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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-01-24-AC-MIN.pdf APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 1994, 5:00 PM COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE Present: G Burnell, C Coughlin, S Nablo, J Pagett, R Souza, C Abbott, M Mairson, P Lapointe, R Borghesani, M O'Sullivan, J Ryan J Young, S Guryan, P Lombard * J Young gave an overview of the major issues facing the school department, specifically the $ 2.6 million shortfall and the current year problem in special education. * Special education problems are not unique to Lexington * Fiscal 1995 gap of $ 3.3 million due to re-opening of Hastings and contractual obligations reduced to $ 2.6 million with $ 700,000 of new revenue from the town * The School Committee will hold a formal public hearing on February 15th * March 1st the School Committee will vote on a budget request to be sent to Town Meeting * J Moynihan will be available to address any brick and mortar questions * General discussion on allocation of space for the LABB program • P Lombard discussed the LABB program, estimates that the cost is half of what it would be if students were placed in private setting. Program assesses a 20% surcharge on students enrolled from outside the district. * S Nablo felt that Lexington has a facilities burden in comparison to other member communities. P Lombard indicated that Burlington HS has a tremendous amount of available space. Bedford currently provides no space. * P Lombard stated that his fiscal 1995 request is in excess of $ 5 million. Approximately 17% of the student population is served by the special ed program. * School department currently seeking Medicare reimbursement for some of the special ed costs, estimated to be approximately $ 130,000. * P Lombard indicted that our special ed enrollment is in line with other communities although S Nablo questioned if those communities were committing 15% of the school budget for those programs. * Current year estimated school deficit will be between $ 400-450,000,all related to special ed. * S Guryan indicated that the school department has curtailed all purchases unless they are absolutely necessary. This policy may be able to recoup approximately 1/3 of the shortfall. School is striving to balance this years budget and would like to be able to use the Medicare reimbursements if allowable. * J Young stated that on January 25th the School Committee will discuss possible cuts and or revenue adjustments in an attempt to minimize the $ 2.6 million Y gap. * G Burnell indicated that he would like the AC to participate and recommend to the BOS and SC where to make cuts. * J Pagett asked what a comprehensive high school was and J Young explained that it was one that provided academic, occupational and a general course of studies. * C Coughlin asked about any overlap of programs between LPS and MMRVHS. J Young responded that with the current schedule at MMRVHS it is impossible for LPS to transport students back and forth for certain programs. * C Abbott asked about the "flip/flop" kindergarten concept. It has been rejected due to early childhood intervention program and the fact that the possible savings are insignificant. * Discussed the January 4th memo of proposed cuts. * AC should only look at big items, ie payroll and Hastings re-opening * J Young stated that the big items are clearly Hastings, special ed and existing contractual agreements(teachers 3.1% for fy 95) * General discussion of janitorial services. Discussed possible savings, reporting issues( to whom), possible problem of getting the job done. Lynnfields experience was explained by S Guryan. Discussed past school custodian problem in area of workman compensation * General discussion of possible cuts that would be in excess of $ 100,000, specialized classes, guidance counsellors( we have high ratio of students to counsellor) * G Burnell requests that all try to attend the meeting on 1/25/94 * AC will meet with Capital Expenditures Committee on 1/31/94 * General discussion on proposed motion by S Nablo re custodial services for all town departments. S Nablo will discuss issue with R White and J Young. * Motion to accept Facilities Manager motion as presented. Further discussion followed. Motion amended to remove the last sentence and substitute it with " We recommend privatizing janitorial services for all town buildings, including the schools, in fiscal 1995". Motion passed unanimously. * J Pagett discussed public safety department requests. Public safety departments total $ 6.3 million or 8.8% of total request. Discussed possibility of going from 4 sector to 3 sector patrol($ 128,000), combining dispatch, closing East Lexington fire station, privatizing ambulance service. * Vote taken on close East Lexington over ambulance privatization, 2Y,5N,1A Vote taken on ambulance privatization over closing East Lexington,5Y,2N,1A * General discussion of Concord school report of re-opening or expanding existing schools * R Borghesani discussed costs of both options and thinks that the numbers need to be a little further defined but that the costs are comparable. * Motion to adjourn * Next meeting January 31, 1994 acjan24