Warner Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

Thursday, January 13, 2011

 

Chairman Hartman opened the public session at 1:10 p.m.

In Attendance: Selectman David E. Hartman – Chairman, David Karrick, Jr. – Selectman, Clyde Carson – Selectman, Laura Buono – Town Administrator  

Others present: Ed Mical  

1. 2011 Capital Budget

Selectman Carson reported to the Board that the Budget Committee had three questions regarding the capital budget. 

  •               Town Hall Building Improvements Reserve - The Budget Committee is asking the Selectmen to prioritize the list of projects that are listed under the reserve and supply better estimates for each project. 

  •                Property Revaluation -There is currently $80K left over from the last reval which cost $109K.  The Budget Committee is asking if the requested $25K could be reduced.
     

  •                Radio/Pager Equipment – The Budget Committee is asking how many pagers/radios are needed for each department as well as the cost estimate.  

Selectmen’s Discussion

  •               Town Hall Building Improvements – The Town Administrator said that during the Budget Committee meeting there were a few members that felt leveling the front steps is a priority.  The Town Administrator asked the Selectmen if they felt the same.  The front steps have been in the Capital Improvements Plan for many years but every year so far the Selectmen have not felt them to be a priority.  Currently the Selectmen are asking for $30K to fund various projects such as a new boiler, energy upgrades, office rearrangements that include a new vault for record storage and leveling the front steps.  The Town Administrator asked the Maintenance Technician, Ed Mical, if he has obtained any quotes for any of the projects for the Town Hall.  Mr. Mical said he is still waiting to her back from the contractors that he has contacted.  Mr. Mical is also working on the cost for a propane, and oil heating furnace; there is still more information that needs to be obtained before the Selectmen can make a final decision.  Mr. Mical would also like to see the front hall of the Town Hall on a separate zone from the main hall.  The costs that have been obtained are for:

  •          $11K for leveling the granite steps

  •          $15K - $16K for an oil furnace only

Chairman Hartman recommends working on the insulation projects at the Town Hall and postponing the granite steps; at this time there is caution tape and warning signs on the steps.   

Selectman Carson recommends drafting a 3-year plan and explanation for the Town Hall projects; this is the type of information the Budget Committee is looking for.  Chairman Hartman asked if there are any estimates for the insulation.  Selectman Carson said at this time there is only a rough estimate in the range of $50K; this cost does not include the furnace, also, the Budget Committee would like actual estimates available at their next meeting on January 18th.   Chairman Hartman feels the $50K estimate should be good enough for the Budget Committee in wanting to place money in a reserve fund for the Town Hall.   

The Town Administrator informed the Selectmen that one of the contractors that is creating an estimate for insulation learned that there is an 8-10” air space between the original Town Hall and the addition.   

The Selectmen feel the total cost for the improvements is about $80K; $50K for insulation, $18K for a furnace and $12K for the granite steps.  There is $18K currently in the reserve; the Town Administrator lowered the capital expense to $20K from the original $30K.  The Selectmen intend to ask for $20K each year for 3 years.   

  •                Property Revaluation – There will be an estimated $80K left in the current reserve.   The Town Administrator will verify the balance in the reserve and recommends lowering the capital request to $20K.  The next revaluation begins in 2014. 

  •                Tax Collector & Assessing Software - The Selectmen discussed the need to either bridge the two systems or purchase new software that is compatible for both functions.  The main goal is to eliminate double entry of information especially during a revaluation.  The Town Administrator recommends if the Selectmen would like to make a change in the software to make that change at the very least one year before a revaluation.  For the 2011 budget the cost for a software bridge was eliminated.  Selectman Carson recommends adding the cost for new software to the revaluation reserve and upgrade the system one year before the revaluation; he feels the additional cost would be about $8K; the Town Administrator said she would need to verify first with the Trustees of the Trust Funds that money can be removed for software as well as the cost for the software.   Selectman Carson further recommended looking at the cost of a module for this year and whether by changing the module would increase options for a revaluation company.  In conclusion the Selectmen decided to fund the Property Revaluation reserve in the amount of $15K for 5 years with the understanding that the amount may be adjusted.

 

  •                Radio/Pager Equipment Expendable Trust Fund – The Town Administrator said the Highway Department has 7 radios and the cost is estimated to be $3,000.  Emergency Management has a mobile and 2 portable radios; the estimate for replacement is $1,750.  The Fire Department has requested $18K - $24K for radio replacement; the amount of radios is unknown.  The Town Administrator reduced the total request to $15K for 2011 and reevaluate what is remaining for 2012.

 

2. Other Business

The Town Administrator reviewed some changes that she made to the operating budget. 

  •                      Fuel oil was increased for the Town Hall

  •                      Outside Service line in Assessing was reduced by $1,000

Egan Building Permit – The Town Administrator presented a building permit for interior changes that was submitted on a property that is in the variance process for an apartment over a garage.  The building permit has been on hold until a variance has been granted.  The applicant has paid all the fees and is on the Zoning Board agenda.  The proposed change is not located in the apartment but in the main house.  The Selectmen agreed to approve the building permit as presented.   

Chairman Hartman reported that he contacted Charles George Hauling regarding the refuse from Market Basket. The Town is not confident the tonnage from the refuse is being credited to Warner.   After speaking with a representative from Charles George the Town will be credited appropriately.  

3. Manifest

Selectman Karrick moved to authorize the Selectmen to sign manifests and order the Treasurer to sign Payroll Check numbers 1026-1054 in the amount of $34,606.37 (includes 13 direct deposit stubs) and Accounts Payable check numbers 45408-45432 in the amount of $78,698.23.  Selectman Carson seconded the motion; all were in favor, the motion passed.   

4. Adjournment

At 2:24 p.m. a motion was made to adjourn.  

 

Board of Selectmen

David E. Hartman - Chairman
David Karrick, Jr.
Clyde Carson

 

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Whalen

Recording Secretary