HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-03-30 Finance Committee PacketFR
Town of Reading
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Finance Committee 201b MAR 22 P 2a 'tit 1
Date: 2016 -03 -30 Time: 7:30 PM
Building: Pleasant Street Senior Center Location: Great Room
Address: 49 Pleasant Street
Purpose: General Business
Meeting Called By: Caitlin Saunders on behalf of Chair Mark Dockser
Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays. Please keep in mind the Town Clerk's hours of
operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an
adequate amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be
discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda.
All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will not be accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
• Vote Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles
• Vote FY17 Budget
• Minutes
➢ March 2, 2016
➢ March 9, 2016
This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed
at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
Page 1 1
2016 Annual Town Meeting
Monday April 25, 2016 &�,
Art. Mover/ Moderator
# Article Description Sponsor Comment Notes
NINE=
1 Election
March 1, 2016
2 Reports Board of Selectmen
♦
"State of the Town"
report — Board of
Selectmen Chair
John Halsey
♦
FY 17 Budget
Report & Financial
Overview — Finance
Committee Chair
Mark Dockser
♦
Library Building
Project Update —
LBC member Greg
Stepler
♦
Cemetery Garage
Project Update -
Permanent Building
Committee Chair
Greg Stepler
♦
Comprehensive
Zoning Project
update — CPDC
Chair Jeff Hansen
♦
Motion to Table —
Selectmen Vice
Chair Kevin Sexton
Board of Selectmen
♦
Motion to Table —
3
Instructions
Selectman Secretary
Barry Berman
SEMI
Amend the Capital Improvement Board of Selectmen
♦
Presentation —
4
Program FY 2016 -FY 2026
Town Manager Bob
LeLacheur
♦
FINCOM report —
FINCOM
♦
Presentation — Bob
5
Amend the FY 2016 Budget
LeLacheur
♦
FINCOM report —
3/21/2016 1
2016 Annual Town Meeting
Monday April 25, 2016
6
Fund OPEB Trust
Board of Selectmen
♦
Presentation —
Town Accountant
Sharon Angstrom
♦
FINCOM report —
l%
General Bylaw Changes - Animal
Board of Selectmen
♦
Presentation — Bob
7
Control Bylaw
LeLacheur
♦
Bylaw Committee
report — Chair Steve
Crook
Approve Affordable Housing Trust
Board of Selectmen
♦
Presentation —
8
Fund Allocation Plan
n
Assistant Town
Manager Jean
Delios
♦
FINCOM report —
Approve Revolving Funds
Board of Selectmen
♦
Presentation —
9
Sharon Angstrom
♦
FINCOM report —
Dispose of Surplus Tangible Property
Board of Selectmen
♦
Presentation —
10
Sharon Angstrom
♦
FINCOM report —
Approve Payment of Prior Year's
Board of Selectmen
♦
Presentation —
9/10 vote
7 11
Bills
m
Sharon Angstrom
♦
FINCOM report —
Adopt FY 2017 Budget
FINCOM
♦
Presentation — Bob
2/3 vote for some
12
LeLacheur and
sections — and
Superintendent Dr.
therefore for the
John Doherty
entirety
♦
FINCOM report —��
}`P
see votes printed in
Budget packet
u�
Authorize FY 2017 Chapter 90
Board of Selectmen
♦
Presentation — Bob
13
Expenditures
LeLacheur
♦
FINCOM report —
0=10011111111100=
11MINNOMMOMMM
Remove Town Meeting members Board of Selectmen
♦
Presentation —
14
pursuant to Section 2.6 of the
Precinct Chairs
Reading Home Rule Charter
3/21/2016 2
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Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Finance Committee
Date: 2016 -03 -02 Time: 7:30 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Business Version:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Chair Mark Dockser, Paul McNeice, David Neshat, Peter Lydecker, Craig
Merry, Vanessa Alvarado, Paula Perry, Marc Moll, Anne Johnson
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Police Chief Mark Segalla, Fire Chief Greg
Burns, Administrative Services Director Matt Kraunelis, Business
Administrator Jayne Miller, Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom, Town
Treasurer Nancy Heffernan, Facilities Director Joe Huggins, DPW Director
Jeff Zager, Assistant DPW Director Jane Kinsella, Library Director Ruth Urell,
Selectman Barry Berman
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Secretary
Topics of Discussion:
Chair Mark Dockser called the meeting to order.
