February 24, 2018
The Special meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Soter with all members in attendance except Mr. Martinis.
Budget workshop
Chairman Soter explained the Budget Workshop would give members an opportunity to review the FY 19 budget and changes can be made after the conclusion of the meeting.
Mr. Fraine provided the Board with an overview of the municipal budget stating the total increase was approximately $500,000. The majority of the increase included a $214,000 increase in Retirement Assessment and $132,000 increase in school transportation. All municipal contracts are currently under negotiation.
Building Commissioner, Tim Aicardi, appeared before the Board and presented a summary of the building activity over the past year. Mr. Connor requested all submittals be made well in advance in the future in order to provide adequate review time. Mr. Aicardi explained his budget includes an increase of funds for a part-time positon due to the upswing in building activity over the past two years. It was further explained this office once had two full time inspectors. Mr. Fraine stated the positon was necessary to keep up with annual business inspections as well. Mr. Connor questioned the amount budgeted for postage noting the amount in past years had not been expended. Mr. Aicardi will review this account with his staff. Chairman Soter suggested the Board vote to transmit the
entire budget to the Finance Committee at the conclusion of the meeting.
Bernadette Rivard and Amy Bertelloni appeared before the Board to present the library budget. Ms. Rivard explained the budget included the minimum increase necessary to continue receiving State Library Aid. The majority of the increase would fund books and periodicals. Mr. Connor asked if additional capital funds would be sought to continue upgrades at the library. Ms. Rivard stated additional carpet replacement is necessary but will wait until next year. All members agreed to forward the library’s request on to the Finance Committee.
Chief Daigle appeared before the Board to present the Police Department budget. The Chief indicated there were no substantive changes and that he was down two positions in his budget. Mr. Connor questioned how overtime was applied particularly as it related to management and the payment of holidays. Mr. Connor stated he had met with Chief Daigle prior to this meeting and had answers to many of his questions but remained concerned about the payment of holidays. Chief Daigle stated it was a long standing contractual provision. Chairman Soter expressed his desire to see the Department at full staff but appreciated the cooperation given the current budget restraints.
Chief Gentile appeared before the Board to present the Fire Department budget. The Chief explained his overtime budget was reduced by $50,000 during Mr. Fraine’s review, in part because his request for additional manpower will not be funded for the coming year. He stated his budget only contains contractual increases. Mr. Connor questioned the wear on vehicles when a fire truck is responding to every medical call along with the rescue. The Chief explained it is standing protocol which allows all available personnel to participate at a medical scene.
Chief Gentile expressed his concern with the lack of additional manpower but recognized his department was similarly staffed to other communities the size of Bellingham.
On a Spencer/McNulty motion the Board unanimously voted to transmit the FY19 Budget to the Finance Committee.
On a Spencer/McNulty motion the Board unanimously voted to appoint Jen Altomonte Chairperson to the 300th Anniversary Celebration.
All members agreed to hold a Selectman’s meeting at the Senior Center on April 6th at 10 a.m. A breakfast will be served.
On a Spencer/McNulty motion the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 11 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Denis Fraine, Town Administrator
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