HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - AC - 01/22/2015 Town of
_ cohasset
Massachusetts
MEETING MINUTES
Town of Cohasset
Advisory Committee
TIME: January 22, 2015
7:04 pm - 8:34 pm
PLACE: Cohasset Town Hall, Board of Selectmen Room
ATTENDEES:
Advisory Committee Presenters
• Peter Pescatore, Chair None
• Bob Benson
• Tanya Bodell Town Manager
• Richard Fitzpatrick Chris Senior
• Leland Jenkins
• Lynda Mooney Selectmen
• John Chapman • Diane Kennedy
1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 7:04 pm by Peter Pescatore, Chair of the
Advisory Committee.
2. Reserve Fund Request—Facilities Maintenance Department
Chris Senior presented a request for transfer of$28,000 from the Reserve Fund to Facilities
Personnel. The request is for the purpose of covering the absence of an employee on an
unanticipated lengthy medical need. The requested transfer is proposed to be used $20,000
to cover a new Facilities Foreman position and $8,000 for additional part-time hours for
building and janitorial support services.
Mr. Senior noted that last year during its budget review the Advisory Committee suggested
that Facilities might be the one understaffed department of the Town. Having had time to
observe and review, he agrees, with respect to both head count and skill set. Hence he was
already planning to propose changes in budget to create a Facilities Foreman position. In
particular there is a need for a second person able to perform repairs such as HVAC, to
Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes =r. Tawas of
January 22, 2015 `' " Cahasset
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manage service contractors (e.g.,plumbing, electrical, HVAC) and perform other skilled
tasks. To respond to this medical leave he's proposing to accelerate that process.
The new position would be 30 hours with an annualized salary of$47,000 per year to start,
but he may propose to make it full-time in the FYI budget.
Current balance of the Reserve Fund is approximately $194,000.
A MOTION TO APROVE THE TRANSFER was made by Leland Jenkins and seconded by
Bob Benson. Approved 7-0
3. Reserve Fund Transfer Request—IT Support
Chris Senior presented a request for transfer of$18,000 from the Reserve Fund to
Technology Services. The current chief technology officer(CTO), Rob Bonnell, is leaving at
the end of January. His responsibilities have included all network monitoring and
management,which are critical for the on-going functioning of the town. To cover this
function effectively during the transition, Mr. Senior plans to engage the services GGE
services in a six month contract to provide 24x7 network monitoring and management
services. The transfer will support this while also replacing the CTO. It is likely this
arrangement will be continued in the FY 16 budget, since the practice to date means there is
but a single point of failure for a critical system.
A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER was made by Bob Benson and seconded by
Leland Jenkins. Approved 7-0
4. Minutes
Minutes for 11/17/14 and 12/2/14 are outstanding.
No decision or vote taken.
5. Annual town meeting
Peter Pescatore summarized what is known so far about warrant articles for the up-coming
May 2, 2015 Annual town Meeting. Initial drafts of three articles from the Alternative
Energy Committee to support the Green Communities initiative have been received and
distributed to the Committee. In addition he has heard of plans from the Planning Board and
ZBA for housekeeping by-law amendments.
The deadline for citizens' petitions is February 17, 2015.
No decision or vote taken.
Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes =r. Tawas of
October 23, 2014 Cahasset
Page 3 Massachusetts
6. Preliminary FY 16 Plan of the School Committee
There was a brief discussion of a Preliminary FY 16 budget plan from the School Committee
which was distributed to Advisory Committee members. The expected budget request is
5.5% ($932,595) above the FY 15 budget,with no provision for any cost increases that may
result from negotiation of a new teachers' contract; the current contract expires in FY 15.
Peter Pescatore observed that new revenue for the Town is expected to be —$850,000.
No decision or vote taken.
7. Action to reduce OPEB liability
Peter Pescatore informed the Committee that the Board of Selectmen is proceeding with a
plan to move teacher retirees from the GIC to the town plan with a concomitant reduction in
the town's share of the premium cost to 50%, which will result in a several million dollar
reduction in the town's total accrued OPEB liability. An important element of the FY 16
budget review will be the amount allocated to the OPEB Trust Fund.
No decision or vote taken.
8. Mid-year financials
There was a brief discussion of the FY 15 mid-year financial statements which were
distributed to Advisory Committee members. Peter Pescatore complimented Chris Senior for
the quality of the presentation, which he found more informative than in past.
No decision or vote taken.
9. Adjournment at 8:34 pm
Respectfully submitted,
John Chapman, Secretary
Advisory Committee