TOWN OF BRADFORD
BUDGET COMMITTEE
PUBLIC HEARING
MAY 9, 2008
7:00PMCall to Order and Roll Call:
Gary Wall, Jane Lucas, Charles Meany, Selectmen representative, Marlene Freyler, Chris Aiken present. Robert Stewart, Chair and Jack Meaney were absent.
In Robert Stewart’s absence, Jane Lucas opened the meeting at 7:15pm.
Jane Lucas, Acting Chair advised that Charles Meany would present the proposals the selectmen had previously reviewed.
Gary Wall suggested that the Budget Committee should first listen to the recommendations of the Selectmen by Charles Meany, make a decision, and then open up the meeting to the Public Hearing.
Charles Meany advised the Selectmen have reviewed the several proposals before them, and have motioned to approve a new metal building using the prices of the Sailer Co. from Warner. All bids that went out were made aware there will be volunteers involved. An itemized estimate of what the building will cost was presented. His total was two hundred ninety nine thousand eight hundred sixty six ($299,866.00) dollars. Currently in reserves is one hundred fifty ($150,000.00) dollars. The Selectmen have decided to raise the estimate for the total to include contingencies and hopefully any other things possibly necessary for completion of this building in an effective way, and to include contingencies such as to possibly moving salt sheds etc., should their be money permitted. Any money left over, goes back into the capital reserve fund. A balance to be raised is two hundred thousand ($200,000.00) dollars. On a five year note at two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) it would be $.19 per thousand of assessment. Also a possibility of a lease for this amount of money would then require a majority vote, as opposed to a 2/3 vote.
Charles Meany, in reply to a question suggested a project manager is not needed, but coordination of volunteers would work.
Gary Wall advised that this would be the first investment the town has actually made for itself for many years.
Motion was made by Gary Wall to accept the recommendation of the Selectmen to raise three hundred and fifty thousand ($350,000) dollars for the work to be done including the construction of a new building for town sheds, to be presented at the Special Town Meeting. Marlene Freyler seconded. Motion carried 4-1. Chris Aiken voted Nay.
Chris Aiken advised his problem is they are working with no plans. There is a dollar amount, but no plans. Do not know what will be found when they go to place the building where they want it, or tearing down buildings, or leaving buildings. He also suggested the public would be ugly if they ask for money now, then in March you ask for more to complete the project. Charles Meany advised nothing is being moved with the exception of the salt shed if there is money to move it.
Jane Lucas, Acting Chair opened the floor for the Public Hearing.
The public asked questions and offered opinions regarding the upcoming proposal for the Special Town Meeting.
Cheryl Behr advised the town really needs to do things incrementally.
The school has been reserved for the Special Town Meeting on June 3, 2008.
If we are not allowed the Special Town Meeting, the Selectmen will still hold their scheduled meeting that night.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised there are plans in place, as the metal buildings are pre-engineered. She also advised these plans have not undergone the scrutiny the other plans have due to the emergency type situation. Something is trying to be done for the employees that work there prior to next winter, trying to do this before the next town meeting only for that purpose.
In response to a question by Dave Pickman, Charles Meany advised requests for surveyors fees have been sent out in order to have the land at the town sheds surveyed. There is money for this, and the RFP are out and Selectmen are awaiting responses.
Charles Meany stated there will be an actual Site Plan, test pits, as a final plan prior to Town Meeting.
The Town Attorney has prepared a brief submitted to Superior Court which will be considered on May 27, 2008.
Chris Aiken requests the Selectmen have a Contingency plan for completion.
Jane Lucas, Acting Chair closed the Public Hearing and thanked those in attendance for coming to the meeting.
Adjourned 8:15pm
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary