Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
December 22, 2003
7:00 pm Meeting Opened
Present: R. Pride J. Hite
Clerk: W. Johnson, TA
Media: None
7:15 pm Chief Houston presented the Fire Department’s proposed 2004 operating budget. Several items were discussed. No changes in salaries, stipends or wages are proposed for 04. The estimated 04 budget is $65,200. Chief requested $2500 be encumbered for the testing of the ladders on L1 as the biannual inspection scheduled for December was canceled due to bad weather and could not be rescheduled prior to the end of the year. A discussion of the remaining unexpended funds from 03 concluded that approximately $10,000 would be left and the total be encumbered as follows: $2500 for the ladder testing, $2500 for breathing apparatus, and $5000 for site survey work and preliminary engineering on the site for the proposed new fire station to determine if the site is appropriate. JH moved to encumber the funds as
proposed and RP 2nd the motion. So voted all. JH moved and RP 2nd to reduce the proposed budget by $2500 in the breathing apparatus line for a proposed budget of $62,700 for the warrant. So voted all. Chief Houston left the meeting at 7:45pm.
Terry Welch of Welch’s Water and Wastewater Services addressed the Board regarding the proposed 2004 operating budget for the water and wastewater departments. WJ provided a brief update on the water improvement project and noted that construction was completed for this winter season with only punch list items remaining in the spring along with final paving. TW suggested stopping the chlorine injection to the water immediately now that construction was completed, as it is not needed to meet drinking water standards. TW is still waiting for final figures from Provan and Lorber Engineering regarding the corrosion control system. Figures will be necessary soon to prepare a warrant article for the project. It is proposed the cost will come out of water account reserve funds. TW and WJ will continue to work with Provan
and Lorber to get the project estimate. Water budget increase in 04 reflects a $42,000 loan payment associated with the construction of the water improvement project for a total of budget of $164,127. All other costs remain much the same for 04. TW requested approximately $35,000 be appropriated to install a grinder pump at the Bath Road pump station. The station is a major maintenance problem without the pump and will require additional manpower to continue without it. WJ will look into possible grant monies to assist with the cost and will prepare a warrant article for the pump to be paid for from surplus funds if necessary. TW also proposed appropriating the same amount for 05 to install a similar pump at Hydro Blvd. The Board will also consider encumbering the funds from the 03 budget for the pump if enough is remaining. WJ also noted two new monitoring wells will have to be budgeted for at a total cost of $4100 to comply with new DES requirements. This amount could also come
from encumbered funds if enough is remaining. The 04 proposed budget for wastewater is approximately the same as the 03 budget $180,816. Board discussed the plan to bill for utility use on a quarterly basis starting in January. WJ suggested using the January readings for the first two billings or estimated readings from the past reading for the first bill and new readings in the spring for the second quarter billing. TW was congratulated for his efforts on the national EPA award and presented with patches and a certificate that R. Pride received in California this fall. TW left the meeting at 8:50 pm.
Selectmen’s Minutes
December 22, 2003
Page 2
WJ reported on the purchase of the railroad station. Legal work is being prepared for a closing in early January. A notice to proceed from the NH DOT regarding the TEA funds is expected next week.
RP reported he is in favor of the proposed agreement among the area towns involved in the cable TV consortium and the use of a minimal franchise fee to contribute to the ongoing operations of channel 2. JH agreed with RP and noted he would like to see the channel utilized more by Lisbon. It was agreed to have WJ notify the consortium of the Town’s interests.
WJ noted that Wallie Berry has volunteered his time and equipment during the recent storms plowing the municipal parking lot and some sidewalks in the area of the wire mill. For insurance and liability reasons it was agreed to recognize Wallie Berry dba Littleton Gravel as a contractor to the town for his volunteer services.
JH moved and RP 2nd to move to nonpublic session per RSA 91-A: 3II © to review and discuss a Buffington Fund application. So voted all.
RESUMED PUBLIC SESSION
JH moved and RP 2nd to seal the minutes of the non-public session. So voted all.
RP acknowledged receipt of the approved agreement for the CDBG funding for the S Main Street housing project through AHEAD, Inc from the Governor and Council.
WJ presented the 2003 sales report analysis he prepared for submission to the NH DRA to establish the assessment to sales ratio for the year. WJ noted that the sales analysis shows Lisbon is in compliance with the DRA guidelines for certification. The report was reviewed and approved by the Board for submission on 12/23.
WJ reported the Town offices would be closing at noon on Wednesday, 12/24 and open all day on Friday 12/26. WJ will be out of town from 12/23 to 12/26.
WJ will attempt to schedule Chief Tavernier for the meeting on 12/29 to review the proposed 2004 police budget. Hopefully the highway budget could be reviewed on January 5 if the weather cooperates.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:55 pm.
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