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

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July 21, 2005 Carl V. said this was the first town he has worked in with separate Capital Expenditure Committee (CEC) and AC, and he asked how that worked. Al L. replied that we have so many articles with multiple aspects that it would be very hard for one committee to handle all the details in both financial and capital articles. So we tend to rely on the CEC to help us understand capital issues, although we make our own recommendations. We often have joint meetings on capital issues. Tom G. noted that a chief difference is CEC works with a five year plan. Paul H. added that the AC feels it should not just duplicate CEC work, but we do review their work, and we look at how capital fits within the rest of the town budget, for example balancing capital needs vs. operation needs. Tom D. noted the AC is more neutral regarding capital than the CEC which has more of a policy agenda. Deborah B. noted that in fairness, the CEC may feel like the only advocates for capital needs. 4. Paul H. discussed the work of the Health Benefits Review Committee. We are fortunate there are people in town who are experts on the issues and willing to help with studies. Al L. noted that retiree health care costs and other future expenses are looming. Carl V. noted that a subcommittee on GASB 43 and 45 (government accounting statements that will be effective next year requiring the disclosure in financial statements of accrued non-pension employee retirement benefits) would be useful, but water/sewer issues are perhaps a higher priority. 5. Notes on Meetings: a) Paul H. attended a meeting with selectmen Norman Cohen and Jeanne Krieger on July 8: Jeanne said Assistant Town Manager Linda Vine nearly had in place a “carve out” for drugs. Health Benefits Review Committee Chair Richard Dougherty would check out remaining legal issues. b) Deborah B. discussed the Finance Director Search Committee. The committee met a few times in groups with Carl V. We are not being overwhelmed with applications. The salary range may need to be increased. The issue of dual reporting role (to BOS and Town Manager) and lack of clarity on how that works may also be a problem. Tom G. also noted that Dana Hamm is leaving as Facilities Director for the Lexington Public Schools. th c) We agreed to meet every two weeks in the fall, starting September 8, with no th meetings in August after the 4. 6. There was a brief discussion of the need to understand the issues around the CPA. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rod Cole Approved October 20, 2005 - 2 -