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Home My WebLink About2010-05-19 Finance Committee PacketThe Town of Reading - FINCOM http://www.readingrm.gov/Pages/ReadiDgMA_MeetingCal/SO 156853... FINCOM Wednesday; May 19, 2010 at 3:08 PM Printer-Friendly Version DESIRE 'T'own of Reading Town Hall conference room Reading. MA 01867 Google Search May 19, 2010 Meeting Agenda r5,~c 1. Public Comment 2. Board of Assessors MM AN t CAu3. General Business • Special Election update (meals tax) • Soliciting private funds (School Cottee & Selectman's policies) • Oakland Road land (Municipal Building committee) PP 11-2 l • Revenue Options . v 1;1-- • RMLD • MWRA issue - financial update 4. FMCOM minutes • March 17, 2010 • March 24, 2010 • Apri126,2010 5. Adjourn 0 1 of2 5/19/2010 3:10 PIv f FAX: 781-942-9037 BOARD OF ASSESSORS 781-942-9027 May 4, 2010 Mr. George Hines, Chairman Finance Committee Reading Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Chairman Hines, The Reading Board of Assessors requests that you assist us with respect to our scheduled FY 2011 Triennial Revaluation. This request is made after requesting a revaluation postponement from the Bureau of Local Assessment. Please refer to the accompanying letters, which consist of a letter from the Board of Assessors (Board) to the Bureau of Local Assessment (BLA) requesting a postponement and the reply from Marilyn Browne, Bureau Chief, of the Bureau of Local Assessment denying the request. Our letter to the Bureau provides the rationale for the request by this Board. Given. the current status of the revaluation, we request a total amount of $9,000, which allows us to outsource certain tasks in conjunction with the urgent and unforeseen nature of completing the revaluation in a timely manner. This request is distinct from the funding previously obtained for the conversion of the CAMA system ($75,000) or the funding request approved Monday April 26, 2010 under Article 5 of Town Meeting ($25,000) to engage a firm to value the personal property. The $9,000 is needed to obtain the services of an outside consultant to complete.the commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential properties (in excess of eight rental. units); and to provide analytical support in the valuation'of the residential properties, containing single family residential and residential property with between two and eight units. These funds will be committed to use in FY 2011. This expenditure excludes an anticipated request of $3,000 in wages during FY 2011 relative to conducting informal hearings. Yflf. h Of importance, this request does not include any costs associated with any written appraisals associated with litigation support relative to pending tax appeals or for any future tax appeals. Further, subsequent to the revaluation, the Board proposes to convert the existing State CAMA system to an alternative software system, which will allow other town offices to utilize the system in conjunction with their daily and special assigned tasks. We trust you understand the urgency and unforeseen occurrences that exist and that you will agree to our request of the funds from the FY 2010 FINCOM Reserve Fund for the Triennial Revaluation of FY 2011. Respectfully, R bertrt I. Irdstrraand BOOQA Chairman RalplfA. Colorusso, BOA V' r® Cn ne, BOA ecretary SUMMARY OF TOWN OF READING REVALUATION COSTS FY 2011 The following is a list showing all costs associated with the Reading Fiscal Year 2011 Revaluation and the source of funds. Fiscal Year 2010 Expenditures and Source Personal Property (Prior Town Meeting Approval) $25,000 Outsource Consultant (Pending Request of FINCOM) $9,000 Revaluation Line Item (Budget) $7,000 Total $41,000 Fiscal Year 2011 Expenditures and Source Informal Hearings (Budget) $5,000 Revaluation. Line Item (Budget) $7,000 Total $12,000 These expenses do not include the costs associated with an outsource consultant during Fiscal Year 2010 as these funds were available as a result of the vacancy involving the Town Appraiser position. 05/11/2010 15:56 (TOWN OF READING blelaeheur YEAR-TO-DATE BUDGET REPORT FOR 2010 13 ACCOUNTS FOR: 0130 FINANCE ORIGINAL APPROP TRANS/ADJSMTS REVISED BUDGET 0141 BOARD OF ASSESSORS 03 SALARIES IPG 1 glytdbud YTD EXPENDED ENCUMBRANCE/REQ AVAILABLE BUDGET USED 11413511 511003 APPRAISER 78,515.00 -10,000.00 68,515.00 44,942.52 0.00 23,572.48 65.6% 11413511 511008 ASST APPR 47,802.00 0.00 47,802.00 39,510.97 0.00 8,291.03 82.7% 11413511 511147 ASSOC APPR 23,000.00 0.00 23,000.00 14,985.22 0.00 8,014.78 65.20 11413511515000 OVERTIME 0.00 0..00 0.00 2,786.95 0.00 -2,786.95 100.0%* TOTAL SALARIES 149,317.00 -10,000.00 139,317.00 102,225.66 0.00 37,091.34 73.4!x, 05 EXPENSES 11415524 524900 EQUIP RPR 2,000.00 0.00 2,000.00 1,800.00 0.00 200.00 90.05. 11415530 530190 REVAL 7,000.00 25,000.00 32,000.00 0.00 qoo 0.00 32-88086 00 11415530 530'191 APPRSL SVC 000 00' 5 0.00 5,000.00 0.00 0.00 5,000.00 Oa . , 11415531 531050 PUBS . 1,500.00 0.00 1,500.00 1,308.21 4 v 0.00 191.79 87.20 11415542 542000 OFF SUPPL 1,000.00. 0.00 1,000.00 372.93 0.00 627.07 37.30 11415571 571000 MILEAGE 1,500.00 0.00 1,500.00 848.75 0.00 651.25 56.6% 11415578 578000 OTHER EXPN 0.00 0.00 0.00 185.00 0.00 -185.00 100.0%* TOTAL EXPENSES' 18,000.00 25,000.00 43,000.00 4,514.89 0.00 38,485.11 10.5s TOTAL BOARD OF ASSESSORS 167,317.00 15,000.00 182,317.00 106,740.55 0.00 75,576.45 58.,5% TOTAL FINANCE 167,317.00 15,000.00 182,317.00 106,740.55 0.00 75,576.45 58.5a TOTAL EXPENSES 167,317.00 15,000.00 182,317.00 106,740.55 0.00 75,576.45 OWN OF RIEADING 16 LO LL STREET READLNG, 01867-2693 FAX: 781-942-9037 BOARD OF ASSESSORS 781-942-9027 April 20, 2010 Marilyn Browne, Bureau Chief Bureau of Local Assessment 100 Cambridge St, 6t' Floor 1 r?j'1 P.O. Box 9569 Boston, Ma. 02114-9569 Dear Bureau Chief Browne, The Reading Board of Assessors request that you allow our scheduled FY2011 ' Triennial Revaluation to be push forward,to FY2012. This request is made after input from our Town Manager, Finance Director, as well as the three elected Assessors and the., Town Appraisers. We have had three'different senior appraisers for FY2008, 2009 and 2010. Our long time senior appraiser accepted a position in Andover after completing the 2008 triennial. He was replaced by the Assistant Appraiser from. Salem who successfully completed the 2009 interim year valuation update. However, in September 2009 she accepted the Senior Appraiser's position in her home town of Salem. Our Assistant Appraiser with assistance from a ,very part time Commonwealth consultant Linda Bradley and. the three elected, unpaid Assessors managed to get through the FY2010 interim certification. Meanwhile, it took several months and a number of interviews to find a replacement for our Senior Appraiser's position capable of learning the State CAMA system. None of the applicants had any substantial or recent experience with State CAMA system. William Boatwright MAI, our recently appointed Senior Appraiser came onboard in March 2010. Our staff found that for FY2011 there are 3364 properties with market adjustments, 1434 with economic obsolescence and 1027 with functional obsolescence. Many have a combination of adjustments, this is in a triennial year in which the DOR wants these adjustments eliminated or justified. D Ironically over the past 20 years or more Reading has maintained acceptable