Meeting opened at 7:05 p.m.

In attendance: Mike Cutting - Chair, David Karrick, Harold Whittemore, Pete Newman, Barbara Bartlett, John Warner and Selectman Richard Cook

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen.

Others present:

Laura Buono – Town Administrator

Paul Fouliard – Transfer Station Department Head

Ken Klinedinst

Barbara Bartlett made the motion to accept meeting minutes dated November 9, 2006. John Warner seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

It was noted that the November 13 meeting tape did not record. The Selectmen’s secretary will put together minutes based from notes that the Town Administrator took.

Paul Fouliard presented the 2007 proposed budget for the Transfer Station. Paul recently received a memo stating that the price for Concord Regional has been reduced and it was recommended to lower the number by $1,025. Paul has recommended not using the resources provided by Northeast Resource Recovery Association, $100 is budgeted for annual dues plus Paul explained that NRRA takes a cut from whatever is shipped. Selectman Cook recommends consulting with Selectman Hartman because he is very active in the organization.

Transportation was reduced by $400, Mike Cutting asked based on the information supplied last year Paul said that Transportation would reduce drastically because of consolidating shipments. Paul says the Transportation costs have gone down but the Town is receiving more material now. Barbara Bartlett asked what the difference is in tonnage from last year. Paul said that he has not computed the total figures but he does know that the station has processed almost 250 tons in cardboard and paper in the last 12 month, Paul believes the total for all recyclables could reach at least 500 tons (not including Market Basket). The Budget Committee asked what the tonnage is for the last 3 years along with revenues; the Committee would like to review this information on December 7^th.

Paul believes that Warner is the only Town that makes money on the demo box, a lot of the demo is paid for but is then recycled (doors, windows etc.). The garbage tonnage has reduced within the last year; Warner recycles more product than other Towns. Dirty aluminum is being sold, the electronics box has been extremely successful, it costs $650 for the box, when it is full the box is pulled, Paul feels that a profit is being made using this process and charging $5.00 per electronic. Paul explained that 100 tons of glass was shipped to be used on Poverty Plains Road, the Transfer Station is crushing the glass themselves.

Demo Tipping has been reduced because of efficiency and the amount of product going back out. Shingles are not disposed in the demo box; shingles are being recycled at a cost of $35.00 per ton where demo costs $51.00 per ton (shingles are stored on the black top and shipped twice a year).

Electricity has increased due to increased usage of machinery and the age of the two oldest balers and security lights.

A DSL line was not installed due to the lack of room in the office.

Meals for the volunteer have increased to due the higher cost for lunches.

Coordinating for inmate help at the Transfer Station was discussed.

Petty Cash in the amount of $150 has been added to take care of trash bags, paper towels etc. to bag cloths and batteries.

Hazardous Waste has increased, the process still needs to be clarified. The amount budgeted is the worst case, there is room for reduction once the process is finalized.

The Committee asked about the status on the physical expansion of the Transfer Station. Capital expenditures have not been discussed with the Selectmen. It was clarified that the expansion does not include extra man-hours.

Selectman Cook informed the Committee that the Board of Selectmen voted on November 14^th to change the health insurance plan. The plan was changed to a Mathew Thorton Blue plan ($10 co-pay, $250 deductible) reducing the health insurance cost for 2007 by $21,559 over the anticipated increase of $40,090. Coverage is paid 100% by the Town.

Selectman Cook presented the Capital expenses that have been discussed to date.

$50,000 Highway Equipment (loader) $200,000 Road Construction

$50,000 Conservation Fund

$20,000 estimate for the leveling of the granite steps at the Town Hall

$50,000 Property Revaluation $5,000 Cemetery

$10,000 Traffic Light $31,000 Police SUV

Money for book preservation will be included within the operating budget. The Selectmen also discussed not funding the Fire Station Building/Renovation Fund figuring that there is enough money in the fund to have a purchase & sale on a property at the time when it takes place. The cost of the building will be funded by a bond.

Ken Klinedinst confirmed that the CIP was referenced during the Selectmen’s discussion of Capital expenses. Ken asked how the Selectmen view the ranking of the Capital Improvements Plan. Selectman Cook explained that the Board takes the lead of the departments that are responsible. Ken commented on the system used to priorities the capital expenses.

The Committee asked if there is State funding available for the traffic light. Laura explained that there may be State funding available but the Town must be able to pay their portion. The State’s aid is 2/3 of the total cost.

Connors Mill Bridge was discussed; a separate warrant article will be presented. The project will need to be bonded first before any State reimbursement can be applied.

The paving of Poverty Plains Road was completed; this was originally on the 2006 scheduled but was tabled until FEMA funding was received.

Mill Street has been completed, there was one unexpected expense, and there was a pipe that discharges into the river that needed to be replaced.

The Warner Village Water District has resolved the water issues on North Village.

Next scheduled meeting is December 7, 2006

Motion to adjourn at 8:59