MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Cary A. Hughes, Donald R. McGettigan, Sr., Mark H. Whitehill, David B. Tierney, Jr, Joyce A. Fisk, Donald C. Davidson and Selectmen Representative Daniel Donovan III
MEMBERS ABSENT: Daniel Levesque Jr., and Donna Pucciarello
OTHERS PRESENT: Betsy Castro, Carla Walter, Lynne Draper, Spencer Brookes and several High School Students

The AGENDA was amended as follows:
7:30  Conservation Commission
7:45 Minutes of November 14, 2006
7:48 Zoning Board of Adjustment
7:49 Building Inspection
7:51 Parks and Recreation
7:55 Cemeteries
8:05 Contingency Fund
8:08 Hydrant Rental
8:09 Communications
8:15 Animal Control
8:20 Debt Service
8:25 Adjourn

Ch. Hughes called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Chairman Hughes welcomed Betsy Castro as a new member of the Budget Committee.  She will be sworn in to the Committee on December 4, 2006 by the Town Moderator.

1.) Conservation Commission

Lynne Draper and Spencer Brookes appeared before the Committee to discuss their operating budget and Frog Pond.  Spencer noted that the operating budget is exactly the same as the previous year and they are seeking $14,355.  He further explained that $10,000 for contracted services was still in the analysis phase, and therefore had gone back to the general fund.  The Commission needs to have the funds appropriated again.  Dan Donovan stated due to the fact the Commission is encumbered and therefore, come out of the 2006 budget.  Therefore, the funds do not have to be re-appropriated for 2007.  Spencer noted he would revise the operating budget.

Spencer also informed the Committee in 2005 $170,000 was appropriated for the purchase of Frog Pond and repairs to the dam.  However, with the purchase of the property, lawyer fees and purchasing the sign there was still $17,978.00 which the Commission would like to use to restore the dam.  The Commission did not have solid figures for restoration but anticipated $20,000.  He explained that Meridian Engineering has been hired to assure the dam will meet State standards, and they would be dredging the dam and installing an emergency spillway.

Chairman Hughes explained that the Warrant Article does not specifically say that the funds were not lapsing therefore, there is a question as to whether those have passed into the town surplus.  He concluded he would be researching the matter with the Town Auditor see what type of Warrant Article will be needed.

Spencer concluded by reminding the Committee that easements are not free, that maintenance is needed, along with copies of certain reports, which will remain to rise in the future.  He thanked the Committee for their time.  There was no further discussion on the matter.

2.) Minutes of November 14, 2006

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to approve the minutes of November 14, 2006 with the following revision:
• Strike David Tierney from the attendees and place in members absent.
Voting: 6 ayes; motion carried.

There was no further discussion on the matter.

3.) Zoning Board of Adjustment

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to appropriate $4,475 to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Voting:  6 ayes; motion carried.

There was no further discussion on the budget.

4.) Building Inspection Budget

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to appropriate $24,935 to Building Inspection.
Voting:  6 ayes; motion carried.

There was no further discussion on the budget.

5.) Parks & Recreation Department

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to appropriate $8,850 to Parks & Recreation.
Voting:  6 ayes; motion carried.

There was no further discussion on the matter.

6.) Cemetery Budget

The Committee again discussed the need to lime the cemeteries, which is reflected in the $8,000 for supplies.

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to defer voting on the Cemetery Budget at this time.
Voting:  5 ayes; 1 abstention; motion carried.

There was no further discussion on the matter.

7.) Contingency Fund

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to appropriate $5,000 to the Contingency Fund.
Voting:  6 ayes; motion carried.

There was no further discussion on the budget.

8.) Hydrant Rental

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to appropriate $16,200 for hydrant rentals.
Voting:  6 ayes; motion carried.

There was no further discussion on the budget.

9.) Communications Budget

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to appropriate $104,385 for Communications.
Voting:  6 ayes; motion carried.

It was noted the town is under contract with MACC base.  There was no further discussion on the budget.

10.) Animal Control

Chairman Hughes stated the Town has not needed funds for Animal Control for over two years and currently the Police Department for Animal Control.  These funds are utilized for costs of impounding animal.  They have been allocated $2,500 for the last two years.

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to appropriate $1,000 for Animal Control.
Voting:  6 ayes; motion carried.

There was no further discussion on the matter.

11.) Debt Service

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to appropriate $12,500 for Principal of Long Term Bonds/Notes.
Voting:  6 ayes; motion carried.

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to appropriate $19,680 to the Local Share Sewer Principal.
Voting:  6 ayes; motion carried.

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to appropriate $18,000 for Interest to Expense Bonds/Notes.
Voting:  6 ayes; motion carried.

There was no further discussion on the matter.

12.) Adjournment

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to adjourn the meeting.
Voting:  6 ayes; motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Carla J. Walter