sales assessment ratios and coefficients of dispersions and we have had a relatively low level of applications for abatement. As a result, we have protected the overlay account-and rarely go to the Appellant Tax Board. William Boatwright, MAI; our new Senior Appraiser has outstanding training and experience in fee appraising and mass:. appraising, he has not worked with the Massachusetts CAMA system, nor was he familiar with Reading before he was hired. Patricia Sullivan, our Assistant Appraiser has some experience with the CAMA system. The remainder of our valuation staff consists of one part time Data Collector. At the present time we also have one very part time professional who is valuing our commercial, industrial and mult-family residential properties in accordance with DOR guidelines for FY2011. Funds for him run out June 30u' and his work will not be completed by then. William Boatwright, Patricia Sullivan and myself, Robert L Nordstrand met with Scott Santangelo who will assist us with the Revaluation Work Plan. We recently requested his presence to fill out the form. We currently are experiencing difficulties with our CAMA software in generating the Land Review Spreadsheet. They are also meeting as often as possible with Linda Bradley to better utilize Sate CAMA and Gateway. Scott and Linda are invaluable to assisting communities that have a changing staff. All in all, despite our diligent and capable staff and the excellent support from DOR, we question our ability to meet the challenges of a triennial revaluation in a time fashion, if we are required to eliminate or justify all of the adjustments cited above. We trust you will understand our concerns and .that you will agree to postpone our Triennial Revaluation to FY2012. Respectfully, 0 CMH ssachusetts Department of Revenue Division of Local Services , feet K. Bal, Commissioner Robert G. Nunes, Deputy Commissioner & Director of Municipal Affairs T o4 April 26, 2010 Robert L. Nordstrand, Chairman Board of Assessors Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2693 Via E-mail to: pdudleyQci.reading.ma.us Dear Mr. Nordstrand: The Bureau of Local Assessment is in receipt of your letter dated April 20, 2010 requesting to postpone of the triennial certification requirements of Chapter 797 of the Acts of 1979 from fiscal year 2011 until fiscal year 2012. While the Bureau is sympathetic to the request of the community, we believe it is imperative that all taxpayers are being assessed at "full and fair cash market value" and that those proposed values be reviewed and certified on schedule, once every third year, by the Bureau of Local Assessment. Your situation may make it somewhat trying for a new senior appraiser, however, there is a great deal of skill and experience in the assessing office of Reading and we have no doubt that you can achieve a timely certification of values for FY2011. Please contact your certification advisor Scott Santangelo at 508-452-3800 if you have any questions or need assistance. Your cooperation is appreciated. Sincerely yours, Marilyn H. Browne, Chief Bureau of Local Assessment MHB%mhb cc: Scott Santangelo, Certification Advisor D Post Office Box 9569 Boston, MA 02114-9569, Tel., 617-626-2300, Fax: 617-626-2330 • -May 3 - approved by Annual 'own Meeting under Article 13 by a roll call vote of 116-35 ° May 12 - 637 certif ied - signatures f iled on referendum petition (deadline by Charter section 2-15 is seven business days from 5/3) • May 14 - 5 written objections filed to petition (deadline by GL 55b section 7 two working days from 5/12) May 17 - Board of Registrars (deadline by GL 55b section 7 of four days after 5/14) • ay 18 - Board of Selectmen (deadline to meet by Charter 10 calendar days f rom^ 5/12) : Town of Reading - Special Election - June 23rd http://www.readingma.gov/Pages/ReadingMA Notes/01579F74-000F8513 Printer-Friendly Version >May 18, 2010 Update: The Board of Selectmen set Wednesday June 23rd as the date for the Special Election. Polls at the Fieldhouse at RMHS will be open the usual election hours from 7am - 8pm. Further details to follow early next week. On May 12, 2010, the Board.of Registrars certified a referendum petition under Section 2-15 of the MOM JR Reading Charter for a special election for the voters to consider whether or not to approve the action of the 2010 Annual Town Meeting under Article 13, which accepted the provisions of M.G.L. c.64L, section 2(a) imposing a .75% local meals tax. While 4 versions of the petition containing slightly differing language were submitted, the Secretary of State's office, in consultation with the Town Counsel, has advised that all petitions had in common the MINOR request to have a referendum vote on Town Meeting's acceptance of the local meals tax under Article - 13, and therefore have advised the Board of Registrars to certify the petition. Atotal of 499 valid signatures were required to meet the referendum requirements, and the petitions contained 637 valid ` signatures. Registered voters have until 5 PM on Friday, May 14 to file a written objection to the petition - these I Goggle Search ( may be filed at Town Hall at the Town Clerk's office. If there are any written objections filed, the Board of Registrars then has 4 business days to hold a hearing on the objections. A meeting of the Board of Registrars has been scheduled for May 17, if needed. .t . 4QN~ The Board of Selectmen has until Saturday, May 22 to set the election date, and is scheduled to meet on May 18, 2010 regarding this matter. The election must then take place within 30 days of the certification of the petition. COMMON,, CnUS ' Pursuant to Section 2-15 of the Charter, no action of the Town Meeting shall be reversed unless at least twenty percent (20%) of the eligible voters vote in the election, and the ballot question must be determined by a majority vote of the voters voting at the Special Election. The local meals tax was to become effective on July 1, 2010 but as a result of the referendum petition and Special Election, the local meals tax will not go into effect, if approved, until October 1, 2010. Town of Reading, Massachusetts 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 Website Disclaimer Virtual Town Hall Website 0 >f 1 5/19/2010 3:11 PM - ; , A , Special Election - June 23rd Page 1 of 2 LeLacheur, Bob From: Gemme, Laura Sent: Tuesday, May 1'1; 2010 11:06 AM To: LeLacheur, Bob Subject: RE: Election Cost Item Count ( Cost Shipping 11 Total Common Signs 2 $ 45.00 $ 90.00 Absentee Ballot Postage 30 $ 0.61 $ 18.30 Warrant Publishing 1 $ 14.40 $ 14.40 Food 1 $ 907.89 $ 907.89 New Tables 20 $ 49.99 $ 999.80 Election Workers 1 $7,180.00 $ 7,180.0041 Office Staff 1 $ 222.52 $ 222.52 W Police Detail 1 $2,356.80 $ 2,356.80(1 DPW Detail 1 $ 892.45 $ 892.450 Media Cards - LHS 1 $1,943.52 $ 1,943.52 HC - Media Cards 1 $1,604.00 $ 1,604.00 Ballot Printing 8600 $ 0.28 $ 162.11 $,2,570.11 Printing Voting List 1 $ 384.00 $ 384.00 Poll Worker Postage 198 $ 0.44 $ 87.12 Seals Ballot Boxes 1 $ 30.50 $ " 30.50. Legal Notice - Paper 1 $ 54.83 $ 54.83 0 ( S ? ~ Total $ 162.11 9;4564 " ~ / c. Without Tables 18,356.44 La c,walA Cle4nn & Town Clerk Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street 01 U UD Reading,. MA 01867- (P) 781-942-6647 ,e}~~l1S2S c c: 7 (F) 781-942-9070 J (E) Igemme@ci.reading.ma.us • I'7, S~ (W) http://www.ci.reading.ma.us From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 11:03 AM To: Gemme, Laura Subject: RE: Election Cost Pls send details if available for FINCOM. I have your special Senate election backgro und info - for 2 elections you spent $27.5k (gross). Wondering why the difference. 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 5/19/2010 File: KCD PUBLIC GIFTS TO THE SCHOOLS The Superintendent will have authority to accept gifts and offers of equipment for the schools in the name of the School Committee when the gift is of educational value. In the case of gifts from industry, business, or special interest groups, no extensive advertising or promotion may be involved in any donation to the schools. Gifts that would involve changes in school physical plants or sites will be subject to School Committee approval. Gifts will automatically become the property of the school system. Any gift of cash, whether or not intended by the. donor for a specific.purpose, will be handled as a separate account and expended at the discretion of the Committee, as provided by law. Adopted by t}~e Reading School Committee on Marc? LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. 71:37A Reading Public Schools 0 File: KHA PUBLIC SOLICITATIONS IN THE SCHOOLS The School Committee will place limits on commercial activities and fund-raising activities in the schools for the following reasons: 1. The school system should provide students, parents, and employees some measure of protection from exploitation by commercial and charitable fund-raising organizations. 2. The school system should not give the public the impression of generally endorsing or sanctioning commercial and fund-raising activities. 3. Commercial and fund-raising activities may disrupt school routine and cause loss of instructional time. Following these guiding statements, the Superintendent and Principals may permit occasional commercial or fund-raising activities related to the objectives of the schools with the following exceptions: 1. No direct solicitation of students or employees may take place without School Committee permission. 2. No general or class distribution of commercial or fund-raising literature may take place without School Committee permission. For the purposes of this policy, local PTA and PTO groups and groups representing school system employees will be considered "school groups" and will be governed by the Committee`s policy on staff solicitations. Adopted by th Reading School Committee on March 26, 2007 LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. 44:53A CROSS REFS.: GBEBC, Staff Gifts and Solicitations JJE, Student Fund-Raising Activities JP, Student Gifts and Solicitations KHB, Advertising in the Schools Reading Public Schools ~3 File: JP STUDENT GIFTS AND SOLICITATIONS. The Massachusetts Conflict of Interest law prohibits public employees from accepting gifts of substantial value. Because of this, students and parents are discouraged from giving personal gifts to classroom teachers and other school personnel. Solicitation of funds for charitable purposes from students of the school system will be made only as approved by the School Committee. Any organization desiring to distribute flyers or other materials to students in connection with fund drives may do so only with the approval of the Superintendent. Adopted by t Reading School Committee on March 26, 2007 CROSS REFS.: GBEBC, Staff Gifts and Solicitations JJE, Student Fund-Raising Activities KHA, Public Solicitations in the Schools KHB, Advertising in the Schools Reading Public Schools 0 File: GBEBC GIFTS TO AND SOLICITATIONS BY STAFF Gifts The acceptance of personal gifts by school personnel from school suppliers, from parents and/or students can be subject to misinterpretation and a source of embarrassment to the school system and all persons involved. When families, students, or others wish to express personal appreciation to a teacher or other staff member, the Reading School Committee urges them to find modes of expression that do not involve personal gifts. Employees are responsible for being aware of and adhering to the Massachusetts Code of Ethics for public employees and the code of ethics that applies to their profession. In keeping with this policy, no employee of the Reading School Committee will accept a personal gift from a business concern supplying, or with an interest in supplying, goods, materials, equipment, or services to the school system. This restriction does not relate to the acceptance of gifts for the school system, nor to the acceptance of small and clearly identifiable advertising and promotional materials. Solicitations In spirit, the Reading School Committee supports the many worthwhile charitable drives that take place in the community and is gratified when school employees give them their support. However, the solicitation of funds from staff members through the use of school personnel and school time must be held at a minimum. Therefore, no solicitations of funds for charitable purposes will be made among staff members except with specific Superintendent approval. Whenever such solicitations are made, no pressure will be exerted to obtain contributions even though the drive is one that the Superintendent has specifically approved. The solicitation of funds for the United Way will be permitted on an annual basis. Adopted Reading School Committee on August 24, 200 CROSS REFS: KHA, Public Solicitations in the Schools JP, Student Donations and Gifts Reading Public Schools 0 Section 1.2 -Acceptance of Gifts to Departments In numerous instances, the various departments or agencies of the Town receive offers of gifts or donations for various purposes. It is the policy of the Board of Selectmen to encourage such donations and gifts, with the clear understanding that there is no offer on the part of the Town or its Departments or Agencies to reciprocate in any manner with regard to provisions of services, enforcement of laws or regulations, or any other consideration by the Town. The Town Manager is hereby authorized to accept any such gifts or donations on the part of the Town, to see to their disposition in accordance with donors. wishes and applicable law, and to notify the Board of Selectmen at their next meeting of any such gifts or donations. Adopted 11-4-86, Revised 12-13-94 Section 1.3 - Solicitation/Acceptance of Donations The Board of Selectmen values and appreciates the efforts of individuals, community groups, and businesses in the community to raise private funds for the betterment of the Town. These donations often take the form of donations of trees and benches, construction of capital projects, acid donation of funding for programs. It is important for the Town and donors to have an understanding of the nature, location, design, and details of any such equipment, capital project or program on Town property or at Town facilities or utilizing Town resources prior to entering into fundraising efforts, so that the Town can meet its share of any commitments related to capital projects or programs, so that donations of trees and benches and other equipment are of a design and quality and in locations consistent with Town needs, and so that any such projects or programs are compatible with the plans and programs of the Town. Therefore, the Town must be consulted prior to any fundraising efforts, In accepting gifts and donations the Board of Selectmen should consider how the maintenance of the and operation of the equipment, capital project or program will be funded. Agreements as to gifts and donations, including maintenance, should be documented in writing. In order to facilitate this process, the Town is working to develop master plans for its various facilities and sites. The following procedures shall be used under the circumstances outlined: Town sites with Master Plans: ■ The donor shall consult with Town staff through the Town Manager, and if the proposed donation is consistent with the master plan, approval may be granted by the Town Manager to proceed with fund raising. ■ If a commitment of Town funds is required to match or supplement fund raising efforts, the fundraising efforts may be approved if the proposed project is included in the Town's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), with an understanding that Town funds will not be available until those capital funds are available through the budget. ■ The Town Manager shall notify the Board of Selectmen of.any such approved projects. 1-6 Board of Selectmen Policies ~a Town Sites without Master Plans: . ® The donor shall consult with the agency having jurisdiction over the property in question - Board of Selectmen as Park Commissioners; Conservation Commission for Conservation lands; Town Forest Committee; etc. for projects in those locations. ® The agency having jurisdiction may grant approval to proceed with the project. ® If a commitment of Town funds is required to match or supplement fund raising efforts, the fundraising efforts of the donor may be approved only if the proposed project is included in the Town's Capital Improvement Program(CIP) or funds are otherwise available, with an understanding that Town funds will not be available until those capital funds are available through the budget. Equipment, Plantings, and programs: Donors shall consult with Town staff and/or Board, Committee, or Commission as appropriate, having jurisdiction in the area where the equipment or planting is proposed to' be located, or the staff of the department or division within which the program is proposed to be run. If the equipment, planting, or proposed program is consistent with the standards, design, mission and direction of the agency having jurisdiction, approval may be granted- to proceed with fundraising. ® If a commitment of Town funds is required to match or supplement fi nd raising efforts, the fundraising efforts may be approved if the needed funding is otherwise available from the agency of jurisdiction. Replacement, maintenance and repair: In circumstances where donations are made to replace, maintain or repair portions of Town sites and facilities, including replacement of elements of parks, recreation areas, buildings, and similar equipment, (example - replacement of pitchers mounds and home plates, replacement of basketball hoops) the Department Head within whose jurisdiction the site or facility falls may accept such donations where: ® The value of the donation is $5000 or less ® The item being replaced, maintained, or repaired is consistent with any master plan for the property in question. Where the above criteria are met but the value of the replacement, maintenance, or repair, is between $5000 and $10,000, the Town Manager may approve the donation upon the recommendation of the Department Head. The Town will develop a standardized mechanism to recognize donors of equipment, capital projects, and programs that is consistent and which will be easy to maintain and update. The method of recognition shall be subject to review and approval of the Board of Selectmen. Additionally, the Town must be assured that any donations that are solicited or received on behalf of improving Town facilities or operating Town programs are either solicited by properly established non-profit corporations, through for profit corporations, 'or by individuals making donations directly to the Town. This is important for purposes of ensuring that donor's. expectations are completely met with regard to possible tax deductibility of donations, and that a 1-7 Board of Selectmen Policies fundraising group is indeed making all donations properly and directly to the Town for the purpose. intended. In order to achieve other department missions and provide essential services, the Board of Selectmen recognizes the need for staff to develop fiscal and other resources to supplement municipal funding. The policy of the Board of Selectmen regarding fundraising activities by staff is the following: 1. Such activities will not decrease staff effectiveness nor will they constitute. an inordinate amount of work time. 2. In accordance with the Conflict of Interest Law (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 268A), Town employees will not realize personal financial benefit from fundraising activities. 3. Employees involved in fundraising are expected to use good judgment at all times, and to be sensitive to issues such as the business climate and the ability to give. 4. In accordance with the Town's established policy on Acceptance of Gifts, it is understood that there is no offer on the part of the Town or its employees, Departments, or Agencies to reciprocate in any manner with regard to provision of services, enforcement of laws or regulations or any other considerations by the Town. 5. To ensure consistency, in communication about fundraising efforts, Boards, Committees, Commissions and Department Heads shall inform the Town Manager of new fundraising efforts or campaigns prior to such activities. 6. Notice of regular or ongoing fundraising activities should be given to the Town Manager through the regular channels of communication. 7. The Town Manager may establish guidelines which specifically describe different types of fundraising and appropriate actions. Adopted 3-8-94, Revised 12-13-94; Revised 9-22-09, revised 1-9-10 to Sien Grant The Town of Reading from time to time makes application for grants from various State, Federal. and private sources. Since the Town Manager is authorized to execute contracts for the Town, the Board of Selectmen authorizes the Town Manager to sign grant applications and acceptances for such grants as have been authorized by the Board of Selectmen or.the appropriate public body. It shall be, the responsibility of every Department to report to the Town Manager that all operating requirements and resources are in place to properly implement the grant, including personnel policies, labor contract provisions, availability of resources, equipment, and all other things that will be needed. This action should take place prior to application. for the grant if possible, but in all cases shall take place prior to the acceptance of any grant, unless the Board of Selectmen waives this requirement. Adopted 11-3-86, Revised 12-13-94, Revised 12114104 1-8 Board of Selectmen Policies File: FF NAMING NEW FACILITIES Naming a school is an important matter that deserves thoughtful attention. Personal prejudice or favoritism, political pressure, or temporary popularity should. not be an influence in choosing a school name. A name with educational significance or inspiration should be chosen. The Committee also feels that it is appropriate to name schools for physical locations; geographical areas; distinguished local, state, and national leaders whose names will lend dignity and stature to the school; or significant or pertinent events. The Superintendent will prepare for the approval of the Committee a procedure to follow in recommending names for school buildings to the school building committee. Whenever possible, the wishes of the community; including parents and students, should be considered in naming new facilities. Adopted by th Reading School Committee on September 28, 2006 Reacting Public Schoota 0 Policy establishing an ad hoc Municipal Building Committee ad hoc Municipal Buildinz Committee "Municipal" Buildings shall include Town and School Department buildings. There is hereby created an ad hoc Municipal Building Committee, which shall exist until December 31, 2010 or until such earlier date the ad hoc Committee may have completed its work. The ad hoc committee and its member's terms may be extended by the Board of Selectmen for up to an additional 12 months. The ad hoc Municipal Building Committee shall consist of seven (7) residents. of Reading for terms expiring December 31, 2010. In selecting the membership, an attempt will be made to fill the membership as follows: o 1 Member appointed by the School Committee o 1 Member appointed by the Board of Library Trustees o 1 Member appointed by the Finance Committee o 1 Member of the Board of Selectmen appointed by the Board of Selectmen o 3 Residents at Large that do not fulfill any other requirements of the other categories. The Board of Selectmen will attempt to include in those members some members who have experience and expertise in building design and construction. It is the intent of the Board of Selectmen that staff members should serve as a resource to the ad hoc committee, but not serve as members of the committee. The ad hoc Committee shall perform the following activities related to developing conceptual plans and programs for Municipal Building projects over the next 10 years: 1. Review and understand the scope of the charge to the ad hoc committee, and develop a suggested work plan and schedule; 2. Reach out to Town Departments and Boards/Committees/Commissions that may have building space needs within the next 10 years (2020) for their information and ideas; 3. Understand the resources available to potentially address Municipal Building needs, including Town owned property on Oakland Road which is currently under the care, custody, and control of the Board of Selectmen; 4. Prepare a preliminary report on the scope of foreseeable Municipal Building needs through the 2020; 5. Submit the preliminary to the Board of Selectmen for their review and comment; 6. Based on Board of Selectmen review, advance priority projects forward to a point where Town Meeting authorization for funds to design and build the individual or collective facilities may be sought; 7. Report to the appropriate Board/Committee/Commission and get feedback at key milestones in this . process, including prior to the development of the final report.. In conducting its work, the Municipal Building Committee shall place a priority on the issue of need, scope, and siting of garage and related space for the DPW Cemetery Division. Staff and Town Counsel will be assigned to work with the ad hoc Municipal Building Committee through the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools as appropriate.. The ad hoc Municipal Building Committee will be considered to be part of the Town Managers Office for administrative purposes. Adopted 11124-109 ~S 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of minutes April 15; 2010 3. Tour Reading West Side Fire Station and Fire HQ - 7:30 to 8:45 4. Tour Reading Police Station - 8:45 to 9:15 5. Schedule for future meetings: r- 1, l NO QUORUAI ® May 13 - PS - Fire - Burns; Police - Cormier - 7:30 at Police Station and then Fire Station ® May 27 - DPW, Cemetery, Community Center - Zager - 7:00 at DPW ® June 10 - Library - Urell ® June 24 - Senior Center - Delios; Town Hall - Hechenbleikner ® July 8 - Schools - Doherty ® August 12 - Tour Oakland Road property - 7:00 6. Adj ournment Correspondence: CLIP SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL BUDGET ACTIONS - FY 2011 Estimated Prelim. Cost Budget Bob Goldy Tafo a Bonazoli Anthony Schubert BOS composite Revenues Raise/Not Raise Revenues Meals Tax - 1J3 to Town $50,000 SO $0 $0 $0 $0 $50,000 $50,000 $0 Reprice I., - I I I . I Community / Access fee $25,000 $0 $25,000 $25;000 $0 ` $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 ICMA fees - PT employees pay 1 $10,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 BOS license fees $5,000 SO $5,000 . $5,000 $0 $5,000 $5",000 $5000 $5;000 Increase smoke detector fees - from $15 to $25 $2,500 $0 $2,500 $2,500 $0 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $2;500 Incr Undrgmd Storage. Tank fees $800 $0 $800 $800 $0 $800 $800 $800 $800 Establish Site Plan Waiver Fee $500 $0 $500 $500 $0 $500 $500 $500 $500 Broaden use of re-inspection fees $1,000 . $0 $1,000 $1,000 $0 -$1;000 $1,000 . $1,000 $1,000 TOTAL REVENUES $94,800 $0 $34,800 $34,800 $0 $34,800 $84,800 $84,800 $34,800 5J11J2010 3 C S Let Page 1 of 2 LeLacheur, Bob From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2010 3:17 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Cc: Burns, Greg; Cormier, Jim; Delai, Mary; Delios, Jean; Doherty, John; Hechenbleikner, Peter; Huggins,'Joe; LaPointe, Gail; LeLacheur, Bob; Urell, Ruth; Zager, Jeff, Vinnie Cameron (vcameron@rmld.com) Subject: FW: MEMA I left a message with MEMA - we're looking at approxi lower as we will not need OT through Thursday as per Police/Dispatch $3567, Reverse 911 <$I1,000 Fire $739 DPW $17,158 Schools $15,000 Comm Services $1289 Town Mgr $0 Finance $0 Acc $0 'Library $0 RMLD $0 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 $49,000 spe t on the MWRA incident. That figure may be ninal ins tions. 9ti sy*41A 8-~ Yk G. n n44// y 4 S - wk Sam/ cesfir , L-2n J o(f tit ~Q /Z,ZA A17 S eUe J T (A At / F44 web www.readinoma.go_v email finance a@ci.reading.ma.us Please let us know how we are doing fill out our brief customer service surrey at http://readingma- survey.virtualtownhall.net/survey/sid/de8bdaaI 6db9e6b4/ From: Schena, Paula Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2010 1:24 PM To: LeLacheur, Bob Subject: RE: MEMA Her name is Rosalyn Laportez and her phone number is 508-820-2005. From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2010 1:20 PM To: Schena, Paula Subject: MEMA Do you have a contact for us to forward cost estimates to for the MWRA issue? Thanks, Bob 9 5/19/2010 ~N oeRFgd ~+'inance Committee Meeting ' F - March 17,2010' INCO M Q0 1 Conference Room, Reading Town Hall R The meeting convened at 7:30 PM in the Conference Room of Town Hall. FINCOM Members Present: Committee Chair George Hines, Vice Chair David Greenfield, Barry Berman,' Kevin Leyne, Harold Torman, Bryan Walsh, Marsie West, Tom White and. Matthew Wilson. Also Present: Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Police Chief Jim Cormier, DPW Director Jeff Zager, Library Director Ruth Urell, Library Trustees David Hutchinson, Cherrie Dubois, Victoria Yablonsky, Karyn Storti and Jeffrey Doucette. Selectmen Camille Anthony, Residents Bill Brown and Tom Ryan. There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. Public Comment: Tom Ryan (Dana Road) handed out a list of suggestions where costs could be cut without cutting services. He also included a letter to the editor opposing the meals tax. Bill Brown (Martin Road) spoke in favor of selling the Town land on Oakland Road. He also handed out a list of suggested cuts that in his opinion would have little or no effect on essential Town services. All three of these handouts are included in full at the end of these minutes. FYII Town Manager Budget Review Mr. Hechenbleikner reviewed the guiding principles in putting this budget together. He again mentioned the cohesive nature of budget preparation between the Town and School sides, and reminded FINCOM that the schools had one more year of a labor contract to honor for FYI 1. Many years ago the schools broke away from having the same collective bargaining contract period, but the current superintendent and school committee are interested in once again having common contract periods if possible, necessitating the Town to have one-year deals. A full copy of the guiding principles is also at the end of these minutes. FYII Town Managers Budget: Benefits (pp. 13-19), Capital (pp. 4-121 & Debt (handout) Mr. LeLacheur reviewed the Town's published response to recent articles in the Boston Globe about the universal value of the state GIC insurance plan. The town through bargaining with all of the unions last spring changed to a three-tiered MIIA program that was expected to save more than the GIC alternative would. To date, in FY 10 the projected savings are on target, and the GIC has had financial difficulties forcing adverse midyear changes for participants. For FYI 1, health insurance is projected to increase by 9.7% and a small enrollment cushion is built in to the budget. Due to a decline in the value of pension investments, the assessment is up 4.5% for the next two years, a bit higher than is usual. Because of slow re-employment, unemployment costs have soared in FYI0 and are expected to remain high in FYI 1. The Capital Plan (summary on page 5) is generally balanced for the next ten years versus expected funding levels. Next year, there may be a last minute shift in priorities as the Killam parking lot is in need of paving, and two windows projects are deemed less important. Debt Service (handout) is 6 unchanged from last year, except for the addition of 15-year performance contracting debt as well as 5 year fire engine debt. FYll Town Managers Budget: Municipal government overview (pp. 3& 20) Mr. Hechenbleikner re-iterated that all wage assumptions in his budget were for salary freezes except in the case of probation periods due to new hire or promotions. That is to say that zero percent COLAs and no step movement are anticipated in FY 11. Expenses are funded at or close to FYI 0 levels. FYll Town Managers Budget: Library (pp. 60-64) Ms. Urell reviewed a mostly unchanged budget for the library for FYI 1. FTEs and wages are frozen at FY10 levels at a time when demand for services is increasing from residents. Library materials are funded at the full 15% due to the last minute state aid budget news from the Governor. Mr. Hines asked about late fees for library materials. Ms. Urell mentioned the cost of administering late fees and that the, current policy of accepting donations in lieu of late fees seems to be working well. Revenues could be raised by increasing the rental rate for meeting rooms - they are frequently booked and the fee is very low - it probably does not cover all costs. FY10 Budtet amendments: Library Feasibility Plan Ms. Urell also reviewed a $75,000 request to do a building feasibility study in time to be completed by October 2010 and thus be eligible for state reimbursements on some portion of the final project (smaller projects are funded at 50% maximum, with lesser percentages as size increases). FYll Town Managers Budget. Community Services (pp.24-30) Ms. Delios reviewed the Community Services. department. She explained the loss of funding from the permits revolving fund for FYI 1 for the positions of Staff Planner and. Permits Coordinator. Each position was cut from the level #2 budget but restored when state aid in the Governor's budget was not as dire as previously forecast. Mr. LeLacheur explained that a $25,000 reduction to veteran's benefits is the best estimate at this time, based on the actual run rate of the past two months during FY 10. Ms. West noted that the funding 'source should not be a criteria to determine which positions should be cut. That choice should be made based upon merit and overall value to the town. Mr. Hechenbleikner mentioned that there are no other operating expense positions that are funded from sources that will diminish over time. FYl1 Town Managers Budget: Town Administration (pp. 21-23) Mr. Hechenbleikner reviewed an unchanged budget for this area. Legal fees are the most difficult to forecast, while property and casualty rates are unchanged for FYI 1. No changes to wages or FTEs are anticipated in FYI I in this budget.- FYI I Town Manners Budget: Accounting & Finance (pp. 31-40) Ms. LaPointe discussed some of the broad operating changes caused by MUNIS, and specifically how that affected the Accounting function. The FYI 1 budget is exactly unchanged from FY10. Mr. LeLacheur described the various portions of the Finance Department. The Board of Assessors requested funding for outside consulting help (level #2 budget). Most of those requests will be done by in-house staff, or be funded either in FY10 or as/if needed by the FINCOM Reserve Fund in FYI 1. The Finance budget is lower'in FYI l with the exception of additional elections that are scheduled. George Hines asked if FINCOM was interested in scheduling a future executive session to review collective bargaining matters with the Town staff, and FINCOM agreed that they .would. 2 OD/ FINCOM Minutes: On a motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Walsh, FINCOM voted to accept the minutes from February 24, 2010 as written by a vote of 7-0-2 (White & West abstaining.) On a motion by Mr. Torman, seconded by Mr. Greenfield, FINCOM voted to adiourn at 10:20pm by a vote of 9-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary. 3 11N OF1~Fq~ Finance Committee Meeting a r, o March 24, 2010 Conference Room Readin Town Hall NoR 9 The meeting convened at 7:30 PM in the Conference Room of Town Hall. FINCOM Members Present: George Hines, Bryan Walsh, David Greenfield, Barry Berman, Kevin.. Leyne, Marsie West, and Harold Torman Members Absent: Tom White and Mathew Wilson Also Present: Town Manager Peter Heckenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLachuer, Community Services Director Jean Delios, and DPW Director Jeff Zager. Selectmen Rich Schubert joined the meeting at 9:00 PM. There being a quorum the Vice Chair called the meeting to, order at 7:35 pm. Public Comment: No comment. Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles: Mr. LeLacheur explained the changes made to Article 4 which includes the actual amounts for the capital improvement projects to be added to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The library building feasibility study was initially expected to, be $75;000 but has increased by $10,000 because a construction manager is needed for the study. Therefore, the total. cost for the library feasibility study is $85,000 for FY10. Mr. LeLacheur also reviewed the;'net cost for the emergency lifepak defibulators which is $27,000; the estimate for the Killam School paving is $83,000 when performed mostly in house by DPW under option 1 and option 2 is $139,500 when all work will be performed by contractors. Article 4• On a motion by Mr. Greenfield, seconded by Ms. West, FINCOM voted to accept Article 4 as written by a vote of 7-0-0. Mr. Greenfield'volunteered to write the report. Article 5• On a motion by Ms. West, seconded by Mr. Walsh, FINCOM voted to accept Article 5. as written by a vote of 7-0-0. Discussion: Mr. LeLacheur explained that the $20,000 savings in the Finance Wages (line 191) is due to the vacancy of the Appraiser position. The $4,000 increase in expenses in K92 for Community Services Expenses is because of the cost to trap and remove the beavers that were causing damage. Mr. Torman volunteered to write the report. 1 Article 7: Items listed under Article 7 are those that are not being replaced in the CIP and are proposed for disposition and do not have a value in excess of $5,000. Ms. West asked what happens to these items. Mr. Hechenbleikner explained that they are typically traded in or then auctioned off. Mr. Walsh asked where the money goes after we trade in or auction off these items. Mr. Hechenbleikner said the money goes into free cash. On a motion made by Mr. Berman, seconded by Mr. Greenfield, FINCOM voted to accept Article 7 as written by a vote of 7-0-0. Mr. Torman will write the report. Article 8: Mr. Hechenbleikner explained that Article 8 is to authorize the revolving funds for certain town departments which must be renewed each fiscal year. The -Conservation Consulting Revolving Fund was not used last year but is necessary to pay for consulting fees to review plans and all money not used is returned to the Applicant. The Inspections Revolving Fund pays, for plan reviews and inspections and was created during a time when Reading was experiencing a lot of development and we needed the extra support. Two staff positions have been pulled from this fund but this fund is still needed for when development activity increases. Ms. West asked if all staff positions are out of the revolving funds. Mr. Hechenbleikner said that there are no more positions funded out of the revolving funds and continued to explain the funds for each department. The Health Clinic Revolving Fund pays for clinic vaccines, supplies and staff salaries allowing residents to receive .the vaccines at no cost. On a motion made by Ms. West, seconded by Mr. Walsh, FINCOM voted to accept Article 8 as written by a vote of 7-0-0. Ms. West to write the report. Article 10: Article 10 allows Chapter 90 funds to be used for road improvements. Mr. Torman pointed out that the last sentence under background should be removed because we have learned the exact amount. On a motion by Mr. Greenfield; seconded by Ms. West, FINCOM voted to accept Article 10 as amended by a vote,f 7-0-0. Mr. Leyne to write the report. Article 11 Article 11 was placed on the Warrant by petitioners to add $25,000 back into the FY11 budget snow removal/plowing for church parking lots. Mr. Hechenbleikner explained that the Town has removed snow from some church parking lots for many years but this service was not included in the FY11 budget. Mr. Berman asked if any other non-profit organizations in Town received the same service. Mr. Hechenbleikner explained that churches are the only non-profit that has benefited from this service while there are many similar non-profit agencies that have not had the Town remove snow from- their lots. Mr. Berman suggested plowing for churches and charging them at a discounted rate. Mr. Walsh 2 0) also asked if there was any other way to continue the service at a subsidized rate. Mr. Greenfield felt this was a financial issue and this is an expense that the Town can not afford right now. Mr. Torman made a motion, seconded by Mr. Greenfield, to accept Article 11 as written. FINCOM voted to disapprove Article 11 as written by a vote of 1-6-0. Mr. Hines voted in favor and 6 members voted against the Article. Mr. Walsh to write the report. Article 9: To see if the Town will vote to approve the FYI 1-FY20 CIP with the additional items including the Killam School parking lot paving and excluding the new library & Bireh Meadow School windows. Mr. LeLacheur direct FINCOM to page 14 of the meeting packet, which details what FINCOM is voting on in Article 9. There is a net increase of $44,352. Page 16'6f the meeting packet shows the Capital Plan from FY10 to FY20. Mr. Berman asked if there were any policies as to how'and when the...CIP items are taken' up Mr. Hechenbleikner explained that items are carefully evaluated and planned so that the Town is not purchasing all. new DPW equipment at the same time. On a motion made by Mr. Greenfield, seconded by Mr. Walsh,,,FINCOM voted to approve Article 9 as written by a vote of 7-0-0. Mr. Hines to write the report. FY11 Budget On a motion made by Mr. Berman, seconded by Mr. Torman, FINCOM voted to approve the budget line items B99 (Benefits) through V99 (Town Facilities) listed on page 14 of the March 24, 2010 meeting packet by a vote of 7-0-0. Discussion:' Mr. Berman asked how much the town has left in free-cash?-Mr. LeLacheur answered that we have approximately 7`or 8% remaining in free-cash. Mr. Walsh asked about the status'on the vocational school budget noting that there was a lot of discussion over. the last severalr0nths. Mr. Hechenbleikner responded that their budget is the lowest allowed and what they are asking-for. Mr. Hines to write'the`report. On a motion, by Mr. Greenfield, seconded by Mr. Torman, FINCOM voted to accept budget line items W99 (Water Enterprise Fund) through Y99 (Storm Water Enterprise Fund) by a vote of 7- 0-0. Mr. Hines to write the report. Article 13• To see if the Town will vote to accept the local meals tax for a rate of .75 percent for a restaurant meal. The FINCOM put this back on the Town Meeting Warrant and the Board of Selectmen did not approve this article. Members of the FINCOM discussed the reasoning behind voting this onto the Warrant 3 after if was not approved at Subsequent Town Meeting in November. Ms. West states that the extra . revenue generated from the meals tax would help the Town next year and may be able to save future services from being cut. The discussion in the fall was less about services being cut and now that the community is feeling the impact its time to rethink the meals tax. Mr. Greenfield noted that the Town is experiencing a revenue shortfall that we are temporarily funding. with free-cash but we need another way to maintain the services. Mr. Berman pointed out that in the fall many Town Meeting Members were hesitant to pass the meals tax because they were not certain the money would be returned to the community from the state but now 73 municipalities have taken advantage of the local meals tax and the money is going back into the communities. Mr. Hines did not feel this was a good solution to the revenue problem. One FINCOM member asked the Town Manager to see which of Reading's neighbors have adopted the meals tax and which ones are considering it again this spring to see if Reading's businesses would loose business to other towns. Mr. Walsh asked when this tax could be repealed if this.is adopted and then feel we`no,longer need it after the economy turns around. Mr. Hechenbleikner answered that it can be repealed after 3 years. The Committee had a discussion about the possibility of a future override and how this tax could influence it. On a motion by Ms. West, seconded by Mr. Greenfield, FINCOM voted to accept Article 13 as written by a vote of 6-1-0 with Mr. Hines voting, against. Mr. Berman & Ms. West to write the report. Mr. Shubert of the Board of:S,eleetmen joined the meeting at 9:00 PM. Article 14 To see if the Town will vote to change the name of the Gateway Smart Growth Zoning Incentive Payment Stabilization Fund to the Smart Growth Zoning Incentive Payment Stabilization Fund to allow it to include the° money from the recently adopted Downtown Smart Growth District. On a motion by Mr. Walsh, seconded by Mr. Greenfield, FINCOM voted to approve Article 14 as written by a vote of 7-0-0. Mr. Greenfield to write the report. Article 15 To see if the Town will vote to adopt a change to the income, asset and age limits for certain elderly tax exemptions. Due to the economic times the Town has seen an increased need to provide elderly tax exemptions. A chart in the Warrant shows that this change will make Reading more in line with neighboring communities. On a motion by Mr. Berman, seconded by Mr. Walsh, FINCOM voted to support Article 15 as written by a vote of 7-0-0. Mr. Berman to write the report. 4 6~ Article 16 Authorizes the Town Manager to enter into contracts dealing with rubbish and recycling for a time greater than 3 years but not to exceed 20 years. On a motion by Mr. Walsh, seconded by Mr. Leyne, FINCOM voted to accept Article 16 as written by a vote of 7-0-0. Mr. Walsh to prepare the report. Article 17• Article 17 establishes a permanent trust fund for a scholarship fund and a'support fund to be used as an annual scholarship for a Reading student who plans to enter a profession that helps senior citizens such as medicine or social work. Mr. Berman asked who administers the funds and gifts. The4own Manager explained that there is the Commissioners of Trust Funds and the Reading Scholarship Foundation would distribute the gifts. On a motion by Mr. Torman; seconded by Ms. West, FINGOM voted1o, accept Article 17 as written by a vote of 7-0-0. Mr. Leyne to write the report. Article 18• Article 18 establishes the Pat Schettini Memorial Scholarship:Fund. On a motion by Mr. Greenfield, seconded by Mr. -Leyne, FINCOM voted to approve Article 18 as written by a vote of 7-0--0. Mr. Torman to write the report. Article 19 This article creates a new Downtown Improvement and Events Trust which can accept donations that will be reinvested into the downtown for things such as physical downtown improvements, promotions and community events. After 20 years the Selectmen will review this Trust to see if it should be continued.- Mr. Torman asked how staff will manage this fund and if it will be a lot of additional work. The Town Manager said it will be managed by the Trust of Commissioners under the general direction. of the Economic Development Committee and the Town Manager handling many of the day to day activities. On a motion by Mr. Walsh, seconded by Ms. West, FINCOM voted to accept Article 19 as written by a vote of 7-0-0. Ms. West to prepare the report. Article 20: This is to transfer money which has been previously appropriated at Annual Town Meeting in 2007 to borrow money to complete the California Road sewer'project but is not longer needed. 5 On a motion by Ms. West, seconded by Mr. Torman, FINCOM voted to accept Article 20 as. written by a vote of 7-0-0. Mr. Wilson to write the report. Article 23: This article was placed on the Warrant by citizen petitioners that states that any tax rejected by Town Meeting cannot be brought back before Town Meeting for a period of 18 months. Mr. Greenfield stated that he did not support this article. On a motion by Mr. Berman, seconded by Mr. Walsh, FINCOM voted 0-7-0 to support Article 23 as written. FINCOM voted against this article. Ms. West to prepare the report. Reserve Fund Transfer Request The Town Manager asked FINCOM for a reserve fund transfer for a contingency fund for the Memorial Park project. The Town received a very generous donation to the Memorial Park project contract costs but no contingency and $29,000 is needed. The Town Manager also asked FINCOM fora reserve contingency fund from the reserve funds for $10000 for the Mattera Cabin. We are not paying for the labor because we have students from the vocational school providing the work and have applied for a,few more grants but would like to have, the $10,000 as a safety to continue to purchase the materials. On a motion by Mr. Berman, seconded by Mr. Leyne, FINCOM voted to transfer $29,000 from the FINCOM reserve funds for the Memorial Park contingency fund by a vote of 7-0-0. On a motion by Mr. Greenfield, seconded by Mr. Walsh, FINCOM voted to transfer $10,000 to the Mattera Cabin. contingency fund from the FINCOM reserve funds by a vote of 7-0-0. Mr. Hines requested a spending report on these two projects. Approval of Minutes: Remove the typo ,on the bottom of the first page of the minutes. On a motion by Mr. Walsh, seconded by Mr. Greenfield, FINCOM voted to approve the minutes from March 10th as amended bya vote of 5-0-2 with Ms. West & Mr. Hines abstaining. Mr. LeLacheur will cancel next week's meeting scheduled for the 31St. All reports on the Warrant Articles are due by April 1St On a motion by Ms. West, seconded by Mr. Torman, FINCOM voted to adjourn at 9:45 PM by a vote of 7-0-0. 6 ~N OF)? finance Committee Meeting y, ' r e April 26, 2010 Arts Center of Readin~• Performin2 S+ rNCOR The meeting convened at 7:05 PM in the Performing Arts Center of Reading Memorial High School FINCOM Members Present: Chairman George Hines, Barry Berman, Kevin Leyne, Bryan Walsh, Marsie West and Mathew Wilson Members Absent: Vice Chairman David Greenfield, Hal Torman and Tom White. Also Present: Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. Public Comment: No comment. Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles: Mr. LeLacheur explained the changes made to Article 5 (FY 10 budget amendments) since the budget was printed. A new police officer has been hired, so there is a need to pay $3,000 tuition up front. The officer will repay this amount through payroll deductions which are reimbursed to the general fund. The Board of Assessors has $10,000 less in excess wages due to ongoing consulting needs. They will be in to see FINCOM at their May meeting to explain fiu-ther details. The Fire department needs $10,000 less in OT than previously projected. Lastly, due to a recent uptick in Veteran's Assistance, another $20,000 is needed to last the rest of FY10. This expense is 75% reimbursed in the FY11 state aid. Nest, seconded by Mr. Walsh, :FIN FY11 BudIzet Mr. LeLacheur asked FINCOM to re-vote dine K92 (Community Services expenses). The previous vote was on a total figure that was $25,0.00 less than had been shown in the budget due to a clerical error on Veteran's Aid for FYI 1. On a motion made by Mr. Walsh, seconded by Ms. West, FINCOM voted to approve the budget line item K92 (Community Services expenses) at $215,485 for FY11 as shown on page 64 of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant by a vote of 6-0-0. On a motion by Mr. Berman, seconded by Ms. West, FINCOM voted to adjourn at 7:12 PM by a vote of 6-0-0. e