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Town of AmherstBoard of SelectmenJanuary 17, 2006
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Chairman Marilyn Peterman called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Selectmen present: George Infanti, Bruce Bowler and Jay Dinkel. Also presenting Acting Town Administrator Gary MacGuire and Executive Assistant Sharon Frydlo.
There were no questions or concerns from the audience.
Mrs. Peterman reported that last week they reviewed the budget and warrant articles and that there were two articles they had not taken a vote on. The first one was Article 7 for a Fire Department Replacement Vehicle and last week they had started to talk about options and how to purchase it. Chief John DeSilva informed the Board he had made a few more changes and the $38,000 figure was based on the number two years ago when he passed it onto the CIP. He contacted Hillsborough Ford where they got the pick-up and got an excellent price. The warrant article was reduced from $38,000 t $33,000 including the lettering and striping. Looking at Ford’s line, there were vehicles small, medium and large. This would be a medium size vehicle and he received a police and emergency services package. The vehicle also tows and the Chief spoke about why he would go with the medium size vehicle. He mentioned that if they went with a lease/purchase there would be a municipal document fee and the warrant article would be for $33,350.
Mrs. Peterman asked W&M member Robin Warren if this was their Committee’s position. Mr. Warren asked if it couldn’t come out of Capital Reserves. She replied that it couldn’t because there was no money left for this purchase.
After a few questions were answered, Mr. Dinkel thought he would go one time and had no strong feelings either way. The rest of the Board concurred. Mr. Infanti moved to accept Article 7 as a one time purchase of $33,000 to purchase and outfit the Command Vehicle Replacement, second by Mr. Bowler. Vote: Unanimous. The first of two draft warrant articles numbered seven was stricken from the draft warrant.
Mrs. Peterman advised they needed to address Article 9 the DPW Truck Replacement. DPW Director Bruce Berry explained that what he said was what he supported and where the Department needed to go. This had been put together three and a half years ago and he was under the belief that the CIP Committee was being supportive. He mentioned that when he was before them the last time, everyone of them supported something and they were not saying the Department didn’t need anything. They were in a philosophical difference and his vision was different from the Board’s. Looking for this purchase he spoke about writing the first article a full year out where they typically look at DPW as winter use. When they finally receive his Road Survey Maintenance Report, it will show not only winter maintenance, but spring and fall. The CIP Committee supported what he proposed three years ago. What was new to him was lease/purchase over $100,000. He asked if this was a different philosophy. Mrs. Peterman mentioned they had done this for Fire and the impact on the budget and what was the best way to purchase it. Mr. Berry pointed out that part of what he pointed out to the Selectmen when he presented his budget, was on the roads he would be doing next year. He offered pictures of Horace Greeley Road near the Huckabee subdivision along with a stretch where the road runs parallel on the road. This material will be taken out and brought back. Mrs. Peterman asked why was the reason for a ten wheeler? Mr. Berry explained there was more material being hauled with less people year round.
Mr. Berry felt that the more material being hauled would result with less people over all. Mr. Infanti had nothing to add. Mr. Bowler indicated he would stick by his original feelings. Mr. Dinkel had no questions, however, mentioned that the CIP were guidelines and had not been formalized or adopted by the Selectmen. He briefly explained what the CIP would be recommending for Capital Reserve purchases vs. purchasing items above $250,000. Mr. Dinkel moved Article 9 be put on the ballot, second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: 3-1, Mr. Bowler opposed. The impact on the warrant was two cents.
In response to Mr. Berry’s questions, the explanation of Article 9 will be in the voters’ guide, the department’s will have the ability to weigh in on the CIP recommendation and would become the sounding board. Robin Warren, W&M, commented that they were confused when they discussed this on Sunday night on the purchasing of two six wheelers vs. one ten wheeler – they thought they would come to a conclusion that night. Mr. Berry indicated he had emailed Ted Landon on how much material they actually moved and he was not prepared to answer it because he couldn’t take into consideration how much they also brought back to the Barn, but thought it was around 10,000 yards. Mr. Warren personally felt it favorable but he couldn’t speak for the entire Committee.
Other Business
Life, Long & Short Term Disability
Mr. MacGuire advised they had the information, however, it had not been part of the Selectmen’s packet and he requested it be tabled until their next meeting.
Minutes
Approval of minutes of January 3, 5, and 9 were tabled until the next meeting.
Other Business
Mrs. Peterman mentioned they received a letter from someone in Town about the Planning Director and felt that the Director should come in and discuss the issue with the Selectmen. Mr. Dinkel suggested they talk to the Director first before making this an agenda item.
Recess
Mr. Bowler moved to recess the meeting at 6:39 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: Unanimous.
Public Hearing
Proposed 2007 Budget
Mrs. Peterman reconvened the Selectmen’s meeting at 7:08 p.m. Mr. Bowler moved to open the public hearing, second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: Unanimous.
Under Article 5 – Operating Budget, Mrs. Peterman explained for FY ’07, if approved by the voters, would be $8,523,448.08 and an increase of 10.66% that was offset by revenues for a gross net budget of $8,156,499.47. This has been a difficult year because of things they could not control such as: People and benefits accrued to them. Also line items that have increased as outlined in an overhead were outside hire, gasoline & diesel, health insurance, Baboosic Lake dock (which was a one time expense), other insurance, legal, building repairs, electricity, heat and water main assessment. One of the things the Selectmen recognized this year was that in order to continue to provide the services that the Town residents expected, they needed to increase employment in certain departments.
In the Finance Office they were asking for an additional four hours. In DPW, they have increased the outside hire as well as overtime increases. There was sixteen additional hours for the Town Clerk’s Office. The need to provide the kind of services that the community is expecting is driving this. Benefits were up because they go with the employee. Some employees are part time and do not accrue benefits provided to full time employees. Gasoline & Diesel everyone knows this has gone up significantly – they have budgeted somewhat conservatively, but try to be responsible as well. There was no real way of controlling Health Insurance. They have changed providers this year and have had some savings. When new employees were added, this was increased as well.
The Baboosic Lake Docks were put into the warrant several times and they failed twice. The Selectmen felt they should put it into the budget because it was a safety issue. If there was a major accident, it would cost the Town more than $20,000 for not providing the appropriate docks and they felt it was right to do this this year. Other Insurance includes Liability, Disability and Worker’s Comp. The Legal budget has been fairly constant for the past three years, but they were in the middle of cable negotiations and there “is only one game in Town”. The Board has hired an attorney who will work with them and have budgeted for this expense. Amherst also has a Town Attorney, a Labor Attorney and an Attorney who works with them on Planning / Zoning infractions (most of these fees are recoverable).
Mrs. Peterman continued … Under Building Repairs, it wasn’t very long ago that they didn’t have a real building repair line item. They can’t keep putting things off and needed to do better maintenance on the buildings to keep them in good repair. They have no control over the electric and heat. Under the Water Main Assessment – the Town is assessed this amount by Pennichuck Water for fire protection where there are fire hydrants. Because of this, insurances are offset and help homeowners as well. These were the major impacts on the budget.
They have offsetting revenues from Departments such as from EMS. Brian Gleason was the Town’s Director, Mrs. Peterman explained, and they have been charging fees for rescue calls and received approximately 92% of those fees. The Town does not pursue any collections from patients who truly cannot afford it. Revenues were also received from Baboosic Lake, the Cable Franchise Fee, Interest on Accounts, Town Clerk’s Revenue, Landfill Revenue, SRO Reimbursement as well as from the various Town Departments. Mrs. Peterman advised that if the operating budget with increases noted would add sixty three cents to the tax rate.
Jane Heineke, Georgetown Drive, asked if the entire Town has to pay for the public water supply and did not feel it justified – she asked the Board to address this. Mrs. Peterman explained that many years ago the Town had a Water District. The deal that was made when Pennichuck took over that District was to charge the Town hydrant water fees. The benefit occurs not only for those people who have to pay for the water, but also to the Town as a whole insofar as fire fighting.
David Brooks, Nashua Telegraph, asked about the new positions and the net budget increase and was it an increase over the previous net budget. Mr. Bowler advised there was a new position for one full time position for the dispatch center. A four hour increase in the Finance Department, sixteen hours in the Town Clerk’s Office, even though approved in this fiscal year, DPW will show an additional 12 month position. Library Director Amy Lapointe mentioned their new position. Mr. Bowler commented on the additional hours at the Transfer Station – a total of two and a half hours per week. Mrs. Peterman added there was an increase of $50,000 in outside hire as opposed to putting more people into the DPW Department. She mentioned that DPW does a lot of work within the operations of the Town and it was time they added money into these line items. Approximately five years ago they had a consultant and he projected the number of things that Department would need over the next five years.
Jim Malley, Holly Hill Drive asked what was the cost of living? The Board advised it was 4.25%.
Rick Crocker, W&M, advised the Committee was in favor of the operating budget and he thanked the Board of Selectmen, Sharon Frydlo, Merri Howe and Gary MacGuire Town Administrator/Police Chief for what they had done to get the budget to the modest number they ended up with.
Chairman Peterman indicated they would go through the warrant articles and only discuss those warrant articles that have a money impact on the budget. The other warrant articles that had no impact would be discussed at that the deliberative session. This was a hearing for the budget and warrant articles. Following will be the hearing for the bonds in Articles 2 and 3.
Article 4 Peabody Mill Environmental Center (PMEC) – Mr. Bowler advised this article was asking for $250,000 to complete the building at PMEC. Along with fundraising and donations, the Advisory Board will be over and above the $250,000. The building is estimated to cost $450,000. He asked Ann Logan and other members of the Board to talk about it further. Greg King gave a brief history of the project. The Town purchased the property at the end of Brook Road in the mid 1996-97. He spoke about the programs that evolved around the property making the building too small for all that was scheduled. A group got together to put an addition to the structure. Money was privately raised – a foundation was put on and it has been capped. They have begun Phase II of the private capital campaign – approximately $200,000 has been raised and they were now asking the Town to raise $250,000 to complete the structure. Once the facility was complete it will have an office, storage space and restrooms. They will also then be able to increase the revenue.
Mrs. Heineke asked to know more about the government of PMEC and programs for seniors. Mrs. Peterman explained that PMEC is a Department of the own and the Director reports to the Town Administrator. Ann Logan, Oak Hill, advised they have just become a Department of the Town in June. They were limited in their programs because of not having a building. They are putting on the new building and have demolished the old one. The Town has invested $200,000 in it so far and they had to finish it off. She spoke about senior programs and explained they were open to any suggestions for them. She recently met Recreation Director Nancy McMillan who is also interested in programs for seniors. They also have programs at Parkhurst Place and offer art lessons six times a year, also snowshoeing, etc. All those programs are for seniors and anyone can go.
Mr. Crocker advised that W&M supports this article and hope it helped them fulfill their dream of being self-supporting. Ms. Peterman added the tax impact was nineteen cents.
Article 6 Police Union – Mr. Infanti reported this article refers to their collective bargaining contract for a total of $73,890.52 and contains wages, benefits and overtime – it was a three year contract. Mr. Crocker advised W&M supported it. The tax impact was six cents.
Article 7 Fire Department Vehicle Replacement – Mrs. Peterman advised this would be replacing a 1996 vehicle and the Department was asking for $33,000 to purchase a Ford Expedition. This article had been reduced from $38,000 and since they just received the numbers that night, it should have a little less impact on the budget. Mr. Crocker remarked that W&M had not had any chance to discuss this article. Mrs. Peterman said they decided to do it in all one purchase rather than a lease/purchase. Mr. Crocker relayed a conversation Linda Kaiser had with Chief DeSilva about putting it off for one year with his response being “it was not necessarily the end of the world”. The Chief indicated that the conversation was putting one or the other warrant articles off – purchasing Vehicle I or putting off refurbishing the truck. In response to Mr. Crocker’s questions, Mrs. Peterman advised this vehicle could not be taken out of Fire Truck Capital Reserves because it was for fire trucks and there is also no money in it. Mr. Bowler added the money for the new pickup had not yet come out of the capital reserves. Mr. MacGuire also commented that they researched the language after they realized there were no funds and had not formally put this question to Town Counsel. He believed the wording was actually “truck” and not “apparatus”. Mr. Crocker indicated W&M will have to discuss this article further. The tax impact is under three cents.
Article 8 Refurbish Fire Department Engine 5 – This article is requesting $55,000 to refurbish Engine 5 manufactured in 1991. W&M supports this article. Tax impact is four cents.
Article 9 DPW Truck Replacement - Mr. Bowler indicated this article was requesting entering into a five year lease/purchase to purchase a ten wheeled dump truck for $161,000 with the first year’s payment of $32,000. The tax impact is two cents on the first year. Mr. Crocker explained that over all W&M did not support the article, but that they were split on it. Mrs. Peterman said the Selectmen’s vote was 3 to 1 as written.
Article 10 DPW Salt & Sand Storage Facility - Mr. Bowler advised the article was seeking to appropriate $71,000 for the construction of a 65’ x 100’ storage facility to environmentally store salt and sand mix. This will also enable them to get a supply at the beginning of the year so that they will not run out of material. W&M supports the article. Tax impact was five cents.
Articles 11 Selectmen’s Authority & 12 Summer Street Town Boundary Relocation - Has no tax impact on the budget.
Article 13 Information Technology Equipment Replacement Fund - Mr. Dinkel explained this article was to establish a capital reserve fund to begin saving up for critical hardware and software components and to initially fund this capital reserve at $7500. There is more and more technology equipment for servers for networks and communications and it was prudent to begin saving for upgrades that will be needed soon. Mr. Crocker advised that W&M did not support this as they did not have much information to make a decision. Mrs. Peterman commented that perhaps they may have more information forthcoming by the deliberative session, however, if they don’t prepare for this, they can’t prepare for the worst.
Article 14 Master Plan Funding – Mrs. Peterman indicated the article was requesting $25,000 for the Master Plan at an impact of two cents. The Planning Board is tasked to complete a Master Plan – the last time it was actually done was 30 years ago and since then the Town has changed considerably. All of their zoning and subdivision regulations grow out of a Master Plan. She briefly spoke about the history and how the original one evolved. They need to raise approximately $150,000 for the actual revision. W&M supported the article.
Article 15 Forestview Cemetery Design/Layout (Formerly Cemetery Fields)) – Mr. Infanti explained that this was another type of master plan – within 3-5 years one cemetery will be full. The Trustees were looking for $15,000 to be put into a fund for Cemetery Fields that the Town has been using as playing fields and originally purchased for a cemetery. This was a costly project and the first year to put money aside for this project. Mr. Crocker advised that W&M thought this a great idea. Mrs. Heineke asked about the history of Cemetery Fields and the special breed of bird nesting there. Mrs. Peterman explained about the protection of the grasshopper sparrows and that this will be taken into consideration to protect this species in the design. Mr. Infanti added that this was mentioned the night when the Cemetery Trustees talked to the Selectmen and this was certainly on their mind.
Article 16 New Police Officer - Mr. Infanti commented that this article was submitted this year after a major concern from citizens throughout the Town. This position would be an enforcement officer for the beginning of six months. The total salary (based on six months), benefits, equipment would be $28,446.16. W&M did not support this article. Tax impact would be two cents.
Article17 Public Access Television Equipment Fund - Mr. Dinkel explained they voted to establish a capital reserve for purchasing television and public access equipment for their new television system. The intent is to establish this fund with $7500. They have a tremendous group of volunteers – the Communications Infrastructure Committee (CIC) who have done most of the legwork for getting public TV into the Town along with the PEG channel (public educational government) which needs broader equipment. In addition they need other technology, additional services and upgrades when this happens. W&M supports this and the impact is one cent.
Steve Morgan, Williamsburg Drive, asked if the $7500 was identified for anything specific? Mr. Dinkel responded there was nothing specific earmarked for these funds in the budget. There was something for $3800 that will be for additional microphones in the budget as well as for more media backup tapes. A question was raised if a citizen could use this equipment by checking it out. Steve Coughlan, former Chairman of the CIC Committee spoke about the policy about loaning out the equipment. Mr. Morgan indicated the Solid Waste Task Force had been using the SHS Media Club’s equipment and wondered if there is a better quality camera owned by the Town? Mr. Dinkel commented that presumably they could put more in this specific capital reserve as a potential need. Mr. Coughlan mentioned the Committee will listen to what the Town needs and will respond to those needs.
Jim Lenahan, Dream Lake, CIC member, commented that the capital reserve fund is what they feel is needed over the next 3-5 years and they do not know where they were headed which “basically the Town owns”. As they receive direction from the Town, they will be in a position to fund it because the money will be there. What they know they need is covered in the budget. They want input from the community to see what they want and how they can grow. They want to be in a position to support the infrastructure. Mr. Coughlan indicated the other constraint was volume – they could televise the Planning Board meetings if they had manpower for those meetings.
Article 18 Department of Public Works Radio Upgrade – Mr. Bowler advised the article was to raise and expend $27,000 and authorize the withdrawal of these funds from the Radio Conversion Capital Reserve Fund which was originally funded for the Fire Department and had received Federal grants for interoperability with other departments. DPW is on low band and other Departments on high band. This article will have no impact. Mr. Crocker indicated that W&M supported this article and thought it should go into the budget. Mr. Bowler indicated it was the Selectmen’s view to take the funds out of Capital Reserves so that there was no impact on the budget. They had discovered that there was approximately $66,000 in this capital reserve fund.
Article 19 & 20 Communications Center Fund & Discontinue Radio Conversion Fund – Mr. Dinkel indicated that both articles relate to the same Radio Conversion Fund established in 2000 for radio conversion for the Fire Department. Due to grants received, those funds are not needed for this purpose. In addition to upgrading the DPW radios, they were asking voters to discontinue the Radio Conversion Fund that has approximately $40,000 in it and take those funds and establish a Communications Center Capital Reserve Fund. Obviously an in-house Communications Center and the role it plays goes with the original intent of those funds. Mr. Crocker advised W&M has not seen this article before.
Robert Schaumann, Moderator, questioned the wording and felt that the words Capital Reserve should be inserted in Article 20 after the word “Conversion” in both the title and body of the article. Mrs. Peterman advised they will make this consistent.
Article 24 Veterans’ Exemption – Board of Selectmen Proposal – Mr. Dinkel explained the Selectmen propose to increase the Veterans’ Tax Credit from $150 to $300 per year – the State has capped it at $500. It was the Board’s intent to continue to increase the exemption on a regular basis to the $500 limit the State now allows.
Cal Wood, Woodland Drive, pointed out that in Article 24 it should refer to the Veterans’ Tax Credit rather than Exemption. Mrs. Peterman advised currently there are 513 veterans receiving this tax credit. The tax impact would be six cents.
