NEWTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
DATE: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2011
TIME: 4PM
LOCATION: NEWTON TOWN HALL, 2 TOWN HALL ROAD
PUBLIC MEETING
- Call to Order, Roll Call Vote
Chairman Thayer opened the meeting at 4:05pm. In attendance were Chairman Raymond D. Thayer, Selectman Trisha J. McCarthy, Selectman Lawrence B. Foote, Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary B. Winglass. The minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Introduction of Guests
- Approval of Minutes (Review prior to meeting)
- Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes dated December 5, 2011 and December 14, 2011
Selectman Foote motioned to approve the Selectmen’s Public Meeting minutes dated December 5, 2011 and December 14, 2011 as written. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
- Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes dated December 5, 2011, Emergency Nonpublic Meeting minutes dated December 7, 2011 and December 14, 2011
Selectman Foote motioned to approve the Selectmen’s Nonpublic Meeting minutes dated December 5, 2011, Emergency Nonpublic Meeting minutes dated December 7, 2011 and December 14, 2011 as written. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
- 2011 Encumbrances/Carry-Over’s
General Government Buildings
Selectman Foote motioned to encumber funds of $355.80 to purchase (4) cork boards for Town Hall from Schoolsin, if funds are available. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Cable Committee
Chairman Thayer motioned to encumber $750 as recommended by the Cable Committee to pay IT Consultant Sylvania E. Maddock for upgrades to the cable system, if funds are available. Second by Selectman Foote. Vote: Unanimous.
Police Department
Selectman Foote motioned to encumber funds of $7,400 to Fitzgerald Plumbing for materials and labor for two new bathrooms, if funds are available. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman Foote motioned to encumber $5,347 to Johnson Lumber Company for materials to move the Police Department to the Bearce property, if funds are available. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman Foote motioned to encumber $3,680 to the Commission of the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies providing we receive an invoice tomorrow, if funds are available. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Statistical Update
Selectman McCarthy motioned to approve the Statistical Update encumbrance of $2,000.03 to Andrea Lewy for the BTLA Cases in 2012 paid out of the Statistical Update in the Financial Administration budget. Second by Selectman Foote. Vote: Unanimous.
SWDA – Transfer Station
Safety Issue – repair/replace retaining wall at the Transfer Station. The Board decided to suspend the bid policy for this safety issue, encumber the funds and block it off until the repairs are made in the spring.
Selectman Foote motioned to approve encumbered funds of $7,400 for the repairs to the retaining wall at the Transfer Station to Eastern Seaboard Concrete Construction. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman Foote motioned to encumber funds of $2,000 to move and run wires underground at the Transfer Station paid to Patrick McCusker and to encumber funds of $2,760 for trenching to bury overhead wires paid to Eastern Seaboard Concrete Construction. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Recreation Commission
The Board reviewed an invoice from Skateland from the Recreation Commission for a building rental on Tuesday, February 28th from 5pm to 8pm for $525 plus 100 skate rentals @ $3 each for $300; the total invoice is for $825.00.
The Board discussed that a requisition was not completed by the Recreation Commission and procedure was not followed.
Selectman McCarthy motioned to disallow the request by the Recreation Commission for the Roller Skating event for February for there is no requisition and based upon the procedure for a 2011 event or contract for this year. Second by Selectman Foote: Unanimous.
Fire Department
Selectman McCarthy motioned to encumber funds of $6,047.93 to pay Greenwood Emergency Vehicles for extra repairs on Engine 2, if funds are available. Second by Selectman Foote. Vote: Unanimous.
Carry Forward – 2011
Selectman Foote motioned to carry forward funds of $106,169 for the repair and maintenance of Town Roads from warrant article #7 funded by revenue from NH Highway Block Grant. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Fire Suppression Cistern
Selectman Foote motioned to award the bid for the Fire Suppression Cistern to Eastern Seaboard Concrete Construction for a total of $29,000. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman McCarthy motioned to carry forward $29,000 for the sprinkler system as part of the Special Appropriation – Year 2006. Second by Selectman Foote. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman McCarthy motioned to contract with Eastern Seaboard Concrete Construction to unload and install a 10,000 gallon cistern to the location on plan dated September 17, 2011 for $66,900 (no pumps) and this contract is contingent on funding approved per a warrant article passing in 2012. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board reviewed two bids for the installation of a well at the Central Fire Station. The Board discussed that this is a safety issue that needs to be addressed for when the town loses power the Fire Station/Emergency Management have no water and cannot use the bathroom. Bids received from McKinney Artesian Well & Pump for $11,670 and Comac Pump & Well for $13,973.
