Littleton, New Hampshire

Approved Work Session Minutes Jan 25, 2008

Town of Littleton
Board of Selectmen Work Session
Friday, January 25, 2008
12:30 PM
Town Office Conference Room

Present: Town Manager Chuck Connell, Selectman Brien Ward, Vice Chairman Eddy Moore, Executive Secretary Ceil Stubbings, Mr. & Mrs. Massimilla, Louise Smith, Juanita Gilpin, Sharon Craigie, Steve Kelley, Art Tighe, Mr. Boynton, Carol Cullen, Mrs. Mercieri, Chief Mercieri, Karen Noyes, Ron Bolt, Bruce Hadlock, and members of the press.

Vice Chairman Eddy Moore call the meeting called to order at 12:30 PM.

Vice Chairman Eddy Moore reminded everyone that they are on time restraint therefore public input is at zero. Town Manager Chuck Connell advised the purpose of the work session is in regards to the Warrant. There are four instances where the Board of Selectmen needs to be approved or not approved. These are in reference to bonds or notes, petition to appropriate and separate funds. Chuck then read a list of the separate funds, capital reserves or any other non-lapsing or transferable. Selectman Brien Ward recommends all of the petitioned Warrant Articles of the separate funds and any other article that has been designated as special, get proper wording as incorporated into the draft Warrant dated January 25, 2008. Vice Chairman Eddy Moore seconded the motion. Town Manager Chuck Connell brought up one point for clarification. There is one non-lapsing Article it will carry over for a specific number of years until project is done. Selectman Brien Ward asked if this incorporates the Police Facility Study, Chuck said it was incorporated. Motion passed with a vote of 2-0.

Selectman Brien Ward said the draft of the Warrant must be posted by Monday. Brien said Town Counsel and the Department of Revenue are reviewing the warrant. Chuck said the changes that are occurring are corrective in nature. There are some language changes to make that do not change the Warrant Article but make it easier to read. Chuck went on to say that the Department of Revenue has been good over the last 3 to 5 years helping to clean them up so voters can understand. Chuck said the people should understand what they are voting on. Selectman Brien Ward asked Chuck if would it be appropriate approve the draft subject to final revisions. Chuck said that it would be appropriate. Selectman Brien Ward moved to approve the draft of the Town Meeting Warrant 12:11 subject to technical corrections as per Town Counsel and the Department of Revenue. Vice Chairman Eddy Moore seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0.

Town Manager Chuck Connell advised the selectmen that they have just said it is their intent is to approve the draft and allow the DRA and counsel to make corrections. Chuck advised that they had overlooked a request from the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club. We would like to add them with your permission. Selectman Brien Ward and Vice Chairman Eddy Moore agreed to add the overlooked budget lines.

Sharon Craigie asked the Board to please explain what you are discussing. Sharon asked how the Warrant read now regarding the SRO. Louise Smith said is it a reduction in the salary. Chuck advised that it is not a reduction it is a partial year. It is from May 1st. Chuck said there is one other consideration in there, if the Article is defeated and the SRO is not retained that individual can tap down we are dealing with the position not the individual. The individual would return to the Police Department on a different assignment. He has 14 days to respond in writing and then choose to tap down. The junior individual would have 14 days before any action. Vice Chairman Eddy Moore placed the motion to approve the SRO article. Selectmen Brien Ward seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0.

Sharon Craigie asked about the Kittridge property. Chuck said that what was discussed initially was $350,000 to purchase down to $100,000. We are going from buying the property to accepting it as a gift. Sharon asked if Chuck had advice from the Town Counsel. Chuck responded by saying the Article is being reviewed by the Town counsel and the DRA, both are fully aware of it. Sharon said that we did not discuss this at the hearing. Bruce Hadlock said he did not remember this at the hearing either. Sharon said that we did not have a chance to discuss this. Selectman Brien Ward placed the motion to adjourn the meeting. Vice Chairman Eddy Moore seconded the motion.

Members of the community requested further discussion with the Board. Selectman Ward and Vice Chairman Eddy Moore again reminded the public that Brien was on a time constraint.

Sharon Craigie requested the Board not adjourn at this time. Vice Chairman Eddy Moore said this is an official work session meeting for the Board of Selectmen and not the same as a regular Board meeting. Sharon said that she begged to differ. A meeting is a meeting and this is not an agenda meeting. Eddy responded by stating that there are time restraints. Eddy advised Sharon that Brien has to be back in his office by 1:00 PM.

Juanita Gilpin asked where the sprinkler system was. Town Manager Chuck Connell said they are still working with the DRA. This would have to be brought up on the floor. Chuck stated it could bring it to the floor by amending the amount in Article 3. Juanita asked who brings that forward. Chuck advised that it could be anyone.

Richard Massimilla asked if the Article would just be for only the $75,000. Chuck said the $75,000 would just be for the cost of installing the sprinkler system. Louise said she had a general question. Louise asked about the multitude of changes made in closed sessions, which we in the public would like to know. Louise asked if there is not going to be an opportunity to discuss to those changes made secretly.

Town Manager Chuck Connell said no changes were made in a non-public session. They were made when we came out of the non-public session. Chuck said that there is no time to notice another meeting and the changes could be discussed at the deliberative session. Chuck advised that the budget is done and copies of the budget are available. Chuck said that with the Selectmen's permission he would gladly share those changes with.
Selectman Brien Ward said the budget could be released. Sharon Craigie asked if the budget was discussed along with the warrant. Chuck said that the budget and the warrant were both discussed. Sharon asked what part of the RSA was used. Chuck the motion was to discuss personnel issues and to discuss issues concerning the warrant article. Sharon said that Chuck's answer did not supply any specifics as to why you went into non-public. Sharon asked for more clarification as to why budget was being discussed in the non-public. Chuck said it was because of the warrant article. Sharon asked how would that be harmful to anybody. Chuck said he should have cited the non-public under negotiations.

Juanita Gilpin asked if he was talking about the Kittridge property. Chuck said if those were the only considerations she would be correct. Chuck said there is more going on with negotiations. Sharon said that Eddy was the only one in there when the budget was discussed as Brien had stepped out. Chuck told Sharon that at the point when the minutes could be unsealed she could have a copy. Selectman Brien Ward thanked Karen Noyes, Carol Cullen and Chuck for the work done on the budget.

Due to the time constraints Selectman Ward asked to adjourn the meeting as was motioned for earlier. The meeting adjourned at 12:55 PM

The public requested to have further discussion after the meeting had adjourned as described below.

Juanita Gilpin asked Eddy if he said the department heads had to cut the budget by 10%. Eddy said he had originally thought it was 4%. Eddy said there was concern at the time the budget was too excessive and there were too many warrant articles.

Town Manager Chuck Connell said that when he came to the Town the budget process was already in process. It was to be limited to be a 4% increase 2007. The budget reflected a concept and some department heads were higher than the 4%. Chuck said that through initial rounds we had to cut it. The Budget Committee asked to bring it down below the 4%. There were specific cuts made after that which is their prerogative. Chuck said the cuts were in his mind made once we achieved what they asked for they still felt more cuts were needed.

Richard Massimilla said assuming that the warrant article for the $100,000 passes that is by simple majority. However, the Police Department facility is 60%. Richard asked if we are going to accept the property and string the utilities anyway. Chuck told Richard they are strictly in negotiations. Chuck does not know what the recommendation would be.

Bruce Hadlock said it would be in the deliberative session. Bruce does not want the public to be confused. He wants the taxpayer to know they are stringing lines to a building that is not there.

Sharon Craigie asked if the call company would be a new article. Sharon said this is something new that was not discussed at the budget hearing. Chuck stated that it had been discussed. Chuck advised the article is in draft form. The purpose of the article is to support part time fire fighters. A citizen asked if the money had been reduced. Chuck advised that yes it had been reduced and it is a salary line. The same citizen asked why was it taken out and put into a warrant. The citizen said that he is a call fire fighter and is insulted. He didn't know that his salary could be put into a warrant article. Bruce Hadlock said the word salary is the wrong word. The citizen responded to Bruce by stating that he was nitpicking. The citizen said that by taking that out as line item you are saying we are only worth $1. Town Manager Chuck Connell responded by saying the money to support the call company was not eliminated. Chuck reassured the citizen there is enough to fund the call company. The citizen said there is $1 for the call company. So if the warrant article fails, there is no money. It looks like you are trying to give people no reason to vote down the budget. He said he has no understanding why they did it that way at all. Chuck advised him the intent of the article was to strengthen and support the call company. It is the will of the people. The citizen who is also a fire fighter said he is frustrated about the actions that are happening in this Town.

Bruce Hadlock said he is a taxpayer too and the unions are killing us. They should come back and renegotiate with us. Chuck said that aren't we getting astray of the question. The citizen who said he was also a fire fighter said that they do not get 6 weeks vacation. It is 6 weeks of leave time.

Town Manager Chuck Connell said the budget committee, department heads and himself worked diligently on the budget. Maybe there are some issues that you feel strong about. This is a democracy and you can address those issues.

The citizen replied by saying that things that happen in non-public come back when it is too late. No one knows about it and can't talk about it. That is what happens we are going back to the way it was last year.

Chuck Connell said the shortfall on the overtime was an error. Chuck said he does not know how that happened but that it was 50% of what it should have been. The proposed budget shows the need for the additional overtime. Chuck advised once again the deliberative session is the next opportunity to address any concerns.

Sharon Craige asked Chief Mercieri if she would be putting him in a bad position if she asked for him for his opinion on the call company. Chuck advised Sharon that she was putting him in a bad position. Sharon said if this is voted down there will not be a call company. Sharon then told Chuck that he had told her that the K-9 unit was not zeroed out. Sharon had an email from Karen Noyes, which states food and care costs have been added back. Sharon said just the wording food and vet had been added back in indicates that it was taken out. Chuck told Sharon he did not say that. Chuck said that it was zeroed out in error. Sharon said that Chuck had told her and Linda that. Chuck said there was money in the budget to feed and take care of the dog. It was not intentional and he certainly would not call two ladies a liar. Sharon said there was a cut made and under pressure it was added back in. Town Manager Chuck Connell asked Sharon for an apology. Chuck said he does make mistakes but when he recognizes them he corrects them the best he can. We did not leave the puppy to starve. Juanita Gilpin asked if the dog is back in. Sharon said she was just wondering if Chuck has looked into all the aspects into deleting this. Chuck said he is aware of them and no it did not eliminate the dog. Sharon said she is concerned about the training. Chuck advised her the dog could be trained within the regular hours. Sharon said that if the officer is on call how could he do both. She again asked if he is on duty how could he train the dog. Chuck said that is a function for the Chief to handle. Sharon said we have heard other things that are not in order. Chuck asked Sharon how much of that money was spent in overtime. Sharon said she did not know. Chuck advised Sharon that no money was spent and told her that this is not meant to be a debate. Sharon said she is just looking for clarification as to why we cannot be privy to conversations that took place in a non-public meeting. Sharon is just saying that she wishes they had been told that if you were going to talk about the budget you should have asked us to hang around and it would have been nice to been invited. Chuck said he agrees that they have a difference in their understanding of the definition regarding 91A.

Ron Bolt asked when and where would the draft warrant be available. Chuck advised him they must post the warrant by the 28th. They are waiting for modifications from Town Counsel. Chuck stated that after modifications it would be sent to the DRA. As soon as we get approval we must post it at three locations. At the same time we will have copies of the warrant available. Ron asked if it would be on the website too. Chuck said it would not be on the website but it would also be provided to the papers.

Juanita asked about Article 10. Chuck advised that the question had already been raised and there is no reason why the Town cannot accept a gift of property and is being reviewed by the DRA and Town Counsel. Juanita said it seems like we are supporting someone's business. Chuck said that is not the case. The only reason you would install those utilities would be if the community decided to put the Police Department on that parcel of land. Linda Massimilla asked if the parcel of land had already been dedicated. Chuck said it is in negotiation and he could not comment. Chuck said he would not recommend the Town to be put in that position, the committee is taking this into consideration.

Richard Massimilla told Chuck that the statement he just made was incorrect. Richard said he is in charge of the test borings. In his estimation because of the ledge on the Kittridge property the test borings how the height is incorrect. Richard said that if everything does pass the committee does not have enough money to blast the ledge. The 2 acres will be inappropriate for the building. Richard said they should be cautious.
Chuck provided a drawing of the parcel in discussion. Chuck then asked Richard and Linda if they both looked at the same drawing. Sharon said it was the drawing provided by Janet and Burt the day before his illness. Chuck said he would freely admit that there is some overlap. Chuck is not trying to be evasive. Richard said we should investigate this very thoroughly, the $100,000 on a separate warrant article for 2 acres. This represents 1/6 of the property. We would be paying a third of that property by paying the $100,000. Chuck advised that he had him at a disadvantage and that he has misinformation. Chuck said he could not discuss it now.

Chuck then said that if you don't know all the facts people cannot make a good decision. Chuck said that if we don't have answers we would do our best to get them. Linda Massimilla asked if the Kittredge property is voted down, would we pay $100,000 to put electric on the property for something that does not exist. Richard asked if they were both passed would the $100,000 be sufficient.

Sharon Craigie stated that she had one last question. Sharon said that the Police Special detail was voted in last year for the purpose of special detail. Chuck said that she was correct that article was voted on last year. Sharon asked Chuck if it could be cut from the budget. Chuck said they are not cutting the $14,000 that already sits there. Chuck said they are not appropriating any money for this year to add to the fund. Sharon said it is cut from the budget. Chuck said it does not have to be a special on a warrant article. Sharon asked Chuck if he has checked on this to which he said he had. Sharon then asked if they could do special details in 2008. Chuck stated that there would be no special detail. Chuck in his opinion there are still some issues to be resolved. Louise Smith asked if the person requesting the detail pays for it. Chuck told her the money has to be raised and appropriated. Sharon used an example of someone who calls and asks for a special detail. Normally you bill the entity so we are not losing anything. Chuck told Sharon that needs to be determined. Chuck said there were questions raised that if the Town was underwriting the special detail.

Jan Mercieri said she is on a chemical free committee for the prom. That event needs an officer. Chuck advised her that event is in the budget. Ron Bolt said this is not a question but commentary to Chuck. This is your first year. Ron said he was glad that Chuck came to Littleton and he hopes he stays. Ron said that the warrant articles in the last few years left the voters minds spinning as we went forward toward the deliberative session. What people want to hear is to keep it simple. Ron said we failed because we have so many warrant articles. Ron said he is very concerned we will lose the one thing we need and that is the Police facility.

Chuck said the reason that Town Counsel recommended changes was to remove the antiquated language. Chuck said he believes the number one issue is the Police facility. Chuck said that whether you are for or against it is the first money article up there so that you can deal with it. Chuck went on to say the Police Department could be built without the Kittridge property. Chuck stated that there are questions that need to be answered at the deliberative session and if they are not answered to your satisfaction vote no. Chuck advised those present that this is his first year in an SB2 Town. Knowing the theory and the reality is very different. The whole purpose of the SB2 is to give people the opportunity to vote. He does this work because he loves local government and he enjoys the experience and said he would be staying. Chuck advised everyone that he had to leave at 2:00 PM. The informal discussion ended at this time.

Respectfully submitted
Ceil Stubbings
Executive Secretary

Vice Chairman Eddy Moore

Selectman Brien Ward

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