NOTES OF NOVEMBER 13, 2017 RYE BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

Final Revision B – Provided by the Rye Civic League

 

            Present (clockwise around table): Town Administrator Michael Magnant, Selectmen Craig Musselman, Priscilla Jenness and Phil Winslow, Finance Director Cyndi Gillespie.  Also present and sitting in the audience or the lobby outside:  Police Chief Kevin Walsh, Fire Chief Mark Cotreau, Public Works Director Dennis McCarthy, Recreation Director Lee Arthur, Library Director Andy Richmond, Town Clerk Donna Decotis.

            Persons present from the public included:  Karen Allen, Victor Azzi, Steven Borne, Mae Bradshaw, Peter Crawford, Bill Epperson, Jaci Grote, Sally King, Brian Klinger, Gregg Mikolaities, Karen Oliver, Ned Paul.

 

Editor’s note:  For ease in finding particular sections using the archived video and audio on the Town website, the elapsed time is indicated.  Use the slider and the elapsed time indicated at the bottom of the video window to fast forward to the desired section.  Videos on the Town website may currently be accessed at www.town.rye.nh.us by clicking on “Town Hall Streaming” at the bottom left of the screen.  Follow the link for “Town Hall Live Streaming,” then find the meeting by date under “Previous.”

1.      The Wentworth-by-the-Sea Country Club has blocked reinstallation of the “Sanders Poynt, 1623” sign and DOT has refused to allow it to be installed in the State right-of-way.  The Town Administrator will appeal to the DOT Commissioner.

2.      The CIP Committee presented its plan for $2.752 million in projects in 2018, however some project costs include only the initial principal and interest payments.  The true capital cost for just eight major projects totals over $5.8 million in 2018.

3.      An engineering contract was awarded for the Shoals View Dr. paving.  The estimated cost is now $250,000.  The project will proceed in either 2018 or 2019.

4.      Beach parking sticker prices are being raised from $20 to $25. 

5.      The Selectmen rejected, for now, the hiring of a “Jack-of-all-trades” by Public Works at a cost, with benefits, of approximately $72,000 annually.

6.      The Library budget was tabled after a contentious discussion with the Library Trustees.  Selectman Musselman incorrectly characterized recent wage studies to argue that the Library, but not the Town, employees are overpaid.  Selectman Musselman also attempted to reduce the Library budget after the Library Trustees had left the meeting.

7.      The 2018 Conservation budget of $90,000 was approved notwithstanding only approximately $8000 of the 2017 budget having been spent through September.  A flurry of last-minute spending will use up most of the 2017 budget.

The video starts at 6:42:10 p.m. (0:00 elapsed).

 

Summary

 

8.      Despite the overwhelming rejection of a town-wide vehicle by voters in 2010, the acquisition of such a vehicle as part of 2018 operating budget was approved.  It will be used for the transportation of injured seagulls, among other things.

9.      Permission to display, at the Town Hall, information related to an upcoming petitioned warrant article to demolish and rebuild the building will not be given.  The proponent will need to obtain his own legal advice to make his warrant article conform with legal requirements for bond issues.

 

Announcements (0:46 elapsed)

 

            Selectman Musselman read a letter of commendation regarding a recent drill involving the evacuation of 260 Rye Elementary School children.  New Hampshire Homeland Security gave the exercise high marks, he said.

 

Public comment on Sanders Poynt sign (3:58 elapsed)

 

            Peter Crawford spoke about the sign that had been at Sanders Poynt.  He passed out a copy of a newspaper article that Bob Jesurum had sent him.  He said that, from what he had heard, the Police Chief had done a great job of retrieving the sign that says “Sanders Poynt, 1623,” in a manner reminiscent of the recovery of Tom Brady’s jersey.  He determined the sign had been taken and that the Chief secured its return.  It is now sitting in his office or the Town Administrator’s office, he said. 

            Mr. Crawford said that apparently there is a problem getting the sign re-erected.  He said that he does not understand how there can be a legal barrier.  The site plan that the judge approved included the sign.  To say that the judge did not order it does not make sense to me, he said.  In addition, when the building permit was issued for the split rail fence, in 2012 or thereabouts, it included the condition that the historic monument remain.  If there is a serious legal barrier, perhaps the Town could talk to the State and have the sign placed in the right-of-way or the intertidal zone.  Ninety-nine percent of the people in town are very glad that we got this access back and most of them would like to see the sign there, given the historical significance of the location, he said.  He asked the Selectmen to do what they could.

            Editor’s note:  Click here to see further discussion of this issue later in the meeting.

 

Public comment on priority of capital projects (6:22 elapsed)

 

            Steven Borne noted that the Capital Improvement Plan was on the agenda.  He said that he had watched AG Architects propose what they wanted to do and the Selectmen propose a second large building for Town Hall.  The Selectmen told us that we should buy the property next to the Police Station.  If it goes forward, I assume that the Selectmen are going to tell us we should buy the TD Bank building.  We just keep going on and on, he said. 

            I am going to put together a petitioned warrant article, Mr. Borne said.  I would have no problem doing it with the Selectmen.  The gist is going to be the same thing that I’ve been talking about for years, which is that we use listening groups and study circles to get input from town residents in terms of the priorities, whether it be a new water plant, expanding the Library, utilizing more space at the Safety Building, or building more space for Rye Recreation.  We have a lot of information regarding the needs, and we can get the priorities from the residents.  What can we afford?  Based on that, we should come up with a plan.  I will work with the Selectmen to do that, or put a petitioned warrant article on the ballot for March.  I really don’t want to see us bumbling along any further without a good, solid, priority list from the people, along with what we can afford, he said. 

