2008-03-10-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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March 10, 2008 Metco Grant Accounting. 3. The Committee discussed the Metco Grant at some length. At the TMMA School budget presentation, a grant for $1.5 million was discussed with direct expenses of $1.2 million, essentially leaving $250,000-$300,000 of discretionary funds. In previous years, any excess of grant monies over expenses would have been used to fund a deficit in another area of the school budget. There is not a deficit in 2009 so the funds can be used for achievement gap items and full day kindergarten. The committee raised a concern regarding the timing in the budget process that this was disclosed. It was determined that we need more information from the School Committee and we will arrange for a meeting next week so that we can better understand the situation and have appropriate information on which to base our vote on the school committee budget. It was also mentioned that we had asked for a clearer picture of the growth of school expenses from year to year and that information has not yet been received. This can also be addressed in that conversation. Additionally, it was discussed that there is a plan to implement better accounting for grants and that we should include that as an expectation in our report. Article 37 Tree Fees. 4. Patrick Mehr was present to discuss Article 37. He had just joined the AC meeting from the Selectmen’s meeting where they voted either 4-1 or 3-2 against charging a fee for tree permits as allowed by a specific bylaw as the feeling was that the Town collects enough under building permits. There was sentiment on the committee for the proposition that the Town should either charge the fee or the bylaw should be eliminated. A motion was made to approve the Article, and the committee voted 7-1 to support it. Amendments 1 and 2 to Article 4 5. . Patrick Mehr also discussed two amendments to Article 4, in the form of non-binding resolutions, related to reducing the Town’s cost of health insurance, the amount of which is significant. The first relates to challenging the schools to consolidate part-time positions or to cut them to 19 hours per week so the employees would no longer be eligible for Town health benefits. The second relates to negotiating with the various unions more strongly and reducing the Town portion of health insurance paid and increasing base salaries instead. Patrick indicated that he had already been talking to Carl Valente and Rob Addelson about the motion, and he proposes that Town Meeting have an opportunity to say that they agree with the view. This motion will be a vehicle for debate at Town Meeting. We discussed the wording of the amendment and some changes were suggested. It was also suggested that the revised wording be reviewed by Carl Valente for his input. We agreed that it would be a good idea to make the unions aware that we are in a tight financial situation. The committee voted unanimously (8-0) to oppose both amendments as currently worded. Sidewalks. 6. Alan reported that there will be a meeting on Tuesday, March 25 regarding wire-cut bricks for the center sidewalk project. The meeting will commence at 6:15 PM at the intersection of Mass Ave and Waltham Street and will continue at 7:00 PM in room G15. Susan McLeish agreed to attend the meeting at 7:00 and asked that the committee members relay their position on the wire-cut bricks prior to that time. - 2 -