2012-01-19-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 19, 2012 need to reread it every year. One suggestion is to go even further and create a separate publication containing background information that would then not need to be repeated in the report. This was extended with the further suggestion that the CEC could be asked if it wants to join in this effort. Rob noted that the Department of Revenue (DoR) Division of Local Services (DLS) has published a handbook on finance for local officials that may be useful. Alan, Joe, and Jonina agreed to work on the topic of separating out background material. The first substantive item on the draft warrant is the appropriation of funds for a new Estabrook School. Technically, this is an item on the warrant for a special town meeting that will be held at or soon after the beginning of the annual town meeting. This item was assigned to Alan and Robert. Joe will join them if the January 24 referendum question about building a new Estabrook School is not approved. The following constitute a list of issues of special importance or timeliness this year. The items are not listed in any particular order. New MIS positions; School bus contract; Lexpress, including the possible loss on the $80K MBTA grant and the movement of the line item from the DPW line to the Community development line; Full -time veterans service officer Health insurance Increase in cash capital spending Debt exclusions Capital items to be discussed by School Committee and /or Board of Selectmen Second year of use of Avalon Bay mitigation funds and, more generally, the multiyear plan for managing the replacement of ARRA funds in the school budget; Use of surplus funds, if any, and whether the uses should include a reduction in the property tax rate. The Town Manager's recommended budget for FY 2013 at present includes approximately $1.6M that has not been allocated but is intended to fund as yet unidentified capital expenses, and also includes $400K or so that is set aside in case of a cut in State aid. The Committee made assignments for the financial articles on the draft warrant. The assignments are: Article 4 Operating Budget: Municipal budget (includes new MIS positions) — Robert; One of the MIS positions involves web services. Rob Addelson noted that the person in this position would provide services to a number of departments including the main Town web site and Cary Library but that there was no plan to combine staff to work on both the municipal and school web sites. Lexington Public Schools budget — Jonina, Mollie; This would include information on any changes in the school bus contract. Minuteman — Eric; 2