HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-06-25 Finance Committee MinutesFinancial Forum
June 25, 2001
Reading Senior Center, 49 Pleasant Street
CALL TO ORDER
EIVED
R{E.ADINIG. MASS.
2001 FEB 22 P 2: 38
Finance Committee Chair Carol Grimm called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. Present
were Finance Committee members Catherine Martin, James Francis, Andrew Grimes,
Mary Grimmer, Richard McDonald, Chuck Robinson, and Robert LeLacheur. Board of
Selectmen members present were George Hines, Rick Schubert, Matthew Cummings and
Camille Anthony. School Committee members present were Chair Susan Cavicchi, Pete
Dahl, William Griset, Jim Keigley, John Russo and Tim Twomey. Library Board of
Trustees present was Steve Conner. Also present were Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harutunian, Town Accountant Richard
Foley, Treasurer Beth Klepeis, and Reporter Nadine Wandzilak. The residents present
were Gerry MacDonald, Bill Brown, Nancy Ortiz, and Thomas Ryan,.
Peter Hechenbleikner introduced Randy Mason as the new Finance Committee member.
Randy will replace Neil Cohen beginning July 1, 2001.
Review of Economic Development Initiatives:
Peter Hechenbleikner reviewed the progress of the Reading Business Park. They are
waiting for the approval of the Conservation Commission and a permit from DEP to close
the landfill. The deadline for the purchase and sale agreement is February 2002, but the
developer would like to close by December 2001. At the time of the closing, the Town
would receive $3 million. Completion of the project is expected May 2003. The fully
developed project will generate $1.2 million a year.
Peter Hechenbleikner reviewed the Pearson redevelopment. The developer is not going
through with the development. Pearson is discussing the project with the second and third
developers.
Review of revised estimated revenues - FY2002.
Richard Foley presented the projected revenues for FY2002. The approximate revenue
generated from the Town permits for the land fill is $30,000. Two additional amendments
to the budget are the replacement of the boiler at the Killam School for $85,000 and
$25,000 for a litigation settlement.. There is an estimated shortfall for FY2002 between
$596,447 and $848,781.
Dr. Harutunian stated the METCO formula has changed. This might result in a $50,000
revenue reduction.
George Hines stated he doesn't expect the revenue growth from the Reading Ice Arena to
continue. The arena is due for some repairs and maintenance.
Financial Forum - June 25, 2000 - page 2
Options to address shortfall - FY 2002
Peter Hechenbleikner reviewed options to address the shortfall, which included an
application to the State for funds under Education Reform. This money can be applied for
only once. Dr. Harutunian stated the Town should apply for one large sum rather than a
few smaller amounts. Dr. Harutunian suggested applying for $425,000. They would not
receive approval from the State until September or October.
Matt Cummings asked how much free cash was utilized in FY 2001. Richard Foley
responded approximately $1.1 million.
Dr. Harutunian stated they are searching for a wholesaler to lock in prices with on natural
gas for 2002.
8:25 PM the meeting adjourned to allow a discussion of some of the available
options.
On a motion by Jim Keigley, seconded by John Russo, the School Committee voted to
direct the Superintendent to come back to the School Committee with a $600,000
reduction list for the FY2002 budget.
The motion was approved by a vote of 6-0-0.
8:40 PM the meeting reconvened
The Finance Committee recommended not using any free cash to solve the shortfall.
They also recommended cutting expenses by 33% for the Town and 67% for the Schools.
They urged the School Committee to apply for the one time "Pot hole" money.
Tim Twomey stated the School Committee is reluctant to apply for the "Pot hole" money.
They do not believe they have reached the financially worst year. They will review
additional options to meet the shortfall.
George Hines stated the Selectmen are reluctant to ask for an override, because the High
School will be on the agenda soon. They discussed a trash fee and are in support of the
Finance Committee's recommendation not to use free cash.
Peter Hechenbleikner stated he will work with the three Boards to help make the
reductions. He expects a Special Town Meeting in September. Matt Cummings requested
the exact amount of the shortfall rather than a range. George Hines directed the Town
Manager to cut the higher estimate of $848,781 from the budget.
Carol Grimm recommended the Financial Forum meet again in August. She stated when
they reconvene Dick McDonald will be the Chairman of the Finance Committee and
( j Catherine Martin will be the Vice Chairman.
Financial Forum - June 25, 2000 - page 3
( At 9:05 p.m. the Finance Committee, the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen
adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
oy
Recording Secretary