Finance Committee Meeting

Minutes – August 1, 2005

Town Hall, Lower Level Hearing Room, 7:30 P.M.

 

Members Present:  Joel Alpert, Maria Anderson, Kenneth Goldberg, Charles Goodman,

                               Joel Lessard, Ira Miller, Gloria Rose, (Hamilton)

                Absent:   Boris Deychman, Michael Feldman, Brian Fitzgerald, Jonathan

                               Hitter, Gregory Sydney

 

  1. Dr. Claire Jackson was present to give an overview of the School Department’s operations and budget in order that the Finance Committee becomes familiar with their operations and budget.  It is the largest department in the town.

 

  1. Dr. Jackson made her presentation comparing similar school districts regarding State aid, cost of Special Education, test scores, and excellence of schools.

 

  1. Discussion was held on technology and how it is implemented in the schools.

 

  1. Discussion continued regarding foreign language, other school related programs, and the upcoming contract negotiations for FY’07.

 

  1. Paul Lauenstein, member of the Water Management Advisory Committee and the Planning Board, presented a plan regarding the Water Department Water Meter Reader Program.  There are two types of systems.  One is to put a radio on the meter and the reader drives by to get the reading.  The other is a fixed network system that relays the information daily to the Water Department.

 

  1. There was much discussion about the two systems and the cost of each.  More information is needed on this.

 

  1. A general discussion was held on the goals of the Finance Committee.  Items suggested were standardized budget format, a member of the Finance Committee to sit in on negotiation teams of bargaining units, issue of fees and how they are determined, and obtaining information needed prior to meetings.

 

  1. Charles Goodman stated some goals:  (1) Open candor with other town officials.  (2) Each member of Finance Committee with regular attendance at all Finance Committee meetings.  (3) Act with fiscal responsibility that taxes rise no more than 2 ˝%.

 

  1. Don Hillegass to be asked to come in to discuss MUNIS System with regard to preparing budgets.  Also, Department Heads to be asked to come in to discuss their budgets.

 

  1. There will be another meeting in August.

 

  1. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

 

  1. VOTE:  7-0-0.

 

  1. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 P.M.