TOWN OF TUFTONBORO
Selectmen present: Rick Chellman, Susan Weeks and Bill Stockman.
Selectmen reviewed mail, which included: Building Permits for Richard E. Marriott, Jason & Heidi Bickerton; Permit for Plumbing, Electric & Driveway for Bickerton; Inspection report for Allen; Code Officer Update; Code Officer Letters to Klein, Wood, Drapeau, Santosuosso, Ciarletta; Property Transfer from Estate of Marjorie Stickle to Donald J. Cope; Parks & Rec Survey Report; Revaluation Bids; Minimum Impact Expedited Application for Bruce Campagna; Standard Dredge & Fill for John Dorn; Approval for Construction for Margaret Hines, Eleanor/Ronald Lecours; Approval for Operation for David/Marcia Campbell; Notice of Completion of Line Extensions from Adelphia; The Inner Chamber; Legislative Bulletin #2; Notice from GWRSD re: Task Force Meeting; HealthTrust letter re: eConnect; Grzelak & Co. GASB Implementation Seminar info; Coalition Communities; Response re: Election Day.
Items for signature: Lien Discharge for Witham; Lien Discharge for Hale; Tax Sale Deeds for Howlett, Cunniff, O’Sullivan, Lake Corner LLC; Fire Permit report.
Minutes: The Selectmen’s meeting minutes for 1-5-04 were accepted as corrected.
At approximately 6:30, Selectmen met with David Booth President of VNA-Hospice and Dr. Lee White, Board Member. Mr. Booth was there to explain the reason for the dramatic increase in the appropriation request ($10,116.00) for 2004 (2003 it was $4,190.00). It has been the policy of VNA to ask for reimbursement of prior year services. The funding from the federal government promised in 2003 did not materialize and because most of the service provided in Tuftonboro is home visits, which are the most costly the amount of reimbursement is much higher than normal. Mr. Booth thought that this would only affect the 2004 request since the funding has been restored. The Selectmen felt that this was a reasonable request in light of the services provided and that they could expect a recommendation from the Selectmen to the Budget Committee for the full amount.
At approximately 6:45, Selectmen met with Ann Hackl, Chairman of the Conservation Commission regarding the Commission’s budget request. After some discussion it was decided to move all appropriations for water monitoring into the Commission’s budget, which increased it by $1400.00. A motion was made by Selectman Stockman to recommend the amount of $4,600.00 for the Conservation Commission to the Budget Committee. Seconded by Selectmen Weeks with all in favor.
At approximately 7:00, Selectmen met with Recycling Supervisor Fred Sargent and resident Joe Kowalski. Mr. Kowalski said he has received prices from other companies to try to cut the cost of hauling our waste. Ann Hackl suggested a pay-as-you-go format, to control the waste stream and encourage recycling. Mr. Kowalski also said that our charges are at the low end and should be looked at. The Solid Waste budget was presented and some discussion ensued. Included in the budget is a third full time employee. A motion was made by Selectman Stockman to recommend the Solid Waste budget for $222,160.00. Seconded by Selectman Weeks with all in favor.
Chairman Chellman advised he would contact Waste Management regarding our contract, which expires 1/18/04.
At approximately 7:40, Selectmen met with Fire Chief Adam Thompson who is also Emergency Management Director. Chief Thompson went over the Emergency Management budget, which now includes the replacement of street signs and a line for grants. A motion was made by Selectman Weeks to recommend the Emergency Management budget for $17,900.00. Seconded by Selectman Stockman with all in favor.
Chief Thompson also reported 10 fire, 6 medical and 1 service call so far this year. There was also much discussion regarding the options in leasing a fire truck to replace the vehicle at Winners Circle Farm. The Selectmen felt the replacement was needed now. Chief Thompson thought he could get one in a short time. Chairman Chellman will contact DRA for ways to fund the truck.
At approximately 8:05, Selectmen met with Police Chief Shagoury. Chief Shagoury submitted the Police Department budget with the adjustments made from purchases made from the 2003 budget. Selectman Weeks made a motion to recommend the Police Department budget for $218,099.00. Seconded by Selectman Stockman with all in favor.
At approximately 8:20, Selectmen met with Eric Roseen Chair of the Parks & Rec Committee. Mr. Roseen explained that the ice rink still needs to be leveled. There is only partial use of the rink at the moment. Selectmen said that money has already been invested and we need to follow through. The request for a pavilion and the utility relocation were put aside for a warrant article. The request for lifeguards was not approved. Playground equipment and a light for the rink were approved. Selectman Weeks made a motion to recommend the Parks & Rec budget for $38,550.00. Seconded by Selectman Stockman with all in favor.
Selectman Stockman made a motion to recommend the Health Agencies budget for $22,530.00, which included the increase for VNA and CAP and a new appropriation for the Medication Bridge Program. Seconded by Selectman Weeks with all in favor.
The following budgets were recommended with a motion by Selectman Weeks – Financial Administration for $98,756.00, Planning Board for $10,700.00, Highway for $313,615.00 and Election for $39,196.00. Seconded by Selectman Stockman with all in favor.
The Insurance budget was approved for $28,596.00 with a provision for an increase for the fire truck if necessary.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carolyn Sundquist
Administrative Assistant