Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Workshop Minutes
October 31, 2008
8:25 AM Chair Netishen opened the workshop and asked those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Bill Netishen, Mary Bonser, and Peter Bock
Guests: Timothy Witham, Animal Control Officer
Others Present: Charles Brown, Town Administrator and Traci Chauvey, Recording Secretary
Mr. Brown informed Mr. Witham that they would be discussing a complaint filed against him by the Letourneau’s and that Mr. Witham had the right to request the discussion be non-public. Mr. Witham requested to move forward in a public session.
COMPLAINT AGAINST ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
Ms. Bonser reported that the Letourneaus had filed a complaint that Mr. Witham had informed them that he would be removing three dogs from the property of Mr. Allison and then he did not follow through. Mr. Witham confirmed that that information was correct, adding that he had not removed the dogs because when he got to Mr. Allison’s, the dogs were inside, as were all the others, and he could not determine which three had been outside barking. He informed Mr. Allison, at that time, that the SPCA would be coming the next day. The SPCA has since removed 48 dogs. He acknowledged that he was in error by not getting back to the Letourneaus to let them know what had transpired. Mr. Witham reported that Mr. Allison now has five (5) dogs. The SPCA will follow up to be sure that they are
all spayed and/or neutered. Mr. Witham has given Mr. Allison another $100 ticket. If he is ticketed again, the case will go to court. Mr. Brown reminded all that the Town has no right to place demands on Mr. Allison and that Mr. Allison had complied with all requests of his own accord. Mr. Witham reported that there had been a total of 53 dogs, adding that a year ago Mr. Allison was down to 30 dogs. At Mr. Bock’s inquiry, Mr. Witham indicated that there are two major dog problems in town, the other being on Mitchell Road. Ms. Bonser voiced concern over the expense to the town and suggested looking for a new dog ordinance before March.
At Chair Netishen’s inquiry, Mr. Witham reported that the biggest obstacle for the ACO is resources. He uses his own equipment and answers approximately 500 calls per year. Mr. Brown explained that the town pays the ACO $10/mo. towards his residential phone and the Costs line in the budget was added for equipment. There was discussion about accessibility. Mr. Witham indicated that he is not opposed to using his personal e-mail for contact. Mr. Brown believes that most complaints of accessibility are due to people looking for an immediate response, adding that, often times, an immediate response will not happen. The Selectmen discussed whether or not the ACO should fall under the Police Department. Mr. Witham informed the Selectmen that he had a good professional relationship
with the PD and that they do assist when needed. Ms. Bonser suggested that there be a discussion with the PD regarding their response to individuals who call with a complaint for the ACO. Mr. Brown believes that once a situation has been reported to the ACO and/or Town Administrator, all other middle men should back out and redirect the complainant to either the ACO or the Town Administrator. Ms. Bonser feels that it is her duty to respond to the constituents.
At Chair Netishen’s inquiry, Mr. Brown reported that SPCA’s fees are in accordance with a yearly contract. Mr. Bock complimented Mr. Witham on the work he does, his relationship with the SPCA, and asked him to keep Mr. Brown abreast of situations and shortfalls in resources. Mr. Witham informed the Selectmen that he would contact Mr. Letourneau with an update once he has heard from the SPCA. Mr.
Witham informed the Selectmen that his job description is written for domesticated animals, however, there has been a need for him to answer calls regarding wild animals. He informed the Selectmen that he does not mind responding to these calls, but this has driven up the number of calls he responds to in a year. Lastly, he loves his work.
Chair Netishen called a break at 9:07 AM. He reconvened the meeting at 9:13 AM.
BUDGET
Mr. Brown reported that he had received three (3) proposals, one each from Primex, LGC, and CIGNA. Primex came in at a 5.5% increase over the current cost, LGC came in at a 0.8% decrease of the current cost, and CIGNA came in “off the chart.” These proposals are for all similar or equal plans. Mr. Brown recommended, again, staying with LGC. The Selectmen agreed.
