A meeting convened at 7:35 PM in Town Hall.
Members in attendance: Bothwick, Croft, Herbster, Kenney, Martin, Putnam and Sullivan
Members absent: Carr
Other present: Town Accountant, Town Administrator, and the BOS Chairman
Mr. Bothwick presided.
OPERATING BUDGETS
Recreation – The Recreation Director joined the meeting.
The program coordinator’s salary and benefits are funded by the revolving account. The school has a new policy that charges users after 5 PM with a $10 energy fee for each program. It was suggested to look at the historical program fees.
Singing Beach Operations – The increase in salaries is for a FT adult manager, reorganizing the current schedule which uses two PT youth managers. This position will include overseeing lifeguards. Currently the Director spends 60% of his time at the beach, 40% on recreation of which 5% is at Tuck’s Point. A spreadsheet of revenue and expense allocation was distributed. They have a new plumbing service which is less expensive than the previous one.
Tuck’s Point – The budget was reviewed without questions. The Town Administrator reported that nothing has been done with funding from CPC to repair the railings, etc., at the rotunda.
Observances – The increase for the 4th of July is due to a five year commitment made by the BOS until the budget reaches $10,000. There is a surplus of funds from last years fund raising efforts.
Mr. Sullivan will request an expense report from the Legion for the Memorial Day observance.
Lifeguards – The salary increase is due to the need for an additional lifeguard.
DPW – The DPW Director joined the meeting.
The reduction in salaries is due to reorganization and not filling two vacant positions. The Director would like to see one position filled because the department doesn’t have enough personnel to work the snow equipment. He would also like to have all recreation maintenance expenses in the DPW budget. The Town Administrator reported that the coordination of maintenance for Sweeney Park between the school and the DPW is not done well.
Snow – The Town Administrator pointed out some ways that expenses can be reduced by cutting services.
Street Lighting – The large increase is due to increased distribution costs. The Town owns the lights in the downtown beautification area and their usage is included in this budget, but not their maintenance. Savings can be realized for the other Town lighting if the Town purchases the lights. If you turn lights off, turning them back on is very expensive.
Sanitation/Composting/Recycling – A contract with a new contractor will reduce the tipping fees expense. If curbside collection is eliminated the Town could save $400,000.
There is currently no market for recycling. Following up on the discussion regarding Hiltz leasing the transfer station, it was noted that a scale would need to be purchased, but there would be no cost to the Town for the operation of the station. This project would have to go out for bid. Current revenue from the transfer station is approximately $67,000.
The Committee requested analyses of eliminating curbside service and transfer station service. The BOS will consider increasing fees.
Sewer – Since the repairs to Beach Street and the replacement of manholes the Director reported that the flow is much reduced. He identified other problem I&I areas as the harbor wall behind Town Hall going up Ashland Avenue, Walker Road, Lincoln Street to Summer Street, and Bridge Street. According to the DPW Director the Town could theoretically handle usage if the I&I problems were resolved.
The FinCom concurs that ideally every household would like to be on the sewer system. In order to inform the user how they will benefit by putting the costs on the tax rate, a solution must be identified and guaranteed.
CAPTIAL ITEMS
Sewer – Bio filter media replacement – This needed to be replaced last year.
Computer/control upgrade – This should have been done 2-3 years ago.
Vacuum truck – Needed to flush out the sewer mains
Oxygen sensors and feed processors – These items save money and help with
functionality.
Inflow meter – This is necessary to see what comes into the plant.
Portable gensets – This is precautionary equipment.
Harbor loop main repair – This project would complete the salt water
infiltration.
The Director’s priorities are the bio filter media replacement, grinder pump, grit pump replacement, and computer/control upgrade. He noted that the other projects need to be addressed.
Water - Rebuild Round Pond pump station – This is a state mandate.
Treatment plant filter media replacement – There have been a lot of problems with the water quality in some areas of Town. This amount can be reduced to $38,000.
Computer/control upgrade – There is a need to eliminate excess equipment and replace it with a more effective system. The amount could change.
Lincoln St. well electrical upgrade – This is the second phase of upgrading the generator system.
Water plant upgrades – This is upgrades to equipment.
The Director’s priorities are the Round Pond pump station, treatment plant filter media replacement and computer/control upgrade.
DPW – Dump Truck, 2002 and 2003 Pickup Truck Replacements – The amounts include plow assembly and can likely be reduced. After five years the maintenance costs for vehicles increases if they are not replaced.
Move water building operations – This is a mandated project. The Fire Chief wants to use the top floor for storage of civil defense equipment.
Replace cemetery building sill – The building is listing to one side.
The FinCom requested that the DPW Director prepare a list of projects indicating whether they are mandated, repairs, replacement needs, and also include the useful life of projects.
OTHER BUSINESS
Recreation – The Director would like to lease a van rather than pay a monthly rental fee.
He is concerned about the structural state of the Singing Beach bathhouse, and its usefulness. In light of the new school usage fee policy he would like to move away from using the school in the future.
Public Boat Ramp – There was some discussion about putting a public boat ramp at Tuck’s Point to generate revenue. The Town Administrator reported that the state will repair the public ramp behind Town Hall for free if we allocate parking spaces to them. The BOS are discussing options.
CPC – The Town Administrator reported that CPC is considering reverting funds for the Tuck’s Point study to the Crowell Chapel repairs.
Fueling Station – The DPW Director reported that this project is stalled due to weather; however it is 80% complete. The Town has asked the School for a $10,000 investment.
The meeting adjourned at 11:05 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith Sabella
Clerk
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