Meeting opened at 8:30 a.m.

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

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen

Others present:

Wendy Pinkham – Finance Director

The Selectmen met with Mrs. Pinkham for a question and answer session regarding the upcoming budget process. Mrs. Pinkham explained the history of the wage study.

Wages and the current structure were discussed. Mrs. Pinkham explained that additional pay increase recommendations throughout (unforeseen from original budget) the year are not usually budgeted for nor is the payment of accrued sick time budgeted for if an employee leaves a position. Discussion followed regarding the addition of a separate line for pay adjustment activated only by approved recommendation.

The individual budgets will show a line that is solely for payroll and the next line will be for benefit costs, this will be broken out in the operating budget.

Selectman Hartman and Cook will research the past history of the operating budget, salary and benefits.

The Selectmen discussed the impact of employees that are already at the top of the wage scale. Future adjustments would be from a cost of living increase or advancement to another position.

Mrs. Pinkham explained that health insurance stipends were offered to employees that could maintain health insurance through their spouse. The stipend is based on the coverage that would be taken (family, single etc.). Currently the Town of Warner pays 100% of health benefits for their employees. Selectman Cook researched similar Town’s and found that they pay anywhere from 75% up to 100% of the health benefit costs. Mrs. Pinkham stated for the record that there is a miss conception amongst the Budget Committee members that the Town maintains an elite health plan; it has never been that way, the plan always ranges somewhere in the middle from what is offered. Past rate increases to the benefits was discussed along with ways to reduce the cost. Mrs. Pinkham explained that any decisions toward changing the current policy need to be made before January 1^st.

The Selectmen met with Paul Fouliard Transfer Station Department Head regarding Capital Improvements. The list includes additional land (2 acres), and a structure 8 x 30 made from tires for additional storage. The idea is to store cardboard and mixed paper until the market is profitable. The Selectmen asked if DES requires fencing. Mr. Fouliard explained that only a gate may be required, fencing for the Transfer Station is required to be difficult to enter either by fencing or the lay of the land. Relocating the mulch area in order to process it correctly was also listed in the Capital Improvements. A loading dock to be located in the new area built from tires, dirt and gravel, water and power to be extended to the additional acreage along with moving the current burn pit. The current burn pit area would be used for additional parking or a new give away area. Mr. Fouliard proposes to complete the above work for $20,000.00. Selectman Hartman does not believe the dollar amount is realistic labor costs have not been included nor has the site work. Mr. Fouliard would like to establish a metal and demo area in the extended acreage also. The Selectmen asked how then would the material in the current areas be transported to the new area and how would this be cost effective. Mr. Fouliard explained that the crew would be able to load the containers more efficiently to cut down on transportation costs. Mr. Fouliard further explained that the Town of Warner owns two metal boxes. The metal would be stored in a large area surrounded by berms, the metal could then be shipped out 2-3 times a year depending on the market. Cohen would then be called, the truck would cost $300.00 then $150.00 per hour to crush and haul the metal away.

Selectman Hartman commented that the demolition material and the metal should be dumped into a container and packed down with a loader; this is the practice in the majority of the collection facilities throughout the state. Selectman Hartman feels that the material should be packed in a box and hauled off without worrying about the market, the idea is to get the trash out of town, the same for the cardboard and newspaper. You would need to build a structure for each material, cardboard, plastic, paper etc. The designed function of the current site has changed. The proposed expansion needs more thought.

The Board explained that the Town will not become a regional recycling center; the Town needs to effectively and efficiently deal with what is in place and plan for the future growth appropriately.

All agree that there is a need to keep the public and equipment from being in the same area at the same time, the burn pile and compost pile need to be moved to a new location, increase usable space, and the current operations need to be re-examined. Selectman Hartman will find a point of contact to consult regarding any expansion improvements.

The Selectmen will discuss a letter of deficiency from Department of Environmental Services when a representative from DES is able to meet with the Board. Selectman Cook will arrange the meeting.

Motion to adjourn at 12:00 noon

Board of Selectmen

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