TWENTY-EIGHTH MEETING April 6, 2005
PRESENT: E. Innes, K. Conlon, D. Biagiotti, W. Connors, M. Ellis, K. Hodlin, M. Kelly, T. Lowney, B. Mason, N. Monroe, R. Musto, C. Winston.
ABSENT: L. Dee, J. Tarvin
RESERVE FUND BALANCE: $251,859
Chair Innes called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
Following corrections, the minutes of March 28. 2005 were approved 10-0-0.
The Committee received revised FY 2006 budgets for the Department of Public Works - $4,775,113 - and Building Department. - $308,480 from the Town Administrator.
The Committee received a communication from the Town Administrator advising that the Board of Selectmen at its meeting of April 4, 2005 had approved a Reserve Fund transfer in the amount of $2,275 to the FY 2005 Veterans Benefits. At its March 22, 2005 meeting, the Warrant Committee had approved a RFT in the amount subject to approval of the Board of Selectmen.
A communication from the Town Administrator answering questions raised by the Committee, which included a copy of a memorandum to the Board of Selectmen from Member Marion McEttrick regarding the Selectmen’s role in preparing and recommending a budget for Town Meeting, was received. The Chair has met with the Town Moderator, Town Administrator and Chair of the Board of Selectmen regarding these issues. In response to member requests, the Chair will draft an appropriate response to recent communications from the Town Administrator to the Warrant Committee for review at the April 13th meeting.
Karen Russo, President of the Glover School PTO, read and presented a communication, which included a copy of the School Department’s April 2, 2005 reduction plan, to the Committee requesting the Committee seek an alternative to the recommended FY 2006 School budget. Chair Innes advised President DeLuca that the Warrant Committee planned to address the issue and continue to work closely with other Town officials to seek a solution.
With Members Musto and Lowney recusing themselves, the Committee voted 9-0-0 to approve a $1,348 Reserve Fund transfer to the Health Department General Expenses, caused by repeat advertising for candidates for the vacant Health Director position. Members Musto and Lowney returned to the meeting.
The Committee voted 11-0-0 to reopen Article 39 and Article 40, two School revolving fund articles. The Committee voted 11-0-0 to increase Article 39 - Pre-School Program Revolving fund - limit from $60,000 to $80,000 and Article 40 - School Maintenance and Repair of School Facilities - from $60,000 to $100,000.
Chair Innes discussed the FY 2006 total budget and advised that consideration will again be given to expenditures, income; i.e., state and local aid, local receipts, trash sticker increase, and the possibility of an override.
The Committee suggested that Lisa Dickenson, the Town’s financial bond adviser, be invited to come and speak to the Stabilization Fund and the viability of using FY 2007 free cash in FY 2006. Chair Innes will speak with Ms. Dickenson regarding the Stabilization Fund and the future use of free cash..
There was discussion on increasing the trash sticker fee; and the Committee voted 11-0-0 to strongly urge the Selectmen to increase the trash sticker fee. The Committee deferred further discussion to the April 13th meeting.
When available, the Committee suggested that the NSTAR tax money possibly be used to reduce the School and Town energy bills, and that the Special Education (SPED) charges be treated as a bill, similar to utilities, etc.
RESERVE FUND $329,441
Accounting Set Aside $750
School Department Set Aside $78,180
RESERVE FUND $250,511
The next meeting of the Warrant Committee will be on Wednesday, April 13, 2005.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol A. Blute, Clerk
April 13, 2005
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