Finance Committee, April 4, 2018
Minutes Holden Finance Committee April 4, 2018, HMLD
Members Present: Dave White, Paul Challenger, Al Berg, Joe Dolak, Karl Makela, John Lambert, Chris Lucchesi, Don Graves, Marilynn Foley
Also Present: Town Manager Peter Lukes, Asst. Town Manager Stephanie Bacon, DPW Director, John Woodsmall, W/S Superintendent, Ryan Mouradian, Chris Demoranville, Engineer, Selectman Geri Herlihey
The meeting was called to order at 7:05.
The Committee had questions on replacement of water meters and SCADA proposal. Ryan informed the Committee as to the types of meters available, the capabilities and best technology for the town. The W/S Department plans to do the installation and would use an outside manager to schedule the appointments. Ryan explained the need for the SCADA proposal. There are issues with out of date hardware and not being able to find replacement parts. The systems infrastructure needs to be brought up to date. Water main replacements will be completed to finish Shrewsbury Street .
The Committee had questions about road repairs. The town spends about $1,000,000.00 a year on road repairs – Chapter 90 money and DPW budget. John asked about the decision on the mini excavator.
There is an article on the Town meeting warrant from May F/Y18. The article that was voted last year did not cover the bids as they were higher than the estimated cost. $230,000.00 is needed to redo the bidding process.
The Committee received the assessment letter from MRVTHS. There is a 10% increase for F/Y 19. Peter will ask for more information for the Committee.
The Committee discussed the WRSD Budget. The Manager’s Budget for the District was generous. The Committee has asked all town departments for a range of 3-3.5% increase. The WRSD increase for Holden is 7.4%. The Town Budget is lean and fiscally responsible. The WRSD Budget continues to be unsustainable. A motion by Al 2nd by Marilynn to support the WRSD Budget as recommended by the Town Manager. Discussion continued. The committee noted lack of detail in the WRSD Budget and surprisingly no increase in health insurance. Parents and tax payers need to understand there is more than schools, the town needs support also. Marilynn moved the question. The motion was voted unanimously.
The Committee discussed the Capital projects proposed by the WRSD, Mayo School, Jefferson parking lot and WRHS athletic fields. A motion by Dave 2nd by Karl not to approve the Mayo project was voted unanimously. A motion by Dave 2nd by Chris to support the WRHS field project was voted in favor 6-3 (opposed Karl, Don ,Marilynn). A motion 2nd by John to support the Jefferson School project was voted unanimously.
A motion by John 2nd by Al to approve the minutes of October 11, 2017 was voted unanimously (abstained Marilynn).
The meeting adjourned at 9:28.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilynn Foley, Clerk
-