Mr. LeLacheur gave a background on the Town's financial state. Revenues in Reading are at
a slow pace because of the lack of developable land. Local aid is down significantly.
Compared to our 25 peer communities, our tax levy is down especially our CIP.
Mr. LeLacheur wanted to clear up the split tax rate conversation. If the Selectmen did
decide to split the tax rate, it would not create more revenue; it would only shift the burden
around in the class.
Compared to our peer communities, Reading has a lot more children in school.
Department requests came in about $1.6 Million above the suggested FINCOM budget
number. We are about $.7 Million short of a level funded budget.
The total general fund budget has a 2.6% change. This year we have level funded OPEB.
Health insurance came in at 7.6% increase.
There is a projected $8 million projected surplus in the capital budget however there are
multiple capital projects coming up relatively soon.
Administrative Services Director Matt Kraunelis presented the Administrative Services
budget. He noted there are not many changes from last year. The budget is actually down
3% if you exclude pay and class. We recently hired Jayne Miller as our new Business
Page 1 1
Finance Committee Minutes - March 2, 2016 - Dac7e 2
Administrator. There is one increase in the Town Manager's salary because he was bumped
up to 40 hours a week. The legal budget is very hard to predict with the TLT Litigation. We
recently hired a Human Resources Generalist to help the HR department that not only
supports the town but the schools, RMLD and retirement as well. There was an increase in
technology because the Fire Department was added to the public safety software. The Town
Clerks office had a major increase in salaries for election workers because it is a presidential
election year.
Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom presented the Finance Department's budget. She noted
they are down 7.6 %, however, they have $88,000 coming out at the end of the year to pay
for the assessors reevaluation. The department has seen a big decline in property tax
exemptions, veterans and tax abatements. There has been a steady increase in motor
vehicle excise bills. Salaries are up due to an employee moving up a step and going up a
step in COLA. There are very small changes in expenses.
Mr. Dockser mentioned we have been very conservative with new growth revenues and Ms.
Angstrom noted we need to be because we have a balanced budget. Mr. LeLacheur noted
we have a lot of developments finishing up and it's hard to project what is on the horizon.
Ms. Angstrom noted meal tax is declining. Excise tax has been going up the past couple of
years but it is hard to predict that as well. It is a declining tax, the longer you have your car
the smaller the tax is.
Ms. Perry asked when the tax bills get increased and Ms. Angstrom noted on July 1.
Town Treasurer Nancy Heffernan noted the bills get trued up in December so the January
bill is usually when you see the significant increase.
Mr. LeLacheur noted it is time for FINCOM to have a talk about the use of the stabilization
fund.
Mr. Neshat said if we use $2 million as the number for free cash the future is not pretty.
Ms. Angstrom responded that is correct if we have terrible regeneration. We somehow keep
getting good regeneration these past couple of years.
Police Chief Segalla and Fire Chief Burns presented the Public Safety Budget. Public Safety
is broken down into Police, Fire /EMS, Dispatch and RCASA which is grant funded.
Chief Burns noted emergency calls are up along with substance abuse and narcan use. The
fire department can get FEMA reimbursements usually for snow removal efforts and
emergency response. They are expecting $173,000 for 2015 storms which would drop into
free cash.
Staffing is staying the same. They are in the process of hiring an Assistant Fire Chief which
is already budgeted for. The biggest change on the expense side is the ALS medical
supplies. They continue to see the costs go up so they budgeted to project actual costs.
Overtime was $352,000 this year however it is trending lower now. It was high because of
three injuries and four off at the academy.
Mr. LeLacheur noted he thinks if they hired one more firefighter they would save money in
the long run. Chief Burns commented it all depends when people go out and for how long
and you can't predict that. He noted he tries to staff so he has flexibility in schedules if
something happens.
Mr. Dockser asked if we are charging appropriately for ambulance services and asked if
most of those fees get paid by the customer or their insurances. Mr. Burns noted they are
pretty average in their rates compared to other towns but they do need to talk about
whether they should bundle rates or not.
Page 1 2
Finance Committee Minutes - March 2, 2016 - page 3
Mr. Berman noted the Board of Selectmen will be going through and looking at all the
town's fees.
Ms. Perry noted she would hate to see an opportunity go by to raise rates if it is
appropriate.
Chief Segalla presented the Police Department's budget. He noted there is a 4.4% increase.
