Town of Nottingham
Selectmen’s Workshop
November 25, 2009
8:04 AM Chair Bonser opened the meeting and asked all those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Mary Bonser, Gary Anderson, Peter Bock
Others: Charlie Brown, Town Administrator; John Fernald, Road Agent, Gunnar Foss, Chief of Police, Paul Colby, Building Inspector and Heidi Seaverns, Assessing Coordinator.
Discussion with Road Agent:
Mr. Bock asked about salary lines. Mr. Fernald explained that most years he uses the P/T salary line (012) only for winter maintenance operations. Part timers working on road projects are mostly funded through the Construction/Reconstruction funds. Mr. Fernald hopes he will be able to purchase tire for the grader this year through line (022) Equipment Maintenance the cost will be $6,600 to $8,600. He has requested an increase of $10,000 as this line overspent every year. This line also supports the 5-year maintenance plans on the grader and the new loader. Line 025 has increased because the loader has been added. Mr. Fernald has requested that Line 028 be increased in order to place better material on gravel roads. Mr. Fernald feels the better material is more cost effective because it holds up better than other material
such as what comes from the Town’s pit.
Ms. Bonser spoke about the Schools request for $77,000 to pave the parking lot. Much discussion followed. Mr. Fernald suggested that they might get a better price if they include the required tonnage with the Town’s request for proposal for our summer road projects. Mr. Fernald understands that the economy may govern the planning for rebuilding roads and if lines get cut he will try to adjust his operation to do as much as possible. His proposed budget for construction projects is the same as 2009 and he has requested the Highway Truck Capitol Reserve Fund be funded at $50,000.
Mr. Fernald finished his presentation at 8:48 AM.
Discussion with Police Chief:
Chief Foss began with a short discussion regarding personnel.
Investigator Oberlin has opened 200 case files, of those, 15 are active, he has solved 7 felonies that went to other jurisdictions and has 7 cases waiting indictments.
Scheduling and balancing shifts has been difficult and the Chief feels we need more coverage at night.
There will be no increases in the salary or overtime lines. The F/T salary line reflects the salary adjustments made mid-year 2009. The P/T salary line will remain the same as the Chief hopes to move forward with a P/T Officer candidate in 2010.
The Chief feels the postage line should be increased to $300; the department did not spend much of the Publications budget in 2009 but needs to purchase more publications in 2010. Each officer needs to have his/her own copy of the statutes for use in writing summonses. The proper RSA must be referenced when writing complaints. Mr. Bock asked about staff morale. The Chief stated that everyone understands that times are tough and that there will be no COLA or merit increases this year. Everyone is aware that the costs for health insurance and NH Retirement have increased.
The Chief again explained the need for a new cruiser in 2010 and the Selectmen gave their support for a cruiser purchase in 2010.
All department personnel are aware of and using fuel conservation measures when possible. The remainder of the Police budget had deceases in line 044, 220 and 225 all other lines are level funded.
The meeting moved on to the Emergency Management (EM) Budget. Chief Foss is also the EM Director.
The Chief reported that the recent H1N1 flu clinic for First Responders went very well. The Clinic was held in Raymond and done in conjunction with the Regional (POD) Point of Dispensing. Structure.
The EM budget has decreases in all but the salary and equipment lines. Mr. Brown suggested that a small amount be retained in the Grants line 510 in case any matching grants become available. The Board will consider this at a later date. This concluded Chief Foss’ discussion with the Board, 9:15 AM.
Discussion with Building Inspector:
Mr. Colby began by stating that his overall budget has decreased. 4 lines are down, Lines 026, 036, 037 and 038.
Overall, permits are up from 2008. Total permits issued in 2008 were 147, this year to date is 141 with at least 12-15 more expected before the end of the year. In 2008 there were 12 new homes built, to date this year there have been 19 new homes with the expectation of issuing 3-5 more permits this year. Mr. Colby has issued many permits for generators this year.
Mr. Colby also informed the Board of his plan to follow-up on a recent complaint regarding alleged code violations. 9:40 AM, Mr. Colby left the meeting.
Mr. Brown informed the Board that the November 30, 2009 meeting would not be needed, as the remaining department heads would not be available.
Heidi Seaverns asked to speak with the Board regarding recent discussions about digitizing the Town’s tax maps. Ms. Seaverns feels it is too late in the year to send RFP’s to do digital mapping in 2010, it will be very expensive and it is not a good idea to do a valuation update and tax map changes in the same year. Financially, 2010 is not a good year to approach this project. This would be a good time for the Planning Board to request this project be placed in the CIP for 2011 or 2012. Ms. Seaverns thanked the Board for considering her concerns.
Having no further business,
Motion: Bonser, second Anderson to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: All in favor. Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:47 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Charles A. Brown,
Town Administrator
Approved as amended at the February 1, 2010 meeting.
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