Minutes
Selectmen’s Work Session
November 20, 2007
8:05 AM Chair Bock opened the meeting.
Members Present: Peter Bock, Mary Bonser and Town Administrator Charles Brown.
Others: Police Chief Philip English, John Fernald and Janet Horvath.
Mr. Bock announced that Chief English would be retiring as of January 1, 2008. Mr. Bock thanked the Chief for his past service to the Town and wished him well in his retirement.
The workshop began with discussion of the Police Department budget requests.
Salaries reflect the approved COLA. County Attorney; Phil is waiting to hear from the County Attorney’s office, an increase is expected. Postage, Mr. Brown suggested a decrease to $300 would be inline with prior usage. Dues & Conferences, discussion regarding the accreditation process was the main topic, the Chief stated that $1,570 is needed for the application and required software. Mr. Bock stated that his discussion with Mr. Burbank at the LGC conference, indicated that attendance at any conferences may not be required. This would have a big effect on this line. More information will be needed. Mr. Brown stated he thought the Department would only pursue State accreditation in the beginning. Chief English that part of the process would be to have a mock assessment of the Police Department to determine
any areas that may need improvement.
Office Supplies: request is for $5,000, this seems high this will most likely be reduced. Office Equipment: $12,000 is requested, again this is very high, the Chief is waiting for a quote from Seacoast Computer. Gasoline: may increase from Department request because of ongoing price increases. Cruiser Maintenance: Again, the request is high. This maybe reduced to reflect average costs not possible unexpected repairs. Equipment / Procurement / Maintenance: Also shows a high request for 2008. This line will now pickup any maintenance required for the Project 54 equipment. This program is no longer funded through UNH; they will only be able to provide technical assistance. Phil explained the differences between the Tazer and Stinger products. The Stinger is less expensive but is a good product. This is a non-lethal defensive
/ compliance tool. Mr. Brown indicated that the request for the Stinger Equipment if approved should be added to this line. Again, we may wish to consider the average cost.
Telephone: Mr. Brown feels this line can be reduced to $4,000 and still fund the two additional lines the Chief wishes to install. The extra lines have not been installed yet because it has not been decided whether or not to select a different provider for the service. This is a consideration because of last spring’s disruption of Verizon’s phone service.
Mr. Brown informed the Board and Chief English that the Budget Committee has asked if the police budget could be presented at the Committee’s December 29, 2007 meeting. Phil indicated that was acceptable to him. Mr. Brown will inform Mr. Decker. That concluded the Police budget.
The Highway Department was next; Mr. Bock informed Mr. Fernald that his request for bonuses for four part-time employees had been approved. All lines were covered with minimal discussion. Mr. Fernald explained that he has tried to hold the line, across the board. He does feel that that a $5,00 to $10, 000 increase in the culvert line would be justified and asked the Board to consider this request. Discussion revolved around the condition of old and inadequate / undersized culverts around town. This has become apparent over the last to years and the high water events. Replacing or upgrading culverts in known problem areas will save money in the future by preventing washouts that require many resources and man-hours to repair. The Board approved increasing the culvert line to $15,000. There were only two other significant
increases in the Highway budget; the salt line increased $2230, which reflects the increased cost per ton. We are expecting the same usage of approximately 1000 tons. Mr. Brown stated that he recommends placing $56,250 in the Engineering/Consulting line. This amount will cover the Town’s in-kind or matching 25% contribution toward the construction of a bridge at Back Creek on Deerfield Road. Mr. Brown has submitted a Hazard Mitigation Grant Application for assistance from FEMA and the State of NH. The Board agreed to this request.
Mr. Fernald explained to the Board that he placed Merry Hill and Kennard Roads on his 2008 reconstruction list only because they are listed in the CIP. He agrees that the Town should continue with the reconstruction of Deerfield Road. He asked that the warrant article for reconstruction define Deerfield Road as the major project. Shim and overlay are subject to change depending on the price of asphalt in 2008.
Recreation Director Janet Horvath was next to address the Board. The biggest change / request in her budget for 2008 is the request to make the Director’s position fulltime. Janet feels the fulltime position is justified as she continually works 40 hours or more. She also puts in considerable time that is not entered on her time sheets. What used to be more seasonal in nature is no longer the case. Now programs are run throughout the year and are continuing to grow along with the addition of new programs and requests. The fulltime status would also allow her to participate in the Town’s retirement plan.
Mr. Brown stated his support for this request. He feels Janet is a valuable hardworking employee that will go the extra mile to see that a job is done in the best possible manner. Janet has asked the Board to consider a salary of $32,510 which equates to a $15.63 hourly rate.
A new line to cover overtime for the department will be $2,500.
Much discussion covered the subject of exempt or non-exempt positions. It maybe advantageous to leave the position hourly. No final decision was made on this subject. The remaining lines of the Recreation budget were covered with an increase in the mileage line and a decrease in the telephone line.
This concluded the budget review with the Department Heads and the discussion / review continued with the overall budget in general.
Ms. Bonser asked if it might be appropriate for the moderator to ask for compensation for the setup and take-down of the voting place which requires considerable time and effort. Mr. Brown suggested it would be more appropriate for the moderator to make such a request, as would be the case with any elected official. Mr. Bock stated he did not wish to discuss this matter without Mr. Netishen being present.
Mr. Brown informed the Board that he has received a request for an increase in the newsletter line.
The Fire / Rescue Department will be present on Monday, November 26, 2007 to discuss their proposed budget. Mr. Brown will put together a schedule for Department Heads to meet with the Budget Committee.
Having no further business,
5:00 PM Motion: Bonser, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: 2-0 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Charles A. Brown
Approved as corrected
12/10/2007
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