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Town of AmherstBoard of SelectmenJune 30, 2008
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Chairman Bruce Bowler called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Selectmen present: George Infanti, Thomas Grella and Brad Galinson (at 5:47 p.m.). Also present: Town Administrator Gary MacGuire and Executive Assistant Sharon Frydlo.
Coach Maren Petropulos was presented a proclamation from the Board of Selectmen recognizing the Division I Lacrosse State Championship. The Coach introduced each player while those in the audience clapped. She announced that while they won the championship, they did it undefeated.
Dispatcher Recognition
Mr. Bowler invited Dispatcher Specialist Rick Gagne, EMS Director Brian Gleason and Fire Chief Rick Todd to join the Selectmen at the podium. Chief Todd spoke of the evening of June 12, 2008 when the Amherst Departments of Police, Fire and EMS were dispatched to a four alarm fire at 131 Route 101A. He introduced Rick, who is a full time firefighter with the Merrimack Fire Department and who also works part time at the Communications Center. It was mentioned that at the time of the fire, Rick was on duty by himself and fielded the initial number of calls. Within minutes second, third and fourth alarms were called in. He acted professionally and went above and beyond by continuing responding to the day to day calls as well as getting other resources to the scene. As a related note, because of the working relationship between the staff and without any call out, Communications Specialist Pam McKinney came in to assist Rick. They wanted to congratulate Rick for his actions, since he had only been with the Town of Amherst for three months.
Director Gleason recognized Rick’s Outstanding Performance of Duty and the Amherst Department of Public Safety Communications expressed its sincerest gratitude by bestowing a “Certificate of Appreciation” for extraordinary critical situation in dispatch management. Mr. Bowler also commented on the Board’s appreciation, stating “he had done an outstanding job”.
There were no questions or concerns from members of the audience.
DPW Director Bruce Berry, Police Chief Peter Lyon, EMS Director Brian Gleason, Fire Chief Rick Todd and Town Administrator Gary MacGuire were present. Acting as EM Director, Chief Todd told the Selectmen that over the past few months the EOC Committee, as well as members of the School District and Bus Company, had met on a regular basis.
EMS Director Gleason gave a Power Point presentation. He indicated that the Committee had been working on some enhancements to the EOC that was located in the lower level of the Police and EMS Departments, specifically the EMS training room. He described by both photos and slides the following: Three complete workstations, complete TV/Internet capabilities, fax/printer/copier, LCD projection; Phone & Separate Intercom Stations, Designated Media Location at Town Hall, Designated Personnel Staging Area at the Central Fire Station, Media Press Conference Podium at Town Hall and Separate EOC Digital Communications Equipment. Mr. Gleason briefly went into more detail in describing each of the enhancements. Relative to Lessons Learned – he indicated that both he, the Police Chief and the Fire Chief attended a conference forecasted as sharing critical information. The highlights of the conference pertained to shelter plans, public emergencies, FBI’s WMD Program, Clinton’s Hostage situation in Rochester, NIMS/ICS Update and School compliance.
Chief Todd added that in February they applied for a Federal grant for the EOC and asked for a Digital Communicator that was pending and elaborated on the capabilities of the ban station radio they were seeking. In answer to Mr. Bowler’s question on the cost to the Town, the Chief indicate this was all through a Federal Grant and would not cost the Town anything. Mr. Bowler thanked the Committee and felt this was probably the best EOC in the State.
Further questions: Mr. Grella asked about CB radios that some truckers were using. Chief Todd explained they did not have the capability for a citizen ban, but had the capability to communicate with Ham Radio Operators. Mr. Infanti commented that he knew what situations looked like a year or two ago with the floods and what was presented was a huge improvement and they all should be acknowledged for the work they had done. Mr. Galinson remarked they all had done a “ton of work and it was free to see this result which didn’t cost anything”. Chief Lyon indicated he was very happy to do as much as they have now and have plans to add to the Center within a year or so with additional communications.
After Chairman Bowler read the notice pursuant to RSA 31-95-B, Mr. Infanti moved to open the public hearing, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. MacGuire advised that they have 21 items that they were looking to recognize as unanticipated revenue that have come in since their last public hearing in March. Revenue received for PMEC includes: $1000 from the Garden Club for Program Scholarships to the Revolving Fund, $1,000 from the Junior Women’s club to the Revolving Fund Programs, two PSNH Utility Rebates - $660.00 and $10,942.00 which will reimburse the building projects. DPW: To reimburse trees already purchased from the Garden Club at $419.00 and $339.79 to also reimburse trees already purchase. $28,166.70 was for reimbursement for the DOT railroad crossing work on Caldwell Drive done in early fall, Sale of 1991 International Dump Truck for $2500.00 will go to the bottom line, $210.00 from the Garden Club for tree reimbursement would go to the line item to purchase trees; there was a $3500.00 donation for fireworks from the Granite State Credit Union. Fire: Scrap Metal from the old tanker of $424.24 will go to the bottom line, as well as restitution of $236.90.
Mr. MacGuire further advised that PEC Access Capital Funding at $105,000 was a grant from Comcast for the eventual construction of a studio. There was also a penalty payment of $276.12 pertaining to a late payment to the Town and will go to the bottom line. Received from Comcast $34,294.97 and as part of the Town’s new contract that has changed to a quarterly payment. The plan is to move $5,000 to the CIC line in the Administration budget. As they keep adding more equipment to the back room, there is a need to have more cooling effects. He added that on Friday the temperature was approximately 84 degrees. The remaining amount will go to the bottom line. There was a CIC rebate of $200 which will go to the bottom line. There was a $20,000 Comcast payment which was above what they anticipated with no offset because it was an error in paperwork.
EMS ambulance income of $40,000 – this should be the last year for this and was above what they were projecting and will offset and reimburse EMS expenses, explained Mr. MacGuire. The education income of $4,500 was above anticipated and will offset expenses made to the EMS Department. The Pandemic Drill received $1,575 from the government and will reimburse the Town’s expenses. The Conservation Commission received a gift of $75,000 from Berkshire Development and was made in August 2007. This amount slipped by them when they accepted unanticipated revenues in March. Mr. MacGuire indicated the total of unanticipated revenue came to $330,244.72.
Mr. Bowler opened the public hearing for public comment. Cal Wood, Woodland Drive, asked how much unanticipated revenue had the Town accepted this fiscal year. Mr. MacGuire advised that in March the Board accepted $154,808.77. Mr. Infanti said it was approximately $485,000. Mr. MacGuire indicated that the majority of unanticipated revenue is reimbursements and funds from Comcast.
Mr. Infanti moved to close the public hearing, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to accept the unanticipated revenue in the amount of $330,244.72, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Recreation/School District Field Lease
Recreation Director Nancy McMillan and Recreation Commission Chairman Dana Redmond met with the Board. Mr. MacGuire advised that what the Board had in front of them was basically an update to the lease that has been in existence since May 1984. The latest factor was the Bean Field project and everyone realized there were some things that needed to be updated. The document has been through the various groups – the Schools, the Recreation Department and legal review on the School’s side and Town side with some adjustments and “tweaking”. Both School Districts have voted in favor of this lease. Mr. Redmond added this lease replaces the original one between the Town of Amherst and the Amherst School District in 1984 and seems to be a very good cooperative agreement.
Mr. Infanti acknowledged Nancy for getting the Selectmen a copy to them several days earlier. He knew of all the work that had gone into this and thought all the departments have done an excellent job in making this work for both the Schools and Town. Mr. Grella asked if there was still an agreement for interior space. Mr. Redmond explained that the SAU implemented a new policy this year to describe how the schools would be used by the Town. Mr. Galinson asked if this was much the same during the past ten years and is it to update which fields are in it. Mrs. McMillan stated yes, it solidifies the relationship and clarifies what role Recreation plays. There are some fields in the District they maintain and some in the Cooperative H.S. they don’t maintain, but use. Recreation now schedules all fields. Mr. Redmond added this was a big change for Recreation now.
Mr. Galinson questioned Section 1.B Term. He thought having a ten year term with renewals every year and a three year notice to not renew did not make sense. Mrs. McMillan remarked they have a co-dependent relationship and it is in their best interest to have as lengthy amount of time if the Schools did not want to renew the lease. There was a discussion about what the term meant with several interpreting it differently. Mr. Bowler asked for clarification on the matter.
Mr. Bowler reminded them of the discussion they had last fall about the tennis courts on Davis Lane. He did not see anything addressing this in the lease and asked if this was going to be a separate issue with the School Board. Mr. Infanti’s feeling was that it didn’t need to be in the document. Mrs. McMillan advised they had a preliminary discussion with the School District, if the Town was going to refurbish the tennis courts, and the safety issue would then be addressed.
Mr. MacGuire remarked that signing the lease had dragged on for quite awhile and he preferred that the Board take a vote pending clarification. Mr. Galinson moved to accept the lease agreement pending clarification on their understanding that the terms are accurate in “Section 1.B Terms”, second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Bowler asked about the Hartshorn Summer Camp. Mr. Infanti remarked that their new Director had been out there on the first day doing more than observing. Just having a building, when thunderstorms come up, was great. He was very impressed so far – it is a great program and a great staff. Mr. Galinson added that Hartshorn has record attendance, they raised registration fees and added two more weeks. There is more competition, but it still seems like a terrific program. Mr. Bowler indicated that the Board may want to meet out there in July for one of their meetings. The CIC folks can tape it, but it wouldn’t be live.
Award DPW Loader Bid
DPW Director Bruce Berry reported they had put out bid specifications with six companies responding. They notified the two lowest bidders and asked them to bring the machines in while they were working on the Transfer Station renovations and reviewed Chappell Tractor’s loader at $97,900 and Milton Cat’s for $106,300 - both including trade-in. The differences were subtle and not enough to recognize. He was recommending the Hyundai 740TM-7A. Mr. Infanti moved, based on Director Berry’s recommendation, to accept the bid of Chappell Tractor of $97,900 for a 740TM-7A, with attachments as noted, second by Mr. Grella. Discussion: Mr. Infanti asked the ETA. Mr. Berry indicated most likely within two weeks. Vote: Unanimous.
Award Lease Purchase Proposals
Mr. MacGuire presented the Board with a spreadsheet indicating five financial institutions he had contacted seeking information for a lease/purchase of the DPW Loader and DPW/Rec Truck. Northway Bank was not doing leases at this time and Ford Finance did not quote on the Loader. The three institutions they considered, for a five year municipal lease escape clause, were MLC on behalf of Citizens Bank, First Colebrook Bank and Ocean National Bank. Interest rates varied from 5.12% to 4.56%. The yearly payment ranged from a high of $22,687.49 to a low of $21,363.91. He was recommending Ocean National Bank at 4.56% with a yearly payment of $21,363.91.
Mr. Infanti moved to accept the lease/purchase rate of Ocean National Bank at 4.56% as recommended by the Town Administrator, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. MacGuire advised the other lease/purchase was for a F350 pick up truck budgeted for and split between DPW and Recreation. Both will pay for half of the lease/purchase. He had contacted the three existing financial institutions along with Ford Municipal Finance. Ocean National was again the lowest at 4.56% - First Colebrook was at 5.00% and MLC at 6.45%. The yearly payment went from a low of $5,871.91 to a high of $7,351.10. He recommended they execute this lease/purchase with Ocean at 4.56% at $5,871.91 per year. Both Departments had budgeted approximately $3,000.
Mr. Infanti moved to accept the lease quote of $5,871.91 for five years at an interest rate of 4.56% on the DPW/Recreation truck lease/purchase, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Other Business
Mr. Bowler asked for updates on the Transfer Station. Mr. Berry indicated the Transfer Station was moving along. They were in a position where the majority of work will be done by others. He hoped to have a transition before the snow flies. He appreciated the citizens’ cooperation as they move things around. Mr. Bowler commented that it looked good and thanked the Director.
Sign Dog Warrant
Mr. Bowler read the dog warrant of June 20, 2008. Mr. Infanti moved to sign the dog warrant as read, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Approve Encumbrances
Mr. MacGuire had prepared a list of proposed encumbrances by Department and account number. Many were related to purchases or projects that were not quite finished, he said. General Government (4130): Contingency $25,000 which is a 15.5% increase over the amounts they budgeted nine months ago for fuel and what they were looking for was approximately 25% higher – this would be used to address ’09 fuel increases and monitored by him. The $5,000 was for repairs for the cooling system mentioned earlier in the meeting. Town Clerk (4140): $1,000 – He was approached by the Town Clerk who had some concerns with the increasing amount of ballots and she was looking at November’s national election. He reminded the Board that she had decreased her part time hours. $500 was being requested for ink cartridges for State printers not purchased yet. Finance (4150): $2,500 – They were just completing an audit and believed there may be more expenses involved. Planning Board (4191): $10,500 for the Master Plan which was divided between the Planning Board budget and a warrant article. They have not been billed yet for the second phase. Police (4210): $2,000 was requested for uniforms not purchased yet. $1,000 for computer supplies also not purchased yet.
Mr. MacGuire continued … Fire (4220): $2,000 to address a budget error in the part time salaries. $1,000 for a console for the Department’s new truck and $1,000 for protective clothing for some of their personnel. Emergency Management (4290): $1,750 – Most of the items purchased this year came from a Federal grant and donations. Chief Lyon requested encumbering this amount for items not purchased yet. Public Works (4312): $142,500 – The Department had not gotten to all of their paving projects and the Director was looking to encumber this amount for hot top. Welfare (4442): $9,000 for dealing with fuel assistance during the heating season due to the rising fuel costs. Recreation (4520): $1,800 for repairs that have not yet been made to a piece of equipment. $1,700 would be for a line striper that had been proposed, but not yet purchased.
Under Taxable Warrant Articles for Baboosic Lake Septic III, they had not started the project yet, said Mr. MacGuire and would like to encumber $604,578.85. The Transfer Station project is incomplete and would like to encumber $103,759 for this project. They would also like to encumber $58,226 to complete the PMEC building. The remainder also included the $11,000 from PSNH. Under Capital Reserve Warrant Articles for Recreation facilities, they would like to encumber the maximum amount of $250,000, but he didn’t believe they would see anything close to this number.
Mr. MacGuire continued … Under Unanticipated Recognized Revenue: CIC for $105,000 came from the Comcast grant and the studio upgrades had not been done yet and the funds needed to be encumbered. There is a similar situation for July 4th in the amount of $3,500 for fireworks. The Lowe’s donation of $150,000 that had been recognized in the past had not been expended. The total requested encumbered amount is $1,483,319.00.
Mr. Infanti felt that the requests were self-explanatory. Regarding welfare, Sharon and he had talked about this about several times. Mr. Grella remarked that the fuel increases scared him and the $25,000 was an attempt to get prepared. Mr. Galinson had two issues, the $9,000 and the $25,000 and felt they were not even debatable. Mr. MacGuire mentioned they were focusing on conservation and they may have to cut back on some other areas. They may have to cut back on the way they do business. Mr. Galinson said the need was there, but they set the budget and they should live with it and deal with it. He was uncomfortable with these two items. It was taking money from last year that they didn’t spend, which was great, and increasing the budget this year which was symbolic. He was uneasy about these two items. Mr. MacGuire did not disagree with him, but as a Department Head they are always in a tough position the way they time the budget and their meeting. They could be doing a better job if their town meeting was in May. This is hopefully an unusual occurrence. They have always been on the conservative side. It is always difficult to project what is ahead of them and what the future holds. They budget very lean with the hope that they don’t see the big spikes predicted. They will have to curtail some parts of the budget, but he would hope to provide the same level of services. They will consider what other towns are doing if it comes to this. He did not disagree with what he was saying as long as they are willing to continue with some other steps. Welfare is a little bit different situation. Mr. Bowler also did not disagree, but one thing he liked was that Gary was using contingency to address the fuel increases and it had to be justified. This is also not just for gasoline, but could be oil and propane for the town buildings.
Mr. Infanti moved to approve the proposed ’08 budget encumbrances in the amount of $1,483,319, second by Mr. Grella. Discussion: Mr. Galinson asked if the motion could be amended to withhold $34,000. Mr. Infanti amended the motion to reduce the encumbrances to $1,449,319, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to encumber $34,000 - $25,000 in General Government to address the ’09 fuel increase and $9,000 in Welfare to address fuel assistance issues, second by Mr. Grella. Vote: 3 to 1, Mr. Galinson opposed.
Other Business
Mr. MacGuire reported he was going to give an update on fuel consumption at a future meeting with details on those vehicles that utilize gas or diesel. One Department had shared this information with them already. They will look to review this quarterly and also have a meeting with Director Berry first since he oversees all town buildings on heating costs. They will get together with each Department and put together some controls. As it stands now, no vendor wants to commit on a dollar amount. It was a tough call last year and it will be a tougher one this year. His recommendation would be not to cut public safety.
Public Comment
Chairman Bowler opened the meeting up to the public who came in late and who might want to address the Board. No one had anything further to address.
Other Business
Mr. Infanti reported he attended Planning Board meetings on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday last week. The majority of the Department Heads were there for one or several meetings. The Master Plan is taking on a new life with people showing more interest in it, which was a good thing, whether or not it was eleventh hour. There has been a lot of citizen input for the past several meetings and had some go back and forth discussions. Mr. Bowler missed several meetings while in California, but commented that the group had put in a tremendous amount of work in the presentation, as did the element leaders. He thought the Consultants had been beaten up by comments made. He commended George for attending all those meetings, the Planning Board as well. Hopefully they will get a good plan to present and approve.
Mr. Infanti mentioned that Wednesday night at the Planning Board meeting they heard a presentation from the NRPC on a drinking water protection inspection program. NRPC is putting together a plan where they want to have volunteers monitor certain areas. At some point, the Board may want to have this presenter come before them because it is the Selectmen that would recommend it be done. The Planning Board thinks it is eventually going to happen. Mr. Bowler asked George to work with her and set something up.
Mr. Infanti indicated he received an email from Joe Cerra, as did other Board members, regarding the safety plan in front of Town Hall. He responded as did Bruce. He read the email and his response into the minutes. Mr. Bowler also did the same. See pages 8-12 attached to the minutes.
Mr. Infanti reported he had attended a Cemetery Trustees meeting several weeks ago with no updates from it.
Mr. Grella had nothing to report. They did not have a Heritage Commission meeting this month with the intention that each of the members would attend the Master Plan meeting.
Mr. Galinson talked about PMEC. With the work of Gary, Charlie, Nancy and Jim Bowen, they have a C.O. The building is fantastic and he encouraged anyone to visit it. There is terraced landscaping and the grounds look great.
Mr. Bowler reported that the Granite State Operating Project has received around $20,000 to actually get started. The target date is September 1st. They are going forward with their plan and had met with Attorneys about getting set up as a non-profit with the NRPC acting as their fiscal agent. SRLD will have a combined meeting for July and August. They should be seeing the recyclamobile trailer on July 4th. Bill Wichman did an outstanding job.
Mr. MacGuire apologized to the Selectmen and Neal Foley for not having all the answers to the questions presented to them at their last meeting. His goal had been to have the answers by this meeting, but because it was the end of the fiscal year, there were other priorities. He had most of the answers and will share them with the Board first.
Minutes
Mr. Grella moved the minutes of June 9, 2008 be accepted as written, second by Mr. Infanti. Vote: Unanimous.
Mr. Infanti moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m., second by Mr. Grella. Vote: Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon L. Frydlo
Executive Assistant
June 28, 2008
Gentlemen,
After reading an editorial on the Main Street Beautification project, I was disturbed to find out that the ways and means committee has been emasculated and that there appears to be no one that is overseeing the actions of the town and/or its elected officials on behalf of the tax payers.
I for one voted NO on the Town Hall road project, yet I understand that things are moving ahead with the project against the vote of the people of Amherst.
As a member of your constituency, I request that you act in behalf of the people you represent and execute the will of the people (i.e. per their vote). I also request that the full authority of the Ways and Means committee be restored. Such that they can over see your actions in the spirit of the motion that was voted on and approved by the citizens of Amherst in 1931.
As I talk to more and more people in town I have come to realize that I am part of a silent majority that is growing more and more dissatisfied with the behavior of our elected officials be it on a local, state or federal level. Do the right thing, execute the will of the voters.
Sincerely,
Joe Cerra
June 28, 2008
Joe, I received your email concerning the town's ways and means committee. I know it is hard to believe but all one reads in the paper is not always correct. The Town of Amherst has an excellent ways and means committee which did a superb job this year and spent hundreds of hours on research to assure our taxpayers that their money was being spent properly and frugally. The letter writer was a former member of ways and means that quit along with a number of his associates and left the town in a bind which was handled admirably by the town moderator.
Contrary to the letter and allegations the ways and means committee is not appointed by the Selectmen but by the town moderator as a totally separate committee from any town committee either appointed by the selectmen or voted on by the voters. Your worry about town government running rampart and out of control should be appeased by this and I would suggest when we get closer to budget time that you could attend one of our meetings and watch your ways and means committee in action.
I believe you will be very impressed with their knowledge and diligence in getting the answers and seeing that our tax dollars are being spent properly. At the town deliberative session you probably already have seen that they address each spending article as well as the general budget and either agree or disagree with our budget. This creates an excellent system of checks and balances and the final budget numbers are decided that evening and are voted up or down on election day.
Hopefully this will ease your concerns about your elected officials being out of control and please feel free to contact me either at my place of business or at home. My work number is 673-1411 and my home number is 673-7100. We are all in this together as taxpayers of the Town of Amherst and I can assure you I have not and will not spend money that is not necessary to benefit our town. The town road safety improvements is another matter which I believe will be addressed by another member of the board in the near future. Thank you again for your concern.
Sincerely,
George D. Infanti
June 29, 2008
Dear Mr. Cerra,
I read your email and find myself disturbed, that you would believe what you read in the papers. As you should know, anyone can write and say what they want regardless if it is completely truthful. I will attempt, to answer your concerns and I believe George may have written you as well and other members may.
Ways and Means: Your Ways and Means Committee is an outstanding group of town citizens, who spent hundreds of hours reviewing the town operating budget, warrant articles, meeting with Department Heads and meeting with us every Monday night during the budget season. By the way, this committee IS NOT appointed by the selectmen, but by the Moderator and answer to the Moderator. The Ways and Means is only an advisory committee who makes their recommendations to both the Selectmen and the citizens of Amherst. Their recommendations are to either support the budget/warrant articles or to recommend that the budget be reduced or that a warrant article not be supported. The Ways and Means Committee continues to operate the same way today, as it did 30 years ago or when I was a member from 2001-2003. The only difference, in all the years that there has been a Ways and Means Committee, is that around 2000 a change was made to make 2 committees, with there being one for the school and one for the town. Before that the one committee, handled both and it was felt that the town would be better served, to have one for each.
Town Hall Road Project: In March of 2007, there was a warrant article to establish a Capital Reserve Fund and to fund it with $25,000 per year for 2 years and the remaining amount the third year. This money would have been funded with tax dollars. Yes, the article was defeated to start this Capital Reserve Fund. Selectman Galinson, with his forward thinking, brought forward the idea of using some money left over in a Recreation fund, which is funded from unanticipated revenue. This revenue is from a national company, which has chosen to put up money, as long as the money goes towards field development for recreation. The contact at this company was contacted and thought what a wonderful idea this was and gave his complete backing. I have added, the minutes from the public meeting, we held on December 3, 2007 to discuss this topic. We, the BOS voted to use $52,000 from this fund and the remaining $15,000 to be raised privately. My own feeling then and still today is where could the town go wrong, with getting this project completed and not spend any taxpayer money and get a $195,000 grant. If I’m wrong, then I completely apologize that getting a $261,000 project done with no tax dollars means your elected officials are out of control.
