Budget Committee

Minutes

January 30, 2007

Official as of November 6, 2007

Chairman Daniel McNally calls the work session to order at 7:05 p.m.

PRESENT: Chairman Daniel McNally, Vice-Chairman Shelley Bobowski, Robert Bailey, Ben Edwards, Kate McNally, Nona Holmes, Herb Johnson, Cindy Jones Bryer, Mark Edwards, Water District Representative John Jacobsmeyer, Colleen Pingree, Board Administrator Linda Smith, and Board Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver. Selectmen Representative Scott Bryer arrives at 7:10.

ABSENT: School Board Representative Bill Tappan, and Douglas Briggs.

Page 5-6: Dept. 41913~Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA):
Ms. McNally makes a motion, second by Mr. Bailey, to recommend the department’s request of $11,750. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0. 

Page 6: Dept. 41941~General Government Buildings:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $98,263.

Ms. McNally amends the motion to reduce the department’s amount by  $2,000. to reflect the actual expenditure for the telephone town charges; $96,953. Mr. Johnson seconds. Ms. Cady explains that the difference is last month’s bill. Ms. McNally states that there is an open purchase order (PO) for $15,000. Mr. Bryer respectfully requests that the committee keep the department at the selectmen’s requests. Ms. Cady states that the purchase order is for Verizon, there is no PO for Telrite, which is the long distance company of the town, which is $150. per month. The PO has not been done and both accounts are in this line. 
Amendment: VOTE: NO: SBobowski, RB, BE, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, CP, SBryer. YES: KM, JJ, DM. 9/3. Motion does not prevail.
Vote on original motion $98,263. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. NO: KM. 11/1. 

Page 6: Dept. 41951~Cemeteries:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Pingree, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $5,800. Mr. Bryer asks about the department request of $5,350. Ms. Cady explains that Mr. Bushnell requested the additional amount and it was requested after the department figures had been put in so she placed it in the selectmen’s amount. Ms. McNally asks what the increase was for. Ms. Cady replies that it is for cemetery maintenance for mowing. Ms. Pingree notes that there is a decrease is the supplies. Ms. Cady states that she is not sure as to why there is a decrease. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, NH, KM, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, SBryer, DM. NO: CP. 11/1. 

Ms. Bobowski asks that the town report depict the actual department requests.

Page 6: Dept. 41956~Insurance:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Pingree, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $34,000. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0. 

Page 6: Dept. 42111~Police Commission:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $7,342.75. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0. 

Page 6-7: Dept. 42112~Police Department:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $550,014.62.
Ms. McNally asks what the difference is. Mr. Bryer states that the difference is the price of the cruiser and the BOS decided to do the cruiser as a warrant article as has been the practice of the town. Mr. Edwards asks if the town is locked in to a cruiser every year. Mr. McNally replies yes if the warrant article passes. Further discussion is held regarding the purchase of a new cruiser and the saving on maintenance. Mr. Bryer states that the police give the old cruiser back to selectmen to be auctioned and the revenue goes into the general fund.

Ms. Bobowski asks about employee’s health and dental costs. Ms. Smith replies that this matter should not be discussed. She adds that it is relative to changes with personnel insurance changes. Ms. Bobowski notes that the police chief is also paid higher than the average maximum. Mr. Bryer states that when the new matrix comes in the selectmen will place employees appropriately. Ms. Smith states that the police commission has sole jurisdiction over the hiring, firing, and compensation of the police department. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0. 

Page 7-8: Dept. 42211~Fire Department:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $310,167.61. Ms. Cady notes that half way through the year the retirement rate will increase from $11,000 to $15,000. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0. 

Page 8-9: Dept. 42217~Medical Services:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $502. Ms. Bobowski asks if the town is expecting medical services to come in this year as it is noted at $0 for prior year actual. Mr. Bryer states that this was a request from the fire chief. Ms. Smith states that she believes it is for volunteer worker’s immunizations. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0. 

Page 9: Dept. 42401~Building/Code Enforcement:
Ms. Bobowski makes a motion, second by Ms. Holmes, to recommend the department’s total of $90,786. Mr. Bryer asks about the differences. Ms. Cady replies that the building inspector would like to reduce his hours and increase the hours of the part time assistants.

Ms. Bobowski asks about new duties. Mr. Bryer replies that the building department now oversees the health officer and the department. Ms. Bobowski asks if the building inspector will still be receiving the same rate of pay and notes that it is significantly higher. Mr. Bryer replies yes and this will also be put into the appropriate category. He adds that the BOS will not be cutting pay rates; they would leave the rate as is.

Mr. Bryer explains that the position of a deputy health officer is also the same person as the building inspector and the increase is due to salary. He adds that the positions are only paid for hours worked. Ms. Cady states that the department’s revenue covers their expenses.

Ms. McNally asks about the building department’s secretary. She thought that one position was moving to this position and an additional person was hired as a counter person. Mr. Bryer states that in last years budget a part time secretary for the building department was requested. Ms. Cady explains the office hours of the counter person and the municipal receptionist and the duties of these positions within each of the departments. Ms. Cady notes that she is still within all hours allocated for all positions. McNally notes that there are still some incorrect figures regarding wages for the counter person. Ms. Bobowski amends the motion from the department’s recommended amount of $90,786. to the selectmen’s recommended figure of $99,263.74. Mr. Bryer seconds.
Amendment: VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0. 
Vote on new amount $99,263.74.  VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0. 

Page 9: Dept. 42901~Emergency Management:
Mr. Bryer motions to recommend the department’s figure of $556. Ms. Bobowski seconds. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0. Mr. Bryer states that the selectmen need to vote on the department total so the figures match.

Page 9-10: Dept. 43111~Highway Administration:
Ms. Bobowski makes a motion to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $155,047.91. Mr. Johnson seconds. Mr. Jacobsmeyer asks about the new position. Mr. Bryer explains that the BOS approved $5,000 to be added under the GGB for contracting out for the mowing of town property. This will free up some of the laborer’s time and allow him to spend more time in the summer working with the road agent for summer maintenance.

Additional discussion is held regarding the administrative study committee’s recommendation for a warrant article for another position of a highway laborer.  VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0.

Page 10: Dept. 43121~Paving & Reconstruction:
Ms. Bobowski makes a motion to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $347,010. Mr. Johnson seconds. Ms. McNally asks about the road plan for this year. Mr. Bryer explains the proposed road schedule. A discussion is held regarding the highway advisory committee’s recommendation of $368,000. and the fact that the numbers do not match. Mr. Bryer notes that there were two block grants and discussion continues to determine the actual amount necessary. He explains the state funding for the highway block grant.

Ms. Bobowski makes an amendment to the motion to increase line 681/Paving Overlay to $203,000. Mr. Bailey seconds.
Amendment: VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CJB, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. NO: HJ, ME. 10/2.
Vote on new department bottom line $368,010.  VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CJB, JJ, ME, CP, SBryer, DM. NO: HJ. 11/1.

Page 10: Dept. 43122~Cleaning & Maintenance:
Ms. Bobowski makes a motion to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $41,200. Mr. Bailey seconds. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0.

Page 10: Dept. 43125~Snow & Ice Control:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $84,001. Ms. Bobowski seconds. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0.

Page 10-11: Dept. 43163~Street Lighting:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $1,500. Ms. Bobowski seconds. Ms. Homes asks why the requested amount is so much higher than what was spent. Mr. Bryer replies that the selectmen reduced the amount to $1500. Ms. Cady states that a letter was received from public service noting an increase. Ms. Holmes amends the motion to reduce line 410 to $1,000. Ms. McNally seconds.
Amendment: VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CJB, JJ, HJ, ME,  DM. NO: CP, SBryer, 10/2.
Vote on new department bottom line $1,000. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CJB, JJ, HJ, ME, DM. NO: CP, SBryer, 10/2.

Page 11: Dept. 43211~Sanitation Administration:
Ms. Bobowski makes a motion to recommend the selectmen’s amount of  $91,124. Mr. Bryer seconds. Ms. McNally asks how many employees are at the transfer station. Mr. Bryer replies 3 and they are all part time. Ms. McNally states that the salaries are incorrect and should be $36,870.08.

Ms. McNally makes an amendment to the motion to add $4,654.08 to line 110/salaries for a total of $36,870.08. Mr. Bryer seconds. Ms. McNally states that the budget is materially correct and the BOS will need to adjust the SS and Medi figures accordingly. Mr. Bryer asks Ms. Cady to adjust all appropriate lines for the SS and Medi.
Amendment: VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CJB, ME, CP, DM. NO: HJ, JJ, SBryer. 9/3.
Vote on new department bottom line $95,778.08. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0.

Page 11: Dept. 43242~Solid Waste Trans Costs:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion to recommend the selectmen’s amount of  $19,750. Ms. Bobowski seconds. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0.

Page 11: Dept. 43243~Solid Waste Disposal:
Ms. Bobowski makes a motion to recommend the selectmen’s amount of  $81,145. Mr. Johnson seconds. A discussion is held regarding the increase in tonnage. Mr. Bryer states that the cost per ton is $71. Ms. Cady adds that money was taken from their surplus and reserve to reduce the figure. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. NO: KM.  11/1.

Page 11-12: Dept. 44111~Health:
Mr. Bryer states that the health officer would like to increase line 560/dues increased to $100. as well as line 620/supplies increased to $1,450. Mr. Bryer makes a motion to recommend the department’s request of $14,367. Mr. Johnson seconds. A discussion is held regarding the salary for the deputy health officer. Mr. Bryer states that the building and health department should be separate so that the departments can match the expenditures with the revenues.

Ms. Cady notes that the department anticipates that there will be an increase in dues and will need more supplies for bed bottom inspections. A discussion is held regarding bed bottom inspections. Mr. Bryer adds that the health officer wants to create a better inspection system. Ms. Bobowski states that there are many small lots near many lakes. She feels that it would be beneficial to the lakes to have the bed bottom inspections. Further discussion is held regarding the process of bed bottom inspections and if there needs to be more money added to the department. Mr. Bryer states that bed bottom inspections vary from town to town. He adds that a presentation will be done by NHDES and the BOS will reevaluate this matter to see if this is something that will be implemented by the town. He adds that there will be a fee for this service.

Ms. McNally makes an amendment to the motion to add $3,000. to line 110/salaries. Mr. Johnson seconds. Mr. Bryer states that the BOS has not granted him approval to increase this line; therefore he will be against the increase but does feel that it is a good idea. Ms. Smith states that the committee can only amend the bottom line of the department’s budget, not specific lines. 
Amendment: VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, HJ, DM. NO: NH, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer. 6/6. Motion does not prevail.
Vote on new department bottom line $14,367.  VOTE: YES: RB, BE, NH, HJ,  JJ, CP, DM. NO: SBobowski, KM, CJB, ME, SBryer. 7/5.

Page 12: Dept. 44141~Animal Control:
Ms. Bobowski makes a motion to recommend the selectmen’s amount of  $18,785. Mr. Johnson seconds. Ms. McNally asks why the selectmen agreed to purchase a vehicle and add gas too rather than just have mileage. Mr. Bryer explains that Deerfield pulled out of the agreement. There was a vehicle that the two towns shared.

Ms. Pingree asks why the salary line is less than requested. Ms. Cady explains that the hours were figured at 20 per week and the department is requesting more hours.

Mr. Edwards asks if there is another vehicle for the animal control officer. Mr. Bryer states that the vehicle was a 4 wheel drive Jeep Cherokee so that he is able to access remote locations that would not be accessible by a regular car. Mr. Bryer states that if the town was to purchase a vehicle it would need to be 4 wheel drive. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0.

Page 12: Dept. 44141~Health Agencies:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $31,275. With no discussion, VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 12/0.

Page 13: Dept. 44411~Welfare Administration:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $10,076.95. Ms. McNally asks about the salaries line 111. She states that the wages are not consistent. Mr. Bryer states that the position began in October. Mr. Bryer states that for budgetary purposes this position has been figured with a step and COLA. Ms. McNally states that the figure should be $8602.88.

Ms. McNally amends the motion to amend the director’s salary line, line 111, to $8,602.88 and for the BOS to adjust the related lines accordingly. Second by Mr. Johnson. 
Amendment: VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, DM. NO: SBryer. 11/1.

Ms. McNally amends the motion to reduce the assistant’s salary line, line 112, to $150. Second by Ms. Bobowski. Ms. Cady states that the assistant covers for the director. Ms. McNally states that when the director is not available to work, the assistant works and there will be money remaining in the director’s line for the assistant, if necessary. 
Amendment: VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, ME, CP, DM. NO: HJ, CJB, JJ, SBryer. 8/4.
Vote on new department bottom line $10,529.83. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, CJB, ME, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. NO: HJ. 11/1.

At 9:00 the committee agrees to continue the meeting until 9:30. Mark Edwards left at 9 p.m.

Page 13: Dept. 44451~Medical Payments Welfare:
Ms. McNally makes a motion, second by Mr. Johnson, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $1,000. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 11/0.

Page 13: Dept. 44452~Welfare Vendor Payments:
Ms. Bobowski makes a motion, second by Mr. Bryer, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $14,455. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 11/0. A discussion is held regarding the proper placement of the donation line to the food pantry. Mr. Jacobsmeyer states that it would make more sense for it to be in this department not under historical donations. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, RB, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, CP, SBryer, DM. NO: JJ. 10/1.

Page 13-14: Dept. 45201~Parks and Recreation:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend the selectmen’s amount of $50,024.03. Ms. Pingree asks about the revenue for this department. Mr. Bryer states that there is a fund that is used to offset running the department. He notes that it is a revolving fund and has approximately $14,000.

A discussion is held regarding the salary for the recreation coordinator. Mr. Bryer explains that this year the intention of the BOS is to make this a full time recreation position and this will be presented as a warrant article this year. This way the towns’ people can decide what they want to do.

Ms. Bobowski asks if it is true that the current person in the position who is part time will be going full time. Mr. Bryer states that the position is posted in house for five days. If the person currently in the position applies for the job and is the only one in house that applies, and is qualified, there is a strong possibility that it would be the same person. Mr. Bryer states that the warrant article is for the position to be full time and to cover the benefits.
 
Bob Bailey left at 9:25

Further discussion is held regarding the accuracy of the warrant article prepared by the recreation committee. The committee agrees that the article is not correct. Mr. Bryer notes that the warrant article will need to be adjusted at the February 10 budget committee meeting. Mr. Bryer states that the difference in the warrant article is the additional cost on top of what is already in the operating budget. The full amount is not to be funded by the warrant article, just the increase of the position from part time to full time.   

Mr. Bryer states that he originally wanted the position to be full time. Ms. Pingree states that the public will probably want to see what the salary will be.  Mr. Bryer replies that that will be available at town meeting.

Ms. McNally requests that all papers be marked with a source and date. Mr. Bryer notes the request. 

Ms. McNally refers to line 120, salary line for beach attendants. She asks why the selectmen are not agreeing with the department. Ms. Cady states that typically the lifeguard lines are not fully spent. Mr. Bryer notes that there have been some problems with getting lifeguards.
Ms. Pingree asks about the counselor line increase, line 122. Mr. Bryer replies that the department would like a longer summer program; 2-2 week sessions. Ms. Cady adds that the recreation committee had this idea after the BOS held their meeting and approved what was originally submitted. 

A discussion is held regarding the shared copier and the need for printer ink. Ms. Cady states that the money will be changed to share costs for the copier. 

Ms. Pingree amends the motion to add $2,500. to cover the request for additional counselors, line 120, and to add funds to the beach attendants, line 122, for a total of $52,524.03. Ms. McNally seconds.
Amendment: VOTE: YES: BE, HJ, CP, DM. NO: SBobowski, KM, NH, CJB, JJ, SBryer. 4/6. Motion does not prevail.
Vote on new department bottom line $50,024.03. VOTE: YES: BE, NH, HJ, CJB, JJ, SBryer. NO: SBobowski, KM, CP, DM. 6/4.

Page 14: Dept. 45501~Library:
Ms. Bobowski makes a motion, second by Ms. McNally, to recommend the department’s amount of $151,908.24. Ms. Cady reads a note from the department noting that the selectmen’s figures and library’s figures had been recalculated and submitted 1/23/07.

Ms. McNally amends the motion to recommend the selectmen’s recommendation of $161,317.69. Mr. Johnson seconds.
Amendment: VOTE: YES: BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM.
NO: SBobowski. 9/1.
Vote on new department bottom line $161,317.69. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page 14-15: Dept. 45831~Patriotic Purposes:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Mr. Johnson, to recommend the  amount of $4,500. Ms. McNally asks if some of the actual account expended was from the VFW. Mr. McNally replies that the VFW buys there own flags. Mr. Bryer adds that the fire department will purchase flags this year. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, BE, NH, HJ, CJB, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. NO: KM. 9/1.

Page 15: Dept. 45890~PD Wage Grant Program:
A discussion held regarding the purpose of this section. Mr. Bryer states that money was spent from the lines. He feels that this section is not needed anymore. Mr. Bryer notes that there is an expendable trust in the warrant article. Ms. Cady will look into this.

Page 15: Dept. 45899~Historical Society Donations:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Pingree, to recommend the  amount of $1,000. Ms. Bobowski asks if why there is a difference in the lines. Mr. Bryer states that one is for the historical society and the other is for the food pantry. Ms. McNally suggests that the category be renamed to donations. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page 15: Dept. 46111~Conservation:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend the  amount of $6,441. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, JJ, CP, SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page 15: Dept. 46510~Economic Development:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend the  amount of $453. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, JJ, SBryer, DM. 9/0. CP was not available for the vote. 

Page 15-16: Dept. 47231~T.A.N.:
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend the  amount of $15,000. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, BE, KM, NH, HJ, CJB, JJ, CP SBryer, DM. 10/0.

Page 15: Dept. 45890~PD Wage Grant Program:
Mr. Bryer states that the bottom line of the grant match expendable trust fund is $27,882.96 and in his opinion is plenty of money for grants and matching; therefore there should not be any money under this program.
Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend $1. 
VOTE: YES: SBobowski, BE, NH, HJ, CJB, JJ, CP SBryer, DM. 9/0. KM was not available for the vote.  

Mr. Johnson makes a motion to recess until February 3 at 8:50 a.m. Second by Ms. McNally Motion passes unanimously; 9/0.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary