Meeting minutes – July 14, 2009
Present: Committee Members: Chris DeSimone (new Chair), Chris Johnson (new Vice Chair), Michael Landino, Alan Leao Jr, Melissa Tzanoudakis, George Zacharakis
Absent: Holly Seiferth
Guests: Peter Shattuck (Highway Surveyor),
Also present: Town Accountant Theresa Walsh
Chris DeSimone called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.
New Business: Chris DeSimone opened the meeting to business introductions.
Second order of business was nominations for the Chair position and Vice Chair position. Chris Johnson nominated Chris DeSimone for Chair position. Chris DeSimone accepted the nomination. On a motion to move the nomination of Chris DeSimone for Chair position, put into motion by Chris Johnson and seconded by Melissa Tzanoudakis. It was voted on and approved 6-0.
George Zacharakis nominated Chris Johnson for Vice-Chair position. Chris Johnson accepted the nomination. On a motion to move the nomination of Chris Johnson for Vice-Chair position, put into motion by Chris DeSimone and seconded by Chris Johnson. It was voted on and approved 6-0.
Chris DeSimone moved the meeting to Reserve Fund Transfers. Terry Walsh noted that the balance of the Reserve Fund before any reserve fund transfers was $22,506.25.
The Highway Dept – Misc Other Public Works ($13,500.15 to pay outstanding invoices for current fiscal year) was due to insufficient funds due to the reconstruction of the Oak Hill Street Culvert. Peter Shattuck explained that there would have been an article at the town meeting, but was told to use line item 5497 for the money that the culvert was used to pay from when it collapsed. Peter did not think that the money would make it, but was agreeable at the time. This money included the cost of the metal plates on the road. An excavator was needed, but it only took one day having the road closed. He is now short in several other line items because he kept taking from other line items.
Chris DeSimone questioned why if the original request was $18, 500 and they have used $23,500, why they were not just looking for $5,000. Peter Shattuck explained that they need to fill up all the other accounts that are negative, not just the one account (line item). Chris DeSimone pointed out that all of the other accounts add up to more than what the request is for. Terry Walsh pointed out that there are some positives in other line items, that it is just this series of line items that has been affected. Chris DeSimone realized that it is not the services line items, just the miscellaneous line items.
Melissa Tzanoudakis questioned if the money was correct because she noted that $13,350.15 would make more sense because then it would be a zero balance. Terry Walsh noted that was the correct figure, the amount on the request was her error.
Peter Shattuck briefly talked about the FEMA, and how that he was able to get more money for Pepperell by getting reimbursed for the vehicle usage rather than the OT hours. FEMA would pay for either vehicle usage (such as $40/dump truck, $80/loader, and so on) or cleaning up the town based on OT hours only. Peter Shattuck felt the town would get more money based on the vehicle usage. He was also able to work with the wood chip contractors and get rid of several piles of the wood for free since the wood chip contractors are hurting since no houses are being built.
On a motion from Chris Johnson, seconded by George Zacharakis, the Reserve Fund Transfer for $13,350.15 (100-42200-54579) as written on 7/9/2009 was put into motion to be recommended to be discussed and voted. There was no additional discussion on this article and it was approved by a vote 6-0.
The Police Dept ($4,700.00 to transfer from wages to R&M HVAC) was due to major repairs to both a/c systems (one was not operating). George Zacharakis questioned who made the repairs and if there had been bids. Terry Walsh explained that there had been no bids; they do not have to when it is under $5,000. On a motion from Chris Johnson, seconded by Melissa Tzanoudakis, the Reserve Fund Transfer for $4,700.00 (from wages 100-2110-51113 to R & M HVAC 100-2110-52261) as written on 7/6/2009 was put into motion to be recommended to be discussed and voted. There was no additional discussion on this article and it was approved by a vote 6-0.
The Police Dept ($1,000.00 to transfer from overtime to communication) was due to outstanding invoice for portable radio batteries in excess of balance in line item 54000. Apparently, when they bought all of the radios, they bought them all at the same time, so all of the batteries went at the same time. On a motion from Chris Johnson, seconded by George Zacharakis, the Reserve Fund Transfer for $1,000.00 (from police overtime 100-2110-51130 to police communications 100-2110-54589) as written on 6/30/2009 was put into motion to be recommended to be discussed and voted. There was no additional discussion on this article and it was approved by a vote 6-0.
Business: Chris DeSimone moved the meeting to a discussion about the job sharing resource proposal of the North Middlesex Regional School District superintendent position with Quabbin Regional School District. Chris DeSimone questioned what the intent is and questioned the salary to go with a ½ position. Many felt that they were not hearing positive word about this proposal by town citizens. Melissa Tzanoudakis felt that with a shared position came loyalties, politics, and service issues. Michael Landino felt that if the two districts were close it might be worth a thought, but there is a minimum hour distance. Michael Landino also brought up the issue of the Peter Fitzpatrick school lease and the school closing. It was noted that the school system is responsible for closing Peter Fitzpatrick School down.
Chris DeSimone moved the meeting to a round table discussion about finance committee for the new members.
Chris DeSimone moved the meeting to look for a volunteer to have a representative from the finance committee at the capital committee. Michael Landino noted that they met a couple of times, probably about 4 nights. Chris Johnson volunteered to be the representative. It was voted on and approved 6-0.
Chris Johnson noted that the Finance Committee needs a representative at the Personnel Board. The Committee decided to wait until there was a full Board to make a nomination.
Acceptance of Minutes: On a motion from Chris Johnson, seconded by George Zacharakis, the minutes from June 18 meeting, was approved by a vote 3-0, 3 abstained.
Other Boards/Commission Meetings: Townsend Board of Selectmen (Job Sharing) – Thursday, July 16th 7:00 pm
Upcoming Meetings: None scheduled at this time (normally meet the 2nd & 4th of each month)
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.
Respectfully
submitted,
Lynne Henderson