HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-25 Finance Committee Minutesyc
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Finance Committee Meeting
June 25, 2008
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The meeting convened at 7:05 p.m. in the Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading,
Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Andrew Grimes, Vice Chairman Marsie
West, Committee members Hal Torman, George Hines, Barry Berman, Tom White,
Matt Wilson and new member Jay Tangney. Also present were Assistant Town
Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Director of Public Works Ted McIntire,
Town Engineer George Zambouras, Facility Director Joe Huggins, DJ Cacciapuoti and
Bill Brown.
Andrew Grimes called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM. The first order of business was
the introduction of the Finance Committee's new member, Jay Tangney.
Bob LeLacheur began the meeting reviewing the Warrant Articles on pages 2 -11 in
tonight's agenda. He reported the Selectman approved all the articles with a vote of 4-0.
Article 1 -No reports
No instructions
Article 2 - No reports
No instructions
Article 3 - Amend Capital Improvements Program (Water Treatment Plant demolition &
chlorination; Parker MS field improvements)
Article 4 - Line U 10 Town Building Maintenance has a $40,000 deficit asking for
$35,000 will receive $5,000 from other line items;
Line R8 Clothing Allowance requires $12,000 to fully fund all outstanding
liabilities, even though there is no immediate need for the cashflow;
Overtime for Munis needs $11,500 as staff is conducting work budgeted to be
done by outside consultants. Net project savings may be $30,000 - which
will be available for contingencies. Bob LeLacheur reported that Munis
will go live 7/1/08. Document storage taking longer, will be implemented
in sections. All other costs have come in at or below budget.
The $84,000 transfer that was made last April into the Water fund to help offset
some MWRA valve expenses used some (nearly $43,000) in old unused
debt funding. Instead, $43,000 must be voted from reserves, and at a
future Town Meeting the unused debt may be voted into Reserves.
Article 5 - Postponed
Article 6 - Rescind previous debt authorization that is not needed in the next few years.
Article 7 - No report
Article 8 - Library would like to establish a revolving fund to keep money collected from
fines to purchase replacements.
Article 9 - Water Treatment Plant. Bob LeLacheur reviewed the bids for the Water
Treatment Plant demolition. Town Meeting is being asked to approve
$450,000 additional funding for the demolition & chlorination projects.
Ted McIntire spoke to the board regarding the Contractor, the references
were good. Safety record is good regarding asbestos removal.
Article 10 - Installation of a synthetic turf field at Parker Middle School. Bob LeLacheur
reviewed the bids. This article is asking Town Meeting to approve the
balance due of $86,350 from free cash.
Barry Berman discussed with the Board the seminar he recently attended at Holy Cross
for newly elected officials. He reported that it was very helpful.
At this time, Bill Brown expressed that section 2.12 of the charter says you have to give
Town Meeting in writing 7 days before Town Meeting your recommendation. He feels
the board cannot give their recommendation Monday, June 30. George Hines reported
that Town Counsel has consistently ruled that that is not the case and that they can give a
recommendation. Bill Brown may challenge this at Town Meeting.
On Motion by Andrew Grimes seconded by Marsie West to approve the Article 3 as
stated in the Warrant. Fincom voted 8-0-0. Andrew Grimes will report.
- On Motion by GeorIze Hines seconded by Barry Berman to approve General Fund
Wal4es and Expenses adjustments in Article 4. Fincom voted 8-0-0. George Hines
will report
On Motion by George Hines seconded by Marsie West to approve the proposed
changes to the Enterprise funds Wages and Expenses under Articles 4. Fincom
voted 8-0-0. George Hines will report
On Motion by Matt Wilson seconded by Tom White to approve Article 6 to rescind
the authorize debt. Fincom voted 8-0-0. Matt Wilson will report.
On Motion by Marsie West seconded Barry Berman to approve the substance of
Article 8 to establish a revolviniz fund for Library material replacement. Fincom
voted 7-1-0 (George Hines opposed on the basis of too many revolving funds.) Tom
White will report.
On Motion by Andrew Grimes seconded by Marsie West to recommend the
substance of Article 9 for an additional $450,000 for deconstruction of the Water
Treatment Plant. Fincom voted 8-0-0. Marsie West will report.
On Motion by Andrew Grimes seconded by Hal Torman to authorize an additional
$86,350 for the Parker Middle School turf Field.
Barry Berman feels we are being driven by the availability of state funds and the costs get
higher and higher. He feels this is not a have to; this is a nice thing and would like to
have the end users share in the additional $86,000. He supports this article but would like
to put in a motion to institute a $5.00 per head surcharge for five years or until some of
this money is recouped. A discussion ensued amongst the board member regarding the
funding and use of the field. At this time Barry Berman will withdraw his motion.
Fincom voted 7-1-0. (Barry Berman opposed). George Hines will report.
Bob LeLacheur addressed the Liaison assignments and asked all to check their contact
information. Andrew Grimes explained the Liaison assignments. Tom White would like
to be removed from RMLD. Matt Wilson will do the RMLD.
On Motion by Andrew Grimes seconded by Marsie West to nominate George Hines
as Chairman of the Finance Committee. Fincom voted 7-0-1 (Hines abstaining).
On Motion by Barry Berman seconded by Marsie West to nominate Andrew
Grimes as Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee. Fincom voted 8-0-0.
George Hines and Andrew Grimes will be on the Audit Committee. George Hines will
also be the Board of Selectman Liaison. Jay Tangney will be the Liaison to Community
Service and Economic Development. School Department Liaisons will stay the same.
Bob LeLacheur discussed the start time of meetings. The board feels that a 7:15pm start
time is good. Bob reviewed the dates for the Financial Forum, October 15 is a good date
( to prepare for the November Town Meeting. The board will discuss dates for the
Financial Forums at the next meeting. George Hines scheduled the next meeting for
Wednesday, July 16 at 7:15 PM. Barry Berman would like to revisit the road issues at
the next meeting. An August meeting has not been set as of yet.
On Motion by George Hines seconded by Hal Torman the meeting was adjourned at
8:50 PM on a vote of 8-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary