Minutes approved by the Bristol Budget Committee November 2, 2009
BRISTOL BUDGET COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 26, 2009
PRESENT:
Andrew Hemingway- Chairman, Dave Carr, Wendy Costigan, Ashley Dolloff, Dorcas Gordon, Barbara Greenwood, Shaun Lagueux, Ron Preble, Jeff Shackett, Paul Simard, John Thouin
ABSENT:
Dan Bouchard – Vice Chair, Andrew Williamson
OTHERS PRESENT:
Paul Weston, Town Manager; Leslie Dion, Director of Recreation and Director of TTCC; Doug Williams, Chairman of Recreation Advisory Council; Tom Keegan, Homeland Cemetery
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Hemingway called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
REVIEW OF MINUTES:
The meeting began with a review of the minutes from October 19, 2009; Shaun Lagueux made a motion to accept the minutes as amended and was seconded by Barbara Greenwood. Motion carried with 9 in favor, 0 opposed and 2-absentia vote.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chairman Hemingway thanked the committee members for the work and time they have put in and will continue throughout the next few weeks. Their time and work for the Town of Bristol is appreciated.
Town Manager, Mr. Weston, informed the committee that the Borough Road Bridge project has been awarded Federal Funding.
KELLEY PARK:
Leslie Dion, Director of Recreation, presented the 2010 budget for Kelley Park. Committee member Barbara Greenwood recused herself, because of her involvement as member of the Kelley Park Committee.
Ms. Dion gave an overview of each line item. Discussion followed regarding the part time attendant. Concerns about the necessity of a telephone were expressed. The need for two Chemical Toilets, included in line 01-4522-430, was questioned. Ms. Dion supplied the committee with a schedule of maintenance for the field, expressing the need to follow the schedule to keep the field in good condition. The tennis court needs to be resurfaced and the nets should be replaced, but her priority for 2010 are the part-time attendant and the continued maintenance and repair of the field. She added that the
school currently pays $8000 rent for use of the field.
Mr. Carr suggested that the rent for the field increase from $8000 to $11,600. John Thouin stated that the school had previously agreed to a $9000 amount but due to some miscommunication it was not paid. It was stated that perhaps the rent should be even higher than Mr. Carr suggested. Ms. Dion expressed that Kelley Park belonged to the Town and the Town let’s the school use it during school hours. Caution in raising the rent should be used to maintain this good standing with the Town and School. Ms. Gordon commented that the park looks great and she has received many positive comments about Kelley Park adding that the attendant has done an outstanding job.
TAPPLY THOMPSON COMMUNITY CENTER:
Ms. Dion, Director of TTCC and Doug Williams, Chairman of the Recreation Advisory Council, presented the 2010 proposed budget. There are no changes from last year.
Mr. Carr asked if the center would accept a lower amount than budgeted. Ms. Dion said it would mean loss of staff and programs and there is currently an issue with the furnace which will be costly. To accept a lesser amount would be very difficult on the Center.
Mr. Carr continued by asking if large donations continue to come as they did in the past. Ms. Dion replied that local businesses no longer give like they used to but a few individuals donate, but not like they have in the past.
Chairman Hemingway asked if Ms. Dion had an actual percentage of usage from the other towns. She proceeded to give the numbers and explained how each town is currently being billed. A discussion followed regarding the usage vs. amount billed.
PATRIOTIC DEPARTMENT:
Ms. Dion continued with the committee by presenting the budget for the Concert Series, Old Home Day, Halloween and Christmas. This budget is a branch of the rec. department and comes under her directorship, with a written memorandum of agreement signed between the Town and TTCC. Ms. Dion explained that they are currently looking to hire a special events coordinator. This would be a part-time position. Mr. Shackett expressed concern about the need for a coordinator and if the hours are realistic for the job. Mr. Simard suggested that students from PSU be asked to apprentice for this position. Ms. Dion said it was a possibility but not without difficulty.
Chairman Hemingway thanked Ms. Dion and Mr. Williams for coming and for their presentation.
CEMETERIES:
Mr. Tom Keegan presented a preliminary budget and offered to take a few general questions regarding the cemetery. He will return on December 7 to give a formal budget presentation.
A question regarding how the money was spent was responded to. The biggest task is the mowing and trimming. The cemetery is currently mowed 5 times a season rather than the preferred 6 times. The cost is $2100 per mowing. The mowing and trimming is always put out to bid.
BEACHES:
Mr. Weston discussed the Beach budget. Mr. Shackett questioned why this year’s budget was overspent. Mr. Weston explained it was the cost of the staff. Mr. Carr had a couple of cost saving suggestions. Mr. Simard asked what the hourly rate for the beach staff was. Mr. Weston will find out the exact amount.
REVENUES:
Mr. Weston gave a quick overview of the revenue handout.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Mr. Carr presented his assessment of the task ahead for this committee. A brief discussion followed Mr. Carr’s statement.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm upon a motion by Ms. Greenwood and seconded by Ms. Costigan.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Hemingway
Recording Secretary |