LGC has recommended a change in the prescription co-pays. Currently employees pay $10/$20/$30 depending on the prescription. LGC recommends $10/$20/$45. This change would drop the cost of a single plan from $531 to $516 per month. There are six (6) employees on both the single person and two-person plans, and five (five) on the family plan. Current cost of the health insurance benefit is $201,028 per year. Renewal cost if plan is left the same would be $200,768 per year. Renewal cost if the prescription co-pay is increased would be $195,319 per year. The Selectmen agreed that the prescription plan should be changed per LGC’s recommendation. There was discussion on the employee contribution to the plan. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that currently the
employees on the singe plan are not required to contribute, employees on the two person plan contribute $26.77 per month, employees on the family plan contribute $45.51 per month. These contributions represent five percent (5%) of the difference between the cost of the single person plan and the others, respectively. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that any changes they make in the insurance plan will affect the retired Chief of Police.
The Selectmen discussed the proposed 3% COLA. All agreed that the SSA’s increase of 5.8% is not feasible or fiscally responsible. Revenues are down significantly and state participation is decreasing. Ms. Bonser noted that there was a $500,000 return from the school. Chair Netishen noted that only $50,000 of that went into the general fund. Chair Netishen did some calculations and informed all that the 2009 proposed budget, as it stood at this moment, excluding warrant articles was $91,000 less than the present budget. He believes the COLA should be no more than the proposed 3% and suggested that the Selectmen even consider reducing that number. He feels that Nottingham employees do well when comparing comparable jobs to the outside world. Ms. Bonser agreed that
Nottingham has reached a place of competitive salaries. Mr. Brown noted that some wages in town are still on the low side but noted that this area has improved overall. At Chair Netishen’s inquiry, Mr. Brown stated that he believes the proposed 3% COLA is fair. Chair Netishen suggested 1.5%. Mr. Brown informed him that he is trying to keep things on an even keel. Chair Netishen informed all that if salaries and benefits were to be given, the Selectmen would have to find other lines to decrease. Calculations were performed and it was noted that a 3% increase would add $48K to the proposed budget, while a 1.5% increase would only add $24K to the proposed budget. Each discussed their view. Mr. Bock feels that they should not go with 3%. He had been thinking 2% but would be ok with 1.5%, although his gut says 0%. Ms. Bonser noted that other towns are cutting their workforce. She feels that the employees are
appreciated, but agreed that a 5.8% increase was out of the question. She would like to see things balance so that Nottingham does not need to increase taxes and people can stay in their homes. She feels that 1.5% is acceptable. Chair Netishen feels that they should continue to look at 1.5% coupled with scrubbing the rest of the budget. Ms. Bonser suggested not taking on any new debt this year and just taking care of what is already on the record. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that Nottingham’s Road Agent, Mr. Fernald, does not have an issue with not moving the salt shed forward. The Selectmen, again, discussed looking at a four (4) day work week, acknowledging that this would not work for the police and fire departments. They agreed on reducing the recommended COLA from 3% to 1.5%. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that the town is in need of more staff.
Employee contribution to the health insurance was discussed. The proposed plan costs, with the increase in the prescription co-pay, would total approximately $16,276.55 per month. The Selectmen all strongly feel that employee contributions need to be reconsidered. Mr. Brown informed the Selectmen that this could mean a decrease in take home salary for some employees. Mr. Bock is uncomfortable with making any change to the family plan but suggested changing the single and 2-person plans to a 5% and 7.5% contribution, respectively.
Chair Netishen called a break at 10:26 AM. He reconvened the meeting at 10:34 AM.
Mr. Bock noted that his recommended change would equal approximately $4,340 in savings. Ms. Bonser wants Mr. Brown to do an individual breakdown to see if any employees would end up with a loss. Mr. Bock feels that the Selectmen need to take the personal factor out and treat everyone equally. Mr. Brown reported that other municipalities range in their employee contributions but the most dominant figures are 5% for single, 7.5% for 2-person, and 10% for family.
Motion: Netishen, second Bock to increase the employee contribution as follows: from 0% to 5% for a single person plan, from 5% to 7.5% for a 2-person plan, and leave the family plan at 5%.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Ms. Bonser noted for the record that she considers this subject to change based on Mr. Brown’s study of individual employees.
The Selectmen set a budget workshop for November 7 at 8:15 AM and asked to have Chief Foss present for discussion of his budget.
ANY FURTHER BUSINESS
Ms. Chauvey asked the Selectmen to consider revising the Interim Public Access policy to include a minimum advance notice of cablecasting.
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to amend the interim policy to include a one week minimum notice for cablecasting.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Having no further business,
Motion: Bonser, second Bock to adjourn.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 11:20 AM
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Recording Secretary
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