Selectmen’s Minutes
Joint Meeting
Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee
and School Committee
September 25, 2007
Bourne Veterans’ Memorial Community Center
239 Main Street
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
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Attendance:
Thomas M. Guerino
Board of Selectmen
Stephen F. Mealy, Chairman
Jamie J. Sloniecki, Vice Chairman
Judith Conron, Clerk
Linda M. Zuern
John A. Ford, Jr.
Call the Meeting to
Order
Meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M.
Moment of
Silence/Salute the Flag
Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Zuern to approve Minutes of September 18, 2007 as amended. VOTE 5-0.
September 26, 2007 - Sr. Management at Best Western. Booklets on groundwater study program – www.MMR.com for info. Free classes and transportation to the base for high school students.
September 30, 2007 - 3 Mile Cleanup at 8:00 a.m. on Perry Avenue
September 27, 2007 – Spotlight on Bourne - Organic Farming at 7:30 pm
October 17, 2007 - Friends of Jonathan Bourne Public Library at 7:00 pm – Leslie Morrissey to discuss highs and lows of growing a library
Bob Schoffield – Cape Light Compact – Fall Turn-In Events on Saturday, September 29, 2007 (9-3pm Bourne Middle School); Saturday, October 6, 2007 (9-3pm Yarmouth Senior Center); and Saturday, October 20, 2007 (9-3pm Mid-Cape Home Centers, Orleans).
Selectman Conron reviewed the correspondence. All correspondence is one file in the Town Administrator’s Office for review.
Shellfish Regulations – Tim Mullen
Two proposed amendments to the current regulations:
Chm. Mealy read Shellfish Regulation Amendment No: 2007-2 into the record.
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Conron to approve Shellfish Regulation Amendment No: 2007-2 - addition of a second oyster bed in Little Bay. VOTE 5-0.
Paul Busheuff noted movement on all oysters in Pocasset River on October 4, 2007 and October 5, 2007. Contact Win McLane to volunteer.
Chm. Mealy read Shellfish Regulation Amendment No: 2007-3 into the record.
Selectman Zuern MOVED and SECONDED by
Selectman Sloniecki to approve Shellfish Regulation Amendment No: 2007-3 to
harvesting quahogs on designated oyster beds to last two Sundays of the oyster
season.
Charlie Miller noted opposing the quahogs limitations, as long as stay within one (1) peck.
Paul Bushueff stressed Mr. Miller’s points.
Jim Mulvey noted his approval of the limitation of the quahog harvesting season.
Steve McNally noted consider banning quahog harvesting altogether in the oyster bed.
Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to amend previous vote to no harvesting of quahogs from designated oyster beds until further notice. VOTE 5-0.
Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to original motion for quahogs not harvested from designated oyster beds until further notice VOTE 5-0.
Conservation Restrictions Part two of Policy adoption
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by
Selectman Ford to postpone the Conservation Restrictions Part two of Policy
adoption. VOTE 5-0.
TA Guerino noted the Board can accept restrictions and at a later date, hear comments to adopt policy. Therefore the motion is not necessary. This is the second reading.
TA Guerino will e-mail proper paperwork to the Board. The proposed staff recommendations will be on October 2, 2007.
Recess to Joint Meeting with School Committee and FinCom
– 7pm
Selectman Zuern MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to recess before joint meeting with FinCom and School Committee. UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Members of the Board, Finance Committee and School Committee were in attendance.
Linda Marzelli, Finance Director.
TA Guerino noted discussion of Fiscal Policy to address and replenish reserves for the next 5 years.
He also noted addressing budget and put in place to address questions of the town’s ability to expend financial monies. There will be future meetings to discuss services considered “non-essentials”.
Overview
TA Guerino noted Selectmen’s Meeting of last week discussed the Year End Report, based on projections on revenue and expenditure. Revenues are within a couple percent given level of State funding. Excise tax is an area of decline.
Provided the policies primarily adopted by the Selectmen include: 1) Unreserved balances from 99 forward; 2) Health insurance trust balances; 3)free cash balances; 4)Stabilization balances; 4) Long term financial planning model. This is without Capital.
No Special Town Meeting Articles forthcoming that will affect the tax rate going forward for December. A Special Town Meeting is proposed later rather than earlier.
Bargaining unit set forth to date did well. Some restrictions moving forward on sick leave buy back; long term planning will provide stability on what to expect in years forward (FinCom and Board ).
TA Guerino noted most items are long-term ranges. He also noted no policies set tonight, but perhaps some goals.
Linda Marzelli reviewed the Town of Bourne Unreserved Fund Balances (retained earnings; anything set aside). Chm. Mealy noted this has almost doubled from last year due to the override in 2006.
