TOWN OF BRADFORD
BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING
JANUARY 25, 2011
6:30PM
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Gary Wall, Chair called the meeting to order at 6:36pm with Beth Rodd, Peter Fenton, Selectmen Representative, George Cilley, Cheryl Behr, Administrator and Marge Cilley, Secretary. Absent were: Don Jackson, Dick Keller and Chris Aiken.
Members of the public present were: Jack Meaney, Jon Marden, Fire Dept. representatives and Rescue Squad Representatives.
Review and Consideration of January 20, 2011:
Motion was made by Peter Fenton to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Beth Rodd. Motion carried 4-0.
Gary Wall, Chair acknowledged the presence of the Fire and Rescue Departments, and advised the board will be discussing the Warrant Articles this evening and asked if they had any new information this evening to which they answered no they did not.
Gary Wall, Chair advised the Budget Committee will finalize their budget on February 1, 2011.
Warrant Articles:
Article 8: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate Thirty Thousand Dollars (gross budget) to weatherize the Town Hall. This will be done in conjunction with a Three year loan program through the Capital Development Finance Authority.
The Selectmen recommend by vote of two yes to one no. Peter Fenton voting against this appropriation.
Gary Wall, Chair questioned Peter Fenton, Selectman Representative why he voted against this Article. Peter Fenton advised he felt this is only a start of what needs to go into this building, and we will be paying for this building for years trying to get it back to where it should be, and still have an old building, I just don’t think this is the right way to go. Discussion ensued as to whether the Town Hall was always used year round or was seasonal. Jack Meaney was questioned as to why he did vote for this Article by Gary Wall, Chair. If we are going to continue to use this building in a limited way, I don’t think we should sink a lot of money into it in some regards, but in other regards, we go through roughly $15,000 a year alone in fuel, a little over 3,000 gal.of heating oil. Jack advised he feels the exterior walls should be insulated prior to duct work. Some of the walls do have insulation and some do not. Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised she had passed out copies of the Energy Study, which included putting a liner underneath the building, spray foam the loft area in the attic, dense pack the necessary walls, insulating and straightening out the ducts.
George Cilley questioned if we have no plans to move this office complex anywhere else in town, why aren’t we concentrating on making this an efficient piece of real estate and not worry about the upstairs. Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised the Energy Report states that some of the ducts are crushed and disconnected, and some warm air is still migrating to the second floor. Peter Fenton, Selectmen Representative advised the Energy Report did indicate the best return on the money would be the above comments as stated by Cheryl Behr, Administrator. Jack Meaney advised he had talked with fuel contractors and they advised the most efficient way would be to replace both furnaces with one and either stay with oil or put it into propane and put it in as forced hot water. Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised one of the current furnaces heats the police station and back rooms and the other heats the rest.
Beth Rodd interjected that if we want to preserve this building and use it for a long time as a jewel of our downtown, then we need to start putting some money into it.
Motion was made by Beth Rodd to accept Article 8. Seconded by Gary Wall. Motion was tie vote with Beth Rodd and George Cilley yes, Peter Fenton and Gary Wall no. Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised she had talked with the Attorney today, and four members constitute a quorum.
This Article will be on hold until the February 1, 2011 to be reconsidered.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised the Budget Committee does not need to vote on Articles 10, 11 or 12.
Article 13: No money involved, no concern for Budget Committee.
Article 14 To see if the town will raise and appropriate the sum of One Hundred Thousand dollars ($100,000.) for the design of Bridge #161/145 on Breezy Hill Road.
This will be a non lapsing appropriation until the money is spent or December 31, 2016.
Majority Vote Required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Motion was made by George Cilley to accept Article 14 as written. Seconded by Gary Wall. Motion carried Unanimously.
Article 15: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the selectmen to enter into a seven year lease/purchase agreement for Three Hundred and Sixty Four Thousand seven hundred thirty nine dollars ($364,739.00) for a grader and backhoe loader for the Highway Department and to raise and appropriate the sum of Sixty Thousand and Eighty Five dollars ($60,085) for the first year’s payment. This agreement contains a fiscal funding clause (escape clause). Passage of this article will cause Article 16, 17, 18, 19 to be withdrawn and Article 22 to be reduced to Ten Thousand dollars ($10,000.00) Majority Vote required. Selectmen Unanimously recommend.
Gary Wall, Chair suggested Articles 16, 17, 18, and 19 be gone over and discussed.
Peter Fenton, Selectmen Representative advised they did want to put as many options as they could. Discussion ensued. Peter Fenton advised the interest rate when the two pieces of equipment are purchased at the same time is considerably less, but the fixed rate cannot be given until the actual purchase.
Jon Marden as CIP committee member was questioned why the committee did not address the grader by Gary Wall, Chair. Jon advised money. To be addressed this year threw it out of line. Jon Marden also advised the CIP was not aware of the $36,000 for repairs.
Motion was made by Peter Fenton, seconded by Gary Wall to approve Article 15 as written. Beth Rodd abstained. George Cilley voted no. Peter Fenton and Gary Wall voted yes. Motion carried 2-1.
Articles 16: To see if the town will vote to authorize the selectmen to enter into a seven year lease/purchase agreement for Ninety Two Thousand Thirty Four dollars ($92,034.00) for a backhoe loader for the Highway Department and to raise and appropriate the sum of Sixteen Thousand Two Hundred dollars ($16,200.00) for the first year’s payment. This agreement contains a fiscal funding clause (escape clause).
Majority vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Motion was made by Peter Fenton to accept Article 16 as written. Seconded by Gary Wall. Beth Rodd abstained. Motion carried 3-0.
Article 17: To see if the town will vote to authorize the selectmen to enter into a seven year lease/purchase agreement for Two Hundred Seventy Two Thousand Seven Hundred and Five dollars ($272,705.00) for a grader for the Highway Department and to raise and appropriate the sum of Forty Three Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty Five dollars ($43,885.00) for the first year’s payment. This agreement contains a fiscal funding clause (escape clause). If this article passes article 19 will be withdrawn. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Peter Fenton, interjected that if these two pieces of equipment are approved separately, it will cost more than if the other Article is approved.
Motion was made by Peter Fenton to accept Article 17 as written. Seconded by Gary Wall. Beth Rodd abstained. George Cilley and Gary Wall voted no. Peter Fenton voted yes. Motion defeated 2-1.
Article 18: To see if the town will vote to authorize the selectmen to enter into a purchase agreement for Ninety Two Thousand Thirty Four dollars ($92,034.00) for a backhoe loader for the Highway Department and to raise and appropriate that sum. Funds in the amount of Eighty Three Thousand dollars ($83,000.00) will be withdrawn from the Highway Heavy Equipment Capital Reserve and the remaining Nine Thousand and Thirty Four dollars ($9,034.00) to be raised by taxation. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
There was much discussion between the Budget Committee and public.
Motion was made by Peter Fenton, seconded by Gary Wall to accept Article 18 as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Article 19: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate Thirty Six Thousand dollars ($36,000.00) for the repair of the Town grader. This will be a non lapsing appropriation and will continue until December 2016 or until the money is expended. If Article 15 or Article 17 passes this article will be withdrawn. Majority Vote required. Selectmen Unanimously recommend.
Question was asked why is this non lapsing and Peter Fenton explained that it may not take all the money to fix what is needed now. Jack Meaney advised the amount from a month ago was stated at $33,000.00.
Motion was made by Peter Fenton, seconded by Gary Wall to accept Article 19 as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Article 20: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Eleven Thousand dollars ($11,000.00) for dust control. This will be a non lapsing appropriation and will continue until December 2016 or until the money is expended. Majority vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Gary Wall stated that this is something that has never been done in town, and times are tough. We are looking for lots of money; I do not think this is the time to bring another cost into our budget.
It was stated that this will be to treat any gravel roads and is purchased in conjunction with other towns with cooperative buying. By doing this, it saves wear and tear on the grader and trucks, and helps to not have to re-gravel the roads.
West Road is particularly in need of attention.
Motion was made by George Cilley, Seconded by Peter Fenton to accept Article 20 as written. Gary Wall voted no. Motion carried 3-1.
Article 21: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Forty Eight Thousand dollars ($48,000.00) to chip seal East Washington Road. This will be a non lapsing appropriation and will continue until December 2016 or until the money is expended. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Jon Marden questioned if this is something that has come up since August, as it was not included in the questionnaires set out for the CIP.
Jack Meaney explained chip sealing is like a tar emulsion, then they put small stones in it, helping to keep water from seeping through the asphalt.
Motion was made by Peter Fenton and Seconded by Gary Wall to accept Article 21 as written. Motion carried unanimously.
At this time a five minute break was taken.
Article 22: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) to fund the Highway Heavy Equipment Capital Reserve.
If Article 15 is passed, this Article will be reduced to Ten Thousand dollars ($10,000.00)
Majority Vote required. Selectmen recommend unanimously.
Motion was made by Beth Rodd and Seconded by George Cilley to accept Article 22 as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Article 23: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty Four Thousand Dollars ($24,000.00) to purchase a new police cruiser. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Peter Fenton advised he has talked with the Chief of Police, and this amount would cover the cost of transferring equipment over from one vehicle to the new one. All or four wheel drive vehicle was discussed and Chief Valiquet advised it should not be put into the rotation of cruisers. A new model is coming out in 2012, and all new equipment would need to be purchased, making an added expense.
Motion was made by George Cilley, Seconded by Beth Rodd to accept Article as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Article 24: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand ($5,000.00) to be placed in the Snow, Salt and Fuel emergency capital reserve.
Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Motion made by Beth Rodd to accept Article 24 as written. Seconded by George Cilley.
Motion carried unanimously.
Article 25: To see if the town will raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) for Asphalt Road repair and shimming. This is a non lapsing appropriation and will continue until December 31, 2016 or until used. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Motion by George Cilley to accept Article 25 as written. Seconded by Beth Rodd.
Motion carried unanimously.
Article 26: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) to be placed in the Bridge Repair Capital Reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Motion was made by George Cilley to accept Article 26 as written. Beth Rodd seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Article 27: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) for the Ambulance Capital Reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Motion was made by Beth Rodd to accept Article 27 as written. Seconded by George Cilley. Motion carried unanimously.
Article 28: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) for the Town Facilities Capital Reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Motion was made by Beth Rodd to accept Article 28 as written. Seconded by George Cilley. Motion carried unanimously.
Article 29: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for the “Emergency” Repair of Town Buildings Capital Reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Peter Fenton, Selectmen Representative advised Article 29 needs to be edited and the word Emergency needs to be added into the above Article.
Motion was made by Beth Rodd to accept Article 29 as written with the edit. Motion seconded by Gary Wall. Motion carried unanimously.
Article 30: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) for the Fire Dept. Heavy Equipment Capital Reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Motion was made by George Cilley to accept Article 30 as written. Seconded by Beth Rodd. Motion carried unanimously.
Article 31: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate Ten Thousand Dollars ($10.000.00) to be placed in the Communications Capital Reserve Fund. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Gary Wall questioned Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief if there is any idea of the cost by the time this has been done by January 2013. Between the Fire Dept. and Highway Dept. it could be around sixty to sixty five thousand dollars in two years is just an estimate.
Motion was made by George Cilley to accept Article 31 as written. Seconded by Peter Fenton. Motion carried unanimously.
Article 32: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) to fund the revaluation capital reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Motion was made by George Cilley to accept Article 32 as written. Seconded by Beth Rodd. Motion carried unanimously.
Article 33: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for the Fire Dept. Building Repair Capital Reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Motion was made by George Cilley to accept Article 33 as written. Seconded by Peter Fenton. Motion carried unanimously.
Article 35: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) to be deposited in the Main Street Sidewalk Improvements Capital Reserve. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Peter Fenton, Selectman Representative advised this is for the second phase and money is needed if Grant money is approved.
Motion was made by George Cilley to accept Article 35 as written. Seconded by Peter Fenton. Motion carried unanimously.
Article 36: This Article will be re-visited next week.
Article 37: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for the Gravestone Repair Expendable Trust. Majority Vote required. Selectmen unanimously recommend.
Motion was made by Peter Fenton to accept Article 37 as written. Seconded by Beth Rodd. Motion carried unanimously.
Article 39: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Two Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($2,750.00) for the Bradford Newbury Sutton Youth Sports. Majority Vote required. Selectmen recommend – two yes votes and one abstain (Meaney)
Motion was made by Beth Rodd to accept Article 39 as written. Seconded by George Cilley. Motion carried unanimously.
Article 40: To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Thousand ($5,000.00) for the Boat launch. Majority Vote required.
No Vote taken at this time. Looking for more description.
Public Hearing date has been set for:
Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at the Town Hall at 7:00pm
It was stated that the Budget Committee still has a 1% Budget still in place.
The next meeting of the Budget Committee will be: Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 7:00pm.
Meeting Adjourned 8:35pm
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary