2005-07-21-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

July 21, 2005 Minutes Town of Lexington Appropriation Committee July 21, 2005 Members Present: A. Levine (Chair), D. Brown (Vice Chair), D. Kanter, R. Eurich, P. Hamburger, R. Cole, J. Bartenstein. Additional attendees: C. Valente (Town Manager), T. Griffiths (School Committee), T. Diaz (School Committee), L. Fournier. The meeting was called to order at 7:36 PM by Al Levine in Town Office Bldg. Rm. 105. 1. It was announced that we had a new member, Pam Hoffman, who could not attend due to prior commitments. 2. We held a wide ranging discussion with Carl V., the new Town Manager. The first topic was the role of the AC, and its charter to give advice on budget and financial matters. The AC follows the budget process, the warrant comes out, and we write a report on the warrant articles. We make recommendations and work up budget projections. Carl V. stated that the issue of transparency is very important. If the AC is not comfortable with the information it has, we should feel free to give him a call. He stated he was willing to come to the AC meetings anytime we would like him to do so. Al L. said that normally the Comptroller/Finance Director, who is an ex officio, non- voting member of the AC, comes to the AC meetings, and in the past has acted as secretary and advisor, but did not help produce reports. For the last year or so, in the absence of a full-time Comptroller/Finance Director, Budget Officer Michael Young has handled the chore of attending the AC meetings. Carl V. asked to be added to the AC email list, at least until the Comptroller position is filled. He followed with a discussion of the short staffing in town over the last couple of years, and how it will take some time to dig out and address all the issues in the audit. Rick E. asked how many more staff are needed. Carl V. answered that we could use an assessor, two people in the revenue office, and that there were some issues to be addressed in Purchasing, and it could be a few months to fill the Comptroller/Finance Director position. Carl V. was asked about his thoughts on the water/sewer problems and the idea to hire a business manager for the enterprise fund. Carl V. gave his “nine day out” reaction: we need such a person, but they should have broader responsibilities than just rate setting. John B. noted that the water/sewer rate committee would agree with the broader view. Carl V. continued that there was the possibility for this person to play some sort of advocacy role. The problem is too many people have a piece of the enterprise fund and they need to be pulled together. Reserves policy belongs at a higher level. Perhaps there is room for more than one person and it could be a team effort. - 1 -