HomeMy WebLinkAboutFin Comm Minutes 12/1/2005%awl( of /L%ard�p &
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Minutes of Meeting held Thursday. December 1.2005
Finance Committee Members Present:
Andy Gazzola (presiding)
James Lazarra
Jess Aptowitz
Jack Goldberg
Charlene Lavin
Greg Arnold
These minutes were prepared by Greg Arnold. The meeting was opened at 7:00 p.m.
Matters Discussed and/or Voted On
The Finance Committee unanimously voted to support the following Warrant Articles for the
Special Town Meeting: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 & 11. Further discussion was then held with respect to
the remaining Articles.
John D'Agostino provided a report on the amount of Free Cash that would be available,
indicating that the total would be $275,624. A discussion was held concerning the goal of setting
aside a minimum of 60 %, and hopefully at least 70% of that sum to be put back into
Stabilization.
A discussion took place with respect to the proposal in Article 3 concerning the purchase, for the
sum of $22,000 of a wireless radio system. Representatives of the Fire and Police Departments
presented on the subject, indicating that the new system was presently being run in a beta test
and had performed extremely well. It was needed at this time primarily to allow Fire and
Ambulance to communicate directly and seamlessly with the Police Department; however, the
Police Department's radio system was approximately 20 years old and approaching the end of its
useful life. This wireless system would also serve as a potential "back -up" system to the updated
network being rolled out starting in the Spring. Detective Ellsworth, who manages the server at
the Police Station, reported on the substantial delays and occasional data corruption caused by
glitches in the old system.
(Charlene Lavin joined the meeting at 7:30 p.m.)
A general discussion took place with respect to ensuring that the broader project to be
commenced in the Spring be done with a series of milestones and updates, so as to avoid
unnecessary duplication. Lou indicated that a 5- phased project is envisioned (Phase 1: Out to the
Highway Garage; Phase 2: Towards the Electric Department; Phase 3: Plymouth Street Fire
Station; Phase 4: Library; Phase 5: Sonic Ring). Ultimately, the project will be tying in 3 sites to
the land line at the Police Station (which is connected to Town Hall by a high speed connection).
Jess Aptowitz made a motion to approve Article 3 in the amount of $22,000. The Finance
Committee approved the motion by a vote of 6 -0.
A discussion took place with respect to Article 6, and the request for 3 additional Police Cruisers,
at a cost of $78,000. The Chief pointed out that historically, there was a 4 -car rotation, although
the department has only received 2 new cats the past few years. As a result, the cars that
presently exist are becoming overly taxed and some are unreliable. This increased use also
adversely impacts the utility of the cars for use by other town departments after they are `retired'
from the Police Department. Cars 51 and 45 are in the worst shape and most in need of
replacement (i.e., the electrical system in Car 51 is faulty, causing the headlights to often fail
and, thus, the car cannot be taken out at night). A discussion was held concerning the extent to
which savings can be recognized from the purchase price, but there is not much price shopping
available for police - outfitted vehicles. A discussion was also held concerning the difference
between the original request of $90,000 and the present request of $78,000. The Chief indicated
that it was a result of eliminating certain items fi•om the new vehicles that, while beneficial, were
not necessarily critical (i.e., hands -free phone options; uniform switches; etc.). The Chief
indicated that if he were given $81,000 lie could get 3 new vehicles with essentially everything
that was needed (but not the hands -free phone option).
Jess Aptowitz made a motion to approve Article 6 in the amount of $81,000. The Finance
Committee approved the motion by a vote of 6 -0.
A discussion took place with respect to the Samsonite STA Article. The Finance Committee
agreed to prepare a slide that presented the overall, long -term positive impact of the STA for
presentation at the Special Town Meeting.
The Meeting closed at approximately 9:45 p.m.
Gregor T. Arnold, Secretary