TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

2007 ANNUAL WARRANT AND BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING

JANUARY 31, 2007

 

Selectmen Present:        Whitney Aldrich, Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer

 

Others Present:             Ernie Vose, Town Moderator

 

Moderator Ernie Vose called the 2007 Annual Warrant and Budget Meeting to order at 7:05 PM.

 

Mr. Vose advised that this meeting was not properly warned so it will have to be re-scheduled but he felt it was in order for the group in attendance to proceed with general discussion.  Mr. Vose suggested beginning with Article 7 as Josh Kelly, Trust for Public Land, and Attorney Robert Kasper were present to provide an explanation and answer questions. 

 

ARTICLE 7:   Attorney Kasper distributed copies of a revised draft Article (see copy attached) for the Ballam Farm property.  He explained that they split the original proposed Article into two separate Articles.  There will be an Article each year for the duration of the bond because money cannot be voted upon for future years; this is a separate fund depending on what amount the voters want to spend each year.  The first Article is to “purchase a conservation easement and a 6 acre addition to the Town’s river well property in fee simple and for associated project costs to permanently protect the Ballam Farm property consisting of approximately 59 acres more or less in Walpole” and the second Article is for a “separate agreement between the Town and the Conservation Commission” to account for revenues received from Land Use Change Tax.  Funding is outlined in the Article.  LCHIP funding but it is not available right now.  Mr. Schupack noted that the interest on the proposed ten year loan is very low.  The Board of Selectmen will make a decision on the length of the loan prior to the Town Meeting. 

 

ARTICLE 1:  This article is to elect the necessary Town officers for their respective terms.

 

ARTICLES 2, 3 AND 4:  These articles have to do with Walpole Zoning changes. 

 

ARTICLE 5:  “Are you in favor of the adoption of the amendment, as proposed by petition for the Walpole Zoning Ordinance as follows: (full text shown)

 

“Amend the zoning district for the portion of Tax Map 12 Lot 4, presently zoned Rural Agricultural, known as the so-called Huntington Farm, owned by Hubbard, LLC from Rural Agricultural to Industrial.” 

Recommended by the Planning Board. 

 

Mr. Sawyer advised that this was a Petition Article.  Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Aldrich think this is a good thing; it is an Article to rezone the area.  Mr. Watkins asked if there is a plan for using this property.  Mr. Vose explained that that there is a machine industry operation that wants to move in.  Mr. Schupack noted that the Conservation Commission does not support this Article.

 

ARTICLE 6:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of (------------), which represents the operating budget for the general government of the Town.  Such sum does not include special or individual articles addressed below.”  (The Board of Selectmen Approve this Article.) (Majority vote required.)               

 

2007 Annual Warrant and Budget Public Hearing – January 31, 2007 – Page 2

 

Mr. Aldrich began the Expenditure Comparison for the Year Ending December 31, 2006:  He explained that expenditures are an estimate based on what was done in the past.  The top page provided the Purpose of Appropriation, 2006 Budgeted, 2006 Actual, 2007 Recommended, Difference between 2006 Budgeted and 2007 Recommended and the % Change.  All through this budget the health insurance costs are higher than last year.

 

EXPENDITURES:

4130 – Executive – Teresa Kissell explained that this 13.02% increase includes salaries and benefits.  Mr. Sawyer advised that it includes a new copier.  It is also more hours for the part-time secretary as there continues to be more paperwork. 

4140 – Tax,Election,Registration,Vital Statistics – Increase 5.61% - This includes another part-time clerk in the Town Clerk’s office.

4150 – Financial Administration – Increase 22.64% - Mr. Sawyer advised that this includes the assessing services and the statistical up-date.  The Selectboard plans to do some of the assessing for small sheds, garages and porches to cut down on the costs.  Reference was made to page 26 of the Town Report regarding taxes.

4153 – Legal Expenses – Decrease 50.00%.-

4191 – Planning – Increase 61.77% - Mr. Aldrich advised that this year the Planning & Zoning budgets were split.  It will be hard to compare this year.

4191 – Zoning – no percentage.

4194 – General Government Building – Increase 5.14% - Teresa Kissell noted that Article #17 is for $10,000 for the Town Hall repairs.  There is a discrepancy between the cover page and page 6 because of Article #20 that was in the 2006 budget.

4195 – Cemeteries – Increase of .98% - There is a Warrant Article in for this year to repair some headstones. 

4196 – Other Insurances – Increase 4.99% -

4197 – Regional Associations – Increase .70% -

4199 – Other General Government – No Increase/Decrease –

4210 – Police – Increase 5.61% - Mr. Aldrich reported that last year the Selectboard discovered that the Police Department salaries were low compared to the surrounding communities.  This year the salaries were increased some more.

