HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-01 Finance Committee Minutes
Finance Committee Meeting
November 1, 2006
The meeting was convened at 6:40 pm in the Conference Room (Library) at the Coolidge
Middle School, 89 Birch Meadow Drive, Reading, Mass. Present were Vice Chair
Charles Robinson, FINCOM members Harold Torman, Michelle Williams, Marsie West,
David Greenfield, and George Hines as well as Peter Hechenbleikner (Town Manager),
Bob LeLacheur (Asst. Town Manager/Finance Director), Patrick Schettini (School
Superintendent), Mary Delai (School Director of Human Resources and Finance), Elaine
Webb(School Committee Chairperson), Lisa Gibbs (Vice Chairperson) School
Committee Members Chris Caruso, Peter Dahl, Carl McFadden, David Michaud, and
Scott Dunlap (Ai-3 Project Manager).
A lengthy discussion with School Committee members about Article 10 - RMHS Debt
Exclusion ensued. The building project contingency budget has been exhausted as a
result of many unforeseen construction issues such as asbestos, drainage and culvert
failure. The school committee is asking for $1.532 million which is the maximum amount
that has been approved by DOR in lieu of a previously discussed $1.35 million. Peter
Heckenbleikner noted adding an emergency preamble clause to the motion would avoid
any attempt to overturn the Town Meeting vote. After some discussion, the School
Committee did not approve adding the preamble.
Several folks left and arrived during this discussion, including:
Patrick Schettini (Schools) left the meeting at 7:05 pm
George Hines (FINCOM) arrived at 7:15pm
Peter Hechenbleikner (Town Mgr) left the meeting at 7:20pm
Elaine Webb (School Committee) left the meeting at 7:25pm
Carl McFadden left the meeting at 7:30pm
There was a short discussion regarding Article #7 – Bank Branch at RMHS. The branch
manager will be making it a curriculum item for the high school students and educating
them in finances. The town will have no liability issues, the bank will be responsible.
The School Committee adjourned at 7:40pm
The FINCOM meeting moved to Faculty Room at Coolidge, and re-convened 7:45pm
Chairman Andrew Grimes was present, and was joined by all previously mentioned
members of FINCOM, Bob LeLacheur (Asst. Town Manager/Finance Director), and Pete
Dahl (School Committee Member)
Debt Exclusion RMHS - Article #10 was discussed on what would happen to the money
not spent. Suggestion was made by George Hines that the school committee should vote
on where the money should go. Andrew Grimes noted possible commitment from school
committee regarding the money spent.
Finance Committee Meeting - November 1, 2006
Motion to support Article #10 by Robinson, seconded by Greenfield. FINCOM
voted 6-1-0, with Hines opposed
.
Article #7 was discussed about the education on banking and as a work study program. A
recommendation was made by George Hines for a 10 year lease in lieu of 20 years. David
Greenfield’s concern was a business being conducted out of a town building and the
impact on the education level.
Motion to support Article #7 by Grimes, seconded by Hines. FINCOM voted 6-0-1,
with Greenfield abstaining.
Article #6 Health Division revolving fund. Discussion was to create and move the fund
without affecting the substance abuse monies. Needs to be voted every year.
Motion to support Article #6 by Greenfield, seconded by Williams. FINCOM voted
7-0-0.
Moved by Hines, seconded West, FINCOM voted 7-0-0 on Article #8 to allocate
$167,995 to Chapter 90 for highway construction.
David Greenfield discussed the subject of Wood End Playground. FINCOM members
agree that the selectman should have a policy for playgrounds and a committee. George
Hines suggested feedback from selectman and school committee. FINCOM members
agreed to consider bringing back a capital planning committee to validate & prioritize
projects.
Motion to support Article 11 (Wood End playground) by Grimes, seconded by
West. FINCOM voted 7-0-0.
Financial Forum recap: Bob LeLacheur asked for clarification on the Baseline budget as
1) Rehire current employees, show what it would cost; and 2) All Expenses increase by
2%. FINCOM agreed.
nd
A meeting schedule was made in agreement from members to be the 2 Wednesday of
the month, unless otherwise specified.
Motion to approve FINCOM minutes of September 20, 2006 by Grimes, second by
Hines, passed 7-0-0.
On a motion by Robinson, seconded Williams, FINCOM voted 7-0-0 to adjourn the
meeting at 9:10pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary