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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-07-17 Finance Committee Minutesi\,6vGVy MINUTES OF.THE READING FINANCE COMMITTEE JULY 17, 1991 This meeting of the Reading Finance Committee was held in, the Conference Room of the Reading Town Hall, The meeting was called to order by the Chairmen, Bill Burditt at 7:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Burditt, Chairman Liz Greene. Fred VanMa.gness, Vice Chr... Richard Coco Nate White Peter Dahl Gerry MacDonald GUESTS: Henry Marci MEMBERS ABSENT: Nick Agneta Marty McWilliams GUESTS: Phil Pacino, RML Len Rucker, RML Jim RML Didra Hanley, Library Bob Fields, Library Board BUSINESS: r Bill Burditt passed out copies of letters which were sent to the Library and School Committee. The letter to the library addressed the issue of the advertisement for a "benefited position" and the letter to the School Committee addressed the issue of the recent 5k% increase granted to the ."confidential secretaries". Didra Hanley, Director of the Library made a.presentation as to the Boards rationale'-for the position and the benefits associated with it. Morale, highest useage,.team work, etc. were given as reasons. There were 37 resumes received and the position is 20 hrs with vacation, sick, holiday and health plan benefits attached. She stated that the various candidates who applied wanted to know benefits as they felt this was an important piece of position. Both Bill Burditt and Fred Van Magness directed questions to Didra as regards concerns for reducing postion to save benefits. They also expressed ooncern overall town wide when it comes to replacements, not Just the library. Fred Van Magness stated the town is looking to cut costs to cover the possible $500K which may have to be reduced in the 92 budget. Cumulative costs play big role in all town departments. We must work together to achive goals and he expressed thanks for the library coming to the meeting to review this issue. We must maintian and control costs to maintian the services. Pete Dahl stated it is not unusual to see non-benefited positions for part-time staff both-in private industry as well as municipal. FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING - 2 - 07-17-91 Rich Coco stated it is a,town wide problem and we are focusing on the library and he felt this was not fair. If there were no benefits for all part time staff, there would be substantial savings to the town. Fred Van Magness suggested that any new openings which occur, be cranked back to 19 hours Didra stated that top notch employees can't be*counted in dollars. The Committee thanked both Didra and Bob Fields for their attendance and comments. Pete (TM). stated he needs a member of the Finance Committee to serve on the "Partnership Committee". Nate White volunteered. Bill Burditt mentioned the bill owed to the RMLD $10,855.00. He stated that.a..reserve fund transfer was the prudent way of handling. All have heard concerns and we have-bill in hand. Fred Van Magness asked if we could reconsider and made motion for same. Liz seconded motion. Vote was 5 in favor of reconsideration, 2 against. Fred Van Magness thinks bill should be paid, RMLD does a lot for town that goes un-noticed. We have paid lots of other expenses by reserve fund transfer. Make best of it, and work on good relationship. Pete '(TM) stated Selectmen approved indemnity agreement last night (7-16-91). If bill is not paid, we would lose discount.. $19,000 More worth of lights would have to be shut off. Pete Dahl stated he wants to avoid adversarial-relationship. Phil Pacino said he would work with us and meet again to further.goals. Rich Coco stated it isn't.how.good the RMLD is, town didn't allow enough in budget for energy, lights not put out when requested,. town meeting said don't spend beyond budget (spend only what is appropriated) Must live within budget. Fred Van Magness stated town didn't live within budget,-must live within budget. Message must go out early "don't count on reserve fund,transfers". Nate White made motion to pass reserve fund transfer of $10,855.00 to pay RMLD bill. Seconded by Fred Van Magness. Motion passed 5 in favor, 2 opposed. Len Rucker, RMLD stated he would provide us (within 2 weeks) the energy consumption bq town building. By Saturday.midnight, all 210 street lights should be turned off. Town may have to consider turning off 175 more to cover fuel adjustment charges. FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING - 3 - 07-17-91 Bill Burditt stated that Pete-Marwick was 1st billfor audit ($13,000). Fred Van Magness made motion to. approve and it was seconded by Rich Coco. Approval voted 7/0. A motion to approve bill for "Association Town Finace Committee" was made by Liz Greene and seconded by Fred Van Magness. Voted 6 in favor, 1 opposed, motion passed. Bill Burditt'stated Town Accountant feels we should transfer $10,887 to close out workers comp. Motion to transfer was made by-Liz Greene and seconded by Rich Coco. Motion approved 7/0. Bill Burditt introduced Henry Marci, interested in membership on the Finance Committee when opening occurs. Bill Burditt reviewed his discussion with State Rep Krekorian re the $500K problem. Bill (personally) will not support over-ride on Super Tuesday.. Pete Dahl stated we must address 93 or we will miss boat. Suggested a .letter to School Committee regarding "regionalization". Fred- Van Magness says we must look long term, agreed to devote 1 or 2 sessions to planning. for FY 930 Special meeting on August 20; 1991 at 7:30pm to begin process. Motion to adjourn by Gerry MacDonald, seconded by Rich Coco. Voted 7/0 to adjourn at 11:00 pm. Respectfully Submitted Gerry MacDonald Acting Secretary