Finance Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday December 6, 2018
Rutland Public Library
7:00 p.m.
Present: Karen Nahrwold, Lyndon Nichols, Tom Ruchala, Iain McKinlay, Carol Martens
Absent: Brian Stidsen
Others: Leroy Clark – Board of Selectmen, Leah Whiteman – Board of Selectmen, Laura Paradise – Secretary
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm
MINUTES
Ms. Nahrwold moved to approve the meeting minutes of November 15th and November 19th. Mr. McKinlay 2nd. Vote unanimous.
STM Follow up
Discussion of the Special Town Meeting and putting multiple items in a single warrant item. Ms. Martens discussed voters feeling uninformed.
Upcoming FY20 Budget Preparations
Bob Reed, Interim Town Administrator, is expected to begin the budget process and meeting with departments. There was discussion about departments sending two budgets requests – level-funded and needs.
Mr. Clark stated there are four candidates for Town Administrator expected to interview with the Board of Selectmen the week of December 17th.
Mr. Ruchala asked if the Committee would like to relay any requests to the Board or Town Administrator regarding the budget. Ms. Nahrwold requested that any budget requests be provided to the Finance Committee at least 24 hours prior to meetings.
Mr. Ruchala discussed the possibility of the school budget items being placed on the warrant after the municipal departments. There was discussion of the scheduling of department meetings and school committee budget presentation.
Mr. Nichols stated the only problem might be having to re-do municipal items after the school budget vote. Discussion tabled for a future meeting.
The Finance Committee will request that the Board of Selectmen participate in joint budget meetings with the departments and schools.
Vice-Chair Resignation/Committee Vacancy
Ms. Vernon’s resignation was officially received by the Town Clerk’s office. Randy Jordan, Town Moderator, has recommended David Lussier to fill the vacancy. The vacancy will be filled by Committee vote until a new appointment can be made by the Town Moderator at the next Town Meeting. There was discussion about Mr. Lussier as a potential member. Mr. Nichols feels Mr. Jordan would not recommend Mr. Lussier if he did not feel he could fill the role. Mr. Clark expressed the opinion that Mr. Lussier is oriented with what is best for the Town.
The Committee would like to invite Mr. Lussier to its next meeting.
Ms. Nahrwold asked about the budget meeting schedule. The schedule has not been set. Ms. Nahrwold expects to only be available on Thursdays.
Doug Briggs, RDIC, asked if there was any idea of how long Mr. Reed will be serving as Interim Town Administrator. Mr. Reed is contracted for three months. Mr. Briggs feels the Finance Committee should take a stronger role in the budget planning this year as it is the Committee’s budget. The new DPW Superintendent and new Town Administrator will not be as familiar with the Town as their predecessors.
The Town Administrator will collect budget requests and compile them to a spreadsheet. All departments will meet with the Finance Committee to review their requests. There was discussion about items removed from the budget and put on the warrant without the Finance Committee’s approval last year.
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Nahrwold had concerns about the meeting agendas being sent to the entire Board of Selectmen. She feels there is no reciprocity in terms of the Finance Committee being invited to Selectmen meetings. It does not feel necessary to invite the entire Board. Ms. Martens feels it is important for the Board of Selectmen to understand what is going on at Finance Committee meetings. Mr. Ruchala had decided to include the Board of Selectmen on emails about meeting notices.
Mr. Nichols expressed concern over the Board reaching a quorum by attending Finance Committee meetings without a posted Selectmen meeting.
Ms. Whiteman discussed concerns over why the meetings on the warrant for the recent STM weren’t joint between the Board and Finance Committee. Ms. Nahrwold agreed.
There was discussion about more collaboration on the Board and Finance Committee meetings in the future. Mr. Briggs discussed the importance of the Town Administrator to serve as the bridge between the Board and Committee. The Town Administrator should know what is going on within the Town and be able to provide information concisely to the public bodies.
Mr. Briggs discussed the upcoming changes and challenges of new staff for the budget season. He also discussed concerns on behalf of the RDIC for the upcoming year. $900,000 is needed to put a new water line in from Main St. to Maple Ave. (going through Naquag and Central Tree) including construction of new sidewalks. The Green Communities project would be an important asset to the Town.
There was discussion of Christopher House. The company has decided the community is not large enough. Mr. Ruchala asked if there are any similar opportunities. Mr. Briggs stated they have looked at some other options. There is also a local builder who may be interested in building senior housing. Because of the Sewer Moratorium they would not be able to hook into the sewer line on the David Property. They may be able to work with the Heights Property.
Ms. Nahrwold moved to adjourn. Ms. Martens 2nd. Vote unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________ Laura Paradise, Secretary
Approved on: ______________
__________________________ Tom Ruchala, Chairman
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