HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-11-05 School Committee MinutesBUDGET COUNCIL
READING MASSACHUSETTS
REGULAR SESSION November 5 1997
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Twomey called the Budget Council to order at 7:35 p.m at
the Media Room of the high school. Present were School Committee
members Cavicchi, D'Antona, Spadafora, Stohlman, Twomey and
Williams, Selectmen Ensminger, Hines and MacDonald, Finance
Committee Members Francis, Grim, Keigley, Kurker, McDonald and
White. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian, Town Manager
Hechenbleitner, Town Accountant Foley and Town Treasurer Klepeis.
REVIEW OF MEMBERSHIP IN BUDGET COUNCIL
Ms. Maria Silvaggi, Trustee of the Library Board, requested that
the Library Board or a representative from the Library Board
become a member of the Budget Council. She stated three reasons
she felt it important that the Library Board be represented on
the Budget Council.
1. The Library Board is responsible for a budget.
2. Although the current boards are supportive of the Library,
future boards may not be and representation on the Budget
Council will be important.
3. There is a possibility that the Library Board may, in the
future, be dealing with union negotiations.
Chair Twomey advised that this item will be included on the next
agenda and that all boards should discuss this prior to the next
meeting.
STATUS REPORTS
Technology - Dr. Harutunian advised the Council that Media One
will, free of charge, put a cable to each of the school
buildings which will allow all computers in the building to have
high speed internet access. Dr. Harutunian stated that although
Media One is not offering this service free to city and town
buildings, he hopes that the town will join the school department
in receiving this service.
REGULAR SESSION -2- November 5, 1997
Buildings and Maintenance - Dr. Harutunian advised the Council
that he and the Town Manager have started the interview process
and have two wonderful candidates for.replacement of Mr. Bandini.
Chair Twomey asked whether the agreement between the Town and
School Department needs to be extended. Dr. Harutunian advised
that there is no need to extend the contract at this time, he
would like the Committee to review the Peat Marwick Study first.
Health - Town Manager Hechenbleitner advised that the Public
Health Department and School Department are working well
together. Town Manager Hechenbleitner advised that he would like
to see a continued collaboration but he does not think a formal
agreement is needed at this time.
Library_ - Dr. Harutunian advised that although the Noble program
is no longer an issue, the School Department is continuing to
collaborate with the library on books and continues to hold
meetings between library staff and media specialists.
Community Recreation - Town Manager Hechenbleitner advised that
linkage of all recreation activities in town is important. In
several months, he would like to bring a proposal for Community
Schools to the council for discussion.
Absence of County Government - Town Manager Hechenbleitner
advised that, with the absence of county government,
opportunities for new regional partnerships should be explored.
Strategic Planning - Dr. Harutunian discussed the Strategic
Planning Committee that has been formed. He advised the council
that 17 members from town government are needed to serve on this
committee. Dr. Harutunian advised that any council member
interested in serving on this committee should contact his
office.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW OF THE TOWN
Town Manager Hechenbleitner gave a brief overview of the town's
finances and discussed with the council the following items:
• Certified Free Cash - Last 15 Fiscal Years
• FY 1998 Free Cash Encumbrances
• Statement of Revenues and Changes in Fund Balance for the
Last 10 Years.
• Comparison of Residential Tax Burden
• Average Single Family Tax Bill from City and Town 9 -96
REGULAR SESSION -3- November 5. 1997
• Per Capital Income (1990 Censu;
• General Population Compared to
• Most Recent CPI
• Unemployment
• Water and Sewer Rates, Last 11
• 1996 Combined Retail Water and
• Annual Water and Sewer Charges
3)
School Population
Fiscal Years
Sewer
in MWRA -1996
Major Factors affecting Town's Financial Future:
• NESDEC Memo with "Historical Enrollments by Grade" and
"Enrollment Projections By Grade"
• Capital Improvements Program
• Step Increases in Municipal Government
• Town of Reading Unfunded Pension Liability "Cost of Living"
REVIEW DATES FOR MEETING
The Council discussed and approved the two proposed Budget
Council meeting dates of January 28, 1998 and March 4, 1998.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Moved by Mr. Ensminger seconded by Mr. Hines that the Board of
Selectmen go into executive session at 8.21 p.m. for the purpose
of discussing strategy with respect to labor negotiations; not to
come back into open session The vote was 3 -0 Mr. Ensminger,
Mr. Hines and Mr. MacDonald
Movgd by Mr. Spadafora sg6onded by Ms. Cavicchi that the School
Committee go into executive session at 8:21 p.m. for the r)ur-oose
Williams.
Moved by Mr. Kurker seconded by Mr. Francis that the Finance
Committee go into executive session at 8.21 -p.m. for the purpose
of discussing strategy with respect to labor negotiations; not to
come back into open session The vote was 6 -0, Mr. Francis, Ms.
Grim,, Mr. Kurker, Mr. Keiqley Mr. McDonald and Mr. White
Respectfully submitted,
Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools