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Town of Bristol Budget Committee Minutes January 28, 2008
DRAFT APPROVED ON: 2/4/08, as amended
ATTENDED: Archie Auger (Chairman), Dorcas Gordon (Vice Chairman), Skip Bowie, Ron Preble, Richard Walenda, David Carr, Andrew Hemmingway, Tom Winn, Jon Thouin, Paul Simard, and Diane Marden (Secretary).
ABSENT: Catherine Pitari and Joe Denning (Selectmen’s Rep) were not present at this meeting. There remains one vacant position on the committee.
OTHERS PRESENT: Elizabeth Corrow (Town Manager), Steve Favorite (Selectmen), Lt. Lewis (BPD), Chief Clark (BPD), Chief Skantze (BFD), Chris Doloff (BFD), Dan Arseneau and Dan Bouchard (ZBA Chair both interviewees for BC position. There were also other observers in the audience from the Fire Department and Police Department.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m., and the meeting was video taped for LRPA.
Minutes of January 21, 2008
Ron Preble made the motion to accept the minutes of January 21, 2008. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for any errors, omissions, or corrections to the minutes.
Dave Carr requested that page 3, in the first paragraph read “This person is not on this level, and is an incident response person 24 hours a day, (7) seven days per week.”
Chairman Auger requested that on page 9 and 12 on the votes reading 5/5 be changed from MOTION CARRIED to MOTION DEFEATED.
Jon Thouin requested that on page 6, second to the last paragraph should be changed to “who is the responsible for what portions and implementation of this study?”
The Board also agreed to make the changes submitted by the Town Manager as follows:
Page 2, third paragraph to be changed to Mr. Carr stated he wished the town manager had remained “neutral”.
Minutes of January 21, 2008 Continued
Page 2, last paragraph Mr. Carr was referring to the fire department budget increasing 489% and overspending the budget (not the police department)
Page 5 under Salary discussion where I begin speaking (it was not reducing the budget by $29,894-that is the difference between implement the study at 151,042 and the 129,148 that the Selectboard went back and cut). So instead of saying reducing the budget it should say “difference remaining” in the budget.
Page 7, third line up from the bottom of the page-I did not say half the time the firefighters are sleeping- it should say Ms. Corrow explained they had looked at the 24 hour issue, and realized at least “some” of the time these employees would be asleep while on duty.
Page 12 under GGB town car I believe I said new one coming in “from the police department with over 100,000miles”
Secretary Diane Marden made the following changes to the minutes. Adding Joe Denning under Absent, Correction of Arsneau spelling on page 2, and numbering the set of minutes with page numbers.
Ron Preble made the motion to accept the minutes of January 21, 2008, as amended. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on the minutes. 10/0 MOTION CARRIED
Minutes of January 14, 2008 Reopened for Amendments
Chairman Auger asked members to reopen the minutes of January 14, 2008, to make additional changes. Paul Simard made the motion to reopen the minutes. Dorcas Gordon seconded the motion. Mr. Auger requested a change on page 17, third paragraph to read “once labor grades have been established and made public, and when changes are made it does not inspire confidence.” Mr. Auger also requested a change on page 16, last paragraph, 8 lines up from the bottom of the page to read “Chairman Auger stated take a look at the economy in and around the State, how can you justify over a $6 increase to one individual per hour in some instances.” Secretary, Diane Marden also made a correction to Joe Denning not being present at this meeting. Paul Simard made the motion to accept the minutes as amended. Dorcas Gordon seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for a vote. 10/0 MOTION CARRIED
Interviews for Budget Committee Member
Chairman Auger stated at this time he would like to interview the gentlemen who have an interest in sitting on the budget committee for the next few meetings. Mr. Auger explained they will only fill the position until Town Meeting, and at that time should they still be interested in the position they will have to run for it.
Interviews for Budget Committee Member Continued
Mr. Auger explained to committee members that a decision will not be made until next week on who fills the position. Mr. Auger introduced Dan Arsneau to the committee and asked him to tell members about himself. Mr. Arsneau explained he has a bachelor’s degree in education, and is retired from the Military. He was a grant writer for the Manchester Police Department, and Education Officer and Budget Officer for the NH Guard. Mr. Arsneau stated he is very familiar with budgets making sure programs guidelines are being followed, researching the history behind certain line items, and reviewing them for any errors. Mr. Arsneau stated he has the time and commitment to sit on the Budget Committee, and looks forward to working with the committee as a whole.
