Advisory Committee Present: David Lindsay
March 24, 2009 Burt Shnitzler
Connie Benjamin
Bob Czekanski
Lawrence Delaney
Randy Dinjian
Linda Day, Town Secretary
Don Lowe, Town Administrator
The Advisory Committee met at the town hall at 7:30 p.m. Board of Selectman Kenneth Troup was also present.
STABILIZATION FUND - MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Present: Dr. Ed Bouquillon, Superintendent
Dr. Bouquillon met with the Advisory Committee to discuss the article submitted for the May 4, 2009 Annual Town Meeting that asks for the Town to approve the establishment of a stabilization fund by the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District. The stabilization fund would allow Minuteman to appropriate funds for an emergency without having to go to the member towns for approval. Depending on the circumstance and/or situation they will have the choice of putting funds in the Excess & Deficiency account or the stabilization fund.
INSPECTORS FEES
Present: Julie Costello, Town Accountant
Ms. Costello proposed that the inspectors be paid 90% of fees collected rather than a yearly salary. She provided an analysis of the actual and proposed fees and the net effect which showed we pay out an average of $11,800 more a year than collected in electrical, plumbing and gas inspections. The Advisory Committee was also provided with data collected by the Town Secretary’s office from surrounding towns regarding the wages and fees collected for the electrical, gas and plumbing inspectors. Ms. Costello’s proposal would mean a decrease in the inspectors’ salaries. A concern was raised about implementing this proposal without having any discussion with the inspectors. Mr. Dinjian was also concerned that the positions would no longer be appealing to the inspectors and
suggested looking at ways to lessen their decline in their compensation. After a lengthy discussion, on a motion made by Czekanski and seconded by Dinjian, the Advisory Committee voted to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that a 10% increase in the wiring, plumbing and gas inspection fees be implemented and the salary of the inspectors be frozen for FY10. (Lindsay – yes, Shnitzler – yes, Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Benjamin – yes, Delaney – yes) The inspectors will be invited to the next Advisory Committee meeting.
FYFESHIRE DAM
Present: Carol Gumbart, Scott Duhaime, Amy Greenough
Ms. Gumbart reported that the Conservation Commission discussed the certificate of non-compliance and dam safety order at its meeting this evening. Based on discussions with consultants they anticipate the Phase II inspection to cost between $40,000 and $60,000. Mr. Lowe stated that it is important to show the State that we are taking the order seriously. Mr. Troup suggested a joint letter from the Board of Selectmen and the Conservation Commission. On a motion made by Czekanski and seconded by Benjamin, the Advisory Committee voted to recommend an article to see if the town would vote to transfer the sum of $35,000 from available funds for the purpose of funding a Phase II Study and inspections. (Lindsay – yes, Shnitzler – yes, Dinjian – yes, Czekanski –
yes, Benjamin – yes, Delaney – yes)
WEEKLY BUDGET STATUS
A review of the weekly budget shows a net improvement of the budget position of $190,607. The required cuts show uncommitted free cash at $906,612 and free cash targeted at $750,000 for required cuts in the amount of $ (156,612).
STABILIZATION FUND
A motion made by Mr. Delaney to take $175,000 from free cash and not make use of the stabilization fund was not seconded.
REVIEW OF THE ARTICLES
Accept Annual Reports
On a motion made by Czekanski and seconded by Shnitzler, the Advisory Committee voted to approve this article. (Lindsay –yes, Shnitzler – yes, Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Benjamin – yes, Delaney - yes)
Stabilization Fund Transfer
On a motion made by Czekanski and seconded by Shnitzler, the Advisory Committee voted to approve this article. (Lindsay –yes, Shnitzler – yes, Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Benjamin – yes, Delaney - no)
Increase in Fees for Municipal Lien Certificates
On a motion made by Shnitzler and seconded by Dinjian, the Advisory Committee voted to approve this article. (Lindsay –yes, Shnitzler – yes, Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Benjamin – yes, Delaney - yes)
Increase in Demand Fees
On a motion made by Shnitzler and seconded by Czekanski, the Advisory Committee voted to approve this article. (Lindsay –yes, Shnitzler – yes, Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Benjamin – yes, Delaney - yes)
Implementation of a Permanent Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility
Ms. O’Toole will be invited to attend the next Advisory Committee meeting to discuss the proposed article.
Purchase of a Wood Chipper
On a motion made by Dinjian and seconded by Benjamin, the Advisory Committee voted to approve this article. (Lindsay –yes, Shnitzler – yes, Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Benjamin – yes, Delaney - yes)
Replacement of School Zone Flasher Units
On a motion made by Dinjian and seconded by Czekanski, the Advisory Committee voted to approve this article. (Lindsay –yes, Shnitzler – yes, Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Benjamin – yes, Delaney - yes)
Amendment to the Administrative Bylaws, Dog and Kennel Bylaw
On a motion made by Shnitzler and seconded by Benjamin, the Advisory Committee voted to approve this article. (Lindsay –yes, Shnitzler – yes, Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Benjamin – yes, Delaney - yes)
To Fund an Alternative Water Supply for Emerson School
On a motion made by Shnitzler and seconded by Dinjian, the Advisory Committee voted to approve this article. (Lindsay –yes, Shnitzler – yes, Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Benjamin – yes, Delaney - yes)
Tree Replacement Program
On a motion made by Czekanski and seconded by Shnitzler, the Advisory Committee voted to approve this article. (Lindsay –yes, Shnitzler – yes, Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Benjamin –
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
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