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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-08-06 Finance Committee Minutesv' ~,'_CEIVED FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING C L E R K AUGUST 6, 2003 : L,; D I HCi, MASS. The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, lVI~a03ac`h~setts3 A 11: 12 Present were Chairman Jim Francis, FinCom members Paul Bolger, Richard McDonald, Charles Robinson, Hal Torman, Marsie West, Andrew Grimes, Robert LeLacheur, and Catherine Martin. Also present were Selectman Camille Anthony, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Peter Dahl, Chairman of the School Committee, Pat Schettini, Superintendent of Schools, John Russo, School Committee and John Carpenter, School Committee. Approval of Minutes On motion of Richard McDonald seconded by Andrew Grimes the minutes of July 30, 2003 were approved as amended by a vote of 7-0-1. Review Outline of Brainstorming Session The FINCOM discussed what the goals for the brainstorming session should be. Camille Anthony suggested they break up into sub-committees and see what can be accomplished. Robert LeLacheur stated the whole process will be ongoing, but for the September Financial Forum meeting the FINCOM should have a list of 5 or 10 of the best ideas for revenue and expenses. Jim Francis thought the FINCOM should focus on a main idea and work from there. The FINCOM decided on a mission statement on the idea "Innovative Ways to Increase Revenue Sources and Better Manage Expenses". Cathy Martin also stated that we should also communicate with the taxpayers more and streamline the current budget process to enhance the long range budget planning. Robert LeLacheur thought maybe we should look at expenses as investments in the long run, and determine which would be good investments and which ones would not. Andrew Grimes discussed how he has progressed with his project and handed out some data he had collected. The FINCOM should state to the Financial Forum their goal statement and a list of ideas. The FINCOM discussed the idea of town-wide volunteering and a program to manage this to be as productive as possible. The discussion of grants was'brought up and whether they are cost effective. What about a grant for volunteering? Peter Hechenbleikner stated that with grants you need to decide what they are for? Will they expand a program? what happens when the grant runs out? Will you use a grant to offset cost of basic services?. Capital grants should'be for something substantial. Peter Dahl discussed what other towns are doing? He stated Reading is already much more efficient, but there has to be some town out there that is coming up with better ways to create revenue. A volunteer Fire Dept. was brought into the discussion. Everyone agreed that it would not reduce the core of a paid Fire Department, but might be used to supplement services. Peter Hechenbleikner stated it would be very hard to discuss at collective bargaining. James Francis said you would not find a lot of potential expense reductions in public safety. Cathy Martin stated we should be sensitive to employees. The discussion moved along to Page 10 of the packet the FINCOM had re: Categories and Ideas Generated from Brainstorming. Session. In the Investment Opportunity section, under the discussion of investment in technology, it was felt that technology should be used to make operations more efficient. Peter Hechenbleikner stated that increased use is needed across the Community. Robert LeLacheur discussed the need for investment in maintenance, proactive maintenance. ( i Utilizing assets - this must be reviewed. Camille stated that they need a group to look into this. Camille Anthony, Paul Bolger, Marsie West and Peter Dahl will take this on. The discussion of grants was back on the table, specifically investing in writing the grants. Each board discusses independently and then they come together. The town must support the idea of where they are going with the grants. Pat and Peter will draft a supportive statement together. The idea of an employee awards program was discussed Sources of Revenue Opportunities Revenue from other communities was discussed. Ideas such as running professional development for teachers and allow other communities to come in and use and pay for our expertise. Camille suggested maybe we need someone to come in and help us market our ideas. RMLD - use rates - why do schools and other buildings that are not open during the summer hours not pay a different rate than those that are open all year round. The Board of Selectman will raise this issue with RMLD. Current Expense Reduction Volunteering town wide was discussed, specifically about streamlining and centralizing to make this more time effective. Regarding the collective bargaining subject, Peter will set up a joint executive session with labor counsel. Regarding whether the benefit amounts we are paying are appropriate, we need a subcommittee to look into this issue and meet with Human Resources. Look into seeing what other communities are offering. Robert asked how we invest our pension? Peter stated we are about average with other communities. James Francis, Robert LeLacheur and Marsie West will meet with the Retirement Board. Regarding building maintenance - the Board of Selectman/School Committee will hold a discussion on who does what/where in September. Economic Development The Fincom has liasons for this topic. State Initiatives John Carpenter stated that to take a stand we would have to work with other towns. Also working with state groups would be helpful. Review Schedule Jim discussed that going into the September 3`d meeting the FINCOM needs to have a summary of ideas. Camille Anthony will be the point person for this. The schedule for upcoming meetings was discussed and August 13`h was too soon, not enough time to collect information that will be needed. In order to have a meeting on August 27`h the information should be collected as soon as possible and forwarded to Camille Anthony, September 3`d - Financial Forum Cathy Martin asked about the tour of the landfill scheduled on September 18, 2003 at 5:30. Peter said whoever is interested should contact him asap. Cathy Martin stated she was going to resign from the Audit Committee and the FINCOM would like to appoint Jim Francis. Cathy needs to sign the resignation papers and then Jim can apply and file the necessary papers. On motion by Torman, seconded by McDonald, the FINCOM voted to adjourn at 9:45 by a vote of 7-0-0. s e u u mitted, Se retary