Finance Committee
Rutland Public Library
December 14, 2017
7:15 p.m.
Present: Lyndon Nichols, Sheryl Vernon, Tom Ruchala, Iain McKinlay, Karen Nahrwold
Absent: Debbie Kristoff, Carl Bindoo
Others Present: Leroy Clark – Board of Selectmen, Nick Monaco – Chief of Police, Laura Scannell – Secretary
Mr. Nichols opened the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Review of previous meeting minutes will be held until the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Reserve Fund Transfer Request – Police Department
Chief Monaco presented a request to transfer $11,767.71 from the Reserve Fund to the Police Purchased Services account for the following use: Replacement motors for 2013 and 2014 Ford Explorer Police Cruisers (Car 3 and Car 4).
Mr. Ruchala questioned the circumstances of two vehicles failing together. Chief Monaco stated it was purely coincidental; they can't diagnose problem with one of the vehicles until engine pulled apart. There was discussion over the potential of fixing the vehicles. Mr. McKinlay asked about a maintenance plan going forward. Chief Monaco will be working with Margaret Nartowicz, Town Administrator, on a replacement/maintenance plan. The department currently has 6 vehicles – the oldest is the Chief's Crown Victoria, with 59,000 miles. Car 3 and Car 4 are the next oldest; the two newest cars are under 10,000 miles. All vehicles run 24/7.
There was discussion of mileage expectations for the vehicles. The industry average for cruisers is they typically fail around 140,000. Chief Monaco expressed that a full fleet could spread out usage/mileage. Ms. Vernon asked about the condition of the vehicle other than the issues with the engine. Chief Monaco stated they are otherwise in good condition. Only one of the department's vehicles is leased 2017 model year with a 3-year lease (the first payment has been made).
Mr. Ruchala asked if the quote is for full replacement, including labor and parts. Chief Monaco will provide a more comprehensive estimate once available. Chief Monaco stated the cost of a new cruiser is roughly $35,000. The department transitioned to SUVs from Crown Victorias, so all equipment from the current SUVs will transfer to new cars, saving on equipment costs.
There was discussion of a turnover plan for vehicles. Cars should last a few years. Leftover money from the request stays in Reserve Fund.
Ms. Vernon moved to accept the transfer request. Mr. McKinlay 2nd the motion. Vote was unanimous.
OLD BUSINESS:
Payroll tracking for the Finance Committee secretary was reviewed; budgeted wages are $1,000. The position is shared with the Town Administrator and Board of Selectmen's office.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter of Support for State and Regional Transportation Funding
The committee finds no downside to sending the letter. Mr. Ruchala stated the letter focuses on transportation only; there is no mention of Auditor Bump's report of separate taxing mechanism. The letter is a request to fully fund transportation for regional district schools.
Mr. Ruchala moved to endorse and sign the letter, and send copies to the four representatives. Ms. Vernon 2nd. Vote unanimous.
Mr. McKinlay made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Ruchala 2nd the motion. Vote unanimous.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________ Laura Scannell, Secretary
Approved on: _____________
___________________________________ Lyndon Nichols, Chairman
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