From the Eagle-Tribune
Atkinson police fund transfer not as simple as thought
By Meghan Carey
mcarey@eagletribune.com
ATKINSON, N.H. — Residents who have contributed to police Chief Philip Consentino's donation accounts in the past must be part of the next step in legalizing how the funds are handled.
And if those donors have since died, the town will have to petition the court to move the money.
The Charitable Trust Unit of the state attorney general's office has sent three letters to the town regarding Consentino's handling of the police donation accounts and the elderly affairs program. Each letter, including the one received last week, has outlined steps selectmen and Consentino must take to comply with state law.
Selectmen say they were never contacted by Terry Knowles of the Charitable Trust Unit during the three-month inquiry into the donation accounts. They also have not acted on any of the letters from Knowles. They plan to schedule a workshop session to discuss the issues next week.
Consentino has met with Knowles and established a nonprofit organization — ¬¬the Atkinson Police Charitable Fund — to handle the donations and their uses. He set up a board of directors, which has met and elected its officers. But the nonprofit group doesn't have any funding yet.
That's because state law won't allow Consentino to simply transfer the $19,7000 balance of the Atkinson Police Department's Donation/Equipment Fund to the new nonprofit group. Knowles' letter of Aug. 21 outlines how donors must give the town written permission to move their money.
Knowles was on vacation last week and could not be reached for comment.
"Therefore, if the original donor or donors are still living and can be identified, each donor has the legal authority to direct his or her donation be transferred from the custody of the town into the custody of the Atkinson Police Charitable Fund," Knowles wrote. "If the donor makes the decision to transfer the donation, he or she should notify the Town of Atkinson in writing. If the original donor or donors cannot be identified or is now deceased, it will be necessary to file a petition with the probate court seeking permission to transfer that particular donation to the Atkinson Police Charitable Fund."
Consentino says he knew of the regulation all along, and it won't be a problem or require court involvement. He has copies of the "tens of thousands" of donations he has received over the 14 years the elderly affairs program has been in existence.
He said he simply went through that paperwork and created form letters for donors to sign and return.
"I just need enough signatures that equal the amount of money that's in the fund," Consentino said.
In the letters, he included the amount of money they donated and asked them to check that they authorize the transfer, sign and return it. Their sum contributions have totaled more than Consentino can guess, so he said it will be easy to get $19,000 worth of donors to give him authorization.
"I used not even a third of the letters of the checks that were donated to us," he said. "It's not a hard job."
Letters have already started to trickle back to Consentino, and he said he was sure he'd have full permission by the next selectmen's meeting, scheduled for Sept. 8.
Whether Consentino's interpretation that he can get $19,700 worth of authorization from any donors and not the particular donors is accurate, is unclear.
Selectmen did not return numerous phone calls.
Atkinson Town Hall
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42 comments:
Once again, Phil shows us why the Courts have to ORDER him to be ethical.
No, Phil, you can't just call up your 10 biggest donors and cover the amount. You have to cover the LAST donors. The previous funds have already been spent!
Remember they spent almost all of this account on the wheelchair van!
Is THIs the guy you TRUST to handle your money?
It is unbelievable how much energy this guy puts into finding a way around the laws and regulations!
Are cops supposed to do this?
Someone get a form letter that he sent out and look at the postmark. Is it being paid for by the town? I want to know.
Is anyone going to do the right thing here?
Here is the RSA that the original donation acct. was established under;
"31:95-b Appropriation for Funds Made Available During Year. –
I. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any town or village district at an annual meeting may adopt an article authorizing, indefinitely until specific rescission of such authority, the board of selectmen or board of commissioners to apply for, accept and expend, without further action by the town or village district meeting, unanticipated money from the state, federal or other governmental unit or a private source which becomes available during the fiscal year. The following shall apply:
(a) Such warrant article to be voted on shall read: ""Shall the town (or village district) accept the provisions of RSA 31:95-b providing that any town (or village district) at an annual meeting may adopt an article authorizing indefinitely, until specific rescission of such authority, the selectmen (or commissioners) to apply for, accept and expend, without further action by the town (or village district) meeting, unanticipated money from a state, federal, or other governmental unit or a private source which becomes available during the fiscal year?''
(b) If a majority of voters voting on the question vote in the affirmative, the proposed warrant article shall be in effect in accordance with the terms of the article until such time as the town or village district meeting votes to rescind its vote.
II. Such money shall be used only for legal purposes for which a town or village district may appropriate money.
III. (a) For unanticipated moneys in the amount of $5,000 or more, the selectmen or board of commissioners shall hold a prior public hearing on the action to be taken. Notice of the time, place, and subject of such hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the relevant municipality at least 7 days before the hearing is held.
(b) The board of selectmen may establish the amount of unanticipated funds required for notice under this subparagraph, provided such amount is less than $5,000. For unanticipated moneys in an amount less than $5,000, the board of selectmen shall post notice of the funds in the agenda and shall include notice in the minutes of the board of selectmen meeting in which such moneys are discussed. The acceptance of unanticipated moneys under this subparagraph shall be made in public session of any regular board of selectmen meeting.
IV. Action to be taken under this section shall:
(a) Not require the expenditure of other town or village district funds except those funds lawfully appropriated for the same purpose; and
(b) Be exempt from all provisions of RSA 32 relative to limitation and expenditure of town or village district moneys."
Notice section III. b. They have NEVER held a public hearing to accept the large donations, over $5,000. They have NEVER posted public hearings with 7 days notice. And they RARELY EVER VOTE to spend money out of that acct., Phil comes in, gives a bunch of acceptable reasons to spend money. NO VOTE, Phils submits voucher, and selectmen sign it, without ever checking to make sure it is for what he said it was going to be for. That is why you have checks written for things never discussed in meetings.
ALL of this appears to be ILLEGAL!
Great work, on the part of our CHIEF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER!
What a joke!
I hate to throw cold water on people fire, but here is the short and sweet as I understand it, and I have some experience in this;
A non-profit Corp. is a private entity, therefore right to know does not apply.
A non-profit charity needs to file financial disclosures with both the IRS, and the State once a year, and these are public documents, but short on details.
If the charity collects $25,000 or more per year they must file a form 990 with the IRS as well.
The corporation must do all the housekeeping chores of any corporation; board meetings, votes, resolutions, by-laws, but there is not public disclosure, only member disclosure, depending upon how the by-laws were set up.
In this case the By-laws preclude any public disclosure.
So, In short, these funds will go from being town held, which was being done improperly as well, and subject to right to know, public meetings, and openness, even though that never happened, to a private, out of sight, no public disclosure method of managing these funds.
I have heard the donation acct., in the past referred to as a slush fund, well, now it will become one legally.
Mark,
The private corporation is the new account. The account that was set up via town article is a public account and subject to RTK, correct?
this is true, right up to the point that money leaves the town's hands.
And some commentator earlier was correct, the donation account was almost spent totally on the wheelchair van, so the selectmen should be looking from the most recent donors back.
but that is just the way I would do it, what do I know?
The only way they can stop the Chief is to fire him from the PD. Since the PD runs the new fund and you have to be on the PD to be on the board, this is the ONLY alternative.
Mark,
Shouldn't it be your trustees of trust funds who should evaluate the chief's documentation and letters from purported donors, not the selectmen?
The way I read the letters, it seems clear that the only legal action your selectmen can take is to transfer the funds to the trustees.
Curt,
One would think, but seeing as only the chief has the list of donors,and he doesn't allow anyone to see it, even though it should be a public document, that might be kind of difficult.
Regardless of who has the list of donors, who has actual custody of the funds. That is to say who can get money out of the bank account, whether properly or improperly? The chief? The treasurer? The selectmen?
Agree with the first poster that it has to specificially be those donations from the individuals who contributed the last $19,000 +/-, not just anyone that donated to the account in the last few years.
What a joke. Does he think the AG will actually go along with his scheme?
I have to hope and pray that the AG office is not a bunch of pushovers and that they will not allow Phil to just paper over the file to make the AG request go away.
It MUST MUST MUST be the most recent donations and donors that comprise the $19K balance.
I know it is wishful thinking but I have to believe the AG office may be losing a little patience if he tries to make them look like idiots.
The money that is in the accounts are from the most recent donations, such should be letters from those people whom donated the money. Not donations from people from 100 years ago? This guy just keeps spitting at you, me, the AGO etc....
Is is to much to ask for a honest Chief of police? What F#@%ing country do we live in again?
Paul, next time the chief asks if you want him to resign, Please accept it!
Here is the problem
If only the chief has the list of donors, then how does anyone know that the signatures he gets, are actually the people who donated?
