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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-09-19-AC-MIN.pdf 292 APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE DATE: September 19, 1977 TIME: 7:30 P.M. PLACE: Town Office Bldg. - Room 111 PRESENT: Donald B. White , Chairman, J. H. Blaisdell, Secretary, J. Campbell, William Dailey, Peter Hall, Martin Gilman, George Silverman, Richard M. Perry, Comptroller, Ex-Officio Chairman White called the meeting to order at 7 :40 P.M. The minutes of August 15, 1977 were read by Committee members, accepted and placed on record. I . SECRETARY Chairman White informed the Committee that he had had a discussion with the Town Manager re Richard Perry serving as secretary of the Appropriation Committee and that this was acceptable to him. Mr. Silverman nominated Richard M. Perry as Secretary of the Appropriation Committee . John Campbell and Peter Hall seconded the nomination. - — SO VOTED II . GENERAL DISCUSSION 1. As of this date a joint meeting with the Town Manager and the School Committee has been set-up for October 3, 1977. 2. Mr. White informed the Committee re a communication from Margery Battin, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, re "Initiative Petition Drive" for local acceptance of arbitration awards to municipal police and fire . Mr. Jim Wood has been appointed local coordinator. It is hoped to collect 150 signatures per precinct. Chairman White stated that the Appropriation Committee will have to support this. 3. The Chairman briefly discussed with the Committee a letter sent to Mrs. Swanson from Mrs. Battin re the question of whether a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the method of financing public education in Massachusetts would provide a means for getting action from the legislature to solve the problem. Lexington's share for such a suit would be $1296. Selectman Kent has been -- designated to work with members of the School Committee on this. 293 4. A memorandum from Mrs. Miley re Middlesex County Budget was discussed with the Committee. Chairman White suggested that this be brought up at the joint meeting on October 3, 1977. III . ASSIGNMENTS The following points were discussed with Committee members re their assignments for 1977-78 : 1. Schools - John Campbell - Edward Furash a. How sincere is the School Committee re zero base budget? b. At what level do we stand re vandalism? , , c. How do they plan to decrease headcount in the School Department? d. Mr. Hall seriously questioned the attendance of adults in the system. e. Mr. Silverman stated he would like to see where the School Committee plans to go re the size of the administration. f. Pupil-teacher ratio must be watched very carefully. g. The area of securing larger school administration space must be looked into - i.e. , closing of Munroe School. Minuteman-Regional Vocational High School a. Just beginning budget process. b. The subject of setting up a separate corporation for the purpose of generating more funds was briefly discussed. c. Chairman White stated that Lexington was not supporting the School as was originally planned. 2. Personnel - John Blaisdell Mr. Blaisdell is to get in touch with the Personnel Advisory Board. He *ill then so advise the Committee as to what their plans are. 3. Fire - Peter Hall a. Firemen have not settled yet. This will undoubtedly go into a special Town Meeting. Town Manager is not sure at this time if there is enough money available and will let us know the status re this matter. b. Everything is in "fact-finding" at this time. c. Inspection Program - what is present status? Police - Peter Hall a. What are they using for cars? b. Have they adopted a conservation plan re gasoline? 294 4. Recreation - Martin Gilman Mr. Gilman stated he had met with the Committee. They have not yet put any figures together and will keep the Committee informed. 5. DPW - William Dailey Copies of reports from John Campbell and John McSweeney were given to Mr. Dailey for background purposes. 6. Conservation - George Silverman Mr. Silverman will get in touch with the Commission. Letter sent on September 20, 1977 to Mr. Williams, Chairman of the Commission informing him that Mr. Silverman was so designated as representative from the Appropriation Committee. Planning Board - George Silverman a. No dollars involved here . b. Letter sent to Mr. Zabin, Chairman of the Planning Board informing him that Mr. Silverman was designated as representative from the Appropriation Committee. Note : Letters were sent on September 20, 1977 to all Boards, Police and Fire, informing them of the representatives from the Appropriation Committee. IV. BUDGET `— • 1. Mr. Blaisdell stated that he personally was not pleased with the combined meetings held last year with the Board of Selectmen and various Boards. 2. Mr. Blaisdell feels that the Appropriation Committee must take a position now and so communicate it to the Town Manager. 3. A 5% increase was discussed and there were some Committee members who felt it was not wise to set a certain figure. (John Campbell-John Blaisdell-Peter Hall) 4. Chairman White stated that the meeting of October 3rd maybe the time to discuss this and felt that perhaps a zero increase in the School budget and not more than 5% increase in General Town Government should be discussed. 5. Sewers - another year should complete sewer program, however, the most expensive ones are left. Mr. Campbell stated he felt this will be a big issue. 29.5 6. Chairman White is to work with Mr. Perry on budget figures. 7. Mr. Perry stated that he felt it time to re-evaluate revenues. "I think it is the time to look into the possibility of bringing in additional revenue, i.e. , Library fines; use and present fees of ambulance service. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 P.M. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 26, 1977 at 7 :30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, �L ✓ Richard M. Perry/01b Secretary