1995-02-15-AC-MIN.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

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APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE MEETING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1995 PUBLIC MEETING, BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING ROOM, 7:30 PM Present: P Lapointe, C Coughlin, M Miley, J Pagett, R Borghesani, R Leone, J Ryan Absent: M Mairson, L Peck, R Neumeier * P Lapointe opened the public hearing and welcomed those attending * P Lapointe briefly discussed the AC Principles and stated that the AC was here primarily to seek input from the public * Joint public hearing of the AC and CEC will be held in Estabrook Hall on March 1st at 7:30 pm * Budget discussion and planning must be for a period longer than one year at a time. There is a real need for some long term planning * N Cannanlonga asked if the AC was looking at any specific areas fore possible savings next year. P Lapointe responded by stating that the AC was continuing to review the possible changes in the way the municipal buildings are maintained as well as other areas of reorganization with selective contracts being awarded in an attempt to save funds. There needs to be a review of how we do things with a look at possible areas in which we might support regional services. * C Coughlin indicated that J Young had presented to the SC a list of possible cuts. The SC did not however take a vote on any of his recommendations. * J Pagett indicated that the class size issue appears to be up for discussion with the possibility of there being some adjustment to the current policy and the result being larger class size * P Lapointe stated that he felt the town has good managers and that the town really needs to decide on which services it really wishes to retain * R Borgheasni that we can no longer review line item data and that in order to balance the needs of the budget programs need to be reviewed and a decision made as to whether they are to be retained or dropped * N Cannanlonga addressed the road program and suggested that it perhaps be altered in order that our expectations and ability to fund are more realistic. Many surrounding communities do not have a road program * B Collier stated that he felt neither the Town Manager's nor the Superintendent's budget were put forth with must vision or options. Disappointed that no member of the BOS was in attendance, a feeling echoed by a number of those attending. SC is putting forth suggested cuts but there is nothing being suggested by the BOS * Nancy Cannalonga reviewed the results of the Privatization Committee and suggested that the town look at "team cleaning" with the anticipated retirements in the school custodial staff. Nancy discussed low morale at the fire department, questioned the need