NOTTINGHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE
BUDGET COMMITTEE
Minutes of the January 21, 2010 Public Meeting
*Minutes are not FINAL until approved by Committee Vote
ATTENDANCE X = Present, E = Excused
ELECTED OFFICIALS |
ROLE |
TERM EXPIRES |
x |
Charlene Andersen, Chair |
Capital Improvement Program Rep |
2010 |
|
Vacant |
|
2011 |
x |
Chet Batchelder |
HCPP Grant Advisory Committee Rep |
2012 |
x x |
Scott Curry |
Impact Fee Committee Rep |
2010 |
E |
Donna Danis |
Capital Improvement Program Alternate |
2012 |
x |
John Decker |
HCPP Grant Advisory Committee Alternate |
2011 |
x |
Michael Koester, ViceChair |
HCPP Grant Advisory Committee Alternate |
2011 |
|
Lovely Love |
Board appointed Member at Large |
2010 |
x |
Doug Simmons |
Appointed by Committee to fill Term |
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other Board Members |
REPRESENTING |
|
x x |
Gary Anderson Selectman |
Board of Selectman (BOS) |
2012 |
x |
Dawn Fernald |
Nottingham School Board |
2011 |
AGENDA
7:00 Call to order, introductions, Review minutes from 1/7/2010
7:15 ~Town Revenues, Town Budget ~& Warrant Articles, Tax Impact Final Review before Public Hearing on 2/4/2010
8:15 CIP Committee Report - Charlene
School Building Committee Report – Gary
~~~~~~~~Impact Fee Study Committee – Donna
~~~~~~~~BOS Representative Report - Gary
8:30 Other Business & Roundtable
7:08 pm Call to Order and Introductions.
Chair Andersen called meeting to order. Members introduced themselves. Charlie Brown Town Administrator and Mary Bonser, Board of Selectman.
Chet Batchelder motioned to accept minutes of 01/07/2010. Mr. Simmons second.
Corrections made to minutes. Mr. Batchelder motion to accept minutes as amended. Gary Anderson second.
Motion passed unanimously.
7:14 pm Town Revenues, Town Budget and Warrant Articles, Tax Impact: Final Review before
Public Hearing on 02/04/2010
Chair Andersen gave Mr. Brown the floor. Mr. Brown reviewed document copies given to members of the committee and audience: Spreadsheet, MS-7, Nottingham Recreation Department Program Details 2009, Warrant Articles, and Budget Worksheet-Expenditures, and Budget Explanations, supplemental narrative for overall budget.
Mr. Batchelder asked about the balance column of the spreadsheet for line item #7 encumbered and line item # 9, and warrant article detailing the Proposed Wetlands Conservation District. Discussion also focused on the length of the warrant article.
Mr. Brown highlighted the points from the budget explanation supplemental sheet. He noted that he had held the town’s departments to no purchases over $500 without his approval. The departments responded positively to his policy. Scott Curry questioned if the policy was continuing in 2010. Mr. Brown confirmed it was. Ms. Bonser offered she checked with department heads regarding the spending approval and all are positive about it.
Mr. Curry asked about the decision for continued involvement with the Planning Association of Strafford. Mr. Brown reported that Nottingham remaining with the Strafford District is a mandate by the legislature. The Government council puts similar sized towns together in a district. Mr. Boch from BOS in attendance added that Nottingham would need to present reasons for switching to the Government Council.
Animal Control line 4414.10-010 through .220
The Town Administrator is requesting an increase to cover costs associated with ACO officer and alternate, certification and continued training, and mileage increase. The previous lack of coverage and certification should improve service. The AC Officer request goes through Rockingham dispatch.
Service Contract / Equipment Maintenance. 4130.10-030
Mr. Brown reported these costs have been steadily increasing. He has appreciated the volunteer services of Mr. Curry consulting on system and service. Mr. Curry expressed hope that the upgrade for line 10-037 could then reduce the costs. Mr. Brown reported an RFP has gone out using specifications that Mr. Curry drafted. Mr. Curry asked how the savings would be used. If the system costs are less, the balance of funds replaces a pc and monitor.
Legal Expense 4153.10-320
Mr. Curry asked Mr. Brown to elaborate on information in the supplemental Budget Explanations Town Attorney: 4153.10-320. Mr. Brown and Ms. Bonser addressed concerns with outstanding legal hearings of USA Springs. The town may also explore legal options pending the result of the decision.
Personnel Administration 4155.10
Mr. Batchelder asked about the change in law regarding Rates municipalities are now paying for Disability and Retirement. The increases are starting to show on lines 662 and 663. Mr. Brown also pointed out that the rise in health care coverage costs especially when there is a claim.
Planning Board Secretary 4191.10-010
Mr. Curry questioned the salary increase for the PB Secretary. Mr. Brown explained that additional duties and work added to the position. Ms. Bonser added laws are changing, more documentation is required, and more files shared and stored.
General Government Buildings 4194.10-10-500
Ms. Andersen commented on the need to repair The Old Town Hall (THOB) in this economy and who will be using the space. Mr. Brown reported the Library is planning a play to present to the community to show the use of the building and its availability. Ms. Bonser elaborated that the old building are “jewels” of the town. The work is in small steps, like painting last summer and the problems that came up. She added wood is rotting and needs work sooner than later. The buildings are a part of the town’s history and deserve preservation. Mr. Anderson added he has seen the buildings and as he has experience as a building contractor, he is concerned about the condition of the wood worsening. Mr. Curry asked why now. Mr. Brown answered most of the costs will come from the encumbrances and Ms. Bonser added
that the costs are not going down. The Chair asked if the old Fire Department Garage is wet should the new Highway Department equipment be stored there. Discussion confirmed the dampness of the building and possibly creating rust conditions on the truck. John Decker suggested the keeping doors and windows open to circulate air. Mr. Brown will share suggestion with the Road Agent.
Fire Department 4220.10-010-512
Mr. Decker asked to have overtime and regular hours explained. Mr. Brown asked the Fire Chief to answer as he was in the audience. The regular hours of the full time fire fighters increased to 45 hours in a week. This would cover any meetings or trainings as well as calls that might go over their shift schedule. The Chief felt that overall pay for overtime would decrease for his department. Mr. Koester asked if the Budgeted hours are reflecting the change. The Chief explained that predicting hours is difficult you cannot plan on emergencies. Mr. Andersen said the hope is that the new schedule should show a reduction in overtime pay.
Chair Andersen received the list of computer use from the other Fire Districts. The need for rugged laptop versus regular lap tops. Mr. Decker hoped the department would not limit itself to one brand only. The Board thanked the Chief for coming.
Building Inspector 4290.10.010-500
Chair asked if the duties for Emergency Management changed from the Building Inspector what happened to the “Blackberry”. Mr. Brown confirmed the electronic device went to the Police Chief as he now the coordinator.
Solid Waste – Recycle 1321.10-010-500
Chair noted the costs for supplies, equip, and stickers, 10-500. The stickers placed on large items and people purchase the stickers before they can drop off the item. Positive comments from members about the rainwater barrels and the composting bins help reduce trash. Mr. Decker asked if the BOS continued to explore “single stream” recycling. Ms. Bonser said they are still talking but the decision to make a commitment may be sooner than the town is ready to make. Concord is building a single stream recycling plant scheduled for operation by 2012. It may be possible to be a part of a co-op with Concord.
Chair asked about the Tax Impact. Mr. Brown cannot give the tax impact until the budget is set. Chair asked if projections were possible. Mr. Brown will get back to the NBC.
Mr. Koester questioned the figures for the Mill Pond Bridge construction. Mr. Brown said the cost increased from the 2007 rebuild. The forms sent to FEMA to help defray the costs. Before applying for any state assistance the reimbursement from FEMA needs to come first.
At 9:15 pm, Mr. Curry left.
Warrant Article 2 recommended by the planning board to add a Section to the Zoning Ordinance. If a special exception is approved all work must be done within two years. The exception would only pertain to a special letter entered into the record with a later date. Discussed Warrant Article 3’s lengthy information may overwhelm voters. It asks if voters are in favor of adopting a Wetlands Conservation District Ordinance. The Chair confirmed the Planning Board is not in favor.
Article 13 appropriating 50% of revenues with an annual cap of $100,000. Funds deposited in the Town’s Conservation Fund. The conservation commission chair indicated that the conservation commission is against the warrant article. Mr. Batchelder suggested the Town look at the amount of revenue dollars over the year. Mr. Decker asked about the MS9 report. Mr. Brown will send the MS9 report as well as the corrected MS9 for the previous year. The Chair asked about exemptions for Property Tax of Article 14. The state actually sets the minimum.
Ms. Bonser added that Nottingham has many generous citizens donating to this fund, and Nottingham is ranker high in generosity per a state report.
Mr. Batchelder thanked the BOS and Mr. Brown for the information and the clarity of the information.
9:35 pm Reports
CIP Report Ms. Andersen report sent to town. The full report is in PDF on the town website.
School Building Committee Mr. Andersen received minutes from 1/5/2010. Expansion discussions continue, looking at land abutters. Barrington only interested in collaboration for high school building only. The committee is exploring options of holding classes in the community center. Seeking community input continues and possibilities include a newsletter. The committee scheduled a presentation to the school board on 1/20/10.
BOS Report Mr. Anderson. The agenda for the deliberative session discussed at the meeting on January 26. Mr. Anderson observed training of fire department staff with new truck. Vehicle is impressive. Be put to good use in future.
9:45 pm Other Business
Mr. Koester hopes to have information packet regarding the building committee’s building options, available for voters at Town deliberative session. Perhaps consider having information in the news and town newsletter.
Chair asked if meeting needed on the 28th. Members agreed no meeting.
10 pm Adjourn
Mr. Decker motioned to adjourn.
Mr. Batchelder second.
Jan 28, 2009 – 7:00 PM |
|
No Meeting held. |
Feb 3, 2010 – 7:00 PM (Wednesday) |
School Gym |
School District Deliberative Session {Between 1/30 & 2/6 – RSA 40:13, III} |
Feb 04, 2010 – 7:00 PM (Thursday) |
Town Office Conf Room #1 |
Town Budget Public Hearing Reassess deliberative session results |
Feb 12, 2010 – 7:00 PM (Thursday) |
Town Office Conf Room #1 |
Town Budget Public Hearing (Snow Date) {Last day to hold public hearing 2/12 – RSA 32:5, I} |
Respectfully submitted
Jill Sunde
01/31/2010
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