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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-10-19 Finance Committee MinutesI /ED G~'rd CLERF4 Finance Committee Meeting October 19, 2005 ;".L.;.UING, MASS. 200b FEB I ~ All: 02 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Chuck Robinson, Vice Chairman Andrew Grimes, Finance Committee Members Hal Torman, Paul Bolger, George Hines, David Greenfield, Ronald Powell and Michele Williams, Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and Paula Schena. Chuck Robinson welcomed George Hines as the newest Finance Committee Member. George Hines noted that he had not been sworn in yet so he will not be voting this evening. Approval of Minutes A motion by Grimes seconded by Torman to approve the Minutes of September 28, 2005, as amended, was approved by a vote of 7-0-1, with Hines abstaining. Liaison Reports Chuck Robinson noted that the Health Insurance Consultant has been hired. The Task Force will meet with him next week. The Town has requested a 90 day extension with our current carrier.. Michele Williams noted that the Minutes of the Library Board Meeting indicate that their budget is on target. They are less busy in the Summer on Saturdays, and think that people may not have known that they were open. The Town Manager noted that there were problems with the air conditioning all Summer at the Library. He also noted that Nextel is interested in renting space at the Library but the Library Board has decided against it due to lack of space. Chuck Robinson asked what was the status of the phone system. The Town Manager noted that the new phone system is installed, but we will be changing carriers because there is no caller ID available through Verizon. The Town Manager noted that a reserve fund transfer will be needed for the Veterans' Aid budget. The trend is $40,000 so we will be needing a transfer of $34,000. Hal Torman asked if we get reimbursement, and the Town Manager noted that the State will reimburse us 75%. Discussion/Action Items Review of Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant - The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant for the Subsequent Town Meeting. He noted that if Article 9 moves forward, then we need to add it to the Capital Improvements Program. If it is not added now, then it can't be taken up. Hal Torman asked the source of funds, and the Town. Manager noted that it would be a 10 year bond. The School Committee will be discussing this because the contingency is down and may not be adequate. It was decided that the Finance Committee would meet with the School Committee on Monday night to get more information. Finance Committee Meeting - October 19, 2005 - Page 2 The Town Manager reviewed Article 5. He, noted that the School Committee voted to recommend a School Resource Officer so he is adding funding for 1/2 year in order to start training in December. They are trying to address the substance abuse problem in the community. David Greenfield asked if there were any statistics on how effective a School Resource Officer is, and the Town Manager indicated that there were not. Andrew Grimes asked if this person will be required to stay at the High School for more than one year. The Town Manager indicated that we cannot require it but the hope is that they will stay. The Town Manager noted that Article 6 is to increase the rubbish contract. The State law limits it to three years unless Town Meeting approves otherwise. He wants to increase this to perhaps five years. The Town Manager noted that,Article 7 is to set up an enterprise system for storm water utility. This is an unfunded Federal mandate that will cost approximately $550,000/year that is'equal to $60/year per household. Chuck Robinson asked if this is a tax or a fee. The Town Manager noted that Town Counsel states that it is a fee and will try to get the Attorney General's opinion. The Town Manager noted that Article 13 will authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell land. The proceeds will go into the sale of real estate fund. The land could be developed or could be a single home site. Chuck Robinson asked if it will go on the market right away, and-the Town Manager noted that there would be a planning process and we will probably hire someone to market it. The Town Manager noted that Article 15 is for the acquisition of land on Kieran Road. It is 10 acres for $34,000. We will be making a grant application for aquifer protection funds to pay for 50% of it. George Hines asked if we could use water funds to pay for it. The Town Manager noted that the State's supplemental budget has $325,000 for sidewalks on Franklin Street, and $200,000 for recreation improvements that could be used for artificial turf. A motion by Torman seconded by Williams to accept Article 5, as amended, was approved by a vote of 7-0-0. A motion by Williams seconded by Powell to accept Article 6 was approved by a vote of 7-0-0. A motion by Greenfield seconded by Torman to accept Article 8 was approved by a vote of 7-0-0. A motion by Bolmer seconded by Williams to accept Article 10 was approved by a vote of 7-0-0. A motion by Grimes seconded by Powell to accept Article 11 was approved by a vote of 7-0-0. ( i Finance Committee Meeting - October 19, 2005 - Page 3 A motion by Bolger seconded by Greenfield to accept Article 15 was approved by a vote of 7-0-0. Budget Overview and Schedule - Bob LeLacheur passed out revised budget forms that show text under the comments, the % change in the right hand corner, and the enterprise fund He hopes to have the budgets by the end of October. He feels that five sessions will be needed for reviewing the budgets and presenting the operating and capital. The Town Manager noted that the budgets will be available the Friday before February 15th, and the Finance Committee will start the review on February 15th through March 22nd on every Wednesday. The Town Manager noted that we are buying new software for the Capital Improvements Program - it will be a five year capital plan. Chuck Robinson requested a Financial Forum on December 7, 2005. A motion by Torman seconded by Williams to adjourn their October 19, 2005 meetinll at 9:30 p.m. was approved by a vote of 7-0-0. e pectfull ibmitted, ( 1 Secretary I