This is the problem when you have gone to such great lengths to be secretive.
I think that list of donors should be made available under Right to Know.
What is the big bleeping secret?
If I donated money to the PD, and the Selectmen wanted the list of donors and it had my name on it, I could care less.
The reason is this is Phil's secret list of people he has under his spell. They are obligated to him and he uses them for his votes. If we got the list, we could tell them all about Phil's crimes and educate them. Then the money and votes would stop and Phil would become what he really is. Irrelevant. His biggest fear is that list going public.
The list of donors is public inofrmation under RTK per the AGO. It's on order and they have 5 days to supply it.
The way I read that letter is that you better have an accurate record of monies coming in and going out for the years this account has been in existence . You just can't say here are the last biggest donors that equal 20,000 dollars case closed. They may have given two years ago and that money was spent already.
This is real mess that was created by one person. Elderly affairs should have been under the control of the senior center from the get go.
Selectmen work for the town not themselves. And need to ask town council regrading such matters before it gets to this point.
quoting the beginning of the article:
ATKINSON, N.H. — Residents who have contributed to police Chief Philip Consentino's donation accounts in the past must be part of the next step in legalizing how the funds are handled.
And if those donors have since died, the town will have to petition the court to move the money.
This is incorrect. Your selectmen can turn the money over to your trustees of the trust funds and everything will be "legalized". Done. No donor or court involvement required.
RSA 292-B:6 I states: "If the donor consents in a record [written document], an
institution may release or modify, in whole or in part, a restriction contained in a gift
instrument on the management, investment, or purpose of the institutional fund. A release
or modification may not allow a fund to be used for a purpose other than a charitable purpose
of the institution." (Emphasis added)
I believe that this money must be handled in a lawful manner. I think all statements and accountings must
be by sworn, notarized affidavit and the probate court might oversee and judge the process. At the least, it is demanded that competent legal representation be present and directed to represent the towns interests.
and Phil gets us into another court battle.......
Article submission
Thanks to the Atkinson Taxpayers Association!
Your free website has provided access to a bounty of public documents the residents of Atkinson cannot get from the town. Kudos to you all for this free, helpful service.
The Atkinson Town website is so out of date and has little useful content. I hope we don't pay anything for this pathetic site. In an age where everyone uses the internet daily, wouldn't you think it would help the residents and the town departments to have important information readily available? It would decrease the need for people to go to town hall to ask for information. It would save everyone time.
Today I see that the Selectman (there are 3 of them) page provides a link to the 2007 Special Town Meeting docs. What about the 2008 documents? After all, we have a vote coming up next week!
The 2007 Town Report doesn't load correctly anymore, the meeting minutes have not been posted since mid July and several weeks are missing throughout the year!
What about posting the agenda for the next BOS meeting? Someone is typing it up on the computer, printing it out and taping it to the bulletin board. How easy would it be to just post the file on the website so we don't have to drive over to look?
The Assessors page provides us with property values from 2006. What are we supposed to do with these, reminisce? I remember when my house was worth more.....
The Tax Collector's page says to go to the Assessor page to see the Reevaluation schedule. It's not there, in fact it is not on the website at all. If they are reevaluating everyone's property every year, why have a schedule?
Code Enforcement has more information that other depts so maybe they can add their meeting minutes, if it's not too much trouble.
Zoning Board has alot of the same information as the Code Enforcement Dept. and list their meeting minutes (but they are not up to date!)
Planning Board gets an A (just for their website). Go Shirley!
Town Clerk's webite might be helpful if they listed the fees for registering cars, getting a dog or marriage license etc. What documentation should I bring to register my dog? Hmmm
The Budget Committee has not posted 2008 minutes and does not have the 2006 budget on line. Do you do monthly or quarterly reports? Can we see these too?
The APD is not up to date. I'd like to see their hours posted, if only to make sure the Chief isn't here any longer than he needs to be. Maybe they can work on their website instead of reading this blog all day.
Elderly Affairs just links you to a letter from the Police Dept. There's that pesky lack of division the AGO demands they correct.
Town Moderator's page is not bad, good content so maybe Frank can spend some time on the delivery.
Cable TV ( I don't have it, what about a government that functions for all?)
Conflict of Interest has not been updated since March 2007. With all the work they have around here????........
The article states, "He (Consentino) set up a board of directors, which has met and elected its officers."
Does Phil really think it is not obvious to all what he did here. He selected them, they all work for him, they elected their own officers (with the Chief as head honcho no doubt). It is beyond comprehension what part of "Conflict of Interest" he cannot get through that thick skull of his (sorry, but my exasperation with this man and his antics are becoming to much to bear). And of course, we all know this was not the AG's intent.
So, again, we leave it to the BOS to do the right thing. No matter what letters Phil produces, the only way to get this all above board is for the town to keep the money and leave it to the Trustees of the Trust to distribute the funds.
And, to keep it that way, Phil should be directed, as a town employee, the he shall not use his totally bogus charitable organization to solicit new funds.
Of course, all of this is way to obvious, which means it won't happen.
"And, to keep it that way, Phil should be directed, as a town employee, the he shall not use his totally bogus charitable organization to solicit new funds."
The town has no authority to do that. They can forbid him from using town resources, and his official position to fundraise, but beyond that he can privately fundraise under the new organization, without official oversight.
Well, darn.
But what they can do, should do, and what the AG wants, is to separate, completely, the PD and Elderly Affairs.
Elderly Affairs should be moved to a different location, the EA fleet should be removed from the PD parking lot, and a new EA director appointed.
Mr. Childs says they have no one to run Elderly Affairs. Have they asked? If they cannot get someone to take it over full time, ask for a interim director. Someone like Jane Cole comes to mind.
Breaking the two departments apart is critical to cleaning up this mess.
All they have to do is ask if anyone would like to do the job of running elderly affairs . I know of a few whom would consider.
What about the obvious choice? The one person who quietly runs the Community Center? Noriko should be the first person considered for this. She is doing the work now and all we have to add is the transportation. If you look at what small things the Elderly Affairs (PD) group did, it's insignificant (stay tuned). Noriko already handles the trips and other activities. Give her a big fat raise to do it.
Article submission.
Police Donation Accounts for 2007-2008 EXPOSED!!!
Ok folks, check out the posting at http://www.atkinsontaxpayers.org/pdf/Donations07-08.pdf
This is the town's accounting of the donation account expenditures for 2007 and 2008.
Compare the 2008 requests to the 2008 withdrawals as of now, which can be compiled from the town website, under selectman meeting minutes.
- Total Requested 2008 $10,888.00
- Total Expended 2008 $15,478.81
The bottom line is that there have been requests for expenditures from the PD fund of $10,888.00 thru 7-14-2008 at which time, the town stopped posting meeting minutes on the website.
The expenditures thru 9-2-2008 are $15,478.81. If you eliminate expenditures between 7-15 and now, the amount expended is still in excess of $12,600.00.
Not good enough for you? Ok then... look at the same donation pdf referenced above and compare it to this----
REQUESTS FOR WITHDRAWAL 2007
12/10 $3,073 stairlift, chairlift, candy, postage, toys
12/3 $2,968 dentures, tool box, snow tires, writing bench/bathroom, postage, sirens
11/19 $2,700 stamps, utilities for senior, fuel assistance, transport drivers xmas party, senior dinner functions.
10/15 $2,068 senior bday cards, postage, flu vaccine, coach fare
10/12 $1,850 oil for senior$350, flashlights(3)$375, wheelchair ramp$250, GPS for wheelchair van$375, car phone$100, phone recorder$400.
9/17 $250 Help senior with oil
8/20 $2,315 help resident groceries$200, town wide mailing$850, window decals$350, Misc. items$150, Coach rental$765
7/23 $1,607 graphics wheelchair van$400, postage$117, wax/clean cruiser$225, Misc.$150, senior wellness class$715.
6/25 $17,161 partial payment of wheelchair van
6/18 $2,236 purchase Mercury Marquis
6/11 $25,730 purchase wheelchair van, fund atkinson baseball team$250
5/21 $1,300 Letterring new cruisers$900, decommission old cruisers$400
5/7 $1,021 Rent$254, funeral$500, Misc.$150, postage$115
4/9 $540 DARE Graduation
3/12 $1,217 seniors utilities$150, prescriptions$250, baseball team sponsor$250, PDcars cameras$450, postage$117.
1/29 $1,517 town wide mailing, heating assist.senior, bday cards, postage.
TOTAL $24,662. + $42,861 FOR THE WHEELCHAIR VAN.
Now for the EXPENDITURES FOR 2007
12/31 $75.00 Rick Theberge- assist. snow removal
12/31 $486.75 Mike Murphy & Sons- assist- Oil
12/19 $604.12 Toys R Us- Toys for Kids
12/19 $1,300.00 Mobility and More- Stairway lift
12/12 $45.00 Exeter Flower Shop- Flowers Kinney
12/12 $173.68 P. Consentino- Tool Box
12/05 $45.45 P. Consentino- Kids Christmas party items
11/28 $434.85 Victory Fuel- heating oil for senior
11/20 $100.00 P. Consentino- Gift Certificate
11/20 $15.00 P. Consentino- Parking fee Boston
11/20 $745.00 Coach Co.- Beacon Resort Trip
11/14 $48.00 Pulsar Alarms Med. Alert
11/14 $57.00 Freshwater Farms Crowley
11/14 $287.00 Eagle Tribune Flu Shot Ad
11/14 $173.00 C&D Auto Clinic Car repairs for senior
11/14 $319.92 Anderson, William Paying for cable-resident
11/07 $151.50 Loral Press Flu Shot Flyers
10/31 $252.00 Ram Printing Birthday Cards
10/31 $18.58 McCarthy, C. Rx Items
10/31 $216.00 Lynn Card Co. Police Badge
10/31 $344.99 P. Consentino GPS Unit
10/24 $100.00 Ram Printing Envelopes
10/24 $50.00 Phil's Signs Flu Shot Signs
10/24 $419.85 Adamson Industries Flashlights/elderly cruisers
10/10 $265.00 Bill's Home Improve. Ramp for Senior
10/10 $427.82 Omnicron Electronics Recorder
10/10 $305.00 NSP Window Decals
9/26 $1,328.81 Loral Press 6 pg. mail out to residents
9/26 $135.00 The Photo Stop Photos
8/15 $200.00 Anderson, William Food Cert. for needy
8/15 $150.00 Myles Feuer Car Detailing cars 49 & 50
7/25 $75.00 McCarthy, C. Wax Senior Car
7/25 $50.00 Freshwater Farms Cammillieri
7/18 $65.00 McCarthy, C. Wax Elderly Car
7/18 $90.00 Harold's Locksmith Key for new Mercury
7/18 $175.00 Details on Wheels Wax & Buff Durango
6/27 $17,460.00 Ride-away Equip. 2007 Grand Caravan(wheelchair van)
6/27 $250.00 Atkinson Youth Baseb Donation
6/25 $2,236.00 Ernest Munsey 1998 Mercury Marquis
6/06 $845.00 Summit Signs Lettering Senior Cars
6/06 $21.65 McCarthy, C. Staples/plug/parking
5/30 $200.00 Minor, Donald Sr. Unit 49 Take decals off
5/09 $500.00 Brookside Chapel Assist Burial
3/28 $250.00 Atkinson Youth Baseb Sponsorship
3/21 $40.00 McCarthy, C. Seniors- Pops 4 tickets
3/21 $802.96 Loral Press Wheelchair flyer & postage
3/21 $70.00 Exeter Flower Shop Ashford
3/14 $40.00 Rick Theberge sand and salt driveway
3/07 $58.50 Anderson, William Logo on Jacket
2/13 $35.00 Exeter Flower Shop Ashford
1/31 $252.00 Ram Printing Birthday Cards
1/31 $100.00 Ram Printing Envelopes
1/31 $360.19 Mike Murphy Oil Fuel Assist.
1/16 $117.00 Anderson, William Senior Jackets
1/10 $50.00 Rick Theberge Mailbox
1/10 $350.01 KJ's Electric Storage Shed Power
1/10 $400.00 Anderson, William Gift Cards
What do I see as descrepancies for 2007?
The following items were not requested in a public hearing or approved by the BOS. Considering the misc. amounts of $450.00 total for the year still does not account for the following expenditures.
12/31 Expenditure of $75.00 for snow removal
11/14 $48.00 for Pulsar Alarms med alert
11/14 $173.00 C&D Auto Clinic car repairs for senior
9/26 $135.00 The Photo Shop photos
1/10 $50.00 Rick Theberge mialbox
1/10 $350.01 KJ's Electric Storage Shed Power
1/10 $400.00 Anderson, William Gift Cards
11/20 $100.00 P. Consentino- Gift Certificate
3/07 $58.50 Anderson, William Logo on Jacket
1/16 $117.00 Anderson, William Senior Jackets
3/14 $40.00 Rick Theberge sand and salt driveway
12/12 $45.00 Exeter Flower Shop- Flowers Kinney
11/14 $57.00 Freshwater Farms Crowley
7/25 $50.00 Freshwater Farms Cammillieri
2/13 $35.00 Exeter Flower Shop Ashford
3/21 $40.00 McCarthy, C. Seniors- Pops 4 tickets
11/20 $15.00 P. Consentino- Parking fee Boston
10/31 $216.00 Lynn Card Co. Police Badge
7/25 $75.00 McCarthy, C. Wax Senior Car
7/18 $65.00 McCarthy, C. Wax Elderly Car
There's more....saving it for another day....
This is how YOUR Police Chief spends the Elderly Affairs donation account!! Are you proud and anxious to donate again or what!!!!
waxing his car... send flowers to someone special...gave oil to a half a dozen people!!! WOW, what a guy.
Don't forget the writing desk for the PD bathroom! THAT was great!
But when Mr. Acciard requested money for John Lapham's family, Phil's response was......
"That's not what that money is for!" "I'm requesting $2,000 for Cpl. Lapham"
WOO HOO!!!
If you ckeck the expenditure list from the town, the desk for the PD bathroom isn't listed! So how did he pay for the desk? Out of the PD budget maybe?
...and isn't it nice that he bought himself a toolbox! That was not requested or approved either!
Car waxing seems to be quite a popular expenditure. Much needed I am sure. I know, it improves gas mileage.
This is funny. I am sure all of the people who donate are aware and approve of all these expenses. Do you think they would keep donating if they knew what their money was REALLY used for? And NOT what is advertised at Selectmen's meetings.
this is ridiculous....The seniors are being hosed with this crap of a donation account. No wonder why Phil is protecting this to the bitter end. Selectman, do not let Phil transfer the money to the new account, He is just going to blow it....Make sure the Lapam family gets their 10,000.00 first! Before Phil blows all of it.
Car waxing, Get rid of that durango it cost 100 dollars more to wax. Plus you have to get the special wheel detial done......
Mailings sure are a lot of those.
Flash lights 125 bucks a pop must be damn good flash lights (but they can't find a lost gun)
Kids Christmas party items. No senior party?
12/3 $2,968 dentures, tool box, snow tires, writing bench/bathroom, postage, sirens. Doesn't a police car come with sirens?
10/31 $216.00 Lynn Card Co. Police Badge. How many cards did this buy? Its not badge as you think.
The next 2 baffle me
1/29 $1,517 town wide mailing, heating assist.senior, bday cards, postage.
9/26 $1,328.81 Loral Press 6 pg. mail out to residents
This one is good also
10/24 $419.85 Adamson Industries Flashlights/elderly cruisers?
How many cars do they have now 3?
http://www.adamsonindustries.com/category.php?cat=TL&sub=FLASH
9/26 $135.00 The Photo Shop photos
The Cost of photos have gone up since a had some done
Anyways Take care all
PLEASE ACCEPT THIS AS AN ARTICLE SUBMISSION
Police Donation Accounts for 2007-2008 EXPOSED!!!
Ok folks, check out the posting at http://www.atkinsontaxpayers.org/pdf/Donations07-08.pdf
This is the town's accounting of the donation account expenditures for 2007 and 2008.
Compare the 2008 requests to the 2008 withdrawals as of now, which can be compiled from the town website, under selectman meeting minutes.
- Total Requested 2008 $10,888.00
- Total Expended 2008 $15,478.81
The bottom line is that there have been requests for expenditures from the PD fund of $10,888.00 thru 7-14-2008 at which time, the town stopped posting meeting minutes on the website.
The expenditures thru 9-2-2008 are $15,478.81. If you eliminate expenditures between 7-15 and now, the amount expended is still in excess of $12,600.00.
Not good enough for you? Ok then... look at the same donation pdf referenced above and compare it to this----
REQUESTS FOR WITHDRAWAL 2007
12/10 $3,073 stairlift, chairlift, candy, postage, toys
12/3 $2,968 dentures, tool box, snow tires, writing bench/bathroom, postage, sirens
11/19 $2,700 stamps, utilities for senior, fuel assistance, transport drivers xmas party, senior dinner functions.
10/15 $2,068 senior bday cards, postage, flu vaccine, coach fare
10/12 $1,850 oil for senior$350, flashlights(3)$375, wheelchair ramp$250, GPS for wheelchair van$375, car phone$100, phone recorder$400.
9/17 $250 Help senior with oil
8/20 $2,315 help resident groceries$200, town wide mailing$850, window decals$350, Misc. items$150, Coach rental$765
7/23 $1,607 graphics wheelchair van$400, postage$117, wax/clean cruiser$225, Misc.$150, senior wellness class$715.
6/25 $17,161 partial payment of wheelchair van
6/18 $2,236 purchase Mercury Marquis
6/11 $25,730 purchase wheelchair van, fund atkinson baseball team$250
5/21 $1,300 Letterring new cruisers$900, decommission old cruisers$400
5/7 $1,021 Rent$254, funeral$500, Misc.$150, postage$115
4/9 $540 DARE Graduation
3/12 $1,217 seniors utilities$150, prescriptions$250, baseball team sponsor$250, PDcars cameras$450, postage$117.
1/29 $1,517 town wide mailing, heating assist.senior, bday cards, postage.
TOTAL $24,662. + $42,861 FOR THE WHEELCHAIR VAN.
Now for the EXPENDITURES FOR 2007
12/31 $75.00 Rick Theberge- assist. snow removal
12/31 $486.75 Mike Murphy & Sons- assist- Oil
12/19 $604.12 Toys R Us- Toys for Kids
12/19 $1,300.00 Mobility and More- Stairway lift
12/12 $45.00 Exeter Flower Shop- Flowers Kinney
12/12 $173.68 P. Consentino- Tool Box
12/05 $45.45 P. Consentino- Kids Christmas party items
11/28 $434.85 Victory Fuel- heating oil for senior
11/20 $100.00 P. Consentino- Gift Certificate
11/20 $15.00 P. Consentino- Parking fee Boston
11/20 $745.00 Coach Co.- Beacon Resort Trip
11/14 $48.00 Pulsar Alarms Med. Alert
11/14 $57.00 Freshwater Farms Crowley
11/14 $287.00 Eagle Tribune Flu Shot Ad
11/14 $173.00 C&D Auto Clinic Car repairs for senior
11/14 $319.92 Anderson, William Paying for cable-resident
11/07 $151.50 Loral Press Flu Shot Flyers
10/31 $252.00 Ram Printing Birthday Cards
10/31 $18.58 McCarthy, C. Rx Items
10/31 $216.00 Lynn Card Co. Police Badge
10/31 $344.99 P. Consentino GPS Unit
10/24 $100.00 Ram Printing Envelopes
10/24 $50.00 Phil's Signs Flu Shot Signs
10/24 $419.85 Adamson Industries Flashlights/elderly cruisers
10/10 $265.00 Bill's Home Improve. Ramp for Senior
10/10 $427.82 Omnicron Electronics Recorder
10/10 $305.00 NSP Window Decals
9/26 $1,328.81 Loral Press 6 pg. mail out to residents
9/26 $135.00 The Photo Stop Photos
8/15 $200.00 Anderson, William Food Cert. for needy
8/15 $150.00 Myles Feuer Car Detailing cars 49 & 50
7/25 $75.00 McCarthy, C. Wax Senior Car
7/25 $50.00 Freshwater Farms Cammillieri
7/18 $65.00 McCarthy, C. Wax Elderly Car
7/18 $90.00 Harold's Locksmith Key for new Mercury
7/18 $175.00 Details on Wheels Wax & Buff Durango
6/27 $17,460.00 Ride-away Equip. 2007 Grand Caravan(wheelchair van)
6/27 $250.00 Atkinson Youth Baseb Donation
6/25 $2,236.00 Ernest Munsey 1998 Mercury Marquis
6/06 $845.00 Summit Signs Lettering Senior Cars
6/06 $21.65 McCarthy, C. Staples/plug/parking
5/30 $200.00 Minor, Donald Sr. Unit 49 Take decals off
5/09 $500.00 Brookside Chapel Assist Burial
3/28 $250.00 Atkinson Youth Baseb Sponsorship
3/21 $40.00 McCarthy, C. Seniors- Pops 4 tickets
3/21 $802.96 Loral Press Wheelchair flyer & postage
3/21 $70.00 Exeter Flower Shop Ashford
3/14 $40.00 Rick Theberge sand and salt driveway
3/07 $58.50 Anderson, William Logo on Jacket
2/13 $35.00 Exeter Flower Shop Ashford
1/31 $252.00 Ram Printing Birthday Cards
1/31 $100.00 Ram Printing Envelopes
1/31 $360.19 Mike Murphy Oil Fuel Assist.
1/16 $117.00 Anderson, William Senior Jackets
1/10 $50.00 Rick Theberge Mailbox
1/10 $350.01 KJ's Electric Storage Shed Power
1/10 $400.00 Anderson, William Gift Cards
What do I see as descrepancies for 2007?
The following items were not requested in a public hearing or approved by the BOS. Considering the misc. amounts of $450.00 total for the year still does not account for the following expenditures.
12/31 Expenditure of $75.00 for snow removal
11/14 $48.00 for Pulsar Alarms med alert
11/14 $173.00 C&D Auto Clinic car repairs for senior
9/26 $135.00 The Photo Shop photos
1/10 $50.00 Rick Theberge mialbox
1/10 $350.01 KJ's Electric Storage Shed Power
1/10 $400.00 Anderson, William Gift Cards
11/20 $100.00 P. Consentino- Gift Certificate
3/07 $58.50 Anderson, William Logo on Jacket
1/16 $117.00 Anderson, William Senior Jackets
3/14 $40.00 Rick Theberge sand and salt driveway
12/12 $45.00 Exeter Flower Shop- Flowers Kinney
11/14 $57.00 Freshwater Farms Crowley
7/25 $50.00 Freshwater Farms Cammillieri
2/13 $35.00 Exeter Flower Shop Ashford
3/21 $40.00 McCarthy, C. Seniors- Pops 4 tickets
11/20 $15.00 P. Consentino- Parking fee Boston
10/31 $216.00 Lynn Card Co. Police Badge
7/25 $75.00 McCarthy, C. Wax Senior Car
7/18 $65.00 McCarthy, C. Wax Elderly Car
There's more....saving it for another day....
THIS IS WHY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL REQUIRES DONATIONS TO BE HANDLED ACCORDING TO THE LAW.
Jacket logos?
Pops tickets?
Car waxing?
Photos?
In all the minutes, I could not find where these items were asked for approval to expend by the Selectmen. This is pretty bad. This is NOT how you run a charitable organization. Especially when a lot of the money seems to benefit personally those individuals that are part of the organization. Jackets with logos? Really a necessity?
Now who is taking bets on how the 1600+ rides were paid for in 2007. Can you say POLICE DEPT BUDGET?
If he is mismanaging these funds.....do you see a pattern here?
Maybe the AG doesn't have the details on the 1600 rides. Why don't you send it to them.
NOBODY has the details on the 1600 rides!
THATS the point!
Phil never gives verification, he just picks a number out of his head, and it becomes fact.
The 2007 Town of Atkinson Annual Report has on page 30 a Report of Elderly Affairs.
It states, and I quote:
"This year (2007) we provided 1,644 transports to our seniors, this is up by 452 transports (37.9%).
The reports ends with this:
"Respectfully Submitted,
Philip Consentino
Director of Elderly Affairs"
My only comment is that the Elderly Affairs budget did not increase by 37.9% from 06-07, so how are all these transports being paid for?
I am not aware if there is any detailed tracking documentation for all these rides showing who went where. If I had to bet, I would say there is no audit trail, thus no evidence beyond the annual report, but I could be wrong.
Phil's growing a business over there with our tax dollars giving out free rides using PD budget and resources. I cannot come to any other conclusion given the cost of labor, vehicles, maintenance, insurance and gas.
Off topic question. Can someone tell me what the big reservoir is within the Atkinson Country Club?
In 2004 The Chief agreed with the budget committee to start keeping logs of all transports detailing mileage, man-hours, number of transports, and number of residents using service.
I dont think those logs have ever been shown to selectmen or budget committee, to the best of my knowledge.
Selectman Sullivan, I don't care what numbers consentino throws out to the board at your workshop, make sure you have an accounting for ALL I repeat ALL of the contributors and the money given. Don't be handed any amount and accept it, so far you and YOU ALONE are standing up to consentino and trying to make some sense of the joke he's made us as a town. Keep up the good work and we may actually have an honest and honorable town again.
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