Town of Rutland
Finance Committee & Board of Selectmen Meeting Accepted 3/23/16
Meeting Minutes: 2/18/16 Lyndon S. Nichols
Finance Committee Meeting Opened: 7:01 pm
Finance Committee Attendance: Lyndon Nichols, Karen Nahrwold, Debbie Kristoff, Dave Bigelow and Tom Ruchala
Finance Committee Absent: Carl Bindoo and Matt Hadley
RDIC: Member Mike Sullivan was present to discuss the current situation with the RDIC and discuss the budget.
Mr. Sullivan informed us that Barton Associates has backed out to the deal. RFP was sent out with responses due back 2/3 or 2/4 with no responses.
Discussion was that the RDIC should look for more marketing opportunities. Margaret Nartowicz informed everyone that the Town has become a member of the Chamber of Commerce and perhaps the RDIC could benefit from some of their connections and members.
CIPC: Addison Redfield and Harry Sechman were present to discuss.
CIPC has been charged with putting together a program for capital improvements. Over the next 5 years, the CIPC has deemed $3,000,000 of projects that they feel are necessary for the town. Included are AED’s ($25K each), tabulators for elections at $8K each (recommending purchase of 3). Town sign for about $40K. Town Hall upgrade study and upgrade ($50K for study and RFP alone).
WRSD has put in requests for new telephone intercom system, air conditioning units for all 3 schools in town. ($125K total)
DPW is asking for equipment to replace old equipment.
Council on Aging upgrade to building. $3-$5 million for new building.
Public Safety Building – add on a place for emergencies
Board of Appeals: very little business over the last few years. They are a reactive board only called to action when needed. Feel that their budget could be cut in half and not impede their ability to be productive.
7:33 p.m. Selectmen opened their meeting. Stephanie Bacon, Sheila Dibb, Skip Clark were present.
Library: open 30 hours per week.
Kerry Remington and Ted Purcell were in attendance to present budget.
Increase in Aides wages so that the line item is completely covered by the Town. Previous years have seen State Aid in paying for this line from about April through June. $6,700 increase equates to approximately 120 hours that state aid has covered in the past.
With increased usage of the library, there are concerns regarding the security of the building. Kerry considering perhaps using a local staff member to be there to open the building and lock up the building after the meetings have completed.
Karen Nahrwold asked Kerry to complete the actual spending worksheet versus requested budget so that Finance Committee could better see what is actually being spent and funded.
19% of operating costs must be spent on books.
Increase in utilities as with the increased usage comes more heat and lights. Concern again was brought up that some meetings the heat is not turned down and the lights are not always shut off. Discussion was brought up that they should lock thermostats and notifying those who use space to turn off lights and lock the door.
New IT person indicated that ERate would benefit the library. ERATE is a federal government program that gives money back to schools and libraries for telephone and internet. When questioned, Kerry indicated that the library could be benefiting from about $32,000. IT person knows of a consultant that will assist in filling out the paperwork required to get the money, and will only require payment of 10% of what is paid out by the Government.
Volunteers and Senior Volunteers are used and are appreciated to help with many library tasks.
Kerry stated that she tries very hard to make the library a place that is Volunteer friendly, and she wanted to be sure that everyone knew that her volunteers and needed and appreciated.
Karen made the motion to accept the January 26th minutes as presented. Debbie seconded the motion. Unanimously accepted.
David made the motion to accept the February 4th minutes as presented. Tom seconded the motion. Unanimously accepted. Karen abstained as she was not present for this meeting.
Reserve Fund Transfer Request: questions as to when the warranty ran out on the vehicle requiring the transmission rebuild. Line 5200 and Line 5700 Purchased Services and Other Charges and Expense---question as to whether there will be money left on either of these lines to cover the expense.
Finance Committee Chair to send note to Chief to request his presence next Tuesday for reconsideration of the transfer request.
David Bigelow made the motion to adjourn. Tom seconded the motion. Unanimously accepted to adjourn at 8:28 p.m.
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