HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-02-09 Finance Committee MinutesCQ
Finance Committee Meeting CLERK(
February 9, 2000 MASS.
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, at the Tc d,-5 P Z. 09
16 Lowell Street, Reading Massachusetts. Present were Chair Carol Grimm, Vice Chair
Richard McDonald, FinCom Members James Francis, Robert LeLacheur, Charles
Robinson, Mary Grimmer, Paul Kurker, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and Beth
Kleipis.
Reserve Fund Transfer
On a motion by James Francis, seconded by Richard McDonald, the Finance Committee
voted to approve the reserve fund transfer to Account #01-031 Assessors for appraisal -
Cedar Glen, for the amount of $10,000.
The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0-0
Review of Public Safety budgets:
Fire/Emergency Management - Total recommended budget of $2,606,975
Salaries have risen 3.85% due to the union contract. This does not include the Chief,
Asst. Chief, mechanics or clerks.
Overtime has increased to $226,121. This is due to having a couple of people in training
and personal injuries. The Chief is requesting 3 additional firefighters to help combat the
overtime. He believes this would save $100,000 in overtime.
The only increase in expenses is contractual protective clothing for $6,750. Their contract
expires June 2001.
Capital requests:
Replace the Pumper $225,000
Ambulance 110,800
Confined Space Rescue Equip. 10,300
Total $346,100
Fire Chief Wood stated that the squad truck - mini pumper can not handle large fires. He
said Reading is 1/3 deficient according to ISO. The Town should have three pumpers and
presently it has only two. An ambulance will only last five years. The current ambulance
has 70,000 miles. The cost for repairs will increase if a new one is not purchased.
Catherine Martin arrived at 8:30 PM.
Police - Total recommended budget $2,978,180
Lt. Bob Silva reviewed the budget. There were no changes in the staffing level. They are
requesting .5 civilian clerical help to provide help in the data processing department.
With the new school an additional school traffic person will be needed. Holiday pay
increased to $139,171. Lt. Silva believes this is under funded by $10,000 in the year
2000.
There is a one time moving expense of $5,000 to move into the new building.
There is a request to replace 3 line cars a year with approximately 100,000 miles each. If
the cars are not replaced there will be a lot of maintenance and repairs needed.
Finance Committee February 9, 2000
page 2
I Eight hours of firearms training per individual is included in the present contract. Chief
Marchand is requesting an additional 4 hours, but he would really like 8 hours. This
training is not just for firing guns, but includes the opportunity for MACE training. All of
this type of training is done on an overtime basis.
The police expect to move into the new building next month. The total change orders for
this project were 1.8% of the budget. They were able to absorb an additional $66,000 for
communication equipment.
Animal Control - Total recommended budget $21,603
This total includes the salary of one person for 21 hours a week for $16,118 and total
expenses of $5,485.
Dispatch - Total recommended budget $302,219
This is a combined Police and Fire department. There are 7.5 permanent union
employees. The total overtime increased 1.87% to a total of $23,000.
The next Financial Forum meeting is March 15, 2000.
On a motion by Catherine Martin, seconded by Dick McDonald, the Finance Committee
unanimously voted to adjourn their meeting at 9:50 PM
l Respectfully submitted,
7
Joy Mohr
Recording Secretary