TOWN OF FITZWILLIAM
2009-2010 Budget Committee Meeting
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Present: T. Parker, C. Yon, F. Bateman, B. Doerpholz, W. Brown, S. Hagstrom, W. Wright, M. Nolan
Meeting opened at 7:03pm by S. Hagstom.
F. Bateman made a motion to accept 10/29/2009 minutes as written; B. Doerpholz 2nd. Motion passed in the affirmative. C. Yon asked for a discussion of 10/22/2009 minutes, just to clarify repayment of welfare from residents back to town. He indicated that if there is significant aid that there are avenues the Town can take for repayment, not just mortgage liens.
S. Hagstrom informed the committee that G. Cuomo is unable to attend tonight’s meeting, so review of Highway and Transfer Station budgets will need to be rescheduled. There was not a representative available for Recreation either, so recreation review to be rescheduled as well. Highway/Transfer Station/Recreation to be rescheduled for Thursday, December 10th. Recreation scheduled for 8pm and Highway at 8:15pm
Energy Committee
Carol Beckwith came in to meet with the budget committee to explain the purpose of the Energy Committee and give an overview of what they have accomplished and hope to accomplish in the future.
C. Beckwith explained that the Energy Committee would like Fitzwilliam to be ready to accept any federal stimulus money that may become available. First the town must be eligible to apply for the stimulus money by having an audit completed and be project ready. The two buildings being focused on are the Town Hall and the Public safety building (Fire/Police dept.). C. Beckwith stated that she has contacted an auditor and December 8th has been “penciled in” as the day the audit would be completed. She believes that the cost for the 1 day audit would be approximately $800.00 with some additional costs. T. Parker stated that the Board of Selectmen would need to discuss this because the budget committee is discussing budgets/money for 2010. C. Beckwith indicated
that she would like a second audit completed in 2010 on whichever building was not chosen in 2009. S. Hagstrom asked her to get more accurate figures to be discussed for 2010. T. Parker said C. Beckwith would need to present the Selectmen with specifics and quickly if the audit was to be conducted on Dec. 8, 2009.
C. Beckwith presented a short power point presentation explaining the grant and request process. C. Beckwith presented a PSNH audit for review, as well as other documents related to energy audit and the possible grant.
T. Parker indicated that he believed all were in favor of saving money but would need more specifics before decisions could be made. C. Yon asked if this would be an “out and out” grant or would matching funds be needed? C. Beckwith said she did not know but would find out. C. Yon stated that this would be very important for the town to know, if matching money obligations were attached. The committee discussed amounts, up to $1200.00, for 2010 for full audit. The committee discussed an expandable trust, non-lapsing for energy audit purpose. W. Wright indicated that if it were worded correctly the monies may be used for other energy saving projects, not just the audit, if necessary. The committee did not make any decisions regarding this matter at this time.
C. Beckwith indicated that she would get back to both the Budget Committee and Selectmen with specifics. S. Hagstrom asked if there were any questions, there were none. Energy Committee complete at 8:16pm
Review of PD budget In preparation for 11/12 meeting
The members reviewed the Police budget in preparation for next weeks meeting. T. Parker indicated that there could be a difference in the insurance line because the town is offering an “opt-out” program and two police employees may take advantage of it. T. Parker and C. Yon explained the way the opt-out program would work and that, if employees use, the police budget may be reduced by approximately $15,000-$20,000.00. C. Yon stated that if the employees do “opt-out” the police budget would increase about $10,000 over 2009, which is basically the lease payment for the cruiser. S. Hagstrom asked that the members review the Emergency Mgt budget for any questions they’d like answered next week.
Motion was made to adjourn. Motion 2nd.
Meeting adjourned 8:40pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Heidi L. Wood
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