Board of Selectmen / Finance Committee
February 25, 2013
Community Hall
6:30 pm
Present: Leroy C. Clark, Chairman; Peter J. Letsky, Vice-Chairman; Michael S. Pantos, Clerk; Joseph R. Becker; Sheila H. Dibb and Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary.
Also present: Finance Committee members: Lyndon Nichols, Deb Kristoff and Karen Nahrwold.
6:30 pm – Horace Moody, Paul McKenzie, Sally Hayden, Don Haapakoski & Meghan Kellaher re: IT services – $16,000 being requested for Horace Moody’s services. Discussed separating out the telephone lines (Verizon, AT& T and Charter) and web license from the IT line item. Discussion on the IT budget. Ms. Hayden will put together a “wish list” regarding the website. The email server will be looked into.
Paul McKenzie, CM Geeks, explained his handout regarding upgrades needed in the public safety complex. Also discussed was the IMC server replacement vs. warranty extension. His fee is $85/hour -- approximately $16,000 per year. He will inquire as to what costs the grant could possibly cover.
7 pm – Sally Hayden submitted the debt schedule. Some discussion on Rutland Heights. Regarding the health insurance, Ms. Hayden stated that she was informed today that the rates would remain the same in FY 2014 and the senior plan will be reduced by 12% (same coverage, same co-pays). Fallon has been asked to bid within the next two weeks.
Ms. Hayden further stated that she will retire in December, 2013 and would like to work with a member of the Selectboard to work through the process. Ms. Dibb volunteered. Will post for the position the third week of May. Short discussion on the re-working of the Town Clerk and Treasurer/Collector offices.
7:50 pm - Council on Aging (Sharon Berndt) – Health insurance for seniors is changing and lots of calls have been coming in to the COA. Mrs. Berndt is requesting additional hours for the director and outreach worker. The office is constantly busy, there is no ‘down’ time any longer. There are 1,300 seniors in town. Charter has risen slightly, she would like an increase in supply account, and the MCOA dues have gone up as well.
8 pm - Police Chief (Donald Haapakoski) and Animal Control Officer (Laura Pease) – Chief stated that he’s looking for the same as last year - staff and cruisers. An additional officer would be used as a school resource officer (approximately 20 hours per week in the schools) with the rest of the time on patrols and backup. Crime rate is up, the number of calls has increased and detective work has doubled in the last three years. Would like to see one-man shifts backfilled with part-timers. Some discussion on new cruisers.
Animal control – 2% wage increase. Grant from state $83,500 ($65,000 will be given upfront) – meetings coming up regarding the mapping out of the grant that’s shared with Barre, Oakham and Paxton. There’s a spot in Oakham for the shelter. Regarding the grant: $28,000 for a vehicle (Ford Transit) - $24,000 for a shelter – the rest is salary and benefits. Rutland will invoice for the budget, etc.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ms. Dibb moved the signing of Treasury warrant #17 from February 19, 2013. Mr. Pantos seconded. Vote unanimous.
Ms. Dibb moved to go into Executive Session for Reason #2: To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with non-union personnel and
for Reason #3: To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares. And to return to open session for adjournment purposes only. Mr. Pantos seconded. Dibb aye, Pantos aye, Becker aye, Letsky aye, Clark aye.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Pantos moved to adjourn. Ms. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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