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Blue Ribbon Commission
Minutes of Meeting
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Members Present: Michael Clark, Ed Cook, Stephen Todd, Doug O’Connell, Ken Traub, Elinor Carbone, Lorel Purcell, Mayor Bingham
Also Present: Christopher Leone, Superintendent of Schools; Stephen Nocera, Mayoral Aide; members of the press
- The meeting was opened at 7:12 AM, on a motion from Mr. Cook seconded by Mrs. Carbone.
- Mayor Bingham discussed the creation of the commission. Each member has a term of 2 years and the Mayor has the authority to appoint and remove commissioners.
- Mr. Nocera explained that memorandums to all municipal and board of education employees would be out that day, seeking input for the commission. In addition, there would be an email address as well as a physical suggestion box created, which would allow members of the public to submit their comments. The committee decided that they would accept suggestions until October 1st 2010.
- Mr. Clark stated that members of the commission may in their capacity as commissioners feel the need to speak to city staff. He asked that each commissioner make the Mayor’s office aware of their intention to speak to staff before that they do so and that they start with department heads. If any commissioner feels the need to speak to an employee of a department they should ask permission of the department supervisor before doing so.
- Mayor Bingham had presented each commissioner with a budget packet prior to the beginning of the meeting.
- On a motion from Mrs. Carbone and seconded by Mr. Cook the commission entered executive session under personnel.
- On a motion by Mr. Cook and seconded by Mr. Todd the commission moved to exit executive session.
- Under other business the commission discussed the minimum budget requirement for the board of education and how it could impact the commission’s work. They discussed the need to reduce the cost of benefits and insurance for the city. Additionally, they discussed the desire to investigate whether the board of education could be incorporated into City Hall. Members of the commission requested that they receive a break-down of the overtime that is allocated in the budget as well as the internal service funds for vehicle replacement. Lastly, members requested a copy of a city wide building inventory, which includes maintenance costs and square footage by building.
- The meeting was adjourned at on a motion by Mr. Clark, seconded by Mrs. Carbon.
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