Board of Selectmen

Minutes

November 3, 2009

Official as of December 8, 2009

Town Hall Northwood NH – November 3, 2009

BUDGET WORK SESSION

Call to Order
Chairman Alden Dill called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.

Roll Call
Chairman Alden Dill, Selectman Scott Bryer and Town Administrator David Stack. Selectman Robert Holden was absent.

FY 2010 Budget Review
Highway Department
Road Agent Jim Wilson and Highway Advisory Committee members John Lane, Marion Knox, and Bob Bailey were present to discuss the Highway Department’s proposed FY 2010 budget.  Jim Wilson reported that the proposed budget has been level funded at the same budget amounts that were approved in FY 2009.  Selectman Dill stated that the administrative portion of the budget appeared to be all set and if further detail is needed that the Road Agent and Town Administrator can work together to provide information.

Marion Knox distributed copies of the 5 year Northwood Road Maintenance Plan that had been developed by the Highway Advisory Committee and Underwood Engineers, Inc.   The Town has been following the Plan since its adoption in 2006.  Mrs. Knox stated that she will be updating the actual amount of funds spent on each annual road reconstruction project from 2006 to the present.  The majority of projects on the list have been completed in the years that they were scheduled. One exception was the Bennett Bridge Road Project which is being done now in 2009.  This project was not scheduled for 2006-2011; however the floods that occurred at Bennett Bridge required that the project be done earlier than planned. Jim Wilson reported that the project scheduled for reconstruction in FY 2010 is Blakes Hill Road - Phase I. This involves a portion of Blakes Hill Road from Rte. 4 to the Boy Scout Camp.  Blake’s Hill Road – Phase II, from the Camp to Winding Hill Road, is scheduled for 2011.

The future plan for constructing a new road as a secondary access in and out of the Gulf Road area was discussed. The Committee has been looking at one alternative that would connect the Gulf Road area to Winding Hill Road.

Selectman Dill asked about the status of Highway Department vehicles and equipment.  Jim Wilson reported that the one ton truck was purchased two years ago and the newer six wheel dump truck was purchased in 2005.  A State surplus 1993 six wheel dump truck was bought 5-6 years ago.  The Department would like to place an article in the Warrant to deposit $10,000 into the Highway Equipment Capital Reserve Fund in FY 2010.

Transfer Station
Jim Vallaincourt, Recycling Committee Chair was present. The need to get updated tonnage
amount and figures from the Lamprey River Co-op was discussed. Mr. Vaillancourt stated that the Town needs to continue to find ways to reduce the amount of tonnage that is tipped at Lamprey.  Mr. Vallaincourt said that the Committee wants to place an article on the Warrant seeking $30,000 to purchase weigh scales at the Transfer Station. He said that the Town can apply for a grant to cover $15,000 of the cost and the article can be written to require that the grant be received or the purchase will not be made.

Other Budget Review Items
The Town Administrator provided follow up on information that had been asked for at the last meeting. The Board had previously asked the increased cost to grant employees a one step salary increase. Mr. Stack reported that the total cost including salaries and related benefits is $17,011.00. Both Selectman Dill and Selectman Bryer agreed that they could support one step salary increase. Mr. Stack provided other information to the Board as well.

Other Business
** Motion** Selectman Bryer moved to approve a purchase order to the State of New Hampshire in order to apply for an alteration of terrain permit for the Rte. 4 athletic fields project. Selectman Dill seconded. Motion passed 2/0.

Adjournment
**Motion** Selectman Bryer motioned to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Bryer. The motion passed 2/0 and the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
David L. Stack
Town Administrator