Finance Committee
Minutes
Bellingham Municipal Center
Monday, April 27, 2015
1. FinCom Present: Joseph Collamati, John Allam, Matthew Fernandes, Judith Cibelli
2. FinCom Absent: Sean Coyle, Alexander J. Elliott, Raymond Szczepan
3. Fincom meeting called to order: 7:00 p.m.
4. Budget item 122 – Board of Selectmen $120,676
Joseph Collamati / Matthew Fernandes motion to recommend Board of Selectmen Budget in the amount of $120,676. Vote 4/0.
5. Budget item 710 – Principal $3,800,281 (town, water, school)
The CFO presented and explained the proposed budget and responded to the Committee’s questions.
Joseph Collamati / Matthew Fernandes motion to recommend Principal Budget in the amount of $3,800,281. Vote 4/0.
6. Budget item 715 – Interest $1,324,434 (town, water, school)
The CFO presented and explained the proposed budget and responded to the Committee’s questions.
Joseph Collamati / Matthew Fernandes motion to recommend Principal Budget in the amount of $3,800,281. Vote 4/0.
7. Article 16 Tax Increment Financing
Discussion by Mr. Fraine and the Board of Selectmen members, this is currently in process and is not final, proposal is for a 5 year property tax agreement for a Phase 1 greenhouse project on 94 acres on Depot Street.
Joseph Collamati /Judy Cibelli motion to recommend Article 16. Vote 4/0.
8. Article 2 Trash Enterprise $1,606,702
The CFO presented and explained the proposed budget and responded to the Committee’s questions.
Judy Cibelli / Matthew Fernandes motion to recommend Article 2. Vote 4/0.
9. Article 5 Conveyances and Easements
Mr. Fraine explained this is voted annually giving the Town the authority to act if required.
Joseph Collamati /Judy Cibelli motion to recommend Article 5. Vote 4/0.
10. Article 6 Purchase of Surplus Equipment
Mr. Fraine explained this is voted annually giving the Town the authority to purchase surplus equipment if required and if the opportunity is present.
Matthew Fernandes /Judy Cibelli motion to recommend Article 6. Vote 4/0.
11. Article 7 Town Property Auction
Mr. Fraine explained this is voted annually giving the Town the authority to conduct an auction if required.
Judy Cibelli / Matthew Fernandes motion to recommend Article 11. Vote 4/0.
12. Article 10 Amend Article 2 Trash
Joseph Collamati / Matthew Fernandes motion to pass over Article 10. Vote 4/0.
13. Amend Article 1 request from the CFO
Motion by Joseph Collamati / Matthew Fernandes to recommend $750 to BoS adm asst salary from free cash, $309.00 to planner salary from free cash; $250.00 to animal control salaries from part time personnel (longevity); $50,000. to employer share Medicare from free cash: $10,000 to Salary ac 189 from free cash to fund replacement salary for a part time custodial in the municipal buildings. Vote 4/0.
14. Article 17 Lease of Land 26 Pearl Street
Mr. Fraine and members of the BoS explained the benefits of this lease for land which currently includes a mill building in various stages of deterioration; it is unlikely there is a viable alternative use for this property. The Lessee proposes to build a solar panel field, demo the existing building and complete other aesthetic land improvements (trees etc).
Judy Cibelli / Matthew Fernandes motion to recommend Article 17. Vote 3/0.
Mr. Collamati abstained.
15. Article 18 Tax Agreement
Members of the BoS and Mr. Fraine explained the proposal for a tax agreement (payment in lieu of taxes) related to leasing land for a solar project at the former landfill. It was noted this land has no alternative use and currently generates $0 property tax revenue.
Judy Cibelli / Matthew Fernandes motion to recommend Article 18. Vote 4/0.
16. Article 23 Amend Zoning Bylaw – Sign Regulation
Presentation by Mr. Dunlea explained the changes are intended to provide the Town with additional regulations to limit signs that may not be in the best interests of the Town. It was noted this Article has no impact on this year’s Budget or finances.
Judy Cibelli / John Allam motion to recommend Article 23. Vote 2/2.
17. Article 22 Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Noise
Presentation by Mr. Dunlea explained the changes are intended to reduce noise levels in the evening and to provide for specific decibels levels for enforcement purposes, expected to be used in infrequent and unusual circumstances. It was noted this Article has no impact on this year’s Budget or finances.
Judy Cibelli / John Allam motion to recommend Article 22. Vote 3/1.
18. Motion by Joseph Collamati / Matthew Fernandes to recommend travel expense reimbursement at $.40 per mile. Vote 4/0.
19. Article 26. Unpaid bills.
Motion by Joseph Collamati / Matthew Fernandes to recommend $50.00 from free cash for Microbac invoice Board of Health. Vote 4/0.
Previously recommended City of Woonsocket – from sewer surplus $19,534.91
20. Motion by Judy Cibelli / Joseph Collamati to revote and recommend the Water Budget for $1,967,729 to correct a principal and interest adjustment as explained by the CFO. Vote 4/0.
21. Article 14. Non-Capital Outlay Expenditures
$32,000 - Administration Department - demolition of portables at Stallbrook and paving $32,000.00 from free cash - Joseph Collamati /Judy Cibelli motion to recommend. Vote 4/0.
Previous non-capital outlay expenditures for Fire, Inspections and School bring the total non-capital expenditures recommended to $89,400.00
22. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Mail/Correspondence/Etc.:
None
23. Minutes:
April 20, 2015
Matthew Fernandes / Judith Cibelli motion to accept. Vote 4/0
24. Motion to adjourn FINCOM.
Joe Collamati / Judith Cibelli. Vote 4/0 Time 8:35 p.m.
(Accepted: 5/4/215)
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