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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-03 Finance Committee Packetthe Town of Reading - FINCOM - budget meeting http://www.readingma.gov/Pages/ReadingMA MeetingCal/SO153BB... FINCOM, - budget meeting Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 7:30 PM Town Hall conference room Printer-Friendly Version 'own of Reading _ Town Hall conference room Google Search:' Reading, MA 01867 March 3, 2010 Meeting Agenda Cc~t+~titot~ Cnusc 1. Public Comment 2. FY11 Town Manager Budget Review e Benefits, Capital, Debt • Library (Library Trustees) ® Community Services Town Administration e Accounting & Finance 3. Other e Possible free cash needs FY10-FY11 4. FINCOM minutes a February 24, 2010 5. Adjourn Town of Reading, Massachusetts 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 Website Disclaimer Virtual Town Hall Website 1;J 3/3/2010 1.50 PM Page 1 of 3 _ LeLacheur, Bob From: Kevin P Leyne [kevin.p.leyne@jpmchase.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 1:04 PM To: LeLacheur, Bob Cc: Hines, George Subject: RE: Reminder CLibrary: From reading this, I don't have any idea what the Pay & Classification Study is, and why this is "the most grievous impact..." There is no explanation. What is the thinking on the maintenance (editing, updating) of the website? Will it be done, who will do it, and is this included in their budget or not? Will fees be raised to offset the reduction in state aid, and if so, where will they be raised? What is the current library headcount, and how is it broken down, i.e., roles/responsibilities? Community Services: What is the overall impact to Elder Services and Veteran Services? What is the detail behind the approximately $100k increase in Planning & Inspections and the $44K decrease in Elder Services & Veteran's Historical, i.e., what is now being done in Planning & Inspections and won't be done/available in Elder and Veterans? Also, there have been articles over the last few days in the Boston.Globe and on Boston.com that detail potential savings that towns could reap for health care by participating in the state plan, as opposed to the current organization that we receive health care through, I believe it is the MIIA. I believe I read in the Boston Globe that the Mass Muni Association also came out in favor of this. 1_cect 'nl don't know all the specifics, but I thought I would at least ask the question. Mass.Muni Assoc: ( ~ "THE PROBLE : State Law is sing Local Taxpayers to Pay Millions More for Employee Health Benefits Cities and towns are struggling under the crushing burden of skyrocketing health insurance costs for municipal employees. While health insurance costs are a problem for-everyone, municipalities have been forced to pay much more than necessary because of a state law that gives public sector unions a veto over common-sense changes that would reduce the cost to taxpayers. Over the past ten years, cities and towns have seen their health insurance costs rise by over 150%, while spending on everything else from public safety to education to repairing our roads has increased by only 25%. Health insurance is the biggest budget buster at the local level, accounting for as much as 15% of local budgets, squeezing out vital services and costing local taxpayers more and more every year. Local aid was cut by $724 million in the fiscal 2010 state budget, and cities and towns have laid off thousands of employees, cut services and increased their reliance on property taxes as a result. Without real health insurance reform, communities will continue to pay too much for employee health benefits, which will force even more service cuts and layoffs while local taxpayers pay millions more than they should." Boston.com: 3/3/2010 V Page 2 of 3 "Cities and towns would save tens of millions of dollars in health care costs for employees; retirees, and elected officials by joining the state's much larger, more flexible health care system, according to a. new report by the Boston Foundation." "The GIC provides health insurance for about 300,000 state employees, retirees, and elected officials, including employees and retirees of numerous independent authorities. State law allows the GIC to adjust the amounts subscribers pay in premiums and copayments without union negotiations. The report found that Cambridge, by moving into the GIC, would save up to io percent, or $4.4 million, while Marshfield would save up to 11 percent, or $530,000." Thanks Bob, KPL Kevin P. Leyne, CFA I Executive Director I Worldwide Security Services I J.P. Morgan I One Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108 1 T: 617 223 9145 1 F: 617 854 7976 1 Kevin.P.Leyne@lPMChase.com From: LeLacheur, Bob [ma