Mr. Cerra, Amherst is my home and I’m proud to say I am the fourth generation and my sons the fifth to live in this wonderful town. Mr. Cerra please come to our meetings and see for yourself how we conduct your town business and remember we all are taxpayers as well. Please feel free to give me a call anytime at 673-6313 my home as I would be more than happy to discuss this further with you.
Sincerely,
Bruce Bowler
BOS Chair
Public Meeting on Town Hall Safety Project
Mr. Bowler advised that this Town Hall Safety Project was presented last year to the voters and it failed in March. Brad had done some work to try and raise money without having the taxpayers cover it. Mr. Galinson explained that many people know there is a safety issue in front of Town Hall with three or four intersections coming in together and they were fortunate they have not had an accident yet. The Town received a Federal Grant through the DOT and they will pay 75% of any improvements the Town makes. Currently in front of Town Hall is a big mound of concrete which adds to the safety issue. Last year the warrant article was to request a 75/25% match. People spoke pretty strongly about not wanting their taxes to go up. There is a capital fund with approximately $52,000 and the additional $15,000 would be raised privately. It was his thought, when looking at this, was that there is a four to one leverage for safety and the money will be well spent. Because the warrant article was not supported last year, the Selectmen thought they should open up the discussion to the public to see if they should consider this again or not.
Bill Veillette, 1 Pierce Lane, explained he was on the Heritage Commission and wrote the grant back in late 2005. He attended all the meetings beginning with NRPC and through to DOT in Concord to get them this $195,000 grant to do the work. The budget is $261,000 with a $67,000 match that they need to come up with in order to receive the $195,000 from the Federal Government. This was a competition for funds throughout the State in order to raise the money to improve the safety and look outside of Town Hall. The site plan has already been done through the Heritage Commission, the former Fire and former Police Chiefs. They have also gone through the Historic District Commission and were ready to go to the engineering stage. Once they sign an agreement with DOT, they would be off and running.
In answer to Chris Nowlan’s question, Mr. Veillette described the plan explaining that what they were essentially doing was eliminating half a block in front of Town Hall by extending a grass area so that the road will wrap around the common along with placing a lawn around the horse trough which is a historic feature. Manchester Road comes within three feet off the steps of the side entrance to Town Hall. He commented on what was planned in front of the Cemetery. They tried to keep the plan simple with one cross walk and no visual clutter. They may have some type of curbing, other than that it will still retain the rural village feeling. Mr. Nowlan asked if there would be any loss of parking. Mr. Veillette remarked “no” because of some improvements made in front of the Cemetery wall extended the parking a bit. The extra spaces along the common make up the six spaces on the blacktop in front of Town Hall.
Andy Ouellette, Austin Road, asked if the plan incorporated any new plantings in the lawn area. Mr. Veillette explained they didn’t have any plans along this area and decided not to burden the plan with additional plantings. They wanted to address the safety issue and improve aesthetics by basically getting rid of blacktop and hopefully have this done for the 250th Celebration in 2010.
Will Ludt, 3 School Street and Chair of the Heritage Commission, remarked on the public hearing in 2005. The process was going forward and they need to come up with funds to move ahead. The Heritage Commission was to keep the plan simple and within the rural character that they all enjoy around the Town and village. The plan gets rid of the corner along the far side of the steps where you walk immediately into the street. It also takes care of the road around the corner as to who has the lead on the street.
Linda Kaiser, Manchester Road, reminded everyone that all the neighbors thought the plan wonderful. When Gary put up the speed sign, the average speed was between 51-53 mph. For skateboarders and walkers this is a good thing. Shelly Stama indicated this was a wonderful plan receiving $52,000 from the capital fund. She wondered if there were other things that may be more critical that they could use the money for. Mr. Galinson explained this was why they were talking about this. The capital fund is a Recreation fund and a partnership - a Recreation Capital Reserve keeps going year after year. Recreation supports this and he believed the Commission’s number one priority was to be an improvement to the Middle School softball field.
In response to Liz Overholt’s question, Mr. MacGuire advised the Recreation money was unanticipated revenue and left over from earlier years. It is not part of the recent warrant article that passed. Mr. Bowler indicated that Brad has talked to the people involved and they are very much in support of this also. Mr. Panasiti asked Mr. Veillette if this would impact the road in front of his house. Mr. Veillette indicated “no”, it just wasn’t drawn on the plan. He briefly spoke of the issue of people driving down the one way section of Courthouse Road. He also commented that while they could use the money for other things in the Recreation Department, it was good to hear that they were supportive of this project. The advantage is that it comes with $195,000 additional money. If the funds were used for anything else, there would be zero additional funds. Many communities didn’t get the grant because Amherst did and he hoped the Town could take advantage of it.
Cal Wood indicated this question was asked back in March as to whether they should spend money on this project and the answer back then was “no”. If they were asking for public input, they needed to ask over 1,400 taxpayers who voted “no” and explain it to them.
Mr. Bowler asked Mr. Veillette when the Town has to actually let DOT know. He indicated they could get started, but his advice was to not sign the agreement until they know where the funds will come from. They were ahead of other TE projects and they may be able to get their project going earlier. The earlier they get the funds, the better it will be. Mr. Galinson noted that the cap fund goes away this budget season and have the $50,000 this fiscal year to spend the money. If this would have a tax impact, it would go to the voters. Bob Petrella mentioned that if this is unanticipated revenue, the money could be used for other warrant articles and was in support of Cal’s suggestion that it should be a warrant article.
Mr. Infanti agreed with Brad because the money needs to be spent this year. Mr. Galinson indicated the money was either going to go for fields this year or be spent on this project. The concept was it wouldn’t go to the General Fund to be spent on something else - it would be spent on the most beneficial project in Town. Mr. Nowlan spoke about taking advantage of the benefit of $195,000. Mr. Galinson again noted this was a serious safety issue and it would all come together with the cap fund. Mr. Nowlan commented that aesthetically in front of Town Hall, it was a parking lot. Mr. Panasiti asked when asphalt was put on the road. Mr. Bowler remarked that in front of Town Hall was the old Route 101. Mr. Veillette added it had been a long time, perhaps in the 60’s or 70’s.
Mr. Infanti suggested they take it under advisement for one week or vote on it that night. He then moved that the Selectmen expend the appropriated $52,000 for the safety improvements of Town Hall, second by Mr. Galinson. Discussion: Mr. Panasiti mentioned they knew where the funds were coming from and the counter argument they know that Recreation could have unanticipated revenue in the coming year, but did not know for sure – they may not have the extra coming in based on last year’s warrant article. They may not get additional funds and as the Recreation Representative he was a little concerned. “We will be using $50,000 for improvements on fields, having said that, I believe this is a worthwhile project and one they would support and I support it as well - this also had a reaching effect into next year’s budget.” Mr. MacGuire would not hazard a guess on how much revenue would be raised. Mr. Ouellette asked for a clarification about the money if it didn’t get spent on this project this year or on a Recreation project this year. Mr. Bowler advised it would go to the bottom line and returned to the taxpayers. “In the spirit of full disclosure, it is still taxpayer money for full disposal”, he said. Mr. Galinson commented that the voters voted to put the money into a capital fund. It would be irresponsible for a Board to not do this because it was voted to be part of a capital fund. There was a brief debate between W&M members as to the number of projects that contained leverage and those that could be warrant articles. Mr. Ouellette asked if the balance of what was in the capital fund and the total the Town had to come up with was it from privatization and had anyone else come up with something. Mr. Infanti pledged $500.00 that night. W&M Chairman Deirdre Rogusky remarked that she heard Recreation was in support of this, however, they will submit two warrant articles – why wouldn’t they spend this money on their articles. Mr. Panasiti thought the mower was a needed warrant article and did consider using unanticipated revenue, however, he thought that this was more of a budget item and not what this unanticipated revenue should be used for. Vote: Unanimous.