JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE AND SELECT BOARD MINUTES
January 16, 2018
Meeting called to order at 5:32 pm by Beth Downs.
Members Present
Beth Downs, Chair; Chris Mock; Claire James; Michael James; Dave Nunnally (5:34); John Pfeifle, Selectman; Jim Bibbo, Selectman; Sonny Harris (5:46), Selectman; Karen Hambleton, Town Administrator
Members Absent
Kathy Rodgers
Also in Attendance
Mark Goldberg, Carl Goldberg, Barry Wheeler
Complete the Review of Proposed Capital Projects/Reserve Requests and CIP:
Barry Wheeler, Road Agent, asked why the Budget Committee was in favor of removing the $120,000 warrant article for Road Work. It was explained that this was to help fund other needs now and that if the Town followed the CIP, there would be more funding for roads in the following years.
The CIP proposes mothballing the Town Hall project (given the nearly $1 million needed to complete the first floor) and putting money into Capital Reserves to fund the project in future years. There was much discussion of the pros and cons about this idea, including the deed restrictions on both the Town Hall property and the BACC property. The group also discussed the best way to purchase things.
The question was raised as to when the Town really needs to purchase a new pumper. Mark Goldberg, Fire Chief, was able to explain the NFPA requirements for equipment and indicated that 25 years was the recommended maximum. The cost of a new one is approximately $475,000.
Michael motioned that the Budget Committee adopt Year 1 (2018) of the CIP as the Budget Committee recommendations for this year’s warrant articles. Dave seconded and the motion passed with 4 in favor and 2 opposed.
There was discussion about the proposed $15,000 warrant for the Calcium Chloride (dust control) spreader.
The group set Public Hearing dates for February 1st and 15th. (Note: These dates were later revised via email such that the Public Hearings will be held on February 13th and 26th.)
There was no additional public input.
As there was no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting adjourned 7:11.
Minutes submitted by Karen Hambleton.