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Good evening everyone.

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Welcome to the Thursday,

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April 9th, 2026 Town Council Budget Workshop.

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Tonight we'll be discussing the fire, police,

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and animal control and all of the public works.

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We'll start with Pledge of Allegiance.

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Councillor Mills, would you lead us in the pledge please?

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I pledge alle to the flag, United States of America

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and to the Republic await the stands under God,

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liberty and Justice.

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All

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I thank everyone in the room tonight knows this,

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but just a reminder exists are at the back of the room

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and to the side in case of emergency.

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And we have lots of help in the room tonight,

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so we should be good.

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Please silence your cell phones.

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We'll do a quick roll call. Councilor Mills,

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Good evening, Councilor Webb. Good

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Evening, Councilor Chase.

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Good evening, Councillor Foot. Good evening.

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And I believe we have Counselor Healy on,

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on Zoom. Are you there? Something?

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Yes, I am here. I'm participating by Zoom

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as I'm feeling ill today I can hear everyone in the room

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and I'm alone in, in my room here.

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Excellent, thank you. And good evening from the chair.

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Alright, we will get right into it. Mr.

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Paolo, did you wanna start things off? Yeah,

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So, so let me make an opening statement

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and then we can get each one

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of the departments on their way tonight.

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So tonight is gonna be the kickoff of the two

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budget sessions.

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They're workshops.

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So these are designed to be questions and answers.

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Obviously if you have questions,

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we have staff here tonight to try to answer those.

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If there's anything that's maybe a little bit more

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of a complex analysis, I'll take notes on that.

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I, mark Fleischer could not be here tonight

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so I may need to consult with him.

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Exactly. Oh, nevermind.

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Oh my God, you're six foot two and I can't find you.

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Sorry about that. I thought you were still at that seminar.

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But we, we would convene

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and be able to bring those back at the meeting on the 21st.

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And then we also will have our public hearing on the 23rd

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for both the budget and the CIP for the public.

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All the information that we have are,

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we're presenting this evening will be up

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on the town's website.

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The budget is in the finance department line for FY 27.

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So again, same situation.

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If anybody from the public has any questions

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that they would like clarifications for, certainly feel free

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to reach out to us via email

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or phone call to the town administrator's office.

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So with that, what we will start

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with is the fire department.

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And I'd like to invite Greg Laro up to the podium

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to make his budget presentation.

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Evening Counselors.

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All right, so to jump right into it trending more

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or less where all the rest of the town departments are.

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We are 93.5% personnel costs,

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which leaves us the 6.5% for operations and maintenance.

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You'll see as we move along that

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Personnel related costs have

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gone up significantly this year.

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I think Town Administrator Fowler has done a pretty good job

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of articulating to you folks at this point.

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Some of the changes, but the 27% healthcare increase was a

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dramatic impact for us as well as the recently negotiated

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CBAs with the unions.

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And then this year we brought our overtime costs up to

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what we project our actuals will be in

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this coming fiscal year.

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Historically, we have been under on our overtime line,

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and this is this year, we attempt to bring it more in line

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with what we're projecting we will expend next year.

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This is just a little bit of a graphic representation of

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what our historic overtime costs have been.

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So with the red you'll see is

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what the annual approved budget has been

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and the gray is what our actuals have been.

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So over the last couple years you'll notice that we've kind

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of brought those columns closer together in terms of

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what the expense, the actuals and the the budgeted are.

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And this year we hope to close that gap completely so

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that we're not relying on unfilled positions to,

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to fund the overtime costs.

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Do you have a No. Okay.

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So then that will bring us

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to the operations and maintenance side.

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This is where we really drill down

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and get to the stuff that we need on a daily basis

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to keep the department running.

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So a couple things new this year.

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One of 'em I'm pretty excited to talk about is our annual

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wellness consultations.

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So part of the 2002 update

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to NFP 1582 included a mental health,

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behavioral health annual component to it.

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So what these are is we're budgeting

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to bring in every single line employee for a one hour.

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It's called a consultation.

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It's an opportunity for them to meet with one

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of the two clinicians that we have contracted with

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for these consultations.

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And it allows them to express to the, the clinicians some

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of the things that might make their life better.

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So resources that they may need,

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whether it's behavioral mental health, it's nutrition,

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it's weight loss, it's a personal trainer.

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These clinicians have a, a very thick binder

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with all the resources

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that they can connect our members with.

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So on an annual basis, our members will come in,

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they will sit down with the clinicians,

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they'll have a brief chat about what they can do for them,

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and then they'll leave and follow up

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with the resources that are provided.

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So we're very, very excited.

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We've already started that process this year

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with half the department.

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We found the money in FY 20 six's

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budget to move forward with it.

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And then in the FY 27 you'll see the increase to fully fund

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that program on an annual basis.

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Additional changes.

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The other real big change in

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the operating budget this year is I budgeted

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to replace our airbag system.

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So we have rescue airbags that are significantly outdated.

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The recommendation from the manufacturer

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is to sideline them.

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So we're going to try to replace them in this coming fiscal

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year out of operations.

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And that is to try and preserve the CRF

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because we have, you'll see a couple rather large

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expenditures this year for apparatus.

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And so in an effort to maintain the health of the CRF,

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I think we're, I think I can do,

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I know I can do it from the operating budget this year.

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And then uniform costs are something

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that we obviously have no control over.

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One that you'll see from the graphic representation here.

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The pants are a bit of an outlier because we changed vendors

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and we changed pants last year to try

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to bring cost under control

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and come up with an alternative that would meet our needs.

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So that's why you'll see the dramatic

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drop in the green line.

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But other, the other items that we issue to our members,

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they've just trended upwards significantly more than

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what the CPI has been over the last five years.

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And so with the increasing costs,

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we also have replaced a bunch of our members as well.

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So we're still about 68% with less than 10 years.

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But when you look down at the less than one year,

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we're still looking,

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I believe about 16 employees in the last

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two years that we've replaced.

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And so every year those new employees require a complete

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compliment of uniforms sitting on four three,

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currently three open medic positions.

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So I'm anticipating we're gonna have

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to outfit those three members

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with complete uniforms in the coming fiscal year.

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Hopefully if we can find those employees.

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You will note that our energy projections have gone down.

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So one of the things that we did last year was make a best

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guess estimate at

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what the new facility would be using for electricity.

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We've only been in there now

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for almost just over four months, I believe it is.

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And so we have a little bit of a better picture

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and I'm comfortable coming down to the 200 kilowatt range,

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200,000 kilowatt range, sorry for

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electricity consumption at the place this year.

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The new place, we'll have a better idea

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after a full year of where those,

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where those energy usages are.

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So that brings us to the CIP

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Coming up in this fiscal year.

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These are the projects that we have slated to complete.

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We're in year two of replacing all of our turnout gear with,

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it's not PFAS free.

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It is reduced PFAS and it meets the regulations.

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And so we started that process this year with

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replacement of 25 sets.

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Next year we would ask you to continue to fund it

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for another 25 sets

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and the price has gone up by 5%,

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I believe from year over year from this year to next.

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So, but that is typical for the industry.

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And next up we have fire hoses and nozzles.

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So all of our primary apparatus,

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our front run apparatus have what's called

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cross lays on them.

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The hose that we've historically put on that has been

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on the lower end of the budget scale

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because it was the cheapest alternative that we could get

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that would meet our needs.

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And at this point, the hose we're,

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we're recognizing some early failures in it.

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It's not ergonomically friendly for our, our folks

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that are advancing these hose lines through structures.

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It tends to kink very easily.

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And so we're going to move forward with replacing the,

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the primary cross lays on those apparatus

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and their nozzles in this coming year.

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CPR devices. Those have reached the end of life.

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So that's, this is year one of two

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to replace the four Lucas CPR devices that we have.

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And I apologize, I meant to keep moving along

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with pictures as we went.

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So what these do is they free up a rescuer instead of having

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to do chest compressions, it allows them

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to perform other functions during a resuscitation.

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And the machine is honestly,

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consistently better at providing high quality

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CPR than a human is.

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We tend to, as humans taper off in our effort in,

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in administering CPR whereas the machine does not.

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So we have four of those, two of them

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to be replaced this year, two next year.

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Cardiac monitors, I think many

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of you have already been sitting on the council over the

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past four years as we've worked through trying

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to get our outdated cardiac monitors replaced.

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Unfortunately, as you know,

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we we're not successful in our grant application to a FG

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to replace four of them.

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We have through the opioid fund

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and through operating budget, we've replaced two

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of the oldest ones that we own currently,

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but we have two more that are not eligible

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for service plans anymore

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and they're actually becoming difficult to find parts for.

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So we need to replace two of those in the coming year.

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The technology that we tried out with our first purchase

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of a life pack 35, we've determined

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that the technology just isn't where we need it to be yet.

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We're having some difficulties with the unit itself

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and how it interfaces with our technology.

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And so we're going to actually move, take a step back

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to the Reliable Life Pack fifteens that you see here

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and purchase two refurbished models through boundary

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for half the cost of what it would be

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to purchase two new ones.

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So trying in, in an effort to be fiscally conservative

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with the the CRF, we are happy to to move forward

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with the the referred models.

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Next up is the hydraulic rescue tools.

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So we actually have some

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of these hydraulic tools on our apparatus

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that are 36 years old now.

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They have more than done their job,

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they've served their purpose.

262
00:12:10,085 --> 00:12:12,375
They are newer, lighter,

263
00:12:12,845 --> 00:12:14,735
more functional alternatives out there.

264
00:12:14,795 --> 00:12:17,095
We would be looking to move forward with replacing these

265
00:12:17,165 --> 00:12:18,855
with battery units.

266
00:12:19,115 --> 00:12:22,495
So these have hydraulic lines that have to tie back

267
00:12:22,495 --> 00:12:24,295
to the main power unit at the truck

268
00:12:24,395 --> 00:12:26,015
or as close as we can move it

269
00:12:26,015 --> 00:12:27,655
to the actual scene of the incident.

270
00:12:28,195 --> 00:12:30,935
And so the battery ones are a self-contained unit.

271
00:12:30,965 --> 00:12:33,695
They have all the capabilities that, of the ones

272
00:12:33,695 --> 00:12:34,775
that we have right now

273
00:12:35,355 --> 00:12:38,375
and the without the being tied to the power unit.

274
00:12:38,595 --> 00:12:41,055
So that is funded in this year's CRF

275
00:12:43,995 --> 00:12:46,775
and I don't have a photo

276
00:12:46,795 --> 00:12:48,895
of it from our fire prevention bureau,

277
00:12:48,895 --> 00:12:51,095
but we have a fire extinguisher training prop

278
00:12:51,095 --> 00:12:53,175
that we've used very successfully through the years

279
00:12:53,715 --> 00:12:57,375
to train Parkland staff to provide the, the training

280
00:12:57,515 --> 00:12:59,815
to other non-profits in town.

281
00:13:00,025 --> 00:13:03,055
We've done it at pro for-profit companies in town.

282
00:13:03,355 --> 00:13:05,455
We bring it out, we show them how to train them, how

283
00:13:05,455 --> 00:13:06,495
to use the extinguishers

284
00:13:06,495 --> 00:13:08,975
and let them extinguisher an actual fire.

285
00:13:09,165 --> 00:13:10,855
It's propane fed fire.

286
00:13:11,235 --> 00:13:13,695
The unit that we've had has been out of service for a couple

287
00:13:13,695 --> 00:13:15,855
of years now, so we haven't been able to provide

288
00:13:15,855 --> 00:13:17,175
that service to the community.

289
00:13:17,425 --> 00:13:19,455
We're looking to move forward with replacing it

290
00:13:19,555 --> 00:13:20,775
and getting back out

291
00:13:20,795 --> 00:13:22,375
and offering that training to the community.

292
00:13:24,285 --> 00:13:26,305
And so then the next two items,

293
00:13:27,095 --> 00:13:29,425
they're in reverse order from what they're listed as.

294
00:13:29,445 --> 00:13:32,625
But the next one up is the 2011 Pierce Velocity Rescue

295
00:13:32,725 --> 00:13:35,345
pumper that's currently stationed at station two.

296
00:13:36,175 --> 00:13:39,265
That truck is 15 years old now.

297
00:13:39,285 --> 00:13:41,265
The intent was originally was

298
00:13:41,265 --> 00:13:42,825
to replace it at the 10 year mark

299
00:13:42,825 --> 00:13:45,225
where it still held some value for trade-in.

300
00:13:45,705 --> 00:13:48,345
Unfortunately, with the economic impacts

301
00:13:48,345 --> 00:13:50,945
of the apparatus procurement process, the four

302
00:13:50,945 --> 00:13:53,745
to five year turnaround times after we order,

303
00:13:54,405 --> 00:13:59,225
and the dramatic almost a hundred percent escalation in cost

304
00:13:59,225 --> 00:14:02,465
over the last 10 years, we have not been able to keep up

305
00:14:02,465 --> 00:14:03,905
with what our plan was.

306
00:14:04,125 --> 00:14:06,625
The the funding has not been able to keep up with the plan.

307
00:14:06,965 --> 00:14:08,785
And so the, at this point,

308
00:14:08,805 --> 00:14:11,945
the truck has 120,000 miles on it.

309
00:14:12,125 --> 00:14:14,105
It is, as I said, 15 years old.

310
00:14:14,205 --> 00:14:16,705
The value has, it just doesn't have it right now.

311
00:14:17,325 --> 00:14:20,705
And so this truck needs to come get back lined

312
00:14:20,885 --> 00:14:23,345
and we need to replace it with a new rescue pumper.

313
00:14:23,365 --> 00:14:25,905
One of the things that we're looking at doing this year

314
00:14:26,365 --> 00:14:28,745
for the first time in quite some time is I'm going

315
00:14:28,745 --> 00:14:30,985
to actually do an a, a bid spec

316
00:14:31,005 --> 00:14:35,425
and a RFP for this so that we can expand beyond just Pierce.

317
00:14:35,725 --> 00:14:37,745
So for anybody that isn't familiar in the industry,

318
00:14:38,085 --> 00:14:40,905
Pierce is a very proprietary company.

319
00:14:41,145 --> 00:14:44,065
A lot of their parts only work on pierce apparatus.

320
00:14:44,125 --> 00:14:47,185
You can't install anything that isn't pierce manufactured

321
00:14:47,805 --> 00:14:50,305
and it, all those things come with a price tag.

322
00:14:50,375 --> 00:14:53,045
They are a very, very good solid truck.

323
00:14:54,145 --> 00:14:56,765
But we are at the point now where we're going

324
00:14:56,765 --> 00:14:58,645
to ask everyone to sharpen their pencils

325
00:14:58,645 --> 00:15:00,325
and we're gonna look at some of the other main

326
00:15:01,395 --> 00:15:02,885
main manufacturers

327
00:15:03,705 --> 00:15:04,885
and see if they have a product

328
00:15:04,885 --> 00:15:06,085
that will meet our needs as well.

329
00:15:06,665 --> 00:15:10,125
One of the, another area that we can improve this is most

330
00:15:10,125 --> 00:15:12,525
of the major manufacturers as you'll recall.

331
00:15:12,995 --> 00:15:15,765
It's basically down to three groups now through,

332
00:15:16,245 --> 00:15:18,725
there's the rev group that owns the majority stake

333
00:15:18,785 --> 00:15:22,165
of the industry of individual companies, Oshkosh,

334
00:15:22,225 --> 00:15:25,085
who owns Pierce and then Rosen Bauer as well.

335
00:15:25,585 --> 00:15:29,285
And so each of the manufacturers is offering some type

336
00:15:29,285 --> 00:15:33,085
of a program where you can purchase it is a little bit

337
00:15:33,085 --> 00:15:36,085
above a stock factory right off the,

338
00:15:36,225 --> 00:15:37,845
the manufacturer line truck.

339
00:15:37,985 --> 00:15:40,005
You can customize some of the cabinets,

340
00:15:40,385 --> 00:15:43,925
but it is not a true custom apparatus like we are used to.

341
00:15:44,055 --> 00:15:45,845
We're customed to ordering.

342
00:15:46,095 --> 00:15:48,005
We've always, we've always specked out

343
00:15:48,005 --> 00:15:49,885
what meets dairy's needs the best.

344
00:15:49,905 --> 00:15:52,445
And unfortunately we're just not able to do that anymore.

345
00:15:52,505 --> 00:15:56,325
So we're, we're going to pro very likely have

346
00:15:56,325 --> 00:16:00,285
to go in the root of a semi stock truck for a reduced cost

347
00:16:00,425 --> 00:16:03,285
to, to fall in line with what we're asking for here.

348
00:16:04,625 --> 00:16:09,245
And finally is the 2014 international ambulance.

349
00:16:09,345 --> 00:16:13,525
So along the lines of the fire apparatus, our goal was

350
00:16:13,525 --> 00:16:16,725
to replace these after 10 years when they still held some

351
00:16:16,725 --> 00:16:19,165
value and before they started escalating their maintenance

352
00:16:19,165 --> 00:16:20,205
and repair costs.

353
00:16:21,395 --> 00:16:23,485
This one obviously we we missed the mark

354
00:16:23,745 --> 00:16:26,325
by a couple years on that again, just

355
00:16:26,325 --> 00:16:27,725
because of the, the funding

356
00:16:28,025 --> 00:16:29,525
and the turnaround time for these.

357
00:16:30,185 --> 00:16:32,645
So this year we need to move forward with replacing this,

358
00:16:32,875 --> 00:16:36,685
this ambulance, this ambulance has 118,000 miles on it.

359
00:16:37,435 --> 00:16:38,725
It's due to be replaced.

360
00:16:38,745 --> 00:16:41,125
And so we would ask again that you, you fund

361
00:16:41,125 --> 00:16:43,285
that in this year's CIP as well.

362
00:16:50,425 --> 00:16:54,005
So those, that's a a pretty quick overview of expenses.

363
00:16:54,195 --> 00:16:55,805
I'll touch on revenues very quickly.

364
00:16:56,385 --> 00:16:58,885
One of the things if the council will recall from last year

365
00:16:59,225 --> 00:17:02,365
is there was a RSA passed in the state of New Hampshire

366
00:17:02,365 --> 00:17:05,885
that affects ambulance billing across the state.

367
00:17:06,145 --> 00:17:09,085
And so that went into effect the beginning of January.

368
00:17:09,825 --> 00:17:12,285
We have a, again, a, a limited amount of data

369
00:17:12,425 --> 00:17:13,485
to look at for this.

370
00:17:13,585 --> 00:17:15,645
And so we're still not a hundred percent confident

371
00:17:15,645 --> 00:17:18,125
what this is going to, the impact that this is gonna have

372
00:17:18,905 --> 00:17:22,285
on our revenue through ambulance collections.

373
00:17:23,245 --> 00:17:27,205
I, what I put in this year is a conservative 4.1% increase

374
00:17:27,345 --> 00:17:29,205
in projected ambulance revenue.

375
00:17:29,745 --> 00:17:32,285
We have historically always over collected that,

376
00:17:32,825 --> 00:17:35,565
but without any certainty with what the,

377
00:17:36,345 --> 00:17:39,765
the RSA changes are going to do to our revenue through this.

378
00:17:40,245 --> 00:17:42,365
I wasn't comfortable going beyond the,

379
00:17:42,425 --> 00:17:45,205
the 4.1% increased projection.

380
00:17:46,945 --> 00:17:48,565
We additionally came up

381
00:17:49,845 --> 00:17:52,805
17% in inspections and fees.

382
00:17:53,155 --> 00:17:55,525
That equals out to about $17,000.

383
00:17:55,625 --> 00:17:59,405
And so that is based on fees that we collect

384
00:17:59,585 --> 00:18:00,685
for burner

385
00:18:00,685 --> 00:18:05,165
and burner permits, installations, that, that type of thing.

386
00:18:05,945 --> 00:18:08,805
And so I meeting with our Bureau of Fire Prevention,

387
00:18:09,025 --> 00:18:11,565
he was quite comfortable with the, the increase

388
00:18:11,565 --> 00:18:14,085
that we reflected in this year's revenue as well.

389
00:18:17,095 --> 00:18:20,435
So that brings us to the bottom line, the net end of it.

390
00:18:20,695 --> 00:18:25,395
You'll see that we came up significantly over FY 26,

391
00:18:25,455 --> 00:18:28,635
but again, that is primarily driven by personnel costs.

392
00:18:29,455 --> 00:18:33,555
The healthcare and the COLA increases

393
00:18:33,615 --> 00:18:35,995
for the CBA being the primary drivers.

394
00:18:37,875 --> 00:18:40,255
So on the fire budget, do we have any questions?

395
00:18:41,445 --> 00:18:43,855
There's three out of five of us or firefighters.

396
00:18:43,855 --> 00:18:46,935
Of course there's questions. Who wants

397
00:18:46,935 --> 00:18:48,775
to go first? Councilor Foot.

398
00:18:49,545 --> 00:18:51,095
Thank you Madam Chair. Thank you Chief,

399
00:18:52,315 --> 00:18:56,775
on the EMS collection rate, what, what roughly any idea

400
00:18:56,775 --> 00:19:01,235
what the uncollected funds are for, for ambulance? For

401
00:19:01,265 --> 00:19:03,395
What we don't collect Basis.

402
00:19:03,875 --> 00:19:05,555
I I don't have that number in front of me right now.

403
00:19:05,615 --> 00:19:06,675
I'm happy to get that to you.

404
00:19:06,825 --> 00:19:07,915
What is not up to date?

405
00:19:07,915 --> 00:19:09,555
Like what has not been collected and that's still

406
00:19:10,355 --> 00:19:11,355
Historically the town

407
00:19:11,355 --> 00:19:13,915
of Dairy Fire Department does a very good job.

408
00:19:14,215 --> 00:19:18,395
We are in the, the industry, the high end in the industry

409
00:19:18,495 --> 00:19:21,715
for collection rates through our billing company.

410
00:19:21,775 --> 00:19:24,155
But I will, I will get you that collection rate number

411
00:19:24,535 --> 00:19:25,535
And then two more quick ones.

412
00:19:26,375 --> 00:19:28,035
And as far as the old monitors

413
00:19:28,035 --> 00:19:29,435
and the Lucas, what, what do you do with those?

414
00:19:29,435 --> 00:19:30,435
What happens with those?

415
00:19:31,295 --> 00:19:34,915
So the monitors, we're going to keep one for

416
00:19:35,895 --> 00:19:37,475
the new pumper tanker

417
00:19:37,475 --> 00:19:38,955
that we put in service the engine four.

418
00:19:39,295 --> 00:19:42,715
And the other one would, there's no trade-in value to it

419
00:19:42,855 --> 00:19:45,275
to the company because we're buying refurbished ones.

420
00:19:45,575 --> 00:19:47,795
And so we would look to keep that as a spare

421
00:19:48,015 --> 00:19:50,155
for emergency use in the event one

422
00:19:50,155 --> 00:19:51,395
of the other units went down.

423
00:19:52,175 --> 00:19:55,635
And the same, I'm not absolutely certain if there is any

424
00:19:55,635 --> 00:19:57,635
trade-in on the Lucas CPR devices.

425
00:19:57,835 --> 00:20:01,155
I was told no, but we haven't been able to confirm that

426
00:20:01,155 --> 00:20:02,835
with the, the manufacturer yet.

427
00:20:03,175 --> 00:20:07,635
And then as far as the refurbed refurbished equipment,

428
00:20:08,025 --> 00:20:11,035
same life expectancy on those, the same, same warranties,

429
00:20:11,035 --> 00:20:12,075
everything is the equivalent?

430
00:20:12,075 --> 00:20:14,635
Yeah. So we actually explored this with re

431
00:20:14,635 --> 00:20:17,755
and they even offer a service plan, service

432
00:20:17,815 --> 00:20:19,995
and repair plan for the refurbed units.

433
00:20:20,175 --> 00:20:22,635
And so they do come with a comparable warranty.

434
00:20:22,635 --> 00:20:26,275
They come with an optional, a purchasable service plan for,

435
00:20:26,535 --> 00:20:27,795
for a reasonable amount of money.

436
00:20:27,895 --> 00:20:30,235
So we're very confident that they would meet our needs.

437
00:20:30,445 --> 00:20:31,445
Thank you.

438
00:20:35,245 --> 00:20:40,015
Just to another question on vehicle purchases,

439
00:20:41,365 --> 00:20:44,215
what is the expected turnaround time

440
00:20:45,035 --> 00:20:46,615
of a new pump right now?

441
00:20:47,465 --> 00:20:50,125
That's a great question. So if we were

442
00:20:50,145 --> 00:20:52,125
to proceed the way we normally do

443
00:20:52,145 --> 00:20:55,765
and purchase a custom vehicle, we're still in the three

444
00:20:55,765 --> 00:20:58,285
to four year turnaround time from the date of order

445
00:20:58,835 --> 00:21:00,925
with some of the programs that I spoke about.

446
00:21:01,185 --> 00:21:04,245
We are looking at around 12 month turnaround time

447
00:21:04,425 --> 00:21:07,085
to get the truck in hand from the time we order it.

448
00:21:09,575 --> 00:21:14,045
And just on, on the fire hose, just

449
00:21:14,425 --> 00:21:16,325
that's still annually tested to determine

450
00:21:17,355 --> 00:21:18,685
whether it's failing or not.

451
00:21:19,025 --> 00:21:20,285
The fire hose. Yeah. Yeah.

452
00:21:20,285 --> 00:21:22,045
So we still use the third party vendor

453
00:21:22,045 --> 00:21:25,405
to conduct all annual service testing on hoses, ladders,

454
00:21:25,465 --> 00:21:27,645
aerial devices and fire pumps. Yeah.

455
00:21:28,305 --> 00:21:31,085
And the turnaround time on the ambulance, is

456
00:21:31,085 --> 00:21:33,925
that gonna be a custom or semi-custom vehicle or,

457
00:21:34,345 --> 00:21:36,485
So the ambulances are a little bit different,

458
00:21:37,205 --> 00:21:38,885
a little bit more of a unique apparatus for us

459
00:21:38,885 --> 00:21:42,005
because of the way that we do EMS here.

460
00:21:42,235 --> 00:21:46,765
However, we do have a a, a good design for the box

461
00:21:47,185 --> 00:21:49,365
that's the, the back of the ambulance where the,

462
00:21:49,365 --> 00:21:50,525
the real work gets done.

463
00:21:51,425 --> 00:21:53,485
So we have a design that very much works

464
00:21:53,505 --> 00:21:54,605
for us through Horton.

465
00:21:54,945 --> 00:21:56,965
So the box itself would remain the same.

466
00:21:57,545 --> 00:22:01,245
The the delays usually are in sourcing the chassis.

467
00:22:01,305 --> 00:22:02,805
One of the things that we have found,

468
00:22:02,895 --> 00:22:06,445
we've just been notified of this year is the, in the intent

469
00:22:06,505 --> 00:22:10,405
by GM to discontinue the C 5,500 series chassis.

470
00:22:10,665 --> 00:22:13,485
And so the ambulance that we currently have on an order,

471
00:22:13,795 --> 00:22:15,685
they're rushing that to try

472
00:22:15,785 --> 00:22:18,685
and get the chassis that we had ordered and requested.

473
00:22:19,105 --> 00:22:24,085
So that one we may actually see much earlier than the 2027,

474
00:22:24,385 --> 00:22:26,925
August 27 projected delivery date.

475
00:22:27,545 --> 00:22:31,325
But ambulances are historically running between two

476
00:22:31,345 --> 00:22:33,245
and three years for a a build time.

477
00:22:34,735 --> 00:22:38,395
So a 2014 ambulance we ordered in 26,

478
00:22:38,485 --> 00:22:43,175
we're typically looking at 28 or 29

479
00:22:43,175 --> 00:22:44,815
before we actually see it. That's

480
00:22:44,815 --> 00:22:45,815
Correct.

481
00:22:45,815 --> 00:22:48,535
So that ambulance would then be 15 years old

482
00:22:48,635 --> 00:22:51,015
by the time it actually gets replaced.

483
00:22:51,435 --> 00:22:54,925
That's correct. Thank you.

484
00:22:56,595 --> 00:23:00,725
Council case, Excuse me, on the

485
00:23:01,945 --> 00:23:06,125
rescue tools, are you looking at replacing part of them?

486
00:23:06,265 --> 00:23:07,265
All of them?

487
00:23:07,865 --> 00:23:10,245
So would, would the money that I put in

488
00:23:10,345 --> 00:23:13,685
for the CIP this year, I believe, let me find my notes page

489
00:23:13,805 --> 00:23:17,285
'cause I actually have this written down for specifics.

490
00:23:32,385 --> 00:23:33,925
All right. So the average cost

491
00:23:34,025 --> 00:23:37,085
of the individual components is between 16

492
00:23:37,105 --> 00:23:38,485
and 20,000 per unit.

493
00:23:38,795 --> 00:23:41,085
With the money that I've requested in the CIP,

494
00:23:41,085 --> 00:23:44,965
that would allow me to outfit all four primary apparatus

495
00:23:45,515 --> 00:23:47,965
with a battery tool of some type.

496
00:23:48,105 --> 00:23:52,405
And then additionally do the expanded capabilities on the

497
00:23:52,405 --> 00:23:54,885
rescue pumpers the engines with rams.

498
00:23:55,065 --> 00:23:57,645
So I believe for the money that's been requested,

499
00:23:57,825 --> 00:24:02,125
we can outfit all four app, all four front run apparatus

500
00:24:02,125 --> 00:24:03,645
with, with battery tools.

501
00:24:03,995 --> 00:24:08,285
Okay. And how many apparatus set, how many pieces

502
00:24:08,345 --> 00:24:10,405
of apparatus carry the rescue bags?

503
00:24:11,265 --> 00:24:13,205
The rescue airbags? The airbags? Yes.

504
00:24:13,545 --> 00:24:14,765
We have three apparatus.

505
00:24:14,765 --> 00:24:16,485
We have the rescue itself,

506
00:24:16,655 --> 00:24:19,205
which very seldom leaves the station.

507
00:24:19,625 --> 00:24:23,685
We have the two trucks, the two engines, the rescue pumpers

508
00:24:23,685 --> 00:24:26,525
that carry the, the compliment of airbags on them.

509
00:24:26,665 --> 00:24:27,845
So you on the, sorry.

510
00:24:27,945 --> 00:24:29,525
So you'd be replacing three sets.

511
00:24:30,625 --> 00:24:33,765
One of the things that I'm going to charge our committee

512
00:24:33,875 --> 00:24:36,765
with evaluating is if airbags themselves

513
00:24:36,785 --> 00:24:37,965
are the best alternative.

514
00:24:37,965 --> 00:24:40,845
There's some new technology out there that meets the same,

515
00:24:41,945 --> 00:24:44,565
the same abilities as the airbags themselves.

516
00:24:44,825 --> 00:24:47,085
So the airbags will be replaced.

517
00:24:47,085 --> 00:24:50,165
They'll either be replaced with the comparable product

518
00:24:50,345 --> 00:24:53,125
or something that also meets the requirements.

519
00:24:53,435 --> 00:24:55,565
Okay. And my last question is,

520
00:24:56,305 --> 00:25:01,245
and this has been asked of me by members of my constituents

521
00:25:01,945 --> 00:25:06,365
is on the ambulance, we used to in the past

522
00:25:08,115 --> 00:25:10,765
recirculate the box, put the box on a new chassis.

523
00:25:11,925 --> 00:25:13,045
I know times have changed on that,

524
00:25:13,045 --> 00:25:15,445
but has that been explored in the last couple of cycles?

525
00:25:15,985 --> 00:25:20,045
It, it has and we are, as I mentioned, we've gotten

526
00:25:20,105 --> 00:25:23,325
to the point with the Horton boxes where we, we very much

527
00:25:24,415 --> 00:25:27,565
value the way they're laid out and the ergonomics of them.

528
00:25:28,025 --> 00:25:30,525
And so we will in the future, in the,

529
00:25:30,545 --> 00:25:33,965
in the coming CIP years when we have a full compliment

530
00:25:33,965 --> 00:25:36,405
of boxes, look to reach chassis them once.

531
00:25:36,985 --> 00:25:39,525
So the ambulance chassis itself would be replaced once

532
00:25:39,595 --> 00:25:41,805
with the same box mounted on it and then

533
00:25:41,975 --> 00:25:44,605
after the second round we would probably need

534
00:25:44,605 --> 00:25:46,325
to replace the box and the chassis.

535
00:25:47,355 --> 00:25:52,005
Okay. Unfortunately, sir, it doesn't represent

536
00:25:52,025 --> 00:25:54,125
as much of a savings as we had hoped.

537
00:25:55,305 --> 00:25:57,925
We, when we explored it, we were hoping for a,

538
00:25:58,125 --> 00:25:59,885
a very significant cost savings.

539
00:25:59,885 --> 00:26:02,205
Unfortunately that just wasn't there.

540
00:26:02,395 --> 00:26:06,645
It's, we're floating around the 70% mark

541
00:26:07,225 --> 00:26:08,965
is what I've been told by our fleet mechanic.

542
00:26:09,275 --> 00:26:12,125
Yeah, that's what I've heard industry-wide

543
00:26:12,125 --> 00:26:13,765
and that's what I was trying to get out to the public is

544
00:26:13,765 --> 00:26:14,885
that there's really not that much

545
00:26:14,885 --> 00:26:16,205
of a savings for an old box.

546
00:26:16,635 --> 00:26:18,805
It's better off to just Yeah.

547
00:26:19,085 --> 00:26:22,365
'cause you're still running with old wires such like that,

548
00:26:22,395 --> 00:26:24,965
it's not like putting a dump body on a chassis or something.

549
00:26:27,335 --> 00:26:28,505
Council mills, do you have anything?

550
00:26:29,525 --> 00:26:30,865
I'm fine. Leave it to the professionals

551
00:26:30,885 --> 00:26:32,225
to ask those kind of questions.

552
00:26:32,855 --> 00:26:34,265
Alright, counselor foot, you had question?

553
00:26:34,265 --> 00:26:35,865
Yeah, I had one more question and I, I do,

554
00:26:35,865 --> 00:26:37,545
councilor Haley, I have not forgotten you.

555
00:26:37,565 --> 00:26:38,565
We

556
00:26:39,145 --> 00:26:40,785
Chief on the personnel side.

557
00:26:41,515 --> 00:26:44,045
Aside from the current vacancies,

558
00:26:44,065 --> 00:26:47,805
are you have any projections of any upcoming vacancies

559
00:26:47,805 --> 00:26:49,005
that in the next fiscal year?

560
00:26:50,145 --> 00:26:52,365
The interesting thing about public service is the

561
00:26:52,525 --> 00:26:53,525
employees generally don't like

562
00:26:53,525 --> 00:26:54,685
to tell the boss when they're leaving.

563
00:26:55,065 --> 00:26:57,805
For some reason, retirements are, are preferred to be kept

564
00:26:58,535 --> 00:27:00,285
quiet until the last minute.

565
00:27:01,005 --> 00:27:04,005
I have heard rumblings that there, we have one paramedic

566
00:27:04,005 --> 00:27:07,045
that is looking to retire in the, in the coming fiscal year.

567
00:27:07,385 --> 00:27:08,725
And so that would bring us back

568
00:27:08,725 --> 00:27:10,885
to the full four medic vacancies.

569
00:27:11,425 --> 00:27:13,365
On top of that, we do have an a vacancy

570
00:27:13,365 --> 00:27:14,645
for an assistant chief right now.

571
00:27:14,695 --> 00:27:17,405
Right. But other than that I have,

572
00:27:18,005 --> 00:27:19,885
I have asked if anybody has intentions

573
00:27:20,085 --> 00:27:22,245
or desires to retire in the coming year and

574
00:27:22,425 --> 00:27:24,605
Or retirement eligible, like as far as, you know,

575
00:27:24,605 --> 00:27:25,805
the 20 year mark type thing.

576
00:27:25,805 --> 00:27:29,125
Yeah, so we have, we have, I believe it was five,

577
00:27:29,755 --> 00:27:32,605
five employees that are, are very eligible,

578
00:27:32,635 --> 00:27:34,605
very likely to retire.

579
00:27:34,745 --> 00:27:36,365
We have a few more that are eligible,

580
00:27:36,365 --> 00:27:37,965
but very unlikely to go.

581
00:27:40,265 --> 00:27:42,805
But I, it's hard, it's hard

582
00:27:42,805 --> 00:27:46,565
to project based on eligibility when they've been eligible

583
00:27:46,625 --> 00:27:48,485
for 5, 6, 7 years now.

584
00:27:48,865 --> 00:27:53,715
But I see some smarts about the not

585
00:27:53,715 --> 00:27:56,075
wanting to tell the boss that they're retiring.

586
00:27:57,735 --> 00:27:58,795
That's why I asked the question.

587
00:28:01,035 --> 00:28:02,675
Counselor. Haley, do you have any questions?

588
00:28:05,715 --> 00:28:08,115
I do not just like counselor Milts.

589
00:28:08,275 --> 00:28:10,275
I leave it to the, the few

590
00:28:10,275 --> 00:28:11,795
that have been with the fire department.

591
00:28:11,915 --> 00:28:13,715
I think everything that I heard makes sense,

592
00:28:13,715 --> 00:28:16,435
especially the replacement of vehicles and things like that.

593
00:28:16,575 --> 00:28:18,635
But no real questions.

594
00:28:19,555 --> 00:28:20,675
Excellent, thank you. Did

595
00:28:20,675 --> 00:28:21,715
you have another question? Council? W

596
00:28:22,395 --> 00:28:25,395
This is not so much a question as if you could

597
00:28:25,865 --> 00:28:28,235
because this is a chance for the public to also listen in,

598
00:28:28,795 --> 00:28:30,155
explain about your a d program.

599
00:28:31,215 --> 00:28:33,395
You're talking about the a d loaner program? Correct.

600
00:28:33,825 --> 00:28:37,315
Okay. So as as you mentioned, we have

601
00:28:37,345 --> 00:28:39,355
what is called our a ED loaner program.

602
00:28:39,425 --> 00:28:42,275
Through the, the generous funding of a grants

603
00:28:42,465 --> 00:28:45,075
through the Alexander Eastman Foundation, we were able

604
00:28:45,075 --> 00:28:47,915
to purchase some AEDs that we can loan out

605
00:28:48,055 --> 00:28:50,435
to the public anytime that they want to use them.

606
00:28:50,435 --> 00:28:52,515
They basically come in, sign them out,

607
00:28:52,615 --> 00:28:54,035
and then they're free to use them

608
00:28:54,135 --> 00:28:55,475
for the duration of their event.

609
00:28:55,935 --> 00:28:59,075
We see a lot of usage with the sports teams in town

610
00:28:59,535 --> 00:29:01,635
and so we're actually hitting the season now

611
00:29:01,635 --> 00:29:03,115
where we're expecting to see a couple

612
00:29:03,115 --> 00:29:05,275
of those go out on loan for the duration

613
00:29:05,275 --> 00:29:06,355
of the spring sports season.

614
00:29:10,685 --> 00:29:13,805
I had one question and I I may be misremembering

615
00:29:13,825 --> 00:29:16,445
so if I'm off, just tell me we're moving on.

616
00:29:17,605 --> 00:29:20,485
I remember feel like, I remember when I was getting the tour

617
00:29:20,485 --> 00:29:23,845
of the news station that there was talk about kind

618
00:29:23,845 --> 00:29:26,725
of the regular gear, but then having backup gear

619
00:29:26,725 --> 00:29:28,445
and there may not be like, we may be a little

620
00:29:28,445 --> 00:29:30,925
behind on having enough of that gear for,

621
00:29:31,385 --> 00:29:34,765
for making sure everybody is ready to go each time and safe

622
00:29:34,765 --> 00:29:36,045
and things have dried or whatever.

623
00:29:36,225 --> 00:29:38,885
Is that, am I remembering something to that effect?

624
00:29:39,065 --> 00:29:41,645
And I guess the question behind that is, is if we are in

625
00:29:41,645 --> 00:29:45,245
that situation, like is there a plan to future state,

626
00:29:45,425 --> 00:29:48,565
get us, get everybody to full complement of what they need?

627
00:29:49,115 --> 00:29:52,165
Sure. Fortunately we're not, we're not in

628
00:29:52,165 --> 00:29:54,245
that situation where we don't have a second

629
00:29:54,425 --> 00:29:55,445
set of gear for everyone.

630
00:29:55,845 --> 00:29:59,845
I think maybe what I said at the time was we would have then

631
00:30:00,025 --> 00:30:03,525
one set of p reduced PAS gear for our employees. That's

632
00:30:03,525 --> 00:30:03,925
What it was. Yes.

633
00:30:03,995 --> 00:30:05,485
Okay. Their second, their backup set

634
00:30:05,485 --> 00:30:07,565
of gear would not be PFAS free yet.

635
00:30:07,585 --> 00:30:10,485
That's, that would require another three year project

636
00:30:10,485 --> 00:30:11,725
through the CIP to replace.

637
00:30:11,725 --> 00:30:13,085
Okay. So they have the backup, it's

638
00:30:13,085 --> 00:30:14,165
just they still have the P fs, the backup

639
00:30:14,165 --> 00:30:16,125
Would be worn in the event that they were laundering their

640
00:30:16,125 --> 00:30:18,885
primary set and then once their primary set was cleaned

641
00:30:18,885 --> 00:30:20,925
and dried, they would go back into their

642
00:30:20,925 --> 00:30:22,245
primary set. Okay. Outta their

643
00:30:22,245 --> 00:30:23,245
Backup.

644
00:30:23,245 --> 00:30:25,865
Thank you. Any other questions?

645
00:30:27,735 --> 00:30:29,225
Alright, thank you.

646
00:30:29,255 --> 00:30:31,545
Alright, moving on to emergency management.

647
00:30:33,805 --> 00:30:35,985
So emergency management saw very,

648
00:30:36,415 --> 00:30:38,385
very minimal changes this year.

649
00:30:39,485 --> 00:30:41,545
On the personnel related side,

650
00:30:42,035 --> 00:30:46,425
there was actually a 0.9% reduction in expenses.

651
00:30:47,045 --> 00:30:49,345
And then when we get to the operations

652
00:30:49,345 --> 00:30:52,665
and maintenance side, we came up 0.2%, 500,

653
00:30:53,415 --> 00:30:55,065
$545.

654
00:30:55,445 --> 00:30:59,185
The primary driver behind that is the, the fire chief's car

655
00:30:59,205 --> 00:31:02,465
as the EMD is assigned to the Emergency Management Bureau.

656
00:31:02,845 --> 00:31:05,985
And so the repair costs for that vehicle come out

657
00:31:05,985 --> 00:31:09,185
of the emergency management budget as you'll,

658
00:31:09,365 --> 00:31:10,745
as I'm sure you're all aware,

659
00:31:10,815 --> 00:31:14,105
with the rapid increase in costs for

660
00:31:16,025 --> 00:31:19,825
materials and goods related to anything petroleum based

661
00:31:20,555 --> 00:31:24,825
tires are a natural victim of the inflation

662
00:31:24,855 --> 00:31:25,865
that we see from that.

663
00:31:25,925 --> 00:31:28,865
And so when we go to replace a set of tires, now they're,

664
00:31:28,865 --> 00:31:30,665
they're anywhere from 50

665
00:31:30,805 --> 00:31:34,185
to 80% more expensive than they were five years ago.

666
00:31:34,445 --> 00:31:37,145
So that's, that accounts for the creep in that.

667
00:31:37,245 --> 00:31:39,265
And as additionally there's a dues

668
00:31:39,265 --> 00:31:41,305
and subscriptions, those go up annually

669
00:31:42,025 --> 00:31:43,305
anywhere from three to 5%.

670
00:31:43,325 --> 00:31:45,745
And so that's reflected in this year's EM budget

671
00:31:47,525 --> 00:31:51,025
and there are no new capital projects in em this year.

672
00:31:55,645 --> 00:31:58,025
Do we have any questions on emergency management?

673
00:31:58,845 --> 00:32:02,305
Any questions? No, I have none.

674
00:32:02,735 --> 00:32:04,705
Councilor Haley, do you have any questions on this one?

675
00:32:07,215 --> 00:32:09,475
No questions. Excellent. All right.

676
00:32:10,265 --> 00:32:12,115
That was easy. Thank you very much. Yes.

677
00:32:12,495 --> 00:32:14,755
Should we? Alright, so we didn't have anything

678
00:32:14,935 --> 00:32:18,275
to flag on that one, so be good as we'll.

679
00:32:18,275 --> 00:32:21,635
Move on to Chief Ley and police and animal control.

680
00:32:52,435 --> 00:32:54,445
Alright. All right.

681
00:32:54,445 --> 00:32:56,165
If you could just hold please for one second.

682
00:32:56,345 --> 00:32:58,445
We just decide to add back in a step.

683
00:33:00,625 --> 00:33:03,205
So we'll just for each, each group

684
00:33:03,205 --> 00:33:05,125
before we move on, if we're comfortable with it,

685
00:33:05,125 --> 00:33:09,005
we'll do just a motion to kind of accept the bottom line

686
00:33:09,985 --> 00:33:11,685
and then if we have any that we have flags

687
00:33:11,685 --> 00:33:13,205
or things that we need to get more information on,

688
00:33:13,205 --> 00:33:14,245
we can do that as well.

689
00:33:14,345 --> 00:33:18,125
So we'll entertain a motion to accept the bottom line

690
00:33:18,125 --> 00:33:19,445
for the fire and emergency.

691
00:33:20,105 --> 00:33:23,965
So moved. Alright. Is there a second? Second.

692
00:33:25,465 --> 00:33:26,725
Oh, sorry. The number. Yes.

693
00:33:26,745 --> 00:33:29,925
The bottom line of what do we have?

694
00:33:30,245 --> 00:33:34,285
14,585,451. So moved.

695
00:33:34,355 --> 00:33:38,565
Alright, second. Second on the motion. Councilor Mills?

696
00:33:39,065 --> 00:33:40,245
Yes. Councilor Webb?

697
00:33:40,545 --> 00:33:42,965
Yes. Councilor Chase? Yes. Councilor Foot?

698
00:33:43,025 --> 00:33:44,205
Yes. Councillor Healy?

699
00:33:45,145 --> 00:33:46,725
Yes. And chair votes? Yes.

700
00:33:47,075 --> 00:33:49,405
Okay, now we're moving on to please. Hello.

701
00:33:50,895 --> 00:33:52,445
Thank you. Good evening Councilors.

702
00:33:53,065 --> 00:33:54,685
George Oli, chief of Police.

703
00:33:55,005 --> 00:33:58,805
I have Captain Dave Micho with me in the audience behind me,

704
00:33:58,805 --> 00:34:01,685
captain Bre and Lieutenant ue.

705
00:34:01,745 --> 00:34:04,685
If you ask us any questions that we can't answer, they will

706
00:34:08,475 --> 00:34:09,805
Very vanilla budget this year.

707
00:34:11,305 --> 00:34:14,725
My, my budget request includes no new staff

708
00:34:14,905 --> 00:34:16,125
or programs this year.

709
00:34:16,545 --> 00:34:20,085
We currently have 61 allotted full-time officers.

710
00:34:20,735 --> 00:34:21,885
We're not fully staffed,

711
00:34:22,385 --> 00:34:24,885
but we do maintain funding for all

712
00:34:24,885 --> 00:34:26,125
of those officers in the next budget.

713
00:34:26,425 --> 00:34:29,085
We have five, five part-time police officers

714
00:34:29,715 --> 00:34:30,805
that are currently working

715
00:34:31,345 --> 00:34:34,405
and we overall have 74 full-time employees.

716
00:34:34,945 --> 00:34:37,485
And if we add the activity center for a CO in there,

717
00:34:37,485 --> 00:34:41,925
that's 75 full-time employees and four part-time civilians.

718
00:34:43,825 --> 00:34:46,725
In the police personnel accounts this year

719
00:34:48,025 --> 00:34:52,325
we seek $12,657,213.

720
00:34:52,325 --> 00:34:53,965
That's an increase of 8.9%.

721
00:34:54,155 --> 00:34:57,205
That is primarily driven by collective bargaining increases.

722
00:34:57,705 --> 00:35:01,725
And the already mentioned 27% healthcare increases

723
00:35:06,195 --> 00:35:07,415
the all.

724
00:35:07,535 --> 00:35:10,495
We also include two school resource officer at Pinking

725
00:35:10,495 --> 00:35:12,735
Academy that have a corresponding revenue

726
00:35:13,515 --> 00:35:16,535
and which is about $304,000 in this budget.

727
00:35:17,995 --> 00:35:21,415
The increase in overtime costs in this year's budget

728
00:35:22,235 --> 00:35:24,295
are due solely to contractual

729
00:35:24,475 --> 00:35:27,375
and other increases.

730
00:35:28,215 --> 00:35:30,055
I actually sought less hours

731
00:35:30,755 --> 00:35:33,375
for overtime this year than we did in the previous year.

732
00:35:37,545 --> 00:35:42,005
And the o and m accounts, well, let me back up one minute

733
00:35:42,025 --> 00:35:43,365
and talk just for a minute.

734
00:35:43,665 --> 00:35:47,685
I'm unlike the fire department, I have a 96.27%

735
00:35:49,135 --> 00:35:51,805
split between personnel and o and m.

736
00:35:52,185 --> 00:35:56,285
So I only have 3.7% of my budget. That is o and m.

737
00:35:56,585 --> 00:36:01,565
That's $490,000, $490,915 this year.

738
00:36:01,785 --> 00:36:04,605
That's an increase over last year, 1.65%.

739
00:36:05,785 --> 00:36:08,645
We have two new portable radios that we seek in this year.

740
00:36:08,875 --> 00:36:10,805
This year's budget in one mobile radio

741
00:36:12,005 --> 00:36:15,485
uniform increases mainly due to replacing new staff

742
00:36:15,545 --> 00:36:16,925
and having outfit new staff.

743
00:36:17,945 --> 00:36:19,245
As the fire chief indicated,

744
00:36:20,725 --> 00:36:22,365
training costs increased marginally

745
00:36:22,465 --> 00:36:25,405
and we do include a reduction in gasoline costs

746
00:36:25,865 --> 00:36:28,205
for this budget because we now have a hybrid fleet,

747
00:36:28,205 --> 00:36:29,685
which we're bringing online now.

748
00:36:30,125 --> 00:36:31,605
I think as of today we have four

749
00:36:31,705 --> 00:36:33,445
or five of those hybrids online.

750
00:36:33,745 --> 00:36:37,685
We have four four and we have 10 of them that will,

751
00:36:38,465 --> 00:36:40,485
and so six more to be put online

752
00:36:40,545 --> 00:36:45,405
before over the next few weeks in the capital projects line.

753
00:36:45,715 --> 00:36:48,925
This year we're seeking $494,627.

754
00:36:48,925 --> 00:36:52,245
That's a reduction of 30 and 5% almost.

755
00:36:52,345 --> 00:36:54,205
Now that looks like a big number, but that's

756
00:36:54,205 --> 00:36:56,845
because last year we replaced our mocked vehicle fleet

757
00:36:57,025 --> 00:36:58,685
and we only do that every three years.

758
00:36:59,145 --> 00:37:02,605
So that's, that's really not a, an unexpected reduction.

759
00:37:04,065 --> 00:37:05,805
We include, as the fire chief indicated,

760
00:37:05,925 --> 00:37:09,965
a Motorola communications maintenance system of payment

761
00:37:10,265 --> 00:37:14,165
of 59% of, of the payment is from the police department.

762
00:37:14,185 --> 00:37:16,645
That's 'cause we host what's called the core,

763
00:37:16,825 --> 00:37:18,245
the major network components.

764
00:37:18,435 --> 00:37:19,685
They were at the police department

765
00:37:19,705 --> 00:37:21,285
for all the public safety network

766
00:37:21,665 --> 00:37:23,325
for radio network, police and fire.

767
00:37:25,405 --> 00:37:29,205
This year we requested six unmarked police cars

768
00:37:29,305 --> 00:37:32,125
for the detective fleet to replace the 10-year-old fleet

769
00:37:32,125 --> 00:37:33,165
that we have in detectives.

770
00:37:33,185 --> 00:37:35,685
Now they will also be hybrids.

771
00:37:35,905 --> 00:37:39,085
So if, if, if that fund, if that project is funded,

772
00:37:39,135 --> 00:37:42,245
we'll have 16 hybrid vehicles out of our fleet, which

773
00:37:42,765 --> 00:37:45,765
is gonna provide significant savings and fuel usage.

774
00:37:47,625 --> 00:37:51,485
And we do seek one new canine vehicle replacement this year.

775
00:37:52,665 --> 00:37:55,805
And you'll see that's cost 59,957.

776
00:37:57,055 --> 00:37:59,125
There is no death service in the police department.

777
00:37:59,835 --> 00:38:01,325
Overall expenses, we're seeking

778
00:38:01,685 --> 00:38:06,205
$13,151,129.

779
00:38:06,205 --> 00:38:07,365
That's an increase of 8%.

780
00:38:07,415 --> 00:38:09,885
Again, that is primarily driven by personnel costs

781
00:38:11,505 --> 00:38:12,685
in our revenue accounts.

782
00:38:13,025 --> 00:38:15,045
We seek, we we budgeting

783
00:38:15,045 --> 00:38:18,165
$479,591 in revenue.

784
00:38:18,515 --> 00:38:20,645
It's an increase of 3.2% over last year.

785
00:38:21,285 --> 00:38:23,565
Primarily that's the Thinking Academy contract.

786
00:38:23,565 --> 00:38:26,885
And we also have a contract with the town of Chester

787
00:38:26,945 --> 00:38:28,365
to provide prosecution services.

788
00:38:31,465 --> 00:38:35,645
Our net budget, $12,671,538.

789
00:38:35,755 --> 00:38:39,685
It's 800, excuse me, 8.19% over last year.

790
00:38:39,735 --> 00:38:41,485
Again, personnel cost drive that.

791
00:38:42,845 --> 00:38:44,605
A new slide for us this year is the police

792
00:38:44,625 --> 00:38:46,565
detail detailed billing rate.

793
00:38:47,155 --> 00:38:50,205
Typically we come to you once a year and,

794
00:38:50,205 --> 00:38:52,645
and advise you of the new billing rate.

795
00:38:52,945 --> 00:38:57,525
For the police details this year it's gonna be $98 an hour

796
00:38:57,865 --> 00:39:02,125
and includes a a 22 point $22 91 cents an hour.

797
00:39:02,265 --> 00:39:05,485
Cha charge for a cruiser that's based on the FEMA rate.

798
00:39:05,865 --> 00:39:07,605
If Cruiser is requested for the detail,

799
00:39:14,625 --> 00:39:15,845
That's the police budget.

800
00:39:15,905 --> 00:39:18,965
If anybody has any questions that begins on page 1 7 3

801
00:39:18,965 --> 00:39:21,925
of your workbook and I'm happy to address any questions.

802
00:39:24,065 --> 00:39:26,885
Any questions? I have none at this time.

803
00:39:27,435 --> 00:39:30,245
Council put Thank you Madam Chair.

804
00:39:30,725 --> 00:39:33,805
Just on the hybrid vehicles chief, do we have any, is there

805
00:39:34,465 --> 00:39:35,925
any diminished life expectancy

806
00:39:35,925 --> 00:39:39,205
or is it, is there any downside that we know of

807
00:39:39,435 --> 00:39:40,965
with the hybrids at all?

808
00:39:41,625 --> 00:39:42,845
We don't know of any downside.

809
00:39:43,165 --> 00:39:44,925
And as a matter of fact, I can tell you that Ford,

810
00:39:45,035 --> 00:39:46,925
when they build police cars, the first six months

811
00:39:46,925 --> 00:39:48,685
of their line is gonna be hybrid vehicles.

812
00:39:48,915 --> 00:39:51,845
Yeah. So that's all police departments are gonna be able

813
00:39:51,845 --> 00:39:54,085
to buy for the first six months of the,

814
00:39:54,145 --> 00:39:55,205
So the durability and all

815
00:39:55,205 --> 00:39:57,645
that is pretty much worked out the, the

816
00:39:57,645 --> 00:39:58,645
Kinks.

817
00:39:58,645 --> 00:39:59,925
Yeah. I I don't have any reason to believe they won't be

818
00:39:59,925 --> 00:40:03,605
as durable as the regularly naturally aspirated gas engine,

819
00:40:03,805 --> 00:40:04,925
whatever you, however you term that.

820
00:40:05,255 --> 00:40:08,125
Thank you Counsel. What,

821
00:40:09,955 --> 00:40:12,285
Just a really quick question that's not too much budgetary

822
00:40:12,825 --> 00:40:15,565
is what's the status of the PPE program for the canines?

823
00:40:17,105 --> 00:40:18,605
We are waiting for our second,

824
00:40:18,705 --> 00:40:21,565
we bought protective equipment for the first lauds.

825
00:40:21,565 --> 00:40:23,165
First canine. Yeah. And we're waiting for

826
00:40:23,705 --> 00:40:27,045
the second canine Freddy to kind of fill up and mature

827
00:40:27,685 --> 00:40:29,045
before we, we order the next one.

828
00:40:29,275 --> 00:40:31,565
They are fit to the dog. Yeah.

829
00:40:31,665 --> 00:40:33,325
So he needs to mature a little bit,

830
00:40:33,465 --> 00:40:35,405
but we expect we have the money appropriated,

831
00:40:35,705 --> 00:40:37,405
we expect we're gonna buy that this year.

832
00:40:38,265 --> 00:40:39,245
You know how tough it is to

833
00:40:39,245 --> 00:40:42,925
buy those baby clothes, you know? Yeah.

834
00:40:43,865 --> 00:40:46,005
And I didn't see the third dog in the budget.

835
00:40:46,285 --> 00:40:46,885
I don't know.

836
00:40:49,215 --> 00:40:51,565
Sorry, I didn't have any questions either.

837
00:40:51,805 --> 00:40:53,245
Counselor Haley, do you have any questions?

838
00:40:55,285 --> 00:40:57,625
No questions. It seemed pretty straightforward to me.

839
00:40:57,745 --> 00:40:59,465
I mean, the biggest increase being the,

840
00:40:59,525 --> 00:41:01,185
the personnel in health insurance,

841
00:41:01,195 --> 00:41:05,385
which is all, all across.

842
00:41:05,525 --> 00:41:06,745
So no questions.

843
00:41:08,265 --> 00:41:10,505
Excellent. All right. I have,

844
00:41:12,055 --> 00:41:12,585
Yeah. Oh,

845
00:41:12,585 --> 00:41:13,585
Sorry.

846
00:41:13,775 --> 00:41:17,225
Back to the hybrid vehicles on, do you have to

847
00:41:17,815 --> 00:41:19,105
plug those in to recharge them?

848
00:41:20,005 --> 00:41:21,825
No, did not plug in those, Those are the non

849
00:41:21,825 --> 00:41:23,305
Plugin did not plug in vehicles at all.

850
00:41:23,305 --> 00:41:24,305
Okay. Yep.

851
00:41:25,205 --> 00:41:26,545
So that answers my second question.

852
00:41:30,005 --> 00:41:33,485
All right. Is there a motion to, except

853
00:41:34,105 --> 00:41:35,165
bottom line on this one?

854
00:41:36,925 --> 00:41:39,605
I would make the motions, but I'm having a problem finding

855
00:41:39,865 --> 00:41:42,445
the, the dollar figure that you were using

856
00:41:43,705 --> 00:41:44,885
on, on in my book.

857
00:41:44,945 --> 00:41:49,245
I'm looking at total for 2027 Recommended. Yeah.

858
00:41:49,405 --> 00:41:51,605
13 2 83 9 14.

859
00:41:52,715 --> 00:41:55,125
Okay, so where, where we can guide you here is look on

860
00:41:55,125 --> 00:41:56,285
page 1 77.

861
00:41:56,505 --> 00:41:59,005
Yep. Yeah, there's a crystal report

862
00:41:59,425 --> 00:42:01,965
and what's the number that you're gonna look for,

863
00:42:01,965 --> 00:42:03,365
particularly in this department?

864
00:42:03,365 --> 00:42:05,245
You'll see it in a few other departments

865
00:42:05,705 --> 00:42:08,565
to the far right town administrator recommended

866
00:42:08,565 --> 00:42:10,685
because in some cases in this budget,

867
00:42:11,225 --> 00:42:12,765
it comes in at the department number

868
00:42:12,915 --> 00:42:14,725
that I've adjusted it downward.

869
00:42:14,825 --> 00:42:15,925
So the number you're looking

870
00:42:15,945 --> 00:42:16,885
for is 13 million

871
00:42:17,065 --> 00:42:19,525
one hundred fifty one one hundred and twenty nine.

872
00:42:20,425 --> 00:42:21,845
So move that number and thank you

873
00:42:22,425 --> 00:42:23,425
Second.

874
00:42:23,425 --> 00:42:25,845
Alright, we have a motion and a second on motion.

875
00:42:25,845 --> 00:42:26,845
Councilor Mills?

876
00:42:27,825 --> 00:42:30,365
Yes. Council Webb? Yes. Councillor Chase? Yes.

877
00:42:30,365 --> 00:42:32,285
Councilor Foote? Yes. Councillor Healy.

878
00:42:33,145 --> 00:42:36,165
Yes. And chair votes? Yes. Motion passes. Six zero.

879
00:42:36,335 --> 00:42:37,885
Thank you. All right.

880
00:42:38,625 --> 00:42:40,205
All very briefly on the next

881
00:42:40,725 --> 00:42:44,445
activity Center Animal control personnel accounts

882
00:42:44,445 --> 00:42:45,965
that this year and animal control

883
00:42:47,175 --> 00:42:50,045
equal $121,655.

884
00:42:50,105 --> 00:42:52,525
That's 91.6% of that budget.

885
00:42:52,905 --> 00:42:55,805
That's an increase over the last year of 9.1%.

886
00:42:56,185 --> 00:42:57,525
All salary

887
00:42:57,585 --> 00:43:01,725
and benefits related increases animal control, operations

888
00:43:01,725 --> 00:43:04,645
and maintenance this year is $11,130.

889
00:43:05,385 --> 00:43:08,085
That's a 4% decrease from last share.

890
00:43:08,585 --> 00:43:11,365
And o and m is an 8.38%

891
00:43:11,895 --> 00:43:13,805
equal share of our budget this year.

892
00:43:13,955 --> 00:43:18,165
It's a slight decrease due to gas, decrease in gas

893
00:43:18,185 --> 00:43:20,485
and electricity cost based on yearly average usage.

894
00:43:22,465 --> 00:43:24,445
No capital projects requested.

895
00:43:24,625 --> 00:43:26,725
No debt service in that operational budget.

896
00:43:27,145 --> 00:43:31,525
Animal control overall expenses will be $132,785

897
00:43:32,245 --> 00:43:35,445
A, an increase of 7.86% over last year.

898
00:43:36,605 --> 00:43:39,965
Revenues are stable. 2300 year over year requested

899
00:43:40,585 --> 00:43:45,445
animal control net expenses $130,000 485

900
00:43:45,945 --> 00:43:48,245
and 8.1% oh one increase.

901
00:43:48,905 --> 00:43:52,045
And that's begins on page 200 of your budget

902
00:43:52,065 --> 00:43:54,645
and I'm happy to answer any questions about that.

903
00:43:55,625 --> 00:43:58,525
And the crystal report for that budget is on page 2 0 3.

904
00:44:00,645 --> 00:44:03,525
Questions on Animal Control Council,

905
00:44:03,595 --> 00:44:06,285
What, this isn't so much a question,

906
00:44:06,285 --> 00:44:07,565
it's more of a comment.

907
00:44:07,945 --> 00:44:09,685
It may not be appropriate for this budget,

908
00:44:09,745 --> 00:44:12,765
but for the future, I just have concerns that the $500

909
00:44:12,835 --> 00:44:16,125
that you've set aside for a training conferences may not be

910
00:44:16,365 --> 00:44:21,125
sufficient and just something for us

911
00:44:21,145 --> 00:44:23,245
to consider moving on.

912
00:44:23,265 --> 00:44:25,485
But beyond that, I have no problem moving the bottom line.

913
00:44:27,915 --> 00:44:30,485
Councilor Haley, do you have any questions or comments?

914
00:44:32,435 --> 00:44:34,365
None. Alright.

915
00:44:36,395 --> 00:44:37,765
Councilor Webb, you wanted to

916
00:44:39,985 --> 00:44:43,845
All I move that we accept the animal control budget

917
00:44:43,845 --> 00:44:46,085
of $132,785.

918
00:44:46,905 --> 00:44:50,005
Second. All right, motion and a second. Council Mills?

919
00:44:50,545 --> 00:44:53,565
Yes. Councilor Webb? Yes. Councilor Chase? Yes.

920
00:44:53,565 --> 00:44:56,845
Councillor Foote? Yes. Councillor Healy? Yes.

921
00:44:57,225 --> 00:44:59,565
And Chair votes? Yes as well. Thank you very much.

922
00:44:59,565 --> 00:45:00,565
Thank you very much.

923
00:45:01,355 --> 00:45:05,005
Alright. Seems like we're almost done with just,

924
00:45:05,005 --> 00:45:06,765
we just have one department left, but No.

925
00:45:09,225 --> 00:45:10,205
All right. Public works.

926
00:45:18,405 --> 00:45:19,005
I was like He's

927
00:45:39,915 --> 00:45:40,405
Good evening.

928
00:45:41,075 --> 00:45:42,045
Good evening counselors.

929
00:45:45,985 --> 00:45:47,805
Tom Carrier, director of Public Works.

930
00:45:48,285 --> 00:45:51,045
This is my first solo budget for the department.

931
00:45:51,315 --> 00:45:53,085
I've been around for a while with the water

932
00:45:53,085 --> 00:45:54,685
and wastewater budgets over the past years.

933
00:45:56,085 --> 00:45:58,165
I just wanna go over some general comments, overview

934
00:45:58,165 --> 00:46:00,085
of the department and then as we get into the individual

935
00:46:00,645 --> 00:46:03,125
activity centers, I'll invite the individual supervisors up

936
00:46:03,565 --> 00:46:07,085
to answer any more in depth questions on operations

937
00:46:07,105 --> 00:46:10,245
or more substance within the budget if the council show.

938
00:46:10,625 --> 00:46:12,325
So has any questions? Okay.

939
00:46:14,885 --> 00:46:17,525
Overview of the department, we have 11 divisions.

940
00:46:17,885 --> 00:46:20,765
We include the Enterprise Funds water wastewater, as well

941
00:46:20,765 --> 00:46:21,565
as Health

942
00:46:21,765 --> 00:46:25,765
Department FY 26.

943
00:46:25,985 --> 00:46:27,765
We currently have 68 full-time

944
00:46:28,025 --> 00:46:30,565
and four permanent part-time positions.

945
00:46:31,325 --> 00:46:34,205
The FY 27 budget does include one new position

946
00:46:34,265 --> 00:46:35,405
and that's a new building.

947
00:46:35,405 --> 00:46:40,045
Inspector Public Works is responsible for a broad range

948
00:46:40,065 --> 00:46:43,485
of public services based on our responsiveness, efficiency,

949
00:46:43,485 --> 00:46:45,485
and cost effectiveness to the taxpayers.

950
00:46:46,265 --> 00:46:50,565
Our proposed gross FY 27 department expenditures are

951
00:46:50,565 --> 00:46:54,365
$12,379,718.

952
00:46:55,165 --> 00:46:58,845
That's up 5.9% over FY 26.

953
00:46:59,265 --> 00:47:01,805
That's driven by both personnel costs as well

954
00:47:01,805 --> 00:47:03,485
as commodity expenses.

955
00:47:04,785 --> 00:47:06,485
The net FY 27

956
00:47:06,585 --> 00:47:08,405
of revenues we're at

957
00:47:08,405 --> 00:47:12,485
$9,162,675.

958
00:47:12,585 --> 00:47:15,885
That's 5.4% up over FY 26.

959
00:47:19,545 --> 00:47:22,645
We at Public Works historically just sort

960
00:47:22,645 --> 00:47:25,365
of compare it compared itself with the growth

961
00:47:25,465 --> 00:47:29,285
of our expenses versus the annualized consumer price index.

962
00:47:30,635 --> 00:47:35,005
Over the last 10 years, the CPI has gone up 2.4% annually.

963
00:47:35,645 --> 00:47:37,725
That's versus the department's gross expenses

964
00:47:37,825 --> 00:47:39,685
of 1.4% annually.

965
00:47:40,545 --> 00:47:44,045
And actually it's only 0.7% net of revenues.

966
00:47:44,325 --> 00:47:46,245
So that's a pretty efficient lean budget

967
00:47:46,275 --> 00:47:47,565
over the last 10 years.

968
00:47:49,065 --> 00:47:51,365
And that's taken into consideration that we're subject

969
00:47:51,365 --> 00:47:54,525
to the same inflationary pressures of our commodities

970
00:47:54,525 --> 00:47:57,965
of salt and asphalt fuel impacts of tariffs

971
00:47:57,965 --> 00:47:59,285
as well as the personnel costs.

972
00:48:01,845 --> 00:48:03,725
DPW continues to manage many

973
00:48:04,355 --> 00:48:06,885
ongoing capital projects into FY 27.

974
00:48:07,685 --> 00:48:10,445
The FY 27 budgets reflect the settlement

975
00:48:10,465 --> 00:48:13,565
of the collective bargaining agreements for the Teamsters.

976
00:48:13,585 --> 00:48:16,205
Pat TE and AFSCME all fall under the

977
00:48:16,295 --> 00:48:17,845
Department of Public Works umbrella.

978
00:48:19,415 --> 00:48:21,285
We're seeing the significant increases in health

979
00:48:21,285 --> 00:48:22,965
and workers' compensation insurance

980
00:48:23,665 --> 00:48:25,205
and with the one new

981
00:48:25,925 --> 00:48:28,565
position we are netting a 10.6% increase in

982
00:48:28,565 --> 00:48:29,805
overall personnel costs.

983
00:48:30,905 --> 00:48:34,885
And our non-personnel expenses are up 1.2% gross

984
00:48:34,985 --> 00:48:38,485
and actually down 5.6% net of revenues.

985
00:48:38,745 --> 00:48:41,525
Unlike police and fire, we are about a 50% split

986
00:48:41,525 --> 00:48:44,525
between our personnel costs as well as our operations.

987
00:48:46,085 --> 00:48:49,005
Electricity rates are expected to decrease into the,

988
00:48:49,065 --> 00:48:50,365
the next year with the

989
00:48:50,985 --> 00:48:53,205
New Solar project coming online at the landfill.

990
00:48:53,705 --> 00:48:56,445
Our contract with Encore includes a rate of six

991
00:48:56,445 --> 00:48:57,725
and a half cents per kilowatt hour

992
00:48:57,755 --> 00:49:02,525
with Eversource credits up to 11.20 cents per kilowatt hour.

993
00:49:03,585 --> 00:49:06,725
We are seeing offsetting increases in the delivery

994
00:49:06,725 --> 00:49:07,765
charges from Eversource.

995
00:49:07,825 --> 00:49:09,605
So that will offset some of those savings.

996
00:49:10,385 --> 00:49:13,245
We haven't done it in in-depth analysis going into the next

997
00:49:13,245 --> 00:49:16,245
budget, but we will be reviewing that as as we go forward.

998
00:49:18,395 --> 00:49:20,005
Fuel and asphalt pricing

999
00:49:20,005 --> 00:49:23,165
and FY 27 is of course volatile as you can all imagine.

1000
00:49:23,265 --> 00:49:24,285
Due to the global impacts,

1001
00:49:25,305 --> 00:49:28,325
we are seeing paving increases from $70

1002
00:49:28,425 --> 00:49:31,525
and 15 cents a ton to $86.

1003
00:49:32,195 --> 00:49:34,885
Just over $86 a ton over the, just the past five years.

1004
00:49:34,885 --> 00:49:37,165
That's 4.7% increase annually.

1005
00:49:38,365 --> 00:49:42,365
FY 27 we're estimating at about $96 a ton.

1006
00:49:42,365 --> 00:49:45,565
That's about a 10% increase. We're looking at.

1007
00:49:45,625 --> 00:49:48,845
Our state bid for road salt was $79

1008
00:49:48,905 --> 00:49:53,085
and 79 cents versus just $49 and 50 cents back in FY 21.

1009
00:49:53,085 --> 00:49:56,085
That's an annualized increase of 7.6%.

1010
00:49:56,535 --> 00:50:00,125
We're projecting a five point a 5% increase in FY

1011
00:50:00,125 --> 00:50:02,405
27 1.

1012
00:50:02,425 --> 00:50:05,605
One important thing to note is over the last 18 months,

1013
00:50:05,705 --> 00:50:08,045
the Department of Public Works has transitioned

1014
00:50:08,045 --> 00:50:09,405
29 positions.

1015
00:50:10,005 --> 00:50:12,765
It's 43% of the department is actually new to their roles.

1016
00:50:13,285 --> 00:50:15,045
So we've had eight retirements

1017
00:50:16,195 --> 00:50:17,525
that included two division

1018
00:50:17,635 --> 00:50:19,285
supervisors and three crew chiefs.

1019
00:50:19,285 --> 00:50:21,205
So we lost a lot of institutional knowledge.

1020
00:50:21,205 --> 00:50:23,525
There's a lot of people coming on board.

1021
00:50:23,525 --> 00:50:25,085
We've got an excellent staff there.

1022
00:50:25,085 --> 00:50:27,205
They're really getting up to speed very quickly.

1023
00:50:27,565 --> 00:50:29,725
They were very helpful in putting together this budget.

1024
00:50:30,485 --> 00:50:32,925
We've had 13 promotions, 16 new hires,

1025
00:50:32,925 --> 00:50:35,405
and we currently have four vacan vacancies

1026
00:50:38,185 --> 00:50:40,325
in dealing with all the new personnel transitions.

1027
00:50:40,335 --> 00:50:41,925
We're also unprecedented.

1028
00:50:41,925 --> 00:50:43,845
Number of capital projects going on in town.

1029
00:50:44,065 --> 00:50:45,285
The exit four A.

1030
00:50:45,645 --> 00:50:46,765
Contract B, as you all know,

1031
00:50:47,685 --> 00:50:49,525
continues along Folsom Road in unido.

1032
00:50:50,195 --> 00:50:53,685
That estimated completion date is around 2028.

1033
00:50:54,805 --> 00:50:58,485
Contract C, which is from Pinkerton Street out to 1 0 2

1034
00:50:59,165 --> 00:51:00,325
that's in design right now.

1035
00:51:00,515 --> 00:51:03,925
That bid date from what we are hearing, may be pushed out

1036
00:51:04,305 --> 00:51:05,805
to 2029 possibly.

1037
00:51:06,875 --> 00:51:11,085
That project is funded in, in large part through DOT funds

1038
00:51:11,085 --> 00:51:12,965
with some town funds going for some

1039
00:51:12,965 --> 00:51:15,285
of the utility upgrades we have.

1040
00:51:15,285 --> 00:51:17,925
The Ranch Shepherd Hill Water project is ongoing right now.

1041
00:51:18,345 --> 00:51:20,165
Now that included the Morningside Drive in

1042
00:51:20,165 --> 00:51:21,365
Barland Acres neighborhoods.

1043
00:51:22,505 --> 00:51:24,485
That's a $9.3 million project

1044
00:51:24,505 --> 00:51:27,365
that's continuing along Route 1 0 2 eastward.

1045
00:51:28,085 --> 00:51:29,685
That project has interconnected

1046
00:51:29,685 --> 00:51:33,005
to neighborhood water systems, adding 60 new connections.

1047
00:51:33,005 --> 00:51:35,205
So those neighborhoods now have access to

1048
00:51:35,765 --> 00:51:37,005
clean safe drinking water.

1049
00:51:37,605 --> 00:51:40,485
We secured $4.9 million in New Hampshire DES

1050
00:51:40,485 --> 00:51:41,925
grants towards that project.

1051
00:51:43,095 --> 00:51:44,485
We're also in the middle of the Southern

1052
00:51:44,485 --> 00:51:45,725
New Hampshire Regional Water Project.

1053
00:51:45,725 --> 00:51:48,645
Having completed phase one, our contracts D one

1054
00:51:48,645 --> 00:51:49,725
and D two, which was funded

1055
00:51:49,725 --> 00:51:51,285
through the state for $6 million.

1056
00:51:51,865 --> 00:51:55,525
We are now in phase two A with contracts D three, D four

1057
00:51:55,525 --> 00:51:58,005
and D five, which are totaling $15 million.

1058
00:51:58,455 --> 00:52:01,005
Those are presently out for beta under construction.

1059
00:52:02,305 --> 00:52:05,365
The council just accepted in digital $5.5 million

1060
00:52:05,365 --> 00:52:07,725
that we'll be using towards the phase two B work,

1061
00:52:07,775 --> 00:52:10,925
which will be beginning design work over the next year.

1062
00:52:11,345 --> 00:52:13,965
And that's estimated about $30 million total build out.

1063
00:52:13,965 --> 00:52:15,405
We're in the process of right now trying to

1064
00:52:16,555 --> 00:52:18,365
find opportunities of funding

1065
00:52:18,545 --> 00:52:19,805
for the remainder of that work.

1066
00:52:20,185 --> 00:52:22,125
And of course the Abbott court redevelopment

1067
00:52:22,405 --> 00:52:25,405
and the parking garage project is, is underway.

1068
00:52:27,925 --> 00:52:29,885
Upcoming, we've got the Rail Trail

1069
00:52:29,885 --> 00:52:31,485
connection into London Dairy.

1070
00:52:31,965 --> 00:52:33,485
It's just about a million dollar projects.

1071
00:52:34,415 --> 00:52:36,565
We'll be working with New New Hampshire DOT.

1072
00:52:37,025 --> 00:52:39,365
We have 80% funding coming from them.

1073
00:52:40,455 --> 00:52:43,045
We're looking at the Route 28 Ryans Hill sewer

1074
00:52:43,555 --> 00:52:47,165
extension project we had designed in our current fiscal year

1075
00:52:47,225 --> 00:52:48,845
at just over $500,000.

1076
00:52:49,935 --> 00:52:53,205
We'll be asking for just over $6 million going into the

1077
00:52:53,205 --> 00:52:54,405
next fiscal budget.

1078
00:52:55,135 --> 00:52:58,965
$3.2 million of that is coming through EPA grant

1079
00:52:58,965 --> 00:53:02,445
through the congressionally directed spending approval,

1080
00:53:02,825 --> 00:53:04,925
as well as the wastewater treatment plant project,

1081
00:53:05,055 --> 00:53:07,685
which is a 14 to $15 million project.

1082
00:53:08,545 --> 00:53:10,525
We are going into preliminary engineering right now

1083
00:53:10,525 --> 00:53:14,765
with a 100,000 to grant from New Hampshire DES.

1084
00:53:16,995 --> 00:53:19,685
With that, I would invite Clint Havens up.

1085
00:53:19,785 --> 00:53:23,445
To begin more detailed look at the highway budget.

1086
00:53:23,765 --> 00:53:25,790
That's at page 2 0 9 within the council.

1087
00:53:27,335 --> 00:53:31,005
Clint is is the veteran at almost 18 months on his,

1088
00:53:31,145 --> 00:53:35,405
his position right now, he took over for Alan Cody on

1089
00:53:36,085 --> 00:53:37,445
in November of 2024.

1090
00:53:38,425 --> 00:53:40,685
So Clint is in, we had a little bit of a reorganization.

1091
00:53:40,705 --> 00:53:41,925
So he's still in charge of highway.

1092
00:53:41,945 --> 00:53:45,925
He also will be, he also supervises vehicle maintenance

1093
00:53:45,985 --> 00:53:47,525
and the cemetery divisions as well.

1094
00:53:48,555 --> 00:53:49,685
Good evening. Good evening.

1095
00:53:51,265 --> 00:53:54,365
So highway page two nine a hundred sixty six road miles,

1096
00:53:54,365 --> 00:53:57,405
332 lane miles that we maintain through our department.

1097
00:53:57,585 --> 00:54:01,365
20 miles of sidewalk, 3.2 miles of bike path.

1098
00:54:02,365 --> 00:54:05,845
The revenues $927,955.

1099
00:54:06,845 --> 00:54:08,085
Expenditures are at

1100
00:54:08,085 --> 00:54:11,885
$4,332,499

1101
00:54:13,675 --> 00:54:14,485
just under seven.

1102
00:54:14,775 --> 00:54:19,005
725,000 comes from a highway block ramp from the state

1103
00:54:21,065 --> 00:54:23,765
as town administrator referred to

1104
00:54:23,765 --> 00:54:25,085
during the presentation on Tuesday.

1105
00:54:25,625 --> 00:54:28,725
We are looking at a temporary one year deferment in roadway

1106
00:54:28,815 --> 00:54:32,005
management from the 1.65 funding

1107
00:54:32,105 --> 00:54:34,165
to $1.4 million in this current budget.

1108
00:54:35,745 --> 00:54:37,925
As again, the town administrator referred the,

1109
00:54:37,985 --> 00:54:40,685
the PCI value in town right now is at 88

1110
00:54:40,685 --> 00:54:41,845
and it's rated excellent.

1111
00:54:42,265 --> 00:54:44,885
The council has adopted under the Government Accounting

1112
00:54:45,085 --> 00:54:48,885
Standards Board requirement GA P 35, about 34 I think it is

1113
00:54:49,395 --> 00:54:51,805
adopted, A PCI goal of 68 to 80.

1114
00:54:51,905 --> 00:54:53,405
So we're in very good shape there.

1115
00:54:54,045 --> 00:54:56,485
The last five assessments we've done reflected an excellent

1116
00:54:56,605 --> 00:54:58,405
PCI rating of the town of roads.

1117
00:54:58,465 --> 00:55:01,325
You just have to drive them to, to see that that's the case.

1118
00:55:02,915 --> 00:55:06,045
Ongoing capital projects between exit four A,

1119
00:55:06,045 --> 00:55:07,765
the Southern New Hampshire Regional Water Project,

1120
00:55:08,485 --> 00:55:10,845
the Ranch, shepherd Hill, there's a lot

1121
00:55:10,845 --> 00:55:13,405
of paving work going on embedded within those projects.

1122
00:55:13,945 --> 00:55:17,245
So that will also have a positive impact on the PCI.

1123
00:55:17,245 --> 00:55:20,565
So we feel comfortable with, with what we've proposed here.

1124
00:55:22,665 --> 00:55:26,115
Some highway projects in capital, again, roadway management

1125
00:55:26,675 --> 00:55:29,195
that's funded outta the operations at $1.4 million.

1126
00:55:29,795 --> 00:55:33,715
There's an additional $75,000 under the Dairy commerce

1127
00:55:34,155 --> 00:55:35,395
corridor TIFF district.

1128
00:55:35,795 --> 00:55:38,035
That's target targeted to paving projects within

1129
00:55:38,065 --> 00:55:39,195
that specific district.

1130
00:55:39,195 --> 00:55:44,155
You'll see that in your TIF budget. It's presented later on.

1131
00:55:44,955 --> 00:55:47,635
Sidewalk improve sidewalk improvements, $50,000.

1132
00:55:48,035 --> 00:55:50,075
That's funded through the expendable maintenance

1133
00:55:50,075 --> 00:55:51,595
trust budget.

1134
00:55:53,445 --> 00:55:56,835
We're looking at replacing the cabin chassis for one

1135
00:55:56,835 --> 00:55:58,115
of our sidewalk machines.

1136
00:55:59,335 --> 00:56:00,915
That's vehicle 6 0 9.

1137
00:56:00,985 --> 00:56:04,435
It's a 2012 that's funded through the capital reserve

1138
00:56:04,615 --> 00:56:06,635
and an estimated cost of $200,000.

1139
00:56:07,965 --> 00:56:11,315
We're requesting to replace our wood chipper vehicle.

1140
00:56:11,375 --> 00:56:14,355
6 0 8 2012 at $75,000.

1141
00:56:14,465 --> 00:56:16,875
Also funded through the department's Capital Reserve Fund

1142
00:56:17,975 --> 00:56:21,395
and a 2017 5,500 plow

1143
00:56:21,395 --> 00:56:25,165
and wing $165,000 also funded

1144
00:56:25,165 --> 00:56:26,685
through the Capital reserve account.

1145
00:56:28,035 --> 00:56:32,285
This is, this, I apologize, says FY 26 is actually FY 27.

1146
00:56:32,925 --> 00:56:35,445
These are the list of the rows that we are proposing.

1147
00:56:36,265 --> 00:56:37,885
You know, these are fluid, these depend

1148
00:56:37,885 --> 00:56:38,925
upon several factors.

1149
00:56:39,145 --> 00:56:42,245
The utility work not only by the town

1150
00:56:42,265 --> 00:56:46,405
but by other gas lines, power lines, et cetera,

1151
00:56:47,165 --> 00:56:48,805
drainage work, things like that.

1152
00:56:50,225 --> 00:56:53,245
So that's the baseline that we're going with

1153
00:56:53,525 --> 00:56:54,725
to maintain our PCI.

1154
00:56:55,185 --> 00:56:57,725
We also have identified Pearl Street within the Commerce

1155
00:56:57,785 --> 00:57:00,085
Carver as as being that project

1156
00:57:01,545 --> 00:57:02,845
for $75,000.

1157
00:57:03,105 --> 00:57:05,405
And we also have budgeted 25,000

1158
00:57:05,545 --> 00:57:08,445
for some work on the access driveway up to the cemetery.

1159
00:57:10,745 --> 00:57:13,525
So with that, if the council has any specific questions

1160
00:57:13,525 --> 00:57:15,885
within the line items of the department,

1161
00:57:16,595 --> 00:57:17,685
I'll be happy to answer those

1162
00:57:19,685 --> 00:57:20,685
Questions.

1163
00:57:20,685 --> 00:57:22,845
Yeah, I, I'm sorry ma'am. Chair, I have one question.

1164
00:57:22,985 --> 00:57:24,445
As far as the proposed roads,

1165
00:57:25,385 --> 00:57:26,845
do you still have that rotating?

1166
00:57:27,745 --> 00:57:30,605
How, how many miles that you, you walk each road every year

1167
00:57:30,665 --> 00:57:31,845
and then identify 'em?

1168
00:57:31,845 --> 00:57:34,005
Or do you have it on a regular percentage

1169
00:57:34,005 --> 00:57:35,245
base of how you do every year?

1170
00:57:35,875 --> 00:57:37,405
They still walk the roads. They

1171
00:57:37,565 --> 00:57:38,885
Still walk the roads. Thank you.

1172
00:57:39,865 --> 00:57:42,325
Yep. The, as again,

1173
00:57:42,325 --> 00:57:44,845
town administrator Fowler mentioned Dave Blanchard,

1174
00:57:44,915 --> 00:57:47,005
he's our roadway management guru.

1175
00:57:47,065 --> 00:57:48,525
He actually, we have a software program.

1176
00:57:49,085 --> 00:57:50,165
It's a combination of that

1177
00:57:50,265 --> 00:57:52,605
and also his, his expertise of, with the years

1178
00:57:52,665 --> 00:57:54,085
of actually walking these roads,

1179
00:57:54,825 --> 00:57:56,725
we will be continuing that with staff.

1180
00:57:57,265 --> 00:57:58,645
So there is a process that goes

1181
00:57:58,645 --> 00:57:59,925
into identifying those roads.

1182
00:58:00,255 --> 00:58:02,635
Thank you. Council, what,

1183
00:58:03,195 --> 00:58:04,875
Just a, a couple questions.

1184
00:58:05,335 --> 00:58:07,915
Do you feel the, I know you covered it in your slide,

1185
00:58:08,015 --> 00:58:09,435
but it was one of my concerns.

1186
00:58:09,695 --> 00:58:10,995
Do you feel what you budgeted

1187
00:58:10,995 --> 00:58:13,115
for asphalt will be sufficient based on

1188
00:58:15,045 --> 00:58:16,255
projected increases?

1189
00:58:16,675 --> 00:58:18,375
Do you wanna talk a little bit that they have looked at

1190
00:58:18,375 --> 00:58:20,575
that in depth with Dave and, and Clint? Yeah,

1191
00:58:21,405 --> 00:58:23,295
Obviously I'd be the biggest proponent

1192
00:58:23,295 --> 00:58:24,895
of the road manager program.

1193
00:58:25,185 --> 00:58:27,175
Right. Other than the town administrator

1194
00:58:27,315 --> 00:58:28,775
making his decisions.

1195
00:58:29,805 --> 00:58:32,695
Clearly the other, the other projects going on, I,

1196
00:58:32,815 --> 00:58:34,255
I think we'll be, we'll be fine.

1197
00:58:34,765 --> 00:58:37,095
This, there was a similar trend during the Russia,

1198
00:58:37,095 --> 00:58:38,215
Ukraine issue.

1199
00:58:38,285 --> 00:58:39,335
Yeah. A couple of months later

1200
00:58:39,355 --> 00:58:41,015
and it spiked but then dropped back down.

1201
00:58:41,015 --> 00:58:43,015
Okay. So given the time I'm, I'm good.

1202
00:58:43,645 --> 00:58:47,655
Yeah, they built in a factor into that, that tonage rate

1203
00:58:47,675 --> 00:58:49,455
so that we feel comfortable with any

1204
00:58:50,565 --> 00:58:52,575
changes within the, the market rates.

1205
00:58:53,045 --> 00:58:56,375
Good. On the rail trail, you had mentioned that.

1206
00:58:56,375 --> 00:58:58,295
Could you just please go a little more in depth with that

1207
00:58:59,045 --> 00:59:00,045
Wish we could.

1208
00:59:00,715 --> 00:59:02,735
So presently we are waiting

1209
00:59:03,335 --> 00:59:06,695
official word from New Hampshire, DOT on the status of

1210
00:59:07,515 --> 00:59:08,695
the tunnel, I guess.

1211
00:59:09,515 --> 00:59:12,895
So presently right now we are out for our FQs

1212
00:59:12,955 --> 00:59:14,455
to select the engineering firm.

1213
00:59:15,815 --> 00:59:18,375
I think those are due in the next couple weeks.

1214
00:59:19,285 --> 00:59:21,965
Once we select the engineering firm, then we go into design,

1215
00:59:22,655 --> 00:59:23,885
we'll be working with the state,

1216
00:59:24,385 --> 00:59:26,525
but of course, you know, to really get further into, into,

1217
00:59:26,635 --> 00:59:27,605
there's a, there's some

1218
00:59:27,805 --> 00:59:28,765
property issues and things like that.

1219
00:59:28,785 --> 00:59:29,965
So that, that will be a process.

1220
00:59:31,145 --> 00:59:34,045
But how that interconnection will work, we still have

1221
00:59:34,045 --> 00:59:35,925
to wait for final design coming from DOT.

1222
00:59:36,465 --> 00:59:39,485
But that'll be all out of this FY 27 budget.

1223
00:59:40,815 --> 00:59:43,965
We're hoping Yeah, some of the work anyway.

1224
00:59:44,045 --> 00:59:45,485
A lot of the preliminary design work.

1225
00:59:45,485 --> 00:59:47,445
Yeah, I am being able to go out to bid.

1226
00:59:47,485 --> 00:59:48,405
I think we should be get most of

1227
00:59:48,405 --> 00:59:49,325
that done in the next budget.

1228
00:59:51,825 --> 00:59:53,045
And I just want to thank you.

1229
00:59:53,085 --> 00:59:55,605
I think your crews did an excellent job this winter.

1230
00:59:56,205 --> 00:59:58,245
I know everybody wants to complain about things,

1231
00:59:58,385 --> 01:00:00,725
but I think there were some challenges

1232
01:00:01,465 --> 01:00:04,485
and I think your crews did a really good job. So thank you.

1233
01:00:04,485 --> 01:00:06,765
Appreciate that. We had a

1234
01:00:06,765 --> 01:00:07,805
lot of new drivers on the road.

1235
01:00:08,125 --> 01:00:12,165
I think they, they really stepped up. I was very pleased.

1236
01:00:14,115 --> 01:00:18,885
Councilor Chase. So Council Webb touched on

1237
01:00:18,885 --> 01:00:20,485
the asphalt costs.

1238
01:00:20,555 --> 01:00:24,005
What about the fuel costs? Same, same thing.

1239
01:00:24,105 --> 01:00:26,005
Do you anticipate that you'll have enough fundage

1240
01:00:26,105 --> 01:00:27,285
for the fuel costs?

1241
01:00:27,405 --> 01:00:30,605
I mean, the diesels especially is really taking a hit.

1242
01:00:31,005 --> 01:00:33,005
I, I took a look at what we're actually currently paying

1243
01:00:33,065 --> 01:00:34,925
and you gotta remember where, where net of taxes.

1244
01:00:35,145 --> 01:00:36,365
So we, we don't pay the taxes.

1245
01:00:36,585 --> 01:00:38,605
We get our fuel from the, the shed

1246
01:00:39,165 --> 01:00:41,565
over DOTI did look at the rates

1247
01:00:41,745 --> 01:00:43,965
and we are actually below

1248
01:00:43,995 --> 01:00:46,885
what we have projected going into the next fiscal year.

1249
01:00:48,135 --> 01:00:49,845
We're actually a little,

1250
01:00:50,225 --> 01:00:52,405
little less right now than we were about a year ago.

1251
01:00:52,755 --> 01:00:56,005
Okay. So again, we built in some number,

1252
01:00:56,915 --> 01:00:58,205
some factor into that number.

1253
01:00:58,305 --> 01:01:00,525
But it's like anything else, it's a bottom line budget.

1254
01:01:00,625 --> 01:01:04,085
If we find ourselves at a large increase in, in in fuel,

1255
01:01:04,095 --> 01:01:05,645
we're gonna have to look elsewhere in order

1256
01:01:05,665 --> 01:01:07,045
to, to offset that.

1257
01:01:07,515 --> 01:01:10,085
Okay. And I'll ask you the same question

1258
01:01:10,085 --> 01:01:14,285
that I asked fire on the 20 17 5500.

1259
01:01:15,165 --> 01:01:17,245
I noticed you guys have stainless steel bodies on 'em.

1260
01:01:17,245 --> 01:01:19,805
Do you intend on putting that on the new chassis rather than

1261
01:01:19,805 --> 01:01:20,925
buying a new body or,

1262
01:01:22,345 --> 01:01:24,605
So, I've been accused of being a little bit of a hoarder.

1263
01:01:25,405 --> 01:01:27,085
I don't get rid of vehicles when I do the,

1264
01:01:27,125 --> 01:01:28,805
I don't have much life expectancy left.

1265
01:01:28,825 --> 01:01:31,165
So that vehicle still, it's,

1266
01:01:31,165 --> 01:01:32,565
it becomes not a frontline vehicle,

1267
01:01:32,625 --> 01:01:34,045
but a backup secondary vehicle.

1268
01:01:34,745 --> 01:01:35,965
We still will be using it.

1269
01:01:36,165 --> 01:01:37,925
I certainly would take every part off of it

1270
01:01:37,925 --> 01:01:39,085
that I could use on another vehicle.

1271
01:01:39,635 --> 01:01:42,645
Okay. That's all I have.

1272
01:01:43,375 --> 01:01:44,645
Other questions? Council, we

1273
01:01:44,715 --> 01:01:45,715
Yeah.

1274
01:01:45,715 --> 01:01:47,005
That just stimulated another question for me.

1275
01:01:47,485 --> 01:01:49,325
I had asked this to fire,

1276
01:01:50,145 --> 01:01:53,765
and I know in the past there has been a pretty long

1277
01:01:53,765 --> 01:01:56,685
turnaround with some of the Public Works vehicles.

1278
01:01:56,985 --> 01:01:59,325
Are you still looking at the, some of the same problems with

1279
01:01:59,395 --> 01:02:00,605
between the time you ordered

1280
01:02:00,605 --> 01:02:02,045
and the time you actually received the vehicle,

1281
01:02:02,145 --> 01:02:03,845
and about how long do you estimate that to be?

1282
01:02:04,665 --> 01:02:06,845
So we haven't had to purchase too many

1283
01:02:08,085 --> 01:02:10,365
significantly large vehicles.

1284
01:02:10,365 --> 01:02:13,645
Yeah. The one tons we've been able to get off the, the

1285
01:02:14,565 --> 01:02:15,805
showroom, for lack of a better word.

1286
01:02:15,805 --> 01:02:18,685
Yeah. It, it might be one year sit still new,

1287
01:02:18,785 --> 01:02:22,485
but sitting on the, on the purchase, which is a good place

1288
01:02:22,485 --> 01:02:23,805
to be from five years ago

1289
01:02:23,905 --> 01:02:25,405
and couldn't get anything off the lot.

1290
01:02:25,505 --> 01:02:27,565
So sometimes ordering them it,

1291
01:02:27,715 --> 01:02:29,205
they can't give you a specific time.

1292
01:02:30,225 --> 01:02:31,405
But as far as the one tons,

1293
01:02:31,405 --> 01:02:33,165
we've had no problem getting those. Yeah.

1294
01:02:33,305 --> 01:02:35,325
The, the vehicle maintenance maintenance crew has been

1295
01:02:35,325 --> 01:02:38,645
great at finding the chassis on the lots.

1296
01:02:39,285 --> 01:02:41,525
So then it's a matter of doing the upfit.

1297
01:02:42,425 --> 01:02:44,205
So most of these things we can put together

1298
01:02:44,205 --> 01:02:45,245
in less, less than a year.

1299
01:02:45,385 --> 01:02:46,725
The, the upfits are a little bit

1300
01:02:46,725 --> 01:02:47,925
slower just with the tariffs.

1301
01:02:47,925 --> 01:02:50,005
That's, that's the only thing that's really impacted those.

1302
01:02:53,165 --> 01:02:55,415
Councilor Haley, do you have any questions or comments?

1303
01:02:56,445 --> 01:03:00,135
Yeah, I, I have one question on the proposed roads

1304
01:03:00,135 --> 01:03:02,535
for paving where it says portion of,

1305
01:03:03,155 --> 01:03:06,615
do you have a list somewhere that describes like

1306
01:03:06,615 --> 01:03:08,175
what addresses through that?

1307
01:03:08,185 --> 01:03:10,775
Those proposed portions of our

1308
01:03:13,005 --> 01:03:14,005
Yes.

1309
01:03:14,005 --> 01:03:15,225
Yes. Some of them,

1310
01:03:15,225 --> 01:03:18,465
like road ended at Long Meadow in Wyndham.

1311
01:03:18,725 --> 01:03:20,585
So from Long Meadow to the Wyndham Town line,

1312
01:03:20,585 --> 01:03:21,865
that's gonna be our next piece.

1313
01:03:21,885 --> 01:03:24,345
So each, these are just a, a screenshot,

1314
01:03:24,365 --> 01:03:25,985
but yes, we have breakdowns of each one.

1315
01:03:26,855 --> 01:03:30,025
Okay. Could I be sent that, I mean,

1316
01:03:30,025 --> 01:03:31,625
I don't need it tonight, but whenever you get a chance,

1317
01:03:31,625 --> 01:03:35,025
could you send me the portion of, I just, I'd like to know,

1318
01:03:35,325 --> 01:03:37,625
one of them I saw on the list is Scenic Drive,

1319
01:03:37,625 --> 01:03:38,825
which is the road I live on,

1320
01:03:39,285 --> 01:03:41,505
and I'd just like to get that, that info out.

1321
01:03:42,325 --> 01:03:44,225
Yep, we can do that. Okay.

1322
01:03:44,455 --> 01:03:47,225
Council here, Caius is Mike, can I ask a quick question?

1323
01:03:47,245 --> 01:03:49,185
Do you want all of the roads

1324
01:03:49,185 --> 01:03:51,585
or just the scenic drive addresses?

1325
01:03:52,705 --> 01:03:53,905
Scenic Drive would be helpful,

1326
01:03:54,085 --> 01:03:57,185
but if, if there's, if there's a list already created,

1327
01:03:57,805 --> 01:03:59,225
it could just easily be sent.

1328
01:03:59,645 --> 01:04:02,305
If, if not, then just for now, scenic Drive would

1329
01:04:02,305 --> 01:04:03,145
Be fine. Okay. Fair enough.

1330
01:04:03,415 --> 01:04:08,385
Okay. All right. Council Mills,

1331
01:04:08,765 --> 01:04:12,185
If I'm reading this finally correctly, I'd like

1332
01:04:12,185 --> 01:04:13,305
to move the figure of

1333
01:04:13,455 --> 01:04:17,945
$4,332,499

1334
01:04:18,685 --> 01:04:20,825
for the Highway and Streets department.

1335
01:04:21,535 --> 01:04:25,625
I'll second On motion. Council mills? Yes.

1336
01:04:25,655 --> 01:04:28,825
Councilor Webb? Yes. Councilor Chase? Yes. Councilor Foot?

1337
01:04:28,925 --> 01:04:30,225
Yes. Councillor Healy?

1338
01:04:31,005 --> 01:04:35,305
Yes. And chair votes? Yes. Next up

1339
01:04:39,575 --> 01:04:40,575
Vehicle maintenance.

1340
01:04:40,575 --> 01:04:41,465
Doesn't matter.

1341
01:04:42,165 --> 01:04:43,385
You can stay. I'll go. I'll,

1342
01:04:43,385 --> 01:04:45,185
I'll stay in. I'll stay in here.

1343
01:04:45,615 --> 01:04:46,625
Stay in. Okay.

1344
01:04:49,465 --> 01:04:51,905
Transfer station Next activity center.

1345
01:04:52,345 --> 01:04:54,425
That's page 2 22 in your budget.

1346
01:04:54,435 --> 01:04:58,345
Books our transfer station.

1347
01:04:58,345 --> 01:05:00,225
Be again, part a little bit of a reorganization.

1348
01:05:00,225 --> 01:05:03,065
Over the last year with the re

1349
01:05:04,565 --> 01:05:08,145
the vacancy of the engineering environmental engineer,

1350
01:05:08,145 --> 01:05:09,825
last year we reorganized

1351
01:05:09,825 --> 01:05:12,305
and brought the transfer station under the environmental

1352
01:05:12,415 --> 01:05:13,625
coordinator position.

1353
01:05:13,905 --> 01:05:15,985
Josh Brown. Josh has been here a little less than a year.

1354
01:05:16,055 --> 01:05:17,445
Josh is not with us this evening,

1355
01:05:17,585 --> 01:05:21,285
but he's also been very involved in the operations

1356
01:05:21,545 --> 01:05:23,485
of the transfer station as well as, as the,

1357
01:05:23,545 --> 01:05:25,365
the environmental duties of his position.

1358
01:05:28,155 --> 01:05:32,125
With regard to some, some data, 16,219 tons

1359
01:05:32,125 --> 01:05:35,165
of solid waste handled in calendar year 25.

1360
01:05:35,965 --> 01:05:38,805
That was up two and a half percent from calendar year 24

1361
01:05:39,805 --> 01:05:44,445
calendar year 25, we saw 9,707 tons of trash,

1362
01:05:44,465 --> 01:05:45,605
non-recyclable trash.

1363
01:05:45,865 --> 01:05:48,125
That's about a 0.3% increase from calendar.

1364
01:05:48,125 --> 01:05:51,325
Year 24 in Cal fiscal year 27 were projecting

1365
01:05:51,325 --> 01:05:52,485
about 10,000 tons.

1366
01:05:53,705 --> 01:05:55,885
The revenues in transfer station are

1367
01:05:56,025 --> 01:05:59,325
$1,254,734.

1368
01:05:59,805 --> 01:06:03,685
Expenses are $3,240,171.

1369
01:06:04,925 --> 01:06:08,205
Construction demolition debris disposal is up 35%.

1370
01:06:08,565 --> 01:06:09,885
That's our cost for disposal.

1371
01:06:09,945 --> 01:06:14,165
The town's cost, that's went from $96 a ton back in

1372
01:06:14,165 --> 01:06:15,405
March of 2025.

1373
01:06:16,035 --> 01:06:18,165
With environmental and fuel surcharges,

1374
01:06:18,165 --> 01:06:18,845
we're paying about

1375
01:06:19,325 --> 01:06:21,325
a hundred forty eight eighty three right now.

1376
01:06:22,275 --> 01:06:24,965
However, the revenues, the offsetting revenues continue

1377
01:06:24,965 --> 01:06:27,605
to be strong with $644,000 a year to date.

1378
01:06:28,785 --> 01:06:31,645
The metals recycling market seems to be fairly stable.

1379
01:06:31,785 --> 01:06:35,365
So no, no big changes in in revenue projections there.

1380
01:06:35,965 --> 01:06:38,325
The other markets are not consistent, so we're just sort

1381
01:06:38,325 --> 01:06:39,965
of maintaining status quo right now.

1382
01:06:41,535 --> 01:06:46,405
Trash disposal costs is an increase estimated at $110

1383
01:06:46,425 --> 01:06:48,085
at 55 cents per ton.

1384
01:06:48,485 --> 01:06:49,565
That's up 5%.

1385
01:06:49,985 --> 01:06:52,645
Our contract with Covanta Re World

1386
01:06:53,565 --> 01:06:55,365
actually expires at the end of this calendar year.

1387
01:06:55,385 --> 01:06:58,005
So we're in current negotiations conversations

1388
01:06:58,005 --> 01:06:59,885
with them right now on what

1389
01:06:59,885 --> 01:07:01,245
that rate will look like next year.

1390
01:07:02,905 --> 01:07:07,045
As far as capital projects, we have one proposed to replace

1391
01:07:07,805 --> 01:07:10,685
what was a quo hut, which is a place

1392
01:07:10,685 --> 01:07:14,485
that we store the trash trailers out of the weather in prep

1393
01:07:14,505 --> 01:07:17,765
for maintenance or for just to keep them dry

1394
01:07:17,825 --> 01:07:21,645
before we ship materials off to their disposal locations.

1395
01:07:22,675 --> 01:07:26,605
That was a few years ago, maybe 2021,

1396
01:07:27,535 --> 01:07:29,485
where the storm took it down.

1397
01:07:29,765 --> 01:07:31,725
The town did receive some, some,

1398
01:07:32,435 --> 01:07:34,605
some funding from Primex through the insurance.

1399
01:07:34,615 --> 01:07:38,365
About $25,000 that will be used to partially offset this.

1400
01:07:40,425 --> 01:07:41,645
That's, that's the highlights.

1401
01:07:41,785 --> 01:07:43,885
If there's any specific questions on the line items,

1402
01:07:44,105 --> 01:07:45,445
I'd be happy to answer them.

1403
01:07:46,855 --> 01:07:48,805
Thank you Madam Chair. On the c

1404
01:07:48,805 --> 01:07:51,565
and d disposal cost, is that projected

1405
01:07:51,565 --> 01:07:52,725
to be stable throughout the year

1406
01:07:52,725 --> 01:07:54,525
or is that, is that basically gonna be something

1407
01:07:54,525 --> 01:07:56,805
that's very fluid and the Delta changes regularly?

1408
01:07:57,275 --> 01:07:58,925
Well, based on environmental

1409
01:07:58,945 --> 01:08:01,325
and fuel surcharges, so there is a little volatility there.

1410
01:08:01,345 --> 01:08:05,525
So we will be going back out to look at alternatives.

1411
01:08:05,925 --> 01:08:08,445
There's not a lot out there that I'm aware of,

1412
01:08:08,545 --> 01:08:10,925
but, so for now

1413
01:08:12,195 --> 01:08:14,245
that just is sort of status quo.

1414
01:08:15,045 --> 01:08:17,605
I I don't suspect there'd be any more significant increases.

1415
01:08:19,455 --> 01:08:20,455
We'll wait and see.

1416
01:08:24,495 --> 01:08:26,505
Councilor, Just a a quick question

1417
01:08:26,505 --> 01:08:29,625
because I know there are some rules.

1418
01:08:30,345 --> 01:08:31,545
What about lithium batteries?

1419
01:08:32,925 --> 01:08:36,105
So those are no longer accepted within household trash.

1420
01:08:36,545 --> 01:08:38,985
There is a collection box at the facility

1421
01:08:39,165 --> 01:08:41,505
and they are taken offsite for recycling.

1422
01:08:42,085 --> 01:08:43,505
So, but they, yes, no, no.

1423
01:08:43,505 --> 01:08:44,665
Lithium batteries are allowed

1424
01:08:44,665 --> 01:08:46,305
to be disposed of in the trash.

1425
01:08:46,305 --> 01:08:49,265
There's signs at the transfer station designating that.

1426
01:08:50,445 --> 01:08:52,625
Has there been any issues with some of the

1427
01:08:53,425 --> 01:08:55,025
trucking companies bringing them in

1428
01:08:55,025 --> 01:08:59,885
and, you know, when, when people have, you know,

1429
01:08:59,885 --> 01:09:02,845
just dump trash in their curbside pickup

1430
01:09:02,945 --> 01:09:05,565
and do private curbside pickup, have there been any issues

1431
01:09:05,565 --> 01:09:06,925
with lithium batteries in the curbside

1432
01:09:06,925 --> 01:09:08,085
pickups that they brought in?

1433
01:09:08,265 --> 01:09:11,965
Not, not to our knowledge. Obviously we don't sift, sift

1434
01:09:11,965 --> 01:09:13,725
through all the garbage that comes through the facility,

1435
01:09:13,905 --> 01:09:15,525
but we've not been made aware of any

1436
01:09:15,525 --> 01:09:17,005
of our disposal facilities of issues.

1437
01:09:18,105 --> 01:09:22,445
And do we get any income from lithium battery recycling?

1438
01:09:23,395 --> 01:09:27,445
Sometimes I believe it's nominal. Yes. Correct. Okay.

1439
01:09:31,115 --> 01:09:34,605
Officer Chase Back on this c

1440
01:09:34,605 --> 01:09:38,685
and DI see you see revenues as strong at 644,000.

1441
01:09:38,785 --> 01:09:43,405
How do they equal out to, I know

1442
01:09:44,235 --> 01:09:48,485
anybody that brings in c and d has to pay, does it zero out?

1443
01:09:48,545 --> 01:09:50,885
How are we, are we in the red, are we in the green? We're

1444
01:09:50,885 --> 01:09:51,885
We're in the black.

1445
01:09:51,885 --> 01:09:52,485
So we're in the black. Yeah.

1446
01:09:52,485 --> 01:09:56,005
So obviously the revenues do outweigh the disposal costs.

1447
01:09:56,115 --> 01:09:58,485
Okay. We will be looking at that particularly in light.

1448
01:09:58,645 --> 01:10:00,365
'cause that was one of the first things I looked at when I

1449
01:10:00,365 --> 01:10:02,485
saw the increase in the disposal costs is

1450
01:10:02,485 --> 01:10:04,045
where are we at versus the fees

1451
01:10:04,045 --> 01:10:06,045
that we're charging both the in town outta town.

1452
01:10:06,745 --> 01:10:08,165
So we're still ahead,

1453
01:10:08,585 --> 01:10:10,645
but it's something we may wanna re reevaluate.

1454
01:10:10,915 --> 01:10:11,915
Okay.

1455
01:10:13,515 --> 01:10:15,925
What else? Councilor Healy,

1456
01:10:17,795 --> 01:10:19,485
Councilor Chase just kind of hit on

1457
01:10:19,485 --> 01:10:21,685
what I was gonna bring up is the construction

1458
01:10:21,685 --> 01:10:23,725
and demolition fees, if that's something

1459
01:10:23,725 --> 01:10:27,405
that we'd wanna look at to maybe increase a little bit to,

1460
01:10:27,545 --> 01:10:28,605
to get some more revenue.

1461
01:10:29,185 --> 01:10:31,885
But it seems like that's kind of already in the works,

1462
01:10:32,505 --> 01:10:34,645
so I'm good.

1463
01:10:35,685 --> 01:10:38,045
Excellent. That's the great thing about going last

1464
01:10:38,065 --> 01:10:40,285
as you guys ask most of my questions to ask them.

1465
01:10:40,865 --> 01:10:41,865
All right,

1466
01:10:42,695 --> 01:10:44,325
Madam Chair, I'll move the figure

1467
01:10:44,585 --> 01:10:49,485
of $3,240,171

1468
01:10:50,145 --> 01:10:52,365
for the transfer station activity center.

1469
01:10:54,225 --> 01:10:56,325
Is there a second? Second. All right on the motion.

1470
01:10:56,325 --> 01:10:59,805
Council mills? Yes. Council Webb? Yes. Councilor Chase? Yes.

1471
01:10:59,805 --> 01:11:01,485
Councilor Foot? Yes. Councillor?

1472
01:11:02,785 --> 01:11:05,525
Yes. And Chair votes? Yes. Motion passes. Six zero.

1473
01:11:06,295 --> 01:11:07,965
Thank you. Next one.

1474
01:11:11,135 --> 01:11:13,405
Gonna invite Clint Havens back up our new

1475
01:11:13,405 --> 01:11:14,765
supervisor of vehicle maintenance.

1476
01:11:16,805 --> 01:11:19,565
That's page 2 33 in the council's budget.

1477
01:11:19,615 --> 01:11:23,405
Books 111 units, pieces

1478
01:11:23,425 --> 01:11:24,725
of equipment maintained.

1479
01:11:25,665 --> 01:11:26,845
We have three mechanics.

1480
01:11:27,385 --> 01:11:30,005
We that equipment ranges from pickup trucks, loaders,

1481
01:11:30,515 --> 01:11:33,725
dump trucks, tractors, trailers, et cetera.

1482
01:11:34,865 --> 01:11:37,765
One of the points we did wanna mention, we do

1483
01:11:37,785 --> 01:11:41,445
and will continue to conduct the safety inspections on

1484
01:11:41,445 --> 01:11:42,485
our DOT vehicles.

1485
01:11:42,485 --> 01:11:45,005
That is still required through, through federal laws,

1486
01:11:47,545 --> 01:11:48,965
our expenditures for the department

1487
01:11:49,025 --> 01:11:53,805
or $740,250 continuation

1488
01:11:53,805 --> 01:11:55,165
of our preventative maintenance.

1489
01:11:55,905 --> 01:11:57,405
Our age of fleet is,

1490
01:11:57,505 --> 01:12:00,365
is trending favorably at about eight to 10 years.

1491
01:12:01,745 --> 01:12:04,805
As, as Clint sort of alluded to earlier, our trend is

1492
01:12:04,865 --> 01:12:07,885
to keep the vehicles that we are replacing

1493
01:12:08,645 --> 01:12:10,805
a little bit longer and not dispose of them.

1494
01:12:11,215 --> 01:12:15,045
We're finding that the value in

1495
01:12:15,995 --> 01:12:17,965
less wear and tear on the newer vehicles

1496
01:12:17,965 --> 01:12:22,445
that we're purchasing will out out wear any,

1497
01:12:23,005 --> 01:12:27,925
outweigh any value on the vehicles selling

1498
01:12:27,925 --> 01:12:29,805
them on the open market or iron planted

1499
01:12:29,905 --> 01:12:31,045
or something to that effect.

1500
01:12:31,785 --> 01:12:33,525
So we, we think that's gonna be positive.

1501
01:12:33,525 --> 01:12:35,045
We'll see how that, that pans out.

1502
01:12:35,045 --> 01:12:38,245
Obviously when maintenance costs anything significant comes

1503
01:12:38,245 --> 01:12:41,085
across, that becomes the time that he'll make the decision

1504
01:12:41,145 --> 01:12:42,925
to, to deadline that particular vehicle.

1505
01:12:45,025 --> 01:12:47,485
Six 60 line item, the actual value

1506
01:12:47,585 --> 01:12:51,965
of repairing those equipment is at 208,740.

1507
01:12:51,985 --> 01:12:54,485
That's a 7.1% increase.

1508
01:12:55,065 --> 01:12:59,365
Of course we're talking about cost of tires, lubricants,

1509
01:13:00,115 --> 01:13:02,565
just any type of material in, in,

1510
01:13:02,865 --> 01:13:06,165
in commodities in this field are, are feeling the pinches

1511
01:13:06,165 --> 01:13:09,005
of inflationary costs as well.

1512
01:13:10,145 --> 01:13:14,045
We do have one capital item replacing 6 21.

1513
01:13:14,105 --> 01:13:18,565
That's a 2014 pickup truck in plow that spun it

1514
01:13:18,565 --> 01:13:20,565
through the capital reserve at $65,000.

1515
01:13:22,875 --> 01:13:24,285
That I'd open up to.

1516
01:13:24,285 --> 01:13:26,805
Any questions on the specific line items of the budget

1517
01:13:28,765 --> 01:13:29,765
Questions?

1518
01:13:29,885 --> 01:13:32,525
I have no questions. I have one,

1519
01:13:32,525 --> 01:13:34,205
but it's really not for you.

1520
01:13:34,395 --> 01:13:36,605
It's for Mike. Apologies.

1521
01:13:37,585 --> 01:13:39,245
And it just triggered a random thought

1522
01:13:39,585 --> 01:13:42,805
and thank you for continually do the ins

1523
01:13:43,725 --> 01:13:48,005
DOT inspections on your commercial vehicles.

1524
01:13:48,865 --> 01:13:50,485
Are we doing that as well

1525
01:13:51,045 --> 01:13:52,445
because we have commercial rated

1526
01:13:52,445 --> 01:13:53,725
vehicles, for instance, in fire.

1527
01:13:53,925 --> 01:13:57,045
I think police has one. Are we continuing

1528
01:13:57,045 --> 01:13:58,725
with the inspections for them?

1529
01:13:59,185 --> 01:14:02,685
And also, I know we have a person on the Public Works

1530
01:14:03,275 --> 01:14:05,525
committee here and somebody from

1531
01:14:05,525 --> 01:14:06,645
the transportation committee.

1532
01:14:07,185 --> 01:14:08,725
Is there a liability concern

1533
01:14:09,345 --> 01:14:12,565
for the town not inspecting even its

1534
01:14:12,705 --> 01:14:14,165
non-commercial vehicles?

1535
01:14:14,865 --> 01:14:16,525
So, so I think the answer to that,

1536
01:14:16,665 --> 01:14:19,245
and I will verify this with both the police chief

1537
01:14:19,245 --> 01:14:20,445
and the fire chief as well,

1538
01:14:20,545 --> 01:14:23,725
but despite the impression of the mandate

1539
01:14:24,185 --> 01:14:25,725
to not have passenger vehicles,

1540
01:14:26,345 --> 01:14:29,645
we have a very robust program that all

1541
01:14:29,725 --> 01:14:32,565
of the vehicles are inspected as they go along.

1542
01:14:32,585 --> 01:14:34,765
So if you can imagine like if you had a pickup truck

1543
01:14:34,765 --> 01:14:36,685
that was just being used by code enforcement,

1544
01:14:36,695 --> 01:14:37,695
Right?

1545
01:14:37,715 --> 01:14:40,565
That is brought in at least on an annual basis

1546
01:14:40,945 --> 01:14:44,885
for a looksy for tires and brakes and and windshields.

1547
01:14:44,885 --> 01:14:48,645
So they don't necessarily go through the process

1548
01:14:48,715 --> 01:14:50,645
that you would see it maybe as rigorous as that.

1549
01:14:50,645 --> 01:14:54,085
But there is a log that that vehicle was in that facility

1550
01:14:54,425 --> 01:14:55,565
and reviewed at that point

1551
01:14:55,825 --> 01:14:58,245
for just massive liability concerns.

1552
01:14:58,245 --> 01:14:59,485
Yeah. 'cause somebody could turn that

1553
01:14:59,485 --> 01:15:01,045
around if it was involved in an accident

1554
01:15:01,045 --> 01:15:02,045
and say, well gee,

1555
01:15:02,045 --> 01:15:03,765
when was the last time an attorney would grab

1556
01:15:03,765 --> 01:15:05,005
that and, and ask that question.

1557
01:15:05,065 --> 01:15:08,685
So we should have logs of, of when these vehicles come in

1558
01:15:09,545 --> 01:15:12,965
as part of the DOT mandated inspections on the larger

1559
01:15:12,965 --> 01:15:15,325
trucks, there's pre-trip inspections that are done.

1560
01:15:15,325 --> 01:15:17,645
Correct. If a driver operator finds a deficiency,

1561
01:15:18,355 --> 01:15:20,845
they take it to vehicle maintenance to, you know, have

1562
01:15:20,845 --> 01:15:23,285
that reviewed and and taken a look at immediately.

1563
01:15:23,345 --> 01:15:27,885
So there's a lot of overview on all of the vehicles,

1564
01:15:27,945 --> 01:15:29,565
but I'll confirm with the police chief

1565
01:15:29,565 --> 01:15:32,045
and fire chief what they do specific to those departments.

1566
01:15:32,465 --> 01:15:36,205
Now with the commercial vehicle inspections,

1567
01:15:39,385 --> 01:15:40,485
is there a federal requirement?

1568
01:15:40,485 --> 01:15:41,685
Did they have to be stickered

1569
01:15:41,685 --> 01:15:42,885
or anything like that to meet the

1570
01:15:42,885 --> 01:15:44,205
federal requirements? Yeah,

1571
01:15:44,385 --> 01:15:45,385
We have.

1572
01:15:45,385 --> 01:15:46,805
We have the stickers on the, on the trucks

1573
01:15:46,865 --> 01:15:48,645
and we also have backup paperwork at the

1574
01:15:48,645 --> 01:15:50,005
shop in the file folders.

1575
01:15:50,005 --> 01:15:53,155
Yeah, so probably again a concern for that.

1576
01:15:53,155 --> 01:15:54,235
That's also carried through

1577
01:15:54,235 --> 01:15:56,835
with all the commercial vehicles throughout the town.

1578
01:15:56,855 --> 01:15:59,955
Yep, absolutely. So

1579
01:15:59,975 --> 01:16:00,975
That's it.

1580
01:16:01,465 --> 01:16:04,355
Council Chase and my question piggybacks on his,

1581
01:16:04,375 --> 01:16:07,835
so compared to the annual state inspections,

1582
01:16:07,835 --> 01:16:10,155
which I'm sure used to be done with you,

1583
01:16:10,335 --> 01:16:11,515
is there any cost difference

1584
01:16:11,515 --> 01:16:13,355
between the New Hampshire State inspections

1585
01:16:13,355 --> 01:16:14,995
and the DOT inspections? No.

1586
01:16:15,105 --> 01:16:16,675
Okay. 'cause we're an inspection station,

1587
01:16:16,695 --> 01:16:18,555
so the mechanics do the inspections. Right.

1588
01:16:18,555 --> 01:16:20,555
So the no paperwork

1589
01:16:20,615 --> 01:16:23,235
or fees are different from the feds than nom

1590
01:16:23,235 --> 01:16:24,235
From the state.

1591
01:16:24,235 --> 01:16:25,395
Yeah. Nominal for picking up the

1592
01:16:25,395 --> 01:16:26,515
stickers to put on the trailers.

1593
01:16:26,745 --> 01:16:27,745
Okay.

1594
01:16:29,895 --> 01:16:31,475
Did you have anything? Nothing. Thank you.

1595
01:16:31,825 --> 01:16:34,515
Council put, do you have anything? No. Councilor Haley?

1596
01:16:35,665 --> 01:16:38,515
Nothing from me. All right. Nothing from me either.

1597
01:16:38,965 --> 01:16:39,965
Thank you.

1598
01:16:40,935 --> 01:16:42,155
One more time, Madam Chair,

1599
01:16:42,155 --> 01:16:43,395
then I will move the figure

1600
01:16:43,765 --> 01:16:47,635
$740,250

1601
01:16:47,975 --> 01:16:50,875
for the Vehicle Maintenance Activity Center.

1602
01:16:51,425 --> 01:16:54,435
I'll second that. Alright, on the motion Council Mills?

1603
01:16:54,815 --> 01:16:57,555
Yes. Councilor Webb? Yes. Councilor Chase? Yes.

1604
01:16:57,585 --> 01:16:59,715
Councilor Foote? Yes. Councillor Healy?

1605
01:17:00,455 --> 01:17:02,675
Yes. And Chair Votes? Yes. Motion passes.

1606
01:17:02,775 --> 01:17:06,115
Six zero Building and Grounds

1607
01:17:09,245 --> 01:17:11,765
Buildings and Grounds is page 2 48 in the council Budget

1608
01:17:11,765 --> 01:17:15,125
books our Buildings and Grounds division.

1609
01:17:17,505 --> 01:17:20,165
Tim Gillespie is sort of heading that division.

1610
01:17:21,265 --> 01:17:22,645
He is one of the newer members.

1611
01:17:23,045 --> 01:17:25,125
When Rob Robinson re retired

1612
01:17:25,645 --> 01:17:27,485
a little less than a year ago, Tim took over.

1613
01:17:28,265 --> 01:17:31,485
He, he and his crew provide custodial services to,

1614
01:17:31,585 --> 01:17:33,565
to five buildings, about a hundred thousand square

1615
01:17:33,565 --> 01:17:34,885
feet of space.

1616
01:17:35,875 --> 01:17:39,565
They provide maintenance support to another 15 buildings,

1617
01:17:39,675 --> 01:17:41,685
another 145,000 square feet.

1618
01:17:41,685 --> 01:17:43,765
That includes the four fire stations.

1619
01:17:43,785 --> 01:17:47,765
We do provide custodial support, partial

1620
01:17:48,145 --> 01:17:49,485
for the new headquarters building

1621
01:17:50,185 --> 01:17:51,885
and we do some very basic

1622
01:17:53,715 --> 01:17:55,845
maintenance over at the old fire station.

1623
01:17:57,065 --> 01:17:59,045
The one on East Broadway,

1624
01:17:59,665 --> 01:18:03,885
the revenues buildings grounds is $150,335.

1625
01:18:03,945 --> 01:18:07,325
That's primarily from rentals and cell tower leases.

1626
01:18:07,985 --> 01:18:12,165
The expenditures are $1,129,385.

1627
01:18:13,065 --> 01:18:17,325
The F four 30 line items within the budget support routine

1628
01:18:17,845 --> 01:18:19,925
contracted maintenance including fire alarm testing,

1629
01:18:20,525 --> 01:18:22,325
elevator testing, window cleaning, et cetera.

1630
01:18:24,145 --> 01:18:27,005
The remainder of the items in the budget, personnel,

1631
01:18:27,675 --> 01:18:29,965
fuel supplies, and repair parts.

1632
01:18:30,785 --> 01:18:32,925
We do have one capital item within the budget

1633
01:18:33,065 --> 01:18:36,965
to replace truck number 6 28 A 2015 pickup truck

1634
01:18:37,105 --> 01:18:40,565
and plow for $65,000 funded from

1635
01:18:40,565 --> 01:18:43,205
through the department's Capital Reserve account.

1636
01:18:45,315 --> 01:18:46,605
That I would open up to.

1637
01:18:46,605 --> 01:18:48,765
Any questions on the specific line items within the

1638
01:18:48,765 --> 01:18:49,805
budget Council may have

1639
01:18:50,845 --> 01:18:51,845
Questions.

1640
01:18:51,845 --> 01:18:54,805
Council Chase one, how are we doing lately with

1641
01:18:56,075 --> 01:18:58,245
personnel that are

1642
01:18:59,505 --> 01:19:01,765
in the trades, electricians and such?

1643
01:19:02,065 --> 01:19:03,765
How are we doing compared to the public?

1644
01:19:03,885 --> 01:19:05,525
I know it's been a problem keeping

1645
01:19:05,525 --> 01:19:06,605
them in the public sector.

1646
01:19:06,925 --> 01:19:10,225
I mean in the town sector as,

1647
01:19:10,365 --> 01:19:12,105
as into the private sector.

1648
01:19:13,125 --> 01:19:14,305
So the department

1649
01:19:14,305 --> 01:19:16,425
through the years has been very proactive as far

1650
01:19:16,425 --> 01:19:17,465
as providing training.

1651
01:19:18,005 --> 01:19:22,625
We did, the council did support the addition of an HVAC

1652
01:19:23,465 --> 01:19:24,505
position for the department.

1653
01:19:24,565 --> 01:19:26,585
So that's been valuable to us.

1654
01:19:26,945 --> 01:19:29,105
They're continuing schooling on different

1655
01:19:29,655 --> 01:19:30,825
aspects of that trade.

1656
01:19:32,645 --> 01:19:35,945
The prior crew chief had his electric license.

1657
01:19:36,045 --> 01:19:40,145
We do have one electrician on staff through the water

1658
01:19:40,145 --> 01:19:41,425
and wastewater departments.

1659
01:19:41,665 --> 01:19:42,905
We're in the process. One

1660
01:19:42,905 --> 01:19:44,625
of the other vacancies we're trying to fill right now

1661
01:19:44,925 --> 01:19:46,265
and finding it a little bit difficult

1662
01:19:46,285 --> 01:19:47,465
is another electrician.

1663
01:19:47,485 --> 01:19:49,665
So we're finding it very difficult competing

1664
01:19:49,665 --> 01:19:51,585
with the private sector, the

1665
01:19:51,585 --> 01:19:53,625
through the council support and the town administrator.

1666
01:19:53,805 --> 01:19:56,545
We did recognize that in the, in the collective bargaining

1667
01:19:57,235 --> 01:19:59,385
agreements and there was some adjustment made

1668
01:19:59,385 --> 01:20:00,785
to be a little bit more competitive.

1669
01:20:00,805 --> 01:20:01,905
So we're optimistic

1670
01:20:01,905 --> 01:20:03,425
that we'll be able to fill those positions.

1671
01:20:04,325 --> 01:20:06,865
But yes, we do, we do provide the training in addition

1672
01:20:06,865 --> 01:20:08,085
to the other personnel

1673
01:20:08,105 --> 01:20:10,125
and they, they do take advantage of that training as well.

1674
01:20:10,555 --> 01:20:12,285
Okay. I'm just thinking about the future.

1675
01:20:12,605 --> 01:20:14,685
'cause having somebody that's licensed on staff,

1676
01:20:14,685 --> 01:20:17,085
whether it's electricians, plumbers, whatever, is

1677
01:20:17,085 --> 01:20:18,885
to me would be more cost effective than having

1678
01:20:18,905 --> 01:20:21,445
to go out into the absolute private sector

1679
01:20:21,445 --> 01:20:23,245
and have hire them to come in. Yes,

1680
01:20:23,775 --> 01:20:24,775
Definitely.

1681
01:20:27,995 --> 01:20:31,335
That's What, just a general comment.

1682
01:20:32,405 --> 01:20:33,615
Your staff does a great job.

1683
01:20:33,735 --> 01:20:34,935
I every time you go in the building,

1684
01:20:34,935 --> 01:20:36,175
it's a really professional looking

1685
01:20:36,195 --> 01:20:37,295
and I think well maintained.

1686
01:20:37,385 --> 01:20:41,455
Thank you. And between the streets

1687
01:20:41,455 --> 01:20:43,215
and here, I think it, you know,

1688
01:20:43,215 --> 01:20:44,535
shows off the town really well.

1689
01:20:44,875 --> 01:20:46,815
And my other general comment is just a concern

1690
01:20:47,035 --> 01:20:49,575
and it's not for you, it's just

1691
01:20:49,575 --> 01:20:50,815
looking at some of the wages.

1692
01:20:51,275 --> 01:20:53,335
And the scary thing about it is that

1693
01:20:53,905 --> 01:20:57,655
we're looking at a plan point where family plan,

1694
01:20:57,655 --> 01:21:01,455
health insurance costs may soon exceed some of the wages

1695
01:21:01,455 --> 01:21:03,295
of your, of our custodians.

1696
01:21:04,355 --> 01:21:08,735
And that's just scary to me. So thank you.

1697
01:21:10,595 --> 01:21:14,015
No questions. Councilor Haley, do you have anything?

1698
01:21:15,815 --> 01:21:17,455
Nothing. Alright,

1699
01:21:19,345 --> 01:21:20,535
Madam Chair, I would like

1700
01:21:20,535 --> 01:21:21,215
to move the figure

1701
01:21:21,355 --> 01:21:25,975
$1,129,385

1702
01:21:26,755 --> 01:21:29,575
for the Buildings and Grounds Activity Center.

1703
01:21:30,525 --> 01:21:34,495
I'll second that On the motion. Council mills? Yes.

1704
01:21:34,565 --> 01:21:37,735
Councilor Webb? Yes. Councilor Chase? Yes. Councilor Foot?

1705
01:21:37,835 --> 01:21:39,535
Yes. Councilor Healy?

1706
01:21:40,795 --> 01:21:43,655
Yes. And chair votes? Yes. Motion passes. Six zero.

1707
01:21:46,215 --> 01:21:48,675
Moving on counselors, the cemetery division.

1708
01:21:48,745 --> 01:21:51,355
Page 2 63 in council budget books.

1709
01:21:51,415 --> 01:21:53,075
I'm gonna invite Clint up one last time.

1710
01:21:55,285 --> 01:21:58,195
Clint is also the supervisor of the cemetery division.

1711
01:21:59,155 --> 01:22:00,795
We have 35 acres of grounds

1712
01:22:00,865 --> 01:22:02,435
that are maintained within that division.

1713
01:22:03,455 --> 01:22:06,555
We endeavor to keep the cemetery open year round.

1714
01:22:06,585 --> 01:22:08,875
This year was particularly challenging in that regard.

1715
01:22:10,535 --> 01:22:12,075
We have 90 internments

1716
01:22:12,395 --> 01:22:15,835
and fiscal year 25 that included 42 full burials

1717
01:22:15,835 --> 01:22:17,235
and 48 cremations.

1718
01:22:18,175 --> 01:22:19,875
The cemetery still has over a thousand

1719
01:22:19,905 --> 01:22:21,195
full burial plots available.

1720
01:22:21,375 --> 01:22:23,675
So we don't have any capacity concerns.

1721
01:22:24,575 --> 01:22:27,995
The revenues within the budget is $113,200.

1722
01:22:28,695 --> 01:22:32,955
The budget requested is $191,246.

1723
01:22:33,455 --> 01:22:35,675
The revenues are primarily from perpetual care

1724
01:22:36,575 --> 01:22:39,435
burial services, lot sales and trust income.

1725
01:22:40,375 --> 01:22:42,515
The expenses are primarily the full-time

1726
01:22:42,515 --> 01:22:44,435
and seasonal employees along with tools

1727
01:22:44,455 --> 01:22:46,515
and supplies to maintain the grounds.

1728
01:22:49,495 --> 01:22:50,795
That's It. And with

1729
01:22:50,795 --> 01:22:52,835
that I'll open up any questions on specific

1730
01:22:52,865 --> 01:22:53,955
line items by the council?

1731
01:22:54,905 --> 01:22:56,275
Council Put just a comment

1732
01:22:56,705 --> 01:22:57,955
just to reiterate what you said.

1733
01:22:58,015 --> 01:23:00,955
So it's a year round cemetery, so many

1734
01:23:00,955 --> 01:23:02,755
around us don't do year round burials.

1735
01:23:02,755 --> 01:23:04,275
So we are fortunate that we do do that.

1736
01:23:04,375 --> 01:23:07,005
So just wanted to highlight that for those at Home

1737
01:23:09,215 --> 01:23:10,845
Chase And I just wanna make a comment

1738
01:23:10,915 --> 01:23:14,205
that the cemetery staff does an excellent job down there.

1739
01:23:14,955 --> 01:23:17,045
They're always polite, they're, you know,

1740
01:23:17,115 --> 01:23:18,245
courteous if you're,

1741
01:23:18,245 --> 01:23:20,805
because that's a tough place for some people

1742
01:23:21,105 --> 01:23:22,925
and they're always out of the, if you go in there,

1743
01:23:22,925 --> 01:23:23,925
they're always outta your way.

1744
01:23:23,925 --> 01:23:26,485
They don't come mowing your flowers down

1745
01:23:26,585 --> 01:23:28,005
or give you a hard time or anything like that.

1746
01:23:28,005 --> 01:23:29,085
And they do an excellent job.

1747
01:23:29,415 --> 01:23:31,125
Appreciate, don't wanna commend 'em for it.

1748
01:23:33,505 --> 01:23:34,545
I Have no questions ma'am.

1749
01:23:34,815 --> 01:23:36,305
Council F? Nope,

1750
01:23:36,975 --> 01:23:37,975
Come on.

1751
01:23:37,975 --> 01:23:38,845
You don't have any question.

1752
01:23:40,405 --> 01:23:43,065
I'm just dying to ask a question, but I won't. Oh.

1753
01:23:44,375 --> 01:23:46,265
Alright. Moving on. Councilor Healey,

1754
01:23:48,225 --> 01:23:49,385
I have no questions.

1755
01:23:50,665 --> 01:23:54,385
I did have one question and this may or may not copy yet.

1756
01:23:54,455 --> 01:23:56,665
With all the work that Councilor put has been doing along

1757
01:23:56,665 --> 01:23:59,345
with all the others to kind of find all those

1758
01:24:00,715 --> 01:24:02,225
headstones that have been covered up.

1759
01:24:02,245 --> 01:24:04,465
And I know some have kind of sunk and things are going on.

1760
01:24:04,465 --> 01:24:05,985
Are there, are there any plans for kind

1761
01:24:05,985 --> 01:24:07,585
of maintaining those once they're,

1762
01:24:08,085 --> 01:24:09,265
or is there anything to be done

1763
01:24:09,265 --> 01:24:10,745
to maintain those once they're, we,

1764
01:24:10,745 --> 01:24:12,065
We get calls pretty regularly

1765
01:24:12,065 --> 01:24:13,145
from people that stop up there.

1766
01:24:13,145 --> 01:24:15,185
If they can't find them or they see just a small portion

1767
01:24:15,185 --> 01:24:17,425
of it, the cemetery staff will pick 'em up.

1768
01:24:17,665 --> 01:24:19,945
Veterans markets we do when they come in

1769
01:24:20,765 --> 01:24:22,105
and obviously a lot of volunteer

1770
01:24:22,105 --> 01:24:23,505
groups have come in and help out. So

1771
01:24:24,235 --> 01:24:25,235
Thank you.

1772
01:24:25,235 --> 01:24:27,105
No problem. There's been quite an effort too of,

1773
01:24:27,125 --> 01:24:29,185
of continuing mapping the cemetery

1774
01:24:29,745 --> 01:24:33,705
through our GIS department, Doug in it, as well

1775
01:24:33,705 --> 01:24:35,665
as some private organizations where the veterans are,

1776
01:24:35,725 --> 01:24:37,705
are linking those databases.

1777
01:24:38,025 --> 01:24:39,265
So this is, there's a lot

1778
01:24:39,265 --> 01:24:40,545
of work continuing on that as well.

1779
01:24:40,695 --> 01:24:41,705
Awesome. Thank you

1780
01:24:43,165 --> 01:24:44,165
Madam Chair.

1781
01:24:44,165 --> 01:24:48,475
Then I will move the figure $191,246

1782
01:24:49,135 --> 01:24:50,795
for the Cemetery Activity Center.

1783
01:24:52,425 --> 01:24:54,115
I'll second that. All right. On the motion.

1784
01:24:54,115 --> 01:24:56,275
Council mills? Yes. Council Webb?

1785
01:24:57,055 --> 01:25:00,755
Yes. Councillor Chase? Yes. Councilor Foot? Yes.

1786
01:25:00,805 --> 01:25:04,755
Councillor Healy? Yes. And chair votes? Yes. Motion passes.

1787
01:25:04,895 --> 01:25:07,515
Six zero Thank you. On to Code Enforcement

1788
01:25:10,245 --> 01:25:11,245
Councilors.

1789
01:25:11,245 --> 01:25:13,355
Code enforcement. On page 2 71 in the budget books.

1790
01:25:13,455 --> 01:25:15,635
I'm gonna invite Carrie Owen to come,

1791
01:25:15,655 --> 01:25:17,195
our director of Building and code.

1792
01:25:18,245 --> 01:25:21,955
Kerry has been with us since almost a year now.

1793
01:25:21,955 --> 01:25:23,155
Getting close. Yeah,

1794
01:25:23,465 --> 01:25:24,465
Good evening.

1795
01:25:24,865 --> 01:25:27,155
Good evening. Somebody new in the chair.

1796
01:25:28,595 --> 01:25:30,675
I was wondering why he bothered leaving all the time.

1797
01:25:34,615 --> 01:25:38,155
Permit activity remaining strong to say the least.

1798
01:25:38,155 --> 01:25:41,995
In FY 26 fiscal year 26 year to date

1799
01:25:43,235 --> 01:25:46,795
revenues at $368,000 FY 25,

1800
01:25:46,855 --> 01:25:49,635
we saw 1,476 building permits,

1801
01:25:49,955 --> 01:25:53,715
generating 600 just over $600,000 in, in revenues

1802
01:25:54,545 --> 01:25:59,355
this year we're projecting 470,320 do $25 in revenues.

1803
01:26:00,175 --> 01:26:04,565
We are requesting a budget of 615,000 thousand $936.

1804
01:26:05,505 --> 01:26:08,605
The permit revenue estimated increased in FY 27

1805
01:26:08,705 --> 01:26:10,685
by about $135,000.

1806
01:26:12,065 --> 01:26:15,405
The budget does include one full-time building inspector

1807
01:26:15,505 --> 01:26:17,765
to support inspection and enforcement demands.

1808
01:26:18,505 --> 01:26:22,605
And we have one capital project, a new 1500

1809
01:26:22,905 --> 01:26:24,685
for the new building Inspector

1810
01:26:27,055 --> 01:26:28,125
Chevy Pickup truck.

1811
01:26:28,265 --> 01:26:30,885
Or similar for $60,000 that would be funded

1812
01:26:30,885 --> 01:26:32,125
through our capital reserve.

1813
01:26:32,915 --> 01:26:35,445
This is a quick snapshot of our building permit history,

1814
01:26:35,445 --> 01:26:38,245
which, you know, obviously requires a little explanation.

1815
01:26:39,465 --> 01:26:42,245
If you look over at the permit column, you see it's sort

1816
01:26:42,245 --> 01:26:43,925
of stagnant or even goes down a little bit.

1817
01:26:44,025 --> 01:26:45,725
But the complexity

1818
01:26:45,945 --> 01:26:48,085
and the extent

1819
01:26:48,085 --> 01:26:51,205
of those permits are significantly more than they have been

1820
01:26:51,205 --> 01:26:53,725
in the past, which is why it generates the higher,

1821
01:26:53,825 --> 01:26:55,045
higher permit revenues.

1822
01:26:59,155 --> 01:27:00,765
With that, I will open it up

1823
01:27:00,765 --> 01:27:03,005
to any specific questions the council may have

1824
01:27:03,785 --> 01:27:05,165
on the line items within the budget

1825
01:27:07,045 --> 01:27:08,045
Questions?

1826
01:27:09,865 --> 01:27:10,885
No, just saying thank you

1827
01:27:10,885 --> 01:27:13,005
for adding a full-time voting Inspector

1828
01:27:15,755 --> 01:27:16,755
Council.

1829
01:27:16,755 --> 01:27:17,245
Haley, Eileen.

1830
01:27:18,355 --> 01:27:20,405
Yeah, so I do have a question on this budget.

1831
01:27:21,265 --> 01:27:23,685
I'm glad to see there's a building inspector in the

1832
01:27:23,685 --> 01:27:26,125
budget right now.

1833
01:27:26,345 --> 01:27:29,685
What's the turnaround time on if someone requests a permit

1834
01:27:29,865 --> 01:27:31,885
or if they put in a code violation?

1835
01:27:32,625 --> 01:27:37,045
Is, are we behind on that? Is it a, you know, a week or two?

1836
01:27:37,745 --> 01:27:41,805
What's the average time from when a violation's reported

1837
01:27:42,585 --> 01:27:44,125
to when someone goes out

1838
01:27:44,625 --> 01:27:46,965
and the same for say, a building permit?

1839
01:27:47,185 --> 01:27:49,165
What's the average turnaround time

1840
01:27:49,825 --> 01:27:53,605
and with the, the one full-time building inspector,

1841
01:27:54,225 --> 01:27:56,765
if there is kind of a lag, take care of that.

1842
01:27:58,125 --> 01:28:01,925
Absolutely. So for permit review

1843
01:28:01,925 --> 01:28:04,125
and turnaround, it depends on the, the type of permit

1844
01:28:04,185 --> 01:28:06,325
and if it's a complete submission application.

1845
01:28:06,465 --> 01:28:08,845
So generally for smaller permits

1846
01:28:08,845 --> 01:28:13,005
with residential renovations, sheds, decks, things like

1847
01:28:13,205 --> 01:28:14,805
that, it'll be a three

1848
01:28:14,865 --> 01:28:17,165
to a five day turnaround depending on the workload.

1849
01:28:18,345 --> 01:28:20,605
And then new construction, residential,

1850
01:28:20,775 --> 01:28:22,445
commercial new construction

1851
01:28:22,445 --> 01:28:25,045
or renovations do require additional internal

1852
01:28:25,045 --> 01:28:26,165
department sign-offs.

1853
01:28:26,305 --> 01:28:27,845
So that review does take a little longer

1854
01:28:27,845 --> 01:28:30,005
because it has to touch a variety of hands.

1855
01:28:30,985 --> 01:28:35,925
It can take anywhere from, I would say on average three

1856
01:28:35,985 --> 01:28:38,525
to six weeks, depending on the level of review

1857
01:28:38,525 --> 01:28:40,205
and how many departments are required.

1858
01:28:41,905 --> 01:28:44,605
And then as far as code enforcement right now,

1859
01:28:44,725 --> 01:28:47,445
I would say on average when we receive a claim complaint,

1860
01:28:47,445 --> 01:28:49,725
we try our best to inspect

1861
01:28:49,725 --> 01:28:52,925
or at least make contact on that complaint within that week.

1862
01:28:54,075 --> 01:28:56,645
Sometimes it may spill out into that second week

1863
01:28:56,665 --> 01:29:00,045
and then generally we're following up within that week span

1864
01:29:00,145 --> 01:29:01,325
or the following week

1865
01:29:01,325 --> 01:29:04,005
with any additional enforcement that's necessary.

1866
01:29:06,525 --> 01:29:09,985
And the last question, I'm sorry, counselor Healy, I,

1867
01:29:09,985 --> 01:29:11,585
if you could remind me what that was?

1868
01:29:12,185 --> 01:29:14,705
I, I I think that was it. Okay. That helps.

1869
01:29:15,685 --> 01:29:18,545
And I think what the additional building inspector will be

1870
01:29:19,095 --> 01:29:21,585
even a quicker of a a, a turnaround.

1871
01:29:21,605 --> 01:29:23,345
But I just wanna make sure that we weren't,

1872
01:29:23,685 --> 01:29:24,865
you know, way behind.

1873
01:29:26,885 --> 01:29:29,265
And I think you answered my questions. Thank you.

1874
01:29:29,885 --> 01:29:32,185
You're welcome. And if I can elaborate kind of on

1875
01:29:32,185 --> 01:29:35,265
that additional inspector, the way that I see this, kind of,

1876
01:29:35,325 --> 01:29:38,745
the goal would be to bring on somebody who's expertise in

1877
01:29:38,745 --> 01:29:43,345
that third trade and then kind of allowing the inspectors

1878
01:29:43,405 --> 01:29:45,985
to focus on in inspectional services heavily

1879
01:29:46,565 --> 01:29:48,265
and some plan review and permitting process

1880
01:29:48,725 --> 01:29:51,625
and code enforcement allowing the code enforcement director

1881
01:29:51,725 --> 01:29:55,465
to heavily focus on code enforcement as well as plan review.

1882
01:29:55,605 --> 01:29:56,625
And then also

1883
01:29:56,935 --> 01:29:59,985
that third inspector offer those additional services

1884
01:29:59,985 --> 01:30:02,625
during our busiest times when the demand is at its peak.

1885
01:30:04,815 --> 01:30:06,025
It's just to further elaborate.

1886
01:30:06,025 --> 01:30:09,545
So presently we are one building inspector down temporarily.

1887
01:30:10,605 --> 01:30:11,785
So Carrie's been pretty much

1888
01:30:11,785 --> 01:30:12,985
holding down the fort right now.

1889
01:30:13,965 --> 01:30:18,065
We are, have a contract service that we have in right now,

1890
01:30:18,145 --> 01:30:21,185
a few days, a few hours during the week they come in

1891
01:30:21,185 --> 01:30:23,665
and they assist in, in specifically just inspections.

1892
01:30:24,315 --> 01:30:26,465
We're looking at bringing, bringing on another individual

1893
01:30:26,615 --> 01:30:31,025
part-time, a veteran who will be assisting

1894
01:30:31,025 --> 01:30:33,785
with the plan review process again part-time

1895
01:30:34,605 --> 01:30:36,905
and will help us onboard the new individual.

1896
01:30:37,045 --> 01:30:38,345
So that'll be great. We'll have some of

1897
01:30:38,345 --> 01:30:39,545
that institutional knowledge

1898
01:30:39,545 --> 01:30:41,585
to help onboard the, the new position.

1899
01:30:41,965 --> 01:30:45,465
And then we do have embedded in this a a $10,000 line item

1900
01:30:45,765 --> 01:30:48,345
for a building inspection services,

1901
01:30:48,345 --> 01:30:51,145
which could be either something during a peak time

1902
01:30:51,405 --> 01:30:52,665
or very specialized,

1903
01:30:52,805 --> 01:30:55,105
but there's a dollar for dollar offsetting revenue

1904
01:30:55,645 --> 01:30:56,905
in the budget for that as well.

1905
01:30:58,515 --> 01:30:59,825
Thank you. Council

1906
01:30:59,825 --> 01:31:02,185
Web, This is a totally random thought

1907
01:31:02,205 --> 01:31:03,465
so I apologize for it.

1908
01:31:04,045 --> 01:31:07,065
But with, at least with the fire inspectors,

1909
01:31:07,065 --> 01:31:10,025
when they go out, they have the emergency

1910
01:31:10,875 --> 01:31:12,625
board on their radios.

1911
01:31:12,765 --> 01:31:15,145
Do your inspectors when they go out there, have any way

1912
01:31:15,765 --> 01:31:20,345
to do a emergency alert if they find

1913
01:31:20,345 --> 01:31:22,785
themselves because they're by themselves,

1914
01:31:22,885 --> 01:31:25,105
if they find themselves in a hostile situation?

1915
01:31:26,785 --> 01:31:29,665
Nothing beyond just our cell phone at this point time.

1916
01:31:29,665 --> 01:31:31,905
Yeah. Yeah. I don't know if there's any sort

1917
01:31:31,905 --> 01:31:35,545
of technology out there in how expensive, but it might be.

1918
01:31:35,565 --> 01:31:36,665
But it might be a good idea

1919
01:31:36,855 --> 01:31:40,225
because it's pretty obvious when you grab a cell phone

1920
01:31:40,485 --> 01:31:42,545
versus when you can quietly hit

1921
01:31:43,095 --> 01:31:46,985
just a emergency alert button, at least for the fire side

1922
01:31:47,685 --> 01:31:49,185
or a police side on a radio

1923
01:31:50,325 --> 01:31:53,465
or being able to just, you know, reach into a pocketbook

1924
01:31:53,465 --> 01:31:55,305
or reach on your hip or wherever.

1925
01:31:55,735 --> 01:31:58,905
Just, just like we have here in town hall,

1926
01:31:59,665 --> 01:32:04,605
the emergency work buttons for lockdown.

1927
01:32:05,385 --> 01:32:06,885
And again, this is a random idea,

1928
01:32:06,905 --> 01:32:10,805
but I think it might be worthwhile to look into.

1929
01:32:13,755 --> 01:32:17,055
Certainly. Excellent. Okay.

1930
01:32:17,145 --> 01:32:18,735
Looks like there's no other questions.

1931
01:32:19,395 --> 01:32:20,855
No other questions. Madam Chair.

1932
01:32:21,055 --> 01:32:22,215
I would like to move the figure

1933
01:32:22,795 --> 01:32:26,215
$615,936

1934
01:32:27,195 --> 01:32:29,335
for the Code Enforcement Activity Center.

1935
01:32:30,555 --> 01:32:32,055
All right. We motion a second on the motion.

1936
01:32:32,055 --> 01:32:35,735
Council mills? Yes. Councilor Webb? Yes. Councilor Chase?

1937
01:32:35,875 --> 01:32:38,015
Yes. Councilor Foot? Yes. Councilor Healy?

1938
01:32:38,915 --> 01:32:41,375
Yes. And Chair Votes? Yes. Motion passes. Six zero.

1939
01:32:41,375 --> 01:32:42,375
Thank you. Thank you

1940
01:32:43,555 --> 01:32:44,555
To it.

1941
01:32:46,155 --> 01:32:47,375
Or come back. Yeah. Thank you.

1942
01:32:53,315 --> 01:32:56,975
Moving on to recreation page 280 in the

1943
01:32:57,175 --> 01:32:58,215
council's budget books.

1944
01:32:58,315 --> 01:32:59,655
I'm gonna invite Kim Walsh,

1945
01:32:59,675 --> 01:33:01,175
our Director of Parks and Recreation.

1946
01:33:01,525 --> 01:33:02,655
Good evening. And

1947
01:33:02,655 --> 01:33:04,095
It's truly the veteran of the department.

1948
01:33:04,535 --> 01:33:08,615
Yes. Six years Recreation.

1949
01:33:10,225 --> 01:33:12,575
Kim's crew and team coordinate with 10

1950
01:33:13,925 --> 01:33:15,695
over 10 sports organizations.

1951
01:33:16,525 --> 01:33:19,895
They sponsor over a hundred events and programs annually.

1952
01:33:21,115 --> 01:33:23,535
The budget is presented with a projected revenue

1953
01:33:23,835 --> 01:33:26,695
of $150,772.

1954
01:33:27,295 --> 01:33:31,855
We are requesting a budget of $797,494.

1955
01:33:32,655 --> 01:33:35,695
The budget includes all leagues, programs, events

1956
01:33:36,245 --> 01:33:39,975
that were fully operative in 26, continuing into 27.

1957
01:33:40,855 --> 01:33:43,855
Revenues are based on service fees and trust income.

1958
01:33:44,555 --> 01:33:46,295
The summer concerts and fireworks.

1959
01:33:46,295 --> 01:33:48,895
Two of the largest items within the budget are fully

1960
01:33:48,895 --> 01:33:50,775
supported in F FY 27.

1961
01:33:51,725 --> 01:33:55,295
Many of the expenditure items have offsetting revenues such

1962
01:33:55,295 --> 01:33:57,215
as concessions and program fees.

1963
01:34:00,235 --> 01:34:01,475
With that, I would open up

1964
01:34:01,475 --> 01:34:03,595
to any specific questions in recreation

1965
01:34:04,545 --> 01:34:06,155
council may have. Council.

1966
01:34:06,805 --> 01:34:09,515
Thank You Madam Michelle, senior programs,

1967
01:34:09,615 --> 01:34:13,355
are there any, I know last year the senior trips were kind

1968
01:34:13,355 --> 01:34:14,635
of dwindled down a little bit.

1969
01:34:14,635 --> 01:34:16,875
Is there any plans for senior field trips this year?

1970
01:34:17,655 --> 01:34:19,915
So as I state every year for the past

1971
01:34:20,865 --> 01:34:23,995
four years since COVID, we have been doing our best

1972
01:34:24,015 --> 01:34:26,715
to bring senior trips back on board.

1973
01:34:27,455 --> 01:34:28,835
We are still looking at

1974
01:34:30,715 --> 01:34:33,115
alternatives, smaller buses.

1975
01:34:33,685 --> 01:34:36,475
We've had Melinda, who works in our office,

1976
01:34:36,795 --> 01:34:39,115
I believe had worked on

1977
01:34:39,135 --> 01:34:42,315
and put out four different senior trips

1978
01:34:42,615 --> 01:34:43,875
and we had eight signups.

1979
01:34:44,415 --> 01:34:48,075
So two fund a trip to be able to at least break even.

1980
01:34:49,255 --> 01:34:51,715
We need 40 participants.

1981
01:34:52,575 --> 01:34:55,115
But unfortunately with the cost of the bus, the cost

1982
01:34:55,115 --> 01:34:59,365
of everything, it's running about anywhere from 90

1983
01:34:59,465 --> 01:35:01,765
to $125 for these seniors.

1984
01:35:01,765 --> 01:35:03,445
And it's just not affordable for them.

1985
01:35:03,745 --> 01:35:07,485
So right now I'm really hoping we can do something a little

1986
01:35:07,485 --> 01:35:11,605
more local and looking at, you know, we, we'd like

1987
01:35:11,605 --> 01:35:15,605
to have a van with a driver where maybe we could do a 15

1988
01:35:15,625 --> 01:35:19,845
to 20 passenger van or smaller bus.

1989
01:35:20,805 --> 01:35:22,645
I know that there, there are the seniors

1990
01:35:22,645 --> 01:35:23,805
that really want to do it.

1991
01:35:23,805 --> 01:35:27,045
It's just, it's just not affordable for most of them.

1992
01:35:27,225 --> 01:35:28,485
So we're doing our best and,

1993
01:35:28,485 --> 01:35:30,485
and really hoping that we'll get at least one

1994
01:35:30,485 --> 01:35:32,805
or two on board for this fiscal year.

1995
01:35:33,405 --> 01:35:34,845
FY 27 I should say.

1996
01:35:35,905 --> 01:35:38,845
And then any update on the disc? Golf?

1997
01:35:41,895 --> 01:35:43,115
We do not have an update.

1998
01:35:43,535 --> 01:35:45,395
You had made me, made the introduction

1999
01:35:46,015 --> 01:35:47,875
and I haven't heard anything since.

2000
01:35:48,225 --> 01:35:50,195
Okay. From the, the folks that were interested,

2001
01:35:51,115 --> 01:35:52,555
we're still open to the idea.

2002
01:35:52,795 --> 01:35:55,755
I think. I think the hill over at AC

2003
01:35:56,825 --> 01:35:58,875
Alexander Car Park would be phenomenal.

2004
01:35:59,665 --> 01:36:02,315
It's not a lot of work and expense.

2005
01:36:02,935 --> 01:36:06,475
And if you do have any conversations with the folks

2006
01:36:06,475 --> 01:36:07,955
that have reached out to you, we're more than welcome

2007
01:36:07,955 --> 01:36:09,795
to revisit that. Take

2008
01:36:09,795 --> 01:36:10,795
Care of it tomorrow.

2009
01:36:11,435 --> 01:36:13,315
Excellent. Are you gonna play?

2010
01:36:14,235 --> 01:36:15,235
I don't know anything about it.

2011
01:36:16,835 --> 01:36:18,595
I used take regular golf my first time last week

2012
01:36:18,735 --> 01:36:19,735
And that was a very good, I'm very good.

2013
01:36:19,735 --> 01:36:20,955
I don't think you'll see me out there, but

2014
01:36:22,185 --> 01:36:23,235
Council, thank You.

2015
01:36:23,905 --> 01:36:25,715
Just a question on the Elder Way programs,

2016
01:36:26,545 --> 01:36:31,515
have we ever done a, a community survey tool at what some

2017
01:36:31,515 --> 01:36:33,915
of our senior citizens would be looking for

2018
01:36:34,455 --> 01:36:35,835
as far as recreation?

2019
01:36:36,105 --> 01:36:39,075
Because you, I, I get the thought with

2020
01:36:39,625 --> 01:36:40,955
Councilor foot's questions.

2021
01:36:42,025 --> 01:36:43,835
When you said that you only had about eight

2022
01:36:43,835 --> 01:36:44,915
signups for these trips.

2023
01:36:45,785 --> 01:36:48,075
Correct. And that might not be

2024
01:36:48,235 --> 01:36:49,755
what people are looking for anymore.

2025
01:36:51,015 --> 01:36:54,355
Do we actually know what people want for recreation?

2026
01:36:55,475 --> 01:36:57,195
I think when you're talking recreation

2027
01:36:57,195 --> 01:36:58,675
and you're talking the senior bus trips,

2028
01:36:58,735 --> 01:36:59,955
that's more of an activity.

2029
01:37:00,205 --> 01:37:02,315
Right. We have a lot of communication.

2030
01:37:02,315 --> 01:37:04,475
We have a lot of seniors that come in.

2031
01:37:04,995 --> 01:37:07,635
I mean, they're regulars. They're five days a week.

2032
01:37:08,025 --> 01:37:11,035
They're very vocal. They do come into the office

2033
01:37:11,695 --> 01:37:14,555
and these are the folks that have taken the senior

2034
01:37:14,565 --> 01:37:16,075
trips every year.

2035
01:37:16,145 --> 01:37:18,875
Yeah. Prior to, to myself coming on board.

2036
01:37:19,575 --> 01:37:22,635
And they beg the same people come in, they want these trips.

2037
01:37:22,695 --> 01:37:25,795
We do lobster trips, we do boat, you know Right.

2038
01:37:25,795 --> 01:37:28,235
Destination to a boat, trip Lake, Winni Pasa.

2039
01:37:29,375 --> 01:37:32,475
And they, they say they're interested and,

2040
01:37:32,655 --> 01:37:35,275
and I just feel like the money is

2041
01:37:35,275 --> 01:37:38,395
so tight at this point in time that

2042
01:37:39,185 --> 01:37:40,435
they just can't afford it.

2043
01:37:42,215 --> 01:37:44,035
We could certainly put out a survey,

2044
01:37:44,655 --> 01:37:47,075
but most of the seniors that are interested

2045
01:37:47,855 --> 01:37:50,355
and then back out or don't have the money, are the ones

2046
01:37:50,355 --> 01:37:51,395
that we're seeing every day.

2047
01:37:51,505 --> 01:37:54,395
Yeah. So, and we really would like it.

2048
01:37:54,435 --> 01:37:57,925
I mean these, these, these folks that come into the,

2049
01:37:57,945 --> 01:38:01,485
to vets hall and to the gym and that we correspond with.

2050
01:38:01,645 --> 01:38:04,045
I mean, it's, it's their life. It's their social life.

2051
01:38:05,025 --> 01:38:06,405
We see them every day. Yeah.

2052
01:38:07,065 --> 01:38:08,725
We know the ins and outs of their families.

2053
01:38:09,465 --> 01:38:10,845
So we really, really hope

2054
01:38:10,845 --> 01:38:12,565
that we can get something up and running for them.

2055
01:38:13,185 --> 01:38:16,525
You think we're getting to the point again, I'm thinking

2056
01:38:16,705 --> 01:38:20,645
of several years from now because of the, of the budget.

2057
01:38:21,025 --> 01:38:23,045
Are we getting to the point where we need a senior center?

2058
01:38:26,415 --> 01:38:27,625
That really is a great question.

2059
01:38:29,225 --> 01:38:32,665
I think that the seniors of our community would love that

2060
01:38:34,285 --> 01:38:37,505
we have, as far as as the job that I have to do.

2061
01:38:38,445 --> 01:38:40,225
We have the senior portion

2062
01:38:42,165 --> 01:38:43,545
for recreation.

2063
01:38:44,645 --> 01:38:48,825
We I see a need more for and we could make it multipurpose.

2064
01:38:48,975 --> 01:38:51,545
Yeah. But we need, we need, especially

2065
01:38:51,665 --> 01:38:53,505
with the New England Sports Center shutting

2066
01:38:53,505 --> 01:38:54,745
down, we need a facility.

2067
01:38:54,885 --> 01:38:58,905
We need a ba, indoor basketball, soccer, you know,

2068
01:38:59,545 --> 01:39:02,665
something that may be down the road, you know,

2069
01:39:02,705 --> 01:39:03,745
wishlist Yeah.

2070
01:39:03,845 --> 01:39:05,385
Is to, is to combine the two.

2071
01:39:06,365 --> 01:39:10,465
And I, I do, I do think that, that people ask for it.

2072
01:39:11,205 --> 01:39:13,465
The Mary Gar Center does a phenomenal job.

2073
01:39:13,495 --> 01:39:16,145
They have so many incredible programs for the seniors.

2074
01:39:16,565 --> 01:39:18,185
So they do supplement for

2075
01:39:18,725 --> 01:39:20,105
the things that we're not able to do.

2076
01:39:20,885 --> 01:39:22,705
But I don't think you'd see the seniors turning

2077
01:39:22,705 --> 01:39:23,745
down a senior center.

2078
01:39:24,325 --> 01:39:26,985
So maybe down the road, something we can look at.

2079
01:39:32,385 --> 01:39:33,275
Councilor Haley,

2080
01:39:37,005 --> 01:39:37,845
I have no questions.

2081
01:39:38,355 --> 01:39:41,845
Alright. And mine got asked again, so. Okay. Thank you

2082
01:39:42,415 --> 01:39:43,415
Madam Chair.

2083
01:39:43,415 --> 01:39:44,445
Seeing no further questions, I'd like

2084
01:39:44,445 --> 01:39:45,205
to move the figure

2085
01:39:45,295 --> 01:39:49,725
$797,494

2086
01:39:50,345 --> 01:39:52,245
for the Recreation Activity Center.

2087
01:39:53,195 --> 01:39:55,725
I'll second that. Alright. On the motion.

2088
01:39:55,725 --> 01:39:59,485
Council mills? Yes. Councillor Webb. Yes. Councillor Chase.

2089
01:39:59,665 --> 01:40:01,885
Yes. Councilor Foote. Yes. Councillor Haley.

2090
01:40:02,865 --> 01:40:05,165
Yes. And chair votes? Yes. Motion passes.

2091
01:40:05,815 --> 01:40:07,165
Thank you. I have question. Oh, sorry.

2092
01:40:07,905 --> 01:40:10,925
People answer. And is there any formalized pickleball

2093
01:40:10,925 --> 01:40:13,045
league in town, like through the recreation department?

2094
01:40:13,385 --> 01:40:16,005
So we have, we have a private rental on Mondays.

2095
01:40:16,125 --> 01:40:18,365
A group that has been in for a year and a half.

2096
01:40:19,545 --> 01:40:22,485
We now have a program through St.

2097
01:40:22,515 --> 01:40:25,285
Thomas' Churches gym, gym

2098
01:40:25,915 --> 01:40:28,165
that we've run several nights in during the day

2099
01:40:29,345 --> 01:40:30,605
and have built that up.

2100
01:40:30,625 --> 01:40:33,445
So we do have indoor pickleball for,

2101
01:40:34,585 --> 01:40:36,245
and then it's not just seniors anymore,

2102
01:40:36,395 --> 01:40:38,285
it's all age groups now that are really just

2103
01:40:38,285 --> 01:40:39,285
Someone asked me anybody.

2104
01:40:39,285 --> 01:40:40,565
So can they just reach out to you to get more information on

2105
01:40:40,625 --> 01:40:41,685
and you can Those leagues

2106
01:40:41,915 --> 01:40:42,925
They registered through our,

2107
01:40:43,085 --> 01:40:44,685
through the recreation office.

2108
01:40:45,035 --> 01:40:47,525
Okay. And we make arrangements with, with St.

2109
01:40:47,525 --> 01:40:48,925
Thomas to set up those times

2110
01:40:48,985 --> 01:40:51,245
and rental fees and, and whatnot. Okay.

2111
01:40:51,255 --> 01:40:56,165
Thank you. Moving

2112
01:40:56,185 --> 01:40:57,285
on to the parks department,

2113
01:40:58,395 --> 01:41:00,965
page 2 93 in the council budget books,

2114
01:41:02,765 --> 01:41:06,285
132 acres of parks maintained by, by Kim and her team.

2115
01:41:06,965 --> 01:41:11,045
Nine multi-purpose fields. Eight baseball, softball fields.

2116
01:41:12,095 --> 01:41:15,085
Dairy is proud to have a beach, a splash pad.

2117
01:41:15,625 --> 01:41:17,685
Two basketball courts, five tennis courts,

2118
01:41:18,145 --> 01:41:19,965
two pickleball courts, three playgrounds,

2119
01:41:20,225 --> 01:41:22,125
the dog park and the skate park.

2120
01:41:23,465 --> 01:41:27,445
We are projecting revenues at $99,967.

2121
01:41:28,225 --> 01:41:32,925
We are requesting a budget of $1,173,072.

2122
01:41:33,565 --> 01:41:35,285
Revenues are primarily from the use

2123
01:41:35,285 --> 01:41:36,605
of the Alexander Car Trust.

2124
01:41:36,785 --> 01:41:40,485
$84,000 of, of those revenues costs

2125
01:41:41,005 --> 01:41:43,845
include electricity for field lighting and operations

2126
01:41:43,905 --> 01:41:47,005
and field maintenance expense categories.

2127
01:41:47,215 --> 01:41:49,885
Again, personnel, field maintenance and related supplies.

2128
01:41:50,825 --> 01:41:52,845
We do have two requests for capital items.

2129
01:41:53,425 --> 01:41:57,045
The first is a new field pro groomer

2130
01:41:57,705 --> 01:42:02,405
for $45,000 that's funded through the Capital Reserve.

2131
01:42:03,235 --> 01:42:07,325
It's, it really will dramatically improve our ability

2132
01:42:07,385 --> 01:42:10,885
to maintain the, the ball fields as well as

2133
01:42:11,985 --> 01:42:15,045
in consideration of the better manpower use,

2134
01:42:15,045 --> 01:42:16,645
more efficient use of manpower.

2135
01:42:17,405 --> 01:42:20,125
We're also looking to replace vehicle 6 34.

2136
01:42:20,125 --> 01:42:24,285
That's a 2 5 20 15, 2500 pickup truck with a plow.

2137
01:42:24,885 --> 01:42:28,645
$65,000 funded through our capital reserve account.

2138
01:42:29,905 --> 01:42:32,845
And one thing we wanna just kind of touch on really quickly,

2139
01:42:33,885 --> 01:42:38,285
'cause it's been mentioned in, in budgets past in 2019,

2140
01:42:38,725 --> 01:42:41,645
there was quite an extensive conversation

2141
01:42:41,645 --> 01:42:43,085
with regard to recreation.

2142
01:42:43,925 --> 01:42:46,245
There was a, a bond, the balance

2143
01:42:46,265 --> 01:42:48,485
of which is just about a million dollars right now.

2144
01:42:49,825 --> 01:42:53,325
We are looking and investigating with, with, with Kim and,

2145
01:42:53,345 --> 01:42:56,725
and her team on how to best allocate that the,

2146
01:42:56,735 --> 01:42:57,765
those remaining funds.

2147
01:42:58,625 --> 01:43:00,045
One of the, the bigger projects

2148
01:43:00,045 --> 01:43:04,005
that we looked at over the summer is the ability to get a,

2149
01:43:05,205 --> 01:43:08,245
a code compliant stair access up to the skate park.

2150
01:43:08,945 --> 01:43:11,925
We bid that out. It was, it was a $70,000 project.

2151
01:43:13,145 --> 01:43:15,685
We were looking at different types of security

2152
01:43:15,705 --> 01:43:18,205
and lighting upgrades at both Hood and Alexander Carr.

2153
01:43:18,205 --> 01:43:19,485
We think those are priority

2154
01:43:19,485 --> 01:43:22,765
before we started doing any major investments at,

2155
01:43:22,765 --> 01:43:23,765
at those facilities.

2156
01:43:24,665 --> 01:43:27,845
The Alexander car tennis courts need some work.

2157
01:43:28,245 --> 01:43:32,445
We're estimating that about $65,000, the Hood Park

2158
01:43:33,085 --> 01:43:35,165
Street Hockey Court resurfacing as well

2159
01:43:35,165 --> 01:43:38,085
as the Hood Basketball court and the hood Tennis

2160
01:43:38,105 --> 01:43:40,645
and pickleball court, all resurfacing projects.

2161
01:43:41,175 --> 01:43:42,845
Other things that we are looking at

2162
01:43:43,635 --> 01:43:45,045
that Kim's been doing a little bit

2163
01:43:45,045 --> 01:43:48,445
of research on is some other improvements to Hood Park.

2164
01:43:49,085 --> 01:43:51,845
Maybe an, an ancillary misting pad.

2165
01:43:52,105 --> 01:43:54,565
Not not quite a all out splash pad,

2166
01:43:54,585 --> 01:43:56,765
but something that would work in conjunction

2167
01:43:56,795 --> 01:43:59,485
with an enhanced playground facilities.

2168
01:44:00,145 --> 01:44:02,525
We do need to put some money into the building over there,

2169
01:44:02,585 --> 01:44:04,005
do some renovations, kind of bring

2170
01:44:04,005 --> 01:44:05,085
that facility back to life.

2171
01:44:05,685 --> 01:44:06,925
So we're gonna put all of that together

2172
01:44:06,985 --> 01:44:08,725
and come back to the council with

2173
01:44:09,595 --> 01:44:11,925
technically repurposing some of those funds for some

2174
01:44:11,925 --> 01:44:13,285
of these projects and get some

2175
01:44:13,285 --> 01:44:14,485
input from the council as well.

2176
01:44:19,435 --> 01:44:20,565
With that, I would open up

2177
01:44:20,565 --> 01:44:22,885
to the council any specific questions within the line items

2178
01:44:22,885 --> 01:44:24,005
of the Budget Council.

2179
01:44:24,335 --> 01:44:27,085
Thank you Madam Chair. In regards to Hood Park,

2180
01:44:27,925 --> 01:44:29,245
I know no fault of anyone here,

2181
01:44:29,265 --> 01:44:32,485
but Hood Park revitalization has con fallen through

2182
01:44:32,485 --> 01:44:34,845
to the victim of the times and the, you know, the economy

2183
01:44:34,945 --> 01:44:38,085
and whatnot and just a lack of interest in people,

2184
01:44:38,355 --> 01:44:39,725
contractors wanting to do it.

2185
01:44:40,545 --> 01:44:43,365
Do we know, has any of that changed currently?

2186
01:44:43,395 --> 01:44:46,685
Like is that an option that we can re-explore to try to

2187
01:44:47,415 --> 01:44:50,005
revitalize that and, and maybe put out new bids

2188
01:44:50,005 --> 01:44:51,085
and see if anyone has

2189
01:44:52,115 --> 01:44:53,115
Slow down enough?

2190
01:44:53,115 --> 01:44:56,325
So I think I, I think initially when Mike had put out the

2191
01:44:57,125 --> 01:45:00,125
Hood Park bid, it was a very large,

2192
01:45:00,425 --> 01:45:03,445
it encompasses encompassed the entire park

2193
01:45:04,225 --> 01:45:07,725
and many components where we did not get any bids on that.

2194
01:45:08,575 --> 01:45:10,885
Since then, I think we've looking at as,

2195
01:45:11,105 --> 01:45:14,805
as Tom had spelled out in, in one of the pages that

2196
01:45:15,375 --> 01:45:19,205
we're looking at, okay, let's, let's piecemeal.

2197
01:45:19,205 --> 01:45:21,285
And we do, we have to those, all those courts,

2198
01:45:21,285 --> 01:45:23,925
whether it's AC or the Hood Park courts

2199
01:45:24,465 --> 01:45:26,845
are used tremendously.

2200
01:45:27,005 --> 01:45:29,565
I mean, if you go by there any night they're used.

2201
01:45:29,985 --> 01:45:31,125
So that's a priority.

2202
01:45:31,145 --> 01:45:32,885
But as far as what you're asking,

2203
01:45:34,145 --> 01:45:36,925
we were thinking about trying to narrow down, okay,

2204
01:45:36,995 --> 01:45:41,565
what could we do to show the community

2205
01:45:41,565 --> 01:45:43,565
that we're making the efforts on?

2206
01:45:43,625 --> 01:45:46,125
And maybe it's little by little, maybe it's year by year,

2207
01:45:46,265 --> 01:45:48,765
but we had thought about, you know,

2208
01:45:49,115 --> 01:45:50,845
upgrading the playground equipment

2209
01:45:51,385 --> 01:45:54,565
and then having sort of in conjunction with that,

2210
01:45:54,605 --> 01:45:58,125
a misting pad and, and as, as far as a large splash pad

2211
01:45:58,185 --> 01:45:59,765
and not being a full destination.

2212
01:46:00,625 --> 01:46:03,405
And this is really just my opinion and what I think we need

2213
01:46:03,465 --> 01:46:07,005
and what we can, can, can really host over there is,

2214
01:46:07,105 --> 01:46:09,525
is the misting pad would be with the playground

2215
01:46:09,545 --> 01:46:13,045
and kids run through it as opposed to our large, you know,

2216
01:46:13,145 --> 01:46:14,445
don wall splash pad.

2217
01:46:14,865 --> 01:46:18,085
So I think for us, if we could

2218
01:46:19,675 --> 01:46:24,285
kind of hone in on, on a few of those adjustments and,

2219
01:46:24,385 --> 01:46:27,045
and put out to bid maybe the playground, a misting pad,

2220
01:46:27,205 --> 01:46:28,245
I think that would be something

2221
01:46:28,245 --> 01:46:31,445
that the community would see.

2222
01:46:31,675 --> 01:46:32,685
They would appreciate.

2223
01:46:34,185 --> 01:46:37,765
We, you know, we have the older, we have adults

2224
01:46:38,145 --> 01:46:41,885
and we have the older demographic as far as teenagers in,

2225
01:46:41,905 --> 01:46:44,405
in high school using those basketball,

2226
01:46:44,495 --> 01:46:46,005
basketball courts and whatnot.

2227
01:46:46,505 --> 01:46:49,005
But where this would, this would kind of gear to the,

2228
01:46:49,070 --> 01:46:53,725
the younger demographic to the families, to the young kids.

2229
01:46:54,305 --> 01:46:57,805
And in that we need better security

2230
01:46:57,825 --> 01:46:59,085
and lighting at Hood Park too.

2231
01:46:59,185 --> 01:47:02,165
So to me those are like sort of the priorities

2232
01:47:02,165 --> 01:47:04,325
that maybe we could look to go out, put together

2233
01:47:04,325 --> 01:47:07,165
and go out to, to bid on those pieces. Right.

2234
01:47:07,235 --> 01:47:09,805
Because I'm thinking with now with Abbott Court kind

2235
01:47:09,805 --> 01:47:11,365
of underway and taking taken off,

2236
01:47:11,615 --> 01:47:13,445
there might be some more viability

2237
01:47:13,465 --> 01:47:15,085
to Hood Park utilization Sure.

2238
01:47:15,145 --> 01:47:18,485
In conjunction with Abbott Court. More of a draw.

2239
01:47:18,765 --> 01:47:20,765
Absolutely. And you know, within walking distance it might

2240
01:47:20,765 --> 01:47:22,685
be that destination that we were looking for initially

2241
01:47:22,685 --> 01:47:24,365
that kind of fell to the wayside.

2242
01:47:24,545 --> 01:47:26,365
So I think, you know, I think

2243
01:47:26,485 --> 01:47:28,125
that's why I think now is a good opportunity to,

2244
01:47:28,745 --> 01:47:31,285
to re re reexamine that overall.

2245
01:47:31,345 --> 01:47:34,005
And you know, and little Steps is fine. Right.

2246
01:47:34,025 --> 01:47:35,765
As long as we're doing something to like you,

2247
01:47:36,045 --> 01:47:37,045
I No, we agree.

2248
01:47:37,045 --> 01:47:38,085
We agree. Absolutely.

2249
01:47:38,285 --> 01:47:41,045
'cause I, those are one of the, I I get, I'm sure you do.

2250
01:47:41,345 --> 01:47:42,565
Oh yeah. We get questions often.

2251
01:47:42,835 --> 01:47:43,925
What are you doing with Hood Park?

2252
01:47:44,065 --> 01:47:45,365
What's going on with Hood Park?

2253
01:47:45,545 --> 01:47:48,245
And, and we had all that time put into it

2254
01:47:48,245 --> 01:47:53,005
and that effort into the complete project and, and the RFP

2255
01:47:53,385 --> 01:47:54,565
and then that went flat.

2256
01:47:54,785 --> 01:47:58,125
So I think that's really our next steps. Yeah.

2257
01:47:58,305 --> 01:48:01,725
And you know, just in my experience only here for six years,

2258
01:48:02,205 --> 01:48:04,605
I feel like when the public sees efforts being

2259
01:48:04,605 --> 01:48:05,805
made, that goes a long way.

2260
01:48:06,545 --> 01:48:08,485
So I think that's where we would start.

2261
01:48:08,545 --> 01:48:12,885
And I think in, in Tom's last bullet line, the presentation

2262
01:48:12,905 --> 01:48:16,405
to, to council would be sort of to organize those items

2263
01:48:16,705 --> 01:48:19,125
and show you where we're kind of looking at. Because

2264
01:48:19,125 --> 01:48:20,725
In the most recent years, that's always been one

2265
01:48:20,725 --> 01:48:23,125
of my priorities on the, the, when we do our goals,

2266
01:48:23,145 --> 01:48:24,605
that's Hood Park is always,

2267
01:48:24,625 --> 01:48:27,005
and I think now this again, just that needs potential

2268
01:48:27,005 --> 01:48:29,085
for more liability right now to, to reexamine that.

2269
01:48:29,255 --> 01:48:32,285
Right. And then park wise,

2270
01:48:33,535 --> 01:48:35,245
projection wise, how's it looking

2271
01:48:35,245 --> 01:48:36,925
for the summer help and all the

2272
01:48:37,345 --> 01:48:38,345
Oh, we're looking great.

2273
01:48:38,705 --> 01:48:43,245
We, we we're very, very blessed that we have returning

2274
01:48:44,115 --> 01:48:45,205
what I call veterans.

2275
01:48:45,205 --> 01:48:48,525
They could be 17 years old. We start hiring at 14.

2276
01:48:49,025 --> 01:48:51,685
So on the recreation side, I mean we are,

2277
01:48:52,345 --> 01:48:54,285
we blow away numbers for lifeguards.

2278
01:48:54,485 --> 01:48:57,085
I mean we have a good, really good incentive program,

2279
01:48:57,695 --> 01:49:01,845
which I definitely think helps to retain our lifeguards.

2280
01:49:02,625 --> 01:49:05,965
We just like anything else across the board, years ago we,

2281
01:49:06,145 --> 01:49:09,125
we changed our hourly rates to be competitive.

2282
01:49:09,725 --> 01:49:11,205
I think that's made a big difference.

2283
01:49:11,385 --> 01:49:14,885
But we are, you know, aside from maybe some

2284
01:49:15,605 --> 01:49:19,085
reliable supervisors up at Dumbbell Park, I mean we're,

2285
01:49:19,335 --> 01:49:20,645
we're, we're good with staff.

2286
01:49:21,775 --> 01:49:24,205
Still looking for some, some park seasonal crew.

2287
01:49:24,205 --> 01:49:25,405
They need to be 18 plus.

2288
01:49:26,425 --> 01:49:27,525
But I still think we're gonna,

2289
01:49:27,815 --> 01:49:30,165
we're gonna be in a good position for the summer for sure.

2290
01:49:30,935 --> 01:49:33,205
Great. Thank you. Yeah. Sounds

2291
01:49:33,205 --> 01:49:38,005
What, I'm gonna move on to the ball fields.

2292
01:49:38,395 --> 01:49:43,245
Okay. I had seen some plans for improvements at Vets Fields.

2293
01:49:44,305 --> 01:49:46,525
Is what's happening with that?

2294
01:49:46,665 --> 01:49:48,045
Is that, that moving forward? Or

2295
01:49:48,345 --> 01:49:49,725
So are you improvements,

2296
01:49:49,725 --> 01:49:51,285
are you referring to the parking lot?

2297
01:49:51,945 --> 01:49:54,165
The parking lot. They were gonna change the configuration

2298
01:49:54,165 --> 01:49:55,605
of the field to add some parking

2299
01:49:55,665 --> 01:49:57,925
and make it a better field collapse.

2300
01:49:58,065 --> 01:49:59,365
The, the elk field was so big

2301
01:49:59,365 --> 01:50:01,045
that they were gonna shrink it up to,

2302
01:50:01,225 --> 01:50:04,165
to make it a more viable field and add some parking to it.

2303
01:50:04,625 --> 01:50:07,365
So the, the parking portion is still,

2304
01:50:07,665 --> 01:50:11,005
we have not moved forward on, on that part of the project.

2305
01:50:11,665 --> 01:50:14,165
The field itself is a youth only field.

2306
01:50:14,825 --> 01:50:16,645
I'm gonna say maybe two, three years ago.

2307
01:50:16,865 --> 01:50:18,605
We had, actually,

2308
01:50:18,605 --> 01:50:20,925
before I started there was a men's league out there.

2309
01:50:21,935 --> 01:50:25,005
We've really sort of want

2310
01:50:25,005 --> 01:50:27,605
to deter any adults from using that field

2311
01:50:27,605 --> 01:50:29,725
because the residents that are very close by

2312
01:50:30,385 --> 01:50:31,765
or behind the out field.

2313
01:50:32,825 --> 01:50:36,045
So we did make changes to that vet's field years ago.

2314
01:50:36,315 --> 01:50:39,925
Made it smaller. It's specifically for youth softball

2315
01:50:40,905 --> 01:50:44,725
and we have new batting cages that were put in.

2316
01:50:45,695 --> 01:50:48,005
We're looking right now, we should be putting in

2317
01:50:50,645 --> 01:50:53,605
electrical to the, to the scoreboard for the softball side.

2318
01:50:54,305 --> 01:50:58,165
We redid both vets in O'Hara.

2319
01:50:58,165 --> 01:51:02,445
We have all new LED lighting, which should be cutting a lot

2320
01:51:02,445 --> 01:51:04,365
of costs on our electricity bills.

2321
01:51:05,185 --> 01:51:09,285
And the plan is still to increase the parking,

2322
01:51:09,425 --> 01:51:11,925
the parking's very limited there.

2323
01:51:12,385 --> 01:51:14,885
So that, I would say that's probably our next step

2324
01:51:15,195 --> 01:51:17,445
with regards to projects out at Vets Field.

2325
01:51:18,035 --> 01:51:20,725
Okay. And the other two, kind of my

2326
01:51:21,985 --> 01:51:26,045
pet projects being a little league veteran is now

2327
01:51:26,045 --> 01:51:28,765
that the SAU is moving up into the former DER Village

2328
01:51:28,765 --> 01:51:31,605
school, is there any plans to coordinate trying

2329
01:51:31,605 --> 01:51:33,845
to make Smith and Bz tech a little more?

2330
01:51:34,085 --> 01:51:35,765
'cause they're kind of the redheaded step children

2331
01:51:36,475 --> 01:51:40,325
ball fields make them a little more appealing and,

2332
01:51:40,425 --> 01:51:42,405
and accessible than what they are now.

2333
01:51:43,225 --> 01:51:46,605
So I have a twofold answer.

2334
01:51:47,065 --> 01:51:51,325
So when we maintain those fields

2335
01:51:51,585 --> 01:51:54,965
for baseball, they don't use them as frequently

2336
01:51:55,025 --> 01:51:56,165
as the other fields.

2337
01:51:57,345 --> 01:51:59,525
So it makes it harder to maintain.

2338
01:51:59,705 --> 01:52:02,285
So if they're not on the fields, the weeds are growing in,

2339
01:52:03,065 --> 01:52:06,085
it makes it that much more difficult when it doesn't get the

2340
01:52:06,085 --> 01:52:07,485
use that the other fields get.

2341
01:52:07,915 --> 01:52:11,455
With that being said, the ball field maintainer

2342
01:52:11,645 --> 01:52:14,615
that is in the budget would be, pardon the pun, a complete

2343
01:52:15,445 --> 01:52:17,215
game changer for my parts division.

2344
01:52:18,115 --> 01:52:21,135
We would absolutely be able to maintain all the fields

2345
01:52:22,275 --> 01:52:23,495
at a very high level.

2346
01:52:24,725 --> 01:52:26,215
It's very time consuming.

2347
01:52:26,285 --> 01:52:29,815
It's a labor intensive, a lot of work for the crew.

2348
01:52:30,275 --> 01:52:32,575
And I think those fields would definitely get more inten

2349
01:52:32,575 --> 01:52:35,335
attention with the equipment, the new piece of equipment.

2350
01:52:35,715 --> 01:52:38,015
So a thought that I had is now that it's not being used

2351
01:52:39,195 --> 01:52:43,375
as an elementary school, has there been given any thought as

2352
01:52:43,375 --> 01:52:45,325
to moving them further out

2353
01:52:45,325 --> 01:52:48,485
of the swamp up towards the forefront of the property so

2354
01:52:48,485 --> 01:52:50,285
that they're, you know, more visible,

2355
01:52:50,555 --> 01:52:52,725
more accessible than where they are now?

2356
01:52:53,045 --> 01:52:54,525
'cause you don't have to worry about the,

2357
01:52:54,545 --> 01:52:56,805
the playground component of it now that it's not a school.

2358
01:52:56,905 --> 01:52:58,685
It that's an e excellent point.

2359
01:52:59,565 --> 01:53:01,965
I don't believe we've even visited that.

2360
01:53:02,165 --> 01:53:06,325
I mean, I, from what I understand, the, we didn't know

2361
01:53:06,325 --> 01:53:08,565
what the use of the Dairy Village school was gonna be.

2362
01:53:09,105 --> 01:53:11,365
So conversations haven't even gotten that far.

2363
01:53:12,145 --> 01:53:14,525
Now that we know that they are gonna be moving in there,

2364
01:53:14,865 --> 01:53:16,525
we didn't even know if we were gonna have these fields.

2365
01:53:16,625 --> 01:53:17,965
We thought depending on who,

2366
01:53:18,065 --> 01:53:20,085
who was moving into the facility, we were nervous

2367
01:53:20,085 --> 01:53:22,285
that we were gonna lose those fields altogether.

2368
01:53:22,695 --> 01:53:26,165
Definitely something to consider to keep them for, you know,

2369
01:53:26,765 --> 01:53:28,325
I don't know what that would cost

2370
01:53:28,385 --> 01:53:31,165
or what that work would, you know, would be,

2371
01:53:31,845 --> 01:53:33,405
but it's certainly something we can look at

2372
01:53:33,905 --> 01:53:36,325
to pull 'em away from the, the woods and the wetlands Yeah.

2373
01:53:36,325 --> 01:53:37,325
And, and whatnot for sure.

2374
01:53:38,315 --> 01:53:41,285
Okay. Thank you. Council mill.

2375
01:53:42,065 --> 01:53:46,045
Yes. I have a, a just a couple small question actually.

2376
01:53:46,045 --> 01:53:48,325
It's about community participation in,

2377
01:53:48,425 --> 01:53:49,645
in parks and recreation.

2378
01:53:50,345 --> 01:53:54,125
Do you still have, do we still have the program as far

2379
01:53:54,125 --> 01:53:56,725
as cul-de-sacs and little pocket parks

2380
01:53:56,725 --> 01:53:57,965
that are all over the town?

2381
01:53:58,425 --> 01:54:02,885
Do we have the, the program that homeowners can call up

2382
01:54:03,305 --> 01:54:07,805
and ask for bark mulch in the spring

2383
01:54:07,945 --> 01:54:10,485
and they, they, they will maintain that cul-de-sac

2384
01:54:10,865 --> 01:54:12,365
and they used to give them a,

2385
01:54:13,525 --> 01:54:16,085
a sign saying this property being maintained

2386
01:54:16,185 --> 01:54:17,565
by such and such family.

2387
01:54:17,625 --> 01:54:18,845
Do we still have that program?

2388
01:54:19,545 --> 01:54:21,805
So to my knowledge, since I've been here for six years,

2389
01:54:21,985 --> 01:54:23,205
I'm not even aware of that program.

2390
01:54:23,585 --> 01:54:25,605
Wow. So I guess my answer is no.

2391
01:54:25,865 --> 01:54:27,245
So my 30-year-old sign

2392
01:54:27,345 --> 01:54:30,565
and my cul-de-sac is not gonna get replaced.

2393
01:54:31,785 --> 01:54:34,445
So there, they're actually, so Clint, that's

2394
01:54:34,445 --> 01:54:35,645
what I was just looking over my shoulder here.

2395
01:54:35,645 --> 01:54:39,925
He does get calls from time to time of homeowners or,

2396
01:54:39,945 --> 01:54:42,445
or groups and particularly in cul-de-sacs that want

2397
01:54:42,445 --> 01:54:43,685
to do some improvements.

2398
01:54:43,815 --> 01:54:46,325
Right. Those can be fine and great

2399
01:54:46,505 --> 01:54:50,085
and it's as long as they're continually maintained.

2400
01:54:50,585 --> 01:54:52,685
But obviously that's where we store snow,

2401
01:54:52,745 --> 01:54:54,125
that's where the drainage goes.

2402
01:54:54,625 --> 01:54:58,805
So it's, it's something that we have to look at individually

2403
01:54:58,945 --> 01:55:01,285
to see what they wanna do and how we wanna support it.

2404
01:55:01,715 --> 01:55:04,285
I'll, I'll invite you down to the Bonnie Ling cul-de-sac

2405
01:55:04,285 --> 01:55:06,485
that I've maintained for 37 years now.

2406
01:55:06,865 --> 01:55:09,565
And I have, I have an original old cement bench

2407
01:55:09,755 --> 01:55:12,565
that Don ball dropped off at my house

2408
01:55:12,845 --> 01:55:15,085
'cause he'd never had a question like that.

2409
01:55:15,085 --> 01:55:17,165
He said, seriously, I'll come down and look at it.

2410
01:55:17,665 --> 01:55:21,005
And he dropped off and I've maintained it there for 37 years

2411
01:55:21,105 --> 01:55:23,165
and my neighbors finally said, by the way,

2412
01:55:23,625 --> 01:55:25,565
we can't read your sign anymore. Said,

2413
01:55:25,865 --> 01:55:27,685
Sounds to me we might need to make a time,

2414
01:55:27,685 --> 01:55:28,725
maybe a trip tomorrow, maybe

2415
01:55:28,725 --> 01:55:30,605
It's time to get this program going.

2416
01:55:32,795 --> 01:55:36,285
Okay. There used to be one at, at ed cone's house in

2417
01:55:36,285 --> 01:55:37,725
that cul-de-sac there.

2418
01:55:38,325 --> 01:55:39,885
Ed Blanche Carone maintained there.

2419
01:55:40,385 --> 01:55:43,045
So maybe it's something we could start up again.

2420
01:55:43,165 --> 01:55:44,165
A beautify dairy.

2421
01:55:46,365 --> 01:55:48,295
Awesome, Thank you.

2422
01:55:48,655 --> 01:55:50,295
This is for the town administrator on the

2423
01:55:50,295 --> 01:55:51,895
initial recreation bond.

2424
01:55:52,255 --> 01:55:53,735
I know it came with the structured timeline.

2425
01:55:54,035 --> 01:55:55,695
So you said, I think Tom said there's a million

2426
01:55:55,695 --> 01:55:56,775
dollars roughly in there.

2427
01:55:57,555 --> 01:55:59,575
How, how does that look right now? So

2428
01:56:00,275 --> 01:56:01,975
At the top of the slide

2429
01:56:02,715 --> 01:56:05,135
is just a little bit over $1 million.

2430
01:56:05,885 --> 01:56:09,375
It's 986,000 plus a hundred thousand dollars of interest.

2431
01:56:09,715 --> 01:56:12,015
One piece we would have to examine on the net

2432
01:56:12,015 --> 01:56:13,055
that's available to us

2433
01:56:13,055 --> 01:56:15,735
because anytime that you, there's such an old or

2434
01:56:15,795 --> 01:56:18,935
or bond that we have, you have potential

2435
01:56:18,935 --> 01:56:21,255
for arbitrage penalties if you don't spend it

2436
01:56:21,255 --> 01:56:22,415
within a certain amount of time.

2437
01:56:22,475 --> 01:56:25,215
So I, I look to Mark when we get back around

2438
01:56:25,355 --> 01:56:27,335
to talking about what we can afford,

2439
01:56:28,075 --> 01:56:31,015
but again, the arbitrage penalty probably is, you know,

2440
01:56:31,015 --> 01:56:33,695
50,000, 75,000 if it even, you know,

2441
01:56:33,745 --> 01:56:34,855
still exists at that level.

2442
01:56:34,915 --> 01:56:38,735
But bottom line, for purposes of what you were bringing up,

2443
01:56:40,415 --> 01:56:42,215
pursuant to our procedures here,

2444
01:56:42,315 --> 01:56:44,855
we should do a repurposing hearing

2445
01:56:45,075 --> 01:56:48,255
and have you take a formal vote on the specific items

2446
01:56:48,565 --> 01:56:52,375
that would be included within the repurpose bond proceeds.

2447
01:56:52,375 --> 01:56:54,375
Right. And that would give them direction to move forward

2448
01:56:54,375 --> 01:56:55,815
with the bidding and, and whatnot

2449
01:56:55,955 --> 01:56:58,135
of the specific projects that you've endorsed.

2450
01:56:58,325 --> 01:57:00,015
Okay. Yeah. 'cause I, I'm pretty confident

2451
01:57:00,015 --> 01:57:03,135
that the timeline is gone by the wayside.

2452
01:57:03,675 --> 01:57:06,095
The initial, the initial plan anyways. Right.

2453
01:57:06,285 --> 01:57:11,215
Okay. Yep. Councilor Healey, do you have anything?

2454
01:57:14,085 --> 01:57:17,565
I don't have anything. I did just do a Google image

2455
01:57:17,585 --> 01:57:19,365
of the cul-de-sac on Bonnie Lane.

2456
01:57:19,365 --> 01:57:21,165
It looks pretty nice with the bench and everything.

2457
01:57:21,825 --> 01:57:24,045
No, No questions.

2458
01:57:26,745 --> 01:57:27,965
So no further questions Matt?

2459
01:57:27,965 --> 01:57:29,205
Sorry, hold on one second. Before do that,

2460
01:57:29,685 --> 01:57:30,845
I just have a quick question on that number.

2461
01:57:31,585 --> 01:57:36,405
On the PowerPoint. I think it said $1,173,072

2462
01:57:37,305 --> 01:57:38,845
and our book says

2463
01:57:38,905 --> 01:57:42,405
one thousand one hundred one million one hundred seventy two thousand thirty nine dollars.

2464
01:57:42,705 --> 01:57:45,925
So 30 minimum amount. But is the 39 30 accurate 1 39

2465
01:57:45,925 --> 01:57:46,845
Is the amount you wanna go with? Yep.

2466
01:57:47,035 --> 01:57:48,365
Okay. Now, now you can go for it.

2467
01:57:49,715 --> 01:57:51,925
Well thank you for correcting that number for me madam.

2468
01:57:51,925 --> 01:57:53,085
Sure. I moved the figure

2469
01:57:53,265 --> 01:57:57,005
$1,173,039

2470
01:57:58,625 --> 01:58:00,485
for the Parks Department activity center.

2471
01:58:01,595 --> 01:58:03,885
I'll second that. Alright, on the motion.

2472
01:58:03,915 --> 01:58:07,685
Councilor Mills? Yes. Councilor Webb? Yes. Councilor Chase?

2473
01:58:07,785 --> 01:58:10,205
Yes. Councilor Foote? Yes. Councillor Healy.

2474
01:58:11,065 --> 01:58:13,805
Yes. And Chair votes? Yes. Motion passes. Six zero.

2475
01:58:14,175 --> 01:58:16,405
Thank you so much for your time this evening. Thank you.

2476
01:58:22,705 --> 01:58:25,325
The Health Division. Page three 10 in

2477
01:58:25,325 --> 01:58:26,485
the council budget books.

2478
01:58:26,795 --> 01:58:30,565
I'll invite Carrie Owen, our director of Code

2479
01:58:31,105 --> 01:58:34,125
and building who also oversees the health division along

2480
01:58:34,125 --> 01:58:36,285
with Courtney Bogart, who is our health officer.

2481
01:58:37,405 --> 01:58:39,085
It's a fairly straightforward budget.

2482
01:58:41,405 --> 01:58:44,645
Courtney inspects some 214 establishments.

2483
01:58:45,505 --> 01:58:48,845
The revenues are projected at $48,950.

2484
01:58:49,825 --> 01:58:53,725
The budget requested is $159,698

2485
01:58:54,065 --> 01:58:57,045
and that encompasses, encompasses primarily personnel costs,

2486
01:58:57,465 --> 01:59:02,125
the mosquito control program at $40,000.

2487
01:59:02,565 --> 01:59:04,725
So those are the primary costs within that division.

2488
01:59:04,945 --> 01:59:06,845
And if there's any specific questions on the line

2489
01:59:06,845 --> 01:59:08,125
items, we'd be happy to help.

2490
01:59:10,885 --> 01:59:14,205
Questions I have one just we do have,

2491
01:59:14,205 --> 01:59:18,005
we do now have a full-time food inspector then

2492
01:59:18,005 --> 01:59:20,165
for the health department, for all the restaurants.

2493
01:59:20,625 --> 01:59:22,725
The health officer Courtney Bogart is our fulltime nurse.

2494
01:59:22,725 --> 01:59:26,205
Okay, thank you. Now is that to dairy standards?

2495
01:59:26,225 --> 01:59:28,525
Is it to New Hampshire State standards?

2496
01:59:29,385 --> 01:59:30,685
Yes. Yeah.

2497
01:59:31,235 --> 01:59:33,085
Okay. So it's in court with this the town.

2498
01:59:34,145 --> 01:59:35,145
Yes. Yes.

2499
01:59:35,145 --> 01:59:37,365
Thank you. Awesome.

2500
01:59:38,315 --> 01:59:39,925
Councilor Haley, do you have any questions?

2501
01:59:42,475 --> 01:59:44,215
No questions. Okay.

2502
01:59:47,335 --> 01:59:48,755
So no questions Madam Chair.

2503
01:59:48,815 --> 01:59:53,355
I'd like to move the figure $159,698

2504
01:59:53,535 --> 01:59:56,475
for the Health Department Activity

2505
01:59:56,475 --> 01:59:58,755
Center. I'll second that.

2506
01:59:59,385 --> 02:00:02,595
Okay. On the motion. Council Mills? Yes. Councilor Webb?

2507
02:00:02,655 --> 02:00:04,955
Yes. Councilor Chase? Yes. Councilor Foot?

2508
02:00:05,015 --> 02:00:06,115
Yes. Councillor Healy?

2509
02:00:06,975 --> 02:00:09,635
Yes. And Chair votes? Yes. Motion passes. Six zero.

2510
02:00:09,885 --> 02:00:10,995
Thank you. Thank you.

2511
02:00:10,995 --> 02:00:12,835
I'll just note, I'm glad that we have the full-time.

2512
02:00:13,655 --> 02:00:16,715
Yes. As am I for sure. Big off read.

2513
02:00:20,095 --> 02:00:22,195
Moving on to the Wastewater division budget,

2514
02:00:22,195 --> 02:00:24,755
that's page 3 46 in the council budget books.

2515
02:00:24,815 --> 02:00:27,235
I'm gonna invite our deputy director, mark LaRue,

2516
02:00:27,615 --> 02:00:29,195
who has direct supervision over the

2517
02:00:29,195 --> 02:00:30,275
water and wastewater divisions.

2518
02:00:31,745 --> 02:00:33,955
Good evening. Evening

2519
02:00:34,395 --> 02:00:35,395
Wastewater.

2520
02:00:35,395 --> 02:00:36,195
66.3 miles

2521
02:00:36,215 --> 02:00:40,635
of sewer mains maintained 3,339 sewer connections.

2522
02:00:41,435 --> 02:00:43,955
They maintain 10 lift stations throughout the system.

2523
02:00:44,835 --> 02:00:47,555
Expenditures equal revenues at

2524
02:00:47,555 --> 02:00:50,875
$10,340,334.

2525
02:00:51,515 --> 02:00:53,555
Revenues are primarily generated

2526
02:00:53,555 --> 02:00:55,315
through usage and base charges.

2527
02:00:55,965 --> 02:00:58,875
Again, enterprise fund, not supported by taxes,

2528
02:00:59,175 --> 02:01:01,275
but through the, the wastewater users

2529
02:01:03,125 --> 02:01:04,755
wastewater in town.

2530
02:01:05,135 --> 02:01:08,115
I'm sorry, the FY 27 approved wastewater accessibility fee.

2531
02:01:08,115 --> 02:01:10,075
That's the connection fee for new

2532
02:01:10,135 --> 02:01:12,315
or expanding users on the town.

2533
02:01:12,325 --> 02:01:15,275
Sewer system is charged a one time fee of $4

2534
02:01:15,295 --> 02:01:17,195
and 48 cents per gallon per day,

2535
02:01:17,255 --> 02:01:19,675
or $747 per residential bedroom.

2536
02:01:20,495 --> 02:01:23,555
The council two years ago had approved a three

2537
02:01:23,555 --> 02:01:26,675
year increase, step increase.

2538
02:01:26,695 --> 02:01:28,515
So this is year three of that increase.

2539
02:01:29,855 --> 02:01:34,235
We are proposing this budget with a usage rate adjustment

2540
02:01:34,655 --> 02:01:37,955
to $4 and 25 cents per hundred cubic feet.

2541
02:01:37,955 --> 02:01:40,605
That's up from $4 and 5 cents per hundred cubic feet.

2542
02:01:41,625 --> 02:01:44,125
An adjusted out of town wastewater.

2543
02:01:44,125 --> 02:01:47,045
London dairy customers would be paying a rate

2544
02:01:47,045 --> 02:01:48,565
of $4 and 89 cents.

2545
02:01:48,845 --> 02:01:52,085
That's up from $4 and 65 cents per hundred cubic feet.

2546
02:01:52,945 --> 02:01:55,525
The base charges would be $50 per quarter.

2547
02:01:56,205 --> 02:01:58,725
That's up from current $47 per quarter.

2548
02:01:59,145 --> 02:02:02,645
And we are proposing the out of town London dairy users

2549
02:02:03,285 --> 02:02:08,165
a base charge of $57 compared to their current rate of $54.

2550
02:02:09,745 --> 02:02:12,525
The wastewater capital, the budget includes the Route

2551
02:02:12,525 --> 02:02:13,805
28 Ryans Hill sewer.

2552
02:02:14,085 --> 02:02:16,525
It's just over $6.1 million.

2553
02:02:17,005 --> 02:02:18,045
The engineering of

2554
02:02:18,045 --> 02:02:20,645
that project is in the fiscal year 26 budget.

2555
02:02:21,245 --> 02:02:24,645
We just finished a qualifications based selection process

2556
02:02:25,025 --> 02:02:29,005
for an engineer to move forward with that design.

2557
02:02:30,755 --> 02:02:32,885
That project will be funded through

2558
02:02:33,525 --> 02:02:34,605
a combination of sources.

2559
02:02:35,785 --> 02:02:40,685
We had a couple years ago now secured a congressionally

2560
02:02:41,085 --> 02:02:42,365
directed spending EPA grant.

2561
02:02:42,985 --> 02:02:44,525
It was for 80% of the project.

2562
02:02:45,325 --> 02:02:48,685
80% was a fixed number some three years ago.

2563
02:02:48,695 --> 02:02:50,325
Those costs have since escalated,

2564
02:02:50,925 --> 02:02:54,925
but that's 2.7 2,724,000 will be

2565
02:02:54,925 --> 02:02:56,165
coming from that grant.

2566
02:02:57,275 --> 02:03:00,005
Another 306,000 will be coming from

2567
02:03:00,005 --> 02:03:01,405
the Economic Development Trust.

2568
02:03:01,405 --> 02:03:04,205
That's an account that was set up by the Town council

2569
02:03:04,955 --> 02:03:07,405
that is funded through the wheeling charges from the

2570
02:03:07,485 --> 02:03:08,885
Southern Hampshire Regional Water Project.

2571
02:03:09,485 --> 02:03:11,325
Every, every year

2572
02:03:11,475 --> 02:03:14,205
that funds are transferred from those wheeling

2573
02:03:14,205 --> 02:03:15,245
charges into this fund.

2574
02:03:16,225 --> 02:03:17,845
For one of the designated purposes

2575
02:03:17,905 --> 02:03:19,365
for which it was established is

2576
02:03:19,365 --> 02:03:20,485
for the Ryan sale sewer project

2577
02:03:20,985 --> 02:03:22,325
and the balance of that would be

2578
02:03:22,325 --> 02:03:23,925
through a state revolving loan

2579
02:03:24,385 --> 02:03:27,485
or a bond in the amount of 3.15 that would,

2580
02:03:27,485 --> 02:03:29,725
those are all reflecting the construction costs.

2581
02:03:31,945 --> 02:03:36,165
We have in this budget a $1.4 million upgrade

2582
02:03:36,265 --> 02:03:37,925
to the wastewater effluent force main.

2583
02:03:37,925 --> 02:03:40,645
It's about 1500 feet of, of Maine.

2584
02:03:40,915 --> 02:03:43,045
It's a project we had actually included in the budget a

2585
02:03:43,045 --> 02:03:45,165
couple years ago, cost escalations

2586
02:03:45,185 --> 02:03:46,845
and just the complexity of the project

2587
02:03:49,685 --> 02:03:51,085
resulted in it being way over budget.

2588
02:03:51,305 --> 02:03:54,445
So we are back this year to secure the additional funding

2589
02:03:54,505 --> 02:03:55,765
to move that project forward.

2590
02:03:56,875 --> 02:04:00,005
That is funded through a, a combination of capital reserve

2591
02:04:00,065 --> 02:04:02,285
and fund balance of 750,000

2592
02:04:02,885 --> 02:04:06,125
with 650,000 coming from the, the rate payers.

2593
02:04:07,825 --> 02:04:10,365
We are moving forward with the wastewater treatment,

2594
02:04:10,365 --> 02:04:11,845
plant improvements, pre-engineering.

2595
02:04:11,845 --> 02:04:14,885
That's the upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant.

2596
02:04:15,265 --> 02:04:17,525
We had sort of been deferring that project

2597
02:04:17,975 --> 02:04:21,245
until we secured our EPA discharge permit,

2598
02:04:21,255 --> 02:04:23,405
which we did get over the last couple of months.

2599
02:04:23,465 --> 02:04:25,965
It goes into effect actually this month.

2600
02:04:27,795 --> 02:04:30,085
Fortunately, there are no significant changes,

2601
02:04:30,345 --> 02:04:32,125
no treatment requirements.

2602
02:04:32,305 --> 02:04:35,405
So we're ready to move forward with the final design of,

2603
02:04:35,465 --> 02:04:37,245
of the upgrades to that facility.

2604
02:04:37,985 --> 02:04:39,805
So we are in pre-engineering right now.

2605
02:04:40,225 --> 02:04:42,525
We did secure a $100,000 loan

2606
02:04:43,955 --> 02:04:46,805
with principal forgiveness from the state to advance

2607
02:04:46,835 --> 02:04:47,925
that part of the project.

2608
02:04:49,245 --> 02:04:51,365
Quick look at the rates as adjusted.

2609
02:04:51,845 --> 02:04:54,405
Again, the FY 26 rates of 47

2610
02:04:54,425 --> 02:04:57,525
and $54 base charges going up to 50

2611
02:04:57,545 --> 02:05:00,005
and $57 respectively for our in town

2612
02:05:00,005 --> 02:05:01,365
and out of town customers.

2613
02:05:01,825 --> 02:05:04,645
And the rates $4 and 5 cents

2614
02:05:04,745 --> 02:05:06,925
and 4 65 up to 4 25

2615
02:05:06,925 --> 02:05:09,925
and 4 89 again respectively for our in town

2616
02:05:10,305 --> 02:05:11,525
and out of town customers.

2617
02:05:12,705 --> 02:05:16,085
The actual impacts on a quarterly bill

2618
02:05:16,085 --> 02:05:19,525
for the average single family users, $6 and 86 cents.

2619
02:05:20,425 --> 02:05:21,765
That's $2

2620
02:05:21,765 --> 02:05:25,085
and 29 cents a month impact as a result of that

2621
02:05:25,675 --> 02:05:27,605
requested adjustment.

2622
02:05:28,555 --> 02:05:31,565
Just looking at where, where dairy would land in comparison,

2623
02:05:31,705 --> 02:05:34,205
we look at our rates every year on where we are respective

2624
02:05:34,265 --> 02:05:35,965
of our peer communities.

2625
02:05:37,395 --> 02:05:39,165
With the increase as proposed.

2626
02:05:39,435 --> 02:05:42,845
Average sewer bill will be about $524.

2627
02:05:43,465 --> 02:05:45,645
As you can see that, that's favorable.

2628
02:05:45,645 --> 02:05:47,685
It's about 24% less than the average of those,

2629
02:05:47,815 --> 02:05:50,605
those peer communities of $692.

2630
02:05:50,865 --> 02:05:53,765
So, so dairy's in the top four, well,

2631
02:05:53,885 --> 02:05:56,125
I should say the bottom four as far

2632
02:05:56,125 --> 02:05:58,805
as having the least expensive sewer rates.

2633
02:06:00,705 --> 02:06:02,405
So with that, again,

2634
02:06:02,825 --> 02:06:05,525
we will be having a more detailed conversation

2635
02:06:05,625 --> 02:06:08,085
and public hearing at the council's May 5th meeting

2636
02:06:08,185 --> 02:06:10,205
to go more in depth on the rates,

2637
02:06:11,665 --> 02:06:13,885
but they are embedded in this particular budget.

2638
02:06:14,395 --> 02:06:15,565
With that, we'll open up

2639
02:06:15,565 --> 02:06:18,085
to any questions the council may have on specific line

2640
02:06:18,085 --> 02:06:22,365
items, not qualified to

2641
02:06:22,365 --> 02:06:24,005
Answer a question on waste water.

2642
02:06:24,215 --> 02:06:25,325
Thank you. We

2643
02:06:27,345 --> 02:06:27,885
Yep. Council.

2644
02:06:28,175 --> 02:06:30,765
Thank you. Madam Chair on the lagoons.

2645
02:06:30,825 --> 02:06:34,165
How are the lagoons looking? Are they in good shape?

2646
02:06:37,265 --> 02:06:40,565
So over the last couple years we've done some assessments.

2647
02:06:40,905 --> 02:06:44,205
We are being told that the liners, which again,

2648
02:06:44,205 --> 02:06:45,645
there are three ponds out there.

2649
02:06:47,425 --> 02:06:50,165
We had replaced one of the liners in the ponds, some,

2650
02:06:51,195 --> 02:06:54,405
some several years ago that has already begun

2651
02:06:54,405 --> 02:06:55,605
to deteriorate that.

2652
02:06:55,605 --> 02:06:59,285
So was a high densely polyethylene HEP liner compared

2653
02:06:59,285 --> 02:07:01,205
to a hypo on liner, which are in the other two.

2654
02:07:01,385 --> 02:07:03,405
But the other two are also at their useful life.

2655
02:07:04,745 --> 02:07:08,165
So it's sort of a process.

2656
02:07:08,545 --> 02:07:10,605
In order to replace the liner, you have

2657
02:07:10,605 --> 02:07:11,725
to remove the air system.

2658
02:07:12,065 --> 02:07:13,565
In order to remove the air system,

2659
02:07:13,565 --> 02:07:14,725
you have to remove the sludge.

2660
02:07:14,725 --> 02:07:16,245
In order to do all of that, you have

2661
02:07:16,245 --> 02:07:18,765
to take the lagoon offline and put the other lagoon online.

2662
02:07:18,905 --> 02:07:22,725
So it's sort of a domino effect. But we, we have time.

2663
02:07:22,985 --> 02:07:25,685
We figure this is going to be a multi-year process.

2664
02:07:26,825 --> 02:07:28,805
So we haven't had any issues

2665
02:07:28,835 --> 02:07:30,925
with the other two, two liners yet.

2666
02:07:30,985 --> 02:07:32,165
So we're being proactive.

2667
02:07:32,305 --> 02:07:33,885
So I guess I'm getting, so is that something

2668
02:07:33,885 --> 02:07:35,085
that would be under the capital improvement

2669
02:07:35,360 --> 02:07:37,150
or is there grants for that, something that, does

2670
02:07:37,150 --> 02:07:38,925
that fall under any kind of grant at all,

2671
02:07:38,985 --> 02:07:40,845
or is that just gonna be on us to

2672
02:07:41,465 --> 02:07:42,565
put in the capital improvement?

2673
02:07:42,825 --> 02:07:45,245
So we, we will continue to look at funding sources

2674
02:07:45,355 --> 02:07:47,725
that congressionally directed spending seems to be,

2675
02:07:47,725 --> 02:07:49,885
have res seems to have been resurrected recently.

2676
02:07:49,885 --> 02:07:51,325
So that is is one option.

2677
02:07:53,055 --> 02:07:57,965
State grants with PR principal forgiveness, 20

2678
02:07:58,025 --> 02:08:01,125
to 30% reimbursement from the state seems

2679
02:08:01,125 --> 02:08:02,485
to be the going rate right now.

2680
02:08:03,185 --> 02:08:06,925
So as far as I know, those are the two potential sources of,

2681
02:08:07,345 --> 02:08:09,485
of offsetting revenues for those projects.

2682
02:08:10,225 --> 02:08:12,645
So operationally this, we should, we're not

2683
02:08:14,165 --> 02:08:16,845
anticipating any kind of problems currently with

2684
02:08:17,705 --> 02:08:19,285
the way things are right now. Our,

2685
02:08:19,345 --> 02:08:22,005
Our flows are less than half

2686
02:08:22,105 --> 02:08:25,005
of the treatment capacity right now, so we're in good shape.

2687
02:08:25,255 --> 02:08:29,255
We're not actually worried about the treatment capacity

2688
02:08:29,255 --> 02:08:30,775
of the treatment quality right now.

2689
02:08:31,475 --> 02:08:32,535
So we're in good shape there.

2690
02:08:32,705 --> 02:08:33,135
Thank you.

2691
02:08:37,665 --> 02:08:41,895
Councillor Haley, do you have anything? Nothing. Okay.

2692
02:08:43,305 --> 02:08:44,575
Madam Chair, I'd like

2693
02:08:44,575 --> 02:08:45,175
to move the figure

2694
02:08:45,355 --> 02:08:49,615
$10,340,334

2695
02:08:50,315 --> 02:08:52,255
for the Wastewater Activity Center.

2696
02:08:53,475 --> 02:08:57,495
Second. All right. Motion a second on the motion.

2697
02:08:57,495 --> 02:09:01,415
Council mills? Yes. Council Webb? Yes. Councilor Chase? Yes.

2698
02:09:01,415 --> 02:09:03,335
Councilor Foot? Yes. Councilor Healy?

2699
02:09:04,275 --> 02:09:05,815
Yes, I vote yes as well.

2700
02:09:05,835 --> 02:09:10,295
Motion passes, six zero, not least water.

2701
02:09:11,955 --> 02:09:13,255
Moving on to the water division,

2702
02:09:13,325 --> 02:09:18,215
page 3 72 in the council book, 4,520

2703
02:09:18,735 --> 02:09:20,495
service connections within our water system.

2704
02:09:20,755 --> 02:09:22,415
We have 90 miles of Maine.

2705
02:09:22,615 --> 02:09:24,015
We've had some pretty significant

2706
02:09:24,205 --> 02:09:25,735
expansion in the last few years.

2707
02:09:26,355 --> 02:09:30,055
That's, that's up from 72 miles back in 2017.

2708
02:09:30,875 --> 02:09:32,495
We have three community water systems,

2709
02:09:33,355 --> 02:09:34,655
six booster pump stations,

2710
02:09:36,065 --> 02:09:38,335
700 municipal fire hydrants throughout the system.

2711
02:09:38,435 --> 02:09:40,575
That's also part of the expansion.

2712
02:09:40,575 --> 02:09:43,495
We're up from 614 hydrants back in 2014.

2713
02:09:44,115 --> 02:09:45,695
So the system is, is growing

2714
02:09:46,435 --> 02:09:48,615
our expenses equal revenues at

2715
02:09:48,845 --> 02:09:52,095
$4,391,599.

2716
02:09:52,965 --> 02:09:56,855
Similarly with water, we are looking at adjusting the rates

2717
02:09:57,885 --> 02:10:00,215
with the in town rate at $3

2718
02:10:00,235 --> 02:10:04,255
and 88 cents per 100 cubic feet from $3

2719
02:10:04,275 --> 02:10:05,295
and 47 cents.

2720
02:10:05,445 --> 02:10:08,815
With the out of town lending dairy user rate at $4

2721
02:10:08,875 --> 02:10:12,135
and 45 cents from $3 and 99 cents.

2722
02:10:12,685 --> 02:10:17,295
Base charge also at $36 up $34

2723
02:10:17,395 --> 02:10:21,575
for the in town users and $41 up from 39 for our out

2724
02:10:21,695 --> 02:10:24,775
of town users revenues include

2725
02:10:24,775 --> 02:10:28,055
398,356 in hydrant rental charges.

2726
02:10:28,235 --> 02:10:31,095
That's a fee that we, the water department

2727
02:10:33,295 --> 02:10:36,125
bills the town of dairy as well as the town of London Dairy

2728
02:10:36,185 --> 02:10:37,645
for municipal fire protection

2729
02:10:37,885 --> 02:10:40,485
that remains unchanged over the last couple of years.

2730
02:10:41,705 --> 02:10:45,085
It also includes $271,000 in, in revenues

2731
02:10:45,105 --> 02:10:46,565
and gross revenues from the Southern

2732
02:10:46,565 --> 02:10:47,725
Hampshire regional water sales.

2733
02:10:47,745 --> 02:10:49,405
And that's based on a current flow

2734
02:10:49,425 --> 02:10:52,325
of about 557,000 gallons a day.

2735
02:10:52,695 --> 02:10:55,005
Their current capacity is, is 1 million.

2736
02:10:55,635 --> 02:10:58,325
What we seeing them do is pull closer

2737
02:10:58,345 --> 02:10:59,925
to the million gallons a day in the,

2738
02:10:59,925 --> 02:11:01,645
in the summer months when they need it, and then,

2739
02:11:02,025 --> 02:11:04,365
and then drop to their minimum usage

2740
02:11:04,985 --> 02:11:06,085
in the, in the winter months.

2741
02:11:06,805 --> 02:11:10,765
So the, the revenues in average out to just a,

2742
02:11:10,845 --> 02:11:12,365
a little over half a million gallons a day.

2743
02:11:15,545 --> 02:11:18,525
The budget includes $300,000 in water main replacements.

2744
02:11:19,555 --> 02:11:24,245
It's a also includes a $220,000 increase

2745
02:11:25,625 --> 02:11:26,965
for the first loan payment for the

2746
02:11:26,965 --> 02:11:28,285
Ranch Shepherd Hill Project.

2747
02:11:29,285 --> 02:11:33,885
When the council approved the Rand Project two years ago,

2748
02:11:33,965 --> 02:11:36,765
I believe it was, there was a resolution that was passed

2749
02:11:37,025 --> 02:11:38,685
to offset the cost

2750
02:11:38,685 --> 02:11:42,245
with a 41 cent per hundred cubic foot increase in the water rate.

2751
02:11:42,245 --> 02:11:43,365
And that was reflected

2752
02:11:43,365 --> 02:11:44,485
in the number that we just showed you.

2753
02:11:44,695 --> 02:11:48,405
Again, we'll be coming back on May 5th for a public hearing

2754
02:11:48,465 --> 02:11:50,285
and talk a little bit more in detail about that.

2755
02:11:51,245 --> 02:11:52,325
It also includes the use

2756
02:11:52,325 --> 02:11:55,885
of $46,000 in unrestricted water fund balance.

2757
02:11:57,205 --> 02:11:58,205
Again, a quick look,

2758
02:11:58,905 --> 02:12:01,245
we charge different rates based on the meter size,

2759
02:12:01,305 --> 02:12:04,605
but for the average residential, you see it going from 34

2760
02:12:04,665 --> 02:12:06,645
to $36 for in town

2761
02:12:06,645 --> 02:12:11,005
and 39 to $41 a quarter for our out of town users.

2762
02:12:11,265 --> 02:12:15,805
And the rates at 3 47 and 3 99 to 3 88

2763
02:12:15,905 --> 02:12:18,885
and $4 and 45 cents for our in town

2764
02:12:18,885 --> 02:12:20,525
and out of town users respectively.

2765
02:12:20,535 --> 02:12:23,285
Again, we'll go into that more detail on May 5th.

2766
02:12:24,395 --> 02:12:29,045
Looking at the rate impacts as presented, $9

2767
02:12:29,065 --> 02:12:32,605
and 77 cents would be the impact on the average quarterly

2768
02:12:32,605 --> 02:12:34,045
bill for the single family user.

2769
02:12:34,425 --> 02:12:36,965
That's a little over $3 a month.

2770
02:12:38,385 --> 02:12:42,885
And that, again, is, is based on the average.

2771
02:12:43,325 --> 02:12:47,405
Average users. Again, looking at where dairy compares

2772
02:12:47,405 --> 02:12:48,845
with its peer communities,

2773
02:12:49,875 --> 02:12:53,765
average water bill would be about $439 a year.

2774
02:12:54,595 --> 02:12:58,365
That compares 20% less than our peer communities at

2775
02:12:58,435 --> 02:12:59,925
$551.

2776
02:13:00,025 --> 02:13:02,325
So we're in the, again, in the top four here.

2777
02:13:03,345 --> 02:13:05,045
And when you look at both the water rate

2778
02:13:05,065 --> 02:13:06,885
and the sewer rates as adjusted

2779
02:13:07,955 --> 02:13:11,405
dairy's annual charge would be about $963.

2780
02:13:12,275 --> 02:13:14,125
That would put us in the top three

2781
02:13:14,265 --> 02:13:18,645
of our peer communities in 24% less than the average

2782
02:13:18,945 --> 02:13:22,925
of those other communities, which is $1,261.

2783
02:13:23,065 --> 02:13:25,965
So we're still very favorable as far as our,

2784
02:13:25,965 --> 02:13:27,405
and competitive as far as our water

2785
02:13:27,405 --> 02:13:28,565
and sewer rates are concerned.

2786
02:13:29,485 --> 02:13:31,045
With that, I turn it back to the council

2787
02:13:31,195 --> 02:13:34,725
with any specific questions on the water budget.

2788
02:13:35,675 --> 02:13:39,045
Council mills. So I take it that these figures still

2789
02:13:39,665 --> 02:13:42,845
do not include the CHU system

2790
02:13:43,105 --> 02:13:45,325
and East Area, or do they,

2791
02:13:46,385 --> 02:13:48,325
So the east, That the Penant Chuck system

2792
02:13:48,325 --> 02:13:49,685
that's owned by Nashua?

2793
02:13:50,655 --> 02:13:54,075
Yes. So they pay the same in town rates.

2794
02:13:54,175 --> 02:13:57,155
So we treat them as a single user, a single dairy user.

2795
02:13:57,575 --> 02:14:00,195
So they pay the same rate as the dairy,

2796
02:14:00,325 --> 02:14:01,635
dairy water customer does.

2797
02:14:03,245 --> 02:14:06,435
Thank you. Council Web. I

2798
02:14:06,435 --> 02:14:07,835
Had the same question, so I'm all set.

2799
02:14:07,985 --> 02:14:11,635
Okay, great. Well then I'll have a follow up question

2800
02:14:11,695 --> 02:14:13,755
is, is there, because this was years ago

2801
02:14:13,755 --> 02:14:14,915
that Nashville bought this

2802
02:14:15,415 --> 02:14:20,275
and back then there was an opportunity for dairy to buy it,

2803
02:14:20,595 --> 02:14:22,235
purchase that system from them in the future.

2804
02:14:22,635 --> 02:14:25,835
I take it, we've never really considered it is of no benefit

2805
02:14:25,895 --> 02:14:26,915
to the town of Dairy.

2806
02:14:28,095 --> 02:14:31,875
So in order to make that happen, we would have to pay the

2807
02:14:32,425 --> 02:14:35,555
PUCs market rate and the Public Utilities Commission sets an

2808
02:14:35,555 --> 02:14:37,115
assessment of, of the value.

2809
02:14:38,375 --> 02:14:41,675
So in order for us to pay for that system as well

2810
02:14:41,675 --> 02:14:43,075
as recover the operation

2811
02:14:43,075 --> 02:14:48,065
and maintenance costs, it would actually cost more money

2812
02:14:48,605 --> 02:14:51,305
to the users of, of that development.

2813
02:14:51,925 --> 02:14:54,345
One of the things that Pench actually went through,

2814
02:14:54,345 --> 02:14:55,625
they went through a big rate change.

2815
02:14:55,725 --> 02:14:58,465
So they used to have, well they still have Pench East

2816
02:14:58,495 --> 02:15:00,065
Utility and Pench Waterworks

2817
02:15:00,065 --> 02:15:02,905
and their Pench East utility rates were significantly higher

2818
02:15:02,935 --> 02:15:04,225
than Pench Waterworks.

2819
02:15:04,485 --> 02:15:06,345
So they sort of equalized those rates

2820
02:15:06,345 --> 02:15:09,225
that actually re resulted in a cost savings for the town,

2821
02:15:09,225 --> 02:15:11,585
for the hydrant rental charges that they were charging us.

2822
02:15:13,085 --> 02:15:16,305
So right now I think

2823
02:15:16,975 --> 02:15:18,425
they're paying competitive rates.

2824
02:15:20,075 --> 02:15:21,305
Still dairies are favorable,

2825
02:15:21,725 --> 02:15:25,705
but if we were to add on the cost of purchasing that system,

2826
02:15:25,725 --> 02:15:27,385
it would put those rates much

2827
02:15:27,385 --> 02:15:28,425
higher than they currently are.

2828
02:15:29,195 --> 02:15:29,665
Thank you.

2829
02:15:32,855 --> 02:15:34,325
Councillor Healey, do you have anything?

2830
02:15:35,945 --> 02:15:38,365
No questions. Me either.

2831
02:15:41,505 --> 02:15:42,765
So no further questions.

2832
02:15:43,495 --> 02:15:44,885
Madam Chair, I move the figure

2833
02:15:45,075 --> 02:15:49,605
$4,391,599

2834
02:15:50,145 --> 02:15:51,925
for the Water Activity Center.

2835
02:15:53,995 --> 02:15:56,805
I'll second that. Okay. On the motion. Council Mills?

2836
02:15:57,105 --> 02:16:01,325
Yes. Council Webb? Yes. Councilor Chase? Yes. Council Foot?

2837
02:16:01,385 --> 02:16:05,005
Yes. Councilor Healy? Yes. And Chair votes? Yes.

2838
02:16:05,005 --> 02:16:08,725
Motion passes. Six zero. Thank you. We did it. Council.

2839
02:16:10,175 --> 02:16:13,085
Appreciate. Thank you. We aren't done. We forgot one.

2840
02:16:13,945 --> 02:16:17,965
We forgot to move the, on page 17, the emergency management.

2841
02:16:17,965 --> 02:16:21,405
We just need to vote that bottom line.

2842
02:16:22,205 --> 02:16:24,005
I, I skipped it. I was thinking it was

2843
02:16:24,115 --> 02:16:25,405
encompassed in the fire.

2844
02:16:28,185 --> 02:16:33,165
I dunno if, would you like to make that motion?

2845
02:16:33,165 --> 02:16:34,165
Council Mills?

2846
02:16:35,305 --> 02:16:36,645
I'm getting to it. Page what?

2847
02:16:37,485 --> 02:16:40,325
1730

2848
02:16:40,325 --> 02:16:41,325
Pages into my book.

2849
02:16:41,345 --> 02:16:42,925
I'm on page five, eh? Yep.

2850
02:16:44,885 --> 02:16:47,125
I'll give you a hint. It's 48,300.

2851
02:16:50,105 --> 02:16:53,765
Yep, That's what I said. I moved the figure.

2852
02:16:53,855 --> 02:16:57,885
$48,300 for emergency management.

2853
02:16:58,555 --> 02:17:01,085
I'll second that. Alright. On the motion.

2854
02:17:01,085 --> 02:17:04,805
Council mills? Yes. Council Webb? Yes. Councilor Chase? Yes.

2855
02:17:04,805 --> 02:17:09,005
Councilor Foot? Yes. Councilor Healy. Yes. And chair votes?

2856
02:17:09,065 --> 02:17:12,525
Yes. Motion passes. Six zero. Thank you everybody.

2857
02:17:12,985 --> 02:17:14,685
We did it halfway there.

2858
02:17:16,225 --> 02:17:20,765
So we will meet again on April 16th at 6:00 PM

2859
02:17:20,945 --> 02:17:24,845
to do the executive and finance operations. Yes.

2860
02:17:25,405 --> 02:17:27,605
I just have one comment.

2861
02:17:27,605 --> 02:17:28,805
I wanna follow up to that comment

2862
02:17:28,805 --> 02:17:31,565
that I made on the emergency work system

2863
02:17:31,625 --> 02:17:33,125
for building inspectors.

2864
02:17:33,125 --> 02:17:34,325
And the more I thought about that,

2865
02:17:35,205 --> 02:17:37,485
I think it's probably something that important to consider,

2866
02:17:37,535 --> 02:17:40,005
maybe even as part of this budget, as

2867
02:17:41,035 --> 02:17:45,285
they're out in the field, they're by themselves to be want,

2868
02:17:45,285 --> 02:17:47,445
some of them are women and they're at higher risk.

2869
02:17:48,785 --> 02:17:53,645
And I think there has been a

2870
02:17:53,645 --> 02:17:57,845
history of assaults in other communities with inspectors.

2871
02:17:58,985 --> 02:18:01,525
So I think it would be a prudent idea

2872
02:18:01,545 --> 02:18:03,765
to figure out some way we could protect them, at least

2873
02:18:03,765 --> 02:18:05,845
with an emergency alert system.

2874
02:18:06,385 --> 02:18:08,125
Or if there's better ideas out there,

2875
02:18:09,345 --> 02:18:11,285
be welcome to those as well. Okay.

2876
02:18:11,355 --> 02:18:13,845
That'll be something that I'll touch base with Carrie

2877
02:18:13,865 --> 02:18:15,285
and Tom and see what some

2878
02:18:15,285 --> 02:18:17,045
of those options would be in report back to the council.

2879
02:18:18,775 --> 02:18:21,285
Thank you. Is a time for my favorite motion?

2880
02:18:22,125 --> 02:18:25,205
I believe it is. I move to adjourn.

2881
02:18:25,425 --> 02:18:27,525
Second. All right, I'll, I'll,

2882
02:18:27,585 --> 02:18:28,765
no, it's, we're not all here.

2883
02:18:28,945 --> 02:18:31,685
Yes. On the motion. Councilor Mills? Yes. Councilor Webb?

2884
02:18:31,945 --> 02:18:34,085
Yes. Councilor Chase? Yes. Councilor Foote? Yes.

2885
02:18:34,085 --> 02:18:37,125
Councilor Healy. Yes. And chair votes? Yes.

2886
02:18:37,305 --> 02:18:39,605
We are adjourned. Have a good evening everyone.