4210 – Police Special Detail – Decrease 40.00% - Mr. Sawyer advised that the Police Department employees work on their own time and they get paid for these hours but the money for the cruisers comes back to the Town.  This balances out with revenues.  See Article No. 19 to create a Revolving Fund.  Mr. Hemingway asked where the anticipated figure of $32,295 came from.  Mr. Sawyer said the figures came from the Police Department.

4290 – Forest Fire Control – Increase 37.50% -

4300 – Emergency Management – Increase 130.00% - Dick Hurlburt, Emergency Management Director, reported that they have established an Emergency Operations Center at the Fire Station.  There are some new phone lines and they attend training in Concord.  The Highway, Police and Fire Departments are included in this.  A lot of things have to be documented to apply for the FEMA money; the paperwork is incredible.  The Emergency Management operation is under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.    

4312 – Highways & Streets – Increase 3.91% - It was noted that there are Warrant Articles Nos. 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 for the Highway Department.  Adrian Basora noted that the Highway Department is doing a good job.

4324 – Solid Waste Department – Increase 19.77% - Rick Cooper pointed out that $25,000 is included for the Town of Langdon who might be joining us on July 1st; this will be offset by revenues.  The increase is more in line with $275,000 rather than $301,459 or a 9% increase.  By

2007 Annual Warrant and Budget Public Hearing – January 31, 2007 – Page 3

 

Town Meeting they will know if this will materialize or not.  The cost of transportation and tipping fees has increased.  Last year they were authorized to have two part-time employees; this year they are asking for another $10,000 because they need these employees. 

4415 – Health Agencies – Decrease 1.27% Mr. Aldrich advised that they dropped one of the agencies because the Welfare Officer was not using them.

4520 – Parks & Recreation – Increase 1.92% - A modest increase;

4550 – Library – Increase 5.21% - There is a discrepancy between the cover page and page 15 due to last years Warrant Article #17 to replace the furnace.

4583 – Patriotic Purposes – No change – This is for flags for Memorial Day.

4589 – Other Culture & Recreation – Increase 7.25% - The Age In Motion class in the Town Hall increased from two to three sessions.  Participants contribute but it does not cover the class.

4611 – Conservation – Decrease 4.69% - Gary Speed explained that last year they did a survey mailing that increased the budget.  This year they are going to repair and maintain trails. 

4711 – Debt Service – There are currently four bonds; one a year will be paid off.  The principal and interest go down each year.

 

Water Department:  Mark Houghton was not present but Mr. Miller advised that these are user fees.  Teresa Kissell said they are trying to build-up a reserve for both the water and sewer departments.  They are planning to increase the rates this year.  Mr. Vose explained that if they have a surplus it stays within their own districts.

 

Special Articles:  There was discussion pertaining to including the full amount of $330,000 for the Conservation Easement rather than dividing it up over a ten year period.  .    

 

REVENUES:

Mr. Aldrich explained that Revenues are a best guesstimate.  Most of the revenues are through the Tax Collector for property taxes, licenses, permits, fees, grants, etc.

 

General Fund (Less Property Taxes):

2006 Budgeted - $1,635,811

2006 Actual - $1,900,978

2007 Estimated - $1,677,252

 

Water Administration:

2006 Budgeted $163,635

2006 Actual - $151,563

2007 Estimated - $163,196.

 

Sewer Department:

2006 Budgeted - $223,973

2006 Actual - $205,450

2007 Estimated - $226,102.

 

Total Budget Appropriated:

2006 Budgeted - $2,023,419

2006 Actual - $2,257,990

2007 Estimated - $2,066,550.

 

EXPENDITURES:

2007 Annual Warrant and Budget Public Hearing – January 31, 2007 – Page 4

 

The General Fund figures are as follows:

2006 Budgeted - $2,644,056

2006 – Actual - $2,775,395

2007 Recommended - $2,780,071

Difference Between 2006 Budgeted & 2007 Recommended - $136,015

Percentage Change – 5.14% Increase

 

Suggested Warrant Articles:

2006 Budgeted - $362,856

2007 Recommended - $699,400

 

Total General Fund Including Special Articles:

2006 Budgeted - $3,006,912

2006 Actual - $3,028,566

2007 Recommended - $3,479,471

Difference Between 2006 Budgeted and 2007 Recommended - $472,559

Percentage Change – 15.72%

 

Water Department:

2006 Budgeted - $152,111

2006 Actual - $140,721

2007 Recommended Between 2006 Budgeted and 2007 Recommended - $188,055

Difference Between 2006 Budgeted and 2007 Recommended - $35,944

 

Sewer Department:

2006 Budgeted - $215,307

2006 Actual - $231,362

2007 Recommended - $236,451

Difference Between 2006 Budgeted and 2007 Recommended - $21,144

 

Total Budget Appropriated:

2006 Budgeted - $3,011,474

2006 Actual - $3,147,478

2007 Recommended - $3,204,577

Difference Between 2006 Budgeted and 2007 Recommended - $193,103

Percentage Change – 6.41% Increase

 

Total Budget Including Special Articles:

2006 Budgeted - $3,374,330

2006 Actual - $3,400,649

2007 Recommended - $3,903,977

Difference Between 2006 Budgeted and 2007 Recommended - $529,647

Percentage Change – 15.70% Increase

 

There was discussion relative to what impact all of the Articles will have on the property taxes.  Mr. Sawyer responded that it will be about a 5.14% increase without the Warrant Articles but about a 15.72% increase including the Special Articles.  These percentages will change depending on the votes for some but not all of the Articles and whether or not the entire $330,000 will remain in the figures as that might change to a one year payment.  At this point there are

2007 Annual Warrant and Budget Public Hearing – January 31, 2007 – Page 5

 

many unknowns.  Mr. Basora would like to see a zero increase because most property owners just had an increase through the reappraisal.  At the next hearing he would like to know what the tax impact will be. 

 

ARTICLES:

ARTICLE 8:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Hundred Forty Thousand Dollars ($140,000) for the purchase of a 2008 International truck w/side dump body, plow and wing.  For use by the Town Highway Department to replace the 1998 International Dump Truck: and to fund this appropriation by trading the 1998 International Dump Truck (trade in value of $17,500) with the balance of $122,500 to be funded by general taxation.”  (The Board of Selectmen Approve this Article.)

Jim Terrell explained that this is just to replace an aging truck.

 

ARTICLE 9:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000) to build a shed at the Highway Garage near the salt shed, and to build a loft above the fuel tank.”  (The Board of Selectmen Approve this Article.)

Jim Terrell asked if there were any questions; there was no discussion.   

 

ARTICLE 10: “To see if the Town will raise and appropriate the sum of Eighty Thousand Dollars ($80,000) for work to be done on the Old Keene Road Bridge #182/064.  This is the second of a three-year warrant article to complete the project.  When the project is complete the State will inspect, and when approved will reimburse the Town 80% of the total cost to repair the bridge.”  (This article is non-lapsing) (The Board of Selectmen Approve this Article.) (Majority vote required.)   

Mr. Vose advised that the Town started this three years ago.  Jim Terrell said the original projected date was 2008 but the project was put back a year by the state and is expected to be done in 2009.  When construction is started the town will get 40% up-front and upon completion the town will receive the last 40%.

 

ARTICLE 11:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Seventeen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($17,500) for the purchase of a 9’ wide x 5’ high 40’ long Concrete Box Culvert with Block wing walls to be placed on Old Drewsville Road.  This Culvert will be installed by Town crew.”  (The Board of Selectmen Approve this Article.)

Jim Terrell explained that there is a deteriorating old bridge there that was compromised during the flood.  These repairs include the culvert, guardrails and renting an excavator.

 

ARTICLE 12:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Sixty Five Thousand Dollars ($65,000) to reconstruct and pave (in conjunction with Water Project) 440’ of Elm Street, with the underdrain and sidewalk 125’ of Pleasant Street with sidewalk and to Reconstruct and pave Russell Street, North Walpole with sidewalk (540 feet of Birch Street.)”  (The Board of Selectmen Approve this Article.)

Jim Terrell advised that the Water Department needs to replace some lines so the Highway Department will do some paving in conjunction with this work.

 

ARTICLE 13:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) to be deposited in the Capital Reserve Fund-Police Vehicle, previously established for the purchase of a police vehicle.”  (The Board of Selectmen Approve this Article.)

Mr. Sawyer said this is just a matter of putting the $10.000 in the Capital Reserve Fund.

 

2007 Annual Warrant and Budget Public Hearing – January 31, 2007 – Page 6

 

ARTICLE 14:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($4,500) for a 30-yard roll-off box for the Recycle/Transfer Center.  This price includes delivery.”  (The Board of Selectmen Approves this Article.)

Rick Cooper explained that this is to purchase another container.  They have a spare container but when it is full and ready to be transported it causes a delay.  The state advises that they shouldn’t have material on the ground. 

 

George Watkins said the facility needs other items as Special Articles and some of them are fairly critical.  The burn pit needs to be repaired for about $5,000 and a backhoe is needed to crunch the material for more tonnage.  He would like the Board of Selectmen to take these matters under advisement.  Mr. Aldrich will check on the date to accept petitioned articles. 

 

ARTICLE 15:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) for a non-capital reserve fund-statistical under the provision of RSA 35:1-C, this fund will be used to help pay for a Statistical update which is required for the Town for 2008; and to appoint the Board of Selectmen as agents to expend from this fund for that purpose.”  (The Board of Selectmen Recommends this Article.) 

Mr. Sawyer reported that the first estimate came in between $45,000 to $60,000 so the Board of Selectmen is looking at other options.  The other person that had the contract knew the town but now there will be somebody that is not familiar with the town. 

 

ARTICLE 16:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000.00 for repairs to 26 headstones in the Old Cemetery on Main Street.”  (The Board of Selectmen Approves this Article.)

Mr. Aldrich advised that this request came from the Cemetery Commissioners.

 

ARTICLE 17:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $17,400 to repair the Town Hall (North End) ramp and pillars.  Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) to be taken the General Fund Balance and Seven Thousand Four Hundred Twenty Five Dollars ($7,425) to be raised by taxes.”  (The Board of Selectmen Approves this Article.)

Mr. Aldrich explained that this is for repairs to the north end of the Town Hall.  The handicapped ramp is not legal so nobody can use it.

 

ARTICLE 18:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000) for Walpole Old Home Days 2008.”  (The Board of Selectmen Approves this Article.) 

Mr. Sawyer said the committee spent $7,000 for the last one.  In addition, they will work to raise some funding themselves.

 

ARTICLE 19:  “To see if the Town will vote to create a Revolving Fund pursuant to RSA 31:95-h, for the purpose of Police Special Details.  All revenues received for police special details will be deposited in the fund and the money in the fund shall be allowed to accumulate from year to year, and shall not be considered part of the town’s general surplus.  The Town Treasurer shall have custody of all moneys in the fund, and shall pay out the same only upon order of the governing body (Board of Selectmen) and no further approval is required by the legislative body to expend.  Such fund may be spent for police detail wages, vehicle use costs, and administrative costs for the police department outside details for which fund was created.  The Board of Selectmen must approve any other type of expenditure.”  (The Board of Selectmen Approve this Article.)

2007 Annual Warrant and Budget Public Hearing – January 31, 2007 – Page 7

 

Mr. Hemingway felt the language seemed restrictive; is the intent to give flexibility.  Maybe the last sentence should be deleted.  Is it the intent that it could be used for general police.  Mr. Sawyer felt it gives the Board of Selectmen the discretion to use the funds if the police come in and need new radios.  In the beginning some of this money was used toward the new Police Station addition.  Any surplus will be used for police items with the approval of the Board of Selectmen.  Mr. Gage felt since this is not a legal meeting the attendees cannot take any action.     

 

ARTICLE 20:  “To see if the Town will vote to dissolve the Capital Reserve Tax Assessment/Certification interest account held by the Trustees of Trust Funds in the amount of $797.66.  This amount will go into the General Fund.”  (The Board of Selectmen Approve this Article.)

Teresa Kissell advised that they took out the $10.000 out of this account but not the interest.  The $797.66 is the interest.

 

ARTICLE 21:  “To see if the Town will accept a gift of a 32’ x 20’ Bandstand from Stuart Bailey, and to place the Bandstand on the northern end of the common southerly of the Flag Pole.  Maintenance fees would come from Rental fees for the use of the Common and the Bandstand.”  (The Board of Selectmen Approve this Article.)

Mr. Watkins asked how this would impact the Memorial.  Mr. Miller said this Article is only to accept the gift.  Mr. Sawyer said the rental fees should be set-up in a Trust Fund.

 

ARTICLE 22:  “To see if the Town will approve a Study Committee to look into having One (1) Tax Collector for Walpole and North Walpole, and to have the Moderator of the Town of Walpole and Moderator of North Walpole each choose three (3) people for the Study Committee.” 

Mr. Sawyer stated that over the years they have had discussions on the double Tax Collectors.  It is a duplication of duties, equipment and salaries.  The State said this is illegal and Walpole is the only town in the State that has two tax collectors.  The Board of Selectmen felt that they could put together a Study Committee to look into this issue.

 

ARTICLE 23:  This is a Petition Article that was submitted by Robert Jasse.

 

There were seventeen people in attendance.

 

Mr. Vose closed this Public Hearing at 9:38 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

                                                                                    ________________________

                                                                                    Whitney R. Aldrich

 

                                                                                    ________________________

                                                                                    Charles D. Miller

 

                                                                                    ________________________

                                                                                    Sheldon S. Sawyer

 

(Note:  These are unapproved minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, may be found in the minutes of the February 7, 2007, Selectboard meeting.)