Town of Dublin
Budget Committee
September 23, 2008
Minutes
Present: Nancy Campbell, Ed Germain, selectmen’s representative, Judy Knapp, Curt Merrick, Ken Woods
Absent: Rich Scheinblum, Leslie Whone
Also Present: Sterling Abram, Joe Cavanaugh, Charlie Champagne, Bill Raymond, Bruce Simpson
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes from the September 16, 2008 meeting were moved, seconded and approved.
Curt Merrick presented the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) updated after meetings with department heads. According to our auditor, a capital item is one costing more than $5,000 and with a durable life of over 3 years. Road projects are also included since they are so costly.
The CIP assists the budget committee, selectmen, planning board and developers in planning for the future. It is a scheduling tool by which major expenditures are organized over a 20 year time frame. Ideally, the CIP should be consulted prior to the start of the budget process.
Assumptions: for purposes of the CIP the following assumptions were used to determine future costs and needs: 1) Population growth will be 1% per year compounded; 2) Housing Units will have a 2.6% annual growth; and 3) that inflation will be around 3% per year.
The narrative (see attached) is organized in the order that C. Merrick and J. Cavanaugh spoke with the department heads and will give us the ability to prioritize projects. The following presents the highlights of the discussion of this document.
General Comment – Capacity and Energy
Energy audits are deemed important to planning: how much will it cost, how much will it save and what is the length of the payback time. In 2008 the town had an energy survey which provided the Board of Selectmen with preliminary data. The survey will provide guidance and insight into whether we need a full-blown energy audit.
Transfer Station and Recycling Center
The addition of the two new balers has improved efficiency and safety at the landfill.
Future Projects:
Replace the oldest baler and replace single phase power (2009). This will be funded through the Recycling Fund.
C. Champagne noted that changing the current 300 watt bulbs with fluorescent bulbs would result in significant savings.
There will be no major equipment purchases until 2026.
Space issues could be addressed by more frequently changing the compactor on a weekly versus biweekly basis. We have a 2 month capacity on recycled items.
Fire
2008 Town meeting approved replacement of oldest fire truck (will be delivered in Spring 2009)
Future Issues and Projects:
Space, for both fire fighting equipment and storage, and insulating the building are the major concerns. The department is hopeful that these projects can be done with donations.
Equipment Replacement:
Tanker 2010
Reel Truck 2011
Rescue Vehicle 2013
Question was raised if the tanker should be on a 25 year replacement cycle rather than 20 year. Also in Highway, should the road grader be on a 30 year replacement rather than 25 year.
K. Wood asked if it might not be time to consider combining with other towns in the purchase of some of this equipment. Selectmen said that towns are looking at the possibility of combining buying power when buying large items. Some departments are reluctant to share equipment but are looking at combining purchases to get advantages of scale.
Not sure if all fire equipment is on the list, e.g., should the brush truck be added to the cycle?
Town Hall
Phase I of the Town Hall renovation is completed
Phase II, fixing the ground floor and replace the boiler will be possible warrant articles in future years.
The most immediate needs are to repair and repaint the exterior and to address the air quality issue in the basement.
Highway
The bridge inspection report will impact both the capital and expense budgets.
Future needs:
After the sidewalks are replaced/repaired under the Route 101 traffic calming initiative, they will not be able to cleared of snow by using the wing plow as is the current practice. In order to clear snow in the future a heavy duty sidewalk plow will be required. Estimated cost is $100,000 if new and $35,000-$40,000 for a used plow.
Review of the CIP will be concluded at the next meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
Next Meeting Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2008
Respectfully submitted,
Judith A. Knapp
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