Selectman McCarthy motioned to award the work for the well and pump system at the Newton Central Fire Station for $11,670 to McKinney Artesian Well and Pump. Second by Chairman Thayer. Discussion: This is a safety issue for during an emergency the Emergency Operations Center at the Central Fire Station when we lose power we have no water or bathrooms. The Road Agent reviewed the bids; we still need to hire an electrician to hook up the well. Vote: Unanimous.
Selectman McCarthy motioned to encumber $11,670 for McKinney Artesian Well and Pump for the well and pump system at the Central Fire Station to be paid from the General Government Building budget, if funds are available. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board reviewed proposed warrant articles and asked for a memo to go to the Recreation Commission regarding two warrant articles; Start up cost for a summer day camp program and hiring a part-time Recreation Director. The Board asked for Recreation to give the details on the proposed summer day camp program and a job description for the part-time Recreation Director.
The Board reviewed a request from John Owens, Tree Warden to encumber funds of $2,800 for he has an agreement for tree work with KMA Tree.
Selectman Foote motioned to encumber funds of $2,800 to KMA Tree out of the Care of Trees Budget, if funds are available and an invoice is received by Thursday. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
- Per RSA 31:95-b to accept and expend unanticipated funds in the amount of $50.00 to the Newton Food Pantry
Chairman Thayer motioned per RSA 31:95-b to accept and expend unanticipated funds in the amount of $50 to the Newton Food Pantry. Second by Selectman Foote. Vote: Unanimous.
- 2012 Selectmen’s Meeting Schedule
The Board reviewed an email from Town Auditor Tammy Webb, CPA of Vachon Clukay & Company PC stating that the Board can delegate the authority to the Town Administrator to review and approve the payroll. The Board could then review the payroll at their regular meetings to check for the reasonableness of the amounts. The Board decided to revise the 2012 meeting schedule by removing any dates for payroll only.
Selectman McCarthy motioned to approve the Town Administrator to review, approve and then sign the payroll manifest and the Selectmen will review the payroll manifest at their next meeting. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board will review the schedule again next week but set the date for the next Selectmen’s Meeting for January 3, 2012 starting at 6pm.
- Results of the Fire Chief election
The Board reviewed the results of the Fire Chief election held by the Newton Fire Department; William Ingalls – 21 votes; Jeff Gersbach – 9 votes. This election is a vote of confidence and the Selectmen appoint for a three year term.
Selectman McCarthy motioned to appoint William Ingalls as the Fire Chief for the Town of Newton expiring December 31, 2014. Second by Selectman Foote. Vote: Unanimous.
- Cont review of repairs at the Transfer Station
Road Agent Mike Pivero discussed the repairs to the cement wall at the Transfer Station. Pivero informed the Board that to do the work now would cost twice as much versus waiting until spring. The Board approved the work and encumbered the funds (see above) due to safety concerns.
- Cont review of 2012 proposed budgets and warrant articles
Planning Board
Planning Board Chairman Jim Doggett was present to discuss proposed reductions to the 2012 Planning Board budget. The Selectmen proposed a reduction to line items Consultant Fees and Legal fees for a total of $4,500. Doggett stated that the funds in these line items have been used to make contributions of 25% for targeted block grants which the Planning Board has used to fund the Surette project and the Village District. The funds were not utilized this year but with projects such as updating the Master Plan the town will not be able to participate in the grant program without the 25% funding from the town.
The Board thanked Doggett for explaining the Planning Board’s 2012 proposed budget and decided to leave the budget as proposed by the Planning Board with no reduction.
Highway Department
Road Agent Mike Pivero was present to review his 2012 proposed budget which included new line items but the bottom line did not change. New line items discussed were Health and Dental Insurance for Ron Jackson to make him a full time employee. Pivero asked if he needs to put in a separate warrant article if his bottom line budget does not change. He is not creating a new position only proposing to change Jackson to a full time status. The Board discussed that there is no town policy for handling this type of change and it has been done differently over the years. The Transfer Station Manager went from part time to full time without a warrant article, the funding was placed in the budget and once passed it was approved. The Library Trustees put in a separate warrant article to change the Library Director to
full time which has not passed at Town Meeting. The Board discussed the need to run the town consistently and yet each Board of Selectmen has looked at this issue differently over the years.
