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Vice Chairman Bailey called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m. in Room 14 at Town Hall in the presence of members Mr. O’Leary, Mr. Veno, Mr. Dardeno,Town Administrator Greg Balukonis and Finance Director Joe Tassone. Mr. Mauceri was absent.
Present for the Finance Committee were: Ms. Hurlbut, Mr. Jones, Mr. Wolpin, Mr. Kelliher, Mr. Casassa, Mr. Westerfelt, Mr. Mastascusa and Ms. Ralph.
DPW Budget
Dave Hanlon, DPW Director, provided an overview of his department, employee training and operations.
The total DPW increase is $112,088. The increases are in roads and streets due to past budget cuts. The other budget increase is in machinery maintenance. Increase in the snow and ice budget from $175,000 to $199,986. Mr. Hanlon reviewed the road and street budget. He stated funding for town roads is inadequate. The DPW tries to keep roads at a standard where they do not need major construction. He estimates a need for $500K in improvements for town roads.
Mr. O’Leary asked about funding for sidewalks. Mr. Hanlon stated that money received for offsite subdivision improvements often does not fund reconstructed sidewalks. Mr. Jones suggested subdivision be allocated to a revolving fund. The Board of Selectmen requested a policy be established that addresses recovery of funds paid for offsite subdivision improvements. It was a consensus to increase the snow and ice budget to $200,000. Mr. Hanlon commented on other DPW budgets, including Tree Care, Town Buildings, Machinery Maintenance and Solid Waste. In his opinion, Town Buildings is the most neglected budget. The Board of Selectmen suggested small building maintenance such as painting and repairs be done on an ongoing basis. The Board desires Mr. Hanlon include an amount
in the Town Buildings budget for small facility repairs. The solid waste budget is $988,178, which is down slightly from FY2006. The Board wishes to see what options are available for funding the solid waste budget in FY2007 and beyond, such as an enterprise or revolving fund. Mr. Hanlon reviewed the Water budget. He stated the water rates shall be recommended to the Board on 1/23/2006.
Police Budget
Chief Purnell, Edward Hayes and Edward Nolan were present for discussion of the FY2007 Police Department budget.
The total salary request is $2,254,813 which includes all full and part time uniformed officers, dog officers, crossing guards and administrative assistant. Chief Purnell reviewed the costs that comprise the salary and overtime budgets. He also noted the overtime request for prisoner transports involves taking individuals between Wilmington and Reading, and local courts. Lt. Nolan reviewed the department’s obligation to provide officer training. It was mentioned funding is proposed for the Violence Against Women Program that was formerly funded by a grant. The cost of this service is $22,500. The Board suggested all fuel and utility cost increases for departments be handled on a uniform basis for FY2007. There was discussion relative to the request for 2 marked and 1
unmarked cruisers. The Board desired detail on the exact cruisers to be replaced. The Police Department is looking for 15 Taser units for less than lethal force as part of a new program. The 2nd phase of the program would be instituted in FY2008. The Board commented the Taser program be implemented in one versus two years, and it be mandatory officers be trained to use this program.
Fire Department
Chief Harlow was present to review the FY2007 Fire Department budget. He provided an overview and acknowledged the budget provides for no additional personnel. He commented on his shift and overtime coverage. Chief Harlow stated staffing in the Fire Department is similar to what existed 25-30 years ago. The Board requested the Fire Chief estimate whether a new position is needed to handle inspections.
Chief Harlow proposes an additional $1,000 for the repairs and maintenance account. The training and education account provides for reimbursements for college education and contractual mandated training programs. The Training and Education line item was level funded at $20,000. There is a $3,000 increase in the vehicle fuel account due to increased usage versus the cost of gasoline. The Board asked fuel costs be handled on a consistent basis among all departments. As far as Fire capital, the Fire Department proposes the following new expenses: $2,000 for a gas meter; $5,000 for hoses and fittings; $1,000 for office chairs; $8,500 for new airpacks; $12,000 for new portable radios.
ADJOURN: 1:35 P.M.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. O’LEARY MOVE TO ADJOURN.
SECONDED BY: MRS. BAILEY
VOTED: 4-0
_______________________________ ___________________________________
Date Joseph Veno, Clerk
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