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Minutes of 11/28/2007

November 30th, 2007

Carroll Budget Committee
Minutes of November 28, 2007

Members present: Ben Jellison, Carmine Fabrizio, Karen Moran, Bonnie Moroney. Lori Hogan arrived at 7:10.
Member excused: Ken Mills, Tom Gateley
Members of the public present: Bill Dowling for the Transfer Station; Lisa and Jim Covey for the Chamber of Commerce; Harold Garneau in reference to the Old Town Bridge.

Due to the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair, the Secretary, Karen, called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Bonnie motioned to accept the minutes of 11/14/07, Ben seconded, all in favor.

Bill Dowling presented the members with a list of his expense accounts and requests for 2008, which totaled $101,949. At 8:00, after his presentation, Bill left the meeting.
01-4324.10-100 Recycle Supervisor $26,520 Discussion ensued that this request did not include the 5% raise. Further discussion noted that the budget for 2007 was $27,846. The 5% increase over that figure agrees with the Select Board budget figure of $29,238.
01-4324.10-101 Recycle Attendant $9,636 As above, this salary figure did not agree with the 2007 budget of $11,411. This represents 17 hours per week, for 52 weeks. When asked who the attendant was, Bill responded that names are not necessary, it represents two attendants who split the hours. The Select Board estimate of 5% increase is $11,982.
01-4324.10-102 Recycle Salaries $10,000 Bill discussed this line item to be $8,500, not $10,000. Discussion ensued that this may be used if the Bretton Woods Resort decides to recycle. The money is not for another attendant, rather for additional hours that the attendants may work due to a possible increased workload. Without having a commitment from the Resort, Lori recommended the line be brought to $1, seconded by Ben, all in favor.
01-4324.10-200 Recycle Licenses $300 The state certification cost per license is $50. Bill D is licensed, Scott is licensed, Billy Rines may be licensed, and Greg may obtain his license. After review and discussion of the four possible licenses, the line was recommended to be $200.
01-4324.10-202 Training $1,427 Bill noted that 99% of the training sessions to which he attends are free, but that the travel to and from Concord (where most are held) is reimbursable. He also travels to the Concord area for parts for the Bobcat and to the NRRA. At approximately 200 miles roundtrip, this estimates a trip every 3 weeks. Budget Committee discussed travel and suggested $750 with more consolidated travel.
01-4324.10-203 Recycle Telephone $1,000 Bonnie asked if this included computer access and was told yes. Budget Committee agrees that phone and internet cost of $1,000 is reasonable.
01-4324.10-300 Recycle MSW Haul $6,500 this estimate is based on $100 trucking fee per week, or $5,200 plus a $1,300 buffer in case there is a bad storm or something that causes huge increase in Municipal Solid Waste (aka household trash). The average number of trips is 24 per year. Budget Committee recommended $4,000 which represents ~30 trips at the increased haul rate of $128 per trip.
01-4324.10-301 Recycle Bulky Waste Haul $700 Represents the trucking cost for items such as mattresses.
01-4324.10-302 Tires $700 this represents the annual container rent.
01-4324.10-303 Recycle Center C&D Trucking $750 Construction and Demolition trucking cost. Actual tipping fee, aka disposal cost, is paid out of the Special Revenue Fund established for such purpose. There is a warrant article in that regard that will be put before the Town.
01-4324.10-304 Re Ctr Tipping Fees $27,000 Bill noted that this is a worst-case estimate of the $69/ton disposal cost. Year to date tonnage is 199.46. Bill noted that the tonnage in 2004 was 411 and cost the town approximately $63,000 more than the costs currently. All acknowledged the excellent efforts he has made and encourage the entire town to keep recycling! Budget Committee estimated approximately 250 tons or $17,500
01-4324.10-400 TS Site Work $2,000 Bill would like to install a block/wall near the entrance and enhance the appearance with flowers, etc. Budget Committee reduced the estimate to $500
01-4324.10-401 TS Equipment Purchase $4,000 Bill noted that he would like to buy a grippler for approximately $1,000 and bailing wire for approximately $1,500. He also included items such as rubber gloves and hand wipes. Budget Committee estimated $2,500 for the two equipment purchases, and moved $250 for gloves and hand wipes to the Supplies line item #01-4324.10-515.
01-4324.10-402 TS Recycle Equip Repair & Maint $684 This amount represents oil and grease for the compactor and bailer, soap and antifreeze for the steam cleaner and used oil furnace.
01-4324.10-403 TS LP Gas $200 This gas would be used for the generator in the event of a long power outage the heater would ensure the utility room would be maintained.
01-4324.10-404 Recycle Electricity $5,340 Bill noted that the monthly bill is about $70 (or $840 annually) plus the cost of the high voltage line at $375 monthly to pay the 20 year amortization of the installation associated with the construction of the transfer station.
01-4324.10-500 Association Dues $300 Bill noted that the annual dues for the NRRA is $50 and there is a $25 cost to attend the meeting. Budget Committee recommends $75.
01-4324.10-505 Container Lease $2,160 The cost estimate was noted to be $60 per month for each of 3 leases, or $180 monthly. There was confusion about the current year expenses to date, and Karen was asked to check with Sue to see if all items had been properly posted, and/or what the monthly rent currently is. Vote on this account was DEFERRED
01-4324.10-515 Supplies $732 Items such as paper towels, hand cleaner, etc. Budget Committee moved rubber gloves and hand wipes out of the Equipment Purchase request line item, and estimated these items at $250. Total Supplies line item $1,000.
01-4324.30-100 Miscellaneous $2,000 Represents $1,200 in a property tax surcharge paid to Casella Waste for disposal, and $800 for miscellaneous expenses. Ben asked that the surcharge be placed on its own line for a clearer presentation. Karen will check with Sue to see if the line can be added. All agreed on the two figures in total, or the $2,000.

After review and discussion of all of the accounts above, the HIGHLIGHTED dollar amounts were motioned by Ben to be accepted, seconded by Carmine, and all were in favor.

Karen asked about the Revenue accounts 03-3404.01, 02, 03, and 03-3502.01. $22,000 estimated in 2007 in total. Bill was not sure but had specific detail about revenue for the following, year-to-date 2007:
Cardboard sold 40.5 tons $4,158.88 received, disposal cost avoided $2,885
Newspaper sold 40.46 tons $3,590.95 received, disposal cost avoided $2,832
Mixed Paper sold 24.81 tons $1,798.73 received, disposal cost avoided $1,737
Textiles 9.5 tons donated, -0- received, but disposal cost avoided $665
Aluminum sold 1,253 lbs. $342.40 received
Alum. Cans sold 2,030 lbs $1,379.50 received
Alum. Foil sold 18 lbs $7.20 received
Car Batteries sold 46 $69.00 received
Steel Pile $3,800.00 received
Nickel cans $2,560.08 received
Electrical Items disposed 3,961 lbs.
Bill again noted the significant cost savings to the town through the recycling efforts of all who participate. He and the Committee encourage all in town to recycle as much as possible.

Bill provided the Committee with warrant articles that he will present to the Select Board. One was for a $10,000 use of the Landfill Closure Capital Reserve Fund. Discussion ensued about the homes on New Straw Rd, the need to continually monitor the wells there, the need to clear the old landfill of brush, trees, etc., look for depressions or signs of decomposition or exposure of the old trash, set the bounds and markers of the perimeter, engineering costs for same.
Another was for $14,000 from the Special Revenue Fund for tipping fees. The current balance in the SRF is approximately $55,000.
A third article in the amount of $906 is for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program-Bill noted that only one person participated in 2007 and hopes all with any sort of hazardous waste will actually put the waste in this collection effort.
A fourth article is to raise $15,000 to buy a glass crusher. Ben wondered if that was a reliable quote and was told yes. The crushed glass would be stored on site on the ground. The crusher and reuse for such things as drainage, would save trucking costs.
A fifth was to contribute $10,000 to the Landfill Closure CRF.
None of the articles were voted, as they are not yet Select Board articles, nor presented as Petition articles.

Harold Garneau provided an update relative to the repair and replacement of Fahey-Old Town Road bridge. He has made a proposal to the Hoyle Tanner engineer to relocate the historic bridge to Rt 3 over Little River to be used by the bike path and snowmobile trail. Must be upgraded to accommodate 10 ton groomer. The bridge is 80’ but needs to span the 90’ Little River. Town has been moved to the front of the bridge replacement list which will save 5-15% price increase per year. Once the relocation is completed, the town will be reimbursed 80% of the cost. Lori asked about the inclusion of interest in the warrant article that will be presented at town meeting, and Harold noted it will be in the cost. Al Strasser has the specific dollar detail, but Harold will ensure that the warrant article covers the short term financing (of the 80%) and long term 20%, including interest. Matt from Hoyle Tanner thought the warrant article could be submitted in February or March 2008. Committee informed him that all money warrant articles must be in the town hall not later than January 8, 2008, due to the type and timing of our town meeting. He will make sure the engineer is aware.

Jim Covey and Lisa Covey then presented the first budget to the town for the Chamber of Commerce:
$5,000 request to assist with the bike path, placing the Cog train at the intersection, development and construction of a visitor center, inclusion of a donated Conway Scenic Railroad train. In general the request for $5,000 if for beautification.
$10,000 for increased advertising to Canada, target marketing, update brochures, trade shows, website, internet marketing, events, capital improvement funs.
$10,000 to pay the information booth attendants (and related payroll taxes)
$3,000 to assist with the Summer Music Series
$28,000 total Chamber request. The Select Board reduced the estimate by $10,000 and assigned the potential budget to the following accounts:
4197.10-801 Chamber Beautification $2,000
4197.10-802 Chamber Advertising $3,000
4197.10-803 Chamber Information Booth $10,000
4197.10-804 Chamber Summer Music Series $3,000

Karen asked about the current membership and was told there are 54 members. Private citizens can be associate members at $25 per year, while restaurants, hotels, motels, etc. pay membership based on how many rooms, etc. Jim noted that Coos County is attempting to market the whole county as world-class destination. The county is using the expertise of Peter Riviera and Roger Brookes. The Mt Washington Resort contributed $4,000 toward the effort. Included in the plans will be 10-12 informational kiosks and signage. Jim noted that the original request of $28,000 was meant to offset the room and meal tax the town receives back. The return of the tax to towns is on a per capita basis, not on what the town actually collects and sends to the state. Discussion turned to cost of advertising, such as $2,000 for one ad in the Boston Sunday Globe. Toronto advertising agency that covers local areas such as Sherbrooke want $10,000 simply to talk with potential ad customers. Ben, noted playing the devil’s advocate, asked what benefit he would gain if he is not a Chamber member and was told that the increased advertising and tourism resulting would benefit all in town. Jim noted he has contacts with state and federal representatives, spoke with Sununu and a state representative with whom he served in the Marines. Jim noted that Ray Burton said the North Country generally does not ask for money.

Carmine reminded the group that education and information are the best methods to allow the voters to understand and make informed decisions on the budget.

Jim and Lisa left the meeting at 9:05.

Bonnie noted that she spoke with Sue about the possible salary allocation among the Financial Administration salary lines, the Planning Board, and the Zoning Board.
The suggested adjustment was:
As currently on budget Proposed Adjustment
Admin Sue $35,700 35,700-435= 35,625 at 5% of 8,700
Admin Maryclare $27,600 27,600-8,265=19,335 at 95% of 8,700

Planning Board $7,000 7,000
Zoning Board $1,700 1,700
Sub: $8,700 sub 8,700
TOTAL $72,000 TOTAL 63,660



Further discussion in relation to the allocation of the Water Department salary of $15,000 was 40% Billy $6,000, 30% Greg $4,500, and 30% Scott $4,500.

After discussion it was determined that further discussion and review of the updated year to date figures be reviewed.


Lori asked that Karen check with Sue and have her print a current year-to-date expense and revenue budget summary. Karen asked Sue on 11/29 for same, as well as the interim trial balance year to date. The reports will be available for the 12/5/07 meeting. Karen also asked Sue for the clarification of the Container Lease account 4324.10-505 and was provided with a printout of the expenses to date. Rent was $93 for 2 months, $96 for 2 months, and $144 for months. Town appears to be current with the rent, and the expense to date as of November 16, 2007 is $1,387.56.

Carmine made motion to adjourn, and Bonnie second, all in favor. The next meeting will be December 5, 2007 at 7:00PM

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Moran, Secretary

Town of Carroll, New Hampshire ®2024