Minutes
Selectmen’s Budget Workshop
October 31, 2006
8:04 AM Chair Bonser opened the meeting.
Members: Mary Bonser, Peter Bock, Bill Netishen, and Town Administrator Charles Brown.
Guest: Police Chief Phil English.
Ms. Bonser recognized Chief English who was present to discuss his request to hire an additional officer for the Nottingham Police Department. Chief English reiterated his submitted justification for an additional officer. There was discussion about coverage and the fact that back up for the duty officer would be more readily available with an additional officer. References were made to an incident that happened early Sunday morning in Town. The pool of applicants is very small. Mr. Netishen asked about the possible use of a contract with future hires. Discussion followed about the pros and cons of using a contract. Chief English feels he can make the case for this additional officer to the public. With the 3 cars and the 4 x 4, there will be plenty of support for 7 officers. If the additional officer is approved,
the department would go to 24 hour coverage adding an 11:00PM-7:00AM shift. Mr. Netishen asked what maybe the worst case when it comes to hiring. The Chief answered that not having any candidates would be the worst case. They discussed the available academy dates, there are 3 held each year. Overtime is used depending on how calls are processed and the time of a call within the shift. Much of the time can be spent just waiting, for example in court. Mr. Netishen asked about how the recent activity affects the department. The Chief stated that hiring an additional officer would enhance officer safety. Mr. Netishen asked about the Community Policing module. The Chief answered that the additional officer would allow officers to spend time in different areas of town to familiarize both the police and neighborhood residents of any issues for both sides. The Chief went on to state that he feels his department cannot respond to resident’s needs given the current staffing levels.
8:50 AM Motion: Netishen, second Bock to enter non-public session under RSA 91A: 3 II (a).
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
9:04 AM Motion: Netishen, second Bock to come out of non-public session.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
9:04 AM Motion: Netishen, second Bock to keep all discussions in non-public session sealed.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board will also review additional insurance info from Mr. Brown. The Board continued with the budget discussion. Mr. Brown informed the Board he had received the Conservation Commission’s budget request.
The Board reviewed letters of recommendation for employee performance awards. The Board asked Mr. Brown to add a few items to the award letters to more accurately state the justifications.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to approve performance awards as listed:
Gunnar Foss $ 1250.00
Janet Horvath $ 1000.00
Brian Spagna $ 750.00
Ross Oberlin $ 750.00
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board continued with the budget discussion. Ms Bonser would like to leave the $ 5000 in the PLAC line in the Executive budget. She is concerned that if the line is reduced there may not be sufficient matching funds for lake restoration work. Mr. Bock feels the Priest Road upgrade should wait until 2008 and the $ 18,000 for the upgrade be removed from the highway budget. The Board has not received the Fire Chief stipend information they requested. Otherwise the Fire/Rescue budget is okay. Regarding the Police Department budget, the Board will support the additional officer hire with a hire date in August, prior to the September Academy. There will be articles placed in the 2007 warrant for changing the polling hours and mosquito control/testing. The Board feels these questions should be brought before the legislative
body.
10:10 AM Motion: Bonser, second Bock to enter non-public session under RSA 91A: 3 II (a).
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
10:30 AM Motion: Bonser, second Bock to come out of non-public session.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
10:30 AM Motion: Bonser, second Bock to keep all discussions in non-public session sealed.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
The Board returned to the budget discussion. Mr. Netishen stated that he cannot support the request for the SUV for the Police department. If brought to a vote by the budget committee, his vote will be no.
Having no further business,
10:35 AM Motion: Netishen, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: 3-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles Brown
Approved as corrected
11/13/06
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