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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-03-03 Finance Committee MinutesFinance Committee Meeting March 3., 1993 The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Room, at 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA. The following members were present: Chairman Richard Coco, Fred Van Magness, Nate White, Bill Albro, Jim Keigley, Gerry MacDonald, Steve Blewitt and Bill Murphy. Also in attendance :.~?Z.5_-TY'Own Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Ted McIntire, Bill Robertson, Mike DeBrigard, Bud Dickey, Dan Driscoll, John Silvaggi, Joyce Miller, Robert Keating, Gail Wood, Peter Reinhart, Sally Sabo, Ann Mark, Bob Brown, and from the Chronicle Maria Silvaggi. On motion by Fred Van Magness seconded by Gerry MacDonald the Minutes from the February 24, 1993 meeting were approved by a vote of 7-0-1 with Nate White abstaining. On motion by Fred Van Magness seconded by Gerry MacDonald the Minutes from the March 1, 1993 meeting were approved by a vote of 7-0-1 with Nate White abstaining. ' The Finance Committee reviewed the Cemetery budget. There -----j was discussion concerning the director's position, could it be reduced to a part time position? Joyce Miller expressed that Mr. Keating's job involves many tasks,.from sales, to engineering for cemetery layouts and overseeing the care of the cemetery. Also discussed was the Director's travel expenses. They were not included in the budget. In response to the issue the Town Manager mentioned there may be a town vehicle available from another department and would be used for the Cemetery Department. The main issue made was that the Cemetery Department needs to be self-sufficient, without coming from the taxpayers. On motion from Fred Van Magness seconded by Gerry MacDonald the board voted to reduce the Cemetery Department's personal services budget by $8,177.00. The motion was approved 5-3-0. On motion by Fred Van Magness seconded by Gerry MacDonald the board voted to reduce the Cemetery Department's supplies budget by $5,100.00. The motion was approved 6-2-0. The next motion made by Fred Van Magness seconded by Richard Coco the board voted to reduce the Cemetery Department's capital outlay budget by $2,800.00. The motion was approved 6-2-0. The Finance Committee reviewed the Rubbish Collection/Disposal budget. Curbside collection still has 4 months left with contract. As of April 1, 1993, Resco will not accept glass, tin/aluminum, !or newspaper in their trucks. Finance Committee Meeting March 3, 1993 Page 2 . There was some discussion regarding recycling. In the future they may collect magazines, cardboard, and plastics. Questions were raised to have voluntary recycling, the response was there isn't a site available to provide such a service. On motion by Fred Van Magness seconded by Bill Murphy, the board voted to fund the recycling budget of $157,000 from the Rubbish fee. The motion was approved 6-2-0. On review of the Public Works budget, there is a need for a position to be filled by a business person. The job would entail experience in bidding, handling personnel issues, and preparing contracts. The Engineering Division budget was reviewed and there was discussion regarding all the town's street repair projects. It is funded by the State, Chapter 90. The engineers hours are not included. On motion by Nate White seconded by Gerry MacDonald the board did not vote to reduce the Engineering budget $60,000 and have it supplemented by State funding Chapter 90. The motion did not pass by a vote of 2-6-0. In review of the Highway/Equipment Division budget, the maintenance expenses were discussed and questions arose regarding purchasing new equipment to decrease maintenance fees. The result is it would be far more expensive in purchasing the new equipment. The Finance Committee reviewed the Parks and Forestry budget. The result isore full time position will be replaced by seasonal positions. Questions were raised concerning the position at the compost area. Could the position be voluntary? No it can not. On motion by'Fred Van Magness seconded by Gerry MacDonald the board voted to reduce the tree nursery budget from $5,000 to $2,000. The motion did not pass by a vote of 4-4-0. The Street Lighting Budget was reviewed, and the Town Manager recommended not to cutback this year. No motions were made. The Finance Committee reviewed the Snow and Ice Budget. On motion by Nate White seconded by Jim Keigley to increase the budget to $140,000 ($30,000 to come from general funding). The motion did not pass by a vote of 4-4-0. Chairman Richard Coco adjorned the Finance Committee Meeting at 10:30 p.m.