HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-07 Finance Committee Minutes
Finance Committee Meeting
March 7, 2007
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Chairman Andrew Grimes, Vice
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were
Chairman Chuck Robinson, Finance Committee members Marsie West,
Ronald Powell, Paul Bolger, Michelle Williams and David Greenfield.
Also
present were Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town
Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, DPW Director Ted McIntyre, DPW
staff Bob Keating, Jane Kinsella, Peter Tassi, and George Zambouras, resident
Bill Brown, School Committee member David Michaud and nurse advocate task
force member Paula Koppel.
Peter Hechenbleikner discussed the Board of Assessors request for additional
hours, and corrected a previous statement that in fact benefits would not be a
factor in a seasonal position (the work schedule is approximately March thru
November).
Bob LeLacheur made a correction on the Health Insurance Budget, as there have
been staffing changes in the water treatment plant, and both the total budget and
enterprise offset were reduced by $45,000 – leaving the general fund’s share
unchanged.
Ted McIntyre reviewed the DPW budget and addressed questions regarding the
budget. FINCOM asked questions regarding Labor cost increases. Ted
explained that employees have moved from a laborer to a skilled laborer and also
some employees have moved up steps. In regards to the Engineering division
salary, there was a promotion. Ted noted the increase in the highway equipment
maintenance budget closer to actual expenses, but still well short of what is
anticipated.
FINCOM asked a question regarding the increase in Overtime. Ted explained
the cause of this increase is due to the call out times. Minimum call out times
were 3 hours, it is now 4 hours and also sewer stations need to be check everyday
including holidays. There was a question regarding the 10% increase in
electricity which Ted explained that this increase is suggested by RMLD.
Bob LeLacheur went over the Enterprise fund overhead calculation method for
FY08, which is the same approach as used in the previous budget year. Since
water expenses are growing much faster than general fund expenses, this
overhead offset had a large increase.
Peter Hechenbleikner reviewed the articles on the Town Meeting Warrant
scheduled for April.
On motion by Robinson seconded by Greenfield the minutes of February 21,
2007 were approved by a vote of 6-0-1 with Greenfield abstaining.
On motion by Bolger seconded by West the minutes of February 28, 2007
were approved by a vote of 7-0-0.
On motion by Grimes seconded by West the meeting was adjourned at 9:45
p.m. on a vote of 7-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary