Selectboard Budget Meeting
November 23, 2009
Attending the meeting; Jon Trefry, Ken Brown, Randy Volk, Howard Russell, Jeanne Wilson, Mike Anthony, Rob Bast, Steve Button, Rocky Martin.
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Highway: Tools and equipment increased by $3,000 for purchase of forks for the loader, Mike said they move a lot of things on pallets – these are made special for this loader and are a quick change over from the bucket.
Professional Services – Mike planned to use funds for design of turn around for Buck Hill Rd, Place Rd East and Catchapaw Rd. Howard noted there is a trail head in that area of Buck Hill Rd., perhaps a two-car pull off could be created at the same time. Randy reminded everyone the engineering funds were originally assigned to evaluate the Town gravel roads. This evaluation was to be spread over several years and work on it can still be done in this FY. The Board asked Mike to get an estimate on engineering fees for the turn around so it can be added to the current requested amount.
Rob Bast said he was present to advocate for road maintenance i.e. paving and continue the side line striping.
Other items of note; $4,300 in building repair and maintenance to replace the garage doors on the shed. Salt – Mike said they will be getting the salt brine along with chloride this winter. Last year with use of chloride fewer materials were put on the roads and fewer trips were needed in clearing the roads.
Increase in supplies and equipment to purchase a line striping machine (co-owned by Monkton). This will reduce the pavement striping budget from $2500 to $2200.
Water and Wastewater Shared: Increased accounting assistant by $1000 due to added work required for wastewater upgrade project record keeping and grant reporting.
Water: Repair and maintenance supplies increased for planned maintenance on hydrants. Testing cut in half due to some testing now covered by the State.
Wastewater: Increased small tools and equipment for purchase of confined space entry equipment. $10,000 sludge removal to begin building reserve again. Capital expense reserve will be moved to its own category.
Buildings and Facilities: Increase for furniture and fixtures to replace conference room chairs and map file for P&Z office; Increased repair and maintenance – refinish main hall floor at Town Hall and new phone system; Utilities reduced; New Town Forest – new line – request for $5,000 from forest committee. Selectboard is looking for more information on this request; Large increase in sidewalk construction – projecting building the section from H&M Auto to Lyman Meadow road with crosswalk to HCS; Tree Planting / Maintenance up some to replace dead trees; Trails Committee – new line – moved from P&Z budget.
Selectboard: no major changes.
Legal Services: Increased to cover contract negotiations.
Town Administrator: Increase for assistant; Professional Development – Selectboard recommended to continue funding for the subscription to the Burling Free Press. The Selectboard also questioned Jeanne proposing level funding her salary and felt it is not appropriate.
Computer / Copier / Fax / Web Site: no major changes proposed.
Public Health: Discussed misc funds not spent at year end to be donated to the local food shelf.
Ken moved the Board vote to adjourn at 9:40 p.m., second by Randy and approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Spadaccini, secretary