HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-03 Finance Committee MinutesFinance Committee Meeting
January 3, 2012
The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Finance Committee members Marsie West, David
Greenfield, John Arena, Barry Berman, Marie Ferrari, Paula Perry and Hal Torman;
Selectmen Camille Anthony, Stephen Goldy, Ben Tafoya, James Bonazoli and Richard Schubert;
Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager /Finance Director Bob
LeLacheur, Office Manager Paula Schena, Paul Feely, Michele Sanphy, Andrew Jeremski, Niloo
Hennings, Noah Hennings, Jacob Hennings, School Committee members Hal Croft, Chuck
Robinson, Chris Caruso; Light Board members Phil Pacino and Bob Soli,; Patty DeGaravilla,
Vinnie Cameron, Erin Calvo- Bocci, John E. Carpenter, Carolyn Whiting, Erica McNamara, Tom
Zaya, Donna Dudley, Robyn Parker, Karen Herrick, Mark Cardono, Angela Binda, Roberta
Sullivan, Everett Blodgett, Virginia Blodgett, Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Virginia Adams.
Discussion /Action Items
Review OPEB Actuarial Study with Finance Committee, School Committee and Reading
Municipal Light Board — The Finance Committee and School Committee called their meeting to
order at 7:26 p.m.
Kathleen Riley from the Segal Company was present. She noted they are an employee benefit
firm who has done evaluations for several communities. She looked at the average cost of
benefits including the trend of benefits and mortality assumption. Ms. Riley noted the Town has
$93 million in unfunded liability. The Annual Required Contribution for fiscal year 2011 is
$6,560,000. The RMLD has funded $1 million. She noted that if the Town funds $4.2 million
then the amount drops to $63 million due to a change in the discount rate. If the Town sets aside
$2 million in a trust then we could do the calculation on a 7.75% discount.
Camille Anthony noted that the amount of liability has a negative effect on the Town's bond
rating.
Presentation from Town Manager RCASA Director Superintendent of Schools, Police Chief re:
Response to Substance Abuse and Violence —The Town Manager noted this is in response to the
discussion in the community on substance abuse and violence.
RCASA Director Erica McNamara noted that her goal is to convene the stakeholders to develop
coordinated strategies to reduce substance abuse. The RCASA has recruited and trained youth
leaders; have reached over 900 people last year and helped institute the prescription drug return
program. She is in the process of preparing a $125,000 grant application.
The Town Manager noted that the grant monies are done by September 2012 so if we don't
received additional funding, then we would have to fund this ourselves.
Erica McNamara noted that the RCASA works with the schools and PTO's and also does TIPS
training. There has been a reduction in drug use in the middle schools and the high school in
specific key areas.
Finance Committee Meeting — January 3, 2012 — Page 2
Camille Anthony asked if the RCASA is reaching out to adults and Erica McNamara noted that
the funding requires a focus on youth but the information is available to anyone. Camille
Anthony asked for information on which liquor licenses have contacted RCASA.
James Bonazoli noted that the Board continues to hold liquor licensees accountable and
suggested that RCASA should see if they will help.
Donna Dudley noted that the message she received regarding the lock down at the high school
was confusing. Chief Cormier noted that no contraband was found but the canines alerted on
odors in three different areas.
Chief Cormier noted that there has been an increase in population. He also noted that the
increase in crimes is related to substance abuse. He is suggesting an increase of one Officer in
the Police Department. He noted that RCASA has helped a lot and an additional officer could
focus on issues.
The Town Manager noted that the new growth figures in the fall will probably require an
additional officer also. Richard Schubert asked if $76,000 was for FY13 and Town Manager
indicated it was and it was noted that $100,000 would be needed for a full year.
Camille Anthony asked what the call rate at Archstone is and Chief Cormier noted that any
densely populated area will need additional services. He will get the numbers for her.
Marsie West asked if there was any research on how effective search dogs have been on
deterring drug use. Chief Cormier noted that they have been successful in deterring drugs in the
schools.
John Doherty noted that there is a strong collaboration with Erica McNamara and Police to be
proactive and this is unique to Reading. His concern is with the behavioral health of the students
regarding anxiety and stress. They have formed a behavioral health task force and they came up
with 25 changes.
Camille Anthony noted that the kids need a Teen Center and the Town should head down that
path. John Doherty noted that there are plenty of activities at the High School level, but not so
much for the younger group.
Paula Perry stated concerns about increased demands on guidance counselors and John Doherty
noted that they will need additional staffing in the high school guidance, but guidance needs to
be defined as academic or social.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary