TOWN OF DUNBARTON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES OF MEETING
FEBRUARY 6, 2003
Present: Chuck Graybill, Chair
J.R. Swindlehurst III
Les Hammond
Janice VandeBogart, Town Administrator
7:00 p.m., Richard Keefe, re: Agreement
Mr. Keefe brought in an agreement between the Town and himself regarding the proposed North Woods of Dunbarton subdivision, acknowledging the Town's agreement to accept North Woods Rd. as a Town road. See attached. The Board signed the agreement.
7:10 p.m., Other Business:
Janice updated the Board on the amount of salt used in 2002.
Chuck mentioned that Fred Wesson, of Stillwater Properties, is scheduled to attend the 2/19 Zoning Board meeting.
7:30 p.m. Proposed 2003 Budget Hearing:
Chuck called the meeting to order and thanked everyone for coming. He thanked the department heads for their cooperation regarding the budget process, and particularly thanked Janice.
Chuck reviewed the Proposed 2003 Budget by line, outlining the actual monies spent in 2002, versus the proposed 2003 budget, and the reasons for the change, where significant. See attached.
For Executive, the $9,769 increase was due to a 4.5% raise in the Town Administrator's salary and the utilization of a part-time secretary approved for 2002.
The $4,631 increase in Election, Registration and Vital Stats was due to a $500 increase in the Town Clerk's salary and a new laptop computer to update voter registrations.
The $2,365 increase in Financial Adminstration -Audit Services was attributable to a $500 increase in the Treasurer's salary, an increase in dues, a motor vehicle update and postage for the mass mailing for current use. Also contributing to the increase were increases in computer services and accounting software. The expended amount for 2002 for compter equipment was higher than budgeted because a new laser printer was purchased. The Assessing Department saw an increase of $4,180 and was primarily attributable to higher costs for appraisal services, utility assessor and general supplies. The total increase for Financial Administration was $6,546.
A jump in Legal by $17,489 was due to legal costs associated with the Board of Assessors' New England Power lawsuit, which didn't come to fruition in 2002.
Personnel Administration saw a $15,425 jump and was a function of higher salary costs.
Planning and Zoning saw a small increase of $798.
General Government Buildings saw a $23,275 decrease mainly due to a significant decrease in Town Building Maintenance & Improvements.
Cemeteries saw an increase by $1,006. The bulk of maintenance goes through the bid process, with the increase due mainly to general upkeep.
Insurance increased by $1,462, and represents controlled costs with not a lot of leeway.
The Police Dept. proposed budget saw nominal change.
The Fire Dept. saw an increase by $5,417 and Chuck reported that the call volume has remained steady for the past two years. Volunteers are reimbursed on a point system which is reportedly working out very well with a corresponding increase in volunteer support. Volunteers are reimbursed at a rate of $4.30/call. Mutual aid is a fixed number. Fire prevention represents the school program.
Building Inspection increased by $1,110. Twenty-nine new house permits and salary increases accounted for this increase.
Highways and Streets saw an increase by $12,639, which can be partially attributed to higher salary costs. The administrator opted for uniforms instead of a raise for 2003. The increase in Highway - Other Services was due to equipment rental, preparation for a new salt shed and gravel roads and culvert installation, as well as ditches and turnarounds on Rangeway Rd., Stone Farm Rd. and Robert Rogers Rd., as well as site work on Tenney Hill Rd., Long Pond Rd., Rangeway Rd and Mansion Rd. Paving saw a signficant increase and can be attributed to taking out the hump at the school parking lot entrance, as well as preparation at the proposed Marcou subdivision, on Montalona Rd., Tenney Hill Rd. and at the Transfer Station. Two-way radios represent a new item. Equipment rental is needed for cutting and chipping of trees, and ledgework and other road work. Road striping more than doubled because the state is becoming stricter on striping requirements. Gravel crushing at the Kimball Pond pit in 2003 (and again in 2004) was the reason for the $15,000 proposed 2003 budget.
Solid Waste Disposal saw a $21,800 increase and was mainly attributable to increases in part-time salaries, equipment rental, fuel and fees and services. The equipment rental is needed for shingle removal and to finish grading and paving at the Transfer Station. Fuel costs are higher. Fees and services are up because the state is requiring that burn piles be tested before disposal. The supervisor opted for uniforms in lieu of a raise. C&D removal costs are also up.
A resident questioned whether the Town was benefitting from any cost savings by purchasing its own truck in lieu of utilizing Waste Management. Woody responded that the main cost savings would be reaped after five years. Chuck and Les indicated that there was some cost savings now as well.
A resident requested a breakdown for the Transfer Station of revenues, expenses and projections.
Chuck indicated that the surplus for 2002 is expected to be $325,000. A discussion of tax implications of warrant articles took place.
Animal Control of $3,000 is due to not receiving a bill for 2002.
A slight increase in Welfare is attributable to the economy.
The significant increase in Parks and Recreation is due to the publication of an upcoming new book by the Historical Committee. Les indicated that there will be a meeting on 2/18 at the library with Bud Noyes, to discuss this book.
Capital Outlay Accounts' proposed 2003 is zero, due to the completion of improvements in 2002.
The Total Operating Budget will be $1,278,061, representing a net decrease.
Chuck reviewed which articles will be funded from surplus, and they include:
1. Article 1, Revaluation $60,000
2. Article 3, Salt Storage Shed 25,000
3. Article 4, Master Plan Study 40,000
The following articles will be offset by Federal Grants:
1. Article 6, Grant-Information System-Police $28,273
2. Article 8, Grant-Fire Dept. 43,000
Chuck indicated that the Board does not recommend passage of Article 5 - a full time police officer. Les indicated that it is not a reflection on the Police Dept., it is strictly for financial reasons. Jeff Nelson explained his rationale for requesting this, referring to a survey which indicated the Town is understaffed, based on our population.
Article 9 represents the formation of the Heritage Commission, a group which will serve in an advisory capacity, according to Patty Shearin. The Commission will educate the public with seven members and two alternates.
9:45 p.m. Other Business:
J.R. motioned to hire Line Comeau as a part-time secretary. Les seconded the motion. The motion carried.
10:00 p.m. Les motioned to adjourn, which was seconded by J.R. The motion carried.
________________________________________________________________
Chuck Graybill, Chairman
________________________________________________________________
J.R. Swindlehurst, III, Selectman
________________________________________________________________
Les Hammond, Selectman
Respectfully Submitted:
Joanne Johnson