March 3, 2009
Chairman Thomas Galvin called the meeting to order @ 6:30 p.m. The meeting was taped.
Members Present: Robert Doyon, Tom Galvin, Stan Pilat, Pat Geary, D. Merriman, C. Mallon, and Roger Kergaravat.
Members Absent: T. Graveline and Carl Graveline.
Mayor's Report:
Mayor Robert J. Chatfield presented the Budget for 2009-2010 year. The Budget showed a decrease of 2.96% or a savings of $200,159.20 from the previous year. Mayor Chatfield noted with this decrease the Mill Rate will not be raised for the coming fiscal year. Mayor Chatfield also advised the decrease included a freeze on Town Hall Salaries, also a locked in rate of $1.00 or less for both heating oil and diesel fuel and that bonds for the Town have been paid in full.
Mayor Chatfield presented the Budget Workshop, Schedule A, with changes on the 24th of March from Town Hall to the Senior Center @ 6:30 P.M. and on Saturday, March 14 from 9:30 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. at the Town Hall. The Mayor also noted the Public Meeting will be held on Tuesday April 7, 2009 @ 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall. Motion made by C. Mallon to adopted Schedule A, as the Official Budget Workshop schedule. Motion seconded by D. Merriman. Unanimous.
Mayor Chatfield advised there are some areas of increase particularly with the following:
#5750-00 Social Security (Increase $5000.00)
The increase is the Town Share for Overtime for Public Works.
#6550 Historic Preservation (Increase $6000.00)
The increase is for a new roof.
#6700 Police Budget (Increase $13,550.50)
The increase is for Police Officers Salaries.
#7050 Ice & Snow (Increase $31,000.00)
The increase includes salt (@$82.50 per ton), sand (@$18.50 per yd),
maintenance/supplies/parts and labor.
Mayor Chatfield requested the Council to approve Schedule B, the budget items that the Town Council has very little discretion with. Motion made by P. Geary to approve Schedule B that the Town Council has very little discretion with. Motion seconded by D. Merriman. Discussion: P. Geary questioned the amount of $85,000.00 allotted for line item Legal Fees #5450-05. P. Geary stated in prior years money would need to be transferred into this category. Mayor Chatfield advised that in prior years this did happen, especially with Toll Bros., but not for the coming fiscal year. Mayor Chatfield also informed the Council of the Legal Fees in the amount of $10,000.00 repaid to the Town from a prior resident, Dr. J. August.
P. Geary questioned under Advertising & Printing, the amount of $19,000.00 allotted for line item #5700-00 Legal Notices (State Mandated). Mayor Chatfield advised particularly with P & Z, for a Public Hearing, two notices go out before and one after a decision is made, all within a certain time period and all costly. Mayor Chatfield advised at some point the State may allow for Legal Notices to be posted online, P. Geary commented on how much the Town would save if the Legal Notices were allowed to be posted online.
C. Mallon requested to put Contingency at the end of the Budget talks to see if more money would need to be added to this line item. C. Mallon also requested to hold Holiday Observances and Youth-Summer Activities until an open meeting to revisit the discussion with Parks & Recreation. Mayor Chatfield advised any item on the budget may be revisited. Motion made by P. Geary to approve Schedule as amended to put Contingency at end of Budget talks. Motion seconded by D. Merriman. Unanimous.
Public Participation:
Bob Hiscox of 224 Matthew St, questioned the date for the Town Meeting. The Mayor advised April 22, 2009 at Community School @ 7:00 P.M.
Motion made by D. Merriman to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by R. Doyon. Meeting adjourned @ 7:07 P.M. Unanimous.
Thomas J. Galvin, Chairman
Rosalyn B. Moffo, Clerk