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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-08-31 Finance Committee Minutesrq F � s39. INKC0 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Finance Committee Date: 2016-08-31 Time: 7:30 PM FNECYEDK 11® MASS. 1011 JAN I I A 9. 38 , Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Purpose: General Business Version: Attendees: Members - Present: Chair Mark Dockser, Paul McNeice, Peter Lydecker, David Neshat, Vanessa Alvarado, Eric Burkhart, Anne Landry (remotely) Members - Not Present: Paula Perry, Marc Moll Others Present: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, Fire Chief Burns, Jeanne Barowski, Bill Brown Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Topics of Discussion: Chair Mark Dockser called the meeting to order. Fire Chief Burns was present to explain the request for a reserve fund transfer. The ambulance came in over budget because of the chassis they choose to go with. They decided to go with the heavy duty chassis with intentions of having less maintenance. Some other departments that have the lighter chassis are experiencing problems. Chief Burns also noted they are asking for two new pieces of equipment. They need a Lucas device because their current one is broken and a power cot for the ambulance. Mr. McNeice made a motion to transfer funds from reserves in the amount of $26,000, second by Mr. Neshat and approved with a roll call vote as follows: Paul McNeice — Yes Peter Lydecker — Yes David Neshat — Yes Vanessa Alvarado — Yes Eric Burkhart — Yes Anne Landry — Yes Mark Dockser — Yes The group reviewed the amended Cash Reserves Policy and changed wording on the last page to make it consistent throughout the policy. Mr. McNeice made a motion to approve the Cash Reserves Policv as amended second by W. Lydecker and approved with a roll call vote as follows: Paul McNeice — Yes Peter Lydecker — Yes David Neshat — Yes Vanessa Alvarado — Yes Page 1 1 Finance Committee Minutes - Auaust 31, 2016 -Daae 2 Eric Burkhart - Yes Anne Landry - Yes Mark Dockser - Yes The 2016 Special Town Meeting warrant was discussed and voted on article by article. Article 3 is to amend the Capital Improvement Program FY2017 - FY2027. Mr. McNeice made a motion to accept Article 3, second by Mr. Neshat and approved with a roll call vote as follows: Paul McNeice - Yes Peter Lydecker - Yes David Neshat - Yes Vanessa Alvarado - Yes Eric Burkhart - Yes Anne Landry - Yes Mark Dockser - Yes Article 4 is to increase senior exemption from $750-1,000. Mr. McNeice made a motion to accept Article 4, second by Mr. Lydecker and approved will a roll call vote as follows: Paul McNeice - Yes Peter Lydecker - Yes David Neshat - Yes Vanessa Alvarado - Yes Eric Burkhart - Yes Anne Landry - Yes Mark Dockser - Yes Article 5 is to accept optional costs of living increases for seniors and surviving spouses. Mr. McNeice made a motion to accept Article 5, second by Mr. Neshat and approved with a roll call vote as follows: Paul McNeice - Yes Peter Lydecker - Yes David Neshat - Yes Vanessa Alvarado - Yes Eric Burkhart - Yes Anne Landry - Yes Mark Dockser - Yes Article 6 is to lower interest rate on tax deferrals. It will reduce any interest rate for seniors who qualify. Mr. McNeice made a motion to accept Article 6, second by Mr. Lydecker and approved with a roll call vote as follows: Paul McNeice - Yes Peter Lydecker - Yes David Neshat - Yes Vanessa Alvarado - Yes Eric Burkhart - Yes Anne Landry - Yes Mark Dockser - Yes Page 1 2 Finance Committee Minutes - August 31, 2016 -page 3 Article 7 is the Home Rule Petition. It is tax relief for State Senior Circuit Breaker filers. Although it is tax relief so seniors it just shifts the burden to the other tax payers in that class. Mr. McNeice made a motion to approve Article 7, second by Ms. Alvarado and approved with a roll call vote as follows: Paul McNeice - Yes Peter Lydecker - Yes David Neshat - Yes Vanessa Alvarado - Yes Eric Burkhart - Yes Anne Landry - Yes Mark Dockser - Yes The group discussed the prop 21/2 override and potential discussion points for the Financial Forum tomorrow evening. Mr. LeLacheur and Dr. Doherty will both make short presentations then open it up for questions. Bill Brown suggested keeping it very simple and showing what tax bills will look like with an override. Ms. Alvarado suggested mentioning our peer communities and the impact if the town doesn't get the override. Mr. Dockser also suggested mentioning what we have already done to reduce expenses. Mr. McNeice made a motion to approve the June 29th, 2016 minutes, second by Mr. Neshat and approved with a roll call vote as follows: Paul McNeice - Yes Peter Lvdecker - Yes David Neshat - Yes Vanessa Alvarado - Yes Anne Landry - Yes Mark Dockser - Yes Mr. McNeice made a motion to approve the August 10th, 2016 minutes as amended, second by Mr. Burkhart and approved with a roll call vote as follows: Paul McNeice - Yes Peter Lvdecker - Yes Eric Burkhart - Yes Anne Landry - Yes Mark Dockser - Yes Mr. McNeice made a motion to adiourn at 9:45 PM, second by Ms. Alvarado and approved with a roll call vote as follows: Paul McNeice - Yes Peter Lvdecker - Yes David Neshat - Yes Vanessa Alvarado - Yes Eric Burkhart - Yes Anne Landry - Yes Mark Dockser - Yes Respectfully Submitted, Secretary Page 1 3