Minutes
Selectmen’s Budget Workshop
November 28, 2005
8:35 AM Chair Netishen opened the meeting.
Members: Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser, Peter Bock and Town Administrator Charles A. Brown.
Guests: Bill Garnett, Paul Colby.
The Board began with a discussion about the Executive lines – All salaries have been increased by 3.1%, performance awards will be continued at the same level, printing remains the same service contracts and copy machine lines have increased. The enforcement line was discussed. This line has been reduced $20,000. Mr. Brown is waiting for feedback from NHDES before reducing this anymore.
It was asked if a warrant article should be added to purchase a new character generator. No action taken, our whole broadcasting setup needs to be evaluated.
For the Town Clerk and the Election lines, Mr. Brown recommends the requests that have been made. Additional funds may be added to support the purchase of an automated ballot counting machine and related costs. The Board supports this purchase.
Next, the remaining departments were discussed in order. The Board reduced the Planning Services line to $4,000. Mr. Brown informed the Board of 2 proposals received regarding digital mapping. This may be placed on the warrant.
Mr. Brown has received a number of proposals for health insurance and has recommended a plan that provides a reduction in cost and enhanced benefits.
The Board shifted the workshop from the budget to discuss some procedural issues with the Tax Collector. Mr. Garnett informed the Board that the tax deed date is December 1, 2005 at noontime. Mr. Garnett addressed the latest deed list. If payment is not received by that date and time, deeds will be issued. The Tax Collector needs a signed waiver if the Board will not accept the deed on a property.
For the Police department budget, Mr. Brown will check with Chief English about one-time charges in the postage & office supplies lines as those seem high.
For the Fire department budget, The overall budget is reasonable and shows a decrease. Ms. Bonser asked if there would be a warrant article for a building this year. Mr. Netishen was not sure but hopes there will be a proposal and recommendation from the Building Committee. Mr. Bock is concerned that the Fire department may need more administrative support. Mr. Brown will follow up on this issue. The budget looks good.
For the Building Inspector/Code Enforcement budget, the one big item is a laptop computer. Mr. Colby provided handouts for the Board on a Toshiba R15 Tablet Notebook priced at $1,800 with XP Professional and Office 2000. He hopes to purchase Life Safety Codes & Standards at a cost of $306 and also the 2000 International Codes for $152 for a total of $458.
The permitting software offered under the name Black Bear, costs $1,000.
Another high end product with extensive options was $10,000.
The BMSI product with includes Planning & Zoning modules, costs $4,825, which includes training and a 2 user setup.
Ms. Bonser feels the laptop for the Building Inspector is a reasonable purchase. He will be able to work offsite if waiting at inspection sites and record pertinent information at the time of inspection. The Board feels we should hold off on purchasing the software for one year. This will allow us to look into more vendors. When asked about communicating with the Building Inspector, Mr. Colby indicated that he no longer has a cell phone. The Board feels it would be reasonable to provide a phone for the Inspector making him more accessible. Mr. Brown will investigate the cost of a cell phones and whether Nextel or Verizon has better service in Nottingham. FYI, the number of permits in the department are down but revenue is up.
The Board discussed the potential warrant articles.
Character Generator
Mapping
Fire Station
Exemptions
Capital Reserve Funds – Fire, Highway
Grader
Mosquito Control
11:45 AM Having no further business before the Board,
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles A. Brown
Town Administrator
Approved as corrected
12/27/05
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