95% of the budget goes to personnel. Staffing will be the same. He noted they did ask for a
second School Resource Officer. He understands it is not financially doable at this time but
does feel the position is needed. Expenses are up. They are regionalizing animal control with
North Reading. Police training is up due to increases. Parking enforcement has been
increased from 18 to 25 hours. The pay and class study increased some steps for crossing
guards.
Mr. Dockser asked what it would cost for a second SRO and Chief Segalla noted $80,000
without benefits or $90,000 with. He noted they feel they need a larger presence in the
middle schools and the schools expressed their interest in another officer.
Dispatch budget has a 5.3% increase and again 95% of their budget goes to staffing. There
is $50,000 in 911 call grants that is no longer available. They added two new dispatchers
last year which increased training and uniforms.
Joe Huggins presented the Facilities budget. They moved facilities into a town department
now but it is still operated out of the high school. Town buildings and custodians are under
this budget as well. The maintenance contract from HVAC caused an increase. Plumbing and
electrical increased for supplies. The alert system facilities has is simply amazing. It sends
alerts to Mr. Huggins phone with any problems. The only difference in staffing is they hope
to hire an assistant director soon and another custodian.
Mr. LeLacheur commented that Mr. Huggins and Ms. Kinsella have been heavily involved in
the library project and have spent a great deal of time on it.
Ms. Perry noted that facilities has seen amazing growth over the past couple of years.
Mr. LeLacheur noted next week they will review Public Services budget and DPW. The week
after will be the School budget.
Ms. Perry asked where would building security costs come from and Mr. LeLacheur noted
that will be in next week's meeting but they have been meeting on building security and
thinking about hiring an outside, independent consultant to help us.
Mr. LeLacheur explained the shape we are in today is because we have increased spending
every year by 3.1% since the last override. However, 10 years ago we were spending a lot
more on debt.
Mr. Dockser noted we really need to highlight how much state aid has decreased.
Ms. Alvarado commented it's also important to highlight new growth compared to other
towns.
Ms. Perry said we need to explain this in a very basic way so the average person
understands.
Mr. Dockser suggested FINCOM take a 10 year look at the budget with the things they can
predict.
Page 1 3
Finance Committee Minutes - March 2, 2016 - page 4
Mr. LeLacheur noted an override is meant to maintain what we have now and maybe add a
few things. Adding things to the budget would require such a large override number. He
noted we need to show the services we would lose without it.
Mr. McNeice made a motion to adiourn at 10:10 PM, second by Mr. Merry and
approved with a 9 -0 -0 vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Secreta ry
Page 1 4
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Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Finance Committee
Date: 2016 -03 -09
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Conference Room
Session: Open Session
Version:
Chairman Mark Dockser, Paula Perry, Peter Lydecker, Criag Merry, Vanessa
Alvarado, David Neshat, Paul McNeice, Marc Moll and Anne Landry
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Assistant Town Manager Jean Delios, Fire
Chief Greg Burns, Police Chief Mark Segalla, Facilities Director Joe Huggins,
Public Works Director Jeff Zager, Assistant Public Works Director Jane
Kinsella, Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom, Amy Lannon, Elder Services
Director Jane Burns, Administrative Services Director Matt Kraunelis,
Executive Assistant Paula Schena
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Secretary
Topics of Discussion:
Review Town Manager Budget
Public Services - Assistant Town Manager Jean Delios noted that she created two Assistant
Department Heads - John Feudo, Director of Community Services and Julie Mercier, Director
of Community Development and each have four divisions. We no longer have the Regional
Health Contract with Melrose.
Jean Delios noted that she has hired seven employees in the last 16 months: a full time
Veteran's Agent, a Public Health Director, a part time Public Health Nurse, a Nurse Advocate
and the Community Development Director. It took three to four months to hire the
Community Development Director and Health Director. All of her inspectors are part time
which results in a savings of $30,000 and gives deeper coverage. They are using View
Permit to electronically sign off on permits and her superstar Senior Administrative Assistant
keeps it all going. Jean Delios noted that they issued over 1000 permits in 2015.
Paula Perry asked if the Inspectors work on Fridays and Jean Delios indicated they do not
and all of the contractors know that ahead of time. Paula Perry asked if they could do
inspections on Fridays and the Town Manager noted if it was an emergency.
Jean Delios noted that the Board of Selectmen wants more staffing for economic
development. The Historic Commission is busy with demo delays. The Historic District
Commission met 18 times last year. Health and Human Services are fully staffed and Public
Health is looking at going electronic. The Health Department gave out over 1000 flu shots
last year. The Economic Development Planner is an added position funded by revolving
funds. The Planning Intern and Health Plan Reviewer positions are being eliminated.
Page i 1
Finance Committee Minutes - March 9 2016 - paae 2
Paul McNeice noted that the revenues had increased 30% and Jean Delios noted that the
fees were increased. Vanessa Alvarado asked if anything exceptional happened that would
cause that to non -recur and Jean Delios noted not really, there have been a lot of additions
and tear downs.
Mark Dockser asked Jean Delios if she feels good about delivery of services in 2017 and Ms.
Delios noted that the Planning Intern has been great and we are losing her. This will mean
more grunt work for her and the Community Development Director. She keeps asking the
contractors what they want the most and they all say just give them the permits.
Paula Perry asked about the TASC building and Jean Delios noted that Reading Co -Op Bank
is taking over most of that building.
David Neshat asked how we will pay for the Economic Planner position and Jean Delios
noted it will be paid out of the permits revolving fund.
Paul McNeice asked if there were any positions still vacant and Jean Delios noted that all of
the positions have been filled.
Library - Amy Lannon and Library Trustees David Hutchinson, Vicki Yablonsky, Cherrie
Dubois, Alice Collins and Andrew Grimes were present. Amy Lannon noted that library
supplies and equipment has increased because it was cut while they were in the temp
space. Vicki Yablonsky noted that they discontinued travel expenses also.
Vicki Yablonsky noted that the 14.7% increase for material expenses versus the 15% that
they like to have means there will be $4385 less for books. They took out their request for
an additional position. They had a strategy plan done and they will try to implement it over
the years.
Paula Perry asked if the current staffing will fit in with the new Library and Amy Lannon
noted they will need a little more help especially if they are open additional hours.
Paul McNeice asked if they have technology coming into the new building that won't be
utilized because they won't have a digital services person. He suggested trading a
traditional service person for this. Amy Lannon noted that they will do the best they can.
They have four people working on licensing and when that is centralized it will free up their
time.
David Hutchinson noted that it is also about the service offered to the Town. All staff get
questions on technology and other services don't go away. Amy Lannon noted that we
could give things up but they are dedicated to continue all services.
Mark Dockser asked if there has been much of a shift from regular books to digital and Amy
Lannon noted the use has slowed down. Licenses for digital books are very expensive. It is
least expensive to buy 12 - 15 paper copies than 5 digital. Mark Dockser asked if more
people are using overdrive and Amy Lannon noted that it is because the collection is
growing. They also have downloadable music and magazines.
Department of Public Works - Public Works Director Jeff Zager noted that the budget has
increased 2.1% and is level funded. They are down one intern and maintain four seasonal
employees. Wages increased 2.9% and he added $4000 in the Engineering overtime so
they can help out on Friday projects. His position was bumped up to 40 hours /week.
Administration wages reflects the Pay and Class that was done this year. Expenses are
down 3.1 %. There is an increase in traffic control repairs along with an increase in Highway
equipment /parts because repairs are more expensive. There is also an increase in Police
details. Street lighting has decreased.
Page 1 2
Finance Committee Minutes - March 9, 2016 - aaae 3
Jeff Zager noted that accommodated snow and ice is level funded. Paula Perry asked how
much is left in snow and ice and Jeff Zager noted that there is $150,000 left so we have
spent $500,000.
Jeff Zager noted that we are averaging 35% in recycling but the market is volatile and we
will be negotiating a new trash contract. Mark Dockser asked how our overall tonnage is
and Jane Kinsella noted 7000 tons /month. Jeff Zager noted that recycling is a tipping fee.
Jeff Zager noted that since 2010 DPW has had 12 retirements and 16 new hires. They are
undergoing a strong professional development training and advertising for a Town Engineer.
We have resurfaced 107 roads; received 557 requests through See Click Fix which included
92 pothole, 57 sidewalk and 37 tree complaints. That program could become a work order
system.
Jeff Zager noted that in 2017 they will be working on the following projects: West Street will
continue; Oak Street water; Salem Street water; Grove Street water; two sewer station
rehabs; the road program and drainage projects. Mark Dockser asked about the number of
projects and staffing. Jeff Zager noted he is a little concerned but they can make it work.
The Town Manager noted that the reserves are very healthy in water and sewer. Capital
projects that were not done are big drivers. The bids come in too high so they pushed the
projects out. We will be using a healthy amount of reserves so it will be lower in the future.
The MWRA rates vary - they haven't run capital costs. We will need debt for sewer projects.
Overhead calculations based on FTE's shows water will be hit more and sewer less but the
net is pretty much the same.
The Town Manager noted that storm water is the same philosophy but we had no overhead.
About $9000 more is approximately 1 FTE. He will recommend a $40 fee next year but
$100 the following year due to new legislation that is coming down the line. Paula Perry
asked about the regulations and Jeff Zager noted that we've done a lot of work already but
now the new regulations will require sampling and testing - the Clean Water Act.
Warrant Review
The Town Manager noted that Article 4 is capital and projects have been rearranged. Article
5 is to amend the FY2016 budget and there are lots of plus and minuses. There is a
$100,000 reduction in Voke Schools.
Ann Landry asked if we are expecting any surprises like the modular classrooms and the
Town Manager noted that the Police and Fire overtime always has a need. There is a
surplus in Administration wages but we will use some in technology for one -time costs.
There is $5000 to cover May and June if we hire an Economic Development Planner. There
are also vacation and sick leave buybacks and fuel savings. The security system evaluation
consultant is $125,000 and the School budget has $150,000 for the science curriculum.
Mark Dockser asked if the schools were going to cover their budget or ask for more money.
The Town Manager noted that they have to balance with means available because if we
grant them more money it will change the split. Vanessa Alvarado noted that if we approve
it then we will have the same conversation next year.
The Town Manager noted that Article 6 is to fund OPEB; Article 8 is the Affordable Housing
Trust Allocation Plan; Article 9 is to approve Revolving Funds; Article 10 is to dispose of
surplus property; Article 11 is to approve a prior year's bill; Article 12 is to adopt the
FY2017 budget; and Article 13 is to authorize expenditure of Chapter 90 funds.
Paula Perry noted that we should publicize what has gone into roads. We have to put in
perspective that we're not negligent anymore - layoff but still pave roads.
Page 1 3
Finance Committee Minutes - March 9, 2016 - page _4
The Town Manager reviewed the spreadsheet on spending since the last override. He noted
that eliminating debt has paid for health insurance. The increase in health insurance was
5.7% but we only get 2.50% in revenues. We need somewhere above 3% and below 5% to
run the Town.
The Town Manager reviewed the Town Financial Calendar. He noted that there will be a
Special Election on October 18th. A Special Town Meeting will be held on September 12 and
September 14 if a second night is needed.
Mark Dockser noted that the Selectmen and School Reps will go out to the neighborhoods in
May. The Finance Committee will find out their role soon. The Finance Committee should
not be front liners. The Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee is posted to
attend the Selectmen's meeting on March 22 at the Senior Center because Town Counsel
will be in to discuss an override.
Mark Dockser asked if we will look at extraordinary capital items to include in the override
and the Town Manager noted we will need to talk about the cemetery garage, Killam, etc.
The Town Manager noted that we have to make it clear to the community that not everyone
will get everything they want.
Approval of Minutes
A motion by Perry seconded by McNeice to approve the minutes of January 20,
2016 as amended was approved by a vote of 9 -0 -0.
A motion by Perry seconded by Neshat to approve the minutes of February 10,
2016 was approved by a vote of 8 -0 -1 with Lvdecker abstaining.
The committee decided to meet on April 13, 2016 to discuss the override.
A motion by Neshat seconded by Moll to adiourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m. was
approved by a vote of 9 -0 -0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
Page 1 4
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oo Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Finance Committee
Date: 2016 -03 -16
Building: Pleasant Street Senior Center
Address: 49 Pleasant Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Great Room
Session:
Version:
Chair Mark Dockser, Marc Moll, Paula Perry, Peter Lydecker, Craig Merry,
David Neshat, Anne Landry
Members - Not Present:
Paul McNeice, Vanessa Alvarado
Others Present:
Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Administrative Assistant Caitlin Saunders,
Rosemarie DeBenedetto, Andrew North, Julie Merrill, Heather Murphy, Erline
Trites, Denise Iozzo, Christen Regoraro, Catherine Rice, Caitlin Koehler,
Katherine duFosse, Gina Herlihy, Michelle Falkna, Nancy Docktor, Connie
Martin - Wilson
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Secretary
Topics of Discussion:
Mr. Dockser called the meeting to order.
