BRISTOL BUDGET COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
November 2, 2009
PRESENT:
Andrew Hemingway- Chairman, Dan Bouchard – Vice Chair, Dave Carr, Wendy Costigan, Ashley Dolloff, Dorcas Gordon, Barbara Greenwood, Shaun Lagueux, Ron Preble, Paul Simard, John Thouin
ABSENT:
Jeff Shackett, Andrew Williamson
OTHERS PRESENT:
Paul Weston, Town Manager; John Clark, Chief of police; Gylene Salmon, Administrative Assistant to the Police Department; and several members of the police department
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 26, 2009; Dorcas Gordon made a motion to accept the minutes as amended and was seconded by Wendy Costigan. Motion carried with the following votes: 10 in favor, 0 opposed, and 1-absentia.
NEW BUSINESS:
Andrew Williamson submitted his letter of resignation from the committee. Chairman Hemingway thanked Mr. Williamson for his time and service with this committee; best wishes were also given as Mr. Williamson pursues other opportunities and responsibilities.
A notice is to be posted for this vacancy and the committee will interview new candidates at the December 7 meeting.
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Chairman Hemingway welcomed John Clark, the Police Chief and members of the police force to the meeting. Chief Clark used a power point presentation to explain what the needs of the Police Department are for the 2010 budget. At the conclusion of his presentation Chief Clark offered to answer questions.
Mr. Bouchard asked for an explanation of the dispatch service and why the town of Bristol calls for service is higher than the other neighboring towns. Mr. Carr followed by questioning if all the calls go to dispatch or if some are handled directly within the department. Chief Clark explained that the department is extremely busy, some calls are handled within the office but most go to dispatch. Using the dispatch service allows calls to be recorded and logged. Chief Clark also stated that dispatch charges for motor vehicle inquiries and business checks.
Mr. Carr had a question regarding Accrued Benefits (line 01-4210-198) Mr. Weston explained this line has been deleted from the Police Department’s budget and added in with all the other departments in Personnel Administration (line 01-4155-199). Mr. Carr stated that he would prefer seeing this separated out by department.
Chief Clark answered questions regarding holiday pay, benefits, and retirement.
Mr. Simard asked Chief Clark to tell the committee where he felt cuts could be made in the Police Departments budget that shows an increase of more than $100,000.
Mr. Bouchard asked why revenues from grants do not show in the budget. Mr. Weston explained they are shown in the revenue side. Chief Clark added that a grant writer has been hired. He also stated that there is a need to look into areas where an increase or application of a fee should be considered.
Ms. Gordon wanted to know if the neighboring towns could combine the police work and share the expense. Chief Clark stated that each town has a different procedure and there may be some liability issues with sharing of information.
In response to a comment about the high cost of repairs on the 2003 cruiser, Mr. Weston stated that when he presents the committee with the capital planning budget the replacement of this vehicle would be at the top of the list.
ANIMAL CONTROL:
Line 4210-192 – Animal control officer is in the police budget to hire and train an animal control officer. This officer would catch and transport the animal to the kennel.
CROSSING GUARDS:
This line item is shown in the Town Managers Budget rather than the Police Department. However, the Police train and oversee the positions. Currently there are two crossing guards and a third guard is being sought. Mr. Thouin asked why the school did not cover this expense since it is a service for them. It was also asked if the third guard was needed.
Chairman Hemingway thanked Chief Clark and the other officers for coming and for their presentation.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm upon a motion by Mr. Simard and seconded by Mr. Preble.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Hemingway
Recording Secretary |