Town of Milton Budget Committee

Tuesday January 14, 2014

Milton Town Hall
Meeting Minutes

The meeting opened at 5:37PM with a Roll Call by Chairman Woodruff.

Members Present were:
Bruce Woodruff Chair
Doug Shute - School Board Representative
Stan Nadeau Water District Representative
Jennifer Crone Member
Larry Brown Vice Chair
Jim Kelley Member
Bob Carrier Member
Eric Ohlenbusch Member
Mike Beaulieu Selectmans Representative

Also present: Town Administrator Elizabeth Dionne, Selectman Tom Gray, Selectman Bob Bridges, Chief
Krause, Pat Smith DPW Director, and Natalie Kelley. Rebecca Dean, Recording Secretary.

Chair Woodruff changed the order of the agenda by taking members comments first.
Bob Carrier expressed concerns over his recommendations; felt they werent taken into consideration.
Tom Gray handed out materials, which explained the definition of Capital Reserve funds. Bob Carrier said
he felt the budget is more of the selectmens budget than the committees. Chair Woodruff stated that the
MS7 form has not been seen until the very end of the process in his past experience, and having to fill
everything out now is a big process change. He cited RSA 325:3 information on the process. Copies of
the MS7 form were distributed and the only column filled out for dollar amounts was the numbers in
column 4.

Larry Brown MOTIONED to reconsider the motion from last Tuesday to reduce the Selectmens budget
and send 3,650,000 bottom line figure as Budget Committee recommendation. Seconded by Jennifer
Crone. Discussion: Stan Nadeau asked for clarification; Chair Woodruff explained that rescinding and
reconsidering would make the process easier. Larry Brown said that lines came back filled out in the past.
There has been very tight budgeting but people do not see or understand this. The adjustments and
suggestions by Bob Carrier to reduce were careful and helpful, which helped arrive at the bottom line.
Doug Shute moved to question. In Favor: Shute, Nadeau, Crone, Brown, Kelley, Ohlenbusch, and
Beaulieu. Opposed: Carrier, Woodruff. Motion carried 7-2.

Chair Woodruff read the rules regarding the process.

Stan Nadeau discussed the COLA and merit raises, which total $37,480.79. Cutting this could be a good
start, then $10,213 would come out of benefits line, and work is done. Larry Brown pointed out that the
form doesnt have information filled in for the BOS budget. He wants to have a budget that supports the
employees and the town, and said he was uncomfortable working without all the final figures being
provided on the form.
MOTION by Stan Nadeau to cut a combination of 6-month merit and benefits. No Second.

MOTION by Bruce Woodruff to reduce line 961 Fire Department Per Diem to 16k from 26k. Second: Doug
Shute. Discussion: Reason given is that Chair felt that the Revolving Fund could absorb the 10k a year
and remain in the black. Tom Gray pointed out that Chief Marique had worked up a spreadsheet showing
this could not work. Chair reiterated his opinion that calculations he has done show otherwise. Voting: In
Favor: Shute, Nadeau, Crone, Brown, Kelley, Ohlenbusch, Carrier, Woodruff. Opposed: Beaulieu. Motion
carried 8-1.

MOTION by Jennifer Crone to change line 395 in Town Administration to $6533. Second by Doug Shute.

Discussion: None. Voting: In Favor: Shute, Nadeau, Crone, Brown, Kelley, Ohlenbusch, Carrier,
Woodruff. Opposed: Beaulieu. Motion carried 8-1.

MOTION by Jennifer Crone to change line 450 in Town Administration Phone from $6253 to $5000, a
reduction of $1253. Seconded by Doug Shute. Discussion: none. Voting: In Favor: Shute, Nadeau,
Crone, Brown, Kelley, Ohlenbusch, Woodruff. Opposed: Carrier, Beaulieu. Motion carried 7-2.

MOTION by Jennifer Crone to change line 620 in Town Administration Supplies from $4600 to $4000, a
reduction of $600. Seconded by Doug Shute. Discussion: none. Voting: In Favor: Shute, Nadeau, Crone,
Brown, Kelley, Ohlenbusch, Carrier, Woodruff. Opposed: Beaulieu. Motion carried 8-1.

MOTION by Jennifer Crone to change line 742 in Town Administration Equipment Lease from $7957 to
$6000, a reduction of $1957. TA Dionne itemized the items, explained that these are contracts. Ms. Crone
rescinded her motion.

Stan Nadeau MOTIONED to reduce line 740 in Town Administration from $1500 to $700, a reduction of
$800. Seconded by Doug Shute. Discussion: none. Voting: in favor 8, opposed 1 (Beaulieu). Motion
carried 8-1.

MOTION by Stan Nadeau to reduce Town Clerk and Tax Office line 741 Equipment Purchase from $3000
to $2500, a $500 reduction. Seconded by Doug Shute. Discussion: Larry Brown asked if this covers the
computer, answer was yes. Voting: in favor 8, opposed 1 (Beauteous). Motion carried 8-1.

MOTION by Stan Nadeau to reduce line 840 under Town Clerk Tax Office from $4345 to $4000.
Seconded by Jennifer Crone. Discussion: There has been spent $2442.39 Year to date per Ms. Crone.
Voting: in favor 7, opposed 2 (Beauleau, Woodruff). Motion passed 7-2.

Jennifer Crone asked about line 120 Salary of $33,760 vs. $32,695. Which is the correct BOS request?
The $33,760 is correct per Tom Gray. There had been a miscalculation in the original.
Stan Nadeau asked about line 530. Did Selectmen change this or leave at $6k? The original was $10k
and reduced to $6k.

Selectman Bridges said that, at this rate, the town would shut down.

Stan Nadeau MOTIONED to reduce $1000 from line 530 to make the line $5000. Seconded by Doug
Shute. Discussion: none. Voting: in favor 3 (Nadeau, Shute, Kelley), opposed 6. Motion failed 3-6.

Chair Woodruff asked about line 340 Planning Services. Is there a signed contract for the coming year?
Selectman Gray said yes. Larry Brown asked if contract had a zero fund clause. Selectman Gray was
unsure, noted that the line does include AVATAR services. Vice Chair Brown also asked if any planning
board services requiring outside vendor is reimbursed after the developer pays the town. More discussion
on the escape clause. Larry Brown noted that development is flat and questioned the cost effectiveness
of the planner. MOTION by Larry Brown to reduce line 430 in Planning and Code from $17k to $11,100.
No second.

Doug Shute MOTIONED to reduce line 355, Youth Sponsorship, from $2000 to $1500, a $500 reduction.
Seconded by Jim Kelley. Discussion: line is reduced to $1500. Voting: in favor 8, opposed 1 (Beauleau).
Motion carried 8-1.

Stan Nadeau MOTIONED to reduce line 352 for Sexual Assault Services from $400 to $200. Seconded
by Doug Shute. Discussion: Year to date was zero. Mr. Nadeau said that this is a worthy cause but no
one used it last year. Stan Nadeau retracted his motion.

MOTION by Stan Nadeau to reduce line 352 from $400 to $1, a reduction of $399, leaving $1 in the line.
Seconded by Doug Shute, Discussion: None. Voting: in favor 7, opposed 2 (Beauleau, Kelley). Motion
carried 7-2.


MOTION by Stan Nadeau to reduce line 353 to $1. Motion retracted.
MOTION by Stan Nadeau to reduce line $353 from $400 to $200. Doug Shute seconded. Voting: In favor
6 (Carrier, Ohlenbusch, Crone, Nadeau, Woodruff, Shute) opposed 3 (Brown, Beauleau, Kelley). Motion
carried, 6-3.

MOTION by Stan Nadeau to reduce line 351 for Homemakers Health Services. Retracted.

Stan Nadeau MOTIONED to reduce line 361 American Legion from $700 to $450. Second by Doug
Shute. Discussion: None. Voting: In favor 7(Carrier, Ohlenbusch, Crone, Nadeau, Kelley, Brown, Shute)
opposed 2 (Woodruff, Beauleau). Motion carried 7-2.

MOTION by Stan Nadeau to reduce line 362 American Red Cross from $2000 to $1000. Second by Larry
Brown. Discussion: They asked for $2083 from the Town this year. Chair Woodruff said he thinks these
agencies should appear in person in front of the Board of Selectmen, but now its all in writing. Voting: in
favor 8, opposed 1 (Beauleau). Motion carried 8-1.

Jim Kelley MOTIONED to reduce Parks and Recreation supplies, line 4520-620 from $1402.50 to $1000.
Second from Doug Shute, Town Administrator Dionne stated that this amount covers a 3% increase in the
cost of supplies. The amount spent to date in October was $445.89. Voting: in favor 7, opposed 2
(Beauleau, Carrier). Motion carried 8-1.


Bob Carrier MOTIONED to reduce line 4210-120 Police Part Time by $1954.32 to $13,065. Second for
discussion by Larry Brown. Discussion: Carrier said that numbers have been steadily decreasing. Tom
Gray said the reason it went down was a part time officer. Stan Nadeau asked what the line covers
answer is Animal Control and Marine Patrol. Discussion on how this staffing change could work. Voting: in
favor 2 (Carrier, Kelley), opposed 7. Motion failed 2-7.

MOTION by Bob Carrier to reduce line 730 Police Vehicle from $6000 to $4000. Second by Doug Shute.
Discussion: Carrier said he would like revolving fund to be used to offset. Year to date shows $1100
remaining in that line. Voting: in favor 2 (Carrier, Kelley), opposed 7. Motion failed 2-7.

MOTION by Bob Carrier to reduce Fire Department line 730 Vehicle Maintenance from $14,000 to
$10,000. Second by Doug Shute. Discussion: Capital Reserve monies could help offset this cost. Tom
Gray said that this might not be an acceptable use of the funds. Bob Bridges explained how this would
work in terms of what entails a Capital expense. TA Dionne said that 50% has been expended since the
end of Octobers report, but that more has come out since then, the line should be 90% or more used.
Bob Carrier rescinded his motion.

Bruce Woodruff asked regarding the 12/10 meeting Contract Assessor, line 396. Is 96k the contract
amount? Tom Gray said yes.

MOTION by Jim Kelley to reduce Fire Department Uniforms Line 290 from $12k to $10,500. Doug Shute
second. Discussion: MB said this was part of their gear. Selectman Bridges said that this covers their
gear items that must be replaced. Voting: in favor: 1, Opposed 8. Motion failed.

Jennifer Crone asked why the water bill went up in Government Buildings. Pat Smith responded that it
had been budgeted incorrectly.

Stan Nadeau asked about line 410, Fire Department Electric. It is at $6500 as of last report.
He then made the MOTION to reduce line 410 Fire Department Electric from $6500 to $6000. Second by
Doug Shute. Discussion: Selectman Gray noted that the new radio tower repeater just came online and
will cause an increase in electricity usage. Right now the cost per month is unknown. Voting 6 in favor,
3 opposed. Motion passed 6.3.


Stan Nadeau asked for a Year to Date expense on Fire Department line 610 Supplies. TA Dionne said
that the line is over expended.
MOTION by Stan Nadeau to reduce line 730 Fire Department Vehicle Maintenance from $14,000 to
$12,000. Seconded by Doug Shute. Discussion: Mike Beauleau said that the Chief told him that all
maintenance that could be done to the vehicles is currently not being done. The figure should be higher.
Voting in favor 5, opposed 4. Motion carried 5-4.

Jim Kelley asked regarding Highway Department Supplies line 620 There was only $6196 spent YTD in
October, with $20,928 remaining. What is the amount as of today? Pat Smith said he held back until
December 17 when budget was unfrozen for any purchases and has many outstanding invoices.
MOTION by Jim Kelley to reduce line 620 from $30,580 to $29,580. Second by Shute. Discussion:
Nadeau asked if balance showing was correct and for an estimate of outstanding purchase orders. Kelly
rescinded the motion based on discussion.

Jim Kelley MOTIONED to reduce line 620 from $30,580 to $27,580. Second: Nadeau. Discussion: None.
Voting: 4 in favor, 5 opposed. Motion failed 4-5.

Stan Nadeau asked about Public Works Operating Supplies, line 630. Pat Smith said that the price of Salt
decreased from $68 per ton to $48.50 per ton. However, there will be a problem next year at the rate salt
and sand are being used.

Nadeau MOTIONED to reduce Public Works Operating Supplies line 630 to $106,700. Second: Kelley.
Discussion: None additional. Voting: 2 in favor, 7 opposed. Motion failed 2-7.

Jennifer Crone asked re: Sewer Department, Buildings and Grounds Maintenance, what is the YTD
figure? It was $852 as of October.
MOTION by J Crone to reduce Sewer line 720 from $9700 to $6000. Second by Jim Kelley. Discussion:
Department is stressed as it is. Beauleau said asphalt is in dire need of attention. Voting: in favor 7,
opposed 2. Motion passed 7-2.

Stan Nadeau asked TA Dionne about hiring a part timer or increasing hours in line 120, part time
Secretary. TA Dionne responded that this line is a proposed position. MOTION by Stan Nadeau to reduce
line 120 in Town Administration by $13,603. Second by Shute. Discussion: Bob Bridge stated that this
secretary would prepare documents, much like those being used by the Budget Committee currently
(reports, research, etc.). Tom Gray said that 20 out of the 60 hours cut a year and a half ago would be
restored by adding this position. Voting in favor 4, opposed 5. Motion failed, 4-5.

Line 395 covers Budget Committee Recording Clerk. Not a part time town position.

Larry Brown asked for a running total of the amount removed from the Selectmens proposed budget so
far. Total amount $22,949.50. Discussion ensued on what amount that taxpayers would favor. Chair
Woodruff said he did not think this budget will pass voters at this time, and further cuts can happen, but
not from police, fire, core services.
MOTION by Vice Chair Brown to reduce line 340 in Planning and Code from $17,100 to $7100, a $10,000
reduction. Second Doug Shute, Discussion: none. Motion carried 6-3.
Budget total at this point is $3,664,744.72.
Tom Gray said he feels that its a sad statement that Milton has signed a contract (for planning services)
and this cut shows that the town wont honor it. Stan Nadeau said that the money would come from
elsewhere, regardless.

Chair Woodruff motioned to submit the MS7 form showing recommended and not recommended amounts
as determined at this meeting, pursuant to statutes. Shall be prepared with assistance of town employees
with date posted and signatures. $3,664,744.72 total amount. Second by Eric Ohlenbusch. Discussion:
Bob Bridges noted that Woodruffs motion contained wording that the town staff would help. Woodruff
removed the clause from his motion. Ms. Crone commented that she isnt positive. Doug Shute moved to
question.

Voting: In favor: Carrier, Brown, Crone, Ohlenbusch, Woodruff. Opposed: Shute, Nadeau, Kelley, and
Beauleau. Motion passed, 5-4.

It was asked if the ballot would contain the voting decision of 5 to 4. Answer came that no, it would not.

Chair Woodruff said that the Public Hearing will be held on Friday, and asked if the MS7 had to be done
by then? He said that the publics input is important, and that the committee will listen.

The number in proposed Article 7 changes as a result of this meeting. There will be a final vote after the
Public Hearing. Larry Brown noted that changes could be made at that session.

Bruce Woodruff asked about the wording in the public hearing notice. Meeting notice should contain the
before and after timelines for the public hearing and budget committee meeting.

MOTION by Stan Nadeau to adjourn, seconded by Shute. All in favor, motion carried.

The meeting ended at 8:40pm.


Respectfully Submitted,



Rebecca L Dean



Approved:
, Chair 1/27/14