Finance Committee Meeting
November 1, 2007, Town Hall Meeting Room
Meeting Minutes
Present: Chair:Patricia Foley, Berta Bruinooge, Mac Hay, Robert Kelly, Arlene Kirsch, John Makely, Sylvia Smith, Dennis Murphy
Absent: Nancy Bone
Chair Patricia Foley called the meeting to order at 6:31
Arlene Kirsch moved the minutes of Oct 25th meeting. Seconded by Bob Kelly.
Approved 6-0.
Discussion of statements for Warrant:
The opening comments 3rd paragraph, with regard to the 3rd sentence... replace “being asked...” with “making a major purchase without knowing where your household budget would be in five or six months”.
All other statements were accepted as written.
Discussion of CPA funds:
-are they taxpayers monies? Does the Fin Com have a say in the recommendation of CPA funds?
-Dale Donovan referred to Town Charter, Article 14. He stated that the Charter refers to “community preservation funds” not being a part of the “operating or capital budget,” and thus may not need the FinCom's recommendation.
-Helen Purcell asked, “How were land bank/open space funds voted on prior to CPC funds?”
John Makely moved to approve article 10 as printed in the warrant. Sylvia seconded.
John Makely moved to withdraw motion. Seconded and withdrawn.
Discussion followed:
John Makely moved to withdraw recommendations for all CPC articles as printed in the Warrant. Sylvia seconded. Motion passed 5-1-2.
Discussion. Arlene will contact the “State” for clarification as to whether or not the Fin Com has reason to vote on CPA funds.
Free Cash Discussion:
Berta Bruinooge express her concern in spending free cash for the purpose of the Shellfish Truck, as it should go through the budgetary process. She says this is an article for Annual Town Meeting.
Berta Bruinooge moved to reconsider Article 3. Seconded by Arlene. Vote to reconsider passed 8-0.
Berta submitted the following comment for Article 3:
“Replacement of this vehicle is not an emergency; this vehicle should be requested in the Shellfish Department's Capital Budget at the annual town meeting.”
Berta Bruinooge moved to not recommend article 3. Seconded by Sylvia Smith. Article 3
Discussion followed focused around the fact that we have not been given any information regarding Article 3.
Vote to not recommend Article 3: 7-0-1.
Berta submitted the following MINORITY comment for Article 4.
Minority Comment:
Replacement of this vehicle is not an emergency; we should purchase vehicles using Free Cash only in emergencies. This vehicle should be requested in the Police Department's budget at the Annual Town Meeting.
Fire Station Discussion:
According to Arlene Kirsch $1,090,000 +/- has already been spent. A General Obligation Bond worksheet was prepared by Dawn Rickman and review by the Board. Updated construction amounts will be available prior to town meeting.
The Board reviewed an “Assessment/Classification Report FY2008” prepared by the Board of Assessors.
Computerization Policy Discussion:
The Selectmen have asked that a Policy be presented to them before the end of the year. Consensus was that this would be difficult to achieve.
Arlene Kirsch noted, and the board generally agreed, that the answers from the acting TA weren't sufficient with regard to the questions raised by the Fin Com.
Discussion followed about the questions presented by Pat Foley. Are we getting the maximum for our money with regards to the computerization budget?
Arlene Kirsch suggested three categories:
1. Administrative Access/ Program Management/ Purchasing/ Bidding Process
2. Maintenance repair and updating
3. Job Impact...how does level of service effect employees and then ultimately the citizens?
Bob Kelly suggested that we access other policies from other Towns.
Arlene Kirsch volunteered to apply appropriate questions previously raised by the Fin Com to each category.
John Makely moved to adjourn at 8:20. Seconded by Dennis Murphy. Approved 8-0.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________ ______________________
Mac Hay Chair Pat Foley
__________________Date
| 