Present: Norman John Arrison
Daniel Boyer
Henry "Chip" Cobb
Dave Fuller

Others Present: Larry Melen, Town Manager
Lisa Sargent, Recording Secretary
Jeff Eaton, Budget Committee
Darre Moore, Budget Committee
Michael Todd, Budget Committee
Edith Stillson
Wes Hazeltine, Highway Superintendent
Pat Daniels, Town Manager Search Committee
C. Peter Cole, Town Manager Search Committee
Neil Daniels, Town Manager Search Committee
Frank Brunot, Town Manager Search Committee
Flo-Ann Dango, Town Manager Search Committee

1. Call to Order: Mr. Arrison called the joint meeting of the Weathersfield Select Board and Budget Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. at Martin Memorial Hall.

2. Executive Session - The appointment or employment or evaluation of a public officer or employee: Mr. Boyer made the motion to go into executive session with the Town Manager Search Committee. Mr. Cobb seconded the motion which passed without dissent.

3. Budget Workshop: Mr. Fuller made the motion to appoint Jeff Eaton to the Budget Committee. Mr. Boyer seconded the motion which passed without dissent.
Solid Waste Management Fund: Mr. Melen said he would like the Solid Waste Facility utility fee to be reduced to $35 which equals about $8,000 less a year on the income side. Mr. Fuller asked what other Town's pay. Mr. Melen said Reading pays an assessment of $15,529 and West Windsor pays $55 for each permit sold.
Mr. Hazeltine asked if there was money in the budget for the baler building in the Spring, Mr. Melen said yes.
Mr. Cobb made the motion to approve the Solid Waste Management Fund budget for $233,941 for Fiscal Year 2011. Mr. Boyer seconded the motion which passed without dissent.
There was discussion on trying to keep the budgets level funded. Mr. Todd said we have to recognize the economy and the affect that it has had on everyone. He said with the State's information that has been provided there will be an increase on the school side so we should look for a decrease instead of level funding. Mr. Melen said in order to cut the budget we will have to cut services. He noted we are in a recessionary budget already.
Mr. Cobb said there is $73,000 in for paving Tenney Hill and he feels Tenney Hill may have to remain gravel. Mr. Hazeltine said he took money out of the budget for the top coat already.
Mr. Todd asked how many town maintained roads service just one house and maybe we can give them up to the land owner. Mr. Melen said that would have to go through discontinuance and also probably through court.
Mr. Fuller asked what the impact would be if we kept only six highway employees and increased the overtime for the other employees we have but we wouldn't have the insurance benefits. Mr. Melen said we would loose about 26 hours of work per week. Mr. Arrison said benefits alone would account for about $19,000.
Mr. Hazeltine said he is concerned about being down a man and then having a man get sick - it would be a problem in the winter, mud season and during heavy rain storms. Mr. Hazeltine said there is not any more gravel in Weathersfield and we're talking about having more graveled roads which means we will need the manpower to haul gravel.
Mr. Cobb asked what the impact would be on Tenney Hill if it was left as dirt. Mr. Hazeltine said the road is holding up well as dirt. Mr. Cobb asked what our options were. Mr. Hazeltine said we could shur-pac the whole road. Mr. Cobb asked what that would cost; Mr. Hazeltine said maybe $8,000 plus chloride.
After discussion it was decided that Mr. Melen would run some numbers if we stayed with six employees and also if shur-pac was put on Tenney Hill Road instead of pavement. Mr. Melen said if we took Tenney Hill paving out of the budget then the budget would balance as of now.
Mr. Cobb said if we decide not to pave Tenney Hill we need to stay consistent.

It was noted the Fire Commission is showing at 3.4% increase at this time. This is due to the truck bond and an increase in fuel.

Mr. Melen said the Library will be discussed during the regular meeting on December 17, 2009.

Mr. Eaton asked if the Budget Committee meets only with the Select Board. Mr. Arrison no, they are encouraged to meet separately as well.

It was decided there will be a joint meting on December 22, 2009 and possibly on December 29, 2009 if needed. The next regular Select Board meeting is on the 17th.

4. Adjourn: Mr. Boyer made the motion to adjourn. Mr. Cobb seconded the motion which passed without dissent. The joint meeting of the Select Board and Budget Committee was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,

Lisa Sargent

Approved by the Weathersfield Select Board on December 17, 2009

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Daniel Boyer

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Norman John Arrison

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Henry "Chip" Cobb