April 16, 2007
The Budget Workshop was called to order by Chairman Joseph Commendatore at 8:07 p.m.
Members Present: Robert Doyon, Patricia Geary, Theresa Graveline, Frederick Harkins, Douglas Merriman, Dominick Mirabelle, Dominic Moschella and Joseph Commendatore.
Members Absent: Roger Kergaravat
The Mayor mentioned page 13 Ice & Snow. He requested that the Council add the price of a stainless steel sand spreader back into the budget line item #7050-01. The spreaders we have are 20 years old. Three of the trucks have bodies which don’t need a sand spreader.
Motion made by D. Merriman to add line item #7050-01 Sand Spreader under Ice & Snow back into the budget. Motion seconded by D. Moschella.
T. Graveline asked how many sanders we have. The Mayor stated that there are three built into the bodies of trucks, five regular sanders and a spare. F. Harkins mentioned decreasing the maintenance line item. The Mayor can’t recommend decreasing anything off the maintenance in this year’s budget. The purchase of a new sand spreader will hopefully decrease the maintenance in the future. P. Geary asked why this was removed. The Mayor stated that he was trying to keep the bottom line down. T. Graveline asked about the new stainless steel sander and whether or not the truck is ready to hook up the sander. The Mayor stated that the truck is ready and this will be bid out. T. Graveline asked if the Town is looking at potentially replacing a sander a year. The Mayor stated that he would like to eventually replace all the sanders because they are all 20 years old. R. Doyon asked what the life expectancy is of the stainless steel sander. The Mayor stated he is hoping approximately 30 years.
P. Geary, F. Harkins, D. Mirabelle opposed. T. Graveline abstained. D. Merriman, J. Commendatore, D. Moschella, R. Doyon in favor.
Motion carried.
T. Graveline asked to hear all of the Mayors requests before acting on them individually.
The Mayor mentioned page 15 under parks. He recommended removing $1,000.00 from line item 7300-05 Contractual Mowing because the Town bid it out.
The Mayor also mentioned page 15 under Library. He recommended reinstating the original salary for the Librarian (line item #7350-00) in the amount of $49,008.00.
Motion made by F. Harkins to decrease line item #7300-05 –Parks-Contractual Mowing removing $1,000.00. Motion seconded by D. Moschella.
Motion unanimous.
Motion made by D. Moschella to reinstate the original salary of $49,008.00 for the Librarian line item #7350-00 with an increase of $5,992.00. Motion seconded by D. Merriman.
The Mayor stated that he believes that at the last workshop it was the Council’s consensus that if the Library Board, when they are ready to hire a permanent librarian and if they felt they needed more money they could come back to the Council and request it. P. Geary is concerned that the Librarian is the only town employee that works 40 hours a week; all other town hall employees work 30 hours a week. P. Geary suggested possibly making the time more flexible between the Librarian and Asst. Librarian. P. Geary also mentioned that maybe the Town can not afford a Librarian with 33 years experience. D. Mirabelle mentioned putting a bid out for the position. The Mayor stated that the library has been picking their own staff since the beginning. D. Mirabelle asked how the Library Board posted this job. Mrs. Moschella, a member of the Library Board stated that the libraries policy is that they require 3-5 years experience plus a MLS. Mrs. McKernan stated that one of the requirements for the Librarian’s position is that they have experience and that they work 40 hours a week. They also require that they have a strong knowledge of helping with research etc. D. Mirabelle stated that he would rather hire a person and let that person earn their salary. The Mayor stated that he feels that the library speaks for itself. We hear nothing but praises because of the leadership of the Librarian. D. Merriman stated that if there is a person who has experience there is a back log on that person, there are evaluations that exist. F. Harkins agrees that the library has come far. He asked how many candidates there were for the position. There may be people with experience who would accept the $43,500.00 salary. Mrs. Moschella stated that Thomaston is also looking for a Library Director and are offering around $50,000.00 and have received no applicants. P. Geary stated that the prior librarian, who was with the Town for 15 years opened the library and had a MLS and her salary was $47,000.00. T. Graveline agreed. She doesn’t feel that the person who is hired for the Librarian’s position should be offered a higher salary than the previous Librarian. D. Moschella stated if the Council changes this line item to $49,000.00, it doesn’t mean they have to hire someone at $49,000.00.
Motion made by D. Moschella to recess the budget workshop at 8:29 p.m. Motion seconded by R. Doyon.
Motion unanimous.
Motion made by R. Doyon to reconvene the budget workshop at 8:32 p.m. Motion seconded by F. Harkins.
Motion unanimous.
D. Merriman, R. Doyon, F. Harkins, D. Mirabelle, P. Geary, T. Graveline and J. Commendatore opposed. D. Moschella in favor.
Motion denied.
T. Graveline stated that the Council feels the Library is a very important asset and this decision is no reflection on whether or not the Council supports the Library.
The Mayor also stated that the Chesprocott Budget-Line Item #7550-00 needs to be increased by $837.87 due to the increase in the population; for a total increase of $54,480.00.
Motion made by R. Doyon to increase line item #7550-00 Chesprocott 9205 pop by $837.87 for a adopted 2007-2008 budget total of $54,480.00. Motion seconded by P. Geary.
Motion unanimous.
• Transfer-none • Town Meeting Date- set • Referendum? • Budget Workshop Date-none
It was discussed that three signs should be posted in Town for the Town Meeting.
T. Graveline mentioned page 17 under Open Space Planning Committee. She suggested removing the $200.00 from line item #7600-00 Clerical. She stated that one of the members of the Committee takes the minutes and the Chairman files the agenda.
Motion made by F. Harkins to remove $200.00 from line item #7600-00 Clerical leaving $0.00. Motion seconded by P. Geary.
Motion unanimous.
T. Graveline mentioned page 9 under Historic Preservation line item 6550-00 Hotchkiss House. She asked what the $4,000.00 is for. The Mayor stated that they paint a side of the Hotchkiss House every year. They will also need to replace the roof over the shed and paint the barn in the future. T. Graveline also asked about the Meeting Place. The Mayor stated that this is for standard painting also.
P. Geary asked for clarification on the line item for the Sand Spreader. The Mayor stated that there is already a line item there # 7050-00.
T. Graveline asked about the Office of Mayor and the Information Technology component. The Mayor stated that there is no specific IT person. The Mayor stated that it depends on what needs to be done.
P. Geary mentioned page 15 under Parks. She stated that line item 7300-00 Labor has been increased more than the union 4%. The Mayor stated that this extra money is for overtime in the parks on Saturdays and during the Football Jamboree or other events.
Adjournment:
Motion made by D. Moschella to adjourn the budget workshop at 8:42 p.m. Motion seconded by R. Doyon.
Motion unanimous.
_______________________________
Joseph F. Commendatore, Chair