Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in Room 10 at Town Hall in the presence of members Mr. Veno, Mr. Dardeno, Mr. O’Leary, Mrs. Bailey, and Town Administrator Greg Balukonis and members of the Finance Committee and School Committee.
#1. ADOPT PRE-DISASTER MITIGATION PLAN
MR. CHAIRMAN, I, JOSEPH VENO, MOVE TO ADOPT THE PRE-DISASTER MITIGATION PLAN DATED JANUARY 27, 2006.
SECONDED BY: STEPHEN O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#2. CHAPTER 70 LETTERS
MR. CHAIRMAN, I, JOSEPH VENO, MOVE TO SIGN THE CHAPTER 70 LETTERS TO STATE REPRESENTATIVE BRADLEY H. JONES, JR. AND SENATOR BRUCE TARR.
SECONDED BY: STEPHEN O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#3. JOINT MEETING WITH SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Mr. Balukonis reviewed the FY07 appropriation projection dated March 2, 2006 that shows Town Administrator and Finance Committee budget recommendations. Carl Nelson, School Business Manager, presented the School Department Level Services Budget. The Level Services Budget provides a 10 percent increase from the FY06-07 budget.
Mr. Balukonis addressed details in reducing the FY07 municipal budget by $200,000, $400,000 and $600,000.
Mrs. Bailey stated that she felt that the Town should be offered the option of an override.
Dr. David Troughton, School Superintendent, spoke of the staff cuts that would be required at all grade levels.
The Board of Selectmen considered the possibility of a Proposition 2 ½ override. The Board of Selectmen was unanimous in supporting the placement of an override question before the voters. Mike Mastascusa of the Finance Committee stated he supported an override appearing on the ballot. Gerald Venezia, School Committee Chairman, stated that the School Committee supports an override question.
The Board took a brief recess.
Mr. Mauceri explained the different override scenarios. The consensus of the Board of Selectmen and School Committee is to seek a one year override.
The Board of Selectmen considered FY07 budget recommendations. Mr. Mauceri stated support for Levels One and Two, which includes under funding the trash budget and taking the shortfall from NESWC funds in October. Mr. O’Leary pointed to Levels One, Two and Three reductions in having minimal impact on the municipal budget, and he stated he is concerned about a negative perception at Town Meeting. He suggested the cuts be deeper on the town side. He proposed going to Level Three reductions. Mr. Veno stated he was willing to go to Level One reductions. He is not in favor of losing municipal employees. Mr. Dardeno stated he supported Level Three reductions. Mrs. Bailey indicated her support for Level Three reductions, including adjustments to the Finance Committee
recommended budget. Mr. Mauceri stated he also supported Level Three reductions with the understanding that school/municipal ratios be revised in the future. It was noted that the Town reductions would be restored in the event that an override passes.
The Finance Committee stated that they do not support cuts to the municipal budget as recommended by the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Mauceri asked that Capital Improvement Plan be presented on Monday. He also asked that the FY07 budget recommendations, per Board of Selectmen vote, be prepared for Monday.
ADJOURN (10:30 PM)
I, STEPHEN O’LEARY, MOVE TO ADJOURN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
_______________________________ ___________________________________
Date Joseph Veno, Clerk
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