TOWN OF FITZWILLIAM
2009-2010 Budget Committee Meeting
Thursday, November 12, 2009
- Present: S. Hagstrom, W. Wright, T. Parker, B. Thomas,
F. Bateman, B. Doerpholz, W. Brown, C. Yon, P. Thompson
Meeting opened at 7:03pm by S. Hagstom.
F. Bateman made a motion to accept 11/05/2009 minutes as written; W. Wright 2nd. Motion passed in the affirmative.
Police Department
Chief Kassotis handed out an updated budget that showed expended amounts through October. He reviewed the police budget line by line for the committee.
S. Hagstrom asked how many people were employed by the police department. Chief Kassotis explained that there were three (3) full-time employees, two (2) part-time officers, one (1) part-time secretary, and one (1) part-time officer opening (vacancy). Chief Kassotis explained that he is currently looking for a part-time certified officer to fill the vacancy. Chief Kassotis explained that the full time wages were basically unchanged, however the part-time officers did receive a wage increase for 2009.
B. Doerpholz asked about on-call time. Chief Kassotis stated that this is the time, usually between 2am and 5am, when an officer is not on duty. On-call officer receives $1.50 per hour. Chief Kassotis explained that the expended amount for on-call is low because he has been covering a lot of the call time. W. Brown asked if the officer is called out do they then get overtime? Chief Kassotis stated that they do receive 2 hours pay if called out, and it is generally overtime. If the call lasts more then 2 hours, then paid for amount of hours working, but minimum of 2 hours.
190 Other Compensation moved to line 120. This covers part-time officer’s compensation to go to court.
210 Group Insurance up because of change in town policy. C. Yon asked if the Police Department will have any one who will opt-out. Chief Kassotis stated that he knew that one officer is considering it and he will let the Selectmen know what happens. If one person opts-out the line item will decrease by approx. $17,000.00.
Line 430 moved to line 630, covers copier maintenance.
440 Rentals covers the 2nd lease payment on cruiser.
560 Dues/Subscriptions over expended because $420.00 lease origination payment added to that line.
629 Equip B. Doerpholz asked if there was anything specific the PD was looking to purchase. Chief Kassotis said that they would be getting new vests, which should be replaced every 5 years.
635 Gasoline The requested figure is based on State bid of $2.09/gal until July of 2010 then $3.00/gal for remainder of 2010.
685 Uniforms Purch/Clean Chief Kassotis indicated that many uniforms need to be replaced and potential of outfitting a new part-time officer.
690 Other Misc. Chief Kassotis indicated that the department has seen an increase in subpoenas, especially for cell phone records, and cell phone companies now charge for the records. This line would cover those charges.
Chief Kassotis completed his review of the Police Department budget request by stating that the majority of the increase was due to health insurance, retirement contribution, and cruiser lease payment, all of which were out of his control. S. Hagstrom asked if there were any questions, there were none.
Emergency Management
Chief Kassotis handed out an updated budget with expenditures through October and reviewed the Emergency Management budget for the committee. Chief Kassotis stated that the salary is a stipend for himself for being the Emergency Management Coordinator.
There were no major changes to this budget, just some “housecleaning” in where certain expenses were charged to (moving line items).
The use of the VFW for an emergency shelter was briefly discussed, as was the generator use and maintenance. Chief Kassotis explained that he added $300.00 to line 690 Other Misc. for food in case the shelter needs to be opened and run. He also stated that there will be a bill of approximately $800.00 coming in that will be charged to line 840 Special Projects which was for the supplies necessary to hook up the generator at the VFW. The VFW paid for the labor, the Town will pay for the supplies. S. Hagstrom asked if the generator was to stay at the VFW. Chief Kassotis said that yes the generator will stay at the VFW but can be moved if necessary.
S. Hagstrom asked if there were any questions regarding Emergency Mgt., there were none.
Animal Control
Chief Kassotis began by handing out an updated copy of the budget which showed expenditures through October. He explained that the Animal Control officer was unable to work for the first half of the year and that is why the expended amounts are down, although calls for service were up. Chief Kassotis stated that this is a part-time, per hour position. B. Doerpholz asked what type of calls. Chief Kassotis explained that the majority of calls were for stray dogs, feral cats, but range widely.
S. Hagstrom asked if the Animal Control officer was issued a cell phone. Chief Kassotis said that she did not have a cell phone, but had an older model portable radio.
Chief Kassotis explained the fees charged by the Humane Society for dropping of animals if they remain unclaimed. Unclaimed dogs cost the Town $84.00 each and unclaimed cats cost $10.00 each. Chief Kassotis stated that they make every effort to locate owners.
W. Wright asked what the current rate for mileage reimbursement was. P. Thompson said that it is currently at $.55/mile. The Animal Control officer uses her own private vehicle for calls and gets reimbursed for mileage.
S. Hagstrom asked if there were any questions regarding the Animal Control budget. There were none.
Cemetery
Mike Grab
M. Grab began by handing out an updated budget request which showed expenditures through October.
M. Grab reviewed the tree work completed this year in the Village and Pine Grove cemeteries. He indicated that they accomplished a lot, but had a lot to do still.
S. Hagstrom asked how many employees were there. M. Grab said that they started out the season with three (3), but had two (2) most of the time. P. Thompson questioned the salary funding line if they were to have 2 people through the summer and have 3 at the beginning and end of the season. Did they figure enough salary for all? M. Grab stated that he figured about $600 total for additional help, so requested amount in line 120 should be adequate.
M. Grab indicated that line 318 Labor Contrat Svc expended amount will probably go over what was approved because of clean up from the ice storm. The clean up alone cost approx $2750.00.
The majority of discussion was based on the vehicle the cemetery uses. M. Grab explained the repairs it has already had and indicted that it’s not a matter of if it will need to be replaced, but when. M. Grab believes that in CIP the truck was scheduled to be replaced in 2010, but didn’t request this because of economic times and he wasn’t sure of the needs of other departments. The committee asked M. Grab to do some research into the current truck’s condition and needed repairs (Tim Austin) as well as get prices on newer used trucks that would meet their needs. M. Grab to get information and meet with committee again.
M. Grab finished his presentation by passing out photos of work that has been done at the two cemeteries which included stone/marker cleaning, marker alignment, grave leveling, etc.
Review of budgets scheduled for 11/19/09
S. Hagstrom asked the committee to review the budgets that were to be presented next week: Fire, Ambulance, Supervisors of the Checklist, Tax Collector and Town Clerk.
T. Parker stated that there is a request in to replace the current ambulance. The committee briefly discussed the pros and cons of replacing vs. repair of current ambulance. Question was raised about the significant increase in the uniform line for the Fire department, as well as concern that part-time salary was down $5000.00. Committee noted these items for discussion on Nov. 19th.
Motion was made to adjourn. Motion 2nd.
Meeting adjourned 8:58pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Heidi L. Wood
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