Finance Committee Meeting

Minutes – August 15, 2005

Town Hall – Lower Level Hearing Room

 

Members Present:  Joel Alpert, Maria Anderson, Michael Feldman, Brian Fitzgerald,

                               Kenneth Goldberg (late), Charles Goodman, Jonathan Hitter, Joel

                               Lessard, Ira Miller, Gloria Rose (Hamilton)

                Absent:   Boris Deychman, Gregory Sydney

 

  1. As a suggestion by Gloria Rose at a prior meeting, Don Hillegass, Data Processing Manager, and Rob Uttyebroek, Treasurer, reported on the MUNIS System, its pros and cons, the training program, and how well it is working.  Discussion was held regarding this system.

 

  1. Next on the agenda was Police Chief Joseph Bernstein who presented a brief description of the Police Department.

 

  1. There was discussion on this information and also on the need for more staffing.

 

  1. The next item on the agenda was David Clifton, Recreation Director.  He presented an overall view of the Recreation Department, its personnel, programs, and responsibilities.  Much discussion was held on this.

 

  1. OTHER BUSINESS

 

  1. A MOTION was made by Joel Alpert and SECONDED by Gloria Rose to approve the Minutes of August 1, 2005.

 

  1. VOTE:  6-0-4.  Feldman, Fitzgerald, Hitter, Miller abstained.

 

  1. Joel Alpert reported on his meeting with Eric Hooper, Superintendent of the DPW, on the snow budget.  Much discussion followed this report.

 

  1. Discussion continued regarding the committee’s goals for this year.  Some were:  (1) Standardized budget.  (2)  More detail on salaries.  (3)  Fiscal accountability for Department Heads.  Avoid 2 ˝% Proposition Override.  (4)  Health insurance.

 

  1. A MOTION was made by Brian Fitzgerald and SECONDED by Joel Alpert that one of the goals is to do everything possible to avoid a Proposition 2 ˝% override to cover operating budget increases.

 

  1. VOTE:  10-0-0.

 

  1. Another goal was that each member agrees to attend a certain percentage of meetings.  Discussion followed.

 

  1. A MOTION was made by Jonathan Hitter and SECONDED by Gloria Rose that a goal is for each member to attend at least 80% of scheduled meetings.

 

  1. There was discussion on the motion.

 

  1. VOTE:  10-0-0.

 

  1. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

 

  1. VOTE:  10-0-0.

 

  1. The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 P.M.