1986-07-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Y d J 2, Goal Setting Minutes -3- July 2, 1956 Be Manning -level demands - The Manager did state that current manning levels seemed to be adequate for the Town while there was a continuing administrative demand. Leo McSweeney asked if we had enough policemen. The Manager responded "yes, if we could get all of our vacancies filled in a timely way." Civil Service continues to be a problem from the standpoint of getting timely lists and there is an extended requirement for training before a police officer assumes his duties. C. Relationship with Department Heads and Staff - The Board and the Manager reviewed the structural relationship and reaffirmed the de jure and de facto situation consistent with the Selectmen /Manager Act working through the Manager dealing with Department Heads so that work could be appropriately coordinated and that the chain of command is reinforced so we can execute in an efficient manner. IV. Fiscal Planning A. Multi -year plan The Manager reviewed three scenarios with the Selectmen pointing out that if assumptions change the picture can range from gloom and doom to something more optimistic in the Town's ability to comply with 2 1/2. It was understood by all that declining debt would no longer exist and that expenses such as sewer and water costs were going to have to move to a fully self - supporting basis. Selectman Marshall said that it was entirely appropriate with the constraints of 2 1/2 that all of capital operating and overhead costs be funded through fees to support the sewer and water systems. Bill Dailey agreed if it were necessary but didn't f eel we • should• automatically escalate fees to a full enterprise basis. All Board members agreed that the magnitude of future increases from the Sewer and Water Authority should be fully borne through the rate structure by passing on the rate increase. It was agreed that we will have to continue to monitor fiscal projections so that the Town could sustain a level of service within the constraints of 2 1/2. The override question will continue to be a Selectmen policy issue on an annual basis. Land Bank - Selectman Eddison asked the Board if they had any leanings on this Issue as Conservation would be bringing it back at another time and additional hearings might be held. Bill Dailey said he felt it was an appropriate vehicle for land acquisition. Jacquie Smith said yes, but other purposes should be considered such as housing to be supported from such a tax. Leo McSweeney emphasized that housing should be one of the considerations as well as land acquisition. Paul Marshall and Jack Eddison felt that adding housing as a component was appropriate as well as protecting the beauty of the Town through this resource that provides capacity outside 2 1/2. The Manager reported that it appeared that special legislation would not be in the offing for Lexington as the Legislature was considering a local option bill for all -communities that would probably address conservation and