HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCMeetingMinutes_03.09.06 Finance Committee {"FinCom") Meeting Minutes
March 9,2006
Attendance: Steve Dawe was the only Finance Committee member not in attendance. Town Finance Director
Linda Casey was present, as were citizens`B"Fink and Peter Reed,
L Call to Order: Chairman Mitchell("CM") called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
IL Minutes:
A) February 16, 2006: Jack Watkins made a motion, seconded by Eva Hamori, to approve the minutes as
provided in the handout. The motion passed, 6-0-2 with Vice Chairman("VC")Batsimm and Mark Nichols
abstaining.
B)February 22,2006: Jack Watkins made a motion, seconded by Eva Hamori, to approve the minutes as
provided in the handout. The motion passed, 5-0-3 with Paul Stewart, Mark Nichols and Melinda Coppa
abstaining.
C)March 2,2006: Jack Watkins made a motion, seconded by Eva Hamori to approve the minutes as provided
in the handout. The motion passed unanimously.
IQ. Old Business:
A)FY2007 Recommended School Budget: CM stated his plan to ask Dr. Harutunian to return to answer the
additional questions raised by FinCom_ The discussion shifted to addressing the School Committee's request
to consider a general operating override. CM stated the FinCom has an obligation to formally respond to this
request. Paul Stewart and Keith summarized the message of the draft response and noted that there were no
changes since the previous distribution. Paul Stewart emphasized the importance to get all the issues on the
table and show little change in Revenues_ Jack Watkins made a motion authorizing the Chairman to forward
the letter,provided in the handout, to the School Committee, Board of Selectmen, Superintendent of Schools and
Town Manager. VC Batsimm gave the motion a second and it carried unanimously.
3) Request for Backup: CM announced this was put on the agenda because of concerns Mike Giarratano
raised over the inadequate responses to the FinCom's request from the School Department for detail backup to
the budget. Mike stated his desire to go to the school department to get a better handle on the rollups of each
line item by looking at the source. Paul Stewart expressed his support for this endeavor but suggested it would
help to have the full backing of the FinCom. After a brief discussion on the warding of the motion.,Melinda
Coppa made a motion to direct Mike Giarratano to perform a due diligence analysis on the FY07
Recommended School Department Budget, analyzing the lane item rollups. Paul Stewart seconded the motion.
After a brief discussion over FinCom procedures, Melinda Coppa tabled the motion. She then made a motion to
suspend the FinCom rules,with VC Batsimm seconding. All members voted unanimously in favor of
suspending the rules. The FinCom then returned to the previous motion and voted unanimously in favor.
Melinda Coppa and Eva Hamori offered to help Mike in this endeavor.
C)FY2007 Town Manager's Recommended Budget: The FinCom discussed the Town Manager's response
to questions raised by Paul Stewart. During this discussion CM deviated to the"Perry Plan" and the use of Paul
Stewart's data, at his direction. CM stated that they were not endorsing the plan, rather just providing Mr. Perry
with financial numbers. Unfortunately, Paul's name did get thrown into the Plan article and the CM clarified
this issue with the reporter. Paul stated he is, "an equal opportunity data source". After this brief diversion, the
FinCom resumed reviewing the question responses_ CM then discussed the required Public Hearing. After a
brief discussion on dates, the members decided to try to attach the public hearing to the School Committee
meeting with Senators Tarr and Baddour on Tuesday,March 21.
D) Warrant Book Issues:
2) Department Priorities: CM took this item out of order and led the discussion regarding his conversations
with the DPW. Paul Steward went on to explain how we should show the priorities and come to a budget
conclusion in the FinCom letter for the Town Warrant_ VC Batsimm briefly discussed the Library but did not
have a list of priorities. Mike Girratano discussed possible revenue opportunities available to Community
Development and snecifically sited chargina fees for building inspections on nlaces of assembly!Merrimack
College and Brooks School). In addition, he highlighted the thought of changing fees to a more accurate
measure, square footage, and the need for the Community Development Manager to present to the Board of
Selectmen. Paul Stewart queried Linda Casey on the status of the new accounting system. Some discussions
ensued on how the proposed cuts would impact the implementation of this much needed system_ Eva Hamori
—reiterated the concern over the elimination of the Program Manager in Elder Services. The group was exploring
.vays to keep this position whether funding through grants and/or revolving funds. In addition, they are looking
into restructuring the Outreach Worker's job responsibilities. The main concern is the inability to keep the
center open five days per week and supplying weekend Meals on Wheels. Eva then briefly discussed the
Veterans Services. Jack Watkins identified the three areas of concern for the Police Department:
Communication, Patrolman and causer replacements. CM asked all other members to meet with their
department and list priority services by next week.
1)List of Articles with Financial Implications: The FinCom quickly went through the Warrant identifying
articles which will require a recommendation from the Committee.
3) Annual Report to Voters: CM briefly discussed the proposed outline for the FinCom report.
N.Adjournment: The FinCom will meet Thursday, March 16 and March 23 at 6:30PM. In addition, CM
reminded members he will ask the School Committee and Board of Selectmen if the FinCom's public hearing
could be held the same evening as the School Department on March 21". Melinda Coppa made a motion to
adjourn at 8:30pm. VC Batsimm gave a second to the motion and all members voted unanimously in favor of
adjourning.
Approved: Vote: X: