Board of Selectmen/Finance Committee
Library Meeting Room
September 30, 2002
Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Roger L. Putnam, Jr. Selectmen present included Michael May, Dale Donovan, Michael Parlante and Jerry Houk. Town Administrator Tim Smith also attended.
Finance Committee members present included Chair Berta Bruinooge, Tim Woodman, Arlene Kirsch, Ben Zehnder and Ira Wood. Deborah Davis arrived at 7:08 p.m. The following questions/issues were directed to the Board:
1) Financial implications of the proposed reorganization of Town Government. How does the early retirement incentive program fit in? - it was noted that a) the reorganization study is funded within current budget constraints and b) of the potential retirees, the two department heads will need to be replaced and the four DPW employees will be replaced at lower salaries. The estimated long-term cost to the Town is estimated at $250,000 if all six eligible employees opt to retire.
2) Status of the former Catholic Church. What are the future financial implications? - the Assistant Town Administrator presented an update on the project indicating that a contract amendment with the architect had been signed to pursue a two-phased project noting that grants for housing are available but funding for community centers is currently unavailable. He noted that the report from the architect is due at the end of October and that a meeting with the Board of Selectmen will be scheduled in November. Discussion included repairs to the building. It was suggested that grant funds may be available through the Department of Agriculture.
3) The Selectmen's FY 2004 Budget Policy Statement - discussion included budget parameters and development of a zero based budget. It was noted that the Finance Committee maintains a conservative approach relative to new personnel.
4) Submission by each Department Head of a FY 2002 Income Statement, broken down into sources, when budget meetings are held with Selectmen and Fin Com - Chair Bruinooge requested that each department head submit an income statement including fees and revenues as part of the budget process.
5) Proposed Shellfish Management Plan - it was noted that some Committee members will attend the public hearing to get an idea of any financial implications and will submit a recommendation to the Board.
6) DPW truck - the Town Administrator indicated that a truck was purchased with encumbered landfill capping funds in that it was a prudent time to purchase a truck that will be used during the capping process.
Finance Committee members left the table at 7:38 p.m.
On a motion by Parlante, seconded by Houk, the Board voted unanimously to approve the request of the Lighthouse Restaurant to extend the date for use of Town property as a staging area for equipment and components for a sewage disposal system installation through November 30, 2002.
Page 2 - Board of Selectmen Minutes - 9/30/02
Paul Gabriel of Environmental Partners presented an update on the feasibility study of extending the Cole's Neck system to the Central District to service the municipal buildings as contained in the DEP administrative consent order. Water Commissioner Chair Houk chaired the meeting. Mr. Gabriel explained the purpose of the study, described the existing Cole's Neck distribution system and the new service area and presented four distribution system alternatives noting the pros and cons of each option. Discussion included capacity of the Coles Neck System, piping, system flushing and potential additional hook-ups to the system.
On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:31 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Smulligan
Administrative Assistant
For Board of Selectmen:
Roger L. Putnam, Jr., Chair Michael May Dale Donovan
Michael Parlante Jerry Houk
For Finance Committee:
Berta Bruinooge, Chair
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