The Town of Northwood, New Hampshire - Budget Committee Minutes 02/10/07

PRESENT: Chairman Daniel McNally, Vice-Chairman Shelley Bobowski,
Selectmen Representative Scott Bryer, School Board Representative Bill Tappan, Ben Edwards, Kate McNally, Nona Holmes, Colleen Pingree, Board Administrator Linda Smith, and Board Secretary Lisa Fellows-Weaver. Water District Representative John Jacobsmeyer arrives at 9:36.

ABSENT: Herb Johnson, Robert Bailey, Cindy Jones Bryer, Mark Edwards, and Douglas Briggs.

Mr. McNally states that the purpose of the meeting today is the public hearing on the petition warrant articles that the selectmen acted on Tuesday.
Mr. Bryer reads the warrant articles and discussions are held as follows:

Town ~ Warrant Articles:
1. $60,000. Fire/Rescue Capital Reserve Fund: No discussion is held.

2. $165,000. New Ambulance: Ms. Dole asks how much is in the fund. Mr. Bryer states that there are two funds and both funds can be used to pay for the new ambulance. Ms. Dole asks why the BOS recommended this article 2/1. Mr. Bryer replies that one selectman did not vote for this as he felt that it should be in the capital improvement plan. Mr. Bryer further explains that he spoke to the deputy fire chief and the fire department always wants an ambulance that is less than 5 years old. Ms. Dole expresses concern regarding the ambulance portion of the capital reserve funds and borrowing from the fire apparatus reserve fund. Mr. Bryer states that there are sufficient funds.

Ms. Dole states that the mileage is not significant to warrant this type of expenditure. She asks if there is any backup information regarding problems, repairs, etc. Mr. Bryer replies that he does not believe that there have been any serious repairs or problems and all maintenance has been minor and routine. He adds that he feels the ambulance is reliable and notes that it may take up to 9 months to get the ambulance. Ms. Dole suggests that prior to town meeting, a complete assessment be done on the ambulance for potential problems and also the information be used for resale value. Mr. Bryer notes that these issues should be addressed to the fire department. Ms. Dole agrees and notes that there has not been anyone at the meetings during the public portions. Ms. Cady states that the funds have been merged and the total is $213,488.51 including the $60,000 for this year and no interest.

3. $30,000. Facility Committee Expendable Trust Fund: No discussion is held.

4. $10,000. Town Hall Improvement Capital Reserve: There is no discussion.

5. $39,500. Highway Department Vehicle Purchase: There is no discussion.

6. $28,914. Police Department Vehicle Purchase: Ms. Dole asks what type of car this will be. Mr. Bryer replies that he believes it will be a Ford Crown Vic.

7. $32,487.49. Full Time Recreation Director: There is no discussion.

8. Elderly Exemption: A discussion is held regarding the current rates of the exemptions, which are based on age, and the new proposed amounts. Mr. Bryer explains that the selectmen have had numerous complaints as the property values have doubled and many hardship cases. He further explains the assessment process.

9. $26,000. Highway Laborer: Mr. Bryer states that this is a petition article and will have a tax impact. Ms. Dole asks why this is not recommended by the BOS. Mr. Bryer explains that the BOS recommend $5,000 in the operating budget for contracting the mowing out this year. This would allow the laborer more time to work with the road agent. He feels that this position is not necessary at this time and the proposed contract will resolve the issue before another position is created.

10. Operating Budget: No discussion is held.

11. $23,250. Full Time Finance Technician: Ms. Dole asks why the selectmen’s vote was 2/1. Mr. Witham replies that he was under the impression that with the purchase of the ADS software, this would reduce some of the work. He adds that the impact to the tax payers is $59,000 with a full benefit package for the additional 12 hours per week. Ms. Dole replies that this is the fault of the software company in telling the town that there would be a reduction of man hours by using their software; evidently this has not happened. She asks why take the chance of not getting the job done completely and correctly due to a vendor’s comments. Mr. Witham states that this position to be full time is not necessary. Ms. Dole appreciates the comments and hopes that everyone involved in the process, when going to vote, will vote on the positions not personalities. She adds that the voting is to be on whether the position requires the need for full time.

Joseph McCaffrey asks about the difference in wages. Mr. Bryer explains that the position is already funded in the budget as a part time position. The amount in the petition article is the increase to the full time position. Mr. McCaffrey states that the number is misleading as well as the numbers of the other positions proposed. He feels that there is not enough time at town meeting to review and digest the information and really see what is going on. He would like to see real numbers and it needs to be corrected in the documents. Mr. Bryer explains that with petition articles they are not administered by the BOS and the selectmen are not able to make changes to the article. Mr. Bryer states that the salary will be $17.57 per hour and the total will be around $59,000 with benefits. He again states that the amount in the article is the difference and is for 39 weeks.

Further comments are provided by Mr. McCaffrey as he refers to the administrative study committee’s report regarding this position. He adds that the presentation noted that the person in the job needed time to get familiar with the software, install it, and by doing this did another job; therefore this position does not need any additional hours. Mr. Bryer replies that the position was paid extra for the implementation of the software. Mr. McCaffrey states that the case was made by the committee that the position and implementation was all completed within the regular realm of hours. Mr. Witham states that there was an increase of 2 hours per week for 8 weeks. Mr. Bryer notes that two years ago the position was a full time position. He states that he supports the position and feels that the town needs more financial and accounting expertise. He explains that this is the first year that the town’s budget has gone through this much scrutiny. He adds that the town also chose the same software as the school. In addition, the software has the capability to tie into the assessing information. Mr. McNally states that the budget committee is only able to deal with the information that has been provided.

12. $25,000. Full Time Transfer Station Foreman: Mr. Bryer states that this is a petition article. Ms. Dole states that she has worked at the transfer station and has been involved with the recycling committee. She explains that there is more work that could be done to save the town money. She adds that there are no volunteers coming forward to do this work and the new building is being used but not for the purpose of why it was built. She states that it takes an individual to organize the efforts and get these additional things done.

Mr. McCaffrey states that the person currently in this position has been working hours as volunteer hours. He feels that there should have been an effort to keep a required log of extra hours; yet there is no evidence to obtain the facts, evidence, or any backup for the position.

13. $9,000. Community Newsletter: Mr. Bryer states that this is a petition article. No discussion is held.

14. $5,094.45. Transfer Station Expendable Trust Fund: No discussion is held.

15. $42,000. Transfer Station Compactor: Ms. Cady states that accurate figures for the compactor have not been received. Mr. Bryer states that there will be a tax impact. Mr. Bryer notes that the compactor is not in good working order and could fail. He explains that he is hoping to get another year out of the compactor; however, should the compactor fail, the transfer station will not work and the town will need to replace it. He adds that this amount is the worst case scenario and the number is for budgetary purposes. Ms. Dole states that she hopes that by town meeting, the numbers will be accurate. Mr. Bryer states that the BOS will be looking for a rebuilt compactor. Ms. Dole states that the alternative to not having the compactor is not acceptable. She encourages the selectmen to be frugal but responsible.

16. $15,000. Benefit Pay Vested Time Expendable Trust Fund: No discussion is held.

17. $23,500. Cable Expendable Trust Fund: No discussion is held.

18. $10,500. Lagoon Maintenance and Repair Expendable Trust Fund: No discussion is held.

19. $1,800. Cemetery Improvement Expendable Trust Fund: No discussion is held.

20. $50,000. Special Duty Coverage: No discussion is held.

23. $10,000. Teen Center Demolition.

24. $40,000. Teen Center Repairs: Mr. Bryer states that these articles will be addressed together. He states that which ever article passes the other article becomes a moot point. Ken Curly asks why the BOS are recommending demolishing the building. Mr. Bryer replies that it costs less to destroy the building than to repair it. Mr. Curly states that the teen center leased the building for meetings and trainings. He further explains that there have been volunteer services donated to the facility. He adds that the amount is small as to what it would cost to rebuild the building. Mr. Curly states that there is a lot of money invested in the building and the town would be losing money and assets that the town could use. Mr. Bryer replies that the building inspector asked for the building to be torn down. He states that he felt that the town should make the decision, that’s why the warrant articles are being presented. He adds that the town is not getting the donations or the volunteerism to support the building. He adds that to support the renovations, the money would all be done through taxation and this is why he supports the demolition.

Ms. Dole asks if there is a list of repairs that have been recommended to bring the building up to code. She states that there has been a lot of work donated over the course of a few years and the town should note what needs to done.

Mr. McCaffrey asks what the use of the building. Mr. Curly replies that the scouts have used the buildings and notes that there has been a need for repairs. He asks why the requirement for the building being up to code now. Mr. Bryer replies that there is a liability to the town due to the condition of the building and the way it now exists. Mr. Curly states that the liability the building has been there and has been worse.
25. $3,000. Milfoil Treatment Expendable Trust: Mr. Bryer states that this will have an impact on the tax rate.

27. Biennial Budget: Ms. Dole asks for an explanation of this article. Mr. Bryer states that the budget process would only be done once every two years. It would be double the work in the year you are working on the budget and the savings would be seen in the second year. Ms. Dole states that she thinks it would be difficult to budget for 18 months in advance.

With no more discussion, Mr. McNally closes the public portion and calls for a recess.

Session resumes and Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Pingree, to
approve the minutes from 5/30/06 through 1/27/07. Mr. Bryer makes an amendment to approve the minutes from 5/30/06 through 10/25/06. Motion passes; 5/4.

Town ~ Warrant Articles:
2. $165,000. New Ambulance: Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend warrant article 2, as written. Ms. Pingree expresses concern regarding turning in the ambulance with only 78,000 miles. She notes that there are other towns with 2 ambulances. Mr. Bryer states that the town is still a call fire department. Ms. Pingree feels that it may not be a good idea to sell it. Mr. Bryer states that he feels a representative from the fire department should have been at the meetings.

Ms. McNally states that the votes of the budget committee should be on the warrant articles. Mr. Bryer states that there is no legal requirement for that information to be added. Mr. Bryer states that there is enough money to purchase the ambulance; however, he expresses concern if there were to be a large purchase proposed for next year without knowing the revenue for this year. He adds that there is nothing noted on the capital improvement plan for next year. Further discussion is held regarding past purchases. VOTE: YES: NH, JJ, BT, SBryer. NO: SBobowski, BE, KM, CP, DM. Motion fails; 4/5.

5. $39,500. Highway Department Vehicle Purchase: Ms. Bobowski makes a motion, second by Ms. Pingree, to recommend warrant article 5, as written. Mr. Bryer states that this truck is necessary. Ms. McNally asks if this is the end of the needs. Mr. Bryer replies that in his opinion, the department should be all set for a few years. Ms. Holmes adds that disasters do happen.
VOTE: YES: BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. Motion passes unanimously; 8/0. Ms. Bobowski was out of the room.

7. $32,487.49. Full Time Recreation Director: Ms. Pingree makes a motion, second by Mr. Tappan, to recommend warrant article 7, as written. Ms. Pingree states that it is relevant to see all of the figures for a position. Mr. Bryer states that the position was budgeted last year. Mr. Edwards states that the town voted on this position and is now voting on it again. Mr. Bryer states that he supported the position last year. Ms. Cady explains that this is an accurate figure. Further discussion is held regarding the figures for the insurance plans and the fact that all figures should be delineated in all of the proposed position articles. Mr. Bryer states that the warrant article is only for the additional hours, SS, Medi, and the insurance costs for an additional 9 months. Ms. Bobowski suggests that the figures be listed and notes “as up to”. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, BT, SBryer. NO: BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, DM. Motion fails; 3/6.

8. Elderly Exemption: Ms. Bobowski makes a motion, second by Ms. McNally, to recommend warrant article 8, as written. Ms. Smith states that no vote is necessary. Mr. Bryer explains that this is not appropriating any money; however, there is an impact to the tax payers; .0003%.

9. $26,000. Highway Laborer: Ms. McNally makes a motion, second by Ms. Bobowski, to recommend warrant article 9, as written. Ms. Holmes states that she would like to keep the half time position and see how the contract for mowing works. Ms. McNally agrees. Mr. Bryer explains that there is a call crew for winter maintenance for plowing and are considered part time employees. He states that there will be 3 full time positions should this article pass. Mr. Tappan asks if the town is covering all of the needs now. Mr. Bryer explains what the highway department should be doing for work. In the summer months they should be ditching, and cleaning out culverts, etc. He adds that all of the big projects are contracted out. Mr. Bryer also notes that there are requirements for OSHA regarding workers. VOTE: NO: SBobowski, BE, KM, NH, CP, JJ, BT, SBryer, DM. Motion does not prevail; 9/0.

Ms. McNally states that the operating budget figure is incorrect in the warrant article.

11. $23,250. Full Time Finance Technician: Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Mr. Tappan, to recommend article 11, as written. Mr. Bryer states that previously there was a town administrator and a bookkeeper and both were full time positions. Some previous town administrators had strong financial backgrounds and at that time the town administrator was able to provide a lot of accounting services. He thought that the town could expand the finance person’s responsibilities so things could get done more thoroughly. With the previous administrator, the town could have done with a part time finance position. He adds that this year there needs to be more strength in the finance office. Further discussion is held regarding other towns. Mr. Bryer states that the positions vary from town to town and it depends on the town’s needs. Ms. Pingree asks who prepared most of the documents that the budget committee received. Ms. Cady replies that the wage criteria, health insurance, and the revenues were created by the finance technician.

Further discussion is held regarding the position and staff. Mr. Bryer states that job descriptions may be amended for the finance position and town administrator. He adds that this will be up to the board of selectmen and notes that if the hours increase for the finance technician then the duties will also increase. He explains that with the additional duties for the finance position, this should free up the town administrator to write grants and other duties that will benefit the town.

Discussion continues regarding the total figures for the positions and amending the amounts at town meeting. Mr. Bryer states that he will make sure that accurate figures are available. He explains that petition articles must be presented as they are submitted; however, the BOS can note if figures are incorrect. He states that the BOS supports the concept. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, KM, NH, CP, BT, SBryer, DM. NO: BE, JJ. Motion passes; 7/2.

12. $25,000. Full Time Transfer Station Foreman: Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Pingree, to recommend article 12, as written. A discussion is held regarding types of duties; and what the town is getting out of recycling. Concern is expressed regarding the fact that the values are not visible. Mr. Bryer states that the town will see improvements and the increase in hours will allow the person to research more and handle other operations of the transfer station. Mr. Edwards states that the current employee has continued to grow in the position and all of the duties cannot be done during the regular hours allotted. He suggests that the person be followed for research purposes. Mr. Tappan asks for a comparison showing the values by increasing the hours and salary. Ms. Dole mentions the different types of options for recyclables and what materials can be used for; road base, metals, and other programs. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, BE, KM, NH, CP, BT, SBryer, DM. NO: JJ. Motion passes; 8/1.

13. $9,000. Community Newsletter: Mr. Bryer makes a motion, second by Ms. Pingree, to recommend article 13. Mr. Bryer states that the newsletter will be non partisan and is for informational purposes. A discussion is held regarding the content of the newsletter and the implementation. Mr. Bryer states that this was a petition article. Ms. Pingree notes that the website is a good idea and is now not utilized and not up to date. It was a great source of daily info and the news letter could be repetitive. Mr. Bryer recommends that the committee members read the town administrative committee’s report. It was his understanding the newsletter would be done by volunteers. He adds that he appreciates the points regarding how the newsletter will be implemented. Mr. Bryer states that the selectmen support the concept. Mr. Tappen suggests that the town utilize the student population. VOTE: YES: SBobowski, KM, NH, CP, BT, SBryer, DM. NO: NO: BE, JJ. Motion passes; 7/2.

Ms. Smith states that she has reviewed the budget committee summary sheet of accounts and there is a difference between amounts on lines and some lines are missing. She expresses extreme concern with upcoming deadlines for the town report and needing the correct figures.

Ben Edwards left at 12:35.

Further discussion is held regarding the ADS software and the Excel sheets not matching. Mr. Bryer states that this will need to be fixed. Ms. Smith states that she will need assistance to complete the documents. Ms. Cady states that the difference is the salary line in the police department. A brief recess is held and Mr. Bryer states that the issue has been determined and it can be fixed.

Mr. McNally closes the public work session and opens the public session.
He provides a summary of the work session noting the following:
Article 2: No
Article 5: Yes
Article 7: No
Article 9: No
Article 11: Yes
Article 12: Yes
Article 13: Yes

Mr. McCaffrey thanks the members for volunteering their time. He expresses his overall views and feelings of the meeting today and issues that were addressed today.

Ms. Pingree left the meeting at 1:12 p.m. and the meeting adjourns by default due to the fact that there is now not a quorum.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa J. Fellows-Weaver
Board Secretary

[ Back ]

top of page