 

Motion to seal the minutes of the non-public session (8:43 elapsed)

 

            The motion of Selectman Jenness to seal the minutes of the non-public session just concluded carried unanimously.

 

Consent Agenda (8:54 elapsed)

 

            A new item, J, the Chowder Club Huffin’ and Stuffin’ event on November 23 was noted.  At the request of Selectman Jenness, items H and I were removed.

            All were in favor of approving the other items on the Consent Agenda. 

            With regard to items H and I, Katherine Brown introduced herself as a potential alternate on the Historic District Commission, and Anne Arnold introduced herself as a potential alternate on the Heritage Commission. 

            All were in favor of approving the appointment of these two persons.

 

Capital Improvement Plan public hearing (15:32 elapsed)

 

            Chairman Mae Bradshaw of the Capital Improvement Plan Committee addressed.  She said that the purpose of the plan is to classify projects according to their urgency.  She said that she wanted to call attention to the Hampton Waste Water Treatment plant items as that contract is up for renewal in about a year.  The Committee also felt strongly that the bathrooms proposed for the Recreation area are needed.  They feel, however, that the quint can be postponed.  Editor’s note:  A “quint” if a fire truck that performs five different functions, including those of both a ladder and a pumper truck.  There is a total of $2.752 million in capital projects in the 2018 plan.  They are very excited about the TD Bank availability and ranked that high.  More analysis of the numbers will be done once the tax rate has been set, she said.

            Ms. Bradshaw introduced the other members of the committee who were present:  Jeanne Moynahan, Bill Epperson and Ned Paul. 

 

(29:40 elapsed)

            Steven Borne said that he was pretty sure that he heard Town Administrator Magnant explain that the Outer Marker site could be used for a different purpose if another property of equal value is purchased and turned into a park.  If we’re thinking about cell phones, American Tower and Crown Castle, the two companies that install all of the wireless towers across the country can tell us whether that would be an appropriate site.  You don’t go to the operators, you go to the companies that put up the towers and lease the space back to the operators, he said.  Editor’s note:  See the notes of the September 25, 2017 meeting, at which the issue of improving cell phone service in Rye was discussed, along with the retention of a consultant to look at possible cell tower sites.

            Peter Crawford said that as usual, the Committee had done a lot of work and that it is a good job.  He said that they had been a little bit hampered in terms of cooperation from some of the departments this year.  It has been known that the Salt Shed would be $700,000 for about a month.  It has been known for a couple of months that the Shoals View Drive paving would not be done this year, and was going to end up costing twice as much as planned, but I don’t see a project sheet for that, although I believe that the Selectmen are planning to do that next year, he said.  Editor’s note:  Click here to see further discussion on this during the meeting.  Only the engineering on this project will occur in 2018.  However, towards the end of the meeting, there was discussion of including the paving cost in a “catch all” bond issue.  Click here.  From the all-day budget meeting, I know that the quint was not going to proceed in 2018, Mr. Crawford said.  I made my own adjustments to the numbers.  For some items that are going to be bonded, the CIP Committee counts only the interest and principal payments.  For other items that are going to be bonded, they do not do that.  I like to look at the total capital cost of all of the projects.  I come up with a total of about $5.8 million, which is an extraordinary amount of money in one year.  The way it breaks down is:

 

                        $3,000,000                  Conservation bond

                        $   700,000                  Salt shed

                        $   250,000                  Second Red Mill Ln. culvert

                        $   250,000                  Shoals View Dr. paving

                        $   625,000                  TD Bank acquisition

                        $   985,000                  Three Water District Projects

                        $5,810,000                  Total

 

            We’re going to find out in a week or two what is going to happen with the tax rate.  It is likely to be down, but tax bills will be up because the average assessment is going up 14 percent or so.  We’re going to see a pretty big increase in people’s tax bills.  I don’t want to prejudge any of these as I sit on the Budget Committee and would like to hear the pros and cons of each, Mr. Crawford said.

            The Selectmen should go through a prioritization process because this much may be too much to handle, even if it is bonded.  Everyone realizes that it would still need to be paid, and with interest in addition.  A closer look needs to be taken, he said.

            At the all-day budget meeting a plan was mentioned that three projects that might independently be bonded might be rolled into one warrant article:  the salt shed, the Red Mill Ln. culvert and the Shoals View Dr. paving, Mr. Crawford said.  The best thing to do would be to allow the voters to vote independently on these.  There is not much connection between them.  Why make it all or nothing?  They might just vote the whole thing down, even though they might be willing to vote for some of them, he said.

            Referring to the expendable trust page, Mr. Crawford said that there was a revelation that there is money in a second ambulance fund.  That is not listed.  There is a cell tower fund as well, he said.  Editor’s note:  Pursuant to a warrant article passed a number of years ago, all revenues associated with a cell phone tower on town-owned conservation land accumulates year by year, but can only be spent on a new ambulance.

            Town Finance Director Cyndi Gillespie said that there was about $107,000 in the cell tower fund.   

            There is additional money for the fire truck, Mr. Crawford said.  He added that one of the complaints that came up when the second ambulance was being considered was that expenditures seem to be scheduled once sufficient funds have been accumulated, rather than based on need.  He suggested that the three funds be combined into a single Fire and Ambulance Fund, which would provide flexibility, he said. 

            Selectman Musselman agreed that that was a good idea.

            Dennis McCarthy took exception to the comment that some of the department heads had not been cooperative.  The higher cost of the salt shed was only discovered in the past thirty days.  We provide information to the CIP Committee at every opportunity and try to keep it updated as best we can, he said.

            Ms. Bradshaw said that they had received “wonderful” cooperation.

            Selectman Musselman said that the tax rate was being set late this year due to an issue with the valuation of utilities, that we are now beyond, and questions on each of the districts.  These issues are in process.  We are all waiting with baited breath as people need to know what their tax bills are going to be following the revaluation.  We are waiting for DRA, he said.

            Steven Borne questioned why the updating of the Land Development Regulations is considered a capital expense.  I would think it would be an operating expense, he said.  The same would apply to the statistical update, he said.  A lot more money should be put toward planning, he added.

            Ms. Gillespie explained that these two items were considered capital as they are over the $15,000 limit. 

            Bill Epperson said that he is also Chairman of the Planning Board.  He said that it had become apparent over the last four or five years that the Planning Board was a little “behind the eight ball” in terms of planning.  The Rockingham Planning Commission had volunteered to look at all of their regulations and procedures, and that they had recommended the updating of the Land Development Regulations.  They recommended this $23,000 expenditure.  The current regulations are 1980s era. 

            Selectman Musselman closed the public hearing at 7:25 p.m.

 

Minutes (40:25 elapsed)

 

            The minutes of the October 23, 2017 meeting were unanimously approved with changes.

 

Seacoast Drinking Water Commission (42:05 elapsed)

 

            Art Ditto provided an update.  He also said that Rye cannot just tie into Portsmouth Water long-term as Portsmouth water is chlorinated.  If we put our water into the Portsmouth system, the iron and manganese would precipitate out, he said. 

 

Shoals View Drive design contract (47:05 elapsed)

 

            Public Works Director Dennis McCarthy addressed.  Only two design firms had put in bids.  We spoke to Altus Engineering about reducing the amount of ledge that would need to be removed.  We recommend that they be awarded the contract, he said. 

            Selectman Musselman said that he had known Eric Weinrieb, their President, for more than 30 years.  It is a good firm.  They have done a fair amount of work in Rye on subdivisions.  There is no conflict of any sort due to that, he said.

            Selectman Jenness asked about carry-forward of the funds.  Mr. McCarthy said that it would only be in the amount of the engineering contract.  Some of the funds would be spent this year, but this contract would be encumbered so that it could be carried over.  The amount is $18,300, he said.

            Selectman Musselman said that that is the portion of the $125,000 that would be carried forward.  He said that there would not be anything ready for the 2018 Town Meeting; that it would have to be in 2019.

            The motion to approve the award of the contract carried unanimously.

 

Harbor Rd. bridge superstructure design contract (50:48 elapsed)

 

            Public Works Director Dennis McCarthy explained that the Board had decided to proceed with Option One, which is repair of the bridge deck to get it to hold up longer.  A letter was sent to the State to get on the bridge repair list.  Nothing has been heard yet, but nothing happens quickly with DOT when bridges are involved, he said.  The construction estimate is $75,000, but prices are rising, he said.

            The contract sum is for $34,727 of which $25,000 had been approved last year, so there is a $9,727 deficiency.  That could be taken from unexpended appropriations within Public Works or the Town, or some of the Highway Block Grant funds.  I would recommend that this be awarded as the Selectmen want to proceed as quickly as possible.  The $75,000 was the estimate for the deck repair cost, but I anticipate that it would be more, he said. 

            Selectman Musselman asked whether the $75,000 would be part of the bond issue.  Mr. McCarthy confirmed that that had been the discussion. 

            Selectman Musselman made a motion to authorize award of the contract.  Selectman Musselman seconded.

            Selectman Musselman commented that the “group” on Harbor Rd. had listened to all of the alternatives and did not insist on an immediate replacement of the bridge.  They were entirely reasonable, he said.  Editor’s note:  Selectman Winslow as well as Mae Bradshaw, who is Chairman of the CIP Committee and a member of the Budget Committee, live on the far side of the Harbor Rd. bridge.

            Mr. McCarthy said that they get occasional calls about the weight limit and work arounds have been found, such as the use of two trucks rather than one.  Editor’s note:  After Hoyle Tanner looked at the bridge, it was discovered that the weight limit needed to be reduced.  See the notes of the May 10, 2017, May 22, 2017, June 12, 2017 and August 28, 2017 meetings.  Because state grants might be available in a future year, the decision was made to delay improvements to the bridge that would increase its load-handling capacity with the expectation that the town’s grant request would bubble to the top of the list.  The repair of the bridge deck being discussed is an interim step that would not increase the capacity.

            The motion carried.  Selectman Winslow appeared to recuse himself. 

 

Building and Grounds foreman job description (55:33 elapsed)

 

            It was decided that this issue would be deferred until later in the meeting when the budget is discussed.  Click here.

 

Beach sticker price increase (56:57 elapsed)

 

            Town Clerk Donna Decotis noted a proposal to increase the cost of beach stickers from $20 to $25.  She explained how the new stickers would have holograms to prevent them from being copied.  The stickers cost a little more with the hologram.  The beach sticker price has not been raised in ten years.  She estimated that 2700-2900 stickers are sold annually.  She just got the bill for the new stickers, with holograms, which is about $1086 for 3000 stickers. 

            Selectman Winslow noted a cost of about $.33 each.   

            Selectman Musselman noted increases in beach cleaning and environmental monitoring costs. 

            Selectman Jenness asked what the maximum number of stickers that could be requested would be if every household had one.

            Ms. Decotis noted the issuance of multiple stickers per household.

            Selectman Musselman asked whether the stickers were issued for vehicles registered in Rye. 

            Ms. Decotis confirmed, but added that a lot of properties are held in trust.  There may be five or six children on the deed that are actually homeowners.  Each of them may have a number of children that drive.  You could sell twenty beach stickers for one property, she said.

            Selectman Musselman asked how they know that out-of-town residents aren’t getting Rye beach stickers. 

            Ms. Decotis said that they check everything.  Those purchasing beach stickers have to bring their registrations in for each sticker.  If they are in Massachusetts we check to see if they are the homeowner.  If we are still not sure, we call upstairs to Joanne to see if they are on the deed.  We check everything each year, she said.

            Selectman Winslow said that a lot of people buy beach stickers for status, but don’t use them.  He asked whether there were complaints from people who can’t find parking spaces. 

            Police Chief Kevin Walsh said that they are rare, and usually at 1:30 on Sundays.  We get maybe two a year, he said. 

            Selectman Musselman said that surveys have shown that there are problems for the general public in obtaining parking spaces, but the resident parking spaces usually have availability.

            A motion to authorize the increase was made.  Selectman Winslow said that he wouldn’t be for it if there were not enough spaces available, but since there are, he seconded the motion.  All were in favor. 

            Ms. Decotis noted that extra stickers were ordered as, when people buy new cars, they are able to bring the old sticker in and obtain a replacement for free. 

 

Town Clerk/Tax Collector budget work session (65:20 elapsed)

 

            The elections budget, 4140-03, $23,295, was unanimously approved.  Ms. Decotis noted that she had reduced the budget for coding as not all of the budget had been used in the past.  She noted that there would be three elections in 2018, compared to one in 2017.  The only time that the town pays for the ballots is for the Town election, she said. 

            The Town Clerk/registrations budget was unanimously approved for $7400.

            The office supplies line item in the Tax Collector budget was reduced from $4000 to $3500 after Selectman Musselman questioned it.  That brought the total budget to $231,653, as a compromise with Ms. Decotis, who resisted a reduction to $3000.

            Selectman Winslow noted a $5000 reduction in health insurance.

            The budget was further reduced to $227,653 with the agreement of Ms. Decotis after the figure for postage was questioned by Selectman Musselman.  Ms. Decotis said that she did not know how many absentee ballots would need to be sent out. 

            All were in favor of the revised $227,653 budget.

 

Public Works Jack-of-all-Trades (72:14 elapsed)

 

            Public Works Director Dennis McCarthy addressed the proposed new hire that would do various jobs, including for the Police Chief, the Fire Chief and the Town Administrator.  It would be a Public Works position, so the person would do plowing and fill in at the Transfer Center as well, he said. 

            Selectman Winslow asked whether the “church” was plowed.  Editor’s note:  This is an apparent reference to the Rye Congregational Church next to Town Hall.  The front parking lot of that is owned by the Town.  Mr. McCarthy confirmed, noting that it is town property.  He acknowledged that no compensation was received for that plowing. 

            Selectman Musselman asked why that was done.  Mr. McCarthy said that there is a very old agreement that predates his arrival. 

            Selectman Jenness noted that it is the old parade ground, up to the church steps, and is Town property.  Mr. McCarthy said that they had also paved the lot, but added that they do not plow in the back. 

            Selectman Jenness asked where someone who is both computer literate and could drive a plow truck would be found. 

            Mr. McCarthy said that younger people have computer skills.  There is also very good training available for Public Works people.  The new guys have participated, which is why they are over budget on that line item this year. 

            Selectman Musselman asked which items on the list didn’t get done this year.  Mr. McCarthy responded that typically everything gets done, but it may not be done in a timely fashion. 

            In response to a question from Selectman Musselman, Mr. McCarthy said that half of the time of the new position would be freeing up Public Works workers, and half that of the department heads. 

            Police Chief Kevin Walsh described the various miscellaneous tasks that he does, typically taking 1-5 hours on Friday.

            Selectman Jenness noted Town Administrator Magnant’s responsibilities for insect and vermin control. 

            Lee Arthur noted the assistance that she needs in shoveling and plowing at the Recreation Area. 

            Selectman Jenness noted that the job description refers to “foreman.”

            Mr. McCarthy acknowledged that the person would be supervising only his area of responsibility.

            Selectman Winslow asked for the number of hours weekly at which an employee would be considered part-time. 

            Town Administrator Magnant responded that it was 32 or 33 hours.

            Mr. McCarthy expressed concern over the caliber of employee that could be obtained for a part-time position. 

            Selectman Musselman expressed concern that the creation of this new position would add $60,000 a year to the budget forever.

            Mr. McCarthy noted the added responsibilities for Public Works since he arrived.

            There was discussion about making this issue a warrant article.

            Selectman Musselman said that he liked the idea of hiring a person who is more a laborer for 30 hours per week. 

            Mr. McCarthy said that the person must have a CDL and be able to plow. 

            Town Finance Director Cyndi Gillespie said that she estimated the total cost, with retirement, medical, dental and other fringes, would be $71,927 annually.

            Selectman Musselman said that a part-time employee for 30 hours per week would be about half of that cost.

            Selectman Winslow noted the 24 responsibilities listed for the job. 

            Mr. McCarthy said that two part-timers got their CDLs while working for the Department.  Nobody passes the first time.  It takes 3-6 months.  They won’t be retained once they get their CDLs as everyone wants CDL drivers.  Employees get the training as they want to go to full-time, he said.  Editor’s note:  CDL refers to Commercial Drivers License.

            Mr. McCarthy said that this is the third year that he is asking for this position.  They are losing the more senior employees and nobody is being trained.  He wouldn’t hire someone part-time if that is all that is authorized.  He would resubmit the request next year.  He said that employees will be lost over the next few years.  One will be 66 in a month, another is 62.  There is one with health issues.

            Selectman Winslow said that wages and benefits are the highest cost that we have.  He suggested that Mr. McCarthy look for skills that they do not have now in the department, such as electrical and database skills.

            Selectman Musselman suggested bumping the custodian’s hours from 25 to 32 a week. 

            Mr. McCarthy said that the custodian does not want to increase his hours, but would do so if asked.

            Selectman Musselman said that he does not see adding $72,000 annually.  It is an odd list of responsibilities.  A private plower and “building de-icer” could be contracted, he said.

            Recreation Director Lee Arthur noted her needs for bathroom work and trash pickup. 

            Selectman Musselman said that they represented the taxpayers and have to justify every penny. 

 

(52:51 elapsed)

            Selectman Winslow asked what additional work would get done if this person is hired, and what work would be done better. 

            Mr. McCarthy said that most of the work would be done better.  The air filters need to be changed quarterly, but are only changed twice a year, he said. 

            Selectman Musselman moved approval of the Town Custodian’s budget at $24,210, with the issue to be revisited if there is a more clear rationale.  He referred to the resistance to adding a third person at 40 hours per week in the Town Clerk’s office.

            Selectman Jenness said that she would like to see the tasks regrouped and seconded the motion.

            Selectman Musselman said that a part-time employee could be looked at next year.

            Mr. McCarthy noted a number of communities that have a buildings and grounds person.

            Selectman Musselman said that these are all larger communities. 

            Selectman Winslow said that he was reluctant to approve an $80,000 position that would last forever.  It would be a lot easier if it could be shown where the savings are. 

            Selectman Musselman said that it could be revisited in another month if part-time work or contracting is desired. 

            All were in favor of approving the budget of $24,210.

 

Library budget (122:46 elapsed)

 

            Selectman Musselman said that this had been tabled for a labor study and explanation of wages, which you have submitted and is in our package, she said.  He asked whether the Library had received the Town’s study.  The response was no.  He said that it could be provided.

            Selectman Musselman said that the Town’s salaries were between 89% and 110%.  We were amazed, he said.  The 89 percent ones were a number of people who had just started and were earlier in their careers, he asserted.

            Library Director Andy Richmond referred to a spreadsheet and said that the Library had made two part-time hires.  One position was escalated to replace the lost office.  Editor’s note:  This is an apparent reference to the position held by Patricia Quinn, who passed away on November 17, 2016.  Two small adjustments were also worked in, Mr. Richmond said.  Every other change is due to an increase in hours to adequately cover service to the public.  We were also left to account for .5 percent of COLA for 39 weeks.  He explained that 2 percent had been budgeted, but COLA came in at 2.5 percent.  Non-union departments were left to absorb that.  That needs to be taken into account for next year, he said.  Editor’s note:  COLA stands for cost of living adjustment.  It is typically based on the inflation rate.  Apparently, the COLA came in .5 percent above what had been budgeted for 2017, and the Library was forced to absorb the higher than anticipated increase within its budget.  Pay increases become effective only after the budget is passed at March town meeting, as, if not passed, the prior year’s budget would apply unless there is a contractual commitment otherwise.  That would be the case with union, but not non-union, positions.  All of the Library employees are non-union. 

            Mr. Richmond explained that the Thornton report indicates that 75 percent of their positions are where they want them to be, but the lowest level positions are under market.  Editor’s note:  Thornton & Associates did wage and compensation studies of Rye and similar towns for both the Town and the Library in September-November 2017.  We are pushing to correct that, Mr. Richmond said.  Incorporating that and the 2 percent COLA, which is the current working number, we exceed the $52,000 by about $1000.  We have reorganized internally and have saved the benefits and other costs of not replacing the full-time employee.  We have brought new skills to existing staff.  The other recommendation from the study was to effect a performance based system for salary increases.  The model that we have worked with is 3 percent, he said.

            Selectman Musselman asked whether that amounted to a 5 percent annual increase.

            Mr. Richmond said that it would be with COLA, but that would occur anyway.  The 3 percent mimics the overall progression in the town steps.  The town step increases at three and seven years work out to 3 percent annually.  The structure of the system is not fully laid out, he said.  Editor’s note:  The RCL understands that the step increases for town employees at three and seven years are each approximately 10 percent, amounting to 20 percent over seven years.  That is about three percent a year. 

            Selectman Musselman said that, six or seven years ago, he had done an analysis and the Interim Library Director admitted that the Library’s salaries were high relative to the number of visits.  He agreed to make adjustments through attrition.  The promise was that the budget would be kept level for three years.  However, the number of hours is back up again.  The results of your salary survey are not like those of the town, Selectman Musselman said.  You have a couple of people that are below the median, and some who are well above the median.  You are budgeting 2 percent COLA and 3 percent merit on those salaries, he said.  He asked whether that was where we ended up with, with your plan to do this by attrition. 

            Karen Oliver said that the overall plan had not been finalized.  A full-time position was replaced with a part-time position.  We cannot cover the open hours of the Library without these hours, she said. 

            Selectman Musselman said that the Library is different and the Selectmen have purview only over the bottom line.  The Selectmen have been hacking away at the budget for 250 years.  We are known as cheap, he asserted.  I don’t think that the Library Trustees are going through the same process that we are.  I don’t believe it.  I’ve heard this discussion over and over again.  I think you’re representing the Library, not the taxpayers.  I don’t hear it.  Sorry.  I don’t believe it, he said.

            Selectman Winslow noted the $26,000 reduction in health insurance.  If that is added back in, there would be a 2 percent increase over last year’s budget.  That would include replacing Tricia Quinn with two part-time employees, which we would assume would be less costly than her salary.  I can’t find her savings, he said.

            Brian Klinger, member of the Library Board of Trustees said that it is true that the Board of Selectmen had been hacking away at budgets.  He said that he thought the Board of Selectmen would be pleased with a department that came in with a budget that was $12,000, or almost two percent, less than the prior year’s budget. 

            Selectman Musselman did not respond, but asked for other comments.

            Selectman Jenness said that quite a while ago there was concern that the Library was not keeping up.  However, the 5 percent increase budget proposed with COLA and merit increases is above the rest of the Town that gets 2 percent COLA. 

            Mr. Richmond said that, with the step program, Town employees would potentially get 10 percent plus COLA.

            Selectman Musselman said that, if the Library had new employees, there would be a different discussion.  That argument doesn’t even wash when employees have been there for 15 years, he said. 

            Mr. Richmond said that there is a seven year cap on the Town’s step increase program, that needs to be reflected, but we don’t have those parameters.  The three percent was a starting point, he said.

            Library Trustee Karen Oliver said that they do not have an overall compensation policy right now.  It would not be an across the board step.  We have taken the Thornton recommendations as to parity, she said.

 

(64:43 elapsed)

            Most of these positions now are well above the 50th percentile for a list of communities and many of those are substantially larger than Rye, Selectman Musselman said.  Most of them are substantially above the 50th percentile.  Many of them are substantially above the 75th percentile.  And, you’re coming in with a budget to give them five percent increases, he said.  I don’t understand.  You’re going through a different process than we go through in managing the affairs of the Town, he said. 

            Editor’s note:  An RCL analysis based on the Thornton and Associates compensation studies done for the Town and Library indicates otherwise.  That analysis indicates that 13 of 18 town positions and 5 of 9 Library positions are above the 50th percentile relative to other towns (the newly filled Fire Chief and Assistant Building Inspector positions are excluded as there is an absence of valid data in the study for those two positions).  The RCL analysis indicates that 8 of 18 Town positions and 5 of 9 Library positions are above the 75th percentile relative to other Towns.  These data do not indicate that the Library is overpaying its employees (relative to other towns) any more than the Town is. 

            Library Trustee Karen Oliver said that when Library employees get just the COLA and Town employees get the COLA and the step increases, they end up at very different places. 

            We don’t have a single employee in this community that is above the 75th percentile for parity with other communities, Selectman Musselman said.  Not one, except in the Library, he said.  Editor’s note:  In fact, 8 of 18 Town positions are above the 75th percentile.  You have a good salary survey here, Selectman Musselman said.  If what you’re doing is representing the taxpayers, this is eye opening.  You represent the taxpayers.  He raised his voice and said “how can you justify salaries that are above the 75th percentile for larger peers, and coming in with a five percent increase per year.”

            Karen Oliver said that it is not per year, but for this year. 

            Selectman Musselman asked what the rationale was for that.

            Karen Oliver pointed to the salary study.  She said that she did not want to get into a shouting match.  She offered to go back and look at the data.  She noted that he made a good point about the Selectmen not having line-by-line authority. 

            Selectman Musselman agreed, saying they only have bottom line authority.  He then moved to table.  We got this only recently, as you did, and we’d like to digest it, he said.  He apologized for shouting.  He said that it goes back a long time and we’ve had a lot of odd discussions.

            Selectman Jenness said that she would like to see the three percent delayed until a process is in place. 

            Karen Oliver said that they are looking at parity and performance as two different things.

            Selectman Musselman said that they are too.  We have a survey that shows that we are in pretty good shape.  You have a survey that shows you’re way high.  Editor’s note:  This is not substantiated by the data.  See the notes above.    

            Selectman Jenness seconded the motion to table.

            Selectman Winslow asked what the purpose of the 3 percent increase is.  He said that, in the private sector, the review itself is the impetus to improve.  Adding money may not get the results that you want, he said. 

            Karen Oliver said that they received the Thornton report that morning. 

            It was pointed out that the Library has two warrant articles to be addressed. 

            Selectman Musselman noted that the first was to add $5000 to the Library maintenance expendable trust fund.  Selectman Winslow moved to approve the warrant article to add this.  Selectman Musselman seconded.  All were in favor.

            The second was to add $10,000 to the Library accumulated leave fund. 

            Town Finance Director Cyndi Gillespie said that this is a new fund.  After Trish passed away, the Library had to pay the accumulated vacation to her estate, she said. 

            Mr. Richmond estimated the liability at around $60,000 and said that they are aiming to have half of that in the fund. 

            The motion to approve this warrant article carried unanimously.

            Library Trustee Karen Allen said that every month the trustees go over the budget and review performance relative to budget.  We look out for the taxpayers of Rye and are very thorough in going over our budget, she said.  She asked for patience as they work through the salary issue, that they have been trying to focus on for the past few years.  We work for the patrons of the Library as well as the taxpayers.  She referred to a survey that had shown over the top satisfaction. 

            The motion to table carried unanimously.

            Editor’s note:  Selectman Musselman attempted to remove this item from the table late in the meeting, and reduce the budget by $11,000, however Selectman Jenness objected to proceeding with the Library Trustees not there and the issue was dropped.  Click here.

 

Recreation budget (151:00 elapsed)

 

            Recreation Director Lee Arthur said that the Recreation Commission had just met and they want to proceed with a $150,000 warrant article for a storage facility.  There is also $50,000 for restrooms which will be funded from donations, not taxation, as will $20,000 for drainage.  Over the past three years $115,000 has been funded from the revolving fund and donations rather than taxation, she said.

            Gregg Mikolaities noted that the meetings of the School Use Feasibility Committee and that their recommendations may provide for additional Recreation space use at Rye Elementary School.  Some improvements to that space may need to be budgeted, he said.

            Selectman Musselman said that there is no chance that that would happen by September 2018. 

            Lee Arthur said that the Community Center is now off the table.  Editor’s note:  2017 warrant article 18, that would have provided $80,000 for preliminary planning, design and engineering for a community center, failed to pass, 725-820.  Heated space of 24 feet by 24 feet is needed, she said.  It is not more than a home garage.  We have not addressed our issues over the years with any of our buildings.   Our free storage shed was trucked over from Pease, she said. 

            Selectman Musselman said that they had yet to make decisions on the Public Works articles, the TD Bank article, and this one.  He asked about what else still needed a decision. 

            Ms. Gillespie said that Mr. McCarthy had a warrant article related to Shoals View Drive which is being consolidated into a big warrant article for $1.2 million. 

            Selectman Musselman proposed that the warrant articles be provided to the Budget Committee all at once.  Selectman Musselman asked for a sense of whether the Selectman would support the $150,000 storage facility. 

            Selectman Jenness said that she would.

            The motion to approve the $150,000 warrant article carried unanimously.

 

Conservation budget (163:48 elapsed)

 

            Sally King and Jaci Grote of the Conservation Commission came up to the table.  Ms. Grote said that $41,000 had been spent so far.  Editor’s note:  This is an apparent reference to how much of the 2017 budget had been spent.  She said that $7000 in bills from the Rockingham County Conservation District had just been received.  There is a plan to spend $2000 on trails by year end, which will bring the number close to $50,000 spent.  They want to encumber $32,000, including for a survey, a forest report, and easement monitoring, she said.  That would mean $83,000 in expenditures this year, she said.  Editor’s note:  The 2017 conservation budget of $90,000 had only $8120.33 spent as of September 30, 2017.  State law permits appropriations that have not been spent by year end to be carried into the next year if there is a contract in place by the end of the year committing the town to expending the funds.  This is known as an “encumbrance.”

            Sally King said that they are looking actively at acquisitions.  They are as active as they have ever been in that regard, she said. 

            Selectman Musselman said that a lot of the properties could have nice trails, but do not.  He asked why $35,000 is needed in the regular budget for acquisitions each year.

            Ms. King said that they cannot count on bond funding.  There was discussion about a new requirement that bonds only be taken out if there is a specific acquisition.

            The motion to approve the $90,000 budget for 2018 carried unanimously.

            Selectman Musselman said “spend it.”  He referred to surveying properties, establishing trails and putting up signs. 

            Selectman Winslow suggested that Public Works Director Dennis McCarthy hire Ms. King and Ms. Grote to present his request next time. 

            Selectman Musselman asked about the status of the conservation bond warrant article for next year.  The response from Sally King as she was walking out was unclear, but, Selectman Musselman said that there would not be a warrant article.  Editor’s note:  At the November 16, 2017 Budget Committee meeting, Jaci Grote, who is on the Conservation Commission as well as the Budget Committee, said that a decision on whether there would be a $3 million conservation bond requested for 2018 had not yet been made.

 

Capital outlay:  Town-wide vehicle (174:15 elapsed)

 

            Town Finance Director Cyndi Gillespie said that there were three capital outlay items to be discussed.  She mentioned the need for a town-wide vehicle.

            We tried that once before, Selectman Musselman said.  We tried to get Mike a Yugo, but it died a quick death, he chuckled. 

            Town Administrator Magnant referred to a car in use at Town Hall that would only turn left.  He said that Selectman Joe Mills had agreed that they could go for a Town Hall vehicle only if it was a warrant article.

            Ms. Gillespie said that Selectman Mills had set them up.  Editor’s note:  See 2010 Article 10, that would have provided $19,800 to purchase a vehicle for town personnel.  It failed to pass 604-348. 

            Selectman Musselman asked whether there would be a warrant article for this one.  Ms. Gillespie said, no, this is in capital outlay.  Selectman Musselman laughed. 

            We’re going to try a different tactic.  Joe set us up last time, Ms. Gillespie said.

            “Where is Joe when you need him?” Selectman Musselman asked.

            Selectman Jenness related a story about driving to Concord with Earl Rinker in a car without a working gas gauge and having to coast into a gas station. 

            Police Chief Kevin Walsh referred to the Animal Control Officer and the Building Inspector sharing a vehicle.  In inclement weather, parking enforcement still needs to be out there.  We used to pay them mileage, and some of them use their parents’ cars, he said.  During the summer months the car would be used a lot.  The big thing is that, if we have an injured seagull, it must be transported to the shelter in the passenger compartment, he said. 

            Selectman Winslow asked whether the SUV that the Police Department now has couldn’t be put to this use for an hour or so. 

            Chief Walsh explained that the back compartment of that vehicle is currently devoted to other uses.

            Selectman Jenness said that there need to be a lot more uses than just seagulls.

            Chief Walsh enumerated other uses.

            Selectman Winslow asked how many miles would be put on the vehicle. 

            Chief Walsh said that they had never calculated the miles, but could start doing so. 

            The motion to approve the $24,000 item carried unanimously.  Selectman Winslow had asked for a commitment to track the usage.

 

Other capital outlay items (182:41 elapsed)

 

            There was brief discussion about a possible $20,000 item for document scanning.  Mr. Magnant said that he had been working on a memorandum and that the figure would probably be a fraction of that.

            The discussion then turned to town-wide computers.  Ms. Gillespie said that that is the regular rotation.  The motion to approve $10,000 for this purpose carried unanimously.

            Ms. Gillespie said that, without the Library, the department operating budgets are 9.53% less than the prior year.  Capital outlay is up 42 percent.  The total budget is up 3.99% with warrant articles.  Some are being funded by capital reserves, she said.

 

Library budget attempt to remove from the table (185:43 elapsed)

 

            Selectman Musselman asked whether it would be legitimate to take an item off the table that had been tabled earlier in the meeting. 

            Selectman Jenness asked what he would like to take off.

            Selectman Musselman said that he was proposing to take out the three percent and reduce the Library budget bottom line by “11 and change.”  They admitted that they just got the report.  They keep going back to parity with the town’s pay structure, but most town employees have been on board more than 7 years, he said.  Editor’s note:  Town employees are eligible for step increases at 3 years and 7 years.

            Selectman Jenness said that they would be upset if there is discussion without them.

            Selectman Musselman agreed to defer discussion.

 

Request from John Loftus to display Town Hall rendering (187:25 elapsed)

 

            Selectman Musselman said that Mr. Loftus was requesting the display of a rendering related to his upcoming petitioned warrant article to demolish this building and construct a new building.  He wants to post that in the Town Hall, he said.  We have not in the past had people marketing petitioned warrant articles at Town Hall.  We need to respond to his request.  Another issue is that he is anticipating a bond warrant article and we do not have the Town Attorney looking at those.  We need to pass on the message that he will need to structure that in a way that would allow a successful bond issue.  He is going to have to do that on his own, he said.

            Town Administrator Magnant said that he had received a request from Mr. Loftus to post the plans and the elevations at Town Hall.

            Selectman Jenness said that his letter referred to extending the same courtesy that had been extended to Hutter.  However, Hutter was working for the town.  It is not the same thing, she said.

            Selectman Musselman said that he did not think that the Library would have the same issue with regard to meetings and display of information.

            Selectman Winslow expressed concern about setting a precedent.  

 

TD Bank building acquisition (193:05 elapsed)

 

            Town Administrator Magnant said that he hoped to receive more information on this in the coming week.  The bank will be discussing the possibility of getting an appraisal, he said.  

 

Tax rate setting meeting (193:40 elapsed)

 

            Selectman Musselman asked when this might occur.  Ms. Gillespie said that she was “praying” that it could be Wednesday or Thursday.  Selectman Musselman said that it could be combined with an update on the TD Bank acquisition.

            Selectman Musselman and Public Works Director Dennis McCarthy discussed their birthdays.  It turned out that both turn 66 a couple of weeks apart.

 

Sign at Sanders Poynt (195:39 elapsed)

           

            Selectman Jenness asked whether they should comment on the Sanders Poynt sign that had come up during the public comment period.

            Town Administrator Magnant said that the sign was sitting in his office.  I’ve been trying to work the issue.  The country club has refused, in no uncertain terms, to post the sign.  I’ve talked to Town Attorney Donovan who has informed him that it is private property despite the public easement allowing the parking of cars, he said. 

            Selectman Jenness asked whether it was spelled correctly now.  Mr. Magnant confirmed.  Editor’s note:  At a prior meeting, Selectman Jenness had argued that the correct spelling was “Point.”  Mr. Magnant said that New Hampshire DOT would not put the sign in the right-of-way. 

            Selectman Jenness referred to a meeting at which Mr. Sanders had made a presentation years ago, and that there had been an agreement to contact DOT.  The country club may have given their permission at that point, she said.

            Mr. Magnant said that Mr. Jesurum is correct, the sign was on the plan that went in front of the judge.  I can’t say that she adopted the plan verbatim.  It showed where the sign was going to go, and it was on the golf course land.  The Town Attorney said that either the Town or Mr. Jesurum could take the country club back to court, he said. 

            Selectman Musselman said that, for the record, he was recusing himself from the entire discussion.  Editor’s note:  Selectman Musselman has, at prior meetings, revealed that he is a member of the Wentworth-by-the-Sea Country Club. 

            Selectman Winslow said that it would be hard to face a taxpayer and tell them that town money had been spent to put the sign back up. 

            Mr. Magnant said that an appeal could be made to the DOT Commissioner.

            It was agreed by Selectmen Jenness and Winslow that that would be a good avenue to pursue. 

 

Safety Committee hat and mitten drive (197:50 elapsed)

 

            Town Administrator commended the committee for this.  Most departments had 70 hats and mittens contributed.  There was a discussion of the relative standing of the departments in the drive.

 

Adjournment (201:40 elapsed)

 

            Whereupon the meeting adjourned at 10:04 p.m.