ilto: blelacheu r@ci. reading. ma. us] Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010.10:58 AM To: barry.berman@bankofamerica.com; walshbl@verizon.net; gvhines@verizon.net; Greenfield, David C; Kevin Leyne; west.m@mellon.com; mwilson2958@gmail.com; white8192@yahoo.com; Torman, Harold S Subject: Reminder Please send any questions in ahead of time - especially for the library and community services who are up this week. Thanks, Bob Bob LeLacheur Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street ` Reading, MA 01867 (P) 781-942-6636 (F) 781-942-9037 web www.readingma gov email finance(5-ci. reading. ma. us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http://readin.qma- survey.virtualtownhall. net/survey/sid/603ffd2e45471753/ This communication is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument or as an official confirmation of any transaction. All market prices, data and other information are not warranted as to completeness or accuracy and are subject to change without notice. Any comments or statements made herein do not necessarily reflect those of JPMorgan Chase & Co., its subsidiaries and affiliates. This transmission may contain information that is privileged, confidential, legally privileged, and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. 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Although this transmission and any attachments are believed to be free of any virus or other defect that might affect any computer system into which it is received and opened; it is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that it is virus free and no responsibility is accepted 3/3/2010 l~l LeLacheur, Bob From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 3:40 PM To: 'Reading Chronicle' Subject: RE: Reading and the GIC Resent to fix the format a bit: -----Original Message----- From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 3:35 PM To: 'Reading Chronicle' Cc: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Roberts, Carol Subject: RE: Reading and the GIC Paul - here's an overview of the topic from our perspective: In 2008, the Town hired an independent consultant (Hinckley Allen Tringale from Boston) to evaluate the GIC option. We had used the same consultant to help us bid out our health insurance a couple of years before, and were very happy with their insight and the resulting competitive bids we received. We learned that the GIC was a good option for communities that met these criteria: low premium contributions by employees (many others were still paying only 100, whereas Reading employees paid 30%); low office visit co-payments for employees (many others paid $5 for an office visit, Reading was already at $20'and higher for specialists); low Emergency Room co-payments (many others were at or below $25, whereas Reading employees were at $100); geographical areas that offered good GIC HMO coverage (Reading did not - instead employees would likely enroll in the more expensive PPO option - a fact some communities may have overlooked when making this decision). Instead the Town opted to begin a test-program for FY10 with our current provider MIIA, the non-profit insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, to begin a 'GIC look-alike' three-tiered program - one designed to encourage employees to shop around for low-cost high-value providers - just as the GIC does. Before we made the shift, we estimated that the Town (including the RMLD) would save $550,000 in annual premiums under the MIIA program, but only $350,000 under the GIC option. In fact, those savings are being realized this year in the budget as we have already used $175,000 surplus at November Town Meeting to reduce our use of free cash, and we expected to use more savings at April Town Meeting to offset items such as snow & ice removal. It would certainly be helpful if plan design were left to management as is the case for. the State, but Reading has made progress through the collective bargaining process and a strong collaborative effort by all of our unions over many years. The media articles paint a broad.picture of perhaps typical communities where no such progress has been made. The chart in front of the Selectmen last night showed many changes negotiated over just the past five years. Since employees are paying such a high proportion of premiums, everyone involved is very motivated to save money by better plan design which shifts costs onto those that use the benefits the most, such as by increasing co-payments. Over that 5- year period, health insurance costs have grown from 9% to just over 10% of our budgets - at a time when 'revenues are somewhat stagnant due to reductions in state aid. This is well below the 15%+ costs cited in some