Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,100,000 for the purpose of replacing the sewer main in Lafayette Road from High Street to Winnacunnet Road then to Towle Avenue. The current main is composed of vitrified clay pipes 10 and 12 inches in size that were installed in 1934 and 1982 and are in failing condition. Various pieces are missing from the pipe making it impossible to properly clean and inspect the pipe or to reline the pipe; therefore, replacement is necessary before complete failure occurs. In the course of replacement, it will be necessary to excavate the eastern side of the highway that will require partial reconstruction of the roadway and patching and repairs; and

Such sum to be raised by the issuance of municipal bonds or notes for a period not to exceed thirty (30) years under and in accordance with the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33); and

To authorize the Board of Selectmen and the Town Treasurer to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon in accordance with Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33); and

To authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for, contract for, accept and expend any Federal, State or other available funds towards the project in accordance with the terms and conditions under which they are received and to borrow in anticipation of the receipt of such funds and or the issuance of such bonds or notes as provided in the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33); and

To authorize participation in the State Revolving Fund (SRF) (RSA 486:14) established for the purpose, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for, accept, and expend such monies as they become available from the Federal and State Governments; and

To authorize the Board of Selectmen to implement such cost effective solutions as are presented in the future that they deem to be in the best interests of the Town that may result in a lesser amount of expenditure than is authorized by this warrant article; and

To authorize the Board of Selectmen to take any and all actions necessary to carry out the project in the best interests of the Town of Hampton? (3/5ths vote required)

 

Fiscal Impact Note (Finance Dept.) Since the above bond would not be issued until later in 2017, the first, estimated, principal/interest payment of $90,775.69 will not occur until 2018. The total of the bond’s principal and interest payments over the 30-year period are estimated to be $1,807,400.69.

What it means: These sewer pipes are clogged with grease that has solidified, and are very old, and are cracked with some sections of pipe missing. Attempting to clean them could result in a complete failure, and may cause sinkholes. This article proposes to replace the line with newer, larger pipe before a complete failure occurs.

Those in favor say: This is long overdue, and should have been dealt with in the 1980s when several sewer bonds were proposed, but not all were put up to a vote. The key phrase is that replacement is necessary before there is a complete failure.

Those opposed say: Can Hampton’s undesignated fund balance be used to pay for this project? (According to the Town Manager, reducing the amount in the undesignated fund balance may negatively impact the Town’s bond rating, making future borrowing more expensive.)

Fiscal Impact: The average Hampton home valued at $404,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $10.91 per year starting in 2018 without consideration for possible offsets. The funding for this Article will impact future budgets, as a 30-year bond is planned.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $60,000 to assist the Department of Public Works in the development of an asset management program for storm water and wastewater assets. Said appropriation to be offset by $60,000 in principal loan forgiveness under the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF); and

To authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for, contract for, accept and expend any Federal, State or other available funds towards the project in accordance with terms and conditions under which they are received and to borrow in anticipation of the receipt of such and or the issuance of such bonds or notes as provided in the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33); and

To authorize participation in the State Revolving Fund (SRF) (RSA 486:14) established for the purpose, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept and expend such monies as they become available from the Federal and State Governments.

This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the project is completed or by March 31, 2019, whichever occurs sooner? (3/5ths vote required)

Fiscal Impact Note (Finance Dept.) If the loan forgiveness occurs by the time the tax rate is set then the estimated 2017 tax impact would be $0.000 per $1,000 valuation.

What it means: This appropriation would enable the Department of Public Works to develop and implement a unified asset management program for waste water and storm water management assets to reduce operating risks and to assess infrastructure challenges. It would be a communication and tracking tool for work orders, financial and visual reports, costs, and project management. The goal is to shift from “reactive” management of the community’s assets to “proactive” management. The money appropriated will be offset by loan forgiveness in the total amount by the NH Department of Environmental Services.

Those in favor say: This will eventually lead to much better management of all of the Town’s assets.

Those opposed say: What does this really buy for the Town?

Fiscal Impact: The average Hampton home valued at $404,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $ 7.27 in 2017, but likely there will be no tax impact after the loan forgiveness.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $16,060 to contract for a detailed process level energy audit of the Wastewater Treatment Facility and Pump Stations. Said appropriation to be offset by $16,060 in principal loan forgiveness under the NH Department of Environmental Services Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF); and

To authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for, accept and expend any Federal, State, or other available funds towards the project in accordance with the terms and conditions under which they are received and to borrow in anticipation of the receipt of such aid and or the issuance of such bonds or notes as provide in the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33); and

To authorize participation in the State Revolving Fund (SRF) (RSA 486:14) established for the purpose, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to apply for, accept and expend such monies as they become available from the Federal and State Governments.

This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the project is completed or by March 31, 2019, whichever occurs sooner? (3/5ths vote required)

Fiscal Impact Note (Finance Dept.) If the loan forgiveness occurs by the time the tax rate is set then the estimated 2017 tax impact would be $0.000 per $1,000 valuation.

What it means: An energy audit is a method to evaluate the wastewater treatment facility’s or collection system’s energy use and to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy usage and thereby reduce operating costs. The NH Department of Environmental Services selected Hampton to participate in this program.

Those in favor say: Hampton has been recognized in the past for its cost-reduction efforts, and this will expand those capabilities.

Those opposed say: It is not clear what we will learn beyond what we already know, but if the State is going to pay for this, it is OK.

Fiscal Impact: The average Hampton home valued at $404,000 would bear a one-time tax cost of $2.02 in 2017, but likely there will be no tax impact after the loan forgiveness.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $26,836,977. Should this article be defeated, the default budget shall be $26,450,035, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the Town of Hampton or by law; or the governing body may hold one special meeting in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only. (Majority vote required)

Fiscal Impact Note (Finance Dept.) The proposed operating budget figure of $26,836,977 is an increase of $237,546 more than the budget amount adopted in 2016 of $26,599,431. The net estimated 2017 tax impact of the proposed operating budget is $0.072 per $1,000 valuation (seven point two cents per thousand dollars of valuation). The default budget figure of $26,450,035 is a decrease of $149,396 less than the budget amount adopted in 2016. The net estimated tax impact for the default budget is -$0.045 per $1,000 valuation (negative four point five cents per thousand dollars of valuation).

What it means: This is the proposed operating budget for the Town of Hampton for 2017, created with input from department heads, committees and commissions, and vetted by the Board of Selectmen and the Municipal Budget Committee. If voters do not approve the operating budget, the default budget will automatically become the operating budget for the Town for the year 2017.

• To calculate the effect on your property tax (for your specific property):
  • Divide the Tax Assessor’s Valuation of your home by 1,000. (Example: for the average assessment of $404,000, the number to use would be 404.) Use your latest tax bill, or go to: http://gis.vgsi.com/hamptonnh/Search.aspx and enter your street address to get your valuation.

  http://gis.vgsi.com/hamptonnh/Search.aspx and enter your street address to get your valuation.

• Multiply the result in #1 by .072 to get the tax impact of the proposed Operating Budget.   Multiply the result in #1 by -.045 to determine the tax impact of the Default Budget.

Those in favor say: No one spoke in favor of this Warrant Article.

Those opposed say: There was a proposed amendment to reduce the budget by $519,749, an amount that reflects changes in debt service that was defeated at Deliberative Session.

Fiscal Impact: The average Hampton home valued at $404,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $29.09 in 2017 if Article 14 passes.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to approve the cost items included in a three-year collective bargaining agreement reached between the Hampton Board of Selectman and Professional Firefighters of Hampton IAFF Local 2664, which calls for the following increases in salaries and benefits at the current staffing level:

2017   $   93,968 (39 weeks) over 2016 level

2018   $ 131,669 (52 weeks) over 2017 level

2019   $ 126,173 (52 weeks) over 2018 level

2020   $   30,587 (13 weeks) over 2019 level

And further to raise and appropriate the sum of $93,968 to fund the cost items related to The Professional Firefighters Local 2664 salaries and benefits for 2017. Such sum represents the additional salaries and benefits (over the 2016 budget level) for the first of the three years that are contained in a collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Hampton, by its Board of Selectmen, and Professional Firefighters of Hampton IAFF Local 2664, pursuant to RSA 273-A. The compounded, cumulative cost impact over the three contract years of the agreement is estimated to be $762,451? (Majority vote required)

What it means: Town representatives have negotiated with the Firefighters union to negotiate a three-year agreement. There will be a 3% increase in salaries for each of the 3 years, a cost which is offset by Union members taking on more of the medical premium costs.

Those in favor say: Firefighters and fire officers have made concessions on healthcare that will mean that they absorb more of the premium cost over the next 3 years, including assuming responsibility for any “Cadillac Tax”. The cost of living adjustments for firefighters and fire officers have been lagging the business sector since 2004, averaging less than 1% (.66%). In the same time period, the Consumer Price Index has averaged 1.98% and Social Security has averaged 2.25%.

Those against say: No one spoke in opposition to this Article at the Deliberative Session.

Fiscal Impact: The average Hampton home valued at $404,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $7.27 in 2017; and (if total property valuations remained the same) $10.19 for 2018; $9.76 in 2019 and $2.37 for the first 13 weeks of 2020.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to approve the cost items included in a three-year collective bargaining agreement reached between the Hampton Board of Selectman and the Hampton Fire Department Supervisory Association Local 3017, which calls for the following increases in salaries and benefits at the current staffing level:

2017   $ 52,918 (39 weeks) over 2016 level

2018   $ 71,809 (52 weeks) over 2017 level

2019   $ 64,849 (52 weeks) over 2018 level

2020   $ 10,644 (13 weeks) over 2019 level

And further to raise and appropriate the sum of $52,918 to fund the cost items related to the Hampton Fire Department Supervisory Association Local 3017 salaries and benefits for 2017. Such sum represents the additional salaries and benefits (over the 2016 budget level) for the first of the three years that are contained in a collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Hampton, by its Board of Selectman, and the Hampton Fire Department Supervisory Association Local 3017, pursuant to RSA 273-A. The compounded, cumulative cost impact over the three contract years of the agreement is estimated to be $330,758? (Majority vote required)

What it means: A yes vote approves salary increases negotiated via the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Fire Officers. There will be a 3% increase in salaries for each of the 3 years, a cost that is offset by members taking on more of the medical premium costs.

Those in favor say: Those who spoke at Deliberative Session expressed support for this and echoed the points made for the firefighters.

Those against say: One speaker expressed concern about people who can’t take the degree of increase, if you add all the Collective Bargaining Agreements together.

Fiscal Impact: The average Hampton home valued at $404,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $6.46 in 2017; and (if total property valuations remained the same) $8.77 in 2018; $7.92 in 2019 and $1.30 for the first 13 weeks of 2020 at current staffing levels.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to approve the cost items included in a three-year collective bargaining agreement reached between the Hampton Board of Selectmen and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 633, which calls for the following increases in salaries and benefits at the current staffing level:

2017   $ 54,840 (39 weeks) over 2016 level

2018   $ 52,733 (52 weeks) over 2017 level

2019   $ 35,952 (52 weeks) over 2018 level

2020   $   7,875 (13 weeks) over 2019 level

And further to raise and appropriate the sum of $54,840 to fund the cost items related to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 633 salaries and benefits for 2017. Such sum represents the additional salaries and benefits (over the 2016 budget level) for the first of the three years that are contained in a collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Hampton by its Board of Selectmen and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 633 (covering various positions at the Town Offices, Department of Public Works, and Police Department), pursuant to N.H. RSA 273-A. The compounded, cumulative cost impact over the three contract years of the agreement is estimated to be $323,732? (Majority vote required)

Recommended by the Board of Selectmen 5-0-0

Recommended by the Budget Committee 8-4-0

 What it means: A yes vote approves the salary increases negotiated via the Collective Bargaining Agreement with this Union, which represents employees at Town Hall, the Fire Department and the Police Department. The Agreement establishes a new “step” increase of 3%, followed by 2 years at 2%. Additionally, six identified positions also receive a 5% increase. See paragraph below for more of the history related to increases for this Union.

Those in favor say: The employees who will benefit from the passage of Article 17 are “behind the scenes” folks who help you register your car, license your dog and remove unwanted critters from your property. From 2006 through 2015 the group of employees represented by the Teamsters received wage average increases of less than 1% per year. (Many years with no increase at all.) The employees included in this Union received neither cost of living nor step increases in 2016 as the Warrant Article for the Teamster contract failed by 51 votes.

Those against say: No one spoke against this article at Deliberative Session.

Fiscal Impact: The average Hampton home valued at $404,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $6.87 in 2017; and (if total property valuations remained the same) $6. 60 in 2018; $4.50 in 2019 and $.99 for the first 13 weeks of 2020 at current staffing levels.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to approve the cost items included in a three-year collective bargaining agreement reached between the Hampton Board of Selectmen and the State Employees’ Association, Inc., (SEA) Local 1984 (covering many Department of Public Works employees), which calls for the following increases in salaries and benefits at the current staffing level:

2017   $ 74,207 (39 weeks) over 2016 level

2018   $ 101,290 (52 weeks) over 2017 level

2019   $ 83,354 (52 weeks) over 2018 level

2020   $ 16,974 (13 weeks) over 2019 level

And further to raise and appropriate the sum of $74,207 to fund the cost items related to the State Employees’ Association, Inc., (SEA) Local 1984 (covering many Department of Public Works employees) salaries and benefits for 2017. Such sum represents the additional salaries and benefits (over the 2016 budget level) for the first of the three years that are contained in a collective bargaining agreement between the Town of Hampton by its Board of Selectmen and the State Employees’ Association, Inc., (SEA) Local 1984 (Department of Public Works Employees), pursuant to N.H. RSA 273-A. The compounded, cumulative cost impact over the three contract years of the agreement is estimated to be $534,042? (Majority vote required)

What it means: A “yes” vote approves the salary increases negotiated via the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Agreement provides a 3% salary increase for each of the 3 years, starting in 2017.

Those in favor say: This agreement is for many of the Dept. of Public Works “line and grade” employees who start at $14/hour.

 Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session.

Fiscal Impact: The average Hampton home valued at $404,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $8.89 in 2017; and (if total property valuations and exemptions remained the same) $12.13 in 2018; $9.98 in 2019 and $2.03 for 2020 at current staffing levels

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $650,000 for improvements to streets consisting of paving overlays, adjustments to structures to permit paving, repairs and replacements to drainage, crack sealing, curbing installation and improvements to the following streets: Ann’s Lane, Merrill Industrial Drive, and Drakeside Road, including the paving and roadway reconstruction required with the removal of the railroad trestle abutments, and if any money is leftover, to improve the next street on the DPW list. Said appropriation to be offset by the State Highway Block Grant estimated to be $307,854. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until the projects are completed or by March 31, 2018, whichever occurs sooner? (Majority vote required)

Fiscal Impact Note (Finance Dept.) NOTE: Block Grant was $311,810 in 2016

What it means: This Article will allow DPW to do work on pavement overlays, crack sealing, minor utility improvements and minor curbing repairs. The Town will raise the funds to do the specified work, and a State Highway Block Grant is anticipated to offset 47% of the expenses.

Those in favor say: There is a CIP list to establish priorities. Work that is stated will be done, and not used for anything else. This is scheduled maintenance and exactly what the town should be doing.

Those against say: No one spoke in opposition at the Deliberative Session.

Fiscal Impact: The average Hampton home valued at $404,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $35.57 if this Article passes. The tax impact is for one year only, and may well be lower due to the anticipated grant funding.

Shall the Town of Hampton vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $434,000 for the purchase of the following replacement vehicles for the Department of Public Works: one (1) three-quarter ton truck with plow; two (2) 35,000 pound gross vehicle weight dump trucks with sand spreaders, plows and wings; and one (1) solid waste yard truck; with the replaced vehicles to be traded in if deemed to be prudent by the Public Works Director, Town Manager, and Board of Selectmen. This shall be a non-lapsing appropriation per RSA 32:7, VI and shall not lapse until these purchases are completed or by March 31, 2018, whichever is sooner? (Majority vote required)

What it means: The referenced equipment would be replaced if the voters approve, and the cost will be offset by trade-in values of current, aging equipment.

The following would be purchased:

• One ¾ ton truck with plow to replace a 2004 Chevy with similar specifications that was removed from the fleet in 2016.
• Two dump trucks with sand spreaders, plows and wings to replace 1996 and 1997 vehicles with similar specifications. The older equipment is rusting and breaking down mechanically. These trucks are considered an integral part of the highway and snow removal operations.
• One solid-waste yard truck used to move the trash and recycling trailers around the DPW yard. This truck will replace an older vehicle (1980) that does not have the hydraulic connection needed to be able to engage the hydraulic pumps in the trailers (a safety issue).

Those in favor say: Other replacement equipment (approved at the 2016 Town Meeting) didn’t arrive until the end of the year – it takes time to order and receive replacement vehicles, so planning ahead is important. The reason for the replacement are age and condition. Our trucks take more abuse than average because of the salt condition, which makes them subject to corrosion more quickly.

Those against say: No one spoke in opposition at the Deliberative Session.

Fiscal Impact: The average Hampton home valued at $404,000 would bear an increased tax cost of $52.92 if this Article passes. This tax impact will be for 2017 only.