Finance Committee Meeting
Minutes –
High School Library –
Members Present: Joel Alpert, Maria Anderson, Brian Fitzgerald, Charles Goodman,
Jonathan Hitter, Joel Lessard, Ira Miller, Gregory Sydney (late),
(
Absent: Michael Feldman, Kenneth Goldberg, Gloria Rose
1. This is the 20th meeting of this fiscal year. There was a presentation of the Capital Outlay Committee by Paul Linehan, Chair, with Selectman Bill Heitin.
2. Paul Linehan reported on the background, composition of the Committee, and process of debt pay down. He also listed the projects that have been requested for Capital Outlay approval. Requests were made for the Library, Wilber School Abatement, Civil Defense, Fire, Police, DPW, and School Committee. Mr. Linehan also stated that the minimum for capital request is $10,000 and minimum of five years.
3. There was much discussion on this presentation. A list of anticipated projects will be provided to the Finance Committee.
4. Next item is review of insurance. Health, General Insurance, Workmen’s Compensation. Presentation by Ben Puritz, Peter Kenney, Health Agent; Mr. Weiner of Weiner & Co., property and liability.
5. Ben Puritz stated that this is a significant budget. The town’s health care and property casualty and liability in the amount of $7.7 million. An increase of 17.8%. The majority of the budget resources are for health care coverage.
6. Discussion was held following Mr. Weiner’s presentation regarding Workman’s Compensation and the increase in rates due to loss from claims. There was also discussion regarding life insurance, liability, casualty and property insurance.
7. The next item was health insurance. Peter Kenney, President of Health Claim Group made presentation regarding health insurance. Due to increase in claims, rates have increased greatly.
8. There was much discussion on the health care insurance and suggestions on ways to lower cost to town.
9. The next three budgets were Police, DPW, and Fire.
10. Ben Puritz made the presentation on these budgets.
11. Chief Joseph Bernstein suggested eliminating crossing guards except at Heights to maintain at 2.75% the changes over level service.
12. There was discussion regarding the Police budget.
13. Eric Hooper, DPW Superintendent, presented budget.
14. There was discussion regarding the increases in cost of gasoline, diesel, electricity and natural gas as well as other budget items including salaries.
15. The next item was the Fire Department with Chief Dennis Mann presenting the budget.
16. There was discussion held on this budget noting decrease in ambulance transport.
17. There will
be a meeting next Tuesday, March 21, on the School budget to be held at the
18. The next meeting
will be Monday, March 20, at the
19. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.
20. VOTED: 8-0-0.
21. The meeting
was adjourned at