Article 25 Veterans’ Exemption – By Petition - Mrs. Peterman advised the petition seeks to increase the tax credit to the maximum of $500 per Veteran with the over all tax impact of thirteen cents. Since they both can’t pass, that was why Article 24 was written the way it was. Several questions were asked and answered. Mr. Crocker advised that W&M did not support these articles, however, the vote was not unanimous. Mr. Warren thought this needed a bit more study. If they take the group of veterans, disabled and widows and have them bring their tax bills in and stamped “paid in full”, it would cost the Town a loss of revenue of approximately one million dollars. A young veteran, at the age of when he became a veteran, his total exemption would be $30,000 and Mr. Warren thought it disgraceful. He did not take the exemption and did not think the Town owed him anything. He reiterated he felt it should take some more study and felt this should help people who needed it. Mrs. Peterman mentioned that the RSA allows people this credit if they qualify and was a discussion for the legislature. Mr. Wood explained that the RSA that establishes the Veterans’ Tax Credit also establishes additional credits for disabled veterans. That RSA also covers both disabled veterans and totally disabled veterans – the amount of the credit is set by law.
Tom Lewis, Colonel Wilkins, asked about Articles 19 and 20. Mr. Dinkel advised if 19 passes and 20 didn’t the funds would go to the general fund. This is what happens if you discontinue a fund and have no use for it, it goes into surplus.
Mr. Infanti moved to close the public hearing at 8:20 p.m., second by Mr. Dinkel. Vote: Unanimous.
Bond Hearing
Mr. Bowler moved to open the bond hearing at 8:20 p.m., second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: Unanimous.
Article 2 Baboosic Lake Bond - Mr. Dinkel informed everyone that the bond totaled $418,500 and would be used to construct Phase II and design Phase III of the Baboosic Lake Community Septic System. $180,000 was already earmarked by DES Watershed Restoration Grant and $60,000 State Aid Grant. The remainder would be raised through bonds and notes totalling $178,500. The bond and notes would be paid for by the users of the Community Septic System. There is no tax impact on this. Phase I has been completed and 12 homes have been connected to the system. This next phase will add twelve additional homes to it. They have received a great deal of praise from the State since the major impact is the water quality around the lake. Users will pay a quarterly fee equal to the bond payments and any operational payments to the Town. W&M supports this article.
Article 3 Increase Recycling Capacity and Improve Traffic Flow and Safety at the Transfer Station Bond - Mr. Bowler explained that they were seeking $350,000 for this bond. This was similar to what was proposed last year for Phases I and II. This is for all phases and a five year project. Everything would be brought down to the bottom of the facility and folks can do “one stop shopping” rather than driving to the top of the hill for recycling and bottom for trash. There will be a presentation by the Solid Waste Committee at the deliberative session. They had done a great job last year and the Committee wants to try it again this year. The Selectmen are in support as is W&M. Mrs. Peterman commented that this has been in the making for many years and recycling can offset many of the expenses the Town is now paying for removal of trash. This bond needs a 60% vote.
Mr. Bowler moved to close the public hearing at 8:26 p.m., second by Mr. Dinkel. Vote: Unanimous.
Mrs. Peterman thanked everyone for being present, particularly the Department Heads for being there. She specially thanked Brian Gleason and Bruce Berry who were celebrating their birthdays with them. She also thanked Ways & Means who worked with them through this process. They believed they had a good budget and it now was up to Town Meeting to see if they agreed with them.
Mrs. Peterman reminded everyone that the deliberative session was on February 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Souhegan High School. Election day is on March 14 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. also at Souhegan High School.
Mr. Bowler asked W&M if Article 9 was something they would support? Ted Landon explained that as this stands, they were somewhat split. Mrs. Peterman mentioned that the Board voted to put this on the warrant after hearing the evidence they thought it should be put on. Mr. Bowler added they were not unanimous, it was a 3-1 vote and thought last week they were 3 to 2 against it. He did not like going to Town Meeting with W&M against it. Mr. Landon thought they were probably close to the Selectmen’s position.
Mr. Infanti moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 p.m., second by Mr. Bowler. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon L. Frydlo
Executive Assistant