articles. As is always the case, the Town of Reading supports efforts that would add options and flexibility for the Town to best manage itself for the long-term benefit of it's residents. Sometimes the.best decision is to go with a large state provider -such as the decision to shift to the MWRA and away from a local water treatment plant. As of today, our cheapest health insurance option is not the GIC alternative that is being discussed as if it would be of great value to every municipality. Page 1 of 2 LeLacheur, Bob From: Zambouras, George Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 4:53 PM To: LeLacheur, Bob; Zager, Jeff, Delai, Mary; Huggins, Joe; Kinsella, Jane Subject: RE: Killam paving job Attachments: Killam Pavement Estimate1.pdf; Killam Pavement.pdf Attached are two estimates for the Killam School paving. The pavement is in really tough shape, grading is minimal at best and in most areas the pavement is beyond repair. As a result the final paving wearing course should be only be performed by contractual equipment. Under the options listed Option 1 is the least that can be done to provide a uniform surface. Option 1 is for the most part a temporary fix and is not my recommendation. Both options include all pavement areas of the school, including the access to Haverhill Street. Option 1 Estimated Amount $82,600 Under this option the severely broken area will be excavated and restored by DPW. The remainder of the paving, a 1 Y2" overlay will be performed by contractors. This option requires milling of the existing pavement adjacent to the building which is necessary to prevent water problems. Option 2 Estimated Amount $139,500 Under this option all work except for some minor. patching will be performed by contractors. This existing pavement will be completely reclaimed, properly graded and repaved with 3'/2 inches of pavement. George J. Zambouras, P.E. Town Engineer 781-942-6683 781-942-5441(fax) Email: gzambouras@ci.reading.ma.us From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 3:57 PM To: Zager, Jeff; Delai, Mary;. Huggins, Joe; Zambouras, George; Kinsella, Jane Subject: RE: Killam paving job Does anyone have an estimate for this yet? Thanks Bob From: Zager, Jeff Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 2:43 PM To: LeLacheur, Bob; Delai, Mary; Huggins, Joe; Zambouras, George; Kinsella, Jane Subject: RE: Killam paving job Bob; Spoke with both Mike D ( about potentially doing the work in house) & George Z.( about getting an estimate) a couple weeks ago for the killam parking lot paving.. Joe and I have also already spoken about the after July timing. I know George is putting together something on both in house & contracted out costs ( it may end up being a combination of both). . We'll get something to you asap- before Wednesday. Jeff 3/2/2010 Killam School Paving Estimate Total Paved Area (SY) 8313 Option 1- Milled Gutter/Cut and Patch/1.5 Inch Overlay Quantity Unit Cost Milling of Gutter Area (SY) 2290 $2.10 $4,809 Cut and Patch (TONS) Approx 30% 300 $53.0 $15,900 Asphalt Removal (LS) - Dpw 1 ''$1,000.00 $1,000 Crack Seal (GAL) 670 $6.70 $4,489 Tack Coat (GAL) 400 $3.00 $1,200 Adjusting Structures (EA) 3 $150.00 $450 1.5 Inch Overlay (TONS) 700 $62.00 $43,400 Line Painting (LS) 1 $650.00 $650 Bit. Curbing (LF)' 450 $7.00 $3,150 SUB - TOTAL $75,048 10% CONTINGENCY $7,505 TOTAL $82,553 Date: March 2, 2010 Option 2- Full Reclaim - 2 inch Binder /1.5 inch Top Quantity Unit Cost Reclaimation (SY) 8313 $1.15 $9,560 Fine Grading and Compacting (SY) 8313 $0.60 $4,988 Haul & Stack Excavated Materials (CY) 750 $2.50 $1,875 2 Inch Binder (TONS) 950 $62.00 $58,900 1.5 Inch Top (TONS) 700 $62.00 $43,400 Tack Coat (GAL) 400 $3.00 $1,200 Handwork Paving (TONS) - DPw 50 $53.00 $2,650 Adjusting Structures (EA) 3 $150.00 $450 Line Painting (LS) 1 $650.00 $650 Bit. Curbing (LF) 450 $7.00 $3,150 SUB - TOTAL $126,823 10% CONTI NGENCY $12,682 TOTAL $139,505 A, V r r J~( J _ ° I In, * r ~ r c $ cb - r f ~~t y L y G W2 C7 s~ t - r "r iL~ Yl w"i fr k Page l of 2 LeLacheur, Bob From: marsie.west@bnymellon.com Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 4:13 PM To: LeLacheur, Bob; Hines, George Subject: Questions Bob & George, Sorry for the late note but work has gotten very busy lately. A few questions for tonight: j:hat is the impact of not filling the Volunteer Coordinator position that Town Meeting voted to fund? Do we know how many volunteers we have now vs. when the position was filled? What is not getting done now that some duties have shifted to Finance? Can we discuss the way revolving funds are netted against the budget expenses? It doesn't make sense that we need to crease the budget for Community Services to retain existing positions. I understand that the