Budget Committee - Minutes (Final)
TOWN OF EPSOM BUDGET COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 29, 2016 Final Minutes
Present: Marylou LaFleur-Keane, Chairman; Dave Fiorentino, Vice Chairman; Gary Kitson, Water District Representative; Virginia Drew; Joyce Heck; Hugh Curley, Selectmen’s Representative; Ralph Weeks; Joni Kitson; Mary Frambach; Penny Graham; Bill Yeaton, School Board Representative
Not in Attendance: Joanne Randall
Other Attendees: Nancy Wheeler; Stewart Yeaton; Gordon Ellis
Marylou opened the meeting at 6:34 PM.
Minutes of November 15, 2016 The minutes of November 15, 2016 were reviewed and amended. It was noted on the bottom of page two of November 15, 2016 meeting only one officer having received an increase.
Ralph motioned to approve the minutes of November 15, 2016 as amended, Mary seconded the motion. The motion passed with one abstention.
Fire Department Chief Yeaton gave an overview of the Fire Department budget. He noted that the BOS proposed the salary increases. Chief Yeaton noted one employee has completed an advanced EMT course and if passed should be a 50 cent an hour increase in his salary.
Chief Yeaton noted with the use of an i pad medical records can be updated as the ambulance is returning to the station.
Chief Yeaton noted that one of the employees instructed a class saving the Town the costs of an instructor.
Chief Yeaton discussed the departments (Chichester and Northwood) are training together twice month. They are also attempting to involve Pittsfield. He noted this is a step toward greater cooperation between the departments.
Chief Yeaton noted he tried to keep the budget the same as last year.
Ralph discussed the new community center in Kingstowne with the average age of 70. He discussed he would like to get an AED there. Virginia noted that the Library is also looking into purchasing an AED also. Chief Yeaton noted with the use of an AED and other drugs they are saving more patients.
He noted that the ambulance is scheduled to be replaced in 2017, but he is going to try to extend this for another year. He noted repairs that needed to be completed on the vehicles.
Chief Yeaton discussed an IM app that can be used on the phone. It will assist with knowing who is on a call and give other towns hydrant locations, etc.
Dispatch has a significant increase. The costs will be based on the call volume rather than the population as in the past.
Chief Yeaton noted with the new insurance company there will be required repairs to the building. He noted he is looking to replace the furnace with a propane furnace. He has not received the estimates for this yet. It would be presented to the town as a Warrant Article.
Chief Yeaton discussed the heroin epidemic in Epsom. He noted the Department has used a great deal of narcan.
Highway Department Gordon Ellis reviewed the Highway Department Budget. He reviewed work completed in 2016. He noted the Echo Valley Farm Road bridge was not completed this year. He noted it would occur in 2017.
Next year’s projects include work on Range Road, Cass Road Ext., Sanborn Hill, both sides, Griffin Road and Martin Hill Road.
Virginia asked if these roads were paved, Gordon indicated they were not. She asked why work was not being completed on Lantern Lane and Carriage Hill Road with work being completed on Colonial Drive. Gordon noted that Colonial Drive had more issues.
Gordon noted he was going to ask for a 6-wheel dump truck. He noted he could not justify purchasing one this year. He felt he could get another year out of the F-350.
Gordon noted the garage would almost be completed next year.
Gordon noted that snow is something that has to be guessed. He did not believe he would have to purchase pipes and culverts next year. He noted more was spent for engineering services, but the State would be covering those costs.
Joni asked what is normally rented and leased, the port-a-potty.
Gordon did not know how much would be spent on sand and salt. He will be sending the laborer to more trainings this year.
Gordon noted they were looking into obtaining uniforms.
Gordon noted he would like to purchase a front york rake for the F-550.
The electricity line is reduced. Heating in the new building should be reasonable. He is using propane or kerosene for heat. He noted he would be looking at a propane furnace.
Gordon noted he had a 2.28% increase in the Highway Department budget.
Other Business
Marylou reviewed the presentations for the December 1st meeting (6:45 PM). She noted there will be presentations on December 6 with no meeting on December 8. The school will be presenting on December 15. The December 20th meeting will be to review the school if needed and also the 5-year comparison and year to date. The BCEP public hearing will be on December 8.
Ralph discussed the increase in health insurance and how much would the Town be picking up. Hugh noted the Town portion would stay the same percentage.
January 10 – Final date for petition warrant articles with January 12th being the date the Town articles will be presented.
Gary asked Hugh for confirmation on who/when pay increases were given. Hugh noted the Fire Department received a 50-cent increase as a 25-cent raise at the beginning of the year and another 25-cent merit raise half way through the year.
Virginia noted that at the May meeting, Hugh indicated the Police Department would be receiving a 25 cent an hour as a merit raise. Hugh stated that the Police were going to be given their raise as a merit raise increase so that they feel that they deserved it.
Hugh incorrectly stated at the November 15th meeting the Police Department had received raises, but they had not. The Selectmen are discussing this now. Gary asked the amount of increase for the Police Department for 2017; Hugh noted 75 cents an hour.
Dave motioned to adjourn, Bill seconded the motion. The motion passed. Marylou adjourned the meeting at 7:46 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Betsy Bosiak
Recording Secretary