HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-11-30 Finance Committee Minutes �,rcG,yG
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Finance Committee Meeting
JAN 5 55 November 30, 1994
The meeting was convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Room at Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Richard Coco, Vice Chairman Fred
VanMagness, FinCom members Gerry MacDonald, Tim Keigley,Nate White, Carol Grimm, Gerry
Vitale. Also present were Maria Silvaggi from the Reading Times Chronicle, Town Manager
Peter Hechenbleikner, School Committee member Matthew Cummings, and guest Maureen
Vierra.
The Town Manager introduced Maureen Vierra who is sitting in on the meeting tonight and is
considering the position of the FinCom Secretary.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by VanMagness seconded by MacDonald the minutes of August 31, 1994, were
approved by a vote of 7-0-0.
On motion by VanMagness seconded by MacDonald the minutes of September 28, 1994, were
approved by a vote of 7-0-0.
On motion by VanMagness seconded by Vitale the minutes of October 26, 1994, - initial open
session were approved by a vote of 5-0-2 with MacDonald and Keigley abstaining.
On motion by VanMagness seconded by Grimm the minutes of October 26, 1994, -Executive
Session were approved by a vote of 6-0-1 with MacDonald abstaining.
On motion by VanMagness seconded by Keigley the minutes of the Post Executive Session
FinCom meeting of October 26, 1994, were approved by a vote of 6-0-1 with MacDonald
abstaining.
On motion by Grimm seconded by Vitale the minutes of November 14, 1994, were approved by a
vote of 5-0-2 with MacDonald and Coco abstaining.
Minutes remaining to be voted include the October 18, 1994 minutes.
Liaison Reports
Fred VanMagness reported on the 25 Haven Street Sale Task Force. There hasn't been a meeting
yet, but two bids were received. The bids had scant information in them. The task force will be
meeting after the RMLD staff reviews the bids. Carol Grimm asked if any additional marketing
can take place.
Jim Megley from the Capital Improvements Advisory Subcommittee noted that they are having a
meeting at the High School tomorrow evening the principal and the head custodian to review the
needs there. On approximately January 1, 1995, the Capital Improvement Program will go to
FinCom.
Finance Committee Meeting-November 30, 1994- page 2
Gerry Vitale reported on the Open Space Task Force. They are meeting tomorrow and compiling
surveys.
Nate White reported on the School Committee. The first cut of the budget is a $1.6 million
increase which is approximately 9%. There is a 1.35% increase in the number of school children-
52 children. The proposal does not include the "list of goodies" to get the School Department
back to previous levels, but it does include the structural changes. He noted that there is a group
looking for additional money for legal action - the Fair School Financing Association. Enrollment
history in 92/93 was 1.4% increase, 93/94 1.7% increase, 94/95 2.29% and projected 95/96 is
1.35%increase. The proposed budget includes an 18% -20%increase in special ed. The Finance
Committee asked if the Town and the School could prepare a summary sheet that would evaluate
what has changed in each major budget category.
Fred VanMagness noted that at least one member of FinCom had expressed concern about the
report that he had given on the Parker Middle School project. The concerns were: a) that the
report was not approved by the FinCom in advance and b) a question on the numbers included in
the report - specifically free cash. VanMagness noted that he had faxed the material to the Town
Managers office for review and that the free cash numbers were in fact accurate. Coco noted that
he had reviewed VanMagness' report in advance and thought it was appropriate - he was stating
what the committee had discussed in summary.
Several members of the Finance Committee expressed concern over our expenditure patterns -
that we are over spending our resources. This will be dealt with as part of the review of the
FY96 budget.
A draft of the School budget will be sent out to FinCom members before the December 12
hearing.
The Finance Committee established its meeting schedule as follows: January 4 at 7:30 p.m.;
February 1 at 7:30 p.m.; February 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and March 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20 and 22 at
7:00 p.m. As much as possible the Finance Committee will want to meet in the Selectmen's
Meeting Room. There was discussion about the budget process and whether we can focus on the
major issues like schools, employee benefits, debt and capital, public works, and public safety.
The FinCom did not indicate a willingness to modify the previous process.
The Town Manager reviewed the new program and structural requests by department in
summary. Further details will be forthcoming. The Town Manager noted that the bond
anticipation note sale for $8,818,000 will take place in December. A copy of the full perspective
will be given to the FinCom members. The auditors report was submitted as well as the
management letter. The Town Manager will have a report on the management letter at a later
date. The Town Manager reviewed the revenue figures to date.
Finance Committee Meeting-November 30, 1994 - page 3
Questions were raised about the Ice Arena and its lease. It was suggested that perhaps an audit
should be done annually and shared with the Finance Committee.
On motion by Keigley seconded by MacDonald the Finance Committee adjourned at 9:42 p.m. by
a vote of 7-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary AAt