ROCKLAND FINANCE COMMITTEE

ROCKLAND TOWN HALL

ROCKLAND, MA 02370

February 29, 2012

In attendance at February 15, 2012 Finance Committee meeting were Bill Allen, Bob MacDonald, Joe Gabon, Julie Shaffer and Rachel Gear, Rich Penny was absent

The meeting was brought to order at 6:38 Chairman Bill Allen read aloud that the meeting was being recorded and could be reproduced.

Review of Minutes – Julie made a motion to except minutes Joe 2nd Unanimous vote

Mike Zupkafska asked if he may address the committee- He asked if the Finance Committee to consider showing the actually cost of contracts with a break down for each year over the contract life. Bill is going to look into this and find out more information about it. Further discussion will take place at a later date.

Fire Dept. Scott Duffey Update- the Fire Dept received a grant for Medical Equipment $121,565 the town needs to match 5% of the grant total $6,078 in order to receive the money. The Dept may be asking for more money to fill all equipment need.

A 2nd regional grant was received for radio equipment. Abington and Rockland Fire combined received a grant $700,100 to be split evenly. Rockland and Abington need to match %10 of the grant total $70,010 in order to receive the grant. This would be $35,005 for the town of Rockland.

Scott is getting estimates for a new boiler for the Fire Station. Currently has 2 estimates for $90,000 and 1 estimate for $200,000. He in looking into why the difference in cost. They are replacing oil with gas. This could possible come out of the green air grant.

Zoning – Bob advised extra money for 2 extra meetings this would make 18 meetings a year. Reason for extra meeting -tickets have gone out for violations from the building dept. Advertising is for posting of articles in the Patriot Ledger which is a requirement by statute. This year it will include articles for wind and solar

Planning Board – $5,225.00 no increase

Tree – $ requested to hire 1 guy for Tree and Highway cost is in request at $40,000. Also includes another $6,000 increase in superintendent salary line item. Received a Bucket truck from the base, the cost for the hired equipment line will go away in 2014.

Highway – There is an increase in the line of materials and hire equipment from $107,650 to $120,000.00 we have a question for Eric about Secretary line item. $5000 is taken out of part time line because they would like to hire a new employee. Overall a 2.81% increase in the total budget.

Water Department – Employee Benefits went up; purchasing 3 new computers set ups for front office. Chemicals went up $50,000

$ 273,787.64 – 58% of usage compared to 52% last year for Rockland. There is an increase insurance $2,250 related to former Rockland employees. Decrease in systems maintenance $15,000.00, also increase in office supplies ( postage) and field support

New bond – for dredging of reservoir

The water department is looking to purchase land 2 pieces 1 for $300,000 10 Acers as well as 1 for $650,000 for the lot of land beside the water plant. The land owners have plans to sell it and a gas station may purchase the land. Water officials do not want a gas station near the town’s water supply.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:47 by Julie 2nd by Joe

Respectfully,

Rachel Gear

Secretary

Rockland Finance Committee

ROCKLAND FINANCE COMMITTEE

ROCKLAND TOWN HALL

ROCKLAND, MA 02370

February 8, 2012

In attendance at February 8, 2012 Finance Committee meeting were Bill Allen, Bob MacDonald, Julie Shaffer and Rachel Gear. Absent were Rich Penney and Joe Gambon.

The meeting was brought to order at 7:02 Chairman Bill Allen read aloud that the meeting was being recorded and could be reproduced.

New Business

Town Clerk 

Contracts are in negotiations, so no Salary increases are present. The town Clerks office no longer is doing passports therefore Selectmen had removed line item for clerical line. They have since changed their position. Eric will get back to us on the amount. One less day next year because of the leap year. Longevity will decrease do to the fact Mary Pat is retiring this year. The committee requested an increase of $1,500 for Dues and meetings for the incoming clerk. The department requested that $750 be added back to the Sundries account to cover purchase of dog licenses. We should review this budget again in 2 months because of unforeseen changes. The Clerk put in for a transfer of $750 to be taken from dog receipts. Julie made the motion and Bob 2^nd vote was unanimous.

Town Meeting and Elections – Talk about the cost. Eric will look up the 2010 election cost and will get to the committee. Tabled this until we have more information.