Dr. Doherty and the School Committee were in attendance to present the school budget.
Dr. Doherty gave an overview of the five district goals. He noted we have reached our max
number for Chapter 70 funding. The Chapter 70 formula was developed in 1993 when costs
were very different and has not been adjusted to reflect current costs.
Per pupil spending is calculated based on an end of the year report submitted to the
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). There are
many requirements that go into the end of the year report and the report allows a district to
examine per pupil spending across a number of broad spending categories.
Reading is about $2,000 below average of comparable communities. Our ranking has
continued to go down over the last couple of years. Dr. Doherty noted the rank doesn't
matter except that we can't stay steady, we keep dropping.
A question was asked about whether transportation greatly affects our per pupil spending
rank or not. We rank #29 with transportation and #25 without it included.
The school department budget request is $150,000 over the FINCOM recommended
number. The $150,000 is for a new science curriculum. There is also an article going before
Town Meeting asking for this money as well.
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Finance Committee Minutes - March 16, 2016 - Daae 2
Ms. Landry asked if the preference was to get the article passed by Town Meeting or to get
it in next year's budget and Dr. Doherty explained the advantage to having Town Meeting
approve it would be we can start in 2016 with training and implementing.
Dr. Doherty reviewed the budget priorities including implementing the curriculums,
continuing to build the capacity of professional staff, and addressing the academic, social,
and emotional needs of the students.
The budget drivers for FY17 are our contractual obligations. Additions to the budget include
restoring per pupil building funding to FY15 levels and restoring some regular education
para- educator hours.
Dr. Doherty explained there have been level service cuts the past three years and they have
avoided personnel cuts but next year they will not be able to. They did make some
reductions last year in substitutes which they are not adding back in this year.
For contract services, there were budget increases in labor counsel and regular education
transportation. There were decreases in special education curriculum services and special
education professional development.
For materials, supplies, and equipment there were budget increases to restore the per pupil
reduction taken in FY16 and the new science curriculum.
For other expenses there were budget increases in professional development from
contracted services and network hardware. There were budget reductions in software
licensing and parent transportation reimbursements.
There was a budget increase for special education out of district placement tuition costs and
special education transportation.
There was an increase in offsets for athletics and extra - curricular. There was an increase in
revenue offsets for special education tuition, RISE, full day kindergarten and extended day.
FY17 Budget reductions include two elementary teachers which will bring those class sizes
affected to 25 kids. They are merging two departments at the high school and cutting a
department head to save money. They will be cutting the library aid at the high school.
There are many other types of funding that are used to run our schools.
Martha Syburt was present to explain the special revenue funds.
Ms. Syburt noted she categorized these funds into three categories including, revolving
funds, donation funds, and revolving funds that offset the budget. The donation funds are
usually gifts that are directed for something specific. The school lunch program has the
biggest balance.
They are looking at potentially raising fees for use of property since that has not been done
in a while. Ms. Syburt noted she has been working closely with Town Accountant Sharon
Angstrom to look at these funds to see if they are charging enough.
A resident asked if the balance for extended day is so high, why are parents being charged
so much. Ms. Syburt noted that program was no adequately staffed before; they have just
hired two more full time positions so she expects the balance to start decreasing over time
now.
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Finance Committee Minutes - March 16. 2016 - aaae 3
Dr. Doherty explained the things that this budget was not able to address. Long term
improvements to the school are tuition free full day kindergarten, restructuring the
elementary schools schedule, more opportunities for students, restructuring the high school
schedule and programming, and additional tutorial support for students.
Dr. Doherty noted there are many things this budget does not address but will eventually
need to be. They could no longer reduce other expenses without affecting personnel. No
personnel cut is a good cut, however, we tried to reduce the impact on the students.
The committees then reviewed the questions FINCOM sent over.
Ms. Barowski wanted to point out that the state sets standards and it is important to realize
whether we do the new science curriculum or not, our students will be state tested on that
curriculum.
Ms. Perry made a motion to adiourn at 9:05 PM, second by Mr. Neshat and
approved with a 7 -0 -0 vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
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