TOWN OF HOLDERNESS
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
January 3, 2012
Selectmen Present: Shelagh Connelly, Chris Devine, John Laverack, Peter Webster, and Jill White
Others Present: Walter Johnson – Town Administrator
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:00 P.M in the lower level of Town Hall.
Payroll & Payables:
Signature File
The following items were reviewed, discussed, and signed:
1. Abatement for Rivet, 63 Range Road, Tax Map 236 Lot 22: assessed value reduced by $41,500 resulting in a refund of $548.12.
2. Appointment form for Molly Whitcomb to the Recreation Board, term to expire March 2013.
Correspondence File
Board members reviewed and approved the following:
1. Department of Safety paperwork relative to the Project Application for FEMA funding for damage related to Tropical Storm Irene.
2. Letter to Chief Patridge from Primex offering programming and training for the department.
Non-public
Mr. Laverack moved, seconded by Ms. Connelly, to enter non-public session at 5:13 P.M. pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) to discuss personnel matters. Vote: Connelly – yes; Devine – yes; Laverack – yes; White – yes; Webster - yes. Motion passed.
The regular meeting resumed at 5:40P.M. Proposed wage adjustments for employees to be included in the FY13 proposed budget were discussed along with performance during non-public session. Mr. Devine moved, seconded by Mrs. White, to seal the minutes of the session. Motion passed.
There was general discussion of Fire Department proposed purchases.
The meeting was moved to the upstairs level at 5:40 P.M.
Minutes: Mr. Laverack moved, seconded by Mr. Devine, to approve the minutes of the December 19, 2011 regular meeting as presented. Motion passed.
Department Heads: none
Non-public
Mr. Laverack moved, seconded by Ms. Connelly, to enter non-public session at 5:50 P.M. pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) to discuss personnel matters. Vote: Connelly – yes; Devine – yes; Laverack – yes; White – yes; Webster - yes. Motion passed.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:17 P.M. Board resumed discussions on wage adjustments for FY13 budget and proposals for department heads and administrator during non-public session. Mr. Devine moved, seconded by Mrs. White, to seal the minutes of the session. Motion passed.
Public Participation: none
Old Business:
1. Cable TV Franchise Renewal Taskforce Update: Mr. Johnson noted that he is still receiving notifications from residents regarding lack of cable access.
2. Proposed FY13 Progress Update: Ongoing.
3. Bishop Current Use Tax Abatement: Mr. Corcoran was unable to attend the meeting and has not provided any data at this point. He will attend the next Selectmen’s meeting. Mr. Johnson noted that the Board does not have the jurisdiction to extend the due date of the Land Use Change Tax. The Board can waive interest costs.
4. Library Tree Removal Proposal Bid Results/Award: Hixon Logging was awarded the contract and will start within the next few weeks.
New Business: none
Administrator’s Report:
1. Mr. Johnson verified that Board members had signed off on all employee reviews. Ms. Connelly suggested that the Fire Wards be apprised that a review of Chief Mardin has not been submitted and that Mr. Johnson would be willing to do one if they have not.
2. The Board will meet on Tuesday, January 17 at the regular time due to the Monday holiday. Mr. Johnson provided the 2012 holiday schedule for employees. Mr. Devine moved, seconded by Mr. Laverack, to amend the Employee Policy Handbook to include the 2012 Holiday Schedule.
3. Ms. Huff has requested to change her work schedule to Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and to have Mr. Cahoon to change his work day from Thursday to Wednesday. The Board agreed.
4. The FY 12 budget update was distributed. Mr. Johnson noted that motor vehicle income has increased slightly; building permit income has already exceeded the anticipated budget; rooms and meals income is on target; recyclables may decrease slightly; and interest income is slightly down. Expenditures: the health insurance and retirement budgets were under-estimated and will be over-budget at the end of the year; and the fire department call line may exceed the budget due to the large number of calls. There was general discussion of how to absorb the over-expenditures in the Fire Department.
The Budget Meeting began at 6:30 P.M.
Budget Members in attendance: Laurie Beeson, Todd Elgin, Bob Maloney, Skip Van Sickle, and Jonathan Stewart.
Others Present: none
Mr. Johnson noted that the only changes that have occurred since the last meeting are wages. At this point, the budget reflects a 3.4% increase over last year’s operating budget. Operating revenues, which include capital reserve revenues, are estimated at a decrease over last year. The overall budget reflects a 5% increase over last year’s budget. The capital reserve contributions are proposed to be increased due in part to identifying some future capital projects such as the Safety Building roof and to replenishing the Health Insurance capital reserve. The proposed budget reflects a $.12 tax rate increase.
Mr. Webster reviewed the changes in the Public Service contributions. There was brief discussion of the contributions to the capital reserves. Mr. Johnson explained that assets with a value over $10,000 are depreciated on the balance sheet. Mr. Devine also noted that there is an equipment replacement schedule. Mr. Johnson provided information on the requirement to provide ADA access to the Library and the consequences of not making accommodations that would satisfy compliance. The Library Trustees are proposing to spend $10,000 to develop a design plan to meet the ADA requirements. There was general discussion of the ADA needs of the Holderness Library and the possibility of postponing the project for a year or two.
Mr. Beeson noted the importance of reviewing the School Budget. Mr. Johnson stated that although the Selectmen’s budget will be forwarded to the Budget Committee on Thursday, the Board reserves the right to make changes as needed based on recommendations from the Committee.
Mr. VanSickle noted that the Fire Department will review the request for a replacement vehicle at their next meeting. General discussion ensued relative to fire equipment and the impact on the capital reserve.
Mrs. White moved, seconded by Ms. Connelly to forward the budget to the Budget Committee. Motion passed.
These minutes will also serve as the minutes for the Budget Committee.
Adjournment: Mr. Devine moved, seconded by Ms. Connelly, to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 P.M. Motion passed.
Respectfully Submitted,
Wendy Huff, Secretary
Minutes Approved: January 17, 2012
Corrections: none
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