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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-03-10 Finance Committee MinutesFinance Committee Meeting March`1 1993 Awl The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m, in the Berger. Room, at 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA. The following members were present: Fred Van Magness, Nate White, Gerry MacDonald, St.ev(? nl,^wi.tt, li.m Xei.gley, and Ball Murphy, Also in at.t^ndarc~ warn Tnwn iT~,nac~cr Peter Hechenblei.kner, H. Theodore Cohen, Edward Marchand, Jim Cormier, Gail Wood, Jim Nugent, Ruth Cogan, Bill Murphy, and Lois Bond. The Town Manager distributed an updated Cemetery Budget to the committee. Upon review, the changes made were a cut of $4,200 in the suppl.i.ns budget rind an i.ncrcaso of fees to $112,000. Vandalism and Voteran's flowcrs w-rc rr-.ducerl t~.o 0, with the continuation of flags on Ve'teran's Day. Graveliners were also reduced from $10,000 to $9,000. On motion•by Gerry MacDonald seconded by Nate White; the board will make a reconsideration of the Cemetery Budget, it was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Finance Committee reviewed the Minutes from March 8, 1993. On motion by Gerry MacDonald seconded by Jim Fnigley the Minutes (__1. were approved by a vote of 5-0-0. The Town Manager introduced H. Theodore Cohen, Town Council from the firm Tyler. & Reynolds. 7n review of the Town Council Budget, it. has been Leval funded for 4 years at $95,000. The Town Manager recommends it to be increased to $100,000. The Town Selectmen recommended the increase be made to $97,500. Ted Cohen feels a commitment to the town and dues not want to stop servicing the town. Even if the increase does not pass he will continue his services with the town. On mot.i nn by ni 1 1. ~r>>> 'ly 7-(,cnnrlrrl by (;r,rry Mr1cnnnald the Committee voted that the Town Council 13ut-Aget will. remain at $93,000. The motion does not pass at a vote of 3--3-0. The Finance Committee reviewed the Police Department's Budget. In the 94 Fiscal Year the department hopes to purchase 3 new patrol cars. Chief Marchand states that they need $45,000 budgeted instead of S42,000, duet- to th,^ extra cost of cages, spotlights, radios and computers. On motion by Bill Murphy seconded by Gerry MacDonald the committee voted to increase the vehicles budget to $45,000. The vote was approved 6-0-0. IAt 8:45 the Finance Committee ad.jornr-_d for a 5 minute recess. Finance Committee Meeting March 10, 1993 Page 2 Upon review of the Public Safety Budget, Fred Van Magness questioned the computer maintenance fee of $7,000. Why is it so high when we just purchased the computer? Police Officer Jim Cormier stated that it is a fee paid for routine service as well as guarantees the hardware and software, and in the event that the systems shut down they guarantee repair or replacement within 4 hours. The Finance Committee reviewed the Animal Control Budget. No motions were made. On review of the Human Services Budget, questions were asked, as to what services are available frow the nurse to the public? They provide vaccines, preadolescent seminars and health education. The Finance Committee reviewed the Elder Services Budget. The board questioned the van repair budget. On motion by Fred Van Magness seconded by Bill Murphy the Finance Committee voted to reduce the van repair budget from $1,000 to $750. The vote was approved 6-0-1, with Jim Keigley abstaining. 1 On motion by Fred Van Magness seconded by Gerry MacDonald the board voted to reduce the travel expenses in the Elder Services Budget $1,000, Bill Murphy moved an amendment to reduce it by $500. The amendment was approved by a vote of 4-2-0. On review of the Veteran's Services Budget, no motions were made. The Finance Committee reviewed the Recreation Department's Budget. The Director's position has yet to be filled. The department is basically 90% self--sufficient, No motions were made. The Finance Committee reviewed the Human Services General Department budget. No motions were made. In review of the General Services budget, the advertising budget was high. The town is required by State to advertise Town Meetings. It also includes the printing of the Town Annual Deport. The Town Clerk Budget was reviewed and the Town Manager states that this is the lowest paid town clerk position in the area. No motions were made. The Elections and Registration budget was reviewed. There were no motions made. The Finance Committee reviewed the Property and Casualty Insurance budget. The Town Manager explains that this is based on :last Finance Committee Meeting March 10, 1993 Page 3 years analysis and that the cost of insurance is excellent. The General Department Budget was reviewed by the Finance Committee and no motions were made. In review of the Town Manager's budget, the board felt that the position needs to be compensated for all he does. Fred Van Magness asked the Town Manager for some information in regards to Monday nights meeting with the School Building Committee, Fred Van Magness adjorned the meeting at 10:05 p.m.