project is completed, whichever comes first.
[Intent: This proposed article will result in no increase in the amount to be raised by taxes.]
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
17. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen, the sum of $10,000 to be placed in the Expendable Trust Fund created in 2009, known as the EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER EXPENDABLE TRUST FUND for the continuation of town services during an emergency.~ This sum is to come from the unreserved fund balance (surplus) and no amount to be raised from taxation.
[Intent: This proposed article will result in no increase in the amount to be raised by taxes.]
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
18. To see if the Town will vote to establish a Revolving Fund pursuant to RSA 31:95-h, for the purpose of Ambulance Services. All revenues received for ambulance transports will be deposited into the fund, and the money in the fund shall be allowed to accumulate from year to year, and shall not be considered part of the town’s general fund unreserved fund balance. The Town Treasurer shall have custody of all moneys in the fund, and shall pay out the same only upon order of the governing body and no further approval is required by the legislative body to expend. Such funds may be expended for the purchase of an ambulance and/or for medical equipment and supplies for the Fire Department.
[Intent: This proposed article will result in no increase in the amount to be raised by taxes.]
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article. Fire Chief Ingalls explained that when the town collects the fee for this service, 10% is retained by the company which is in charge of the billing. Insurance is billed for the services. Currently the town does not have enough paramedics on staff.
19. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Fire Chief, the sum of $30,000.00 for the purchase of a certified American Cardiac Life Support Monitor.
(Per Selectmen’s Bid Policy)
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article. Chief Ingalls added that Deputy Dale Putnam will explain this purchase more at the deliberative session.
20. 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 $50,000.00 to be placed in the existing Capital Reserve Fund called the “FIRE APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT FUND” created in 2005.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article. Resident Sandy Estabrook thanked the Fire Department for the Christmas Eve Santa Claus parade around town.
21. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum not to exceed $19,706.00, to provide a 2½ percent Cost of Living Wage Increase for non-elected employees of the Town of Newton; said increases to become effective April 4, 2010.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
22. Shall the Town pursuant to RSA 31:39-n, adopt the Town of Newton “NOISE ORDINANCE”? Copies of the Ordinance are available at the Selectmen’s Office, Town Clerk’s Office and Town Library and on the Town Website at www.newton-nh.gov.
Chairman McCarthy recommends this article; Selectman Thayer does not recommend this article.
23. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Emergency Management Director and the Board of Selectmen, the sum of $12,000.00 for the operation of the Newton Emergency Management Agency. The funds raised will allow the Emergency Management Director and Deputy Directors to obtain the required Federal Emergency Management Agency and State of New Hampshire Certifications and the purchase and replacement of necessary equipment.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
24. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Emergency Management Agency, the sum of $9,250.00 to purchase emergency equipment for the Agency, and office supplies and training materials needed to start Newton’s new voluntary “Citizens Emergency Response Corp.”
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
25. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Recreation Commission, the sum of $11,000.00 including payroll taxes, for the purpose of hiring a part-time Recreation Director who would report to the Recreation Commission.
This money raised is for a partial year beginning in April 2010.
(If this article is approved, this position will become a part of next year’s operating budget.)
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer do not recommend this article.
26. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Gale Library Trustees, the sum of $24,967.00 which includes benefits, making the Gale Library Director position full-time. This money raised is for a partial year beginning in April 2010.
(If this article is approved, this position will become a part of next year’s operating budget.)
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article. Gale Library Trustee Carol Szot elaborated on this article to inform the residents that this article changes the Director from 30 to 40 hours per week and allows for expanded hours at the library. This article changes the hours of the Director only and not the staff.
27. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, as proposed by the Board of Selectmen, the sum of $5,000.00 to revise the 1987 “Pay and Classification Study” (MATRIX) for the Town of Newton employees.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article. Town Administrator explained the need to update the Pay and Classification Study for it was created in 1987 and since then many have interpreted the classifications. For the town it would be a vital reference to help with evaluations and decisions on pay increases. To be used as a tool with promotions and job descriptions need to be rewritten. The Local Government would conduct the study.
28. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 for A SAFE PLACE to continue free and confidential Domestic Violence Support Services, counseling, emergency shelter services and community educational outreach.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
29. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,800.00 to AREA HOMECARE & FAMILY SERVICES for the purpose of helping to defray the cost of in-home services for Newton’s elderly and people with disabilities, so they may stay in their homes for as long as possible.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
30. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 for the CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER to assist the Newton Police Department in the coordination and investigation of child abuse cases.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
31. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 for DRUGS ARE DANGEROUS INC. (D.A.D.) and to continue the “Natural High” experiences to our children, youth and families.
Chairman McCarthy recommends this article. Selectman Thayer does not recommend this article. Thayer added that D.A.D. and the Sad Café both run the same events and D.A.D. is asking for funding from the towns and the school district.
32. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,947.00 for the purpose of continued funding for FAMILY MEDIATION & JUVENILE SERVICES, a non-profit organization since 1983, to continue to provide the following services: Parent-Child Mediation, Peer Mediation Training, Community Service, Restitution, Youth and Parent Anger-Management Courses, Youth and Parent Substance Abuse Awareness Courses, Stop Shoplifting Courses, Tobacco Education, and individually-tailored juvenile diversion contracts.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
33. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,400.00 for LAMPREY HEALTH CARE to continue to provide primary care & preventive health services and the senior transportation program.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
34. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $750.00 for NH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS (NHSPCA) to continue providing animal care and sheltering services, humane education and community services and cruelty investigations.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
35. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $7,102.00 for ROCKINGHAM COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION to continue their outreach program and the broad range of services they provide.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
36. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,121.00 to support ROCKINGHAM NUTRITION and MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM, providing meals for older, homebound and disabled Newton residents.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
37. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,678.00 for ROCKINGHAM VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION & HOSPICE, a community-based, non-profit Home Health Agency that provides patient and family centered care and support to assist with terminal care at home to the adult population of Rockingham County.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
38. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000.00 for THE SAD CAFÉ to provide thousands of area teens with a safe, substance free, youth friendly environment, giving a positive alternative for discretionary recreational hours.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
39. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00 for SEACARE HEALTH SERVICES to provide access to healthcare to uninsured individuals who live in the Town of Newton.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
40. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,700.00 for VIC GEARY CENTER to provide a safe gathering place for senior citizens to congregate, share a nutritious noon meal, participate in social and recreational activities and to provide many clinics such as blood pressure, foot care, hearing, sight, home safety and tax preparation.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
41. On a petition of 25 or more legal voters of the Town of Newton, to see if the Town will direct the Board of Selectmen to convey to Robert L. White a twenty (20’) foot wide right of way down the center of the old railroad bed, commonly referred to as the Peanut Trail, for a distance of 750 feet from Route 108 for access to and from his property described by Tax Map 11, Block 7, Lot 15-1, with all drafting and recording costs for said right of way to be paid for by Robert L. White and not the taxpayers of the Town of Newton.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer do not recommend this article. The town already has a right of way down the Peanut Trail. Residents asked what happened with last year’s vote that was approved. The Board explained the first warrant article requesting access through the Peanut Trail failed so that cancelled out that option in the second article; the other two locations did not have easement to Mr. White’s property.
42. On a petition of 25 or more legal voters of the Town of Newton, to see if the Town will vote to plow snow and sand, as necessary on the Rights-of-Way in Marcoux Grove with an estimated length of approximately 150 yards.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer do not recommend this article.
43. On a petition of 25 or more legal voters of the Town of Newton, to see if the Town will vote to approve the following resolution to be forwarded to our State Representative(s), our state Senator, the Speaker of the House, and the Senate President.
Resolved: The citizens of New Hampshire should be allowed to vote on an amendment to the Newton Hampshire Constitution that defines “marriage”.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article.
44. On a petition of 25 or more legal voters in the Town of Newton pursuant to RSA 37:15, do you favor adoption of the Town Manager Plan as provided in Chapter 37 of the Revised Statutes Annotated.
Chairman McCarthy and Selectman Thayer recommend this article. McCarthy explained that the town is growing and the thought process is to hire a Town Manager to keep up with this changing environment. The Town Manager will need someone to assist him/her and they are not sure of the title of that position. Resident Bill Landry asked for salary ranges for the Deliberative Session.
Chairman McCarthy added that since Robert Donovan, Jr. was unable to attend tonight’s Public Hearing due to a death in the family, the Board is scheduling a public meeting on Saturday, January 23rd or earlier in the week if possible, to allow Donovan to go through the warrant articles to give his tally on each article.
The first session of the annual meeting, for the explanation, discussion and debate of each warrant article and the transaction of all business other than voting by official ballot will be held at the Sanborn Regional Middle School on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 7:00 PM (Snow date of February 3, 2010); the second session (Voting Day) to be held at the Newton Town Hall, on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 from 8am to 8pm.
Chairman McCarthy motioned to close the Public Hearing at 8:15pm. Second by Selectman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass, Office Manager
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