HomeMy WebLinkAboutFin Comm 02/20/2020Finance Committee Meeting Minutes
February 27, 2020
Present: Mr. Walter Wilk, Chairman; Mr. Brian Eagle, Vice -Chairman; Mr. Scott Feely�,M lvlichael DeSantis;
Ms. Sara Walsh; Ms. Kathleen Aguiar; and Mr. Jack Cooney, Clerk OFFICE
Also Present: Ms. Theresa Murphy, Superintendent; Mr. Ed Donoghue, M B6perilnTendenY,: 23
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Not Present: None
1. Call the Finance Committee meeting to order and review the agenda
Chairman Wilk called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm.
2. School Budget presentation
Mr. Donoghue gave an overview of the budget. He discussed the school's use of revolving funds to help with
the FY21 budget. Currently the school budget has an increase of 3.13% over FY20 whereas previously the
increase was 4.62%. The school budget is approximately $53 million; $43 million of that amount is salaries,
Mr. Donoghue stated that there were 3.5 staff reductions in the budget due to retirements, etc. but there
was one additional FTE for a technology professional. He further stated there was an approximately 18%
increase in the special education budget.
Chairman Wilk requested further information about the revolving funds and how they work, what restrictions
are there, etc.
Mr. Eagle asked if Chromebooks or textbooks should fall under capital projects or not and Mr. Feely explained
that items are typically classified as "capital" if they have a life of more than 5 years.
3. Penta Communications presentation
To be discussed at later meeting and scheduled by the Town Manager.
4. FinCom communication discussion
Mr. Eagle discussed with the Committee what information they would like to have on their website. He
suggested information concerning the budget process, basic terminology, prop 2'/2 info from the state as well
as the information about taxes from the Assessor's Office. He requested that suggested information be
forwarded to him.
5. Status of Audit Committee request
Mr. Donoghue stated that the schools have developed a draft policy and has been sent to auditors for review
and it will go to School Committee next week.
6. Vacancy Tax discussion
Ms. Aguiar discussed the new "mixed use" properties in town and asked what type of incentive there was to
fill the empty commercial spaces in these new buildings. Chairman Wilk discussed "improvements and
betterments" that some towns are using which gives the tenant an incentive to build out and rent the space.
The owner will finance the build out so the tenant will be able to afford the space. The Planning Board
requires that there be retail space in these mixed use buildings. Mr. Eagle suggested the Committee
determine what types of incentives they would like to see offered and send a letter to the Select Board making
that recommendation. Mr. Feely suggested that the Planning Board and Downtown Committee should come
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes
February 27, 2020 Page 1
to the Finance Committee for clarification and discussion. Mr. Cooney suggested that they also include the
IDC as well. Mr. DeSantis suggested including the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce because they will have
information about how other towns have addressed this issue. Ms. Aguiar is going to come up with "talking
points" about this topic.
7. Committee reports (Master Plan, CIP, School, Downtown, Audit, other)
Master Plan — Ms. Walsh stated that the master plan will be finalized on April 15, 2020.
CIP — Mr. Feely stated they will be meeting in late March.
Schools — Mr. Eagle stated nothing new other than what was presented this evening.
Downtown — Mr. Cooney said they will be meeting next week.
Audit — Mr. DeSantis stated they were in good shape with the information from schools tonight.
8. Items not known within 48 hours
None.
9. Audience Q&A
None.
10. Committee member comments I
Mr. Cooney stated that March 26th is the next Finance Committee meeting. Chairman Wilk reminded
everyone that Town Meeting is scheduled for May 51h.
11. Adjourn
Motion: To adjourn Finance Committee meeting of February 27, 2020 (Eagle/DeSantis) at 9:02.
Pass 7:0
John Cooney
Finance Committee Clerk Signature
Minutes Clerk Signature
Minutes Prepared by Mary Dalton
Date
Date
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes
February 27, 2020
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