positions are funded with revolving funds that are no longer available but that related to the source of funding, not to the cost of the positions. To make the best decisions on where funds should be allocated, we should track the full expenses of all positions and then apply the revolving funds. That will ensure that we can consider the most important positions to retain as a separate discussion from the source of funding. S I'm having a hard time understanding how Community Services ties back to last year's budget - I assume some expenses were moved between departments. Last year's budget of $767.1 is below the $1,037.8 listed for 2010 in this year's package. Town Admin 2010 expenses for Photocopy Lease and Postage seemed to go up by a lot from 2009, we don't appear to have spent in line with the revised budget and I can't find them in last year's package. I may have more questions later this evening. Marsie West First Vice President, Operations Strategy Group BNY Mellon Asset Servicing 135 Santilli Highway Everett, MA 02149-1950 Phone: 617-382-2865 E-mail: marsie.west@bnymellon.com The information contained in this e-mail is considered'Confidential and is intended solely for the use of the named addressee. Access, copying or re-use of the e-mail or any in contained therein by any other person is not authorized. If you are not the intended recipient please notify us immediately by returning the e-mail to the originator. From: "LeLacheur, Bob" <blelacheur@ci.reading.ma.us> To: <barry.berman@bankofamerica.com>, <walshbi@verizon.net>, <gvhines@verizon.net>, "Greenfield, David C" <dgreenfield@statestreet.com>, "Kevin Leyne <kevin.leyne@verizon.net>, <west.m@mellon.com>, <mwilson2958@gmail.com>, <white8192@yahoo.com>, "Torman, Harold S" <Hai.Torman @lantheus.com> Date: 03/02/2010 10:53 AM Subject: Reminder 3/3/2010 Page 2 of 3 From: Greenfield, David C [mailto:dgreenfield@statestreet.com] Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 12:51 PM To: LeLacheur, Bob Subject: RE: FINCOM this week Bob, I am going thru materials and will get you some specific ones possibly tonight or tomorrow. One that applies to all budgets is as follows" Given the need to-tightly manage expenses in 2010 and again in 2011, can you identify the items that are not being budgeted that may potentially surface during the year and may need to draw from free cash: Please comment on the event, the likelihood and the estimated amount. David Greenfield GPM Risk Management State Street (617)662-7210 The information contained in this e-mail (including any attachments) is intended solely for the use of the intended recipient(s), may be used solely for the purpose for which it was sent, may contain confidential, proprietary, or personally identifiable information, and/or may be subject to the attorney-client or attorney work product privilege or other applicable confidentiality protections. If you are not an intended recipient; please notify the author by replying to this a-mail and delete this e-mail immediately. Any unauthorized copying, disclosure; retention, distribution or other use of this email, its contents or its attachments is strictly prohibited. In addition State Street recipients of this email are advised to handle this email and its contents and attachments as a limited access information classification, unless otherwise classified in this email or its attachments, in accordance with applicable State Street information classification standards. From: LeLacheur, Bob [mailto: blelacheur@ci. reading. ma. us] Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 12:35 PM To: barry.berman@bankofamerica.com; walshbl@verizon.net; gvhines@verizon.net; Greenfield, David C;-Kevin Leyne; west. m@ mellon.corn; mwilson2958@gmail.com; white8192@yahoo.com; Torman, Harold S Subject: FINCOM this week Please let Me know of any additional items for discussion. The agenda for this week is listed below (Library to begin approx 8pm, Community Services 8:30pm): http://www readingma gov/Pages/Readin,qMA Meetingcal/S0153BB95-01536BE3?formid=161 Thanks, Bob Bob LeLacheur Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 (P) 781-942-6636 (F) 781-942-9037 web www.readingma.gov email finance aci.reading.ma.us 3/3/2010 t Page 1 of 3 LeLacheur, Bob From: Burns, Greg Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 4:19 PM To: LeLacheur, Bob; Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: RE: FINCOM this week Bob, I have done an analysis of the Fire Department's budget and I estimate we will have a deficit in FY 10 of approximately $100,000. This is due to a number of factors including A Firefighter Officer who required surgery and was out sick July and August A Fire Officer who has contracted a significant illness and has