Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-11-30-AC-MIN.pdf 4'.. 4 The Appropriations Committee held a meeting at 7:30 P.M., on Monday, November 30, 1970, in the office of the Comptroller, Estabrook Hall, Lexington. Present were Edward E. Furash, Chairman, Jack L. Mitchell, V.-Chairman, Elizabeth M. Flynn, Secretary, Arthur T. Bernier, J. H. Blaisdell, Levi G. Burnell, Howard L. Levingston, Richard M. Perry, -- Comptroller, H. Bigelow Moore and Donald B. White. Meeting was held at 7:30 P.N. with members of the Library Department. Present were Robert Hilton, Director of the Library, Elizabeth Clarke, Chairman of the Library Trustees, Irving Mabee, a Trustee, and Shirley Stolz, Chairman of the Library Advisory Committee. Mr. Hilton explained, with graphs, the marked increase in film bank usage, Reader' s Reserves, Interlibrary Loans, Copying Service and Circula- tion, which is now to a figure of 465,000. Mr. Hilton stated that in years of financial austerity the volume of library circulation increases . In answer to a question from Chairman Furash with respect to the status of classification, Mr. Hilton replied that the adult sections were almost completed. With respect to the Library addition, it was stated that it was felt that this was not the year for it, but, that preliminary plans with the architect would be continued and that within 30 days a dollar estimate of the project would be available . A possible 835,000. on the 1971 tax rate may be expected. With respect to the 1971 Library budget requests, Mr. Hilton stated that about $6,000. in new requests would be made . This would include: 51,000. for 8mm. films for the film bank, 4 extra pages for the week- ends, a full time reference employee and a clerical -employee. The Library representatives retired from the meeting at 8:30 P.M. Chairman Furash read a letter from the Conservation Commission. It was felt that the "tighten the belt" message had not been considered. Discussion was held on the Utica Street (Steeves property) problem. Is the value of the land, as originally voted by Town Meeting, now de- creased after the removal of gravel and greenery? Meeting was held in EXECUTIVE SESSION, at 9::00 P.M. , with members of the Planning Board. Present were Erik Lund, Chairman, Lois Brown, Eric Clarke and Donald Graham and Alexander Zaleski, Planning Director. Chairman Furash explained the Appropriations philosophy of austerity for 1971. With respect to a one year moratorium on various projects, mem- bers of the Planning Board expressed concern that a one year rest in spending was too simplistic, that expenses might be doubled next year, that a long range cut back gradually might ultimately be more finan- cially prudent. The Planning Board retired from the meeting at 10:05 P.M. 3 A. Minutes of meeting held on November 30, 1970 - page 2 RESERVE FUND TRANSFERS: Article 10 - 1970 $1,993 . Fire Dept . pensions Article 10 - 1970 528. Police Dept . pensions Upon motions duly made and seconded, it was unanimously VOTED to approve the requested amounts . The next meeting night is scheduled for December 7, 1970, at 7:30 P.M. The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth M. Flynn Secretary The Appropriations Committee held a meeting at 7:30 P.M. , on Monday, December 7, 1970, in the office of the Comptroller, Estabrook Hall, Lexington. Present were Edward E. Furash, Chairman, Jack L. Mitchell, Vice Chairman, Elizabeth M. Flynn, Secretary, J. H. Blaisdell, Levi G. Burnell, Howard L. Levingston, Richard M. Perry, Comptroller and Donald B. White. Member Blaisdell reported on the Precinct 2 meeting. At the meeting discussion mainly was concerned with the Trinity Covenant proposal, the extension of Worthen Road and General Government and School salary schedules. Town Manager O'Connell, also, explained the financial im- pact of the voting of a 42 hour work week for firefighters. A general non-concern and apathy towards the 1971 tax rate was evidenced by the lack of questions in the areas . The proposed Junior High School was only mentioned with respect to a question as to the Appropriation' s stand on the matter. J. Blaisdell responded, at the Precinct meeting, that with the lack of plans and financial picture not available, the Committee could not, at this time, form an opinion or a recommendation. Town Manager Walter O'Connell joined the meeting at 8:00 P.M. The following matters were discussed: 1. ) Reserve Fund transfers - see vote below 2. ) Junior High School - the Town Manager feels that possibly $4.00,000. to VD00,000. could be expected to be added to the amount projected by the PBC (P$4.,700,000.) at the time the project went out for bids. He feels that the contingency estimate is too low. That under 1O9 contingency is a risk. $110,000. is the contingency projected by PBC . 3 . ) 4.2 hour work week for firefighters - 04,000. will be needed from Town Meeting to cover February and March. Two 12 hour work periods will not economically accomplish anything. A 10 hour day shift and a 14 hour night shift would be better.