MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Cary A. Hughes, Mark H. Whitehill, David B. Tierney, Jr, Joyce A. Fisk, Daniel Donovan III,
MEMBERS ABSENT: Donald R. McGettigan, Sr., Donald C. Davidson, Jr., and Donna Pucciarello
OTHERS PRESENT: Carla Walter, Brent Hautenan, and Steve Elliot

The AGENDA was as follows:

7:30 Salary Management
7:45 Non-Profit Organizations
- Lamprey Health Care Nashua Area Health Center
- Child Advocacy Center
- Bridges Domestic Violence
- American Red Cross
8:15 Adjournment

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

1.)  Salary Management

Chairman Hughes opened the discussion by stating the proposed plan is for all town employees.  They discussed the rating system and the possibility of creating a pool of funds for yearly bonuses for those employees who rank a 4.0 (outstanding) rather than receive a raise.  The Committee agreed that the proposed plan gives the Department Heads a chance to evaluate the employees which can help discover those who are not performing their duties as outlined.  They also agreed it would give incentive to employees to go above and beyond.  Exit interviews were considered valuable and something that should be added to the plan.  The Committee noted this system seems similar to the school’s system including a cost of living percentage (typically 2.5%).  Any merit increase due to performance would be on top of the cost of living.  They Committee also agreed it was not a step plan.

The Committee discussed the interpretation of Section g - Longevity Plan, Decreased in Pay, and Criteria for Evaluating Employees of the proposed Personnel Manual.  It was agreed that the Longevity Program is a one-time payment yearly and not multiplied by the number of years serviced.  (I.e., $250/year for 10-14 years of service).  Chairman Hughes agreed to contact Burton Reynolds for further clarification.

Dan Donovan informed the members he is discussing the Ambulance budget with the Director and the Committee discussed the future of the service, whether or not the towns of Temple and Lyndeborough would still be willing to be part of the department; and what would happen if they were not. They agreed the $20,000 left in the 2007 budget would be used to alleviate the cost that Wilton would incur if these towns chose to go elsewhere.  They recognized the possibility of finding services elsewhere would be difficult.  They also discussed the need of a new ambulance. Currently the department has two - 1997 and 2001 models.  Although the 2001 have had work performed on it, the department is strongly recommending a new one to replace the 1997.

Chairman Hughes asked for this discussion to be placed on the October 9th, 2007 meeting.  He also noted that Maureen Donovan would be present to further discuss the salary management plan.  He also agreed to contact Burton Reynolds for further clarification to the pooling/bonus section of the salary plan, along with the longevity plan and merit system.

The Committee also discussed how a department head could offer a certain percentage for an employee raise before town meeting adopts their requests.  It was determined that employees are aware that town meeting (set in the spring) adopts the final budget for the town, including salaries increases.  Chairman Hughes agreed to get more detail from Burton on this as well.

There was no further discussion on the matter.

2.) Non-Profit Organizations

Chairman Hughes noted that three (3) committee members were absent however there is a quorum.  The following non-profit organizations were discussed.

- Lamprey Health Center – The Committee could not locate any documentation they had funded this center in 2007.  They did note however allocations of $1,500 for 2005 and 2006.  Carla Walter agreed to look into the matter.  There was no further discussion on this matter.
- Child Advocacy Center – Chief Brent Hautenan spoke in favor of the center, noting the accomplishments in the past year.  He further noted the center received a $20,000 grant from Nashua and their desire to seek funding in a variety of organizations.
- A MOTION was made and SECONDED to appropriate $2,000 to the Child Advocacy Center.
Voting:  5 ayes; motion carried.
There was no further discussion on the matter.
- Bridges Domestic Violence – A MOTION was made and SECONDED to appropriate $750 to Bridges Domestic Violence.
Voting:  5 ayes; motion carried.
There was no further discussion on the matter.
- American Red Cross - A MOTION was made and SECONDED to appropriate $1,000 to American Red Cross
Voting:  5 ayes; motion carried.
There was no further discussion on the matter.

3.)  Adjournment

A MOTION was made and SECONDED to adjourn the meeting.
Voting:  5 ayes; motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Carla J. Walter