Littleton, New Hampshire

Approved Minutes Sep 17, 2008

TOWN OF LITTLETON
BOARD OF SELECTMEN'S MEETING
DRAFT MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008
6:00 PM
LITTLETON COMMUNITY HOUSE, HEALD ROOM

Present: Chairman Eddy Moore, Vice Chairman Bill Latulip, Selectman Ed Boynton, Town Manager Chuck Connell, Executive Secretary Ceil Stubbings

Others present: Bob O'Conner, Channel 2, Art Tighe, Ron Bolt, Sherri Latulip, Mary Durante, Roxanne Bowker
Robert Blechl reporter, Mary Edick, Lynn Wheeler, Chief Paul Smith, Chief Joe Mercieri, Jan Mercieri, Art McGrath reporter

Chairman Moore called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM
Chairman Moore asked if there were any citizen concerns.
Citizen's Concerns:
Approximately 30 minutes
Lynn Wheeler introduced herself and explained that she is running for register of deeds. Lynn further explained to those present that she has as over 35 years of experience and is the only trained person running for the position. Lynn stated that she would like everyone to attend the General Election on Tuesday, November 4th and vote. Chairman Moore thanked her for coming and asked if there were any other citizens with concerns.

Ron Bolt advised that he had two issues he would like to ask about. Ron stated that he was not able to be at the last meeting but he did see it on Channel 2. Ron said that on the 2008 warrant there was a special article authorizing $20,000 for economic development. Ron wanted to know if the money was executed. Town Manager Chuck Connell said the money was given to Main Street Incorporated. Chairman Eddy Moore said the warrant article was written to give them the money. Ron stated that he would like a report stating what the funds were used for. Art Tighe advised Ron that there was a recent article in the paper regarding his question. Art stated that there was money left and the board of directors they were not looking to hire a director at this time. Art stated they used the money for marketing. Mary Edick said that she knows that some of the $20,000 went to help the Farmers Market. Art said the funds have been put to good use.

Ron Bolt stated that the other thing he would like to ask about is having anticipated this downturn there were some changes to the budget in April cutting back on overtime. Ron said that he would like to know how we are doing on the overtime. Ron went on to say that there has been a lot of fluctuation in the Police Department with people leaving. Ron said that he would like some information on how we are doing with the shortage of staff in the Police Department. Ron said he would also like to know how we are doing on the beefing up of the call company for the Fire Department. Town Manager Chuck Connell responded to Ron's questions by stating that the departments that have an overtime line are not over budget. Chuck said the Fire Department overtime line is tighter, and he thinks they are down to about $9,000 left in their budget. Chuck said that some of the adjustments they have made to their schedule have slowed the rate of overtime from the reports that he has seen. Chuck explained that the Highway Department spend the overtime at the beginning of the year, and to date about 60% has been expended. Chuck stated that the Police Department was in good shape up until the last report at the end of August. Chuck went on to explain that the only line that he is aware of is overtime for court duty. Ron asked if the Town has any figures on training costs for the replacement of the officers that have left. Chuck advised Ron that the Town does have to train but we do not have a projection for cost. Chuck stated that the training costs are hard to predict because it depends on whom we hire. Chuck further advised that work is being done on the 2009 at this point and making projections that you are asking for would be like throwing spaghetti against the wall, which is what you are asking for. Ron stated that he was just wondering what was being done to fend off surprises. Chuck advised that the Town is currently on target with what we projected. Ron said that one of the concerns is that the Chief has fewer officers and he believes that overtime would increase. Chuck told Ron that his statement regarding the overtime was a good hypothesis but as of the end of August they were on track. Chairman Moore asked if there were any other citizen concerns. There being no further concerns Chairman Moore moved to the first appointment.

Appointments:
Roxanne Bowker, Littleton Community Center re: financial update of the Community Center

Roxanne Bowker the President of the Board of Directors for the Littleton Community Center and Ron Bolt secretary introduced themselves. Other members of the Board of present were Maryanne Durante and Mary Edick. Roxanne advised that the Community Center a financial situation the same as many other towns do this year. Roxanne explained they wanted to share some of their concerns and some ideas on how to get out of our situation with the Board. Ron Bolt read the following statement to the Board.

LITTLETON COMMUNITY CENTER FINANCIAL UPDATE 9/17/2008

The Littleton Community Center is facing a financial "perfect storm". We started out 2008 owing $7,000 to our own Emergency Fund needed to pay for unanticipated repairs. Then we failed to get our requested increase in Town Subsidy. Meanwhile we have had two vacant rental offices, and have had to face steadily increasing expenses in all categories: salary/benefits, energy, insurance and maintenance. Our Treasurer is projecting a $15,000 shortfall for the calendar year based on the lower than expected income figures and higher than expected expenses and another $5,000 shortfall in the first quarter of 2009.

As we reported to you last month, we have received over $3,000 in cash donations and, subsequently, netted over $2,300 from the August yard sale. This amount will be matched as a result of the passage of Article 32 on the 2008 Town Warrant, but can only be used for building improvements. Although the appeal of matching funds is alluring, most, if not all, of our future fundraising will have to go towards operational costs that imminent $15,000 shortfall.

What we hope will be our big fund-raiser for this year will be an auction to be held at the Elks on October 18th. This event will include an affordable lasagna dinner, silent and live auctions, a raffle, and entertainment. We are still soliciting donations for auction items and plan to have an interesting selection

The Town of Littleton prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital or family status. The Town of Littleton is an equal opportunity employer.

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