BRISTOL BUDGET COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

MAY 11, 2009

PRESENT                             Andrew Hemingway, Chairman, Dan Bouchard, Vice Chair, Barbara Greenwood, Brenda Fritz, Dave Carr, Dorcas Gordon, Paul Simard, Ron Preble, Wendy Costigan, Bruce Van Derven, and Ashley Dolloff

ABSENT                               Andrew Williamson and John Thouin

OTHERS PRESENT          Paul Weston, Town Manager, Jeff Chartier, Dan Arsenault, and Sue Brundrett

CALL TO ORDER              Chairman Hemingway called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.

REVIEW REVENUES

AND EXPENDITURES    Chair Hemingway began by asking if there are any questions regarding current revenue and expenditure sheets presented to the committee by the Town Manager.  Mr. Weston explained that the town of Bristol will not receive line number 01-3351-200 State Revenue Sharing in this current budget.  He also stated that we have not received confirmation on the Borough Road Bridge stimulus funding.  Mr. Weston also noted that we have experienced an increase in motor vehicle registration revenue.

                                                Mr. Carr asked why we do not show any revenue from the local businesses that are accessing the hardwired fire alarm system.  Mr. Weston has not been briefed on this issue.  Chairman Hemingway asked Mr. Weston to look in to it and e-mail the board his response.

Mr. Weston stated that encumbrances are tracked separately, and are not on the revenue or expenditure reports.

Mr. Carr would stated he would like to see a year-end report for 2008 highlighting over expended line items and monies that have been encumbered as of December 31, 2008.  Mr. Weston stated that he would make them available for the June meeting.

                                                Ms. Gordon inquired about line 01-4153-320 and 01-4199-890.  Mr. Weston stated that the overage in legal fees is due to the Mica building issues and two Zoning Board lawsuits.  Money has been withdrawn from the contingency fund to support local residents that have experienced hardship from the Mica building.

Discussion ensued regarding the Mica building, no action was taken.

BUDGET COMMITTEE

SCHEDULE 2009               Meeting dates were presented by Chairman Hemingway.

It was moved by Mr. Preble and seconded by Mr. Simard to leave the July 13, 2009 meeting on the schedule, but only meet if necessary.  A vote was taken with 9-1-1 in favor of approval.

                                                See attached meeting schedule as set by Chairman Hemingway. 

BUDGET PROCCESS       The board discussed the budget process with Mr. Weston.  Chairman Hemingway stated that he plans to add this topic to the June and August agendas.  No action was taken. 

WATER SYSTEM             

IMPROVEMENTS

PROJECT                             Mr. Weston explained that the Board of Selectmen have called for a public hearing on May 28, 2009 at 5:30pm regarding the Water System Improvements Project.  Mr. Weston told the committee that they would play no role in this process.  The Board of Selectmen will decide to either fund this project by withdrawing $595,000 from the water department’s capital reserve fund or over a 20 year period withdraw $42,000 per year.  Mr. Weston stated that the Selectmen have not made a decision to date.  Mr. Chartier stated that this is a project that needs to be done.  This project in particular has been brought forward because of the available stimulus funding.   

POSITION OPENING      Chairman Hemingway stated that one of the committee’s current members will be stepping down in September.  He thanked Mr. Arsenault for coming to the meeting.  The board will receive a letter of resignation in August and will take action at that time. 

ADJOURNMENT               There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:24pm upon a motion by Mr. Simard, seconded by Mr. Van Derven, and unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Ashley Dolloff

Recording Secretary