Campton Conservation Commission

 Meeting Minutes

November 9, 2011; 7pm

 

Members Present: Jess Halm, Melissa Greenawalt-Yelle, Lea Stewart, Jane Kellogg, Tammy Wooster

Others present: Audrey Eisenhauer, Leigh Ann Reynolds

1)      October Minutes:

Lea made a motion to accept the October meeting minutes, Melissa seconded the motion and all were in favor.

2)      Land Management:

a)      PCP

i)                    Trail signs/paint

Melissa unveiled the sign that she hand lettered detailing the PCP land use policy. Everyone loved it and agreed that the custom lettering was a perfect fit for the sign rather than a more formal stenciled look. Discussion turned to planning a work day to install the new sign and paint some blazes on the new trail system. Materials needed include hardware, a drill and some paint. Both Jane and Melissa have leftover white sign paint which we will use for the blazes. Saturday, Nov 19^th at 9 am was set as the work day to take care of these tasks. Jess will also bring some ground flags which we will place along the Kidney/PCP boundary.

ii)                   CES use of PCP for Pumpkins

The CCC has received a request from the A+ program to use a 15’ X 30’ plot of the PCP property for a pumpkin patch as the school does not have a suitable place for one. The idea is for the kids to plant the pumpkins in the spring and then harvest the pumpkins for fall Jack-0-lanterns. A+ employee Arianne Fosdick, who also works at Longview Farm, will likely head up this project. All were enthusiastic about this idea and agreed that it would be nice to have a sign at the site explaining the project. Jess said that the lack of a water supply needs to be communicated and perhaps could be resolved with some rain barrels. Melissa will follow up with A+ on this.

b)      BWNA

i)                    Tree issues:

Jess and Ian Halm recently checked out some trees that both Jules and Jane reported as being potentially hazardous. Both trees are south of the driveway and fall within the DOT right of way. In Ian’s view they would be complicated and costly to fell and his recommendation is to wait it out and let nature take its course. Ian also thought that we may want to alert DOT since ultimately it is their responsibility.  A third problematic tree was recently brought to the CCC’s attention by someone from The Red Sleigh property. The tree is leaning toward some buildings but in Ian’s opinion is not an imminent danger. Ian will let us know when he will return to cut the tree so we can help with removal. Lastly, Ian and Jess were able to cut and remove the rotten log from the second bridge stream and redirect the stream so that the bank is no longer being undercut.

ii)                   Whitten Property:

Jane will be visiting the property soon to make a quick check on the progress of the project.

3)      Miscellaneous Old Business:

a)      Roadside cleanup:

On October 22^nd CCC members completed the second Adopt-a Highway Cleanup of the year.

b)      NHACC recap:

Tammy attended the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions annual conference on November 5th, and gave a summary of some of the workshops. One session titled “Make Your Voice Heard, How to Influence Lawmaking” described the legislative process of how a bill becomes law and provided strategies for supporting or opposing a bill. The attorney who presented the information used SB381 as an example which is the warrant article the CC hopes to bring forth to the town this spring.

Another session titled Conservation Easements from a Landowners Perspective was also presented by an attorney. Tammy came away with hard copies of the most up to date information on easement law for the CCC library. In a third workshop Tammy learned that the next round of Aquatic Resource Mitigation funds will be announced in March of 2012. The fund for the Pemi watershed has approx. $150,000 to date. CC members will continue to be thinking of potential sites for funding in Campton.

Other information Tammy shared was the formation of a new group called New Hampshire Association of Natural Resource Scientists (NHANRS) whose mission is to promote the responsible use of natural resources and the natural resource science professions as well as to represent the diverse public private and educational interests of its membership. Membership benefits include networking with the leading natural resource scientists in the state, access to technical articles, updates on regulation changes and participation in hands on workshops in the disciplines of wetland and soil science, wildlife and forestry. Conservation Commissions may join for a $20 fee. All agreed to take this up when discussing our 2012 budget.

Lastly, Tammy learned of an e-mail that went out to CC’s statewide from NHACC director Carol Andrews. Carol alerted NH CC’s that the 2012 Legislative service requests were just posted and there are four that may affect the work that CC’s do. Carol will be looking for town CC representatives to testify at public hearings at the state house. Tammy will follow up with Carol and keep the commission updated as she learns more.

c)       10/17 Select Board Meeting recap:

4 of the 5 Select Board members were present at the Oct 17^th meeting, at which CC members presented their case for moving forward with the 2012 warrant article which was tabled at last year’s town meeting. All agreed that it was a productive conversation and were glad that the Select Board expressed their support. At the end of the meeting it was agreed that a January public hearing date would be appropriate. The Select Board offered to combine the public hearing with their regular business meeting to be held at the Historical Society. The next step for the commission is to begin preparation for a public hearing and a date of Nov. 30^th was set for a work session at 7pm at the town office. Tammy added that the minutes from the Oct 17^th Select Board meeting had not yet been posted.

4)      Audrey Eisenhauer/Rey Center-BWNA:

Audrey Eisenhauer and Leigh Ann Reynolds from the Rey Center joined us to discuss a proposal for a new summer program idea. Audrey had e-mailed a copy of the proposal before our meeting, and began by saying how much she loves the BWNA and enjoys spending time there. The Rey Center proposes to partner with the CCC on offering “Curiosity Club for Families”nature exploration programs during July and August 2012 at the BWNA. Programs would be led by knowledgeable Rey Center staff members and be designed to engage families in exploring and discovering the diversity of natural communities at the Blair Woodlands. Programs would consist of guided hands on explorations of forest, vernal pools, river, shoreline, natural history and human history. Audrey went on to say that she sees the program as an opportunity for local families to learn about this unique property which she hopes will lead these families to care about and for this local resource.

The conversation turned to funding and Audrey said that the Rey Center is requesting compensation of a flat fee of $500 to lead eight of these programs.  The Rey Center will provide needed materials and supplies for each program and will cover travel costs for staff members to travel to BWNA. The Rey Center would also promote the program through their regular channels.

Jess said that she was aware that the Rey Center was trying to Branch out from Waterville Valley and it would be great for BWNA to be the first place chosen for this endeavor. She also felt that CCC collaboration on this project was definitely in keeping with its mission. Jane added that the original BWNA property donor Leah Gray’s fondest wish was for people to appreciate the area and she would likely be ecstatic about the idea. All agreed that this is a tremendous opportunity to promote BWNA, but funding specifics would have to be considered. The idea of finding sponsors to fund the program was discussed, rather than using CCC funds, and Jess pointed out that our budget was an upcoming agenda item.

Audrey and Leigh Ann thanked the commission and said that they looked forward to discussing the proposal further after CC members had time to consider it as a group. They then left the meeting.

5)      2011/2012 Budgeting:

The 2011 budget was briefly reviewed and it was noted that there was a balance of $172 in the Conference/Education line item. Jess made a motion to approve spending $120 for the reprinting of 300 groundwater brochure copies. Jane seconded the motion and all were in favor. Lea made a motion to approve spending $20 for CCC membership in the NH Association of Natural Resource Scientists. Melissa seconded the motion and all were in favor. Tammy will take care of securing registration. $32 is the remaining balance in the budget which will go back to the town.

In discussing the 2012 budget all agreed that in general we would try and keep it the same as this year. In revisiting the subject of funding the new Rey Center proposal consensus was to look for alternate sources such as sponsors. The question of whose job it would be to find sponsors was raised as well as the timeline for unveiling the project.

6)      FYI:

Tammy reported that she created a document with updated CCC member information including term expirations which she obtained from Ann Marie. A copy of the document will reside in the CC file and an electronic copy was sent to Beverly Chappell for web posting.

Tammy reported that in reviewing Select Board minutes she read that Butch Bain and Charlie Brosseau were to meet at Kevin Rogers’s property to view ongoing silt and erosion problems that had been worsened by TS Irene.

 Meeting adjourned: 9:10pm

Next meeting: Wed., Dec 14^th 2011; 7pm

 

Respectfully submitted,

Tammy Wooster  

Town Building Committee Meeting

November 3, 2011, 6:30 p.m.

Campton Town Office

In attendance:  Kelly Bolger, Sharon Davis, Marsh Morgan, Cliff Barber, Dan Bergeron, Martha Aguiar, and Dede Joyce

Kelly opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.  The minutes of the previous meeting were approved at written.  Kelly noted that he and Sharon had visited the offices of Dennis Mires after our last meeting to discuss potential changes to their original proposal.  Dennis and Steve Peach were present to review possible revisions.  Dan Bergeron asked if any structural changes could be made during construction.  We could make recommendations.

It was noted that there’s currently a half million dollars in the bank for this project.  The bond rates are at an all-time low.   It’s a good time to move forward with this project.

Dennis and Steve reviewed some of the proposed modifications to their original architectural drawings.  They do not want to lose any critical elements.  Doing away with the geothermal option will eliminate the need for additional wells.  A boiler will need to be added.  They noted the market is somewhat stable but the bidding process is still about 4 months out.  It would be great to bond under a million dollars.  There’s not just one big thing that will bring the total cost of the project down.  We’re looking at many little things.  The project would still qualify for energy grants—rebates on light fixtures, etc.  The meeting room area was discussed.  The size should remain as is with a moving dividing wall ($15,000 approx. cost).  This space will be for town use as well as the fire department meeting needs.

Other smaller items to change could include:

–changing the vestibule mat from recessed to flat

–decrease the number of kitchen cupboards

–eliminate the cupola shaft; keep a false cupola on top with an LED lamp

–roof options—shingles/metal/copper

–pantry shelving—do ourselves (do not include in construction)

–linoleum vs. composition tile—could be downgraded but could result in more maintenance

–ceramic tile in bathrooms—maybe use VCT and semi-gloss paint on walls

–reflected ceiling plan—acoustics–tile prices vary dramatically.  Sound blocking, etc.  We could save money here as the original plans were specified on the higher end.

–wrapping the building—cement clapboard vs. vinyl siding—life expectancy is still good

–asphalt shingles—50-yr vs. 30-yr shingles

–reduce size of windows—not recommended; changed to made-in-America window package

–wall assembly—high performing shell—could reduce some costs here

–there could be some savings in the truss system

–full slab insulation—delete under slab

–vault—on-site vs. off-site discussed

The mechanical and electrical plans were reviewed in relation to some of the proposed changes.

Getting a construction manager (CM) on duty early was discussed.  The CM would be selected based on fees, references, etc.  The architects would work with the CM to put the project out to bid.  The pre-construction process was reviewed.  Firms to participate in the bidding may include Dullemack, Cobb Hill, CCI, Milestone, Northbranch, etc.  Interview those who look good on paper.  Dennis will get a letter of invitation sent to Kelly then they would send it out with a set of drawings to potential firms to be due back before Thanksgiving.

The committee will plan to meet again on Nov. 22^nd.

This meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

 

Dede Joyce

 

SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES For DECEMBER 12, 2011

The Board of Selectmen met for their weekly meeting at 6:30 p. m. at the Campton Town Office.  Present were, Selectmen, Charles Wheeler, Sharon Davis, Craig Keeney, and Marsh Morgan.  Selectman Cheney arrived shortly after the meeting began.  The Board signed the manifest and reviewed the bills.  They signed 1 Notice of Intent to Cut, 1 letter to Grafton County Commissioners and 1Tax Abatement.

Members of the public who were present at the meeting, but not on the agenda were Marie Hixson, Lucy Burton, Heather Mclean, George Wright and Kelly Bolger.

At 6:45 p.m. Chair Davis called the meeting to order and called on Mike Scala, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte’s Special Assistant for Casework and Projects.  Mr. Scala explained that Senator Ayotte has elected to have a representative visit every Town in New Hampshire on her behalf to get feedback from the public.  The Board voiced their opposition to Northern Pass and discussed with Mr. Scala the issues concerning their objection which centered on eminent domain, the route of Northern Pass going straight through the Landfill and the fact that the economy has not recovered in New Hampshire. The Board expressed that the Northern Pass Project would delay recovery even further.

Chair Davis then opened the discussion with Mr. Scala to the public.  George Wright further discussed issues concerning Northern Pass and legislation centering on eminent domain.  Heather Mclean discussed the importance of objecting to Northern Pass and stopping this project; however she expressed a general feeling of the public losing faith in government when the issues of Northern Pass are presented. Mr. Scala explained that Senator Ayotte is opposed to Northern Pass and he assured the Board and the public that Senator Ayotte would be made aware of concerns discussed this evening and he would get back to George Wright on specific issues that he discussed.

Chair Davis then called on Marie Hixon who explained that she was here this evening representing Grafton County Snowmobile Club, (GCSC) a non profit organization.  Marie stated that the GCSC is asking for continued financial support from the U.S. government and she is specifically presenting this request this evening to Senator Kelly Ayotte for support. Marie explained that she has previously discussed the importance of continued financial support with Senator Ayotte while she was recently in Washington.  Marie explained if government support is discontinued, the organization will be crippled.  Marie explained that the GCSC brings recreation and a large amount of revenue to the State of New Hampshire; however the expenses are numerous for equipment to maintain the trails throughout the area; hence, the need for continued government support.

Ann Marie expressed to Mr. Scala the importance Senator Ayotte’s support for the proposed bill to lower the payroll tax.  Ann Marie expressed her concern that working individuals cannot afford any more tax increases out of their paycheck.

The Board thanked Mr. Scala for coming, and Mr. Scala expressed his appreciation for the “good feedback”.

Chair Davis then called for a Motion to approve the Minutes of the last meeting and the Emergency Meeting on December 6, 2011.  After revisions made by Selectman Morgan to the regular Meeting Minutes, a Motion was then made by Selectman Wheeler to approve the Minutes as revised, and the Emergency Meeting Minutes as written.  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan and both sets of Minutes were unanimously approved.

Chair Davis then called upon Ann Marie to review correspondence.  Ann Marie stated an October 2011 Nor’easter booklet was received from Public Service of NH informing the public about the work they performed during the October storm.

The Campton Historical Society (CHS) provided a copy of the Articles of Agreement which were prepared by the CHS and Ann Marie commented on how well organized the document was written and that the CHS need to be commended for a job well done.

The Town of Sugar Hill sent a letter acknowledging their opposition to the Northern Pass Project (NPP).  A survey was also sent pertaining to what has been done in our area to oppose the NPP; any future plans and information about how future plans would be instituted.

Dennis Mires, P.A. sent an updated bill for services regarding the proposed new Town Office Building.  Ann Marie indicated that she would like someone to review the bill for approval before it is paid.  It was decided that Kelly Bolger, Chairman of the Building Committee will review the bill.

Ann Marie indicated that the Community Action Report was received from State DRA Monitor, Sam Greene.  It was reported to Ann Marie that Commerford Nieder Perkins LLC did a good job and there were “no substantive error rates” reported by Sam Greene.  Ann Marie also expressed that it was indicated that Jason Bickford is doing a fine job collecting data.

Plodzik & Sanderson, PA, Town Auditors forwarded information pertaining to “Fund Balance Policy” and Ann Marie proceeded to read to the Board the five categories of Fund Balance classifications in accordance with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 54, “Fund Balance Reporting and Government Fund Type Definitions”.

A copy of a letter was received from the NH Local Government Center to 3-G Construction enclosing a check in the amount of $29,367.50 which serves as the final payment for all services rendered regarding the repair of the Blair Bridge from damage caused by storm Irene.

Ann Marie indicated that the Conservation Commission has requested to have a Public Hearing on January 30, 2012, (along with the Board’s regularly scheduled Selectmen’s Meeting) to present the Conservation Easement to the public which was previously discussed with the Board.  The Board agreed to the January 30, 2012 date and Ann Marie will see if the Campton Historical Society building is available.

Additional information and a bill were received from Hoyle, Tanner Associates, Inc. regarding the Blair Bridge Project.  Ann Marie will submit to Matt Moore for review.

Ann Marie indicated that she was able to determine that funds from the George V. Durgin Trust may be used from the Trust for the Fire Department renovations and she discussed this option with Mary Durgin.  Mary Durgin expressed that she has no problem with that being done.  The Board then discussed the fact that they would like Laura Spector, Town Attorney’s opinion on labor law with reference to whether or not Firemen sleeping at the Station rather than waiting for a call at home have to be paid. The Board assured Kelly Bolger, Fire Commissioner that they were unanimously in support of the renovations; however, they did not want to have any issues arise involving the Labor Department.

Hannah Joyce, Town Clerk Tax Collector provided a copy of a letter she sent to Brown’s River Marotti Co. commending the company on the spectacular job done restoring Town Reports and Inventory.

Ann Marie indicated that she received her Certificate of Completion from the Local Government Center Academy for a course pertaining to “Financial Account Reconciliation” that she attended.  She also indicated that she will be able to get Town reimbursement for the $100.00 book that was purchased for the course, but not used.

Ann Marie distributed to the Board ballots and encouraged the Board to vote for the Campton Corner Cupboard Food Pantry Christmas tree which is on display at the “Festival of Trees” at the Common Man Inn & Spa.  Voting ends January 1, 2012 and the public is also invited to vote at the Common Man Inn & Spa, in Plymouth.

Ann Marie indicated that the class presented by Chief Warn with the Heads of Departments went well and Chief Warn did a good job.  Chief Warn will also be providing Ann Marie with Self Evaluation forms.

Ann Marie distributed to the Board updated 2011 Budget information to be placed in the Board’s notebooks.  Certain line items were discussed pertaining to fuel and the need to increase the amount for road signs as size specifications are being revised so all road signs will need replacing.  There was discussion concerning radio communication equipment and Ann Marie stated that Butch Bain will be coming in to discuss this issue with the Board.  The approximate figure for this equipment is $8,000 to $10,000 as quoted by Butch.  Selectman Cheney suggested that Butch get a quote from Lily Ponds Communication as the Board felt the $8,000 to $10,000 figure was high.

Chair Davis then continued the meeting with Other Business – Selectmen’s Input.  Chair Davis distributed to a Board a spreadsheet on estimated 2012 Salary Percentage Increases to help assist in budgeting.  After review and discussion, Chair Davis called for a Motion to vote on the maximum percentage increase of Town employees, (after the Performance Evaluation is completed) to be no higher than 3.75%.  The Motion was made by Selectman Wheeler, and seconded by Selectman Morgan, and the maximum percentage of 3.75% was unanimously approved for the 2012 budget.  It was agreed by the Board that the Performance Evaluation be completed by January 16, 2012.  The Board also agreed to instruct Heads of Departments, while preparing their budget, to keep their payroll figures flat until after evaluations.

Chair Davis inquired if the Board would like to keep the payroll period weekly or to change to bi-weekly.  The Board unanimously agreed to keep the payroll period weekly.

Chair Davis called on Selectman Keeney who inquired as to how the four contractors were selected for interviewing for the Construction Manager position.  Chair Davis explained that two of the contractors were picked by the architect.  The other two contractors were contractors who applied when the original bid was put out in 2009.  Chair Davis stated that no public notice was put in the newspaper.  Selectman Keeney suggested “transparency” on all selection procedures regarding the new Town Office Building.  Chair Davis informed the Board that there will be a Building Committee Meeting at the school on Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. and everyone is welcome.

There being no further business, Chair Davis declared the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Eleanor M. Dewey,

Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator

 

SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES for NOVEMBER 14, 2011

The Board of Selectmen met for their weekly meeting at 6:30 p. m. at the Campton Town Office.  Present were, Selectmen, Charles Wheeler, Sharon Davis, Charles Cheney, Craig Keeney, and Marsh Morgan.  The Board signed the manifest and reviewed the bills.

A member of the public who was present at the meeting and not on the agenda was Will Lambert.

At 6:40 p.m. Chair Davis called the meeting to order, while waiting for some other people to arrive, Chair Davis called for a Motion to approve the Minutes and Non Public Minutes of the previous meeting.  After revisions by Selectman Morgan and Chair Davis, Selectman Morgan made a Motion to approve the Minutes as revised and approve the Non Public Minutes as written. The Motion was seconded by Selectman Wheeler and the revised Minutes and Non Public Minutes as written were unanimously approved.

Upon the arrival of an additional guest to take part in the Campton Farmers Market presentation (CFM), Chair Davis explained that the Campton Farmers Market was formed in 2010 with each vendor paying a vendor fee and having the understanding that if there were any monies available at the end of the season a donation would be contributed to the Campton Resource Center and the Campton Corner Pantry.  Chair Davis was happy to present a check in the amount of $100.00 to the Campton Resource Center and another $100.00 check to the Campton Corner Pantry. Present for this presentation were May Brosseau, representing the Campton Corner Pantry and Michelle Betts and Michelle Bilodeau, representing Campton Resource Center.  Chair Davis also introduced Steve Nelson who was a loyal vendor participant for the entire 20 weeks at the CFM and also owns a pastry business.  Chair Davis also introduced Martha Aguiar who worked hard as a volunteer at the CFM assisting in set up and breakdown.  Chair Davis also stated that Jim Aguiar was a very much-appreciated contributor to the CFM with his music and singing.  Pictures were taken this evening of the presentation and will be published in the newspaper.

Chair Davis then called on Tom Jantell of Squam Trail Busters who requested permission for Squam Trail Busters to have snowmobile access to the bridge on Eastern Corners Road.  After discussion by the Board and concerns resolved, it was agreed by the Board to authorize Squam Trail Busters access on to Eastern Corners Bridge. A Motion was then made by Selectman Wheeler to authorize Chair Sharon Davis to sign a Permission Form to provide Squam Trail Busters access commencing December 11, 2011 and end April 9, 2012. The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan and authorization was given to Chairman Sharon Davis to sign the Permission form was unanimously approved.  Tom Jantell also provided a signed agreement to the Town acknowledging that Squam Trail Busters will be responsible for any repair if damage is caused by snowmobiles or grooming equipment during the riding season.

