Meeting opened at 6:00 p.m.

In attendance: Selectman David E. Hartman – Chairman, Selectman Wayne Eigabroadt and Selectman Richard A. Cook

Town Administrator - Laura Buono

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen

Others present:

Brian Hotz – Conservation Commission – Chair

William Chandler, Wendy Pinkham,  Judith Rogers, Martha Mical, Pete Newman

Marianne Howlett, Beth McGuin – Ausbon Sargent, Barbara Annis

Mr. Hotz presented the Courser Conservation Easement. A representative from Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust who is one of the primary architects of the project was present. The Town of Warner will hold an executory interest (back up interest to Ausbon Sargent). The Conservation Commission is supplying $125,000.00 towards the purchase of the easement conserving 138 acres primarily farm land but also some wetlands. The easement will provide an adequate level of protection to Schoodac Brook and also provides pedestrian access to the property understanding that there will be some limitations during active farming. Chairman Hartman asked how much public access will be allowed. The representative from Ausbon Sargent explained that the property is required to be open to public pedestrian non commercial outdoor recreational use. There is a provision that the existing snowmobile trails would continue to be used by the public. The Courser family can further allow snowmobiling on their roads as they deem appropriate. Recreationally agricultural or forestry operations could temporarily restrict public access. The goal is to have public access. Selectman Cook added that hunters and snowmobiles should expect no change in how the property has been used. If in the far future the property changes owners Ausbon Sargent will meet with the prospective buyers to ensure that they understand the easement. The property is monitored annually. A conservation easement is a permanent restriction. Selectman Eigabroadt requested that in the future if the easements could be forwarded to the Selectmen’s office for review prior to the scheduled meetings. Martha Mical asked if wheeled vehicles are permitted. It was explained that it is up to the owner’s discretion. At this time it is strongly discouraged by the owners. Chairman Hartman and Selectman Eigabroadt signed the easement, notarized by Wendy Pinkham. Selectman Cook refrained from signing due to a conflict of interest.

The Board reviewed the upcoming Legislative Policies, the TA has been appointed as the voting delegate. The Legislative Policy Conference will be held on September 29, 2006.

Legislation to strengthen RSA 83-F:5 V by providing a penalty to those utilities that do not file a list of the changes made to the utility property since the prior April 1 of the preceding year by June1. Suggesting a $1,000 per day late filing fee be imposed and that no regulated utility shall be able to recover the penalty through the rate base. Selectmen Support

Legislation to update the RSAs governing the deposit/investment of municipal funds, as provided under the duties of the treasurer, to better reflect current banking/investment terminology; to clarifying the Treasurer’s responsibility regarding collateralization of funds; and to move the annual requirement that the Selectmen adopt an investment policy to RSA 41:9 (duties of the selectmen) from 41:29 (duties of the treasurer). Selectmen Support

Legislation to clarify that deposits must occur at least weekly, or daily when funds total $500 or more, and to clarify that the treasurer is responsible for such deposits. Selectmen Support

Legislation to authorize a treasurer to delegate certain functions to other municipal officials or employees (other than the deputy treasurer). Selectmen Support

Legislation to amend RSA 41 to allow towns the option to have either an elected or an appointed town treasurer. Selectman Support

Amending RSA 33-A to allow municipalities to retain public records in electronic format, in addition to paper or microfilm. Similar allowance was recently made by amendment to RSA 478:5 whereby registers of deeds may preserve documents on "optical disk" as well as microfilm. Martha Mical voiced opposition to this amendment. Selectmen Support

Oppose the imposition of increased tipping fees or any other form of financial penalty for municipalities that regulate the spread of sludge within their boundaries. Selectmen Support

Legislation which requires telecommunications providers to deliver service to rural areas, regardless of density or potential for revenue. Selectmen Support

Chairman Hartman received a request from the Concord Regional Solid Waste Co-op to update the Town Guaranteed Annual Tonnage (GAT). In 2005/2006 the GAT was set at 2150 tons, the Town came under by 125 tons. It is projected to come under this years GAT by 80 tons. In the past the co-op has credited the unused tonnage based on what was recycled. Beginning in 2007 credits will no longer be applied; also there will be no penalties for overage. Other changes in the contract will be the negotiated fee (still unknown), along with the extended contract up to 2014. Chairman Hartman recommends setting the GAT at last years delivered tonnage (2027 tons) up to 2050 tons. The TA will consult with the Transfer Station Department Head regarding his GAT recommendation. Continued discussion will be scheduled for October 10, 2006. October 13^th is the submission deadline. Barbara Annis noted to the Board the added development at Exit 9.

The TA was asked to research the possibility of employee contribution toward health insurance. The Local Government Center has introduced a new plan, Mathew Thornton Blue. This plan almost mirrors what the Town has in place now, Blue Choice Two Tier. There are some differences, currently there is$10 co-pay, and the MTB would be $15 co-pay. The current plan has no deductible unless you use the self referral benefit; if you use the self referral you have a $500 deductible per person per year and $1500 per family on all the services. As pointed out by LGC, the self referral is rarely used. In comparison you are comparing $0 deductible with the MTB which carries a deductible of $500 per person per year or $1500 per family on certain services (maternity care, diabetes management program, CAT scans, MRIs, chemotherapy, hospice care and certain emergency room charges). To clarify there would be no deductible involved for routine patient care. There is a change for chiropractic care, currently the plan allows 25 visits per calendar year, MTB allows 12 visits. Durable medical equipment, the current plan has a $3500 limit per calendar year; MTB has a $5000 limit per calendar year. Both plans have the same physicians (LGC recommends checking), and both plans carry the mail-in prescription plan. The TA recommends that the Selectmen consider paying 100% of the Mathew Thorton Blue, if there are employees that wish to remain with the current plan then they would pay the difference. This would allow the offer of 100% coverage supplied by the Town with some changes. With the current rates this change would allow a savings in the amount of $37,000.00, new rates will be available in October. The Retirement rates will be increasing July 1, 2007 (from 6.81 to 8.74).

Q: Judith Rogers asked where the $37,000 savings comes from.

A: The TA explained that the savings is based on the current enrollment, the difference in the premiums.

Q: William Chandler confirmed that MTB is 100% paid by the Town provided the big ticket items are not used.

A: If that is what the Board decides to do. When researching, the TA looked for a plan with no employee contribution.

Q: Mr. Chandler asked if MTB is 100% provided none of those items are used. If used you begin using the $500.00 deductible.

A: Correct

Q: Mr. Chandler asked if the $500 deductible pertains to hospitalization.

A: No, just the items listed. In patient is after the deductible.

Q: Judith Rogers commented that for 16 employees a savings of $37,000, that’s about $2000 per employee. For many years our benefits have been tied into our wages and we have always had them reduced or not given because benefits have risen so much. To have this $2000 per person now come into play with our benefits …… we haven’t kept up with our salaries to afford to pay for a plan, and this is going to cost us a little bit more, and if we choose to keep what we have it will definitely cost us more. So the savings that the Town has had over the past … as long as I’ve been here ….. the Town has benefited by not having to increase my salary because of the health benefits have gone up … so the Town has saved over these years. Now they’re asking me to pay out of pocket, not get sick, or keep what I have and pay for that. I don’t really see that it is a savings overall for the Town when you look at the whole big picture.

A: Selectman Cook explained that the Board is trying to control the growth of the budget; $37,000 is a substantial savings within that window of budget growth that we are trying to work for.

Q: Judith said that she believes that it is about 1% of the budget.

A: Selectman Cook added that of the 2.8% that we can increase the budget, that $37,000 is a lot, it’s a great percentage of the amount of growth that we are working for in the budget.

Q: Judith asked if the Board sees what she is saying and how we’ve gotten to the point where we are at. We’ve been asked to not have our wages increased, some years zero, because of the increase in the health benefits. Last year it was a division of across the board, lump sum of money. It didn’t match cost of living and it wasn’t any kind of merit increase, it was still based on the increase of health benefits. Now you are separating this medical from our wages, the two won’t be connected anymore? Will our wages be addressed separately?

A: Selectman Cook offered his opinion. The Board has not had a discussion regarding wages. There is always a connection because there is a certain amount of money that we can afford to spend on employees. Out of the 27 employees, the people that are part-time are still getting the restricted growth of wages even though they were not enjoying the benefits.

Q: Judith calls that penalizing the part-time employees.

A: Selectman Cook explained that this change could allow the Selectmen to …… it will not reduce the pool of money available for wages. The increase to benefits last year was $32,000. If the Selectman can reduce that growth and make a savings, in his mind it leaves more money in the pool that would be used for raises.

Q: Mr. Chandler commented that he understands what the Selectmen are saying, he believes as well as his staff that it is unfortunate to them …. that was one of the attractive factors as a public servant, benefits. It’s almost as if the employees are sacrificed to make up the difference out of their wages.

A: Selectman Cook explained that in his mind the employees are the biggest expense. If the Selectmen are trying to control the growth of the budget then part of that needs to come from the employee pool of money.

The TA recommended after this exchange that the Selectmen may want to wait to see what the new rates will be. The new rate should be known after October 24^th. The Selectmen agreed.

Judith Rogers added that it’s been told, low paying government jobs come with good benefits. But, when we retire we will not get the benefits a State employee gets like paid medical. To think we are like the State, it’s not so. Our wages being connected to these great benefits it will end when we stop working. Whatever we pay for or have after we retire we will either have to plan for, pay for or go without. That’s where our wages come into play because we are going to need to pay for something to plan for. The part-time employees that do not receive health benefits have gotten penalized over the years. Has the Board addressed those who receive stipends?

Marianne Howlett asked how stipends are determined. The TA is currently working on a policy that addresses insurance buyouts where it is a set percentage. Mrs. Pinkham explained that the current stipends are calculated to be 1/3 of the cost of the Town depending on the plan.

Selectman Eigabroadt commented that in his opinion since he has been a Selectman and before that, there has been a long standing issue about employee benefits. It has been a desire of the Budget Committee to push for employee contribution toward health benefits. Selectman Eigabroadt still has the mind that the Town should be paying 100% of the employee’s health costs. The MTB plan would still be paid 100% by the Town, the difference being there are deductibles attached for specific services. Selectman Eigabroadt believes that the Town should pay 100% of the current plan but plans on keeping an open mind.

Marianne Howlett asked if the rates were checked for the 2 tier Blue Choice with a $15 deductible. The TA understood that choice did not have the prescription plan with it, but will check with LGC.

Martha Mical hopes that the Selectmen realize that a lot of the employees are coming of the age where children are away at college. Without a 2 tier plan, if your child is ill in New York you are required to have the primary physician refer a physician in NY. If the student goes to any physician "your goose is cooked". The TA explained that you would be required to notify you primary care physician within 48 hours.

Marianne Howlett commented that if MTB is so close and is as good as Blue Choice why it is less expensive. It was explained that the savings are within the deductibles.

The TA explained that the Board should consider what has been said but would like to ensure the information is accurate.

Selectman Cook commented as a self employed person, this MTB plan paid 100% is a still a good benefit.

Wendy Pinkham commented that health insurance alone costs $215,455.92 (2006) divided by the number residents (2,939) they pay $73.31 a year/ $6.11 per month.

The Selectmen approved and signed a "Sign Permit" for Irving Oil.

Selectman Eigabroadt made the motion to approve a "Veterans Tax Credit" for Map 13 Lot 3-7. Selectman Cook seconded the motion. The motion passed.

The Selectmen signed the remainder of the Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) lien discharges. These liens date back to 1989.

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Selectman Eigabroadt made a motion to sign 6 lien discharges from the Warner Community Development Program dating back to 1989. Selectman Cook seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Budgets – All Department Heads have received their budget sheets and instructions. The TA will be sitting with them during the first two weeks of October to review them. The TA has asked the Department Head to bring forward a budget that reflects exactly what they need.

Groundbreaking Ceremony – There will be a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Kearsarge Regional Middle School at Gile Pond Road in North Sutton on Saturday, September 30, 2006 @ 10:00 a.m. The Board of Selectmen is invited to attend.

St. Lawrence – Mr. St. Lawrence’s application for the Zoning Board was received between 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 20^th. Due to the fact that Martha Thoits had already closed the agenda for the October meeting around 12:30 p.m. that same day, it is not sure if this issue will be heard during the October meeting or if it will get pushed to the November meeting. As of the writing of this report, Mrs. Thoits wasn’t sure which agenda it would appear on.

Mill Street – Mill Street construction is coming along. As of today, the sewer is getting hooked up and the large sewer manholes are in. Storm drains are 80% completed. At the bottom of the street, they ran into a slight inconvenience when it was discovered that the culvert that runs from the bottom of the street to the river has a rusted out bottom. This is the same problem that was present on Connors Mill. The culvert will end up being replaced during this project due to the condition of the pipe. A cost has not yet been determined.

Bartlett Loop – Work on Bartlett Loop was scheduled to begin today. Selectman Eigabroadt visited the site, the ground work is done, and the culvert parts have been delivered.

Foliage Festival – Allan Brown wanted to advise the Board that unless there are any objections, they will be working on the Festival as they do each year.

Planning/Zoning Secretary – Interviews took place on Monday resulting in an interested candidate. References are being verified. Marianne Howlett asked if any thought was given toward absorbing the position into the present staff. The Selectmen did not consider that for the Planning/Zoning secretary position. Mrs. Howlett believes it is an option that should have been considered during the creation of a Bookkeeper and the elimination of a Finance Director. Ms. Howlett believes that there is a better solution than what occurred (creating a Bookkeeper position).

The TA commented that since she has been here the Selectmen have asked her to take a look at what is done within the Town Hall offices. There are certain things that have since been moved around. The Selectmen’s secretary position has been expanded. At Planning/Zoning a lot of that work is accomplished by the volunteers that are in place today and have the time to do so. That can change, Planning/Zoning is separate, it takes time, and it takes someone who has that ability. As far as comparing that position with Finance Director it is apples and oranges. It’s important to know that the TA did not go into any of the changes blindly, she has been observing and asking questions and obtaining answers making changes with that in mind. The Planning/Zoning meeting minutes are time consuming and that is not something that can be added to an existing position without increasing the hours, if you are going to increase the hours it is not different than continuing to have a person dedicated to that office.

Finance Director – The TA explained the Selectmen did take action to end one position and create another. This was something that was brought forward to the TA to look into. Some changes were made due to the fact that the Town developed a Town Administrator position as well. In looking at what is actually in the Finance Director’s position after the TA absorbed a lot (budget work etc.) what is left is a Bookkeeper position. The current Finance Director did submit a resignation effective October 16, 2006. Selectman Cook made the motion to accept Finance Director, Wendy Pinkham’s resignation. Selectman Eigabroadt seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed. Chairman Hartman expressed his feelings about the resignation but does not feel that there would have been a different result in the long run. Chairman Hartman thanked Wendy for her many years of service and wished her well at her next position in the Town of Webster.

Bookkeeper Position – The Bookkeeper position has been posted with a deadline for resume submission set for October 27^th.

Selectman Cook made a motion to approve August 29 meeting minutes and August 16 work session minutes as corrected. Selectman Eigabroadt seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Area Selectmen’s Meeting – Wednesday, September 27^th @ 6:30

TIF Informational Meeting – Thursday, September 28^th @ 7:00 p.m. @ Simonds School.

Motion to adjourn at 8:25 p.m.

Board of Selectmen

David E. Hartman - Chairman
Wayne Eigabroadt
Richard A. Cook