Pivero added that his request to make Jackson full time stems from his past job performance which has been above and beyond his job description. Pivero has called Jackson at all hours of the day/night and weekends due to storm related activity and Jackson is always available. Only a fraction of what needs to get done each year is completed and does not allow us to remotely get caught up. Jackson is a benefit to the town and would be a loss to the town if he were to leave due to benefits which are what happened this past year with another town employee.
The Board discussed that there is no need for a separate warrant article if there is no impact to the budget’s bottom line. Pivero stated that he made changes in his budget to provide for health/dental benefits and the additional (8) hours to make Jackson full time.
Pivero added that he added in one other new line item for fuel/insurance for he is looking for a free surplus truck from the Federal Government to be used by the Road Crew which in the long run should be cheaper than renting one.
Storm related costs were reviewed for the Highway budget included expenditures for Hurricane Irene and the October snow storm. The Board asked for all public safety budgets to include a line item for “Storm Related Costs” in order for expenditures to be tracked according to each departments cost.
Selectman McCarthy reviewed the Board’s proposal that based upon the recommendation of the Road Agent to allow him the authority to make Ron Jackson full time at your convenience with no affect to his budget. The effect to the Highway budget allows for a single benefit package and if it cannot be included within the budget then you prepare a separate warrant article. The Board added that if the Library Trustees have any questions then they can come in to meet with the Board to see if they can incorporate the cost into their budget and justify the need for a full time Library Director. Selectman McCarthy will contact the Library Trustees to review this decision.
Selectman McCarthy motioned to increase Ronald Jackson, Operator/Foreman from 32 to 40 hours status at the option of the Road Agent as long as there is no increase to the Highway budget. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
The Board then reviewed the following budgets.
Conservation Commission
Selectman Foote motioned to approve the 2012 Conservation Commission budget of $3,750. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Emergency Management
Selectman McCarthy motioned to approve the 2012 Emergency Management budget of $41,800. Second by Selectman Foote. Vote: Unanimous.
Financial Administration
Accounting/Assessing budget
Selectman Foote motioned to approve the 2012 Financial Administration Accounting/ Assessing budget of $91,629. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Treasurer/Bookkeeper
Selectman Foote motioned to approve the 2012 Treasurer/Bookkeeper budget of $17,042 which is a reduction of $3.00 from the 2011 budget. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Tax Collector
Chairman Thayer motioned to approve the 2012 Tax Collector budget of $30,754 which is a reduction of $600 from the 2011 budget. Second by Selectman Foote. Vote: Unanimous.
Budgeting, Planning and Analysis
Selectman Foote motioned to approve the 2012 Budgeting, Planning and Analysis budget of $24,151. Second by Chairman Thayer. Vote: Unanimous.
Trustee of the Trust Funds
Selectman Foote motioned to approve the 2012 Trustee of the Trust Funds budget of $1,050. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Board of Appeals
Office Manager Winglass informed the Board that the Board of Appeals approved the reduction to their 2012 budget as proposed by the Selectmen.
Selectman Foote motioned to approve the 2012 Board of Appeals budget of $7,264. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Grand Total - Financial Administration
Selectman Foote motioned to approve the grand total for the 2012 Financial Administration budget of $164,702. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
7pm - Per RSA 31:95-b Appropriations of Funds Made Available During the Year. A Public Hearing will be held to accept and expend unanticipated funds in the amount of $9,216.75 from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for emergency services performed due to Tropical Storm Irene.
Chairman Thayer opened the public hearing at 7:05pm.
With no public comment, the Board made the following motion;
Selectman Foote motioned to accept FEMA funds of $9,216.75 for emergency services performed due to Tropical Storm Irene to be deposited into the General Fund. Second by Selectman McCarthy. Vote: Unanimous.
Chairman Thayer closed the public hearing at 7:07pm.
- Announcements
- Other Business, Sign Manifests, Requisitions, Abatements, Tax Credits, Correspondence and Appointments
- Signing the Vendor Manifest – Selectman McCarthy motioned to approve the Vendor Manifest dated 12/27 for a total of $50,774.85. Second by Selectman Foote. Vote: Unanimous.
- The Board signed a Department of Transportation report showing one new roads in 2011, Walnut Farm Road.
- The Board asked for the Town Administrator to send an email to Dale Putnam, Deputy Fire Chief with a deadline for the Departments recommendation under RSA 154:1.
Chairman Thayer motioned to adjourn at 8:55pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary B. Winglass, Office Manager
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