TOWN OF FARMINGTON
BUDGET COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday - August 27, 2008
356 Main Street - Farmington, NH
Members Present: Ann Titus, Brian St. Onge, Arthur Capello, Steve Henry, Cindy Snowdon and Jim Horgan.
Members Excused: Mike Morin
Selectmen's Rep: Gail Ellis
School Board Rep: Joe Pitre
Public Present: SAU Finance Administrator Dan McGillicuddy
Vice-Chairman Brian St. Onge called the meeting to order at 7:04pm.
1. Review of Minutes:
A. Ann Titus motioned to accept the minutes of 6-25-08 as written, 2nd Jim Horgan. Motion carried with Jim Horgan and Cindy Snowdon abstaining.
B. Arthur Capello motioned to accept the minutes of 7-16-08 as written, 2nd Jim Horgan. Motion carried with Steve Henry abstaining.
2. New Business:
A. Gail informed the committee that the Selectmen would be holding a meeting on 9-24-2008 so there will be a conflict with the meeting room. Ann Titus motioned to move the budget committee's September meeting to 9/17/08 at 7pm, 2nd Arthur Capello. Motion carried with all in favor.
B. Brian stated that Mike Morin sent an email asking for the school district final 07/08 budstat with any and all accounts. He requested they show where they took any money from and where they moved it to, to balance the line items. He also asked how much money was left after the year end and how much was placed in which warrant accounts.
C. Arthur Capello motioned to reconsider the minutes of 7-16-08, 2nd Gail Ellis. Motion carried with all in favor.
D. Arthur Capello motioned to accept the minutes of 7-16-2008 as amended to reflect that Joe Pitre made the motion to recommend the teacher collective bargaining agreement, 2nd Jim Horgan. Motion carried with Steve Henry abstaining.
3. Make Recommendations on Warrant Articles:
The school finance administrator, Dan McGillicuddy read the proposed warrant articles for both the teacher and paraprofessional contracts. Brian pointed out that the estimated costs shown in the warrants are not cumulative as written, though they are in reality. Gail asked if the eighty-three cent tax impact that Joe calculated at a previous meeting is for the increase for the first year. Joe said yes, but it is about an eighty-six cent increase and will be about that for each subsequent year for three years. The budget committee was in agreement that the warrants look good and that they had made their recommendations at the July meeting. The committee then signed the MS-27.
4. Other:
A. The committee asked for a detailed activity revenue report from the school to review. Dan furnished the members with the report and they will review at the next meeting.
B. Steve asked why Medicaid reimburses the school. Dan replied that this is reimbursement for special education that is above the threshold level.
C. Arthur asked what the schools are planning to do with the fuel costs this year. Dan said the schools are having a difficult time getting a lock-in rate at this time and that they are currently considering other options like extending winter holidays and the school day. Arthur asked what the school current heating fuel rate was and Dan replied about $3.49. Steve asked if the SAU is still considering a 4-day school week and Dan said it is an option.
D. Arthur asked Gail what the town is doing about fuel costs and Gail explained that Tony Mincu just got RFPs, in which the low bidder came in at $3.59 but the Board decided to hold off for a few more weeks before locking in. Arthur suggested contacting other towns to see if they will go in with the town for one RFP.
E. Arthur asked if the schools have considered upgrading to energy efficient bulbs and such. Steve asked if they have looked at cogeneration for electricity and Dan said this idea is several months out. Brian asked if the schools have looked at Honeywell because they guarantee a savings. Dan explained that he has just currently been looking into the different school buildings and have located a number of deficiencies like non-insulated ceilings in both the high school and Henry Wilson and small heating pipes at Henry Wilson that could be replaced to run more efficiently. Arthur said it might be efficient to hire a consultant to identify the concerns at the schools and create a list of recommendations and cost estimate plus benefit.
F. Joe asked what happened with the $18,000 that was set aside for pipe insulation for Henry Wilson. Dan said he remembers the budget committee cut this line last fall. Joe said he would research it further.
G. Gail asked if the school has a current CIP and Dan said they are working on it for the future and should have one by mid-September and October.
H. Arthur asked for an update on the tech situation at the schools. Dan said the schools found money in the budget and from grants to help fulfill the technology requirement and that is just about complete. He send he would need to do some research in order to give a full report on where the money came from exactly. Arthur asked him to please do so.
Arthur Capello motioned to adjourn, 2nd Steve Henry. Motion passed with Arthur Capello opposed and Joe Pitre abstaining.
Vice-Chairman St.Onge adjourned the meeting at 7:58pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
______________________________
Ann Titus, Secretary
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