HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-05 Finance Committee MinutesFinance Committee Meeting
February 5, 1997
The Finance Committee,met at 7:30 p.m. at the Conference Room at Town Hall. Present were
Chairman Steve Blewitt, Vice Chairman Jim Keigley, FinCom members Nate White, Gerry
MacDonald, Rocco Nenarella, Tom Green Jr., Catherine Martin, Richard McDonald, Carol
Grimm Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and Secretary Maureen Vierra. Also present were
Beth Klepeis, Richard Foley, Jonathan Edwards, Lois Bond, Deidra Hanley, Maria Silvaggi and
Bob Hillard.
Approval of Minutes:
On a motion by Green seconded by MacDonald the Finance Committee voted to approve the
minutes of January, 1997, as amended, by a vote of 9/0/0.
Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner provided a review of the Police department's staffing levels
which compared Reading's employee level to other comparable communities. In addition, a
summary was provided as to how many calls Reading responded to and how many were from
other communities. This summary covered activity from 1988 - present.
The Selectmen's goal statement for FY98 was distributed to the Finance Committee members.
An overview of the Employee Assistance Program was presented by Peter Hechenbleikner. Tom
Green requested additional information from Peter such as how much this program is being
utilized by the employees. Carol Grimm suggested it should be entered into the budget as a new
( item since last year it was a pilot program.
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The Finance Committee reviewed the budgets of the Accounting Department, Employee Benefits,
Debt Service, Community Development, Library, Human Services and General Services.
Presentation of the new items and increases that were more than 2 1/2% were presented by Peter
Hechenbleilmer. Department representatives were present to answer questions.
Deidra Hanley and Maria Silvaggi from the Library requested an additional $11,000.00 or the
ability to re-prioritize the requested capital funds in order to buy new furniture which they say is
desperately needed.
The Finance Committee will wait until all departments have presented their budgets before voting
on any budgets.
On a motion by Martin seconded by MacDonald the Finance Committee voted to adjourn at
10:30 p.m by a vote of 9/0/0.
The next meeting of the Finance Committee is scheduled for February 12, 1997 and will be held at
7:30 p.m. in the conference room at Town Hall. The scheduled budget review is for the Public
Safety Department and Public Works.
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Respectfully sub itted,
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Steve lewitt
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Chairman cs~