Registrar of Voters – requesting an increase in budget do to increase in postage. This relates to the annual census and list of resident mailings.

Board of Assessors  Deborah Krupczak and Dennis Robson

Looking into putting the Towns Property Cards online will cost $2500 for the license. Software is already in place and being used. This would be a service to residents. The department currently has a contract for $6,000. This covers software and licenses.

South Shore Voctech is making them a new counter and should be installed soon. Cost materials only. The committee requested an education line item. Currently spend $500 in training for employees.  Total budget will increase 2.3% with $2500 for new license for on-line access to property cards.

Board of Selectman

Department is requesting an increase of $5,000 increase in the line of Town Administrator towards a health insurance stipend that is in his contract.

Maintenance of landfill – Currently budgeted at $33K, may need $37K. Also may need work done in preparation for solar array. This would be an article in the warrant.

Department is requesting $1250 for Advertising an increase of $700

Legal Services- will stay the same

Traffic Control  requesting based upon actual from previous year. Decrease of $6,325

Street lights will decrease $14,212 from the previous year.

Zoning Board Will need to have Bob Manzella in to review budget. Advertising and Secretary line item in question.

Other Budget Information:

2^nd year Leases payments will be taken from LNR they include the following

Fire Truck $49,641.38  School Truck $25,794.23

3^rd year lease payment for police car $24,266.50

70/30 spilt of revenues between school and remainder Eric will be attending school committee meeting next week to talk with them about this.

Other Business

Discussed a Policy Statement for the Finance Committee regarding Free Cash.

Capital Planning is looking for members!!!

Next Meeting: February 15^th at 7:30 pm. In the Lower conference room.

Meeting Adjourned by Julie 2^nd by Rachel.

Respectfully,

Rachel Gear

Secretary

Rockland Finance Committee

]]> http://rockland-ma.gov/finance-committee-meeting-feb-8-2012/feed/ 0 http://rockland-ma.gov/finance-committee-meeting-feb-1-2012/ http://rockland-ma.gov/finance-committee-meeting-feb-1-2012/#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:06:10 +0000 Town Hall http://rockland-ma.gov/?p=1503 Minutes

ROCKLAND FINANCE COMMITTEE

ROCKLAND TOWN HALL

ROCKLAND, MA 02370

February 1, 2012

In attendance at February 1, 2012 Finance Committee meeting were Bill Allen, Bob MacDonald, Joe Gambon, Rich Penny, Julie Shaffer and Rachel Gear

The meeting was brought to order at   7:02 Chairman Bill Allen read aloud that the meeting was being recorded and could be reproduced.

New Business

Sewer- John Loughlin

Budget request: $2,215,587 vs. $2,149,963 appropriation for FY 2012. This represents a 3.20% increase Year over Year. Biggest reasons for increase are the result of the drainage account being increased from 30K to 80K. This along with the increase in hours for the administrative assistant, from 35 to 40 hours, are a result of the Sewer Department taking on responsibility of maintaining the storm water drains in FY 2013. Contract operations will increase to $1,577,575. Water rates will remain the same as last year $3.90 per hcf. This remains low in comparison to the surrounding area.

2 articles for town meeting. One is for $100,000 inflow and infiltrations removal. The 2^nd is for $100,000 tank maintenance. These would be taken from the sewer development fund and the un-restricted fund account respectively.

At this time the Sewer Department has just finished a 3 year pump change out program. Pumps generally last 15-20 years. Depending on DEP & EPA requirements, the plant which is 50 years old may need to have a major upgrade in the next few years. This is dependent upon new regulations. John Loughlin has talked with Siemens, who has done a full analysis of what would be needed if an upgrade would be necessary. Siemens would partner with the town and use the sale of electricity it generates for payment.

Police   Chief John Llewellyn

Budget Request: $3,333,471.18 vs. $3,055,178 appropriation in FY 2012

Chief has a new contract which calls for a sick leave buy back for him, over a 3 year term. FY 2013 is the second year of this buyback

This year, due to the retirement of 2 officers, sick leave buyback of $103,000 is being allocated from current funding hindering the department’s ability to hire replacement officers.

Included Salary increases of 2 1/2 %.

