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Call To Order: Mr. O'Connell called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. The open session meeting took
place in the Select Board Meeting Room at Town Hall on 120 Main Street.
Presento,Chair Denevan O'Connell, Vice Chair Christine Allen, Regina Kean, Eva Pastor, Nancy Sarro,
Brianna Stetson, Keith Chaney, Dustin Silk, and Jeanne Irwin.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Tony Delmonico of Amesbury expressed his concerns regarding the schools budget and stated the hope
is that they can come to some resolution.
Jeff Arciero of 93 Wintergreen Drive expressed his concerns regarding the schools budget and stated that
the deficit may not be from frivolous spending but from the budgeting process itself.
Nadia Chinchilla Marto of 64 White Birch Lane discussed why her family chose North Andover and the
school system for their daughter's education. Ms. Chinchilla expressed her concern with eliminating the
Kittredge School due to the deficit.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBER
Mr. O'Connell introduced Jeanne Irwin as the new member of the Finance Committee. Ms. Irwin stated
she has been working throughout the schools for 24 years in different capacities. Mr. O'Connell stated
Ms. Irwin's background is impressive, and she will be able to help in regard to what they are currently
facing as a committee.
CAPITAL PLAN
Town Manager, Melissa Murphy-Rodrigues and Finance Director Dennis Keohane were present. Mr.
O'Connell stated the Capital Plan was presented at the Tri-Board Meeting but asked for them to review it
again with the Committee. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they present a five year Capital Plan but that the
next fiscal year is only shown at Town Meeting. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues discussed the FY26 infrastructure
projects. Mr. Chaney asked about preventative maintenance to asphalt whether it be parking lots or
sidewalks;is there a reason they still do not do any. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated they do, do some;a lot
of it is through the operating budget. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated she can connect Mr. Chaney to the
DPW to discuss further. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues discussed the FY26 building projects. Ms.
Murphy-Rodrigues discussed the FY26 equipment projects. Mr. O'Connell asked if Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues
could discuss the new textbook adoption. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated Ms. Lathrop provided her with
grades 6-8 but there are programs for others as well;it is the cost for new English language arts and
mathematics textbooks and instructional materials. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues discussed the sewer rate
study. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues discussed the FY26 funding plan. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated over the
next five years, they anticipate seeing an increase in cost for water and sewer. Mr. O'Connell asked if Ms.
Murphy-Rodrigues could discuss the funding reserve for capital. Ms. Murphy-Rodrigues stated what they
have been doing as a policy is that because they have so many projects moving forward, they have been
capturing the debt into the capital fund as it comes off; continuing to use it as capital then pulling it over to
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pay for the debt as the debt comes on so tax payers will not see spikes in their bills. Ms.
Murphy-Rodrigues stated they will be increasing the request for the fields by$60,000.
MOTION: Ms. Kean motioned to give a favorable recommendation to the FY26 Capital Improvement
Plan. Ms. Allen seconded. Motion approved 9-0.
DISCUSS COMMITTEE'S POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Mr. O'Connell stated every year they review this document to make improvements. Mr. O'Connell stated
that given that there have been some changes within laws and regulations, it would be a good idea to do
a comprehensive review of them. Mr. O'Connell volunteered to collaborate with the Town Counsel, the
Town Manager, and the Town to ensure the document is up-to-date with current laws and regulations. Mr.
O'Connell stated once completed, he will bring it back to the Committee for review and discussion before
voting to approve it.
UPDATE FROM REVENUE AND FIXED COST COMMITTEE
Mr. O'Connell stated the Revenue and Fixed Cost Committee has not had to meet since the Tri-Board
Meeting. Mr. O'Connell stated he does not believe there is a need for them to meet again. Mr. O'Connell
stated there have been no changes at all.
FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION FROM TRI-BOARD MEETING/TOPICS FOR UPCOMING MEETINGS
Mr. O'Connell stated they will discuss the budget once it is transmitted to them. Mr. O'Connell asked the
Committee members if there was anything they could think of that should be added to the upcoming
agendas. Ms. Kean stated possibly discussing what the other options are and their impact if someone
does not like the proposed budget.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 12, 2024 & DECEMBER 16, 2024
Ms. Sarro asked for a change of wording on the first page and to give a brief explanation of what the
difference is between a deficit and shortfall on the November 12, 2024 meeting minutes.
MOTION:Ms. Kean motioned to approve the Open Session minutes of November 12, 2024 with the
corrections. Ms.Allen seconded. Motion approved 9-0.
MOTION:Ms. Allen motioned to approve the Open Session minutes of December 16, 2024 as presented.
Mr. Chaney seconded. Motion approved 9-0.
Mr. O'Connell stated he would like to move the next meeting (February 3, 2025)to another date. Mr.
O'Connell stated he would like to push the meeting out a week to ten days so they can have the school's
budget information prior to their next meeting.
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ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Ms. Allen made a MOTION, seconded by Ms. Kean to adjourn the Finance Committee meeting
at 7:46PM. Motion approved 9-0.
Respectfully submitted.
Nicole Civitarese
Executive Assistant
Documents used at meetina
Capital Improvement Plan
Minutes from November 12, 2024 & December 16, 2024