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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance Comm 04/20/1999Minutes of April 20, 1999 Present: James Noris, Chairman Gerald St. Hilaire Dennis Grady GENERAL DISCUSSION FINANCE CQMIVII .E M=nNG Andy Gazzolo Frank DelVecchio John D'Agostino, Town Manager Mr. Noris stated that the Board of Selectmen were looking for, a $5000 reserve fund transfer for legal fees associated with the Great Waves project. MOTION: To transfer $5000.00 from the Reserve Fund to the Board of Selectmen Legal Fees 01-122-2-5311. All opposed. FAILS. Mr, Gazzolo suggested that thefull expense budget might not be exhausted by the end of the year, but that if it were, then FINCOM would transfer the necessary money into their account. He suggested the money beset aside for that purpose in case it is needed. Mr. D'Agostino explained that all of the money allotted for legal fees as well as that allotted for other expenses would most likely be expended if not overexpended. Mr. Noris stated that there is currently $144,000 available in the reserve fund, however $60,000 is set aside in case the Schools need it for the Special Education and $32,000 is for the Fire Department ambulance. Mr. Noris suggested- deferring the request to; the future. MOTION: To reconsider the previous vote. All in favor. PASSES. MOTION: To table the request for a $5000 reserve fund transfer for the future. All in favor. PASSES. Mr. Noris handed out a draft memo regarding the inspectors fee revolving fund. Mr. Gazzolo stated it looked fine to him. Mr. Noris stated that a decision was needed regarding the FINCOM secretarial position. He stated he had some concerns that it may be difficult to find someone willing to work the hours required at the rate of $15/hr. for the first hour and $10/hr every hour after that. Mr. Grady stated that the Board should at least attempt to find someone willing to work at that rate of pay. Mr. Gazzolo was in agreement with Mr. Grady. FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING Mr. DelVecchio inquired about the difference in pay between the current secretary and the proposed rate of pay. Mr. Noris stated that the current secretary is being paid at a rate of time and one-half. Mr. Gazzolo stated he was not a member of FINCOM when the vote was taken to have a secretary, and therefore did not know what terms were agreed upon. Mr. St. Hilaire stated that FINCOM voted to have a secretary, but did not stipulate the rate of pay. Mr. D'Agostino stated that he had attempted to find someone to work for $15/hr for the first hour and $10/hr after that by advertising on cable. He said he did not get any response Mr. Gazzolo suggested advertising on cable again. Mr. D'Agostino stated he would take care of it. MOTION: To advertise on cable for a secretary at $15/hr for the first hour and $10/hr every hour after that and to stay with the present secretary until a suitable replacement is found. 4 in favor. Jim Noris opposed. PASSES. Mr. Noris stated that he received a memo from Southeastern Regional Services Group regarding the telephone line. Mr. D'Agostino stated that the Town was given a ruling stating that if they decide to terminate the Centrex contract, they will not have to pay a cancellation fee. He stated that the Town had signed up with surrounding communities to try to save money on the cost of phone lines. Mr. D'Agostino stated that a company was performing a telephone audit. He stated that no money had to -be paid out by the Town, the agreement was that the company would get a share of the savings. Mr. Noris inquired if changing carriers will effect the FY 2000 proposed phone costs. Mr. D'Agosttno stated he was not sure how much of a savings there will be because he has not received the bid results yet. He estimated the possible savings at approximately $20,000 to $30,000. Mr. Noris handed out copies of a memo from the Veterans Agent regarding the warrant article for the 53' week of pay. Mr. Grady inquired if the Town Manager had remembered to calculate the &&d week in his budget. Mr. D'Agostino stated he had. He stated that the figure was changed after the original submission of the proposed budget to reflect the additional duties Mr. Seherma had taken on. He stated that the figure was taken directly from the Union contract, however the contract was based on a 52-week year. Mr. Noris stated that he would bring it for a vote when FINCOM voted on the other warrant articles. Mr. Noris stated that Mr. D'Agostino had faxed him the health insurance premiums. Mr. D'Agostino reviewed the figures and stated that the Town has a high claim rate. He stated that he was hoping to havethe proposed figures from Blue Cross/Blue Shield by now in order to offer a comparison. He stated that he is hoping for a.3.5% to 4% savings if the Town changes carriers. He stated that if he does not receive a proposal from Blue Cross/Blue Shield soon, then the Town will have to stay with the current plans for another year. Mr. St. Hilaire inquired if the Unions have to take a vote in order to change insurance carriers. Mr. D'Agostino stated they did not, the Town can change carriers as long as they offer comparable coverage. FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING C Mr. Grady inquired how many employees carry health insurance through the Town as compared to the total number of employees. Mr. D Agostino estimated 75 t to 80%, but that he would get more accurate figures Mr. Grady suggested the Town offer compensation for employees who do not get their health insurance through the Town because they save the Town money. Mr. St. Hilaire inquired if the Town currently offers a monetary incentive for those not participating in health insurance through the Town. Mr. D'Agoincentive, ow stated to the best of his knowledge the Town did not eurrently offered incentive, however he would find out. Mr. D'Agostino stated that the Board of Selectmen voted in favor of a $300,000 pilot fee for the Electric Department for FY'2000. He stated that he and Mr. Beliveau will present a formula to calculate the pilot to FINEOM in order to get feedback. MOTION To accept the minutes of 4-13-99. All in favor. Frank DelVecchio abstained. PASSES. Adjournment: 9:15 p.m. Jtkeo OAI�pr-oval Next meeting will be Tuesday, April 27, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. r -