LITTLETON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
LITTLETON OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM
DECEMBER 27, 2006

Present: Chairman George Hicks, Selectman Burt Ingerson, Selectman Ed Farrell, Interim Town Manager Tony Mincu, Executive Assistant Cheryl Sargent

Chairman George Hicks opened the Selectmen’s Meeting at 6:05 pm.

Carol Cullen advised the Board that they will need to decide whether they want to put an article on the warrant this year at Town Meeting regarding a lot line adjustment for property on the St. Johnsbury Road involving land being used for the Water & Light Substation and land previously owned by James Powers. Littleton Water & Light is in favor of placing this article on the warrant.

Selectman Farrell moved to add this article on the warrant for Town Meeting. The motion was seconded by Selectman Ingerson and carried 3-0.

Carol also asked the Selectmen if they intend to place an article on the warrant as requested by the Conservation committee to make a 10 acre green area for public recreation on property located on Pine Hill. The Conservation Committee is willing to do a petition to get this on the warrant. The Selectmen agreed that a petition would not be necessary.

Selectman Farrell moved to place an article on the warrant for this year’s Town Meeting. The motion was seconded by Selectman Ingerson and carried 3-0.

CITIZENS CONCERNS

Brien Ward asked Tony if any progress is being made on the Town health insurance.

Tony stated that the Town has chosen to go with a straight insurance policy through LGC rather than renew the self-funded insurance through Atlantic Administrator. Tony added that the self-funded program has been under funded from the start and after several bad years for claims and an exceptionally bad claims year this year, the Town was faced with over $120,000 in costs overruns. He added that due to the small pool of 39 employees and the older age group, the self-funded program is a big risk. The straight insurance plan offered by LGC will be as good as the present policy and will consist of very few changes. The change to the straight policy will save the Town approximately $100,000.

Brien Ward thanked the Selectmen and Town Manager for electing to go with the straight insurance from the LGC rather than continue with the self funded insurance. He advised the Selectmen to stay away from this type of insurance, as there have been problems with other businesses that have gone with the self-funded plan.

Brien added that he was aware that Tony had declined a request for a loan from a non-profit agency and commended him for doing so. He asked that the Board consider establishing a schedule for payment for agencies that ask for money at Town Meeting so they may be aware of when they can expect the funds.

He noted he had watched the Channel 2 tour of the Treatment Plant and appreciated seeing this on Channel 2. He asked where the money was coming from to purchase the centrifuge equipment. He was advised that the money comes out of the sewer fund.
Eddy Moore stated the Selectmen have the power to spend this money on such equipment. Eddy urged the Selectmen to let the public know how this equipment is being obtained and used.

Brien Ward asked the Selectmen to consider raising the elderly exemption for seniors. He added that the reassessment in some instances reduce the rate of the exemption that the elderly may begetting and that we are slowly pricing them out of their homes. He stated that this group of taxpayers is desirable property owners because they do not have kids in the school systems.

Jere Eames and Brien Ward both advised the Selectmen to level fund this year’s budget. They both emphasized that this is not the year to be asking for anything extra. They were both dismayed to hear of the proposed increase to the fire budget. Mr. Eames stated that the Selectmen will have a revolt on their hands because they cannot afford any more.

Brien Ward stated that he feels the lack of a second person on the night shift at the fire department is due to a scheduling problem within the department. He noted that the additional position which was asked for at last years town meeting has been filled but that the person hired for that position is working days not nights.

Mr. Eames stated he will not support the warrant article for a stand-alone police facility on West Main but would be 100% in support renovating the Opera House.

The settlement for Cam Brown was also discussed and Tony noted that the auditors have recommended that this be paid in 2006 rather than carried over into 2007. Mr. Eames questioned where this money was found in a budget, which was so tight.

Art Tighe asked for an update on the search for a Police Chief and Town Manager. He asked if it would be feasible to have the State Police come in and manage the Police Department rather than taking Paul Smith off the street to act as Acting Chief. Tony stated this could be checked into but that the state police would not act for free and that Sgt. Smith has been acting more or less as Deputy chief since he returned to the Department. Also, he had a very active role in the Police Department budget process this year.

Art Tighe and Brien Ward both expressed frustration with the slow process and lack of progress on the Main Street reconstruction project. They urged the Selectmen to do what they could to hurry action on this program. Mr. Ward stated that the town has wasted time and money on this project and that it may be time to let the State take the project over.

The school warrant article regarding the Eaton property was discussed briefly. There is a question as to why the school is asking for 40+ acres. Also it would be advisable to have wording in the warrant article that if the school was not built by a certain time, the property would revert back to the Town.

Tony Mincu told those present that the ambulance contract with Ross has been executed as of today.

Selectmen Farrell handed out copies of correspondence from Ed Hennessy and Don Jutton to him in which they advise the Town not to go forward with the Tri-Town project as the cost of the project as seriously escalated and would not be feasible any longer for Littleton to pursue.

Selectman Farrell moved to approve the minutes from December 13th as amended. The motion was seconded by Selectman Ingerson and carried 3-0.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Sargent
Executive Assistant

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Chairman George O. Hicks

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Selectman Burton E. Ingerson

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Selectman Edward Farrell