Selectmen’s Meeting with the Finance Committee on March 16, 1999
Present: Chairman Peter Jones, Daniel Webster, Judy Murdoch and Executive Secretary Joseph Nugent.
Chairman Peter Jones asked the Finance Committee to highlight some budget problems. Jim Tuffo indicated the Committee is waiting on data from Chief Huska. Jim feels that some departments may get some of their requests, but we are looking at level funding for most.
Fire Department - Brief discussion regarding Chief Huska’s request for two additional men. The Finance Comm. has a problem with the request since the Chief never filled the two vacant positions. The overtime line is extremely high and the Chief indicates that it will be decreased somewhat when the positions are filled. Joe Nugent feels the Chief should look for ways to reduce the overtime line. He suggested having the police officers assist when they need help removing patients from Meeting House Lane. Joe pointed out the need for an Assessment Committee and possibly overlapping the Chiefs when Peter retires.
Computer Line - Increase in computer line $15,000.00 - Discussion regarding a Technical person one day a week. Judy Murdoch inquired whether the Tech. person would be a temporary position, once the personnel are properly trained and the computer issues are resolved. Joe indicated it would be a permanent position. Jim Tuffo expressed concern that several of the departments have their own computer line and asked if we are not duplicating services.
Library Budget - Linda Wyman explained the library requests for additional hours for Children’s Librarian, a new technical services & reference librarian. Linda indicated that she does not want to add a new position at this time. Wage and Personnel recommended a Youth Services position should replace the children’s librarian at $16.00 per hour for 35 hours per week. Linda believes that Jackie Rafferty is willing to negotiate her budget requests.
Snow & Ice removal - Finance Committee explained that Dick Harris wants to increase the line and explained the ramifications regarding State reimbursement for State of Emergency funding. Peter Jones indicated he would be inclined to leave it at level funding.
Water Department - Linda Wyman explained that Ed Casey and Ed Reed indicated a need for this position and they believed it would be filled by July 1999. The Water Dept. has had the position on the books for 3 years and it is still unstaffed. Joe Nugent suggested taking the position out and letting the Water Department request it at Town Meeting. Peter Jones suggested that Wage and Personnel investigate the licensing requirements for the Water Department.
Evaluations - Linda Wyman inquired about the evaluation process and requested it be completed sooner. Dan Webster indicated that there is a committee looking into the evaluation process. Jim Tuffo requested financial information from the warrant and the figures from the salary evaluations.
9:00 p.m. MOTION by Judy Murdoch second by Dan Webster for the Board of Selectmen to enter into Executive Session under Item No. 6 - To Consider the Purchase and Exchange of Real Property (Plymouth County Hospital Property). Voted 3 - 0 in affirmative - Murdoch aye, Jones aye, Webster aye.
MOTION by Jim Tuffo second by Linda Wyman for the Finance Committee to enter into Executive Session under Item No. 6 To Consider the Purchase and Exchange of Real Property (Plymouth County Hospital Property). Voted 5 - 0 in affirmative - Tuffo aye, Wyman aye, Brasill aye, Depina aye, Obillo aye.
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