1994-02-28-AC-MIN.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

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APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE MEETING FEBRUARY 28, 1994 COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, 7:30 PM Present: C Coughlin, S Nablo, J Pagett, P Lapointe, R Souza, C Abbott, R Borghesani, M Mairson, M O'Sullivan, J Ryan Absent: G Burnell * J Kaufman was an invited guest asked to explain the purpose of Article 31 He feels disempowered due to the timing of the finalization of the budget requests from both the BOS and SC. There is not enough time allotted for Town Meting to make good decisions when the information is finalized at such a late date. We need to circumvent the "warfare" between the BOS and SC. Article 31 is similar to language in the Town Manager Act. J Young and R White feel that the deadlines in the article are doable at their respective levels. The schedule is intended to force the BOS and SC to make a decision and also would strengthen the role of the AC. * S Nablo questioned the schedule and whether it would in fact provide any change in the existing schedule. * C Coughlin commented that at this point the AC is making recommendations based on the Town Manager and Superintendents budget requests. We still do not have a request from either the BOS or SC. * R Borghesani stated that we already have preliminary data in November and that if part (d) were passed it would simply add more time to the process and not necessarily speed it up. * J Kaufman agreed after some discussion that the word "preliminary" should perhaps be changed to "proposed". * R Borghesani expressed concern over the possible impact that (d) and (e) might have. Public hearings do not necessarily lend themselves for a full discussion of the issue and can be a forum for showmanship. * S Nablo concerned that if the BOS and SC do not come together and meet their respective deadlines then the AC will probably fall flat on its face. * MOTION to support ARTICLE 31: In Favor: MM,PL,JP,CC Opposed: RB,CA,SN,RS,GB, MOTION FAILS, 5 to 4 * ARTICLE 9: Public Works Equipment General discussion. P Lapointe stated that the Town Manager has suggested that we study the privatization issue after Town Meeting. If it becomes the intent of the Town to privatize certain public works activities then it seems appropriate that we do not purchase the equipment for those departments. P Lapointe also feels that we should pay for the equipment and not bond the cost and that we should be replacing and maintaining the fleet on an annual basis. * R Souza discussed the items from a DPW list which are felt to be critical in nature.