HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCMeetingMinutes_01.19.06 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes
January 19, 2006
Attendants: Attendance sheet attached
I. Call to Order: Chairman Mitchell called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
II. Approval of Minutes: Steve Dawe, with a second from Mike Batsimm, made the motion to approve the
January 12 minutes, as amended by Melinda Coppa. The motion passed 8-0-0.
111. Old Business: A) Health Insurance Costs Projections: Chairman Mitchell recapped his discussion with
Selectman Licciardello regarding comments he made at a Board of Selectmen("BofS")meeting. Mr.
Licciardello did not intend to have his comments take away from the work the Revenue/Fixed Cost Review
Committee ("RFCRC") dial; rather he meant to question the estimates provided by the Town's consultant.
Chairman Mitchell noted that Selectman Licciardello requested more details on the consultant's estimate and
expressed some ideas which may lower costs. Chairman Mitchell suggested establishing two members to work
with Mr. Licciardello in this endeavor and suggested, informally, appointing Jack Watkins, for his insurance
knowledge, and Paul Stewart, as a member of the RFCRC. The Committee agreed. Town Manager("TM"),
Mark Rees, then asked Paul Stewart if he could review the historical trend information prepared by his staff
against the consultant's estimate; Paul Stewart agreed.
B) Proposed FY2007 Capital Improvement Plan ("CIP"): TM Rees began by answering all eleven
questions posed by the Committee (provided in the Agenda Package), as well as supplying written answers
(attached). Mr. Rees agreed to write up a brief summary of the CIP items which will require a Proposition 2.5
override and work with Paul Stewart to iron out differences in interpreting the Town Charter requirements.
D) Joint Board Meeting: Chairman Mitchell would like the Committee, at the next meeting, to discuss 5 or 6
"Wish List" focal points, the proposed joint meeting agenda and appointment of members to a Budget
Communication Group ("BCG"). He also announced his desire to have Dr. Harutunian and School Committee
("SC")member, Chuck Ormsby come to a future meeting to hear the presentation made on School Department
Contractual obligations, which are increasing more than 2.5%.
C) "Wish List" Focal Points: Paul Stewart began by discussing his "Wish List"items, provided in handout.
A brief discussion ensued on the new Financial Accounting System, not yet chosen by the Town. Linda Casey
announced that the Town's consultant will be presenting the various systems available to purchase; Mike
Giarratano and Paul Stewart will try to attend this meeting. The Committee also discussed ways to improve the
budget and communication process among the boards. Chairman Mitchell then informed the Committee of the
BofS invitation to have two FinCom members join the existing Communication Sub-Committee, consisting of
two members from each elected board. He then suggested that those members with expiring terms (himself,
Jack Watkins and Paul Stewart) refrain from joining this group. Vice Chairman Batsimm agreed to be one
member. The Committee will take a formal vote next week on the members to appoint.
IV. New Business: A) PILOT Payments: Chairman Mitchell queried the members as to their thoughts on
whether the FinCom should support and help in attaining PILOT payments. After a brief discuss,the members
agreed to have Chairman Mitchell discuss this issue with the Town's Senators.
B) Meeting Schedule: The FinCom will meet next Thursday, January 26 at 6:30pm and again for the Joint
Meeting on January 31, 6:30pm at the Senior Center.
C) Snow and Ice: The Committee received an update on the YTD Snow and Ice estimate for FY2006.
D) Market Study: Members discussed the possibility of using FinCom Reserve monies to fund a Market
Study. Eva Hamori will research what a study of this magnitude may cost. Steve Dawe requested the
Committee agree to set aside time to talk about this project more in detail.
V. Adjournment: At 8:20pm, Jack Watkins, with a second from Mike Batsimm,made the motion to adjourn.
All members voted in favor of adjourning.
Approved _ __ Vote_ J __ X