Town of Bristol
Budget Committee Minutes
April 16, 2008
DRAFT APPROVED ON:
ATTENDED: Andrew Hemingway (Chairman), Dan Bouchard (Vice Chairman),
Ron Preble, Richard Walenda, David Carr, Dorcas Gordon, Tom
Winn, Jon Thouin, Paul Simard, Ashley Dolloff, Andrew
Williamson, Brenda Biss, Bruce VanDerven (Selectmen’s Rep),
and Diane Marden (Secretary).
ABSENT: All were present at this meeting.
OTHERS
PRESENT: Elizabeth Corrow (Town Manager) and Dan Arsneau.
The Vice Chairman, Dorcas Gordon called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., at the Bristol Town Offices, and the meeting was video taped for LRPA.
Opening Discussion
Dorcas Gordon stated as former Vice Chairman of the Budget Committee she would like to commend the former Chairman Archie Auger for his years of service, and the organization he has brought to the committee. Ms. Gordon asked for all members to go around the table to introduce themselves as this is the first meeting for some of the elected new members.
Minutes of March 3, 2008
Paul Simard made the motion to accept the minutes of March 3, 2008. Ron Preble seconded the motion. Vice Chair Gordon asked for any discussion of the minutes. No additional discussion was made on the minutes.
12/0/1-abstention MOTION CARRIED (Brenda Biss had not been sworn in)
Correspondence
Vice Chairman Gordon passed around information pertaining to training and seminars offered to those who wish to become more educated on the budget process. Ms. Gordon encouraged new members to take opportunities to familiarize themselves with the budget process. Town Manager, Elizabeth Corrow stated the Local Government Center also offer’s a variety of information for Budget Committee members should they be interested in attending any of their seminars.
Correspondence Continued
Ms. Gordon explained that anyone who had not been sworn into their new position on the Budget Committee would not be able to vote at this meeting. Ms. Gordon asked who had not been sworn in to date? Brenda Biss stated she had not been sworn in, but intended to do so this week.
Organization of Budget Committee
Vice Chairman Gordon stated at this time she would like to entertain nominations for Chairman of the Budget Committee. Richard Walenda nominated Paul Simard. Mr. Simard accepted the nomination stating he had been on the Budget Committee for the past 10 years, and believes he can maintain unbiased opinions to do what is best for taxpayers.
Tom Winn nominated Andrew Hemingway for the position of Chairman. Andrew Hemingway stated he would accept the nomination as he has enjoyed the budget process as well as being a part of it. Mr. Hemingway stated he believes he has a great deal to offer the committee, and feels he can articulate points of view to the taxpayers. Mr. Hemingway added that he is not prejudice to any particular groups, and would be open minded throughout the process.
David Carr nominated Jon Thouin for the position of Chairman. Mr. Thouin accepted stated he too feels he is open minded, and would be able to keep things on an even keel. Dorcas Gordon asked all nominee’s to discuss how they would handle the time commitment?
Andrew Hemingway stated he has an extremely flexible schedule, and could fit almost anything into it. Jon Thouin stated he recently changed jobs, freeing up additional time by having less of a commute. Paul Simard stated it would be tough, but would like to see the Budget Committee continue with its path of organization as it had prior to this meeting.
Vice Chairman Gordon closed all nominations at this time to take a vote on each nominee the results are below:
· Paul Simard 4 votes
· Andrew Hemingway 6 votes (Brenda Biss did not vote on this matter)
· Jon Thouin 2 votes
Andrew Hemingway was voted in as the Chairman of the Budget Committee, and at this time proceeded with Chairing the meeting. Chairman Hemingway asked for nominations for the title of Vice Chair. Andrew Williamson nominated Dan Bouchard as Vice Chairman of the Budget Committee. Mr. Bouchard accepted stating he does have a lot of experience having participated on many committees and dealing with a variety of budget issues.
Organization of Budget Committee Continued
Richard Walenda nominated Paul Simard as Vice Chairman as he has the experience needed for the position of Vice Chairman. Paul Simard accepted the nomination. Chairman Hemingway asked for any additional nominations, and no additional nominations were made for the position of Vice Chairman. Mr. Hemingway asked for a vote on each nominee the results are below:
· Dan Bouchard 6 votes
· Paul Simard 6 votes (Brenda Biss did not vote)
Chairman Hemingway asked the committee if they wanted to table the vote on Vice Chairman until the next meeting once Brenda Biss had been sworn in on the committee? Most disagreed stating this is the organizational meeting and it should be addressed now. Town Manager Corrow called Raymah Simpson to see if she would come to swear in Brenda Biss so she could vote on this matter. While waiting for Ms. Simpson to arrive to swear in Brenda Biss the Board discussed other organizational matters.
Chairman Hemingway asked members what night of the month best suits the needs of the committee. All agreed to keep the Budget Committee meetings on the second (2nd) Monday of each month.
Mr. Hemingway stated he thought it would be a good idea to meet during the summer months, and asked members for their thoughts on the idea. Ron Preble stated it did not make a difference to him. Tom Winn stated he thought it should stay the same with July and August off. Dorcas Gordon stated she feels the committee can do without summer meetings. Jon Thouin stated the committee should touch base regular but having June and August off. Elizabeth Corrow stated she could email the Budget Sheets during the summer months to committee members, with the exception of mailing out Mr. Welanda’s copy. Dan Bourchard made the motion to take July and August off during the summer months, having the Chairman consult with the Town Manager, and leaving it at the Chairman’s discretion if necessary to call a meeting during those months. Tom Winn seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED 10/2
March Budget Sheets
Mr. Hemingway asked Budget Committee members to review the March Budget Sheets handed out at the beginning of the meeting. Mr. Hemingway asked the Town Manager if she anticipated any items that would need to be addressed by the committee over the next few months? Town Manager Corrow stated she expected a discussion of the Police Building and a variety of other issues surrounding the building over the next couple of months. Bruce VanDerven asked if this would have anything to do with the Contingency Fund? Ms. Corrow stated that is correct. Richard Walenda stated a ramp can be constructed much cheaper than what was appropriated. Ms. Corrow stated the issues are not just dealing with ADA accessibility issues.
March Budget Sheets Continued
Chairman Hemingway asked that the meeting consist only of items on the budget sheets, not opinions of what or how someone thinks things should be done. Mr. Hemingway stated it is the job of the Budget Committee to address the numbers, not necessarily how a project is done. Mr. Hemingway at this time also cautioned that one should think before speaking, and cautiously watch the tone used when speaking. He explained that the public watches the LRPA channel, and often people are shouting over others. Mr. Hemingway asked that comments be saved until called upon by the Chairman.
Ron Preble asked if the Drug Testing has begun? Town Manager Corrow stated it has not started yet. Jon Thouin asked if line item 01-4150-342 entitled FA Computer Support was used to pay the annual fee? Town Manager Corrow stated the annual fee was paid.
At this time, Raymah Simpson arrived to swear in Brenda Biss.
Chairman Hemingway asked for a vote on the position of Vice Chairman the vote was as follows:
· Dan Bouchard 7 votes
· Paul Simard 6 votes
Dan Bouchard was voted in as the Vice Chairman of the Budget Committee. Paul Simard made the motion to vote unanimously for the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman. Tom Winn seconded the motion. Chairman Hemingway asked for the vote.
11/1-1 MOTION CARRIED
Chairman Hemingway stated the next meeting of the Budget Committee will be held on Monday, May 12, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. At the Bristol Town Office’s downstairs meeting room.
Adjournment
Ron Preble made the motion to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Paul Simard seconded the motion.
13/0 MOTION CARRIED