Littleton budget review special

March 7, 2018

Selectboard Chairman Sweet hosts event at Littleton Museum.

On Monday the town held its third annual Budget Review presentation. This year, the Littleton Area Historical Museum opened up its doors for Channel 2 and hosted the event. Museum Curator Richard Alberini was a gracious host and allowed the station to set up camp in the “Military” and “Educational” corner. Selectboard Chairman Schuyler Sweet sat with Town manager Andrew Dorsett at the Littleton Museum. They were joined by Finance Director Karen Noyes and many of the town’s department heads for a review of the budget and the warrant articles.

Police requests

lpd records room boxes — Boxes filling most of the available space at the LPD station’s records room

Chief Paul Smith of the Littleton Police department spoke of the need for a new patrol officer, changes to the hawkers and peddlers license and dog ordinances adjustments. He also reviewed the need for a records retention system. The new system would allow the department to digitally scan files for safe keeping. This would help eliminate the large overflow of boxes currently in storage in the station’s records room. The system would also be made available for other town departments as well.

Fire Requests

repair on fire engine — Littleton Public Works employees repairing LFD Engine 3.

Chief Joe Mercieri also joined the conversation with Sweet and Dorsett. The Fire chief reviewed an article that would allow for the replacement of overhead doors in the station. The current doors are nearly 30 years old and are hard to repair with limited replacement parts available. In addition to the doors, the Chief is also requesting funds for a 95% to 5% match on a new Fire pumper truck. If awarded, the The Federal Government would supply the LFD with 95% of the funds required for a new truck, totaling nearly $475,000. The town would appropriate $25,000 from available funds so there would be no tax impact on the application process. The current truck in use is a 1995 vehicle that continues to see maintenance issues.

Public Works request

oliver sidewalk plow — 1950’s era Oliver sidewalk plow. LPW is looking to replace this with a modern machine for sidewalk winter safety

Along with Police and Fire, Joe DePalma from the Public Works Department was available for the discussion. Joe shares insight n the road repair plans for the 2018 season. He also discussed the need for additional staff to help the road crews to maintain safe roadways during the difficult winter months. In addition to conversations on staffing and road work, DePalma also shared insight on the 1950’s era Oliver sidewalk plow that is in desperate need of replacement. Currently the town uses a tractor with a plow attachment to offset the limitations of the Oliver. However, the town is in dire need of a tool tha tis designed for sidewalk work. The use of the John Deere tractor is really a temporary solution to a permanent safety problem.

Additional warrant articles and budget topics included the Library funding, Opera House funding LIDC Land transfer, the Recycling center and the various town positions that are up for re-election. Be sure to make time to come to the Public Works Garage on Tuesday, March 13th from 8:00am to 7:00pm to vote. For more information you may contact the Littleton Town Offices at (603)-444-3996 or visit them online at townoflittleton.org

The presentation will air on Channel 2 starting Thursday evening this week, and air through the following week. For information schedule time please visit out listings page. For those that stream our content, the full video is available below from our YouTube channel: