Minutes of
Litchfield Budget Committee Meeting
Held on October 11, 2007
Present: B Spencer (Vice Chairman), R Peeples (Selectman’s Rep.), B McCue, J Harte, P Parker, C Couture
Absent: Chairman Lemire, M Falzone and D Miller
Mr. Spencer called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
There were no members of the public in attendance.
MOTION: by Mr. J Harte
Move to approve the minutes of the Litchfield Budget Committee meeting on September 27th, 2007 as written
SECOND: Mr. B McCue
VOTE: 5-0-1 (C Couture abstained)
Town Meeting (A/C 4130.30)
Discussion on this account was deferred until the next meeting
Cable Committee (A/C 4589)
Mr. R. Pentheny presented the budget for the account. Mr. Harte clarified that PEG contracted services were for bringing someone in to help but that no-one was hired.
He pointed out that most items were level funded from last year.
Line item 740 (Equipment Purchases for PEG stations): It was explained the Cable Committee were trying to get the Town Hall configured and that was what the $20,000 was to cover. Selectman Peeples asked if both rooms were covered for this amount and Mr. Pentheny stated the price was for one room, but that he will try to eliminate some equipment and do both rooms.
It was clarified for Mr. Spencer there is money in reserve which comes to around $4,000, but some will be spent in the next few months.
Mr. Harte clarified the PEG fee goes into the General Fund and Mr. Pentheny explained about the franchise and PEG fees. There followed a discussion in which Selectman Peeples explained there is usually some left over as Revenue and Mr. McCue was told the cable contract would be reviewed again in 5 or 6 years. The Committee also discussed problems with the feed to Comcast and how the Budget Committee could help the Cable Committee complete the work they wish to perform. Mr. Spencer stated it was his opinion that he would make the school room a priority rather than the Town Hall, and Mrs. Couture explained an additional person would be required to set each room up also as the room at the school is used as a classroom. A discussion about the difficulties of getting assistance in the evenings followed, with examples being given of how other communities operate to overcome this type of problem. Mr. Spencer stated line item 302 (PEG Contracted Services) could be used as a stipend rather than full time position.
Mr. Spencer polled the members to see if they wished to vote this evening on this account. Mr. Harte stated he would like more information on the money for the equipment as he was unwilling to support the request if it were only for the Town Hall. Mr. Harte brought up the possibility of assistance from the HS students, with Selectman Peeples suggesting internships. There was consensus among the members that both rooms should be done satisfactorily, with Mr. Spencer suggesting the Committee waited to vote to give the Cable Committee the opportunity to revise the budget and come back with a firmer figure to the Board of Selectmen for discussion and the Budget Committee would look at the account again in two weeks. There was also discussion regarding whether the money for line item 302 was as a result of a warrant article or not and which line item could be used for stipends.
Health Agencies (A/C4415)
Selectman Peeples presented the budget. Mr. Spencer clarified the Board had taken the 2007 budget and increased it by 10%. There was a brief discussion on the work the various agencies do in the Town and the decision by the Board of Selectmen to remove the request by the American Red Cross.
MOTION: Selectman Peeples
To move a bottom line of $11,495 for the 2008 Budget for account 4415, Health Agencies
SECOND: Mr. J Harte
VOTE: 6-0-0
The motion carried unanimously.
Contingency (A/C 4199)
Selectman Peeples stated he had no comments to make on this account. Mr. Harte clarified that it appeared nothing has been spent, but this is due to moving funds from one area to another. It was pointed out the Board of Selectmen thought it prudent to increase the fund due to the catastrophes over the last two years. Mr. Spencer pointed out the Budget Committee would not wish to see the situation which occurred last year happening again. Selectman Peeples agreed and stated they would probably not need to use the fund if they stay on track. Mr. Spencer clarified for the benefit of Mr. Parker that the money goes into the General Fund if it is not spent by the end of the year. The members agreed to vote on this account this evening.
MOTION: Selectman Peeples
To move a bottom line of $35,000 for the 2008 Budget for account 4199, Contingency Expenses
SECOND: Mr. B McCue
VOTE: 6-0-0
The motion carried unanimously.
Legal (A/C 4153)
Selectman Peeples presented the budget, stating there has been an increase in retainers, and that there have been some significant legal expenses this year on negotiations with union contracts.
Line item 327 (Collective Bargaining): It was pointed out there was nothing budgeted for next year and Mr. Spencer clarified the money spent this year has not yet shown up. There was some discussion on negotiation fees and how often these arise. It was clarified that most litigation costs related to the Zoning Board of Adjustment with Selectman Peeples providing an explanation and examples of when these arise. Further discussion took place regarding how the Town knows that their Town counsel is providing them with good advice. Mr. Spencer polled the members and they agreed to vote tonight on this account.
MOTION: Selectman Peeples
To move a bottom line of $72,600 for the 2008 Budget for account 4153, Legal Expenses
SECOND: Mr. B McCue
VOTE: 6-0-0
The motion carried unanimously.
Conservation Commission (A/C 4611)
Selectman Peeples presented the budget for this account.
Line item 330 (Property Management): It was explained that most of the money in this line will be spent on Moores Falls to maintain the trolley track as the Town is responsible for this. In response to Mr. Harte’s query regarding a quote for the repair, Selectman Peeples stated the Board had based this upon previous assistance received.
Line item 399 (Storm Water Management): Selectman Peeples stated they will need a lot more than what has been budgeted for as this is federally mandated and the Town needs to comply with the laws. He stated the Town should set aside a separate part of the budget to take care of the requirements, providing examples of the requirements, and he pointed out they cross so many parts of the budget.
Line item 740 (New Equipment): Mrs. Couture asked what the $300 was for and pointed out it looked like there was a zero request in this line and the Board of Selectmen had added the amount.
Action: Selectman Peeples stated he would obtain an answer on this as he was unsure why the Board had added the money to this line.
The Budget Committee agreed to vote on this account next week.
Planning Board (A/C 4191.10)
Discussion on this account was deferred until the next meeting
Zoning Board of Adjustment (A/C # 4191.30)
MOTION: by Selectman Peeples
Move to set a bottom line of $4,549 for the 2008 Budget for account 4191.30, Zoning Board of Adjustment
SECOND: Mr. J Harte
Discussion: Mr. Harte queried whether line item 125 was over funded if a decision has yet to be made as to who would perform the duties when Ms. Durocher retires. Selectman Peeples explained the duties may be rolled into the Selectmen Administrator position.
MOTION: by Mr. B McCue
Move to amend line item 125 (Secretary-Clerk Wages) to $750 for account 4191.30, Zoning Board of Adjustment
SECOND: Mr. J Harte
VOTE: 5-1-0 (Selectman Peeples opposed the motion)
The motion carried.
MOTION: by Mr. J Harte
Move to amend line item 328 (Public Notices & Ads) to $750 for account 4191.30, Zoning Board of Adjustment
SECOND: Mr. B McCue
VOTE: 5-1-0 (Selectman Peeples opposed the motion)
The motion carried.
MOTION: Mr. B McCue
Move to amend line item 344 (Secretarial Services) to $1,000 for account 4191.30, Zoning Board of Adjustment
SECOND: Mr. J Harte
Discussion: Selectman Peeples explained the Zoning Board of Adjustment had a few meetings this year where there was no quorum and the amount spent was artificially low. Mr. Spencer noted 1,000
VOTE: 5-1-0 (Selectman Peeples opposed the motion)
The motion carried
MOTION: by Mr. B McCue
Move to set a new bottom line of $3,749 for the 2008 Budget for account 4191.30, Zoning Board of Adjustment
SECOND: Mr. J Harte
VOTE: 5-1-0 (Selectman Peeples opposed the motion)
The motion carried
Parks & Recreation (A/C 4520)
MOTION: by Selectman Peeples
Move to set a bottom line of $88,476 for the 2008 Budget for account 4520, Parks and Recreation
SECOND: Mr. J Harte
MOTION: by Mr. B McCue
Move to amend line item 126 (Custodian Wages) to $5,000 in account 4520.60, Maintenance of Recreational Facilities
SECOND: Mr. J Harte
VOTE: 5-1-0 (Selectman Peeples opposed the motion)
The motion carried
In response to a query from Mr. Harte about water rates, Selectman Peeples stated the rates have increased.
MOTION: by Mr. B Spencer
Move to amend line item 125 (Groundskeeper Wages) to $5,000 in account 4520.20, Maintenance of Parks
SECOND: Mr. J Harte
Mr. Spencer explained his justification for the amendment was that they consistently do not spend what they budget for in this line.
VOTE: 5-1-0 (Selectman Peeples opposed the motion)
The motion carried
MOTION: by Mr. J Harte
Move to amend line item 442 (Trash Container Services) to $4,500 in account 4520.60, Maintenance of Recreational Facilities
SECOND: Mr. B McCue
Mr. Harte explained his rationale for suggesting the amendment was he felt a 40% increase over last year was too much
VOTE: 5-1-0 (Selectman Peeples opposed the motion)
The motion carried
MOTION: by Mr. J Harte
Move to set a new bottom line of $85,733 for the 2008 Budget for account 4520, Parks and Recreation
SECOND: Mr. B McCue
VOTE: 5-1-0 (Selectman Peeples opposed the motion)
The motion carried
Library (A/C 4550)
MOTION: by Selectman Peeples
Move to set a bottom line of $163,130 in the 2008 budget for account 4550, Library
SECOND:Mr. J Harte for discussion
Discussion: Selectman Peeples confirmed the Board of Selectmen did not make any changes to this account. Mr. Harte raised the matter of the salary information and how the figures were computed and a discussion took place on grades. Several members of the Committee agreed there was insufficient information to enable them to make a salary comparison. Mr. McCue suggested Ms. Varick be asked to come before the Committee and explain the information contained in the salary study she had provided prior to voting on the bottom line. Selectman Peeples clarified the salary study was not an official study, but had been put together by librarians.
MOTION: by Mr. J Harte
Move to table voting on the bottom line for account 4550, Library
SECOND:Mr. P Parker
VOTE: 6-0-0
The motion carried unanimously.
Action: Mr. Spencer asked Ms. Durocher to arrange for Ms. Varick to attend the next meeting.
.
Town Treasury (A/C 4150.50)
MOTION: by Selectman Peeples
Move to set a bottom line of $8,107 in the 2008 budget for account 4150.50, Treasury
SECOND: Mr. J Harte
VOTE: 6-0-0
The motion carried unanimously.
Mrs. Couture announced the retirement of Superintendent Hamblett in November. She explained the Board has contracted with Ms. Elaine Cutler from Windham/Pelham school district to act as interim Superintendent.
Mrs. Couture also confirmed the Board is working on the school budgets, explaining the process and that they are still at the beginning of the process.
Selectman Peeples stated all the server equipment has been installed at the Town Hall and the T1 lines are expected next week.
He stated they are still waiting for the Army Corp of Engineers to weigh in on permits for Brickyard.
In response to Mr. Harte, Selectman Peeples confirmed that the work on Corning Road will not be done this year, but that the Town will attempt to award the contract this year so that the money can be encumbered for next year.
There being no further business, Mr. Spencer asked for a motion to adjourn.
MOTION: by Mr. J Harte
Move to adjourn the meeting
SECOND: Mr. B McCue
VOTE: 6-0-0
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
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