AGENDA BUSINESS:

6.   ARPA - Request to Change of  the Use  of $13,000 for CERT Team Communications 

Original Request:

IT Equipment PD - Update monitors overhead speakers MDT replacement replace 2 firewalls PD Watch Guard video recorder replacement mobile equipment

 8.  Opportunity to Discuss Economic Development In Litchfield 

We have been approached by the Manchester Chamber of Commerce who is doing a special edition of a magazine for all surrounding communities.

We would like to send these questions to the Economic Development committee members to obtain answers from their peers and discuss at the ED meeting on 10/30.  This is time sensitive to provide a response on behalf of the Town.  Questions:

What is one word you would use to characterize Litchfield?

Are there any industries Litchfield is known for? How has that changed over time?

If someone is looking to move to New Hampshire, what would make them want to choose Litchfield to live in?

What is a must-visit sight or business or other location here?

Are there any recreational features you’d like to highlight?

Trivia time: Do you know any ‘fun facts’ about Litchfield?

Parting words: Anything else we should know about?

Town of Litchfield Proposed FY2025  Budget

BUDGET UPDATE :   August - September begins the process of setting the tax rate.  September 1st the Town's MS-1 or Summary Inventory of Valuation is due.  This is the Assessment of Property values.  Last week we filed for an extension due to some Utility information being received late.  Our extension was granted by the NH DRA, the MS-1 is now due October 2nd.

Below is our MS-434, which is also filed at this time.  We update the revenues for the current tax year based on what has been received and is expected through the end of 2024.  Adjustments this year included: 10K increase in projected Building permit revenue; 32K increase in projected interest revenue and a reduction of 20K in LUCT - Current use Change tax revenue.  This net increase of 22K in revenue will likely reduce the 2024 tax rate by .01 or .02 from what was estimated this past spring.

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

1.  Board of Selectmen Meeting Adjustments - Reminder November 11th is moved to November 18th

2.  MS1 Report is complete, Will await 2024 Tax Rate.  State Education Warrant received for 2024 (see below) $1,836,098.  In 2023 the State Education warrant was $1,985,321.00 .

3.  Leadership meeting being held Tuesday October 22nd.  Will discuss year end surplus and start warrant article list for your meeting October 28th.

4.  Primex Insurance Rates due week of October 21st.

5. Pennichuck Rate Case final hearing on is scheduled for January 14, 2025. Accordingly, the Commission rescheduled the October 16, 2024 status conference to December 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

6.   Notice from NH DES - the remedial action plan for the property owned by Saint Gobain plastics was rejected.  Requested update within 90 days. (see below).

7.   We received the 2024 County Budget Invoice in the amount of $1,403,209.00 (see below)  the 2023 County invoice was $1,426,483.00.

8.  Road Agent Brown and I submitted the Quarterly report to NHDES on the Clean Fleet Grant (see below).  We will now submit for final reimbursement as all requirements of the grant have been fulfilled.

9.  Notices are being sent to residents on Public Water systems (see below) regarding potential lead impacts in your water.  This notice is posted on the community page of our website.  Not all residents will receive a letter and free testing is available.

10.  Legal Counsel has notified us of a change to the term "Abutter" in State law.  This is effective September 1, 2024 (see below).  The notice has been shared with all land use Board members. 

SELECTMEN REPORTS

1. Recreation Commission Representative - Steven G. Gannon

2. School Facilities Improvement Committee - Robert F. Leary Sr.

3. Budget Committee Representative - F. Robert Leary Sr. 

4. Planning Board Representative - Kevin Lynch

5. Capital Improvement Committee Representative - Kimberly M. Queenan

6. Conservation Commission Representative - John Brunelle

7. Heritage Commission Representative - G. Steven Gannon

8. Emergency Management Team - John Brunelle

9. Energy Committee - John Brunelle

10. Economic Development Committee - Kimberly M. Queenan

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

    Non Public Session

RSA 91-A:3II(a) - The dismissal, promotion or compensation of any public employee or the disciplining of such employee or the investigation of any charges against him unless the employee affected (1) has a right to a meeting, and (2) requests that the meeting be open, in which case the request shall be granted.

RSA91-A:3II(c) - Matters that, if discussed in public, would likely affect adversely the reputation of any person, other than a member of the body itself, unless such person requests an open meeting.  

RSA 91-A:3II(d) - Consideration of the acquisition, sale or lease of real or personal property which, if discussed in public, would likely benefit a party or parties whose interests are adverse to those of the general community.