01/07/2026 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Minutes (2)

Home Browse Search

Capital Improvement Program Committee Meeting Minutes January 7, 2026 o Ambulance Receipts: Town has historically transferred $500,000 per year from ambulance receipts to cover personnel costs. This is projected to rise to —$1.1 million, using prior balance accumulations and robust collection rates(90-95%of billing). 0 Policy/Philosophy Issue: Members discussed whether using ambulance receipts for both capital and staffing is sustainable, or if some staffing costs should shift to the operating budget. o Staffing Status:All four grant-funded firefighters have been hired; two additional positions remain vacant due to a health insurance-related hiring freeze. • Long-Term Reflections&Concerns: o Recognition that the current approach is consistent with regional norms, as many departments are using ambulance receipts similarly. c Policy Note: One member flagged that using receipts for personnel may inadvertently hide operating costs from explicit taxpayer approval, possibly leading to future funding conflicts. NEW BUSINESS 3. Presentation of Capital Reguests—DPW Director, Catherine Laurent Vehicles& Equipment • Vehicle and Equipment Procurement/Replacement: * Upcoming receipt of a new six-wheel dump truck (after two-year wait) led to a $35,000 cost reduction in financing. * Continued delay in delivery of a second six-wheel dump truck; no confirmed timeline. * Emphasis on maintaining a seven-year replacement schedule for core fleet vehicles(F250, F350, F550), with mileage figures and replacement logic outlined, * Replacement and upgrades for: ■ Large field mowers (on five-year replacement schedule; current units at over 1800 hours). ■ Rotary boom mower (to replace auctioned beach rake/tractor; new mower allows for greater reach, necessary for slope maintenance). ■ Everyday use DPW trucks, ■ New: Asphalt hot box trailer and roller acquisition proposed; would allow DPW to take over more road patching from the contractor (current expenditures —$150,000 per year). ■ Transfer Station: a Third of four planned recycling compactor replacements ($30,020 requested; units originally installed in 2002). • Ongoing garage door and building envelope issues discussed but deferred pending more critical issues. Planning&Construction Facility Upgrades Recurring Projects: 0 Annual flooring replacement (focus on middle-high school classrooms, kitchen, and athletic wing—spaces with original 1996 flooring).