HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-03-04-AC-MIN.pdf APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE MEETING
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1995
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, 8:00 AM
Present: P Lapointe, C Coughlin, J Pagett, M Miley, L Peck, M Mairson, R Leone,
R Neumeier, R Borghesani, J Ryan
* P Lapointe opened the meeting
* P Lapointe reported on a meeting he attended yesterday with B Dailey, R Colwell, Dan
Fenn, Peter Kelley and others regarding the Capital Financing Committee. P Kelley
indicated that the committee will not be prepared to bring any firm recommendations
to Town Meeting this year, only an update as to their progress. It would therefore appear
that the capital requests will put off for a year.
* Bill Dailey indicated that the latest free cash estimate is in the area of $ 1,500,000 and
therefore there is the possibility that an additional $ 500,000 could be used to minimize
the financial impact.
* P Lapointe suggested that there be a five year historical schedule indicating the free cash
levels. Perhaps our free cash should be measured against other AAA rated communities
along with their reserve policies. C Coughlin will attempt to gather that data.
* R Leone discussed the need to appropriate approximately $ 5.5 million per year for the
capital needs of the town. We are currently appropriating $ 4.9 million and therefore the
$ 5.5 million is not unrealistic. If the town were to spend between $ 50 and 60 million
over the next 10 years, adjusted for inflation, we would be spending approximately the
same. Similarly, we should be looking at a long term approach to the operating budget
needs of the town.
* P Lapointe distributed his proposed look at the years 1996-2000. A general discussion
of the report followed.
* C Coughlin asked that J ryan communicate with S Guryan regarding the costing of the
overhead items such as health insurance.
* R Leone discussed the concept of charging commercial and industrial taxpayers for
specific service requirements such as public safety. It is currently done in a number of
cities and in other parts of the country.
* C Coughlin indicated that E Weisss make recommend that we create a position of
facilities manager, J Moynihan, and place him under the Town Manager.
* J Pagett made some suggested edits to the " 10 Key Points" as prepared by R Leone.
General discussion followed and will be addressed again at a later meeting.
* R Leone discussed his " 10 Key Points" , followed by a general discussion.
* R Neumeier prepared statements were discussed (see handout)
* P Lapointe discussed the issues before the committee which will require a formal vote.
** Free cash policy
** Overrides
** User fees ( ie trash)
** Capital, financing, vehicles and equipment, deferred maintenance, initiatives (ie:
technology, library), compensation policy.
* Discussion of the warrant articles followed
* Motion to adjourn
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