Advisory Committee Present: Randy Dinjian
June 22, 2011 Bob Czekanski
Terry Abdalian
Mike Zelenkov
Naveen Rohatgi
The Advisory Committee met in the Harold E. Brown Training Room at the Public Safety Building at 7:30 p.m.
Mr. Lindsay, Board of Selectmen member present.
RESERVE FUND TRANSFER REQUESTS
Chief Alfano met with the Advisory Committee to request the following transfers from the Advisory Committee Reserve Fund:
Communications: On a motion made by Czekanski and seconded by Abdalian, the Advisory Committee voted to approve a transfer in the amount of $13,500 to cover the deficit in the Communications Wages Overtime budget (Account 299-5140) (Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Abdalian – yes, Zelenkov – yes, Rohatgi – yes)
Police Department: On a motion made by Czekanski and seconded by Zelenkov, the Advisory Committee voted to approve a transfer in the amount of $3,500 to the cover the deficit in the Police Wages Overtime budget (Account 210-5140). (Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Abdalian – yes, Zelenkov – yes, Rohatgi – yes)
Fire Chief John Stephenson and EMT-FF Dave Farrell met with the Advisory Committee to request the following transfer from the Advisory Committee Reserve Fund:
Fire Department: On a motion made by Abdalian and seconded by Czekanski, the Advisory Committee voted to approve a transfer in the amount of $6,103.90 to the cover the deficit in the Fire Department’s Firefighter’s Wages budget (Account 220-5115). (Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Abdalian – yes, Zelenkov – yes, Rohatgi – yes) The Fire Department does their best to adequately budget for the entire year but because of the unknown amount of calls and activity can’t always be sure they will be within budget. Mr. Farrell stated that the Fire Department received state reimbursement in the amount of $2,155 for the hazardous material incident that took place in Bolton recently. These funds were deposited in the general fund.
On a motion made by Czekanski and seconded by Rohatgi, the Advisory Committee voted to approve a transfer in the amount of $3,044.12 to cover the deficit in the Fire Department’s budget (Account 220). (Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Abdalian – yes, Zelenkov – yes, Rohatgi – yes) Mr. Stephenson stated that the majority of the funds being requested are for repairs already incurred and the remaining balance will be used to purchase one turnout gear suit for the department.
Mr. Dinjian suggested that for FY13 the Fire Department consider purchasing the turnout gear in bulk to bring all the gear up to date and that this purchase of gear should be submitted as a capital expenditure. The Fire Department continues to pursue grant opportunities.
The Advisory Committee acknowledged Mr. Stephenson’s retirement and publically thanked him for his many years of service and dedication to the Town of Bolton.
Transfer Station: On a motion made by Czekanski and seconded by Zelenkov, the Advisory Committee voted to approve a transfer in the amount of $10,000 to the Transfer Station (Account 433-5280) to cover Bolton’s share of the capital cost for the Devens Regional Household Hazardous Products Collection Center because the DOR rejected the $10,000 as a borrowing. (Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Abdalian – abstained Zelenkov – yes, Rohatgi – yes)
Board of Health: On a motion made by Czekanski and seconded by Rohatgi, the Advisory Committee voted to approve a transfer in the amount of $500 to the Board of Health (Account 510-5710) for mileage reimbursement for the Animal Inspector. (Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Abdalian – yes Zelenkov – yes, Rohatgi – yes)
Unemployment: On a motion made by Czekanski and seconded by Zelenkov, the Advisory Committee voted to approve a transfer in the amount of $4,105.10 to the Unemployment (Account 913-5172). This is for unemployment for someone that was terminated on December 29, 2009.
FEEDBACK ON TOWN MEETING
Mr. Dinjian stated that he has received positive and negative comments regarding the Annual Town Meeting on May 2, 2011.
The Committee discussed Mr. Troup’s concerns related to the May 2, 2011 Annual Town Meeting warrant. Mr. Troup complimented the Advisory Committee on their statement in the Annual Town Meeting warrant and the presentation given by Advisory Committee member Bob Czekanski, but felt that it was not clear from reviewing the warrant if a budget was actually cut or if funds had been transferred to another budget. Typically the intent of the “requested column” was to reflect the departments requested budget and the “Advisory approved” column was reflect what the Advisory Committee approved. This year the “requested column” reflected the cuts that were made by the Advisory Committee.
The Advisory Committee questioned whether they are spending too much time focused on the smaller part of the budget when maybe they should spend more time attending the School Committee meetings. Mr. Czekanski also suggested that the Advisory Committee’s presentation be revamped to provide more insight to the town so that they have a better sense of the struggles the town is being faced with.
The Advisory Committee encouraged people to attend their meetings to get a better understanding of the budget process.
The Advisory Committee agreed that whenever the Committee disapproves an article an explanation be provided in the warrant or at town meeting.
MINUTES
On a motion made by Czekanski and seconded by Zelenkov, the Advisory Committee voted to approve the minutes of January 11 & 25, February 3, 8 & 22, March 1 & 15, and April 4 & 26, 2011. (Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Abdalian – yes Zelenkov – yes, Rohatgi – yes)
REORGANIZATION OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Mr. Dinjian stated that he had a very rewarding year as chairman but firmly believes in rotating the chairmanship to give everyone the opportunity to serve as chairman.
On a motion made by Dinjian and seconded by Rohatgi, the Advisory Committee nominated and appointed Mr. Czekanski, Chairman of the Advisory Committee. (Dinjian – yes, Czekanski – yes, Abdalian – yes Zelenkov – yes, Rohatgi – yes)
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Linda L. Day
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