November 1, 2010 Minutes

TOWN OF PITTSFIELD
BOARD OF SELECTMAN
TOWN HALL, 85 MAIN STREET
PITTSFIELD, NH 03263
_____________________________________________________________

MEETING MINUTES OF MONDAY
NOVEMBER 1, 2010

CALL TO ORDER

Call to order at 6:00 P.M., by Denise Morin, Chairman.

MEMBERS PRESENT

Denise Morin (DM), Chairman, Ed Vien (EV), Vice-Chairman, Fred Hast (FH), Fred Okrent (FO), Arthur Morse (AM), Paul Skowron (PS), Town Administrator, and Delores Fritz, Recording Secretary.

MEMBERS ABSENT

None.

PUBLIC INPUT

None.

(DM) Before we begin, I would like to welcome our two new members, Fred Okrent and Art Morse. (AM) Thank you. (FO) Thank you and I will do my best to justify your faith.

A member of the audience explained she was present tonight to discuss delinquent taxes (Virginia Chase). Board noted that they were unaware of her pending attendance and she suggested she come back another time. A definite appointment was scheduled for her on November 19th at 6:00 P.M.

AGENDA REVIEW

(PS) Building Inspector – Filing Cabinet; (FH) Filing Cabinet – Town Administrator.
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NEW BUSINESS
ACTION ITEMS

1. Review of 2011 Proposed Budget

Executive (4130) – Page 1

Line 1 – Board of Selectmen: (DM) Motion to approve as proposed.
(EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

(AM) suggested rather than go through the Budget line by line, that Board address those lines that might be changed and then approve the rest of the particular budget.

Line 4 – Office Assistant: (DM) Motion to approve as $7,000. (EV) Second.

(FH) Motion to amend Motion to $6,500. Motion dies because of lack of Second.

Vote original Motion as $7,000: Carried 4-1 (FH).

Board discussed exploring some alternative as to having an individual responsible for Payroll when Cara is on maternity leave and considering retaining someone on an as needed basis familiar with payroll. (PS) It would depend on the number of payroll days she would have to be present and the rate of pay. (PS) to discuss with Cara to determine number of hours needed.

Line 8 – Training: (EV) Motion to approve at $100. (AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Line 11 – Conferences: (EV) Motion to approve $100. (FO) Second.
Carried 4-1 (AM).

Total Executive: (EV) Motion to approve proposed budget as amended.
(AM) Second. Carried 5-0

Elections, Registrations & Vital Statistics (4140) – Page 2

(PS) There are no step increases incorporated into budget for 2011.

Line 19 – Records Preservation: (EV) Motion to approve as $2,500.
(DM) Second. After Discussion: Carried 4-0. (FH) Abstain.

Discussion: (FH) Town Clerk had hoped to finish up the records preservation next year and thus the $3,000. If she does not need it, she will not spend it.

(PS) reminded Board that Health Insurance has increased on an average of 1.4%. The status of Grandfather or Non-Grandfather option exists and will be addressed further later in the evening. The LGC is recommending the non-grandfather option. Grandfathered plans can continue to require a copayment at the time of a preventive care office visit and the non-Grandfathered plans must waive preventive care office visit charge. Prescription medications must be purchased by mail through CVS Caremark’s Mail Service Program.

Line 27 – Election Ballots & Supplies: (EV) Motion to approve $1,200.
(AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Total Elections Registration & Vital Statistics: (EV) Motion to approve proposed budget as amended. (AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Financial Administration & Revaluation of Property (4150) –Page 3

Line 36 – Auditing Services: (DM) Motion to approve $23,000. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

Line 42 – Conferences: (EV) Motion to approve $300. (AM) Second.
Carried 5-0.

Total Financial Administration & Revaluation of Property: (EV) Motion to approve proposed budget as amended. (FO) Second. Carried 5-0.

Legal Expenses and Personnel Administration (4153) – Page 4

Line 48 – Legal Services: (EV) Motion to approve $25,000 as proposed.
(FO) Second. Carried 4-1 (FH).

It was noted that with the proposed Zoning Ordinances there might be some challenges which might need representation.

Line 49 through Line 55: (AM) Paul, are these all fixed costs? (PS) Yes.

(EV) Motion to approve Line 49 through Line 55 as proposed. (AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Planning and Zoning (4191) – Page 5

Line 57 – Training: (EV) Motion to approve $150. (AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Line 59 – Legal Notices: (DM) Motion to approve $350. (EV) Second.
Carried 5-0.

Ted Mitchell noted that the Planning Board is finalizing the Zoning Ordinances amendments, will then have a joint hearing with other boards and finally proceed to Public Hearing, either one or two.

Total Planning and Zoning: (EV) Motion to approve proposed budget as amended. (FO) Second. Carried 5-0.

General Government Buildings (4194) Page 6

Line 61 – Custodian: (DM) Motion to approve for $3,000. (EV) Second.
Carried 5-0.

Line 65 – Fire Extinguisher Maintenance: (EV) Motion to approve for $200. (AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Line 77 – Office Supplies: (DM) Motion to approve for $5,000. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

Line 82 – Safety Committee Improvements: (DM) Motion to approve for $200. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

(DM) The Safety Committee sponsored a Safety Wellness Day which went quite well with great attendance. Surrounding Towns were invited to attend and there were several participants – chiropractor, yoga, blood pressure booths along with door prizes and healthy snacks and lunch.

Total General Government Buildings: Motion to approve proposed budget as amended. (FO) Second. Carried 5-0.

Cemeteries (4195) Page 7

(EV) Motion to approve as proposed. (AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Insurance, Advertising & Regional Associations – Page 8

Line 84 – Insurance Property/Liability: (EV) Motion to approve as proposed. (AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Line 85 and 86 – NHMA and CNHRPC Dues: (EV) Motion to approve as proposed. (AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Break 7:22 P.M. Resume 7:27 P.M.

Police (4210) – Page 9 and 10

(AM) recused himself and was seated in the audience.

Line 89 – Secretary: (DM) Motion to approve $2,300. (EV) Second.
Vote 2-2 (FO) & (FH). Motion ties.

(FH) Motion to approve $4,000. (FO) Second. Vote: 2-3 (DM) & EV.
Motion dies.

(EV) Motion to approve $3,150. (FO) Second. Carried 3-1 (FH).

(FH) There are not that many arrests now but what about when it gets busy.
(DM) Deb has the full-time position and can also do the job.

(AM) returned and was seated on the Board.

Line 114 – Gasoline: (DM) Motion to approve $17,000. (FO) Second.
Carried 5-0.

(PS) Fleet accounts do not include Federal tax only State tax which is quarterly reimbursed to the Town.

Line 126 – Part-Time Officers: (AM) Motion to approve $17,500. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

(DM) There is some play in that line. Implementation of 8 hour shifts combined with 10 hour shifts have been looked at.

Line 133 – Training: (AM) Motion to approve $2,000. (FO) Second.
Carried 5-0.

Total Police – Lines 87 through 133: (FO) Motion to approve proposed budget as amended. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

Police – Lines 134 through 137: (AM) Motion to approve proposed budget.
(EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

Board discussed briefly the replacement of officers on active duty (who have
now returned), and how overtime effects this, as well as Details and the revenue offset. (AM) Details are contracted with the Town and not the officer? (PS) Yes.
(AM) We could take a look at the history of this to determine the amount that should be proposed for Details.

(DM) I am still not happy with Line 100 – Computer Hardware Maintenance. I think we should shop around. (PS) This is part of the Town’s multi-year program to purchase new hardware and software for all departments. This is the first year of the computer contract.

Ambulance (4215) – Page 11

Line 149 – Uniforms: (EV) Motion to approve $1,400. (DM) Second.
Carried 4-0. (FH) Abstain.

(FH) This is for the general replacement of uniforms. I am hardnosed on uniforms.

Line 150 – Protective Gear: (EV) Motion to approve $800. (AM) Second.
Carried 4-0. (FH) Abstain.

Total Ambulance Lines 138 through 156: (EV) Motion to approve proposed budget as amended. (AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Ambulance and Fire Shared (4219) – Page 12

Line 158 – EMS Training: (DM) Motion to approve for $3,500. (EV) Second. Carried 3-2 (FH) and (FO) Motion carries.

Line 171 – Medical Supplies & O2: (EV) Motion to approve $4,500.
(DM) Second. Carried 3-0. (FH) and (FO) Abstain.

Prior to vote and during discussion, Fred Okrent recused himself and was seated in the audience.

Public Input

Fred Okrent: These are a dedicated group of volunteers doing the best job they can with what they have. Over the years they have had to do more and more with less and less. One problem with personnel retention is that they do not feel that their worth is being recognized because of less and less resources and they take that as a reflection on themselves. We should look carefully at what we are giving our people and be aware of increasing requirements that is upon us by the FPA. The liability factor needs to be considered as well. By not meeting standards, the result will be a law suit.

Close Public Input

After discussion (FO) returned and was seated on the Board.

Total Ambulance & Fire Shared: (EV) Motion to approve proposed budget as amended. (AM) Second. Carried 3-0. (FH) and (FO) Abstain.

Fire Department (4220) – Page 13

Total Fire Department – Lines 173 – 201: (DM) Motion to approve proposed budget Lines 173 through Line 201. (EV) Second. Carried 4-0. (FH) Abstain.

Building Inspector (4240) & Housing Standards (4241) – Page 14

Line 202 – Building Inspector: (FH) noted that he is doing his job and working at least 27 hours a week rather than the 20 hours, catching up and getting the office organized. (DM) Now that we have the right person in the position perhaps it will help others to follow building procedures.

Total Building Inspector: (EV) Motion to approve proposed budget.
(FO) Second. Carried: 4-0. (FH) Abstain.

Fred Okrent recused himself and was seated in the audience.

Line 213 – Housing Standards Inspector: (DM) Motion to approve $9,400.
(EV) Second. Carried 3-1 (FH).

Line 214 – Training: Fred Okrent explained that line was increased because of upcoming recertification and attendance at NHBOA seminars, attendance for which is noted as credit hours.

Total Housing Standards: (EV) Motion to approve proposed budget as amended. (DM) Second. Carried 3-1 (FH).

(FO) returned and was seated on Board.

Emergency Management (4290) & Forest Fire Suppression (4290 – Page 15

(DM) noted that this line included updating the Emergency Management Manual, which did not occur.

Line 215 – Emergency Supply Procurement: (EV) Motion to approve for $500. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Total Emergency Management: (EV) Motion to approved proposed budget as amended. (FO) Second. Carried 5-0.

Total Forest Fire Suppression: (EV) Motion to approve proposed budget.
(FO) Second. Carried 5-0.

Highway Administration (4311) – Page 16

Total Highway Administration: (EV) Motion to approve proposed budget.
(FH) Second. Carried 5-0.

Highways & Streets (4312) – Pages 17 & 18

Board discussed briefly proposing a different amount for culverts (Line 268) but ultimately decided not to recommend another figure.

(EV) Also, during the course of severe winter storms, it can become difficult for Highway Department to keep up with Town parking lots such as Town Hall and Police Department. Perhaps, we could have someone to be on an on-call basis to do these parking lots utilizing an emergency contingency fund. (AM) suggested maybe the individual who does the school.

Total Highways & Streets – Lines 233 through 276: (FH) Motion to approve proposed budget Lines 233 through 276. (AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Total Street Lighting: (FO) Motion to approve proposed budget. (AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Break 9:08 P.M. Resume 9:11 P.M.

Solid Waste Disposal (4324), Hydrants & Dam Fees 4339) – Page 19

Total Solid Waste Disposal: (FH) Motion to approve proposed budget.
(FO) Second. Carried 5-0

Discussion: (EV) I was not present at their last meeting. They have proposed an across the board increase of 4 -5%. Last year it was a 3% raise. There are no requirements regarding an individual pay scale. Last year I was not in favor of pay raises and voted no on the budget and in my opinion there should not be any in 2011. Their rationale is that they have charged the same prices for 12 years, nothing has gone up. (FH) Their wage scale is way out of proportion.

Total Hydrant & Dam Fees: (EV) Motion to approve proposed budget.
(FO) Second. Carried 5-0.

Animal Control (4414) – Page 20

(PS) I have received only one application, an individual with experience, and I will turn that over to Chief.

Line 282 – Training: (EV) Motion to approve $200. (FO) Second. Carried 5-0.

Line 284 – Department Supplies: (EV) Motion to approve $150. (FO) Second. Carried 5-0.

Total Animal Control: (FO) Motion to approve proposed budget as amended. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

Welfare (4441 and 4442) – Page 21

Line 286 – Welfare Director: (AM) Motion to approve Line 286. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

It is noted that Larry Konopka is doing Welfare inspections at the current time at a fee.

Total Welfare Administration: (AM) Motion to approve proposed budget as amended. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

Total Direct Assistance: (AM) Motion to approve proposed budget. (FO) Second. Carried 5-0.

Total Intergovernmental Welfare Payments: (FO) Motion to approve proposed budget. (FH) Second. Carried 5-0.

Recreation, Library & Patriotic Purposes

Total Parks & Recreation: (FH) Motion to approve proposed budget.
(AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Total Library: (FH) Motion to approve budget for $66,491. (AM) Second.

Discussion: It was noted that there was an increase in Library Director salary. (EV) I would keep it where it was last year. (AM) During their presentation was it to increase salary or to increase Library hours. The Library is not open as it is for enough hours. It is used quite a bit by young people and even adults. (DM) It was for increase in purchasing additional adult and teen books. I am not in favor of a raise but do agree the need for more books.

(FO) Motion to amend motion for $65,867. (EV) Second.
Carried 3-2 (FH) & (AM).

Total Patriotic Purposes: (FH) Motion to approve proposed budget.
(AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Conservation (4611) & Economic Development (4651) – Page 23

Total Conservation: (FH) Motion to approve proposed budget. (AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Total Economic Development: (EV) Motion to approve proposed budget.
(FO) Second. Carried 5-0.

Debt Service (4711) and (4723) – Page 24

Total Tax Anticipation Note Interest: (FH) Motion to approve proposed budget. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Capital Outlay (4902) – Page 25

Line 328 – Computer Replacement: (AM) Motion to approve proposed budget. (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

(PS) The plan is to rework Welfare and give their computer to the Food Pantry and eventually convert all work stations to 2010 Office. There will also be two work stations replaced at the Police Department.

Capital Reserve (4915) & Expendable Trusts (4916) – Page 26

Line 338 – Computer Replacement: (DM) Motion to approve proposed budget ($11,000). (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

Line 339 – Police Cruisers: (FH) Motion to approve $30,000. Motion dies because of lack of Second.

(FH) Motion to approve $25,000 Line 339 – Police Cruisers. Motion dies because of lack of Second.

(DM) Motion to approve proposed budget ($15,000). (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

Line 341 – Fire & Rescue Apparatus: (DM) Motion to approve proposed budget ($30,000). (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

Line 343 – Small Highway Truck: (DM) Motion to approve Line 343 ($16,000.) (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

Line 344 – Dump Truck: (DM) Motion to approve proposed budget ($28,000). (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

Line 345 – Loader; Line 346 – Grader; Line 347 – Backhoe; Line 348 – Sidewalk Tractor: (DM) Motion to approve Lines 345, 346, 347, 348 for $10,000 each. (AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

Line 351 – Municipal Buildings: (FH) Motion for $25,000 – Municipal Buildings. Motion dies because of lack of Second.

Line 351 – Municipal Buildings: (DM) Motion to delete Line 351 Municipal Buildings ($25,000) and move funds to Line 357 – Municipal Buildings.
(EV) Second. Carried 3-2 (FH) and (AM).

Waste Water Treatment Plant (4326) – Page 28 and 29

Lines 1 through 60: (EV) Motion to approve proposed budget. (FO) Second.

Discussion: Board discussed Line 3 noting this is a full-time position, by the time that an individual can be hired it will only be about eight months of employment for 2011. (PS) noted that by changing this it would affect health and life insurance, FICA, Medicare and retirement lines. Board agreed that they would wait for more definitive figures before approving.

(EV) Withdraw Motion to approve proposed budget. (FO) Withdraw Second.

(EV) Motion that budget figures should reflect full-time position as eight months of service and benefits for WWTP for 2011. (FH) Second. Carried 5-0.

Ethics Committee

(DM) The Ethics Committee has requested a budget of $400. (EV) I am not in favor of creating another Line Item. (DM) I also am not in favor. (FH) I do not think they need it.

(EV) Motion to deny request of Ethics Committee for Line Item of $400 but authorize letter denoting Town will cover their necessary expenses with Board approval. (FO) Second. Carried 5-0.

2. MS-60A DRA Submittal

(EV) Motion to approve DRA MS-60A. (AM) Second. Carried 5-0.

3. Abatement of Sewer User Fees – 17 Foss Avenue

(FH) Motion to approve abatement of sewer user fees – 17 Foss Avenue ($398.13). (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

It is noted that this building burned.

4. Transfer from Drug Awareness & Education Trust to General Fund

(AM) Motion to approve transfer from Drug Awareness & Education Trust to General Fund ($8,491.78). (FO) Second. Carried 5-0.

(DM) The Grant monies from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Grant have now been expended with $9.82 remaining.

5. Transfer from General Fund to Various Capital Reserve Accounts

(FH) Motion to approve transfer from General Fund to Various Capital Reserve Accounts ($51,000). (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

6. Transfer from General Fund to Carpenter Library Maintenance Trust

(AM) Motion to approve transfer from General Fund to Carpenter Library Maintenance Trust ($15,500). (EV) Second. Carried 5-0.

7. Action on LGC Health Insurance Status (Grandfather/Non-Grandfather)

(PS) This is the result of the Health Care Bill passed by Congress and is something that insurance companies have to address. LGC has recommended choosing Non-Grandfathered Plan because it provides much of what is required and provides greater flexibility.

(EV) Motion to approve Non-Grandfathered Coverage Plan. (FO) Second.
Carried 5-0.

(EV) I have discussed this with Paul and we have agreed on the same points.
(PS) If you would like to review further there is a letter from LGC and on the bottom of Page 2 there is an explanation (Prescription Drug Plan Options).

8. Building Inspector File Cabinet

(FH) The Building Inspector has now straightened out a lot of the matters that were pending within his department. He would like to have a file cabinet for his office. I had thought that we could purchase one at a reasonable cost but after research, it is noted that they average in cost from $75-80. (EV) agreed that he would research to see if one could be purchased at a nominal cost.

(FH) noted that the Town Administrator also needs one to clean off his desk. Are you going to clean your desk off someday? (PS) related that he would probably need a bookcase instead but to wait until more research on costs can be gathered.

INFORMATION ITEMS

None.

APPLICATIONS AND WARRANTS

None.

CHECKS AND MANIFESTS

(EV) Motion to approve Accounts Payable and Checks Manifest. (FH) Second. Carried 5-0.

(EV) Motion to approve Payroll and Direct Deposit. (DM) Second. Carried 5-0.

MINUTES

1. Public Session Minutes of October 26, 2010

(EV) Motion to approve Public Session Minutes of October 26, 2010.
(DM) Second. Carried 3-0. (AM) and (FO) Abstain.

2. Non-Public Session Minutes of October 26, 2010

(EV) Motion to approve Non-Public Session Minutes of October 26, 2010.
(DM) Second. Carried 3-0. (AM) and (FO) Abstain.

PUBLIC INPUT

None

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

(DM) Motion to go into Non-Public Session per RSA 91-A:3 II (c).
(EV) Second. Carried 5-0. Individual members of the Board were polled
and all agreed.

Board went into Non-Public Session at 10:27 P.M.

Board returned to Public Session at 10:37 P.M.

(EV) Motion to seal Non-Public Session Minutes of November 1, 2010.
(DM) Second. Carried 4-1 (FH).

ADJOURNMENT

(AM) Motion to adjourn. (FO) Second. Carried 5-0.

Meeting adjourned at 10:43 P.M.

Approved: November 16, 2010

_______________________________ ____________________
Denise Morin, Chairman Date

I hereby certify that these Minutes were recorded by me on November 1, 2010, transcribed and publicly posted on November 3, 2010.

___________________________________________
Delores A. Fritz, Recording Secretary

IV Tapes
Board of Selectmen Minutes
November 1, 2010