HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-10-24 Finance Committee Minutes:CEIVED_
I Ub'.IN CLERK
Finance Committee Meeting r . r+ D I CI; G, MASS.
October 24, 2002
Z003 JUL 14 p 1: 5 8
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Catherine Martin, Richard McDonald, Jim Francis,
Chuck Robinson, Karen Epstein, Robert LeLacheur, Andrew Grimes, Selectman Gail Wood,
Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner.
On motion by Robinson seconded by LeLacheur the minutes of August 28, 2002 were approved
by a vote of 5-0-1 with McDonald abstaining.
On motion by Francis seconded by McDonald the minutes of September 12, 2002 were approved
by a vote of 5-0-1 with LeLacheur abstaining.
On motion by McDonald seconded by Robinson the minutes of October 7, 2002 were approved
by a vote of 5-0-1 with Epstein abstaining.
On motion by McDonald seconded by Francise the minutes of August 7, 2002 were approved by
a vote of 5-0-1 with Epstein abstaining.
On motion by McDonald seconded by Robinson the minutes of September 5, 2002 were
approved by a vote of 5-0-1 with LeLacheur abstaining.
( Liaison Reports
Jim Francis gave a liaison on the RMLD Governance Advisory Committee.
Public Safety - Chuck Robinson had no report.
Karen Epstein talked about a discussion that she and Catherine Martin had with Jane Bennett, the
Advocate Editor. Epstein will be doing the guest column on the Road Improvement Program.
She also talked about the focus group process being conducted by Martin, Epstein and Camille
Anthony.
Robert LeLacheur attended the first Storm Water Management Advisory Committee meeting.
There will be financial implications.
Andrew Grimes attended the School Building Committee meeting on the High School project.
The Finance Committee reviewed the Warrant for the 2002 Subsequent Town Meeting.
Article 5 amending the 2003 budget. The Town Manager indicated that the only item to be
included in this would be the Non-Union Pay and Classification Program for the Town
employees if the Selectmen approved that. FinCom will be open to a meeting at 7:00 p.m. before
Town Meeting in the event that the Selectmen make a recommendation on this matter prior to
that date.
i
Finance Committee Meeting - October 24, 2002 - page 2
Article 6 approving debt authorization for Chapter 90. On motion by McDonald seconded by
Francis the Finance Committee recommended the subject matter of two motions under Article 6
approving debt authorization for Chapter 90, by a vote of 7-0-0.
Article 7 approving debt authorization for roads. Action will be needed on this only if Question
4 passes on November 5, 2002. Town Meeting already approved the program once. If this is
successful on the ballot, then FinCom can meet immediately before Town Meeting to make the
recommendation.
Article 8 revolving fund for building permit fees. On motion by Francis seconded by Robinson
the Finance Committee voted to recommend this article by a vote of 7-0-0.
Article 10 - the Finance Committee took no action.
Article 11 acceptance of donation to the Historical Commission. On motion by Francis seconded
by McDonald the Finance Committee voted to recommend the subject matter of this article by a
vote of 7-0-0.
Catherine Martin reviewed Camille Anthony's letter regarding School administrators and Town
salaries. She recommended that the issue be taken up directly with the School Committee. She
asked the Town Manager to see if the School Committee can meet with the Finance Committee
on November 14, 2002, assuming that Town Meeting will only go one night. The Town
Manager will ask the Superintendent if the School Committee is available to meet. The Finance
Committee also asked if we had a chart for benefits for Town employees and for School
employees comparing the various levels of benefit for both.
On motion by Francis seconded by McDonald the Finance Committee voted to adjourn at 9:55
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,