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Brookline Selectboard approves warrants, adopts policies and backs energy audit
Summary
At its May 27 meeting the Brookline Selectboard unanimously approved warrants totaling $341,558.28, adopted several administrative policies, authorized a cable franchise agreement with Charter, and approved an energy audit that will cost the town $5,200 after incentives.
The Brookline Selectboard voted unanimously Tuesday to approve warrants totaling $341,558.28, adopt multiple administrative policies and authorize signing a cable franchise agreement with Charter/Spectrum, while also approving a town-hall energy audit that will cost the town $5,200 after incentives.
The actions came during a regularly scheduled meeting at Town Hall. Eddie Arnold, Selectboard chair, and the full five-member board approved the Accounts Payable warrant for $241,921.56, a payroll warrant for $98,699.22 and a police detail warrant for $937.50 following a motion by Brian Rater and a second by Ed Perry.
Why it matters: the approvals finalize routine town spending and move several administrative reforms and facility improvements into implementation. Paul Branscombe, the town administrator, told the board the budget is under pressure from overtime and instructed full‑time Town Hall staff that no overtime or working from home is allowed without prior approval from the Town Administrator.
The board adopted an ACH policy, a revised Capital Assets policy and a revised Credit Policy (all by 5–0 votes). It also agreed to rename and revise the Fundraising Policy to “Grants, Gifts, and Fundraising Policy” and set a threshold that gifts or grants in excess of $10,000 must be accepted by the Selectboard; the board will review finalized text on June 9.
On facilities, the board authorized the Town Administrator to sign an energy audit proposal from World Energy Services. The audit’s total cost is $9,400; incentives from Eversource will cover $4,200, leaving a $5,200 net cost to the town. Staff said the town’s share should be recouped in about three years through reduced energy use. The board also authorized the chair and the Town Administrator to sign the engagement letter for Plodzik & Sanderson to complete the 2024 audit.
The board authorized the Town Administrator to sign a Cable Access Franchise Agreement with Charter/Spectrum, noting the agreement will require adding the town’s community channel on channel 192 by 2027, which may impose future costs. Brian Rater made the motion to authorize signing; the motion passed 5–0.
In personnel and service changes, the Selectboard approved appointing Paul Branscombe as Food Pantry Manager while the town separates the Food Pantry from the Welfare Officer’s responsibilities. The board also approved permitting the Library Trustees or Library Director to switch the library’s internet service provider to Fidium and gave SLR permission to submit an Aquatic Resource Mitigation grant application to evaluate the viability of the Pierce Pond dam removal project.
What’s next: the board compiled items for its June 9 meeting, including final CIP approvals, Lot J‑54 sale discussions, policy updates, and the asbestos remediation final report. The swearing-in ceremony for incoming Police Chief Jack Hebert is scheduled for June 2 at 9 a.m. in the Safety Complex community room.
The Selectboard entered non-public session under RSA 91‑A:3 II (l) at 9:19 p.m., later voted to seal the minutes and adjourned at 10:29 p.m.
