HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - AC - 02/16/2017 Town of Cohasset
Advisory Committee
Minutes, February 16, 2016
PLACE: Selectmen s Meeting Room, Town Hall
ATTENDEES:
Advisory Committee Also attending
Nan Roth, Chair - Chris Senior, Town
Tanya Bodell Manager
Paul Carlson - Mary Gallagher, Finance
- John Chapman Director
Richard Fitzpatrick - Jacqueline Rafferty,
Leland Jenkins Library
Helene Lieb - Carolyn Coffey, Chair,
Library Trustees
- Paul Kierce, Chair,
Council for Elder Affairs
Coral Grande, Director of
Elder Affairs
Ron Menard, Chief
Technology Officer
- Robert Silvia, Fire Chief
7:05 PM The meeting was called to order by Chairman Nan Roth
The minutes for 2/2/2017 were reviewed. Lich moved for approval, Chapman seconded. The vote to
approve was 4—0, Jenkins abstained.
Town Manager Senior presented a request for a transfer from the reserve fund of$85,000 for the town
portion of a legal settlement. Jenkins stated that he was concerned that communications with former
selectmen who were involved in this matter were very poor.
The reserve fund balance is $182,499.01 before this transfer.
Chapman moved approval of this request, Carlson seconded. The vote was 6-0 with no abstentions.
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Roth stated that this action leaves about$97,000 in the reserve fund. Senior stated that we are over on our
snow budget which win necessitate another hit to the fund. Responding to Lieb's question, Senior
informed the committee that there was an earlier transfer of about$18,000 for removing the moorings
from the harbor to facilitate the dredging.
Review of Library Budget
Library Director Rafferty reviewed the library budget. They want to return the book purchasing line item
to the 2008 level. It was reduced during when finances became tight. They also need to replace an old
copier that is not compatible with other town copiers which requires stocking extra parts for maintenance.
The upholstery of some of the furniture is fraying and needs replacement.
Chris Senior stated that the town wants to centralize copier purchases and, eventually,buy them all in one
contract. He also said that the focus is currently on phone upgrades.
Rafferty cited studies showing that reading comprehension is better with print media than digital although
the library will continue to support both. E-book sales are down substantially.
Roth cautioned that the schools should be careful about over emphasis on digital learning materials.
Jenkins moved that the committee recommend approval of the library budget. Lieb seconded and the
motion passed 7-0.
Elder Affairs Budget
Director Grande discussed the department's mission statement and 2017/2018 goals: expand hours,
nutritional services and the transport system. CEA chairman Kierce noted that participation in elder
activities is up 20%and transportation rides are up 14%. The transportation services are being overseen
by a single 19 hour employee who is being paid from a grant.
Lieb sought to information on the contribution from revolving accounts and grants to see the total
spending of the department. Fitzpatrick also wanted to see total program spending. Senior stated that a
new reporting format will show include that information.
Roth asked about a warrant article that will cover revolvers and grants.
Jenkins asked about the usage of vans and Grande said that they are the most expensive form of
transportation which they try to use only when necessary.
Bodell asked Kierce to define the term"value based services"which he had used in his presentation. The
key to this term is adding value by enabling people to stay in their homes.
Carlson cited the financial policies statement passed by Town Meeting a few years ago that forbid using
grant money for operating expenses by town departments. Kierce stated that the transportation services
position needed to be funded to provide adequate service. Lieb mentioned that the School Department
Ialso uses grant money for operating expenses. Carlson replied that departments should respect policies
established by Town Meeting. Senior said that he will look into this matter.
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The committee agreed to vote on the CEA budget after it is completed.
Information Technology
Chief Technology Officer Menard first reviewed the Infrastructure Budget. The network has been
completed and he plans to finish the servers and phones by July. Security for the schools is in place and
tied to the Police Department. The new phone service will require less support. The amount spent on the
schools will be up as the Help Desk Operator will be upgraded to system support.
The Town Information Budget reflects the ongoing program to remove expenses from other departments
and centralize.
Jenkins moved that the committee recommend approval of these budget. Bodell seconded and the vote
was 7-0.
Fire Department
Chief Silvia reviewed the Fire Department Budget. He discussed usage of the department and its
services,personnel and overtime and the ambulance services.
Jenkins asked about purchases of pumpers.
Bodell moved that the committee recommend approval of the fire budget. Jenkins seconded and the vote
was 7-0
Chapman stated that the school budget will be on their website soon. It is within the guidelines.
At 9:33 PM Bodell moved adjournment, Jenkins seconded. The motion was approved 7—0.
Respectfully submitted:
Paul Carlson
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