HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-03 Finance Committee MinutesFinance Committee Meeting
November 3, 1999 Y -1 1V E D
l~~Gr l ! CLERK
The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Room, at the Town Hall; MASS'
Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Carol Grimm, eFEB °-2 P t. 3q
Chairman Richard McDonald, FinCom Members James Francis, Robert LeLac r
Catherine Martin, Charles Robinson, Neil Cohen, Mary Grimmer and Paul Kurker. Also
present were Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Superintendent Dr. Harutunian,
Principal of Birchmeadow School Richard Davidson, and Principal of Killiam School
Paul Guerrette. Representatives of the School Committee included Tim Twomey, Susan
Cavicchi, and Pete Dahl. Additional attendants were Barbara Luddy from the REAP
Board, Russell Graham, School Bldg. Comm. and Reporter Owen MacDonald. Many .
residents attended including Bill Brown, Rita Toscano-Coray, Rich Coray, Kathy Guyott,
Michele Weber Chiappini, Kendra Couper, and Carol Sheehan.
On a motion by James Francis seconded by Mary Grimmer, the Finance Committee voted
to approve the minutes of the October 9, 1999 meeting, with changes, by a vote of 8-0-0.
On a motion by Paul Kurker, seconded by Catherine Martin, the Finance Committee
voted to approve the minutes of the September 30, 1999 meeting, with changes, by a vote
of 7-0-2.
Peter Hechenbleikner reviewed the changes in the Capital Plan and presented the FinCom
( j with two different scenarios. One if the Corporex project goes through and one if it
doesn't. He is very optimistic, but stated that there are no guarantees. FinCom discussed
options for the landfill property if Corporex does not go through with their plans.
Catherine Martin stated to close the landfill will cost the Town $4million. Carol Grimm
asked if the land was large enough for a golf course? Peter Hechenbleikner answered that
it is not. Paul Kurker was concerned with the length of time we have to close the landfill
and hoped DEP was patiently working with us. Robert LeLacheur questioned who would
ultimately negotiate the new options, and it would be the Board of Selectmen.
On a motion by Carol Grimm, seconded by James Francis the Finance Committee voted
to approve the changes on Article 3 and Amend the Capital Improvement Program for
FY2000 through FY2009 as written.
Article 3 was approved by a vote of 9-0-0.
On a motion by Catherine Martin, seconded by James Francis the Finance Committee
voted to approve article 4 - Amending the FY 2000 Budget with an additional $80,000
for Workers Compensation with the source of revenue lottery receipts.
Article 4 was approved by a vote of 8-1-0.
On a motion by James Francis, seconded by Paul Kurker the Finance Committee voted to
approve article 6 - Authorizing Debt - Chapter 90.
Article 6 was approved by a vote of 9-0-0.
page 2
On a motion by James Francis seconded by Paul Kurker the Finance Committee voted to
( approve Article 7 as written to Authorize debt - Saugus River drainage basin design. The
motion was opened for discussion. James Francis believes it is not an emergency and the
Town does not have the money for it now. He would like to postpone this project. Neil
Cohen questioned the liability issue. Peter Hechenbleikner stated the maximum liability
is $100,000.
Article 7 was not approved by a vote of 2-7-0.
Article 14 - New Elementary School at Dividence Road
There was a lengthy discussion on article 14. Carol Grimm stated it will cost $1.1 million
more if the renovations to the Barrows School and the new school at Dividence Road are
delayed for one year. Dr. Harutunian stated, with the additional enrollments, they will
need 8 to 10 additional classrooms from 1999 - 2003. They could use space at Coolidge
and St. Athanasius until 2003 when the new school would be ready. Carol Grimm stated
the School Department needs $1 million for existing staff. Dick McDonald said the
project will cost $5.5 million and the alternatives will cost as much. Carol Grimm said
the need is obvious, but how to pay for it is not. It is foolish to leave state money on the
table. She questioned the need for an operating override. Carol also stated that the FY01
budget only has $42,000 dedicated to this project, but there is still a problem. Russ
Graham from the School Building Committee agreed to the need of an operating budget
override. He stated we need to commit to Capital and use the State money. The SBAB
will only reimburse the Town for the new school, not for portables. Tim Twomey said the
impact on the operating budget is minimal. Dick McDonald questioned if this project is
j delayed will the reimbursement from the state be reduced? Dr. Harutunian answered that
- the state will reimburse 66% until 2002 and he can't second-guess what will happen after
that. Robert LeLacheur said capital improvements should be considered an investment,
not something we can not afford. Resident Rita Toscano said to make sure Town Meeting
members understand there is a need for an operating budget override whether the new
school is built or not. Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner ended the discussion with the
statement it is not certain we need an override.
On a motion by James Francis seconded by Mary Grimmer the Finance Committee voted
to approve Article 14, Authorizing debt for the construction of a new elementary school
at Dividence Road.
Article 14 was approved by a vote of 9-0-0.
Reports
The schedule for the FinCom Reports to be given at the Town Meeting is as follows:
Carol Grimm will report on the Capital with Article 3 and report on Article 14
Dick McDonald will report on Article 4
Paul Kurker will report on Article 6
Chuck Robinson will report on Article 7
Bob LeLacheur will report on Article 13
page 3
On a motion by Dick McDonald seconded by Neil Cohen the Finance Committee voted
to adjourn their meeting of November 3, 1999 at 10:1 Opm by a vote of 9-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Joy Mohr
Recording Secretary