LITTLETON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
OCTOBER 13, 2004
Chairman Burt Ingerson, Vice Chairman Bill Hight, Selectman George Hicks and Town Manager Jason Hoch.
Chairman Hicks called the meeting to order at 3:50 PM to address the Public Hearing Notices regarding accepting and expending funds from a grant awarded to the Town from the Department of Homeland Security under the Assistance to Firefighters Program.
Town Manager Jason Hoch is requesting authorization to expend a total amount of $45,576.00. The federal share of the award is $41,019.00. The Town's matching funds, 10% or $4,557.00 is incorporated in the equipment and training line items in the present year budget. Purchase of SCBA and communication equipment has been planned.
Selectman Hicks moved to approve acceptance and expenditure of the funds. Selectman Hight seconded the motion. Approved unanimously.
Chairman Ingerson adjourned the Public Hearing and called the Regular Meeting
to order.
Appointments: Dave Sircle - Wastewater Treatment Plan Matters and Ultra Violet System.
Mr. Sircle introduced Steve Dyer, Aquarion Engineer.
Mr. Dyer noted a sludge feasibility study had been completed and copies would be made available for review. He explained certain pieces of equipment in place at the treatment plan were approaching end of life.
The belt filter press needs to be replaced, and it is recommended it be replaced with a new belt filter press or centrifuge. There is possibility that sludge could be disposed of in Claremont; however, the water level within the sludge would have to be reduced more than the existing the belt filter press to accomplish. The centrifuge makes more sense, and in addition, could produce a 30% savings in the coming years. Mr. Dyer recommends the centrifuge over the belt filter press.
Chairman Ingerson asked Mr. Dyer to explain potential savings. Mr. Dyer stated transportation costs would be less since the water content of sludge would be less. Though there may not be a labor savings, and electricity costs may be higher to operate the centrifuge, chemical costs should be reduced since there will not be a need to use as many chemicals.
The life span of the centrifuge is approximately ten (10) years, with a capital outlay of 1.3 million. When asked about the amount of time the new equipment would take to pay for itself, Town Manager Hoch stated a previous report had quoted a savings of $400,000 over the coming years.
Town Manager Hoch asked about the time-line from issuing the RFP to installation. Mr. Sircle stated that in an emergency this could be accomplished in four (4) months; the normal time-line is six (6) months.
Eddy Moore asked if the replacement equipment would be in the same location and if both pieces of equipment could be used. The new equipment will be in the same room; however, there would not be adequate space for both.
Town Manager Hoch suggested working out financing and obtaining additional technical information before a decision is made.
Dave Sircle informed the Board the Ultra-Violet System has failed. At the present time chemicals are being used to meet e-coli standards. The failed system was installed in February of 1989, making it 15 years old. The usual life expectancy is twelve (12) years. Since this particular system is no longer produced and has not been for ten years, finding parts is extremely difficult. When production of this equipment is halted it is mandatory the parts be available for seven years.
Repair of the existing ultra-violet system would cost $55,000.00 including wiring and ballast. It is recommended a new unit, which is smaller and would take up less room, be purchased. The expected cost is $110,000.00 including $10,000.00 installation.
Eddy Moore asked if the purchase would be put out for bids. Mr. Sircle explained that it would not. Trojan is one of a few manufacturers of this piece of equipment.
Selectman Hicks moved to approve purchase and installation of a new unit. Selectman Hight seconded the motion. Approved unanimously.
Board of Assessors - Joe Lessard - Hitchiner Manufacturing Abatement
Mr. Lessard explained to the Board that not much information was forthcoming at first, but as time went on more data was made available.
The subject building, located on Beacon Street was on the market for sale for $2.5 million. When it did not sell, an appraisal was done which came in at $1.5 million. The appraisal and our equalization ration were reviewed with a representative of Hitchiner Manufacturers at which time the offer was made to drop the BTLA case if the Town would accept assessments of $1.5 million for 2002, $1.4 million for 2003 and $1.1 million for 2004.
Mr. Lessard stated that he understood this would result in a large abatement, and that this is an indication a revaluation is needed.
Selectman Hicks asked if Mr. Lessard thought they might negotiate the settlement. Mr. Lessard did not think they would negotiate the assessed values, however he will contact them to try to negotiate the 6% interest that will be due to Hitchiner from date of payment of tax.
Selectman Hicks moved the abatement be approved as recommended with the condition the interest is waived. Motion seconded by Selectman Hight. Passed unanimously.
Carol Cullen informed the Board tax bills would be sent out next Thursday.
Planning/Land Use Issue
Carol Cullen requested a new private road off Partridge Lake Road be named Stone Ledge Road. This request was approved pending Fire Department approval.
Citizen's Concerns
Richard Merrow asked about the elevator he understood was for Daisy Bronson School went to the elementary school.
Town Manager Hoch explained to Mr. Merrow the School Board controls their funds. And projects.
Mr. Merrow then spoke about Highland Croft and AHEAD projects. He is concerned about a possible conflict of interest with these projects and the Town Manager.
Town Manager Hoch stated that he is very aware of potential problems and he always insures there are no conflicts. Don Jutton, Zoning Officer at the time of the AHEAD projects, signed permits. He further explained he does have an interest in a museum on the Highland Croft property, but has nothing to do with any other development. He assured Mr. Merrow he steps away when necessary.
Selectman Hicks stated the Board stands behind the Town Manager.
Town Manager Hoch offered to discuss any concerns Mr. Merrow might have.
Mr. Merrow thanked Mr. Hoch for the information.
Khonie Poulsen was in to see the Board. She distributed a copy of the Town Manager's letter to DES. She asked about tests performed including a smoke test, and stated she did not thinks any tests had been done.
Chairman Ingerson disagreed with Ms. Poulsen's comments since payments were made to vendors.
Town Manager Hoch stated the letter to DES was based on information from wastewater treatment plant records.
In order to help the situation move forward, necessary time will be dedicated to researching 2002 records to any information needed.
Ms. Poulsen asked if reports were sent to the state. She was answered that not all reports are forwarded.
Town Manager's Report
Town Manager Hoch reported on progress in the search for a new Fire Chief. About a dozen letters were received. The field was narrowed to nine. Eight of the nine chose to continue the process. Replies to questions are due the 20th at which time the field will be narrowed to a group that will be asked to have come to Littleton.
There is a meeting November 3, 2004 to formulate a plan to possibly accept additional septage at the wastewater treatment plant. If it is possible to work this into the present system it will create an additional income stream.
The bike sale, held at the Farmer's Market, brought in approximately $400.00 to the general fund. The remaining bikes will be auctioned.
There is a vacancy at Public Works. Both Public Works and the Transfer Station are short-handed because of leave.
The Opera House ramp, funded through Model Community Funds, is to be completed by November 2, 2004. The number of handicap parking spaces available was discussed.
The Master Plan Hearing has been scheduled for November 16, 2004. A copy of the Master Plan will be on the web.
It is planned that Budgets will be distributed to departments today.
Tax Map edits are almost done. Interns and use of school equipment has saved the town a lot of money.
Department of Safety will hold a Homeland Security drill.
Mill Street changes and adjustments being reviewed by TCSP and Public Works.
The last landfill closure request for monies from the state is about complete.
The Public Works Department is hauling sand.
The Police Department is investigating the B-B Gun incident. It appears not just Littleton is involved.
The barriers behind the Fire Department are probably being stored there.
.
Town Manager Hoch reviewed the tax rate, a $5.09 increase from the 2003 rate of $29.95 to $35.04. The hydrant tax has increased from $.23 to $.36, County Tax increased $.12. At Town Meeting a $2.00 was expected.
In past years, surplus has been used to reduce rate, however an 8% to 17% of the budget is recommended for surplus. At this time we have $564,000.00, which is not one-half of the bottom recommendation. Fact sheet distributed.
Other Business - Health Insurance Policy
Town Manager Hoch presented Health Insurance Policy. The buy-out portion to be effective November 1, 2003, the remaining portion to be effective January 1, 2005.
Selectman Hicks moved to approve Health Insurance Policy presented at the last meeting. Selectmen Hight seconded. Approved unanimously.
Richard Merrow asked if the Board considered choosing a Fire Chief from Littleton. Chairman Ingerson replied there was a group interview and Board took the recommendation into consideration.
Selectman Hight moved to approve minutes of September 29, 2004 as amended. Selectmen Hicks seconded the motion. Voted to approve unanimously.
Adjourned 5:30 PM
____________________________ _____________________________
Chairman Burton E. Ingerson Vice Chairman William R. Hight
____________________________
Secretary George O. Hicks