The Town of Northwood, New Hampshire - Budget Committee Minutes 01/19/06

PRESENT: Chairman Dan McNally, Vice-Chair Shelley Bobowski, Selectmen Representative Lucy Edwards, Ben Edwards, Robert Bailey, Robert Jean, Cindy Jones-Bryer, Nona Holmes, John Jacobsmeyer, Mark Edwards, and Board Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver. Shelley Bobowski and Douglas Briggs arrive at 7:10. Steve Foley arrives at 7:27.

ABSENT: Richard Gendron and Board Administrator Linda Smith. (excused)

TOWN REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT:
Selectmen Ken Witham, Town Administrator Tammie Beaulieu, Police Commissioners Richard Cummings and Spike Bryant. Police Chief Mike D’Alessandro, (Corporal Glendon Drolet, Fire Captain Kevin Madison, Road Agent Jim Wilson.

TOWN BUDGET:
Page 21: Dept. 42111~Police Commission:
Ms. Edwards makes a motion, second by Mr. Bailey, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $5,728. Ms. Edwards explains that the increase is due to the legal line. VOTE: YES: BE, RB, RJ, LE, CJB, NH, JJ, ME, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 9/0.

Page 21-25: Dept. 42112~Police Department:
Ms. Edwards makes a motion, second by Mr. Jean, to move the selectmen’s recommended amount of $489,359. Ms. Edwards explains that the salaries and benefits are the largest part of the increases. Mr. Jean asks if Chief D’Alessandro is satisfied with the amount of the wages and how they attract employees. Chief D’Alessandro replies yes and adds that he met with selectmen and feels that with a step and COLA increase of 4.1%, the raises are okay this year. Additional discussion is held regarding the salary discrepancies between larger cities. Chief D’Alessandro states that he cannot compete with salaries in larger cities. VOTE: YES: SBob, BE, RB, RJ, LE, CJB, NH, JJ, ME, DB, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 11/0.

Warrant Article #10 – Police Cruiser:
Ms. Bobowoski makes a motion, second by Bob Jean, to recommend Article 10, as written. Chief D’Alessandro provides the mileages for the current cruisers. Chief D’Alessandro states that there are 4 cruisers and another one used for special details. A discussion is held regarding the detail car. He explains that details are not known from year to year. Chief D’Alessandro explains the cruisers and feels that they are all in fair shape. The 2000 cruiser has high mileage and would be replaced if the article passes. Mr. Bailey feels that there is no need to buy two new vehicles if we can get by with just one for the fire department; however, there is money through the capital reserve funds. Chief D’Alessandro states that there will be 6 full time officers and they need the cars to do their job. The officers are much busier than in years past, more arrests, accidents, and more subdivisions means more areas to patrol. Chief D’Alessandro explains that since the department has been short handed, the officers take the cars home. Mr. Jean feels that there is a safety issue if the cars have a lot of mileage and are in need of repairs.

7:27 Steve Foley arrives.

Chief D’Alessandro states that the average mileage for the cruisers is around 30,000-35,000 per year. He adds that that does not include the idling time, which doubles the mileage. Further discussion is held regarding the routine maintenance that he does on the cruisers.

VOTE: YES: SBob, BE, RB, RJ, CJB, NH, JJ, ME, SF, DM. NO: LE, DG. Motion passes; 10/2.

Page 25-30: Dept. 42211~Fire Department:
Ms. Edwards makes a motion, second by Mr. Jean, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $286,019. Ms. Edwards explains that the increase is due to the legal line.

Ms. Bobowski asks if there is pediatric size equipment. Captain Madison explains that there is pediatric sized equipment as well as other equipment to make it easier to work with kids. Mark Edwards asks about staffing. Captain Madison explains that there are different levels of providers. He states that if there is not a paramedic on duty, other towns are called upon. Mark Edwards asks if the department feels comfortable that they are doing the best job with what the department has. Kevin Madison replies yes. Ben Edwards asks about salaries and the increase of $23,000. Kevin Madison states that he suggested to the chief that the department change the work week to 42 hours as the training and meetings they attend weekly were being paid out of the over time lines rather than from the salaries; basically a housekeeping item. He adds that they were paid at straight time but from the over time line. In addition, over the past year there was a period of time when there was not a second person on staff. An additional person was hired in October as a permanent full time position. The department is now fully staffed. Mr. Jacobsmeyer asks about tests of physical condition for the fire fighters. Captain Madison replies that currently there is no policy for physicals for any members of the department other than the initial physical upon hiring. Mr. Jacobsmeyer feels that the town should be looking into creating a policy as this is a liability to the town. VOTE: YES: SBob, BE, RB, RJ, LE, CJB, NH, JJ, ME, SF, DB, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 12/0.

Warrant Article #1 – Fire/Rescue Department Capital Reserve Fund:
Ms. Edwards makes a motion, second by Mr. Jean, to recommend Article 1, as written. Mr. Bailey asks about the status of the fire trucks and when the town will need to buy new. Captain Madison explains that there is one more payment for this year for Engine 2. The ambulance will be recommended to be replaced next year. Engine 1 will be replaced after the ambulance, approximately 2008. The Capital Reserve Fund has approximately $150,000 before this article. Additional discussion is held regarding having enough money in the fund for an ambulance next year. Captain Madison feels that there should be enough and adds that not all of the equipment would need to be replaced.

A discussion is held regarding the existing command car. Captain Madison explains that this car is a 1997 Crown Victoria with approximately 140,000 miles. Maintenance costs are $1,000-$1,500 per year, which is not cost effective. He adds that there are safety issues with the car with the front end. He explains that the proposed vehicle purchase for the department would include the updating of new lights; however, the radio equipment would be transferred out. An area for command case work would be in the rear of the truck. Ms. Edwards adds that every year money from the ambulance billings is used for this reserve fund; this money is not raised from taxes. Steve Foley makes a motion, second by Bob Jean, to amend the amount to $48,162.21, which includes the interest. VOTE: YES: SBob, BE, RB, RJ, LE, CJB, NH, JJ, ME, SF, DB, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 12/0.

Article 1:
VOTE: YES: SBob, BE, RB, RJ, LE, CJB, NH, JJ, ME, SF, DB, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 12/0.

Warrant Article #2 – Fire Engine Chasis & Pump Upgrade Lease/ Purchase Agreement Payment:
Mr. Jean makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend Article 2, as written. With no discussion, VOTE: YES: SBob, BE, RB, RJ, LE, CJB, NH, JJ, ME, SF, DB, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 12/0.

Warrant Article #8 – Fire Department Vehicle Purchase:
Mr. Jean makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend Article 8, as written. With no discussion, VOTE: YES: SBob, BE, RB, RJ, LE, CJB, NH, JJ, ME, SF, DB, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 12/0.

Page 34: Dept. 43121~Paving and Reconstruction:
Ms. Edwards makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $315,010. Ms. Edwards explains that the increase is due to the town’s engineering firm who completed a road study in which they surveyed all town roads and provided a 5 year plan for maintenance and repairs. Their recommendation is that the town needs to spend $315,000. this year to include an overlay of Ridge Road and the completion of Harmony Road for paving on the hill. The culvert has been completed. VOTE: YES: SBob, BE, RB, RJ, LE, CJB, NH, JJ, ME, SF, DB, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 12/0.

Page 34-35: Dept. 43122~Highway Cleaning and Maintenance:
Ms. Edwards makes a motion, second by Mr. Jean, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $40,450. Ms. Bobowski asks about line 43122/811 regarding tree work. Mr. Wilson explains that the rebuild is specific to tree work and
removing limbs and the entire tree, if necessary. VOTE: YES: SBob, BE, RB, RJ, LE, CJB, NH, JJ, ME, SF, DB, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 12/0.
Page 35-36: Dept. 43125~Snow & Ice Control:
Ms. Bobowski makes a motion, second by Mr. Jean, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $84,001. Mr. Bailey asks if the amount is alright. Mr. Wilson explains that he feels ok with the amount requested. He adds that there is one contractor that is unavailable for work at this time. VOTE: YES: SBob, BE, RB, RJ, LE, CJB, NH, JJ, ME, SF, DB, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 12/0.

Warrant Article #9 – Highway Department Vehicle Purchase:
Mr. Jean makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend Article 9, as written. Discussion is held regarding the purpose of the truck. Mr. Bailey feels that there is enough in this budget this year and the department really needs a one ton truck. He asks the amount in the repair line. Mr. Wilson states that there is $10,000. Ben Edwards feels that the town should wait a year and feels that a ¾ ton is not big enough. Mr. Bailey explains that the plowing is done by contractors with ¾ ton trucks and there is still the current one ton truck. Mr. Foley expresses concern with safety issues as this would be the truck that would be used, in addition to the emergency vehicle calls. Mr. Wilson states that there is a must for a 4 wheel drive to get into some areas. He states that the current vehicle is a 1996 and there has been some difficulty with repairs. Mr. Wilson states that he is trying to do the best he can with as little expense to the town as possible. Mr. Witham feels that a 1 ton would be a much better value to the town. Ms. Beaulieu provides figures from the state contract, which were provided by Selectman Bryer. Bob Jean makes a motion to amend Article 9 to add $33,000. for a one ton F-350 truck with a new plow and a new dump body. Ms. Bobowski seconds. VOTE: YES: SBob, RB, RJ, NH, JJ, ME, SF, DB, DM. NO: BE, LE, CJB. Motion passes; 9/3.

Article #9
VOTE: SBob, RB, RJ, NH, JJ, ME, SF, DB, DM. NO: BE, LE, CJB. Motion passes; 9/3.

Page 16-18: Dept. 41911~Planning and Development:
Planning Board Chairman Eric Reitter is present. Ms. Edwards makes a motion, second by Mr. Jean, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $88,345. Mr. Jean asks about the new position being proposed in line 41911/112. Mr. Jean feels that if the town has a planner, then the land owners and tax payers are not being allowed to plan there own land. He feels that a part time planner is a huge error. Mr. Foley comments that with the development that Northwood has, having a part time planner to facilitate plans and help with the review of plans may avoid problems and errors. Mr. Reitter states that there are a few purposes of a planner. He explains that there are a lot of issues to review and discuss; traffic, lighting, drainage, that lay people don’t necessarily have the experience to deal with. The planner’s duties would be to review plans, make sure that the plans are complete, and then provide a recommendation to the planning board. Also, the planner would assist applicants through the application process along with the board administrator and assist the board administrator and planning board with work that happens behind the scenes that the board needs more help with including writing the regulations, town ordinances, etc. Mr. Jean feels that this would be a cultural transition by moving the town into a professional planning staff. This would then be turned into a full time position and then additional staff would be necessary just to implement planning. Mr. Jean states that this is a small rural community with a huge land inventory. He feels that the town should allow land owners to do their own planning. Ms. Edwards states that the Town of Deerfield currently has a part time planner and has for a year as well as the Town of Candia. She adds that Northwood is right on the edge of a surge of development and in order to manage the growth that the town will continue to feel, her opinion as representative to the planning board is the town needs the help. It is a lot to ask of volunteers to work long hours reviewing plans, create and rewrite ordinances, etc. The town needs the help of a professional. Mr. Reitter states that as far as feeling the development there is a lot of land that is being turned over and is not necessarily the property owner but by large developers with a lot of capital behind them. He feels that a planner would be helpful. Mr. Reitter states that the planning board has used SRPC, with minor success. He feels that having a planner with dedication to the town would be a benefit to the tax payers. Mr. Foley states that the mistakes that may be avoided by having this position would be money well spent. Mark Edwards adds that the town needs an expert for hind sight. He adds that anyone that comes before the planning board has a vested interest as do some members of the board to protect and preserve areas of the town. Mr. Edwards feels that an independent would be a help. Mr. Jean feels that the planning in Northwood has not been poorly planned. Bob Jean makes a motion to amend this portion of the budget to not be included. No second. The amendment fails. Ms. Bobowski feels that it is necessary to support the planning board and free the members up to do other equally important things. Mr. Jacobsmeyer supports the planner’s position and legal services. Ken Witham agrees with Mr. Jean and asks if development can be controlled or stopped. Mr. Reitter replies that it can only be done through the limits of the ordinances. Mark Edwards states that the town needs some sort of expertise. Mr. Bailey asks if there is any way that the planning board can adjust their fees to pay for this individual. Mr. Reitter replies yes and adds that the fees will increase and the position will pay for itself. He adds that the board’s fees are updated on an annual basis to insure that the board’s costs are covered. Ms. Bobowski calls to move the bottom line of planning board’s budget of $88,345. No second is offered. Motion fails. Discussion ensues. Ms. Bobowski asks about the water management project. Mr. Reitter states that the planning board met with the members of the Master Plan Committee regarding a water resource study for groundwater protection and creating an ordinance. Mr. Reitter states that the planning board recommended $17,000. and the selectmen did not vote for the entire item. Mr. Bailey states that town will need to do something or end up with a town without a planning board. Ms. Bobowski motions to amend the planning board bottom line to be increased by $5,000. which includes the department’s request for the part time planner and to adjust all applicable lines for benefits; $94,110. Bob Bailey seconds the amendment. Mr. Reitter states that with $35,000. for the planner, it will be easier to find a person. He explains that the amount may seem high and part of the reason is that the town does not offer benefits to part time employees so the board felt that they should offer more for salary. Mr. Reitter adds that it would be likely that the planner would attend all the public planning board meetings.

Mr. Briggs asks if the legal line has been adequate, line 41911/320 and if there has been an increase in subdivision applications. Mr. Reitter replies that the legal budget was adequate. He explains that during the budget season last year, the planning board was in the middle of litigations. The matter was settled in June and there has been no further incurring of legal costs. VOTE: YES: SBob, BE, RB, NH, JJ, ME, SF, DB, DM. NO: RJ, LE, CJB. Motion passes; 9/3.

Department 41911~Total: $94,110.:
VOTE: YES: SBob, BE, RB, CJB, NH, JJ, ME, SF, DB, DM. NO: RJ, LE. Motion passes; 10/2.

Chairman McNally calls for a recess from the town’s budget at 8:45. p.m.

SCHOOL:
Page 2: Dept. 1100/563 – Tuition-Coe Brown:
Mr. Foley provides updated information relative to Coe Brown tuition rates. He states that the CBNA tuition rate was budgeted for 8% and came in at 8½%. for a total of $3,166,156. Bottom line for Dept. 1100 – Total Regular Education Programs is $5,244,797.04.

Page 4: Dept. 1200/563 – Spec. Ed. Tuition-Coe Brown:
Mr. Foley states that this has been reduced to $576,190. Bottom line for department 1200 – Total Regular Education Programs is $2,088,933.23.

Page 19: Dept. 5200 – Total General Fund Operating Budget:
Mr. Foley states that the total general fund operating budget line will be different. The school board’s recommended amount is $9,787,436.41. With the incorporated Coe Brown figures, the budget committee recommended amount is $9,870,087.07. Mr. Foley states that this is an overall increase of approximately 7.6%.

Page 20: Budget Summary:
Mr. Foley provides the updated figures as follows:

1100 – Regular Education Programs:
School Board: $5,244,797.04 and Budget Committee: $5,244,797.04

1200 – Special Instructional Programs:
School Board: $2,007,509.57 and Budget Committee: $2,088,933.23

Page 21: Dept. 3100 - General Fund Total:
School Board: $9,787,436.41 and Budget Committee: $9,870,087.07

Page 21: Dept. 3100 – Food Service:
Food Services remained the same at $140,133.

Total Operating Budget:

School Board: $9,927,569.41 and Budget Committee $10,010,220.07

Bob Jean makes a motion, second by Bob Bailey, to recommend the budget committee amount of $10,010,220.07. Ms. Bobowski states that there is a discrepancy of amounts. Amounts and forms are compared and reviewed. Mr. Foley states that Department 5200 - Capital Reserve Deposits, $30,000 is not money being raised through taxation and shouldn’t be shows as being raised. It only goes into the fund if there is surplus and should not have been shown. Mark Edwards asks what the tuition costs are. Mr. Foley replies that it is close to $11,000 per student.

VOTE: YES: SBob, BE, RB, BJ, LE, CJB, NH, JJ, ME, SF, DB, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 12/0.

Warrant Articles:
Article 6:
Mr. Foley states that originally $70,000 was requested to come out of the special ed reserve fund from contingency fund. Mr. Foley states that there has been another movement in out of district placements and the amount needs to be increased to $100,000. Bob Bailey makes a motion, second by Bob Jean, to increase article 6 from $70,000. to $100,000. to concur with the school board recommendation. VOTE: YES: SBob, BE, RB, BJ, LE, CJB, NH, JJ, ME, SF, DB, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 12/0.

At 9:07 p.m. Chairman McNally calls for a recess to Wednesday, January 25, 2006.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary

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