Health Insurance Trust Fund Balances - $2,303,299. TA Guerino noted the jump between 2005 and 2006 is from: 1) due to some employees changing plans; and 2) most from the override.
TA Guerino also noted the $480,000 from 2006-07 is due to employees’ willingness to move from Master Health Plus to a PPO; and good management practices (Finance Director, Benefits Director).
Free Cash Balances
2006 - $3,911,948 ($32,762 used)
2007 - $1,428,805 (TA Guerino noted the $530,000 +/- was for paying back a loan to ourselves).
Stabilization Balances – end of Fiscal Year
2008 - $1,841,529 ($593,304 voted during fiscal year).
Hal DeWaltoff (FinCom Chm.) noted being up $1M in Reserves.
Not a lot of changes at this point. Ms. Marzelli noted that the FY07 figures are the budget, not what is spent.
Elinor Ripley (FinCom Co-Vice Chair) noted historical numbers were not actual numbers (not accurate), rather budgeted numbers voted at Town Meeting. She requested having actual numbers being put into the equation.
Ms. Ripley also requested documenting one place showing the numbers for the last three (3) years. (expenditures, actuals and receipts). Chm. Mealy noted as an action item of the Board.
Selectman Zuern inquired about taking Reserved Funds and putting into Stabilization Fund. Ms. Marzelli noted requiring 2/3 vote to take in or out.
TA Guerino noted assumed rates need to be updated and if follow up on Elinor’s comments, for the most part of 05 forward, have a better cash position than shows. This will be a number (augment revenues or start looking at reductions – he also pointed out that Capital is not included.)
Hal DeWaltoff inquired how FinCom can communicate better to the public as far as Capital needs (a big priority for the Finance Committee).
ISWM Contributions to the General Fund
2007 - $1,929,430 – ISWM’s contribution to Host Community Fee $657,060
2008 - $2,180,524 – ISWM’s contribution to Host Community Fee $500,000
Year End Expenditures Closed to Fund Balance
2006 - $576,511 – excess closed from budgets
2007 - $902,040 – excess closed from budgets
Total closed in 2007 includes $275,000 from Group Insurance.
Hal DeWaltoff (FinCom Chm.) noted a $2.1M net benefit. He would like to know the net contribution from ISWM.
Chm. Mealy noted bringing in actuals to make projections (a goal of the Board). Until really understand where numbers are, we don’t have a picture of where we are today.
Chm. Mealy also noted the need to identify Free Cash.
Hal DeWaltoff noted having a plan before the budget.
Selectman Conron noted the Board’s priorities being: 1) a Capital plan; 2) integrate Capital plan; and 3) Long Term Revenue projections.
Chm. Mealy noted for the last three years the town’s focus was building reserves.
TA Guerino agreed to the need for a financial plan. He also noted in the past two fis cal years we were trying
to achieve fiscal stability.
TA Guerino noted plugging in numbers are assumptions and not good numbers. One thing to do as roll out Capital Plan, get some people who know how to put numbers together (more than feasibility and less than true construction). Have some tools to put together.
Marilyn Morris (FinCom) noted the Sewer problem and ways to inform the public.
Chm. Mealy suggested two (2) members from each board (Selectmen, FinCom and School Committee) to pull together a “Planning Model” to bring up to speed, working with TA and Fin Director doing some analyses. This is to get actual analyses to an actual document the public can view.
Hal DeWaltoff volunteered Michele Ford and himself to review numbers with TA Guerino and Finance Director.
Chm. Mealy noted a glimpse of our priorities in the past 5 years will say where we have spent our money. He also stated setting priorities and where should spend money.
Selectman Zuern asked what the School Committee’s priorities for this year the Board should be made aware of.
School Committee
Ed LaFleur, Superintendent, noted keeping the budget down without cutting programs in the last few years. However, there is an unseen cost (27 students in first grade class; Spanish 30 students in high school).
Mr. LaFleur noted the school is continuing to do so, but wants to add that the public should be aware of the hidden costs (larger classes) to the students.
Selectman Zuern inquired Mr. LaFleur’s opinion of a Menu Override – Ed LaFleur noted he would consider but would have to know details. His concern is pitting departments against each other.
Chm. of School Committee noted the medical savings are a one-time group savings. The new school project is big issue and will determine what will happen to other school buildings. He also noted Peebles not being renovated in a long time.
He noted monitoring school costs using a new budgeting program and see where they line up with State numbers.
Chm. of School Committee noted looking at long term upkeep and capital projects of the school buildings in the town. He also stated the field updates are a huge asset to the children, a gift from the public.
One member of the School Committee – Joe Gordon is deployed and won’t be back this year, therefore bringing the School Committee down to six (6) members. He retains this position while he is deployed. The School Committee wish Joe well and hope he is back soon.
Mr. LaFleur stressed the increase in test results from the schools. He also stated that given what they spend, test scores are exceeding what they should be.
Selectman Ford sees the town stabilized, but suggested looking at what is needed. Let the public know what those needs are and not go into deficit spending. This means hard choices: 1) cut services. He sees menu override as being for new services; and 2) debt exclusions – library, fire station, police station - will come back.
Selectman Conron noted the Town of Sandwich having the long term financial plan up on their website to have budget discussions.
Selectman Sloniecki inquired of timeframe. TA Guerino noted schedule first and then Free Cash certification is about five to six weeks.
Chm. Mealy noted asking creating a Goals List, not necessarily have tonight. He suggested members here tonight to go to Sandwich website and review.
Mary Jane Mastrangelo inquired about what the expectations on capital expenditures are.
TA Guerino noted to figure out what numbers are, what need and see how fits into a figure and it breaks down to what priorities mean. On what Bourne spent in Capital over the last couple of years, it is a similar amount to towns greater than us. The key is to figure how much over a period of time and how fits into budgetary plan.
Selectman Ford noted all revenues over $500,000 in the Host Community Fee can be put into Capital Outlay Stabilization Fund and take revenue that can be put in the Operations Budget.
Chm. Mealy noted two sides of Capital expenditure: 1) cash; and 2) borrowing cash. Having capital expenditure, budgeting will be easier.
Selectman Conron noted Capital Outlay Committee is designated by the bylaw to have continuity and longevity. Sidenote: Capital Outlay Committee’s FinCom representatives are Mary Jane Mastrangelo, Don Pickard and Elinor Ripley. Selectman Conron noted possibly getting a full committee.
Committee appointments -
Selectman Conron MOVED
and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to appoint Anne LaPlante to the
Archives Committee (3 yr. term). VOTE
5-0.
Selectman Conron MOVED
and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to appoint Kendellynn Cavanaugh
Gagne to the Commission on Disabilities (3 yr. term).
VOTE 5-0.
TA Guerino will
provide update on Emily Boudrot (re-appointment) before taking vote on the
re-appointment.
Selectman Conron MOVED
and SECONDED by Selectman Zuern to re-appoint Virginia Anderson to the
Open Space Committee (3 yr. term). VOTE
5-0.
Selectman Conron MOVED
and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to re-appoint Susan Cronin, Edward
Linhares and Judith Shorrock to the Special Works Opportunity Program (SWOP) (1
yr. terms). VOTE 5-0.
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED
and SECONDED by Selectman Zuern to re-appoint Brent Goins to the Upper
Cape Transfer Station (1 yr. term). VOTE
5-0.
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED
and SECONDED by Selectman Zuern to re-appoint Thomas Barclay to the
Veterans’ Graves Officer (1 yr. term). VOTE
5-0.
Other Selectmen’s Business
Chm. Mealy noted Lt. Richard Tavares – was chosen to carry the torch for the Special Olympics in China on October 2, 2007. He wanted to recognize Lt. Tavares. Selectman Ford recommended TA Guerino write a letter of recommendation to go into his file.
Selectman Zuern requested putting the Town of Walpole on a future agenda.
Selectman Zuern commented on the correspondence letter of the Cape Cod Commission regarding MPO elections. Anyone from board interested on serving, to notify TA Guerino.
Selectman Conron recognized the Cape Cod Region of Commerce for the successful Scallop Festival
Town Administrator’s Report
Finance Director with the IT Director (from the Town of Acton) interviewed three (3) finalists for the IT position in Bourne. Pending background checks, they plan on making an offer to one candidate within the next few weeks.
TA Guerino will be at the Mass. Maritime Academy.
Police Assessments came in on Monday.
DPW feasibility opens next week – sent out 24 responses.
TA Guerino wanted to thank Wes Ewell for volunteering his services for the RFP regarding the Canalside vs. hotel complex plan. TA Guerino is reviewing with Town Planner.
Regional Tech School Budget will be on October 22, 2007 (future agenda items showing incorrect date) for clarification.
Selectmen’s Reports
Selectman Zuern attended the Opening Ceremony at the Bourne Scallop Festival.
She also noted walking for the Housing Assistance Corporation and has received donations from sponsors. She would be happy to accept future donations.
Adjourn
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Zuern to adjourn. UNANIMOUS VOTE. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Groezinger, sec.