HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-01-09 Board of Selectmen Minutes l
Board of Selectmen Meeting
January 9,2010
The.meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary Camille
Anthony, Selectman Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleilcner, Assistant
Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Town Accountant Gail LaPointe, Library
Director Ruth Urell, Police Chief James Cormier, Community Services Director Jean
Delios, Police Business Administrator Andrew Scribner Maclean, DPW Director Jeff Zager,
DPW Business Manager Jane Kinsella.
Discussion/Action Items
FY2011 Budget Overview - The Town Manager reviewed the January 8, 2010 memo on the
FY 2011 Budget regarding Guiding Principles, Assumptions and Fees/Revenues.
Selectman Camille Anthony asked to add under Assumptions "Sustainability on the use of
Cash Reserves."
The Assistant Town Manager reviewed the financial forecast as of December 3, 2008, and
details of the overall budget. The Town staff then went through the detailed budgets as
follows:
Town Manager's Budget — The Town Manager reviewed issues regarding the Town
Manager's salary, professional development and Property and Casualty Insurance, as well as
legal expenses.
Community Services — Department Head Jean Delios reviewed the Community Services'
Budget. She noted that two positions are currently funded'through the Revolving Fund, and
the balance in the Revolving Fund will be used up at the end of the current fiscal year. The
budget she has submitted also reflects not filling the Coordinator of Volunteers' position.
She further reviewed details of the increases in the Inspection salaries and the Health
expense budget.
Chairman Ben Tafoya asked if the recommended budget and reductions in staff are based on
how they are funded or on the importance of the position. Jean Delios indicated that it was
based on the source of funding. Chairman Tafoya asked if reorganization is a possibility.
Selectman Camille Anthony asked whether, if we had the permitting software would that
offset reductions in staff.
Police Department/Dispatch — Chief Jim Cormier reviewed the proposed budget. He has
"right sized" some of the salaries and expenses but done so within the 0% increase.
Board of Selectmen Meeting—January 9, 2010—Page 2
Selectman Richard Schubert asked if there are budget expense areas that are not adequately
funded. Chief Cormier noted that the largest expenses are in vehicles and although it will be
tight, they should be adequately funded. Cormier also noted that the elimination of the
Community Policing Grant places stress on many areas of the budget.
Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the Public Safety Departments have what they need to
operate safely, and Chief Cormier indicated that they do.
Chairman Ben Tafoya asked what the budget reflects with regard to the Quinn Bill, and
Chief Cormier indicated that it reflects fully funding the state share of the Quinn Bill, The
Town Manager noted that if the Board wanted further discussion on this matter, it should be
done in Executive Session.
With regard to Dispatch,Chief Cormier noted that the budget uses $40,000 in the 911 grant.
He also noted that the changes in the Dispatch staffing made a couple of years ago works
very well. He indicated that the Town is involved in a study of regional dispatching with
Melrose, Wakefield and Stoneham.
Accounting—Town Accountant Gail LaPointe noted that her budget is 99% staff.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Audit Committee met last week, and the Auditors
have indicated that Reading's records are in excellent shape.
Gail LaPointe reviewed efficiencies in operations as a result of the MUNIs program, and
outlined some of the things that the Accounting Division is able to do now with efficiencies
that have been realized. She noted that MUNIs does a major upgrade every two years to
make sure that the system is always up to date.
Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that there may be people in the community who could help
train staff on the use of the,report writing system.
Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the detail on invoices results in more costs efficiencies.
Finance — The Assistant Town Manager / Finance Director reviewed the entire financial
budget.
Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that for website update, there may be an educational institution
that could assist on this as a project — perhaps the Vocational School or the Middlesex
County Community College.
Selectman Richard Schubert asked if we were providing adequate resources in technology.
Selectman Camille Anthony asked how we stood with regard to health insurance (this will
be reviewed in greater detail next week under the benefits section).
Board of Selectmen Meeting.—January 9 2010—Page 3
Selectman Camille .Anthony also asked that next week under DPW that we talk about the
level of expenditure of snow and ice, and also the upcoming trash and recycling contract.
_On motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony, the Board voted to adjourn the meeting
of January 9, 2010 at 11.15 a.m. by a vote of 3-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
i
Secretary