Town of Atkinson

Budget Committee Meeting Minutes

Public Hearing

January 16, 2007

Mark called the meeting to order at 7:36 PM. The first order of business is to present the town’s operating budget. Mark presented the budget by line item as follows:

The next order of business was to present the money warrant articles. The Board will present the warrant articles, discuss with the public and then vote on each warrant article to recommend or not recommend.

2007-04 – Library Bond - $1,734,000

Members from the library made a brief presentation identifying the changes in the library design from last year and outlining additional programs to be offered. The presented items are as follows:

2007–05 – Operating Budget $4,035,835

2007-06 – Walker Road $170,186

2007-07 – Wood Drive $80,360

There were comments from the audience that it appeared the Board and the Road Agent were working to determine the best possible way to present the 2 road articles to pass. After lengthy discussion on the matter it was determined that the warrant article is confusing, does not include all the cost to complete the roads, and there are costs within the Highway Dept.’s operating budget to complete Walker and Wood, but not earmarked for that purpose specifically.

2007-08 – Fire Department Capital Reserve $50,000

The Fire Department has a 25 year Capital Improvement Plan, under which an ambulance is scheduled for next year and a new truck in 2012, at an estimated cost of $500,000 which will not be fully funded. Chief Murphy stated that as of 9/30/2006 the balance in the reserve account is $129,059.59.

2007-09 – Fire Department Ventilator $25,000

Chief Murphy provided a quote to the Board and stated that the majority of the work was done when the building was built and that they just need to hook into it.

2007-10 – Wheelchair Van Lease $26,750 - $6,750 annual payment for 4 years

Chief Consentino stated that he is still getting donations and that the amount of the lease will be finalized at deliberative session. He also stated that he plans on offsetting the annual lease payment with donations, approximately $3,000 annually.

2007-11 – Recreation Capital Reserve $25,000

Currently has $75,000 and there are 2 warrant articles this year to withdraw money from the reserve.

2007-12 – Withdraw from the Recreation Capital Reserve to replace Tyke Towers $9,000

Town received notification from the insurance carrier to make improvements.

2007-13 - Withdraw from the Recreation Capital Reserve to complete the t-ball field $9,000

This will finish fencing in the field.

2007-14 – Recreation Revolving Fund

A revised version was provided to the Board last week but was not updated in the Selectmen’s packet. It has not been recommended by the Selectmen, and the intent is still unclear. The Board felt that the issuance of a credit card resolved the issue so the coordinator would not have to use her personal credit card to purchase tickets. It was then determined that the tickets being purchased are not included in the operating budget and that they are paid for by the residents who go on the trips. The issue is these tickets need to be purchased in advance, sometimes months in advance, and they want to use this account to hold money received from residents for those tickets. Based on this explanation, the purpose of this warrant article is clearer.

2007-15 – Mosquito Control Expendable Trust Fund $33,555

To replenish the existing trust.

2007-19 – Communications Study $15,000

Brian informed the Board that he had signed this warrant article based on recent developments in town surrounding a tower being constructed in the middle of town behind the salt shed. A tower in the middle of town is a permanent thing and there is another tower already in existence on Hog Hill. Sue Killam cautioned Brian that an ethics violation might be developing since he is an abutter (within 200 feet) to the proposed tower sight. It was determined that Brian can speak on the matter, just not as a member of the Board. There were questions from the audience regarding why this study is necessary since one has already been conducted, but the petitioner was not available. The Board also determined that the warrant article needs to determine who will hire the firm, the Selectmen or the Committee. Chief Murphy stated that the best spot for a tower would be on Hog Hill. Chief Consentino also agreed that Hog Hill is the best location, but the existing tower can’t handle the required equipment. He also stated that the current owner of the tower on Hog Hill would be willing to replace that tower and put the communications equipment on that tower for free. Brian, speaking of the Board, added that there might be other options available that this study might reveal.

2007-21 – Senior Rec. Director to Full Time

Already addressed in the operating budget.

2007-22 – Survey $15,000

Paul S. informed the Board that he’d talked with the petitioner Harold Morse and he believes the actual cost will be between $5,500 and $6,000.

The Board not voted to Recommend or Not-Recommend the money related warrant articles as follows:

2007-04 – Library Bond - $1,734,000

2007–05 – Operating Budget $4,035,835

2007-06 – Walker Road $170,186

2007-07 – Wood Drive $80,360

2007-08 – Fire Department Capital Reserve $50,000

2007-09 – Fire Department Ventilator $25,000

2007-10 – Wheelchair Van Lease $26,750 - $6,750 annual payment for 4 years

2007-11 – Recreation Capital Reserve $25,000

2007-12 – Withdraw from the Recreation Capital Reserve to replace Tyke Towers $9,000

2007-13 - Withdraw from the Recreation Capital Reserve to complete the t-ball field $9,000

2007-14 – Recreation Revolving Fund

2007-15 – Mosquito Control Expendable Trust Fund $33,555

2007-19 – Communications Study $15,000

2007-21 – Senior Rec. Director to Full Time

2007-22 – Survey $15,000

Lastly, the Board reviewed the minutes from the 2 previous meetings.

The Board will meet on February 3, 2007 at 9:00 before deliberative session.

Respectively submitted,

Kjb