been out sick since August A Firefighter who retired due to a knee injury We are down one Firefighter's position since December To mitigate some of the impact of being down a Firefighter and a Fire Officer due to long term sickness, I have assigned the Fire Prevention Officer to a Group. Below are my budget estimates: Budget Remaining 1,054,364.49 Less Sick Leave Buyback 15,000.00 1,039,364.49 Payrolls Remaining 8.50 Estimate Required 1,141,517.05 Estimated Deficit -102,152.56 Greg Chief Gregory J. Burns Reading Fire Department 757 Main Street Reading, MA 01867 (P) 781.944.3132 (F) 781.942.9114 mm-Leadin --.gov Please let us knoiv hose we are doing -fill out our bszef customer service surveg at hq : / /readingma- survey.virtualtownhall.net/ survey/ sid/ 603 ffd2e45471753 / From. LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 1:00 PM To: Burns, Greg; Cormier, Jim; Delios, Jean; Hechenbleikner, Peter; LaPointe, Gail; LeLacheur, Bob; Urell, Ruth; Zager, Jeff Subject: FW: FINCOM this week Here's a question for all of us from FINCOM: " 3/3/2010 N OFRfigd 'inance Committee Meeting r February 24, 2010 '639:fN~o~44 Conference Room, Reading Town Fall The meeting convened at 7:30 PM in the Conference Room of Town Hall. FINCOM Members Present: Committee Chair George Hines, Matthew Wilson, Bryan Walsh, David Greenfield, Barry Berman and Kevin Leyne, and Harold Torman FINCOM Members Absent: Maisie West, Tom White Also Present: Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. Health Insurance Update: Mr. LeLacheur reviewed the latest details of the health insurance policy update shown on page 2 'of the FINCOM packet. The chart on page 2 shows the enrollmenf numbers from June 2007 through January 2010 and shows that total enrollment increased by 31 which was mainly from the School Department. There has not been a significant amount of change in enrollment since 2007 but we have experienced high claims recently. The Town has money in surplus which can be spent at Annual Town Meeting. Next year-there will be a 9.7% increase which is not much different than the average of all MIAA communities. Mr. Wilson asked what the Medex column in the chart was and Mr. LeLacheur explained that it was for retirees and those on Medicare. Mr. Hines asked if the Town has compared Reading's insurance to the GIC (Group Insurance'Commission) rates which is the State's insurance program.. Mr. Hechenbleikner explained that we do not know the GIC rates because they are not yet available and the State ha's not been providing benefits to municipalities long enough to allow such a comparison. Mr. LeLacheur summarized that the FYI 1`health insurance budget has increased by 9.7% with 'a 2% enrollment assumption added in when compared to the actual FY 10 run rate, which is below that budgeted due to plan changes adopted in May2009. FYll Budget: Reyenue`Review: The.Governor's budget avoided,significant cuts in local aid to municipalities and although the budget is still evolving the State revenue, situation is less uncertain at this point in time. Mr. LeLacheur explained that Reading's excisetax is as expected as is all other revenue sources except for permits which are down in terms of revenue. The FYI l budget uses a $950,000 in free cash. FY11 Town Managers Budget: Mr. Hechenbleikner state, d`that the FY 11 budget is very close to a 0% increase. Mr. Berman asked if there were any personnel cuts. Mr. Hechenbleikner said that the Volunteers Coordinator position in the Community Services Department is not being filled after last year's vacancy. No other municipal cuts are proposed except possibly one due to a collective bargaining issue in DPW. Before the recentnews on the state's economy, two positions in Community Services (the Staff Planner & Licenses & Permits Coordinator) as well as one firefighter position might have been eliminated. 1 The Town Manager explained that the Town is $50,000 over budget for snow & ice but this number is much better than last year. Snow and Ice expenditures are shown on page 7 of the meeting packet. The increase in the price of salt has contributed to our increase in expenses. 0-0. Regionalization: A member of FINCOM asked the Chair to summarize the current regionalization efforts to see if there is a possibility of sharing services to save money. The Town Manager provided a memo dated February 5, 2010 summarizing current regionalization efforts and also noting shared service opportunity areas. Mr. Hechenbleikner noted that there was previously a Tobacco Control Program with Stoneham and North Reading that was very successful but was dissolved by the State. The Town also used Ito participate in a regional health services program with Stoneham which worked for. a few years but was ultimately discontinued due to staff personality conflicts between the two communities. Current regional and service sharing programs include the Veterans Services program between Reading and Wilmington, the Mystic Region Local Emergency Planning Committee, Essex County Are Chief's Tee cal Rescue Team, Fire Hazardous Materials Team, Metrofire, a study for a Regional, Dispatch Center 'is underway, NEMLEC (Northeast MA Law Enforcement Council,13APERN'(Boston`Area Pohee"Emergency Radio Network), MWRA Water Supply, MWRA Sewer Supply, Recreation/Adult'Ed Program, Bids and Procurement, Household Hazardous, `Waste Day (shared with Wakefield twice a year), Waste Oil Collection (Wakefield, Reading Stoneham), Rubbish DisposaTwh ch is a private facilitybut worked with other towns to negotiate`a contract, Rubbish Collection;'and Recycling currently working with a consultant under a state grant, Regional Tobacco Control Program, Regional Public Health Emergency Coalition, Regional Meals on Wheels and Meal Site program, and Tax Assessments which is underway. Reading recently met with Melrose and Wakefield with a consultant from the Collins Center and is still in . progress but there is a-possibility for sharing Tax Assessment responsibilities. The Town Manager explained that it is more difficult to share services among municipalities than in the private sector because there is typically one person in each position which would then mean that one person would have to then be shared between the communities. Regionalization may work to control cost and provide better services in some areas but may not necessarily save money. The Town Manager said that the areas where major efforts are focused are on rubbish collection and disposal, dispatching, and tax assessment but these programs will take a lot to implement. Mr. Hechenbleikner also stated that dispatch and rubbish collection and disposal are the programs that 2 Shelving repairs are needed in the Children's room of the Library. A letter. from the Library Director on page 8 of the meeting packet explains that the shelves are not strong enough to support the books. The cost of the new furnishing to reinforce the shelves will be $5,130 would most likely be implemented. Mr. LeLacheur said he would send the February 5th memo summarizing the regional programs to the absent FINCOM members. March Budget Schedule: The Committee reviewed the March meeting schedule. FINCOM should plan to vote on the Town Meeting Warrant on March 24th at the latest and possibly start voting on the Warrant at the March 17tH meeting. Ideally, FINCOM should have the Warrant ready with the votes and written reports by Monday April 5t1i to allow time for publishing and printing. There is an April 14th meeting scheduled but may be cancelled if the budget process is completed by that time. The March 24th meeting should be dedicated to voting on the Warrant. The Committee should send any questions or comments on the budget to Mr. LeLacheur so that they can be addressed at the beginning of each meeting. Mr. Hechenbleikner expects Town Meeting to take three nights this year because there are three zoning articles. Also in the FINCOM meeting packet there is a letter from MIIA that should be reviewed by the Committee. Mr. LeLacheur noted that a change to the Open Meeting Law will now'require meeting minutes to be posted within seven (7) days from the meeting so FINCOM may see Draft minutes. posted before being approved. Mr. LeLacheur also told the members for review their contact info on the liaison list and to send any changes to him. Mr. Hines informed the Committee that the Selectmen were recently discussing the Local Meals Tax and he asked if FINCOM to consider hosting a public revenue strategy'workshop to develop ideas for non-tax revenue opportunities. Mr. LeLacheur suggested a meeting in May for this workshop. Mr. Hechenbleikner summarized the Selectmen's discussion on the local meals tax. FINCOM members discussed the local meals tax option. Several members felt it was a missed opportunity that was not approved by Town Meeting in the fall and the Committee discussed adding it to the Warrant for Annual Town Meeting. The Warrant is scheduled to close on Tuesday, March 2nd On a motion by Mr. Berman. seconded by Mr. Greenfield. FINCOM voted to add the local meals Mr. W On a motion by Mr. Layne, seconded by Mr. Walsh, FINCOM voted to accept the minutes from November 9, 2009 as written by a vote of 7-0-0. On a motion by Mr. Torman, seconded by Mr. Greenfield, FINCOM voted to accept the minutes from November 18, 2009 as written by a vote of 7-0-0. 3 ~3 On a motion by Mr. Walsh, seconded by Mr. Ureenlield, Y1NUUNIL voted to accept the minutes . from October 14, 2009 as written by a vote of 7-0-0.