Chairman Auger asked if any Budget Committee members had any questions for Mr. Arsneau? Paul Simard asked if Mr. Arsneau had any family or relatives working for the Town of Bristol currently? Mr. Arsneau stated he did not that he is strictly interested in the position being a resident of Bristol. Mr. Simard asked where he was originally from and how long has he been in Bristol? Mr. Arsneau stated he originally came from Milford, MA and has been living in Bristol for two (2) years. Chairman Auger asked for any additional questions, no further questions were asked. Mr. Auger thanked Mr. Arsneau for his interest in sitting on the committee, and then introduced Dan Bouchard, Chairman of the ZBA who is also interested in sitting on the Budget Committee.
Dan Bouchard addressed the Budget Committee stating he has a Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Engineering, and is currently the Chairman of the Zoning Board for the Town of Bristol. Mr. Bouchard stated the ZB is also a volunteer board in which he does like to volunteer. Mr. Bouchard explained he has worked 20 years in a document management company, is married, and has two children. He explained he originally moved to Bristol from Manchester, NH and loves living within the Bristol community. Chairman Auger asked for any questions from Budget Committee members. Dorcas Gordon asked if Mr. Bourchard has had any experience in the public or private sector? Mr. Bouchard responded he has. No other comments were made. Mr. Auger stated the Budget Committee will decide next week on this position.
Police Department Budget 01-4210- (340-893)
Chairman Auger asked Budget Committee members to turn to page 7 of their Budget worksheets to discuss the Police Department Budget. Paul Simard made the motion to reduce line item 01-4210-342 entitled PD Computer Maintenance from $10,000 to $6,000. Rich Walenda seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion on this line item. Lt. Lewis of the Bristol Police Department stated this line item should read PD Computer Maintenance/Repair/Replacement as it effects a variety of items not just one. Mr. Lewis explained that the IMC System was purchased in 2005 and in 2007 they began replacing computers each year. Mr. Lewis stated two will be replaced this year. Dorcas Gordon made the motion to amend line item 01-4210-342 entitled PD Computer Maintenance in the amount of $7,500. Skip Bowie seconded the motion. Police Department Budget 01-4210- (340-893) Continued
Dorcas Gordon asked Police Chief Clark if this figure is realistic for what the department needs to get done? Mr. Clark stated it is a realistic number but the $10,000 is what is needed. Chairman Auger asked for any further discussion, no other discussion was made on line item 01-4210-342 entitled PD Computer Maintenance. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on the amendment of this line item in the amount of $7,500. 8/2 MOTION CARRIED
Chairman Auger asked for a vote to accept the amendment of line item 01-4210-342 entitled PD Computer Maintenance. 7/3 MOTION CARRIED
PD Medical Expense 01-4210-350
Paul Simard made the motion to amend line item 01-4210-350 entitled PD Medical Expense in the amount of $1,000. Rich Walenda seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion, no further comments were made. The Chairman asked for a vote to amend line item 01-4110-350 entitled PD Medical Expense decreasing the line item from $1,500 to $1,000. 8/2 MOTION CARRIED
PD Film Processing 01-4210-355
Paul Simard made the motion to amend line item 01-4210-355 entitled PD Film Processing from $150 to 0. Rich Walenda seconded Mr. Simard’s motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion. Mr. Simard stated with technology this item seems to be outdated. Dorcas Gordon stated if she recalled this is for the paper to print photographs for the State Crime Lab to assist in prosecutions. Chief Clark and Lt. Lewis explained that is correct. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion, no further comments were made. The Chairman asked for a vote on the amended line item. 3/7 MOTION DEFEATED
Plymouth Dispatch 01-4210-395
Paul Simard made the motion to reduce line item 01-4210-395 entitled Plymouth Dispatch from $52,000 to $42,000. Rich Walenda seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion. Mr. Simard stated these costs continue to increase year after year, and he would like to bring that to everyone’s attention. Mr. Simard withdraws his motion, and Mr. Walenda withdrew his second. No further discussion of this line item was made.
PD Maintenance and Repairs 01-4210-430
Dave Carr made the motion to amend line item 01-4210-430 entitled PD Maintenance and Repairs from $1,500 to $500. Skip Bowie seconded Mr. Carr’s motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion of this line item. Chairman Auger stated with no discussion he would like a vote on this line item in the amount of $500. 6/4 MOTION CARRIED
Dave Carr asked the Chairman to speak. Chairman Auger allowed his comments. Mr. Carr stated he does not want to appear as if he is nickel and dime-in everything, but that he too would like to see the Pay Plan in action this year.
PD Meetings/Memberships 01-4210-560
Paul Simard made the motion to reduce line item 01-4210-560 entitled PD Meetings/Memberships to $1,600. Ron Preble seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion of this line item. Andrew Hemming stated he supports training for the betterment of the community explaining without proper training he feels it puts the town at a greater disadvantage. Ron Preble stated he has the same beliefs as Mr. Hemmingway. Skip Bowie stated the back up materials submitted does not have a break down of each incurred expense. Chief Clark explained the importance of this type of training. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on amending the line item to $1,600. 5/5 MOTION DEFEATED
PD Office Supplies 01-4210-620
Dave Carr made the motion to decrease line item 01-4210-620 entitled PD Office Supplies from $4,000 to $3,000. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion. Chief Clark explained that previously his department was not fully staffed, and that is why there has been an increase. Dorcas Gordon made the motion to amend the original motion moving to support $3,500. Jon Thouin seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion. Paul Simard commented that he could support the 5% increase. Chairman Auger asked for a vote amending line item 01-4210-620 entitled PD Office Supplies to $3,500. 9/1 MOTION CARRIED
Chairman Auger asked for a vote to accept the amendment of line item 01-4210-620 entitled PD Office Supplies. 10/0 MOTION CARRIED
PD Law Books 01-4210-670
Paul Simard made the motion to amend line item 01-4210-670 entitled PD Law Books from $600to $300. There was no second on the motion, no comments or discussion.
PD New Equipment 01-4210-810
Chairman Auger asked that Vice Chairman, Dorcas Gordon take the chair at this time. Mr. Auger made the motion to amend line item 01-4210-810 entitled PD New Equipment to $4,300. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Vice Chairman, Gordon asked for discussion. Mr. Auger stated the digital camera can be purchased cheaper than the price originally put in the PD Budget, and therefore he would like to decrease the line item. Lt. Lewis agreed with Mr. Auger. Vice Chairman, Gordon asked for a vote on the amended line item. 10/0 MOTION CARRIED
Chairman Auger called for a 3 minute recess.
PD Outside Details 01-4211-141
Dave Carr moved to amend line item 01-4211-141 entitled PD Outside Detail to $10,000. Andrew Hemmingway seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion. Town Manager, Corrow indicated that should be fine. No other discussion occurred, and Mr. Auger asked for a vote. 9/0-1 abstention MOTION CARRIED
Fire Department Budget 01-4220-(330-817)
Chairman Auger asked Budget Committee members to turn to page 9 of their budget worksheets to review the Fire Department Budget.
Ambulance Service Billing 01-4220-330
Paul Simard made the motion to amend line item 01-4220-330 entitled Ambulance Service Billing to $10, 500. Skip Bowie seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion. Dorcas Gordon stated maybe we are cutting off our nose spite our face here, the account produces revenue. Dave Carr asked if this line item is a contract or percentage? Town Manager, Corrow explained this line item is an estimation made by COMSTAR when the bills are paid they send the revenue to the Town. Ms. Corrow explained their estimation is based on the call volume of the department, and COMSTAR sends 100% of what is collected to the Town. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion, no further discussion on this line item. Mr. Auger asked for a vote on the line item. 3/7 MOTION DEFEATED
FD Telephone 01-4220-341
Dave Carr made the motion to amend line item 01-4220-341 entitled FD Telephone to $3,000. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion. FD Telephone 01-4220-341 Continued
Dave Carr commented that the telephone bill was interesting higher than the Police Departments. No other comments were made, and Chairman Auger asked for a vote to amend line item 01-4220-341entitled FD Telephone to $3,000. 9/1 MOTION CARRIED
FD Computer Expense 01-4220-345
Dave Car made the motion to amend line item 01-4220-345 entitled FD Computer Expense to $2,500. Skip Bowie seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion, no further discussion or comments were made. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on the amended line item. 6/4 MOTION CARRIED
FD Medical Expense 01-4220-350
Paul Simard made the motion to amend line item 01-4220-350 entitled FD Medical Expense to $4,600. No second occurred on this line item. No motions were passed.
Dave Carr made the motion to amend line item 01-4220-350 entitled FD Medical Expense to $2,500. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion of the line item. Fire Chief Skantze stated he does not recommend the reduction of this line item, as it pertains to the health of the employees. Ron Preble asked if this line item was for Full Time Employee’s. Chief Skantze stated “yes.” Town Manager, Corrow explained that the initial drug testing comes from another line item. Some departments do require more frequent testing, and the testing is more in depth. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on this line item. 4/6 MOTION DEFEATED
FD Alarm 01-4220-390
Dave Carr made the motion to amend line item 01-4220-390 entitled FD Alarm reducing $2,500 from $7,900 ($5,400). Paul Simard seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion, no further discussion or comment was made. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on the amended line item. 6/4 MOTION CARRIED
FD Training 01-4220-391
Dave Carr made the motion to amend line item 01-4220-391 entitled FD Training in the amount of $10,000. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion. Town Manager, Corrow asked Fire Chief, Skantze how much of this line item is necessary. Chief Skantze stated this is training for seven (7) career firefighters, and 30 call personnel. FD Training 01-4220-391 Continued
Dorcas Gordon made the motion to amend the amendment of line item 01-4220-391 entitled FD Training to $12,000. Ron Preble seconded the motion. Dave Carr asked if this line item also included their pay? Chief Skantze stated “no.” Chairman Auger asked for a vote on the amended amendment moving line item 01-4220-391 entitled FD Training in the amount of $12,000. 8/2 MOTION CARRIED
Chairman Auger asked for a vote to accept the amendment of line item 01-4220-391 entitled FD Training. 7/3 MOTION CARRIED
FD Public Education 01-4220-565
Paul Simard made the motion to amend line item 01-4220-565 entitled FD Public Education to $1,230. Ron Preble seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion or comments, no further discussion was made. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on the line item. 7/3 MOTION CARRIED
Forestry 01-4230-(430-812)
Chairman Auger asked that Budget Committee members turn to page 11 of their budget worksheets.
Dave Carr made the motion to amend line item 01-4230-430 entitled FO Maintenance Repairs in the amount of $300. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion or comments, none were made. Chairman Auger asked for a vote. 6/4 MOTION CARRIED
Dave Carr made the motion to amend line item 01-4230-661 entitled FO Truck in the amount of $500. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion or comments, none were made. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on the amended line item. 4/6 MOTION DEFEATED
Crossing Guard 01-4230-(120-225)
This item was skipped at this time.
Emergency Management 01-4290-(342-810)
Dave Carr made the motion to amend line item 01-4290-342 entitled EM Pager Service in the amount of $0. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion. Mr. Carr stated today with cell phones he is uncertain why this pager is still needed. Chief Skantze agreed with Mr. Carr. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on the line item. 9/0-1 abstention MOTION CARRIED
Paul Simard made the motion to amend line item 01-4290-661 entitled Trailer Interior Fit Up Project to $500. Ron Preble seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion, no other comments were made. Chairman Auger asked for a vote to reduce the line item to $500. 6-3-1abstention MOTION CARRIED
Highway Department 01-4311-(341-610)
Chairman Auger asked Budget Committee members to turn to page 12 of their budget worksheets.
Dave Carr made the motion to amend line item 01-4311-695 entitled Guard Rail Replacement to $0. Skip Bowie seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for additional discussion on this line item. Dave Carr asked if this is for the bike path. Town Manager, Corrow stated it was not. Dave Carr withdrew his motion. Skip bowie withdrew his second.
Highway Projects 01-4312-(360-392)
Ron Preble made the motion to accept line items' 01-4321-(360-392) under the Highway Project accounts as recommended by the Board of Selectmen. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for discussion, no comments were made. Mr. Auger asked for a vote on these line items. 9/0-1abstention MOTION CARRIED
Street Lighting 01-4319-(410-440)
Dorcas Gordon made the motion to accept line items' 01-4319-(410-440) under the Street Lighting accounts as recommended by the Board of Selectmen. Paul Simard seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for any discussion, no comments were made. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on these line items. 9/0-1 abstention MOTION CARRIED
Rubbish Disposal 01-4324-(341-810)
Paul Simard made the motion to accept line items' 01-4324-(341-810) under the Rubbish Disposal accounts as recommended by the Board of Selectmen. Ron Preble seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for any discussion, no comments were made. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on these line items. 9/0-1 abstention MOTION CARRIED
Fire Betterment 01-4237-413
Skip Bowie made the motion to accept line item 01-4237-413 entitled Fire Betterment as recommended by the Board of Selectmen. Ron Preble seconded the motion. Chairman Auger asked for any discussion, no comments were made. Chairman Auger asked for a vote on these line items. 9/0-1 abstention MOTION CARRIED
Salary Discussions
Chairman Auger stated at this time he would like to have a discussion Salaries. Mr. Auger explained he had done a sort on the 100 Series throughout the budget. Mr. Auger stated at the next meeting a decision needs to be made on these issues, and encouraged everyone to review the information prior to the next meeting. Mr. Auger asked for any discussions on Salaries.
Dorcas Gordon stated she feels it is valid to implement the salaries but feels more comfortable doing them over the course of a couple years. She recommends doing a 2% COLA and ½ the pay increase this year, and next year doing the rest.
Jon Thouin expressed he feels the study is flawed, but we should work with what they have. Should Ms. Gordon’s suggestion occur would there still be a need for discussion next year? Paul Simard stated he believes it would need to be discussed again next year. Town Manager, Corrow stated there are ways to make sure it will happen next year. Chairman Auger stated if you go with Ms. Gordon’s recommendation a warrant article can be done to get it done next year.
Dave Carr stated when looking at the Wage Classification Study the benefits are up at $309,000. Mr. Carr stated he is supporting an increase of some, and if we support 2% this year ($51,000) and 3% next year ($77,000) it will move along.
Rich Walenda stated we need to be careful about what we support. We do not want to drive people on a fix income out of town.
Tom Winn stated many people have not been paid for quite sometime. What they currently make is ridiculous. We need to catch up now bite the bullet and pay them what they are worth. Salary Discussion Continued
Andrew Hemmingway stated he agreed with both Mr. Winn and Mr. Carr. Mr. Hemmingway asked what are we willing to sacrifice this year to get this Wage Classification implemented? We need to make sure we keep the good people that we do have. Paul Simard stated he agreed with Mr. Hemmingway. Mr. Simard stated lunch time is a busy time where most employees are utilized to their full potential, during dead times' employees should be sent home. Mr. Simard stated this is the sort of sacrifice he is talking about.
Ron Preble stated he likes the idea of doing it over the two year period. Mr. Preble stated he also agrees these employees deserve a pay increase, it is just covering all the employees at once that makes this a tough call.
Chairman Auger stated he would like members to take a hard look at the Department Head wages being careful that when making a decision it is a decision that tax payers can support. An average 55% of tax money comes from residents who are not here during the winter months. Professional people who know their job verses can you sell a 15% increase on the overall budget.
Jon Thouin explained we have a scale that is not balanced amongst its employees, and he would like to see that it be split up perhaps over two (2) or three (3) years. We do need employees and we must treat everyone the same. So that no one complains, and that no one is discriminated against dollar for dollar.
Tom Winn asked how the dollar has decreased in comparison to the economy of today. Mr. Winn stated the cost of fuel has risen, taxes have increased, and certainly 3 to 5% does nothing in comparison to the economy. Volunteers and Employees of the Police and Fire Department certainly can not anticipate emergencies, accidents, and other calls for service. Rich Walenda stated the Town ran on volunteers, now we have full time people everywhere, the little guy needs to eat too. They all get the same no matter how small of an increase in pay.
Town Manager, Corrow reminded the committee that this is an implementation of a study. Some Departments are being paid better than others. We are fortunate to have these people, but when they leave we will get someone with inexperience to take over that position. She does feel the implementation can be done over a couple of years.
Closing Discussion and Adjournment
Chairman Auger stated he will do a worksheet for the 200 series this week and have the secretary email it to all members. Mr. Auger stated he would like to finish the Budget and Salaries next week. The next meeting will be held on Monday, February 4, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in the Bristol Town Offices. Paul Simard made the motion to adjourn at 10:10 p.m. Ron Preble seconded the motion. 10/0 MOTION CARRIED
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