Meeting opened at 7:10 p.m.

In attendance: Mike Cutting – Chairman, Marc Violette, Pete Newman, Harold Whittemore, Jere Henley, David Karrick and Selectman Wayne Eigabroadt

Recorder of the minutes is Mary Whalen

Others present:

Laura Buono – Town Administrator

Selectman Richard A. Cook

Selectman David E. Hartman

Wendy Pinkham – Finance Director

Martha Mical - Assessing Clerk

Judith Rogers – Town Clerk

Marianne Howlett – Tax Collector

Marc Violette made the motion to approve meeting minutes dated December 1, 2005. Selectman Eigabroadt seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Selectman Eigabroadt made the motion to approve meeting minutes dated December 5, 2005. Marc Violette seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.

Selectman Eigabroadt explained that the Board of Selectmen has decided upon a 2.75% cost of living increase that will be applied across the board. The Finance Director will calculate the total cost for the Committee to review at a later meeting.

The Committee reviewed General Government as presented:

The Committee asked if RSA information could be accessed through the internet saving on the cost of supplements. The TA explained that there is a disclosure at the beginning of the RSA site that does not guarantee the site, therefore you would need to always reference the hard copies.

The Committee asked if the Town Report is available on the website, there could be a cost savings on the number that is printed. The Finance Director explained that requested copies are purchased; it is also believed that there is an RSA requiring a printed document because the report is a historical reference.

Selectman Eigabroadt explained the appropriated $8,000.00 in Appraisal, the Town is in the middle of a mediation process with Market Basket, which believes that their appraisal is too high, the Town disagrees, plus there are other cases pending.

The Committee asked if the Selectmen have reconsidered initiating fees for Town employees that apply for a building permit. The Selectmen have not reconsidered the fees for employees.

The Committee asked if proof of insurance is required when a mileage reimbursement is submitted. The Finance Director has in the past but not of recent. The Selectmen took note and will contact Local Government Center for specific requirements.

The Committee asked if the rent should be adjusted to reflect the increase of fuel costs ($4,700.00 increase in fuel for 2006), to better reflect the actual cost. The Selectmen will address the cost per square foot to run the building.

The Committee asked for clarification on boiler insurance.

There are three elections plus Town Meeting in 2006.

A supervisor of the Checklist, the correct figure is $1,386.00, total budget amounts to $4,956.00.

A request has been submitted to the Fall Foliage Festival for the preservation of records; there will also be a warrant article presented.

The Town Clerk will apply for a scholarship for the second year attendance to the New England Municipal Clerk Institute, it’s a three-year program. A scholarship was granted last year, approval is unknown for 2006.

Electrical upgrades have been budgeted for the stage and balcony, the Maintenance Technician and an electrical contractor will complete the work.

The Selectmen have not yet determined the status of the carpet in the lower meeting room (tile or carpet), an insurance claim will remain open until such time. There is a quote in the amount of $14,000.00 for tile; the cost of leveling the floor is not included in the quote.

Motion to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.