HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-11-19-AC-MIN.pdf APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE
DATE: November 19, 1973
TIME: 7:30 P.M.
PLACE: Town Office Building
PRESENT: Edward E. Furash, Chairman, Jack L. Mitchell, Vice
Chairman, Elizabeth M. Flynn, Secretary, Arthur T.
Bernier, J. H. Blaisdell, Levi Burnell, Howard L.
Levingston, Richard M. Perry, Comptroller
OBSERVER: Mrs. Marjorie Daggett - League of Women Voters
I . MINUTEMAN VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
The Chairman stated that to date the budgets which have been
presented reflect a per pupil cost of $4,000. It was noted
that Don White was attending a meeting in Arlington on this
night to get a first look at the budgets.
II . GENERAL DISCUSSION
School Committee: The Chairman noted that during a conversation
with Mr. Frick, he stated that he did not, at this time, want
the letters published relative to Collective Bargaining. —_
Bicentennial: It was generally felt that the Mock Town Meeting
held on Thursday, November 15, 1973 was a farce. There is a very
obvious disagreement between Town Manager and the LBC on the costs.
Arthur Bernier stated that should the energy crisis become any
worse, perhaps the "whole problem would evaporate" . Mr. Blaisdell
made the point that he would like to find out exactly what the
goal of the LBC. is. Is this a celebration for the Town or the
World? Mr. Bernier stated that he wondered if there would be
any way of controlling the influx of people ; the Committee
generally disagreed here.
Personnel Board: Chairman Furash stated that there is just 4
to 5 weeks left to get an Article in the Town Warrant regarding
this matter.
"It was moved and seconded that the Appropriation Committee will
sponsor on the Warrant for the next Town Meeting an Article for
the establishment of a Personnel Board. This was VOTED unanmously.
Matters to be Discussed with Board of Selectmen:
a. Bicentennial - what is goal? Director's salary.
b. Tax Rate - set at $74.00
c. Personnel Board - Change in Town By-Laws.
d. Presentation of Budgets by Appropriation Committee
to Town Meeting.
e. Energy Crisis
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M. to meet with Board of Selectmen.
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III . MEETING WITH BOARD OF SELECTMEN
A. Regional Vocational High School - Town Manager O'Connell
stated that if the Town expects to know about the budgets
they will have to go to the public hearings. Chairman
Furash informed the Selectmen of the Committee's progress
on this matter.
B. School Committee : Selectmen Kenney commented on the
Chairman's letters of November 12th to Mr. Frick and his
request that they be published. Mr. Kenney stated that
•-+ we should wait on this matter and be cautious as we do
'""'f not want to deliberately make them look bad.
,t C. A confidential list of demands and summary were made
available to the Appropriation Committee for their review.
Selectman Kenney stated that he sees a new type of militancy
in DPW as far as Bargaining is concerned. A memo of
confidential nature from the Town Manager to the Board
concerning our response to demands being made by these Unions
was given to Chairman Furash for his review. The Town Manager
was asked by Selectman Kenney to see that Mr. Perry be informed
of all meetings in advance so that a representative can be sent
to observe.
IV. RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE PERSONNEL BOARD was reviewed by the Board
and the Appropriations Committee . A draft of the proposed
PERSONNEL POLICY ADVISORY BOARD was reviewed by the Town Manager
and copies presented to members of the Committee for their review.
Preliminary Personnel Services - Fiscal Year 1975 Budget -
Personnel increases and reclassifications were reviewed by the
Committee.
V . Town Manager O'Connell mentioned that he wasn't sure the Board
was aware of the seriousness of the new fringe benefits that
appear in the new school budgets. Chairman Furash asked that
the Town Manager supply the Committee with the necessary
informations.
VI . The LBC Director's salary was discussed very briefly with the
Selectmen. A. Kenney stated that he felt they secured the best
man they could for the job -- thus the $20,000 was in order.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:15 P.M.
Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 26, 1973 at 7:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth M. Flynn/mo'b
Secretary