Board of Selectmen
March 18, 2010
Community Hall Annex
6:30 pm
Present: Leroy “Skip” Clark – Chairman, Cherilyn A. Bulger – Vice Chairman,
Joseph R. Becker – Clerk, Sheila H. Dibb and Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary. Finance Committee members.
Budget Meeting #1
Sally Hayden stated that Horace Moody was unable to attend – will schedule him for April 7th at 7:45 (Mrs. Hayden will also attend). Paul McKenzie (public safety IT) informed the Board that maintenance would be the primary focus in FY11 although the server needs replacing. He would also like to replace two older computers. Mr. Becker would like to share Horace Moody’s replacement schedule with Paul McKenzie. Mrs. Hayden would like to add back up tapes to budget. Mr. Clark verified that Mr. McKenzie was the only IT person working on public safety equipment.
Mrs. Dibb questioned Mrs. Hayden regarding tax title policy / procedure. Lengthy discussion. Mrs. Hayden has increased attorney fees for tax title. She would also like assistant clerical hours returned to where they were due to the number of absentee ballots being requested and general election duties. Health Insurance Advisory Committee has met once and is meeting again next week – no votes have been taken yet. Different health plan scenarios were presented. She further stated that employees are seeking a better dental plan.
Some discussion on Rutland Heights Hospital debt. Mr. Becker updated the Board on a recent meeting he attended in Boston regarding the Rutland Heights Hospital which he stated was very productive.
Council on Aging Director, Sharon Berndt came before the Board and stated that she is hopeful the Friends continue to supplement the program or the newsletter would be cut. Lengthy discussion on Elder Service Nutrition Program and Elderbus services. Mr. Becker thanked the Council on Aging for doing so much with so little.
Police Chief Baril explained that there will be no personnel increases or big items in his budget – basically level funded. Salary increases of 4% this year (contract) and he stated that he would like the clerical hours returned to 40 from the present 32 – some discussion. The clerical line will have a surplus this year; also may have a surplus in police wage line item. He is also requesting the constable budget be returned to $150 from the current $75. He calculated the Quinn Bill the same as last year. The Chief stated that the DPW doing the vehicle maintenance is a huge help. He will be putting an article on the Annual Town Meeting for a cruiser – some discussion. He will discuss the aging radios at a future meeting. Animal Control Officer’s budget will
be level funded – some discussion on ACO vehicle repairs. Chief Baril will speak to Mr. Clark about the van’s problems. Mr. Becker would like to get an estimate on cost of repairs. Mrs. Dibb brought up a problem in a neighborhood she recently became aware of regarding feral cats. The Board would like Mr. Clark to come in to inform the Board of the situation.
Mark Morse is coming on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 to discuss the wage / salary study results. Some discussion among the Board and Finance Committee members.
Mrs. Dibb moved to adjourn. Mr. Becker seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso
Secretary
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