Bellingham Finance Committee (FinCom) and
Capital Improvements Committee (CIC) Joint Meeting Minutes
August 26, 2013 – (Approved 9/3/13)
- FinCom Present: J. Collamati (Chair), J. Allam, J. Cibelli, A. Elliott, R. Szczepan,
CIC Present: R. Lavallee (Chair), J. Cibelli, J. Collamati, R. Szczepan
- FinCom Absent: K. Shkreli, G. Young
CIC Absent: 1 vacant position
- At 7:00 PM, FinCom was called to order by Chairman Collamati; CIC was called
to order by Chairman Lavallee.
- Fire Chief Gentile presented an update on previous funding requests for a new
Rescue vehicle and Engine 2 Pumper replacement.
It has been determined that the Rescue Truck being replaced is not sellable to another Fire Department as it has too many mechanical and body integrity issues. It will be traded in as part of the purchase package of its replacement. As a result, the updated purchase price of the new, fully-outfitted Rescue vehicle is $266,000 (including trade allowance), up from the $263,000 amount that had been previously recommended by both the FinCom and CIC.
Following discussion, motions were made to modify the previously approved amount to $266,000 for purchase of a new, fully-equipped Rescue Vehicle. Funding will come from Ambulance Receipts.
CIC: Collamati/Szczepan 4/0
FinCom: Szczepan/Allam 5/0
- The Fire Chief updated a previous request for a Pumper Truck to replace
“Engine 2”. A pricing update revealed that total cost of the new Engine 2, fully outfitted with extrication equipment is $530,000 (including trade-in allowance).
A CIC motion was made to recommend replacement of Engine 2 with a new vehicle at a cost of $530,000 to be paid for by borrowing, with loan payments taken from Ambulance Receipts.
Collamati/Szczepan 4/0
A FinCom motion was made to recommend replacement of Engine 2 with a new vehicle at a cost of $530,000 to be paid for by borrowing, with loan payments taken from Ambulance Receipts.
Szczepan/Allam 5/0
- Police Chief Daigle and Lt. Russell updated quotes regarding the proposed
purchase of three police vehicles. All quotes represent a complete package including the vehicle, radar, harness and installation of same.
Request includes one unmarked car for the Police Chief at an all inclusive cost of $30,778.96; also 2 fully equipped Police Cruisers at a total cost of $84,981.28.The total for all 3 vehicles is $115,760.24.
FinCom motions:
A motion was made to recommend the expenditure of not more than $31,000 from “Free Cash” to purchase a new Chief’s car.
Szczepan/Allam 5/0
A motion was made to recommend the expenditure of not more than $41,600 from “Free Cash” to purchase of a new fully-equipped police marked cruiser.
Cibelli/Szczepan 5/0
A motion was made to recommend the expenditure of not more than $43,500 from “Free Cash” to purchase of a new fully-equipped police marked cruiser.
Elliott/Szczepan 5/0
(Total of all 3 motions: $116,100)
7. Chief Daigle also discussed his Department’s request for a new radar trailer. Several variations and price ranges were discussed. However, questions still remain on whether local dealers are available for servicing. The FinCom took all information “under advisement” and will make a decision after dealer support question is cleared up.
- Warrant Articles were discussed:
Article 7 regarding solicitation includes a “No Trespassing” provision, and is more stringent than Article 8.
Article 8 provides for a “no solicitation” list, but does not go as far as “No Trespassing”. Religious and political groups would be exempt from permitting.
A FinCom motion was made to make “no recommendation” on Article 7.
Szczepan/Allam 5/0
A FinCom motion was made to make “no recommendation” on Article 8.
Szczepan/Allam 5/0
Note: FinCom will send letter recommending a minimum fee for solicitor’s permit.
Article 16 regarding Ice Cream Truck Vendor Regulations was briefly discussed.
A FinCom motion was made to offer “no recommendation” on Article 16.
Szczepan/Cibelli 5/0
- A schedule for inviting petitioners in to meet with the FinCom was discussed and
decided upon as follows:
9/3/13 – Article 11 – Overlay District – Planning Board
9/23/13 – Article 14 – Tobacco Permits - Board of Health (see below)
Article 15 – Linda Way Acceptance – DPW, Police Department
(deed on file with Town Clerk)
Article 18 – Wrentham Road Drainage Easements – DPW
Note: Articles 7 and 8 – Mr. MacLachlan was invited to the 8/26/13 meeting, but declined. He may opt to come in at a subsequent meeting, but FinCom does not deem it necessary.
Regarding Article 14 (Tobacco Permits), a FinCom motion was made to offer “no recommendation”, as there is no impact on Town funds involved.
Szczepan/Allam 5/0
- Discussion on Capital Request Forms was tabled until a future meeting.
- Motions were made to approve the August 12, 2013 Meeting Minutes.
CIC: Collamati/Szczepan 4/0
FinCom: Szczepan/Elliott 5/0
- At 8:05, motions were made to adjourn meeting.
CIC: Szczepan/Collamati 4/0
FinCom: Szczepan/Allam 5/0
The next joint FinCom/CIC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 7:00 PM at the Bellingham Municipal Center.
Minutes respectfully submitted by:
Larry Sposato,
FinCom/CIC Clerk
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