BRISTOL BUDGET COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
December 7, 2009
PRESENT:
Andrew Hemingway- Chairman, Dave Carr, Wendy Costigan, Barbara Greenwood, Shaun Lagueux, Ron Preble, Jon Thouin, Ashley Dolloff, Paul Simard, Jeff Shackett
ABSENT:
Dan Bouchard, Dorcas Gordon
OTHERS PRESENT:
Paul Weston, Town Manager; Christina McClay, Assessing Assistant
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Hemingway called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
SPECIAL ELECTION:
Dan Arseneau was nominated for election by Paul Simard and seconded by Ron Preble. The committee unanimously voted in favor. Chairman Hemingway welcomed Mr. Arseneau to the committee.
REVIEW OF MINUTES:
The meeting began with a review of the minutes from November 16, 2009; Shaun Lagueux made a motion to accept the minutes as written and was seconded by Ashley Dolloff. Motion carried with all in favor.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Chairman Hemingway asked if the members had received the correspondence sent to them. It was determined that it would be discussed at a later time.
BUDGET PRESENTATIONS:
Several Non-Profit organizations were present to present their 2010 budget requests. Chairman Hemingway welcomed them.
HOMELAND CEMETERY
Mr. Tom Keegan and Mr. Mason Westfall presented their 2010 budget request. Mr. Keegan stated that they have lowered the original request to $7500, which is the same as last year’s amount. Mr. Preble asked if they have solicited other towns for funds. Mr. Keegan said they have not but would look into it.
LAKES REGION PLANNING COMMISSION
Mr. Kimmon Koulet gave a brief overview of this organization’s work and requested $2979.00 for the 2010 year.
PASQUANEY GARDEN CLUB
Ms. Shirley Yorks explained that the garden club takes on new projects each year. They are requesting $800 for the 2010 budget.
NEWFOUND LAKE REGION ASSOCIATION
Mr. Boyd Smith told the committee that they use several volunteers and hire local students to work at Wellington and inspect boats for any invasive materials. Mr. Smith has requested $3000.00 for 2010 to enable the hiring of more local students for the summer.
NANA
Ms. Pat Wentworth presented the services that NANA gives to the town and requested $32,400.00 for the 2010 budget.
PLYMOUTH REGIONAL CLINIC
Eileen Towne asked the committee for $1000.00 for the 2010 budget.
TRI-COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION
Amanda Difilippe and Carly Rhodes explained that they are under-staffed and cannot meet the need of the community. The total amount requested is $6880.00, which would allow them to hire a third person to help.
GRAFTON COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS
Ms. Roberta Berner and Diane Devine presented their request for $8000.00 for the 2010 budget.
VOICES AGAINST VIOLENCE
Ms. Lisa Farmer requested $3000.00 for the 2010 budget.
GENESIS
Kristen Welch and Kelly Untiez presented their budget request of $3638.00 for the 2010 budget.
CADY
Clare Moorhead explained their work and requested $2000.00 for the 2010 budget.
CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES
Ms. Ruth Zax requested $1000.00 for the 2010 budget.
PEMI RIVER LAC
Mr. Max Stamp described the work this advisory committee does to protect the rivers in the area. Mr. Stamp is requesting $200.00 for the 2010 budget.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ms. Leslie Sturgeon requested $500.00 for the 2010 budget.
PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION/SALARIES & BENEFITS
Mr. Weston gave a brief description of the line items in account # 01-4155. Mr. Simard asked how the $10,000 from line 01-4155-270 was spent last year. Selectmen Denning stated that it was transferred to a different account – the Newfound Area Access TV account. Mr. Shackett stated that if a line item is designated this year it should not be transferred and spent on another item.
Mr. Weston distributed and explained briefly the salaries and benefits spreadsheet, which delineates the single largest expenditures in the town budget. No cost of living across the board wages are proposed. Last year salaries were raised with 12 weeks at the 2008 rate, and then after town meeting present wage rates were implemented for the final 40 weeks. For 2010 a full 52 weeks at present wages is proposed. State mandated retirement benefit rates have increased, as well as health benefits.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Ray Courchaine (TV Access Manager) and Ms. Becky Burke (Communications Consultant) explained their work. Mr. Courchaine showed a short video of what they have produced for the town in the last year. Ms. Burke discussed her work on the website, the Town Crier weekly newsletter, and assistance in publicizing special town projects and the upcoming annual report.
OTHER BUSINESS:
The Committee discussed the correspondence from the CIP committee. Ms. Dolloff suggested that this report come to the Budget Committee earlier in the process. The committee discussed beginning with the Capital Improvement Plan next year, before operational issues are discussed. Mr. Weston said he will give this information to the CIP. Several of the members discussed the role of the CIP and how it affects the Budget Committee’s process.
ADJOURNMENT:
No further business coming before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 pm upon a motion by Mr. Simard and seconded by Mr. Thouin.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Hemingway
Recording Secretary |