Select Board Meeting Minutes - July 16, 2007

Lincoln Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes July 16, 2007 5:07 pm Present: Chair Deanna Huot, Selectman Peter Moore, Selectman Patricia McTeague, Town Manager Ted Sutton, Recording Secretary Susan Chenard Audience/Presentation members: County Commissioner Ray Burton, Union Shop Steward Michael Stevens and Union Business Agent Tom Noonan Approval of public meeting minutes of July 9, 2007: A motion was made by Selectman Moore, seconded by Selectman McTeague, to approve the public meeting minutes of July 9, 2007, as amended. The vote was unanimous. Routine Business County Commissioner Ray Burton made his bi-annual visit to our Board of Selectmen. He distributed a number of brochures and booklets on the Grafton County government. The Commissioners meet every Tuesday at 9am, usually at the Grafton County complex in North Haverhill. Chairman Huot spoke of her concern regarding the 17% increase in the county budget and cost of the new prison. She said that Towns typically plan more for capital projects than it seems the county did. He admitted that they should have done a better job of setting aside money and planning ahead for the new county jail. He mentioned that the County had approved expending the first million for site work, etc. and plans to go to the bond market this December to fund the next $49,000,000 for the $50,000,000 county jail. After being unable to give specific answers to questions by Selectmen McTeague and Moore, such as the increase in the number of beds in the jail, cost increases in the start-up and operating phases, etc., he suggested that the county jail core committee should meet with the Lincoln Board of Selectmen. Our Board thought this a good idea, and suggested we plan a September meeting, along with the newly formed Grafton County Municipal Association. Town Manager Sutton thanked Commissioner Burton for his hard work and community connections. Other Business The appeal hearing for the police union grievance was presented by Tom Noonan, Teamsters Union Representative, and Michael Stevens, Shop Steward for the police union. Town Manager Sutton described why they were before the Board of Selectmen. It seems that although we had notified all of the employees, including the police officers about changes to our health insurance, the Town had neglected to notify the union directly. A letter was since sent to the police union, with an apology for not noticing the union, which was accepted by the police union. However, the union takes exception to the changes in the health plan. Selectman Moore pointed out that in the business world, health insurance costs have been rising by leaps and bounds and benefits are being cut. Chairman Huot suggested that union members get all the facts before relying on rumors of deductibles. The Board and union members felt it might be a good idea to start negotiations for the new union contract early in September. Mr. Noonan will get a total of additional costs incurred by union members due to changes in benefits, for which he would like the Town of Lincoln to reimburse the union members. The meeting was adjourned, and the Board of Selectmen will deliberate and render a written decision no later than 15 days following the date of this meeting. Routine Business Grafton County Municipal Association - Town Manager Sutton is planning a meeting with approximately 20 towns interested in discussing organization and goals of this association. This should be in mid-late August. Budget Update - Town Manager Sutton reported to the Board of Selectmen that we are more than 50% of the way through the year and most departments still have over 50% of their budget available to them. However fuel costs for many departments are just about through that budgeted line item. The Town Manager will check on this. Pleasant Street Update - Town Manager Sutton reported that we were at or just under budget for this project. Riverside Terraces visit - The Board discussed and decided that the July 30th meeting will start with a visit to Riverside terraces. Other Business North Country Council Fuel Tax - The Town Manager asked the Board of Selectmen if they agreed to vote against the North Country Council's Transportation Committee's suggestion to increase the state gas tax to fund repairs of state roads in the North Country. High fuel costs are hurting tourism. Library Painting - The Library will be painted by the end of September. Permitted Nextel tower - Nextel's permitted cell tower on the corner of Pollard Brook's property is in place. Town Talk Newsletter - The new Town Talk newsletter is ready to be distributed at the Post Office, Library and via a link on the Town's website. Playground equipment - There was discussion regarding the playground equipment that was kindly donated to the Father Roger Bilodeau Community Center by the Village of Loon Mountain. We have not replaced the equipment at the Kancamagus Recreation Area as yet. Assessor's meeting - Chairman Huot asked Town Manger Sutton to check with Scott Marsh, the assessor, regarding some lots owned by Richard O'Rourke. Public Participation There was none at this time. At 8:00 pm, Town Manager Sutton left and the meeting was adjourned. The Selectboard then reviewed payroll and accounts payable check registers for the week ending July 15, 2007. Date: ______________ Approved by: Chairman Deanna L. Huot, Selectman Peter E. Moore, Selectman R. Patricia McTeague