The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday evening, October 2, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
Present: Theresa McNulty, Chairman; David L. Walsh, Clerk; Peter A. Hamilton
George Samia, Town Administrator
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
Board met with following for the purpose of discussing the procedures and process for the upcoming FY08 budget:
Town Accountant, John Stanbrook
Director of Assessing, Cheryl Pooler
Finance Committee members – Tony Figueiredo, Scott Hastings, Bill Jacques,
Bud Mondeau, David Foley, Cathy Lane, Jeff Luttazzi, Martin Crowley
This portion of the meeting was not televised.
It was noted that Cathy Lane and Cheryl Pooler were also representing the Capital Improvement Committee.
Mr. Samia stated that this meeting had been called to kick-off the FY08 Budget process and establish the ground rules for this year.
Among the topics discussed were Finance Committee’s draft budget schedule, budget percentage increase, new growth, fixed costs, Finance Committee’s role in budget process, need for communication lines to be kept open between Selectmen and Finance Committee.
It was agreed to notify all departments that initial budgets must be submitted by December 15 with a 3% increase. Will request a priority list from departments to be submitted with budget.
Mr. Walsh presented new format for budget, which Mr. Samia is putting together. Departments will submit budget electronically.
Discussion was held regarding funding for Capital Stabilization Fund.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to recess meeting at 7:20 p.m.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to reconvene meeting at 7:35 p.m.
This portion of the meeting was televised on EBCTV.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the minutes of the September 25, 2007 meeting.
Mr. Walsh noted that a request has been received to increase the Cable Advisory Committee and to appoint a 6th member to that committee. Noted that the CATV has increased the involvement of residents, great to see the increased interest.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to expand the Cable Advisory Committee to a six- member committee.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to appoint Thomas Kerrigan to the cable Advisory Committee for the period of October 2, 2007 to June 30, 2010.
Board of Selectmen -2- October 2, 2007
APPOINTMENT
Board met with the Finance Committee and announced the schedule and process for the FY08 Budget.
Finance Committee members present were: Tony Figueiredo, Scott Hastings, Bill Jacques,
Bud Mondeau, David Foley, Cathy Lane, Jeff Luttazzi, Martin Crowley.
Mr. Figueiredo announced that the new budget time line would be all departments to submit their 1st round budget by December 15.
Mr. Walsh stated that this was an opportunity for enhanced communication; will also provide a better opportunity to work with Departments on budget process. Explained the new format for budget process with electronic submission. Noted that the time line will give all a better chance to fine tune budgets as process goes along.
Mrs. McNulty noted that there will be a better projection of budgets and better communication between the Finance Committee, Board of Selectmen and Departments for whole process.
Mr. Hamilton stated that it was a great idea to begin process early.
Mrs. McNulty recognized Scott Hastings and David Foley who are the newest appointed members of the Finance Committee.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Working with Assessors Office and has completed the Recap Sheet.
REMINDERS
Holiday, Monday, October 8 – Town Hall closed
Skylur Spagone Walk – October 8
Friends of Sachem rock Farm Fall Festival – October 13
Wastewater Study Committee Public Forum – October 4, Middle School, 7 p.m.
PENDING ISSUES
Change #5 – Economic Development Committee Meeting 1st Wednesday
Delete #14 – Finance Committee vacancies filled
Mrs. McNulty announced that the DPW would hold off on hydrant flushing due to probable water ban. Will have more information next week.
It was announced that contracts for the Water Filtration Plant and Water Mains have been signed and construction should start shortly.
Mrs. McNulty announced that meetings have been held regarding the implementation of the Ground Water Protection Act. New sign-off sheets have been created and area available at various departments.
CORRESPONDENCE
Police Department notified Board that a criminal complaint has been issued against Old
Bedford Street resident regarding pit bull.
Invitation from the Class of 2008 to participate in the Homecoming Parade on October 20
Board of Selectmen -3- October 2, 2007
OPEN FORUM
No one was present.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to adjourn meeting at 7:50 p.m.
_______________________________________Clerk
Board of Selectmen
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