Chair Davis then called on Ann Marie to review correspondence.  Ann Marie indicated that she received two quotes from W.B. Mason regarding a replacement copy machine for the Selectmen’s Office since the old copy machine (which was donated to the Town) is not repairable. Ann Marie explained that a color copier would be too costly to operate.  The black and white copier will accommodate 11” X 17” paper and has maintenance and supply costs of only $.02 per copy.  W.B. Mason has available a used copier for $750.00, or a new one could be purchased for $3,100.00.  The Board agreed to purchase the used copier for $750.00.

Ann Marie indicated that at the recent Loss Safety Meeting that Ellie attended, Butch Bain, Road Agent inquired if the Board would agree to pay for his staff to receive hepatitis shots.  Ann Marie is waiting to hear from R.J. Dragon as to possible insurance coverage for the shots, and she will check with Fire Chief Tobine as to how the Fire Department handles this issue.  It was also suggested by the Board that the Highway Department have gloves available to be used as precautionary measures.

Ann Marie reported that Butch Bain calculated approximately 20,000 miles of driving on the white Town truck and that approximately 5,000 of those miles were used for errands.  The Board previously discussed the possibility of having a small used vehicle available to the Highway Department to save on gas rather than using the large equipment all the time.  Selectman Morgan pointed out 5,000 miles are not enough miles to offset the cost of an additional vehicle.  After continued discussion, it was then agreed by the Board to have Butch Bain inquire about prices and availability of a vehicle at the White Farm.

Ann Marie explained that a letter was received from Flynn, Riedel & Young, Inc., Insurance Adjusters authorizing the second payment to 3-G Construction in the amount of $30,367.50 for the repair work to the Blair Bridged caused by Storm Irene.

Ann Marie also explained that she received a posting that will be placed in the newspaper by the Town of Thornton regarding recruitment for a committee to be formed (made up of volunteer residents from Thornton, Campton and Ellsworth) to be able to offer new ideas and recommendations for improvements and the possibility to continue service of the Mall at the Transfer Station.  Ann Marie explained that the goal of the committee would be to report to the Public on Town Meeting Day, 2012 ways the service could possibly remain in existence to the communities of Thornton, Campton and Ellsworth.   Any interested person who would like to serve on the committee should contact the Thornton Town Hall at 726-8168.

Ann Marie also discussed with the Board the “Unofficial” tax rate computations provided by NH DRA, and she will contact NH DRA concerning the Board’s goal in keeping the tax rate down to a minimum.

Ann Marie also discussed the calculated repurchase that she computed for property to be repurchased as a result of tax deeding.  Ann Marie indicated that she was able to calculate a monthly payment figure below $1,000 a month (as agreed upon by the buyer) for a period of 18 months.  The Board also made suggestions to Ann Marie as to what figures should be upfront costs and what figures needed be calculated into the total purchase price for amortizing.

Chair Davis then called on Ann Marie for discussion on the 2012 Budget.  Ann Marie explained that she would like to go over budget figures that stay consistent and discuss any necessary increases or decreases.  She indicated an interpreter fee for Town Meeting needs to be added to the Executive section, the Property, Liability, Auto & Bond line was increased to $32,000.00 and Worker’s Comp increased to $15,459.00.  Advertising & Regional the Board agreed to hold to the 2011 Budget figures with the exception of $500.00 to Mid-State health Center and the Chamber Dues to $795.00.  The PBSWD dues, line 4324.1 was reduced to $3,112.66.  Other figures that were agreed to be held to last year’s figures are Health Officer, Voices against Violence and Bridge House.  The Board agreed that they will focus on a high and low range figures to be set for employees’ compensation within the specific designated positions. Ann Marie indicated that COLA is set at 3.6 by the Social Security Administration for the coming year.

Chair Davis then proceeded with Other Business – Selectmen’s Input. Chair Davis indicated that she would be out of state for Thanksgiving and would not be able to attend the November 28, 2011 Selectmen’s Meeting.  The Board will make a decision next week as to whether or not they will actually schedule a Selectmen’s Meeting on November 28, 2011 due to holiday conflict schedules.

Chair Davis discussed moving the Boards mail boxes to the Selectmen’s Office rather than keeping them in the present space.  The Board unanimously agreed.

There being no further business, Chair Davis declared the meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Eleanor M. Dewey,

Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator