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minutes of 11-30-2011

December 2nd, 2011

CARROLL BUDGET COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 30, 2011

These minutes should be reviewed in conjunction with the subsequent meeting minutes, at which a review is conducted and any approved amendments recorded.

Members in attendance: Chair Sue Kraabel, Vice Chair Linda Dowling, Secretary Karen Moran, Joan Karpf, Dan Walker, Bill Vecchio, Mark Catalano Select Board Representative.

Members of the public present: Police Chief John Trammell, Sargent Bill Smalley, Jack Kulos, Resident, and Calvin Belknap, General Manager of the Omni Mount Washington.

Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00. Dan motioned to accept the minutes of November 16, 2011 as written, Linda seconded, all in favor.

Chief Trammell presented the budget, noting that the total for the year is a reduction of $3,816 from the prior year’s budget. Lengthy discussions took place regarding the need for overtime in response to court subpoenas, the overtime reduction instituted by the prior year’s Budget Committee and Select Board. Further lengthy discussion took place regarding the issuance of traffic tickets which may be appealed, causing required court appearances and the cost of such overtime. There was discussion focused on not issuing tickets, so there would be nothing for offenders to appeal, thus saving the Police from having to go to court. Safety issues were among the lengthy discussion items, and the clarification of citations as traffic tickets or warnings. Differing opinions relative to the safety issues which could result were expressed. Fines assessed to offenders offset the police academy therefore indirectly save the town money because officers do not pay to attend the academy.

An article from the Eagle Tribune was discussed regarding a trend toward not issuing traffic tickets.

Sargent Smalley noted that of the approximately 1,700 citations issued in 2010, about half were warnings and half tickets. Only tickets can be appealed.

Discussion took place regarding the shifts which are covered, the times which are covered by the State Police as the Carroll Police are not on-call, because of the overtime restriction. Chief indicated that the Troop Commander, Todd Landry, has indicated his willingness to talk with the Budget Committee, and Chief noted that there are typically 2 Troopers on duty for all of Coos and Grafton counties. State Police are currently short 11 Troopers.

Understanding that there will not be 24 hour per day, 7 day per week police coverage, Mark asked Chief if he could quantify what it would cost and how the shifts could be assigned, to have local coverage for high tourist days and times. Chief referenced a 39 page report which outlined the specifics of what calls happen at what times of day, when officers are on duty, how many calls, etc. Mark noted that he has the report, but that it does contain sensitive information so is hesitant to carry it with him. It was estimated that a “call-out” cost is approximately $100, as there is a 3 hour minimum pay provided.

Regarding coverage, Chief said there are four full-time Police, who all work 4 ten hour days. Coverage lapses occur when one of the full-timers is out for vacation/holiday/sick time and a part-timer cannot fill the time slot. Due to a variety of circumstances, four of the prior part-timers are no longer able or willing to work. Currently there are two part-timers. Chief is looking to hire at least one additional part-time officer, but training and certification lengthen the time it takes to hire a qualified officer.

Mark, as a business owner, expressed his desire for specific coverage times and asked Chief if he could provide an estimate of shift coverage and/or what the overtime line should be.

Calvin Belknap noted that the Mt. Washington resort understands that tourism puts a stress on town services of police and fire, but also noted that the resort pays taxes and that the tourists who go to the resort also support other businesses in town.

Chair asked Chief if he could focus on the cost to cover the shifts and calls discussed by Mark, and also to consider if the overtime line item is sufficient, given the possible hour change and also the salary change, which had not been considered.

Sargent Smalley noted that “call-outs” over the years have been spread fairly evenly across all days, not just weekends. Incidents and emergencies are not planned.

Committee thanked Chief and Sargent for coming. Chief will try to gather the requested information and bring for meeting December 7.

Chair noted she had spoken with Greg Hogan about the septic system, and was told the companies who responded to the RFP are “still working on it”. Greg is aware of the need to have a contract in place before year end, so the current year funding can be utilized.

Chair noted that the alarm system invoices relate to 3 individual invoices received from Capital Alarm. One is for the central station at the town hall, one is the central station at the police department, and one relates to the open and close alarm on the office at the town hall.

Mark noted that the information relative to the state gas bid, which had been discussed in the gas line for the Police budget, looks like it might be $3.13 for 12 months.

Discussion took place regarding the General Buildings Recreation Labor and the Recreation Department Recreation Labor accounts. After discussion, both lines will remain as they are. At the beginning of the 2012 budget cycle, the Committee should review the buildings and where all costs for all buildings reside, to try to specifically identify what the different departments’ expenses truly are.

A question about job descriptions arose, and a statement made that lack of sufficient information may force one member to be unable to vote on the salary lines. Mark noted he knows the Police and Fire have descriptions, but the office does not. He will try to get preliminary ones.

Chair provided copies of all of the Trust funds and balances. Most invested in Edward Jones and Public Deposit Investment Program (PDIP). Discussion took place regarding the new cruiser purchased as a result of the accident earlier in the year. Mark will double check from where the funding is coming, as the available amounts within the PDIP are not sufficient. Discussion took place regarding the insurance or security of Edward Jones brokerage securities.

Discussion took place regarding the Ambulance MBIA. Chair, as Treasurer, noted that if the ambulance approved in March 2011 is not to be purchased, the funds should be moved to a higher yield account. Mark noted that in closed session, there was some discussion of purchasing the ambulance. Further discussion took place regarding what qualifies for closed session.

With nothing further, Dan motioned to adjourn at 8:40, Karen seconded, all in favor.

The next meeting of the Carroll Budget Committee will be December 7, 2011 at which the review of the Police Department shift and overtime will take place, as well as the budget presentations of the Chamber of Commerce and Fire Department.
Respectfully submitted:
/s/ Karen Moran, Secretary