Finance Committee June 6, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Present: FinCom: Chairman Carroll, Rob Hannemann, Vicki Divoll, Susan Murphy and Don Leopold. Eric Glasgow and Bruce Golden were not present. Also Present: Jim Malkin, Robert Lionette and Diana DeBlase.
At 5:08 PM Chairman Carroll called meeting to order in the 2nd floor - Selectmen’s meeting room. Chairman Carroll welcomed new member Don Leopold to the FinCom.
Mr. Hannemann said Robert Lionette is present to discuss some important matters concerning Martha’s Vineyard High School’ district regional agreement and asked that he be able to discuss this first on tonight’s agenda. Chairman Carroll asked for Mr. Lionette to speak.
High School - district regional agreement:
Mr. Lionette said the High School Committee has requested to reopen the regional agreement and this could have a great impact on Chilmark’s budget. Mr. Lionette discussed the assessment model of what is used now and some proposals that were discussed at the last High School Committee meeting. Now towns pay a percentage based on enrollment. Oak Bluffs is recommending the 50/50 formula which would put a considerable burden on both Chilmark and Edgartown.
Mr. Lionette expressed concern not having extensive background in finance that Chilmark needs representation at these meeting that can understand the implications better.
At 5:15 PM Bruce Golden arrived.
Discussion turned to representation on the High School Building Committee. Mr. Lionette said this proposed building could cost in the ballpark of $110,000,000.00. Mr. Lionette said we have a failing building (the MVRHS). Mr. Lionette said the MVRHS has addressed immediate health and safety issues.
Mr. Lionette said he is seeking counsel and guidance as to how Chilmark will proceed. Mr. Lionette said the Superintendent of Schools has sent a request to the Selectmen (all MV island towns) to appoint a representative to the MVRHS Building Committee. Chilmark is the only town that has yet to respond. Mr. Lionette said this would be about a five year commitment to serve on the building committee.
Ms. Murphy asked about the ownership of the MV Regional High School building. Would each town own equal parts? Chairman Carroll said he would like that the towns take ownership and that the school is a renter of the facility. Chairman Carroll said that way one entity focuses on educating the kids and the other on the maintenance of the building. Chairman Carroll said he would like to see two separate formulas applied to the two separate entities: school education & school building.
Mr. Hannemann said there is an analogy concerning the Tisbury Building issue with the assessment discussions. Mr. Hannemann believed that the assessment discussion should not be going on in the school sub-committee discussions. Mr. Hannemann recommended strong representation from the towns and probably involve the town’s finance committees. A High School Committee should not set tax policy for towns. Discussion turned to formulas. If the formula cannot be agreed on there is a State Formula that would be mandated.
Rob Hannemann offered to represent Chilmark FinCom at the MVRHS committee assessment & Budget meetings. Ms. Divoll moved to have Mr. Hannemann be Chilmark Finance Committee representative at the MVRHS Budget meetings. Mr. Carroll seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 5 Ayes, 1 Abstain Mr. Hannemann
Jim Malkin (Selectman Chairman) and Rob Hannemann recommended that the School Superintendent layout an education masterplan / vision prior to talking about money. So the design of building supports the system.
Review discussion of FY18 - what worked, what didn’t at ATM:
Chairman Carroll asked if anyone had comments about Town Meeting. Ms. Murphy said she thought the FinCom was a much more effective body this year. The description about what the FinCom did was supported by all FinCom members and will be done again. Also sitting together at the front of Town Meeting was also supported to be continued at town meetings.
Chairman Carroll recommended that when FinCom is asked a question one member answers and when the next question is asked a different FinCom member answers that one and so on.
Mr. Leopold said the only item for improvement was the stabilization article that we did not get a chance to meet about with the change of recommendation prior to the ATM.
Chairman Carroll discussed the framework of meetings annually.
- January and February Budget hearings and ATM budget recommendations
- March meet and discuss any anticipated questions that might come up at ATM
- April meet hour before town meeting to assign speaking parts at ATM
- May meet only if needed
- June discuss end of FY needs
- July meet and act on the end of FY needs - budget transfers and elect a chairman for next Fiscal Year
- August only if needed
- September only if needed as in STM
- October meet hear revenue reports - discuss all island issues - assign FinCom members to departments for budget review
- November & December only if needed
Also develop a system for the FinCom Chairman.
Chairman Carroll recommended a paper ballot of anyone that is interested is serving as FinCom chairman. Mr. Hannemann said if someone was nominated the person nominated could respond to that and if not interested in chairing, would let that be known. Ms. Divoll said the one year term seemed short maybe longer would be good. Chairman Carroll said he has been chairman for over 10 years and believes it should be rotated more often.
Chairman Carroll asked (referring to the meeting annual framework) what day would work best.
Discussion ensued. Meetings will be 4th Thursdays at 5:00 PM and will be flexible when needed.
Chairman of Board of Selectmen Jim Malkin requested that going forward that the Chairman of the FinCom and the Town Moderator and Town Counsel attend the Selectmen’s meeting when the Annual Town Meeting is set.
Establishment of rule for FinCom chairman position:
Chairman Carroll opened nominations for Chairman of FinCom. Ms. Divoll nominated Rob Hannemann to serve as FinCom Chairman. Rob Hannemann said he would serve as Chairman if elected. Ms. Murphy moved to close nominations. Mr. Golden seconded the motion.
SO VOTED: 6 Ayes, 1 not present
Chairman Carroll said with a single nomination there is no need for a ballot. Chairman Carroll said all in favor of Rob Hannemann to serve as Chairman say Aye. SO VOTED: 5 Ayes, 1 Abstain Rob Hannemann
FinCom members thanked Mr. Hannemann for stepping forward. Mr. Hannemann will take up as Chairman at the next scheduled FinCom meeting.
Selectmen Chair Jim Malkin thanked Marshall Carroll for his many years serving the town as Chairman of the FinCom. All present applauded.
Discussion turned to the term length of Chair for the FinCom. Members present supported a 1 year term with option to be elected again. And after that a new member will need to be elected.
At 6:20 PM with no further items for discussion Mr. Golden moved to adjourn. Ms. Murphy seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 6 Ayes, 1 not present
Minutes respectfully submitted by Diana DeBlase. Approved 12/13/2018
Document list:
- Chairman Carroll’s email listing a framework of meetings for FinCom.
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