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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-06-09 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts BUDGET COUNCIL June 9, 1999 CALL TO ORDER Finance Committee Chair Carol Grimm stated that the Finance Committee was already called to order. At 8:05 p.m. Chair D'Antona called the School Committee to order. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, Dahl, D'Antona, Keigley, Twomey and Williams. Also present was Superintendent Harutunian, Town Manager Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager Russell Dean ,Town Accountant Richard Foley, Town Treasurer Beth Klepeis, members of the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and Library Board of Trustees. Selectman Sally Hoyt advised that the Board of Selectmen did not yet have a quorum. Library Board member Maria Silvaggi advised that the Library Board ,of Trustees did not yet have a quorum. STATE FUNDS Town Accountant Richard Foley reviewed the state aid numbers with the Council. A discussion was held regarding whether the $248,000 in increased aid was guaranteed by the state. Dr. Harutunian advised that the $248,000 figure was approved by both the house and the senate and was as firm as any other state aid figure. He stated that there was a discussion with the state representatives and state senator regarding the possibility of additional state aid but that any additional state aid figures were not solid as of this date. Town Manager Hechenbleikner advised that due to the DOR Y2K issues, the tax rate would have to be set earlier this year. A discussion was held among council members regarding the process used to determine the new growth figure. Town Manager Hechenbleikner stated that this is the process that is always used but that it is being done earlier in the year because of the need to set the tax rate early. Mr. Dahl asked about the costs of town meeting and special elections. Town Manager Hechenbleikner advised that town meeting will cost approximately $500 and the special election about $9,000. The Council decided to take the agenda out of order and discuss the proposed distribution of funds from additional state aid next. BUDGET COUNCIL -2- June 9, 1999 The Council agreed that the $248,880 in aid was actually $137,880 because of other financial obligations that would need to be taken out of the $248,880. The Council broke into Committee groups at approximately 9:15 p.m. During caucus the School Committee made the following votes: Mr. Dahl moved to direct the chair to formally request that $137,880 be allocated to the School Department for the priorities as listed. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Keigley, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Mr. Twomey moved to direct the Superintendent to ask the Finance Committee to use the reserve account for the amount of $27,505.64 to cover the unanticipated cost of the Coolidge oil removal. Ms. Williams seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Keig_ley, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. The Council was called back to order at approximately 9:35 p.m. Finance Committee Chair Carol Grimm stated that the Finance Committee is the financial advisor and does not feel it is prudent to spend money that the Town does not actually have. Selectman Hines stated that the entire budget is based on projections and he felt that the $248,000 was solid. Ms. Anthony and Ms. Hoyt both stated that they also felt that the $248,000 was solid. Chair D'Antona stated that the $248,000 was solid and was not a windfall, it will be a part of the foundation budget. Mr. Twomey stated that we made a plea to our legislators for extra funds and they worked diligently to come through with additional funds and the council needs to acknowledge that. Mr. Hines stated that the Selectmen proposed spending the money as follows: 60% to the schools, 40% to the Town after the $11,000 expense for the vocational school has been deducted. Chair D'Antona stated that the School Committee voted to formally request $137,880 be used for the School Committee's priorities as listed. Maria Silvaggi stated that the Library Board supported the Board of Selectmen's proposal. BUDGET COUNCIL -3- June 9, 1999 Mr. MacDonald of the Finance Committee recommended $12,000 go to the vocational expense, 80% to the schools and 20% to the town. At 10:10 p.m. the Council decided to break to caucus. During the caucus, the School Committee agreed to support Mr. MacDonald's recommendation of $12,000 to the vocational expenses and 80% to the schools, 20% to the town. At 10:20 p.m. the Council was called back to order Finance Committee Chair Carol Grimm stated that the Finance Committee voted $100,000 to the school department, $10,000 to the police department and $15,000 to the library. The Finance Committee stated that the feel that because of the time sensitive nature of the school department's priorities that a special town meeting should be held as soon as possible. Chair D'Antona agreed and requested that a special Town Meeting be held as soon as possible. Town Manager Hechenbleikner stated that the Board of Selectmen would meet as soon as possible to come up with a date for the special Town Meeting. Dr. Harutunian advised that the School Committee has directed him to inform the Finance Committee that the School Department will not need the entire $35,000 requested earlier for the problem with the Coolidge oil spill but will need $27,505.64 to cover the expenses. A discussion was held regarding the possible purchase of property on Mill Street and any proposed over rides that may be needed. The School Committee stated their strong desire to have a master plan that will cover all projects for the town and schools. They stated their concern about an override for only the parcel of land on Mill Street. Dr. Harutunian stated recapped the decisions made by the council this evening: The Finance Committee recommended the division of the funds as follows: $100,000 to the schools, $15,000 to the library and $10,000 to the police. 2. A special town meeting would be held as soon as possible. 3. The school department is requesting $27,505.64 from the reserve account to cover the expenses for the Coolidge oil spill. 4. Any extra money received in state aid over and above the $248,000 would go into free cash. BUDGET COUNCIL -4- June 9, 1999 At 11.05 p.m. Ms Cavicchi made a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of conducting strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with the Teachers' Association Custodians and Maintenance Workers, Cafeteria Employees, Association of Secretaries and Clerks Educational Assistants, Nurses and Tutors and to discuss the possible sale or lease of real estate and to discuss pending litip-ation not to return to regular session. Mr. Kei lg_ey seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi Mr. Dahl Ms. D'Antona Mr. Keigley, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. spectfully submitted, Harry K Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools