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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1966-05-09-AC-MIN.pdf ce . Meeting of the Ap:,ropriation Committee, May 9, 1966, 7:30 p.m. Present: Frank Parrish, Chairman; John Blaisdell, Logan Clarke; Robert Gary; Donald Grant; Allan Kenney; Donald Noyes; Louis Zehner; Ruth aouza. New Member: Donald Grant has accepted an appointment to the Committee. Reserve Fund $3,000 requested by Selectmen for clerical labor pool. The accountant's salary is being paid from this money. Committee questions whether part of this salary could be paid out of that budgeted for Ray White which will not be spent and the one month of Comptroller's salary (budgeted from April 1, to be paid from May 16). No vote was taken. Mr. Parrish will get more information from Al Gray. June Town Meeting Articles — Town Meeting June 20 Town Barn — discussion of possible price increase — John Blaisdell reports that the Architect anticipates no increase. — discussion of methods of funding — Committee will wait to see if more information about anticipated receipts is available before June. Cherry sheet due, but not expected, May 15. Sub bids for Barn will be received June 6, General Bids, June 10 Conservation Articles — Frank Parrish received information from Conservation Committee about the following Articles: Band on Winchester—Arlington border. 36 Acres + 8000 sq. ft. parcel. Committee has found that there are 2 owners, one owns the 36 A, the other the 8000 sq. ft. No options yet. Total price way be about $55,000, of which almost $20,(Y0 was transferred at March T.M. Corridor between Willards Woods and Diamond School Land. Total price is about $40,000. Option has been obtained on the biggest part at $2,500/A; they hope to get an option on the rest. Worthen Rd. & Mass. Ave. No agreement, Conservation Commission will ask eminent domain. Reimbursement — They expect to get 50% federal reimbursement; they still file with the state and way get an additional 30% from the state. Sussman expects that state funding for reimbursement will be resumed. Decided to meet with Conserva— tion Commission May 16. Public Works Article — Route 2 — as discussed April 25. The above are the only money Articles on the Warrant; there are several Planning Board Articles, and the Appropriation Committee By—Law Article. L Al Gray reported the following: Ray White has been notified that hisposition has been abolished. He is on extended sick leave, not to return, and will be paid sick leave and vacation until some time in September. Free Cash is about $50,000 less than was estimated (about $707,000 instead of $761,429) Committee questioned whether this might not be Overlay Reserve Fund, which was unusually low. Receipts are Nati now being coded by department in the same way expenses are. E & D is being broken into 2 figures, Free Cash and actual E & D. Trial Balances are now available for Jan, Feb. and March. Balance sheet for March 31. Cary Library — Two letters were received from Karl Nyren, both dated April 29, 1966. One provided information on the li,rary's fire loss, fire insurance receired,and their plans for replacing lost materials. No action was taken bythe Committee at this time. The second letter informed the committee that the Trustees have adopted the pay scale for custodial and clerical workers passed by March T.M. , increasing the salary budget for custodial services by $971.20. No additional funds requested at this time. Mr. Parrish will call Mr. Nyren. Direction of Committee — General discussion included the following: Mr. Parrish would like to act on these suggestions made April 25 1. hold more complete hearings on Articles -before going on record 2. get together with Capital Expenditures Committee 3. divide into sub—committees. Why is the Committee ineffective: usually heard presenting negative view. Could elaborate its many affirmative votes. Proponents give explanations, why Appropriation Committee votes no is not always clear. Some of the ways we dan be more aggressive: Propose more activity, or different acti-aity, instead of less. Search out people to get information Continue to propose desirable changes, e.g. Acctg. Dept. Change from Town Acct. to Comptroller. How could it be more effective: Stop waiting for requests to be presented to Committee, write departments when warrant is closed, asking for information about Articles, or making appointments for meetings. Public relations or lobbying: objectiveks hearings or information meetings. problem is we are heard too late — earlier reports to T.M. Speak to Article 2, giving over—all plan. Next meeting — May 16, with Conservation Commission and Cap.Expend. Comm. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ruth F. Souza, Secretary