January 14, 2008

Amended and approved February 4, 2008

In attendance: Richard Powers, Stefanie Johnstone and Michael Motherway. Meeting called to order at 7:33 pm.

Public Hearing on 2008 Budget and Warrant Articles

Selectmen agreed to remove the fire truck payment from the default budget as the final payment will be made from the capital reserve fund. Stefanie Johnstone suggested funds for adulticiding be added to the line item under Pest Control. Although the contract is for $24,300 it does not include spraying. The recommendations have been to allow for a minimum of $5,000 in the budget in case spraying becomes necessary. Michael Motherway moved to recommend changes to remove the fire truck payment of $36,374 from the default budget and add $5,000 to Pest Control for adulticiding, seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor. These changes resulted in a final budget of $1,375,988.00, which is a 5.23% increase, with a default budget of $1,352,711.00.

The Board reviewed the Warrant Articles. Michael Motherway moved to amend Article 9, regarding personnel health insurance policy, by bolding the words “currently reads” and “proposed amendment” (for greater clarity for voters) and deleting the words “for one year”, (which conflicted with the intent of the article), seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved to recommend the appropriations for Articles 5 (operating budget), 6 (road reconstruction), 7 (voting machine), and 8 (Selectmen salary increase), seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with Stefanie Johnstone voting no to article 8. Michael Motherway and Richard Powers voted in favor of all. Michael Motherway moved to recommend Articles 9 (personnel health insurance policy language) and 10 (delegation), seconded by Stefanie Johnstone with all in favor.

Road Manager, David Buxton, asked if the Selectmen would be writing a Warrant Article to close Frying Pan Lane. Michael Motherway replied that more information was needed, such as what the procedure would be, whether a public hearing was needed, and checking with residents in that area. All agreed to hold off and prepare an article for next year.

Resident, Richard Welsh, commented that he thought the salary increase for the Selectmen was a good idea

but thought they should raise it more. He questioned the Road Manager’s salary increase and Mr. Buxton explained that due to miscommunication the first year should have been $12,000, not $10,000. Mr. Welsh also asked about the purchase of the pot hole machine saying he felt it wasn’t being used adequately. Mr. Buxton replied that it has been out three or four times and will most likely be used a fair amount in the spring. Richard Powers added that the Board had felt purchasing it was the most economical method of keeping the roads patched.

Michael Motherway moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor.

DEPARTMENT HEADS:

Road Manager – David Buxton – Richard Powers commented that the roads looked good and Dave explained that they had used more salt, which significantly reduces labor costs.

OLD BUSINESS:

Town Park – Ongoing update and discussion – a copy of the deed has been received.

Approval of January 2 and 7, 2008 minutes – Stefanie Johnstone moved to approve the January 7, 2008 minutes, seconded by Richard Powers with all in favor. Michael Motherway moved to approve the January 2, 2008 minutes, seconded by Richard Powers with both in favor. Next meetings Feb. 4th and 18th.

Bills were signed. Stefanie Johnstone moved to adjourn at 8:49 pm, seconded by Michael Motherway with all in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Denise Gregson

Administrative Assistant