The Town of Northwood, New Hampshire - Board of Selectmen Minutes 12/8/09

Public Hearing
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - Loon Estates Cooperative
Chairman Dill opened the public hearing at 6:03 p.m. Donna Lane, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consultant was present and stated that CDBG funds are available to municipalities through the NH Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA). Up to $500,000 annually is available for economic development, public facility and housing projects and emergency activities that benefit low and moderate income persons. This hearing is being held to discuss a proposed emergency application to the CDFA for up to $350,000 in CDBG 2010 funds to finance electrical improvements and two failed septic systems at the Loon Estates Cooperative located off of Lake Shore Drive in Northwood. The project conforms with the Northwood’s Housing and Community Development Plan’s goal of the elimination of conditions which seriously and immediately threaten the public health and welfare.

Selectman Dill opened the hearing for public comment. Gloria Young, President of the Loon Estates Cooperative, stated that she requested support from the Board in October and is present again requesting support with the electric and septic systems. With no additional public comment, Selectman Dill closed the public hearing.

Town of Northwood Housing and Community Development Plan
Selectman Dill opened the public hearing at 6:05 p.m. Donna Lane stated that the Town must have a housing community development plan which outlines the general needs of the community relating to housing and community development, and it includes the Town’s goals and objectives in this area. Ms. Lane stated that Northwood has a plan in place; however Town Administrator David Stack and Town Planner Elaine Planchet reviewed the plan and updated it. Mr. Stack stated that the plan was been updated to match the town’s current Master Plan and current Town Ordinances in place. He added that the draft Plan was approved by the Planning Board on 12/3/09.

Selectman Dill opened the hearing for public comment and with no public comments, Selectman Dill closed the public hearing.

Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan
Selectman Dill opened the public hearing at 6:06 p.m. Donna Lane explained that every time that a town applies for CDBG funds the Town must adopt an Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan in case the project will involve the displaced or relocation of any people. This project will not displace anyone, however the Town must have an adopted plan in place.

Selectman Dill opened the hearing for public comment and with no public comments, Selectman Dill closed the public portion of this public hearing.

Adoption of Housing and Community Development Plan
**Motion** Selectman Dill motioned, seconded by Selectman Holden, to adopt the updated Housing and Community Development Plan. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

Adoption of Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan
**Motion** Selectman Dill motioned, seconded by Selectman Holden, to adopt the Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan. Selectman Bryer noted a few typos in the document that will need to be adjusted. **Motion** Selectman Dill amended the motion to include any corrections be made. Selectman Holden seconded the amendment. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

Approval of Municipal Certification
**Motion** Selectman Dill motioned, seconded by Selectman Holden, to approve the certification and authorize the Chair to sign and submit, and upon approval of the CDBG funds authorize the Chair to execute any documents associated, which may affect the CDBG contract. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

Unfinished Business
Acceptance of Minutes
11/3/09 Meeting
**Motion** Selectman Dill motioned, seconded by Selectman Holden, to approve the minutes of November 3, 2009, as written. Motion passed unanimously; 2/0/1. Selectman Holden abstained.

11/10/09 Meeting
**Motion** Selectman Bryer motioned, seconded by Selectman Holden, to approve the minutes of November 10, 2009, as written. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

11/10/09 Non-Public Session
**Motion** Selectman Dill motioned, seconded by Selectman Holden, to approve the non-public minutes of November 10, 2009, as written. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

Personnel Plan - Review and Approval
Mr. Stack stated that the outstanding items to be discussed are the policies for overtime and call back pay, drug and alcohol testing for DOT, and sick leave.

Selectman Dill called for a recess, session resumed at 6:20 p.m.

Mr. Stack provided copies of the current draft of the plan. Selectman Dill asked if the information has been provided to the departments yet. Mr. Stack replied not yet and added that he mentioned this to the Library Trustees today and felt that they were assuming that the Selectmen would adopt this for the employees under their direction and would then forward the policy to the Police Commission for their review as well as the Library Trustees, in hopes that they can take it and adopt it as is or adapt to their needs. He added that he believes that this has been the problem in the past. It may have been difficult for all three entities to agree on one plan that fits the needs of their departments. Selectman Dill stated that his overall thought was that there would be one policy for all Town employees. Selectman Holden agreed. Selectman Bryer stated that that is his understanding as well; however, there are other entities that will review this and want to amend it accordingly.

Mr. Stack stated that the Board could finalize their proposal and then provide it to the other entities for feedback; however, it will take longer to finalize. Selectman Bryer suggested that the policy be approved for Town employees and forwarded accordingly. Selectman Dill stated that the policy would then apply to fire, highway, and town hall employees. Discussion ensued regarding the probationary period for new employees. Selectman Bryer suggested increasing the probation time from 3 months so that all probation times are the same. No action was taken on this.

Call Back Pay
Mr. Stack stated that the Chief of Police has reported that the Police Department does not have a written policy covering this; however, they do pay employees a minimum of two hours if they call officers back to work. The Board agreed to approve this provision.

Drug and Alcohol Testing
Mr. Stack stated that he did some research on the application of drug and alcohol testing to fire personnel. He found that there are really not that many towns that require this for fire personnel. He stated that the Board can apply the drug and alcohol testing requirement to all Town employees if it chooses to do so. Selectman Dill suggested that this item be discussed with Fire Chief George Ashford when he comes in to meet with the Board later in the meeting.

Sick Leave
Mr. Stack stated that liability for 2009 is $29,561. based on the capped 80 hours. He added that liability is reduced if no sick leave is given if an employee leaves. He noted that with the proposed disability insurance policy, the employee would be required to use sick leave to cover the first three days of the disability and then the insurance would cover the balance. He stated that the Board will need to address a method to deal handle the current accruals. Items left to address are the maximum accumulation, payout, and the rate. Selectman agreed that employees would still be getting their 10 days paid out upon separation from employment. Further discussion was held regarding the actual plans for the accruals. Mr. Stack stated that it is based on hours worked and added that the Board can allow employees with accrued time to sue the time to make up the difference in coverage between the 66% of salary that the disability insurance and 100% of pay.

FY 2010 Budget Review
Facilities Committee
Facilities Committee members Steve Bailey and Marion Knox met with the Board to discuss the proposed facilities budget. Mr. Bailey and the Board discussed the heating system at the Chesley Library. A discussion was held regarding the water system at the Library. Mr. Bailey stated that the Facilities Committee agreed to address the water system because the State is paying for the filter system that removes the MTBE’s and they will not continue to pay this if the Town does not pre-filter and soften the water. Selectman Holden noted that the systems are shut down at this time. Mr. Bailey stated that the system has not been run since last year.
Selectman Dill noted that some of the Library building maintenance items have been pulled from their proposed budget. Discussion ensued regarding the Library maintenance line totaling $3,000. Mrs. Knox stated that the only item that the Facilities Committee has in the Facilities budget for 2010 for the Library is the painting of all exterior surfaces. Selectman Holden asked if it would be prudent to include all items in the warrant article. He expressed concern with the fact that the entire warrant article may be voted down.

Further discussion was held regarding the Japanese Knotwood removal that had been budgeted in the Library’s proposed operating budget. Selectman Holden noted that there are different amounts budgeted throughout the budget and Selectman Dill stated that here are actually more areas where there is the bamboo other than the Library. Mr. Bailey added that they have been talking to the state to address the weed treatment in hopes that the state would cover the cost to eradicate the weed.

Mr. Stack stated that the warrant article for the Town Hall Capital Reserve Fund allocation of $10,000 has been included in the overall impact increase. Selectman Dill asked if the cement pad removal and replacement at the Transfer Station should be included in the Facilities Committee budget. Mr. Stack stated that the funds as anticipated are not available this year so this will need to be revisited and add it to the warrant article. The Facilities Committee agreed with the addition of $7,000. for the cement pads, if necessary.

Appointments
Conservation Commission
Northwood Lake Fence
Conservation Commission Chairman Steve Roy explained that a letter was received form a citizen in that area concerned with the use of the beach area as parking lot and apparently the Selectmen had decided at the last meeting to apply a snow fence to that area.

Selectman Dill stated that there are some issues with the snow fence. He stated that the Town does not currently have any ordinances that prohibit parking on the beaches or travel across a beach. He stated that he is not sure if the Board can put up a fence on one beach and not add a fence to the rest of the beaches. He noted that this is also the access used by the Lions Club for the ice races, which has already been approved for this year. Selectman Dill also noted that this is the ice rescue access for the fire department.

Mr. Roy stated that the Conservation Commission received a letter and talked about it. The Commission recognized that this is an access area to the lake and this area is used regularly by the Lions Club. Discussion ensued and Mr. Roy stated that the Commission discussed perhaps adding a sign to the beach noting that the area is not a parking area.

Selectman Holden stated that a motion was made, seconded, and approved for a temporary fence to be placed there granting access for the fire department and Lions Club. He added that a wooden snow fence was going to be donated by him if the Town did not have the fence or the funds. Mr. Stack added that the State has fencing available to lend to the Town and the Town can purchase the posts. Selectmen Dill stated that he has not seen any issues that would require a fence or required a regulation to be made regarding parking on the beaches. Selectman Bryer stated that this is a moot issue since the motion was made and passed, and access will still be available for fire and the Lions Club.

Sharon Purdy-Smith, 107 Blaisdell Road. Map 104; Lots 30 and 31.
Mr. Roy explained that the owner passed away last year and the daughter, Ms. Purdy-Smith, is pursuing the wishes of her father to donate the property to the Town for conservation purposes. Mr. Roy stated that this is a gift to the Town and the Commission has provided her with information for guidance. Ms. Purdy-Smith has asked about funds being available for title transfer fees and Mr. Roy stated that the Commission has the conservation land fund for this type of project; however, it is supported by the Selectmen.

Selectman Bryer asked if there would be a transfer tax involved with DRA based on the sale price or the fair market value. Mr. Roy noted that it was indicated some degree of tax relief that the gift would initiate. Selectman Dill stated that this is not a purchase and asked what the use would be. Mr. Roy explained that this type of property could be used for hiking, biking, walking, etc. He stated that the Town will not be inclined to cover any attorney fees she may accrue. A discussion was held regarding the private road on the property. Selectman Dill noted that the lot 30 is a private road and the Town would not be inclined to assume ownership of the road. Mr. Roy stated that the Commission will explain that to Ms. Purdy-Smith and if she is inclined to remove the road from the donation, that would work for the Town. Selectman Bryer asked that further information relative to costs and fees associated with the process be provided prior to the public hearing. **Motion** Selectman Dill motioned, seconded by Selectman Holden, to support the Conservation Commission’s efforts in the acquisition of Map 104; lot 31, with an estimated cost of fees associated with the acquisition. Further discussion was held regarding the public hearing process. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

Mr. Roy noted that the Commission has also been made aware of a directive of former Commission member Pauline Lemelin, who indicated her wish to place conservation easements on her two parcels of property to preserve the open space.

Fire Chief George Ashford
Rescue Boat
Mr. Stack stated that the Chief has come to meet with the Board to discuss the rescue boat donation as well as the cell phone upgrades, and the newly proposed department purchasing policy.

Chief Ashford explained that the rescue boat is a rubber boat to replace the old metal style boat. He stated that there are no special maintenance requirements with the boat. They plan to keep the boat inflated all year due as it is light enough to carry out onto the ice. A boot drive was held to cover a portion of the motor. Further discussion was held regarding maintenance and Chief Ashford explained that the maintenance should be less than the boat that they use now. Chief Ashford explained that the agreement is that when the boat is ready to be retired then the funds would be returned to the association rather than to the town’s general fund. He added that the Ton paid for the last boat and the association paid for this boat. Selectman Bryer stated that this is a legal condition of donation. Mr. Stack stated that he will check into this further.

Cell Phones Upgrades
Mr. Stack explained that the Department is requesting to upgrade the cell phone for the Chief to allow for email and texting. The cost is a one time increase of $39.99 and a monthly increase of $35. and Chief Ashford reported that the cost can be absorbed in the current budget. Selectman Holden stated that this is a great idea; however, he suggested looking into all cell phone plans that the Town has at this time. Mr. Stack added that the Town is currently not locked into a contract with the existing cell provider. Selectman Bryer suggested that the Town look into other cell phone services and packages.

Fire Department Purchasing Policy
Chief Ashford explained that access to the ADS system is currently restricted to certain times and he4 needs to have more time available to access the system. Mr. Stack explained that the times for system access had been cut back to reduce the risk of security breaches. Chief Ashford stated that he does a lot of his work on the weekends. If this cannot be done, he would like the Board to approve a revised policy for the Department. He feels that this will speed the process up and there will still be a signature on the purchase order, just a paper copy. Selectman Holden felt that he would prefer to adjust the accessibility times to allow the Chief to access the system. Mr. Stack stated that he will ask Pete Jones to make the change.

CDL Drug and Alcohol Testing
Selectman Dill explained that the Board is working on updating the personnel policy and stated that the current proposed policy exempts fire fighters and police officers from random testing. Selectman Dill stated that he feels that this testing should be extended to the full time firefighters. Chief Ashford stated that the call fire fighters are paid employees of the Town and follow the personnel policy as well. He stated that the policy should include everyone or no one at all. He added that he would support random testing and offered to check with other towns to see if the do it.

7:43 p.m. **Motion** Selectman Dill made a motion, seconded by Selectman Bryer, to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3, II (a) to discuss personnel.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Bryer - yes
Selectman Holden - yes
Selectman Dill - yes
Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

8:10 p.m. **Motion** Selectman Bryer made a motion, seconded by Selectman Dill, to come out of non-public session. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

**Motion** Selectman Bryer made a motion, seconded by Selectman Dill, to seal the minutes of the non-public session. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

Unfinished Business
Personnel Plan Review and Approval
Mr. Stack asked how the Board would like to address the CDL Drug and Alcohol Testing. Selectman Bryer supported contacting neighboring departments. Selectman Holden reminded the Board what Chief Ashford stated. Mr. Stack stated that currently the policy states that all Highway Department personnel would undergo random testing and it is now for anyone that operates a vehicle. He added that the personnel plan can always be amended. Discussion ensued and Selectman Holden stated that the Board should adopt the policy to include all employees that drive Town vehicles and exempt the Police Department. Selectman Bryer agreed. Selectman Dill suggested that the new policy be applied only to Highway employees. The Selectmen requested that the policy remain as it is and for Mr. Stack contact LGC and Primex to see what other towns are doing. Selectman Holden noted that he would prefer to approve the personnel policy with the drug and alcohol testing issue for the fire department as it will take months to resolve.

Sick Leave
The proposed policy plan calls for employees to receiving ½ sick day per month in conjunction with the new disability insurance coverage that would begin after three sick days. Mr. Stack stated that the insurance will cost approximately $8,000. per year to cover all employees that work 20 hours and up. Mr. Stack stated that the employees are currently granted one sick day per month. He added that currently the max accrual is 90 days and the new proposal will limit the maximum accrual to 30 days. In addition, should an employee leave, they will be paid for 10 days or 80 hours. Selectman Dill asked if these changes will be put out for comments to the employees and would like to have comments before the Board makes any major changes. Selectman Holden asked what the annual savings are for the 6 sick days for all employees and added that amount must be worth more than $8,000. or the Board should not adopt this change. Mr. Stack stated that the Board may want to consider reducing the amount of sick days regardless if there is a disability policy or not. Selectman Holden stated that he feels that it is in the best interest of the employees for the town to provide disability coverage. Selectman Dill stated that sick leave policy change will be finalized at the next meeting.

Purchasing Policy - Fire Department
**Motion** Selectman Dill made a motion, seconded by Selectman Holden, for IT support to extend the ADS hours to include Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

Communication from NHDES Relative to Southeast Watershed Alliance (SWA)
Mr. Stack explained that there is an upcoming meeting and the Board will need to decide if this is something that they want to be a part of and if so the Board needs to appoint a Town representative to the group. This opening will be posted on the Town website and the Conservation Commission will be contacted.

Rescue Boat and Trailer Donation
**Motion** Selectman Dill made a motion, seconded by Selectman Holden, to accept the donation of the rescue boat, and trailer from the Northwood Fire Association. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
Mr. Stack stated that he just received an email detailing options for dental coverage. The Town may change its coverage options at any time. He provided renewal figures for dental insurance and life insurance coverage for 2010. The rate for dental has increased 5.5% and the cost of life insurance remains the same as in 2009. Mr. Stack stated that additional information is forthcoming on health insurance options. Selectman Bryer stated that he supports the current contribution rates; however, would support looking into rates for co-pays and prescription. **Motion** Selectman Dill made a motion, seconded by Selectman Bryer, to approve the dental and life insurance rates and to review other coverages by Town Meeting. Motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

New Business
Acceptance of Minutes
11/24/09 Meeting
**Motion** Selectman Holden motioned, seconded by Selectman Bryer, to approve the minutes of November 24, 2009, as written. Motion passed unanimously; 2/0/1. Selectman Dill abstained.

Approval of Vendor Manifest
**Motion** Selectman Dill motioned to approve the vendor manifest in the amount of $1,020,256.10, which includes $5,000,000. for school appropriations, $465,568. for the county tax warrant, and $54,688. is for general town expenditures. Selectman Bryer seconded the motion. Selectman Holden noted that B&S Septic charges $95. per month for a chemical toilet at the transfer station. He stated that this could be better negotiated since this is a 12 month contract and $75. is the going rate. He also expressed concern with an invoice received from BII Fence for materials stolen at a job site. Mr. Stack stated that this was used materials removed so that the paving of Old Turnpike Rd. could be completed. Mr. Selectman Holden asked if a police report had been filed. Selectman Holden noted that there was a Lowes invoice that was not paid at the full amount and now there is an interest charge at 21%. Selectman Holden asked for clarification regarding clothing and boot purchases for the Fire Department. Selectman Dill stated that he believes that each department has their own policy and he is not sure exactly what that is. Selectman Bryer explained that the Fire Department invoice in the packet is for turnout gear. Chairman Dill added that the Highway Department employees purchase their boots and are reimbursed by the Town. The motion passed; 3/0. The manifest was signed by the Board.

Purchase Order for Lamprey Regional Co-Op
Mr. Stack presented a purchase order to cover tipping costs through the end of 2009. He explained that the slab amount was $7,300. **Motion** Selectman Dill motioned to approve the purchase order for Lamprey Regional Co-Op, in the amount of $4,800. Selectman Holden seconded the motion. The motion passed; 3/0. The purchase order was signed by the Board.

Purchase Order for Steve Bailey
Mr. Stack presented the Board with a purchase order for painting the Tax Collector’s lobby and downstairs hallways in the amount of $3,000. A brief recess was taken to view the area to be painted. **Motion** Selectman Dill motioned to approve the purchase order for Steve Bailey, in the amount of $3,000. No second was provided. The motion failed. The purchase order was not signed by the Board.

Purchase Order for Allen’s Diesel Service
Mr. Stack presented the Board with a purchase order for Allen’s Diesel Service, in the amount of $512.30, for repairs to the brakes in the ambulance. **Motion** Selectman Dill motioned to approve the purchase order for Allen’s Diesel Service, in the amount of $512.30. Seconded by Selectman Bryer. The motion passed; 3/0. The purchase order was signed by the Board.

Blanket Purchase Orders for Plowing
Mr. Stack presented the Board with four blanket purchase orders for plowing, in the amount of $4,000 each for HER & W, D.L. Docko, C&Z Construction, and Bob Hutchins. A discussion was held regarding surcharges. He will ask the Road Agent about the surcharge. **Motion** Selectman Dill motioned to approve the purchase orders for HER & W, D.L. Docko, C&Z Construction, and Bob Hutchins, each in the amount of $4,000. Seconded by Selectman Bryer. The motion passed; 3/0. The purchase orders were signed by the Board. Selectman Dill noted that there will be another purchase order coming from the Highway Department for repairs to one of the trucks.

Purchase Order for American Security Cabinets Inc.
Mr. Stack presented the Board with a purchase order for American Security Cabinets Inc. The Town Clerk/Tax Collector would like to purchase and install an outside, secured steel drop box for the tax payments. The cost is $566., which includes shipping. General discussion was held regarding this purchase. Selectman Dill asked how many people come in to do business when the Tax Collector is not here. Selectman Holden suggested pursuing the option of making payments on line. The Board feels that this is a good idea; however, is not necessary and the purchase order was not approved.

Acceptance of Engagement Letter for FY 2009 Audit and MS-5 Preparation
Mr. Stack presented the Board with an engagement letter for audit services for 2009. Discussion ensued regarding the amount saved by changing firms. **Motion** Selectman Dill motioned to approve and sign the engagement letter with Vachon Clukay for 2009 audit services. Selectman Bryer seconded the motion. Mr. Stack stated that this price matches the original agreement. Motion passed; 3/0.

Renewal of Medical Resource Hospital Agreement and Controlled Drug Agreement with Concord Hospital
Mr. Stack explained Captain Kevin Madison has reported that every town running an ambulance must have a medical resource hospital to oversee the training and re-certification and quality control for their EMTs. The Town also needs to have a controlled drug agreement in place in order to acquire and administer controlled drugs. **Motion** Selectman Dill motioned to approve the renewal agreement and controlled drug agreement. Selectman Bryer seconded the motion. Motion passed; 3/0. All documents were signed by the Chair.

Communication from Village of Northwood Ridge Water District
FEMA Reimbursement Regarding 12/08 Ice Storm
Mr. Stack stated that the original worksheet had included reimbursement for a generator that had been used to run the water pumps. After reviewing the original paperwork this was not noticed and was not added. The Water District has continued to work with FEMA regarding this and has found that payment was received by the Town for the generator use in the amount of $1,574. **Motion** Selectman Holden motioned to approve sending a check to the Village of Northwood Water District in the amount of $1,574. Selectman Dill seconded the motion. Motion passed; 3/0.

Yield Tax Assessment - Map 222; Lot 4.
Mr. Stack submitted a yield tax assessment for Callioras, Map 222; Lot 4, in the amount of $517.05. **Motion** Selectman Dill motioned to approve the tax assessment for Map 222; Lot 4, in the amount of $517.05. Selectman Holden seconded the motion. Motion passed; 3/0.

Agreement and Release - Map 212; Lot 56.
Mr. Stack presented the Board with an agreement and release for Faucher, 164 Long Pond Rd. Map 212; Lot 56. All necessary fees have been paid. **Motion** Selectman Dill motioned to approve the agreement and release for Faucher, Map 212; Lot 56. Selectman Holden seconded the motion. Motion passed; 3/0.

Land Use Change Tax - Map 212; Lot 56.
Mr. Stack presented the Board with a land use change tax that was previously approved; however, it needs additional signatures from the Board.

Intent to Cut - Map 242; Lot 17
Mr. Stack presented the Board with an intent to cut. He stated that a check has been received in the amount of $1,154.80 as security of anticipated tax. Selectman Dill noted that the Town’s forester is doing the cut. **Motion** Selectman Dill motioned to approve the intent to cut. Selectman Bryer seconded the motion. Selectman Holden requested that Mr. Stack follow up on the execution of the check. Motion passed; 3/0.

Reports
Town Administrator’s Report
Tax Collector Warrant
Mr. Stack stated that he has received an update from the Tax Collector regarding property taxes collected. He stated that the total warrant was $5,694,126. and she has collected $4,789,191.37. This is about 84% and is in line with other collection. $904,934 is still outstanding. He noted that Ms. Pease has expressed concern with liens from period one.

Outstanding Projects List
Mr. Stack stated that he has attached the outstanding projects list.

Selectmen’s Reports
Selectman Dill stated that he has received many calls regarding a structure on Bigelow Rd. Mr. Stack explained that he has also received calls from the homeowner’s association in that area. He stated that emails have been sent expressing their concerns and the Code Enforcement Officer is on top of the situation.

FY 2010 Budget Review
Mr. Stack presented the Board with an updated proposed budget along with a tax rate impact sheet for the budget, proposed warrant articles, and a draft MS-7. The currently proposed operating budget is $3,347,342. with special warrant articles totaling $225,000. and individual warrant article proposed $196,000. Mr. Stack stated that the total appropriation would be $3,768,501. Estimated revenues for 2010 were also reviewed.

Selectman Bryer stated that realistically the Board should be working to present a level funded operating budget. Selectman Holden agreed. Selectman Holden suggested that the Town Administrator and department heads be asked to find the difference of $217,000 to keep the operating budget at the same level that it was in 2009. Selectman Bryer agreed.

Selectman Bryer suggested that the TAN interest amount be level funded. He stated that the legal funds were to be added together. The Board further discussed options that can be looked into within the Library budget such as the building maintenance lines, in general phone lines, health and dental within police, combine legal lines, etc. The Board also requested that the Town Administrator present the list of warrant articles with the tax impacts. The list of proposed cuts and the warrant articles will be reviewed and discussed at the Board budget workshop session on 12/15/09.

Safety Complex Study Committee
Selectman Bryer suggested that maybe the Board should consider creating a study committee with a representative from the Fire and Police Departments, Selectmen, and two members of the public to study the possibility of building a combined safety complex for the Police and Fire Departments. Selectman Holden agreed and added that this is something that should be thought of over the next few years. Discussion ensued regarding a feasibility study and a budget for the committee through a warrant article. Selectman Bryer stated that the Emergency Management office could also be located within the safety complex.

Town Meeting Process
A general discussion was held regarding having an overhead to present items at the Town Meeting. Selectman Holden suggested contacting Coe–Brown for this equipment. Mr. Stack suggested printing a user’s guide to Town Meeting with an explanation of each warrant article. Selectman Dill suggested contacting LGC regarding options for a secret ballot vote.

Adjournment
9:56 p.m. **Motion** Selectman Bryer motioned to adjourn, seconded by Selectman Holden. The motion passed unanimously; 3/0.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary

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