Asking to add back a 34th officer. If able to add back officer, OT should be reduced by 20K to FY 2012 levels. He has spent $20,000 cruiser maintenance, although the town passed to lease cars last year there is still a need. Sundries – problems with HVAC leaking in men’s locker room. Jeff’s Carpets recently donated tile and labor to replace worn tile in the lunchroom.

Police other charges increase 1,200, 3 in command staff, need for additional training.

Salary 911 Dispatchers: Increase to 102K, which includes raises retro to 2009. They receive a grant $41,000 to supplement 911, annually.

Articles: $66K for 2 new cruisers, $45K for new CAD software. Currently looking at a product produced by a company in NJ looking to establish a MA base.

Town account –Eric Hart

Asst Town account and clerical hired at a lower rate. Vacation coverage increased as a result of bumps people receive when their superiors are out of the office for a period greater than 5 days. There is a new line item of $500, which represents reimbursement for Life Insurance, per Eric’s contract. Both the Asst. Town Acct and Clerical receive proficiency pay per their contracts. Asked Eric break out Sundries and show his seminars and training on a separate line item.

Update on available Funds: $471,000 in LNR money and $432,000 free cash.

Finance Committee needs to set up a stabilization policy regarding the use of free cash. Also needs to submit article regarding Stabilization fund for Town meeting.

Other Business

• Received Preliminary Assessment from SSVT which calls for an increase of $60 K YOY or 4.02% to $1,559,139.

OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

• School Building Committee
  • No Updates given.
  • Capital Planning Committee
    • No updates given.

NEXT MEETING:

Currently the next meeting is scheduled for February 8, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lower conference room.

Rich made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Joe Gambon.  A unanimous vote was taken and the meeting ended at 8:53 p.m.

Respectfully

Rachel Gear

Secretary

Rockland Finance Committee

ROCKLAND FINANCE COMMITTEE

ROCKLAND TOWN HALL

ROCKLAND, MA 02370

January 25, 2012

In attendance at January 25, 2012 Finance Committee meeting were Bill Allen, Bob MacDonald, Joe Gambon, Rich Penney and Rachel Gear. Julie Schaffer was absent.

The meeting was brought to order at 7:07 p.m. by Vice Chairman Joe Gambon. Joe read aloud that the meeting was being recorded and could be reproduced.

Rich Penney made a motion to accept the minutes from the January 11, 2012 meeting, seconded by                          Bob MacDonald. A unanimous vote was taken. Rachel Gear abstained as she was absent at the meeting on 1/11/2012.

New Business

• Finance Committee re-organization. Due to his desire to run for Town Treasurer, John Ellard was required, by statute, to resign from his role as chairman. After discussion among members of the committee, Bill Allen was nominated as chairman by Bob MacDonald, seconded by Rich Penney. A unanimous vote was taken.
• Bill Allen then resigned from his position of secretary. After discussion, Rachel Gear was nominated by Rich Penney, seconded by Bob Macdonald. A unanimous vote was taken.
• Fire Department Budget Review: Chief Scott Duffey and Mary Ryan were in attendance.
  • FY 2013 Proposed Budget: $2,734,559 vs. $2,598,237 in FY 2012. This represents an increase of $136, 322 or 4.98%.
    • $75,560 increase in Salaries for permanent men includes a new hire, and a 4% bump based upon one firefighter being in service for 20 years.
    • $6,169 Increase in the captain’s line item is based upon the salary being carried at the paramedic rate. The acting captain did not take the Civil Service exam.
    • $10,000 increase in substitute payroll is a result of the 4% increase in the Salary line item, and the new hire. Rich Penney asked what affect filling the vacancy would have on substitute payroll. The line item cost would increase.
    • New Line Item of $30,000 was added for 3^rd Party Ambulance billing. This is needed based upon the ever changing rules in deductibles. In order to stay on top of these rules and insure that we as a town collect all that is due, the department, and town would like to outsource this. It is estimated that we should, at the very least, breakeven, and more than likely collect more of the billings.
    • Reviewed the articles to be submitted at Town Meeting, they consist of
      • Annual renewal of the 50K Revolving account
      • 3^rd year Lease payment on the New Engine, 50K
      • 45K for a Command Vehicle or an option to lease for 3 years at 18K per year.
      • 220K to purchase a new ambulance, or an option to lease for 4 years at 60K.
      • Sick time buyback of $45K
      • 35K to purchase of a new LifePak 15 Cardiac monitor.
      • 7K for the town’s 5% match to a DOHS Firefighters grant for 2 Cardiac Monitors and ancillary equipment, 11 Semi-auto Defibrillators and maintenance agreements. – If awarded the 35K article is removed.
      • 40K for the towns 5% match for a DOHS Firefighters grant to outfit the station with new radio and communications equipment. (Joint with Abington).
      • Boiler replacement at the station. Funds un-known at this time
    • When asked to rank these in his order of priority, Chief Duffey said the Boiler replacement was #1, the Ambulance would be #2 and the command vehicle would be #3.
    • The Ambulance would generate revenue for the town, but there would also be added costs. We are leaving somewhere around 100K on the table by having only 1 ambulance on the road.
    • Current Staff includes 23 permanent men for shift work. 2 men are of on injury.
  • Update from Eric Hart
    • Governor’s budget gives us approximately $60,000 more in funding
    • Approximately 432 K in Free cash. Finance Committee needs to put a policy in place regarding free cash and its use.
    • Have approximately 432 K in LNR money
    • Asked that we try to steer away from new lease agreement.
    • Informed us that Doric from the Schools wanted to have a liaison meeting with the chairman, Eric Hart and Bill Minahan to review their budget.
  • We decided along with Eric to begin our level funded budget using last fiscal year’s appropriated numbers rather than the budget submitted from the BOS.
• Other Business
  • None.

OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

• School Building Committee
  • No Updates given.
• Capital Planning Committee
  • No updates given.

NEXT MEETING:

Currently scheduled for February1, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in the Lower conference room.

Rachel Gear made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Rich Penney.  A unanimous vote was taken and the meeting ended at 8:53 p.m.

Respectfully

William Allen

Chairman

Rockland Finance Committee

ROCKLAND FINANCE COMMITTEE

ROCKLAND TOWN HALL

ROCKLAND, MA 02370

December 14, 2011

In attendance at December 14, 2011 Finance Committee meeting were Bill Allen, Bob MacDonald, Joe Gambon, Rachel Gear, Paula Ferguson, Rich Penney, Julie Schaffer and John Ellard.

The meeting was brought to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman John Ellard. John read aloud that the meeting was being recorded and could be reproduced.

Rich Penney made a motion to accept the minutes from the November 14, 2011 meeting, seconded by                          Rachel Gear.  A unanimous vote was taken. Julie Schaffer and John Ellard abstained as they were not in attendance.

New Business

• Fiscal 2013 Budget
  • John mentioned that Budgets should have been submitted to the Town Accountant by 12/08. The selectmen have to make a recommendation on the budget by 12/31/2011.
  • No updates on State Financial numbers
• Received a Preliminary Budget as accepted by the School Committee of $20,110,704, which represent a YOY increase of 5%. Discussion presented regarding asking for line item detail. Although they may share this detail, per state law, we can only recommend approval of the bottom line budget.
• Other Business
• Distributed Conflict of Interest Law sheets to Julie and John to sign.
• Accepted letter of Resignation from Paula Ferguson.

OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

• School Building Committee
  • Nothing new to report.
• Capital Planning Committee
  • Hoping to present their 2013-2017 Capital plan to Selectmen. Major additions to the existing capital plan are 4 million for the senior center and 13-14 million for road resurfacing.

NEXT MEETING:

We scheduled tow January meetings scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in the lower conference room on January 11, 2012 and January 25, 2012.

Julie made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Rachel Gear.  A unanimous vote was taken and the meeting ended at 7:22 p.m.

Respectfully

William Allen

Secretary

Rockland Finance Committee

ROCKLAND FINANCE COMMITTEE

ROCKLAND TOWN HALL

ROCKLAND, MA 02370

January 11, 2012

In attendance at January 11, 2012 Finance Committee meeting were Bill Allen, Bob MacDonald, Joe Gambon, John Ellard and Rich Penney. Rachel Gear and Julie Schaffer were absent.

The meeting was brought to order at 7:03 p.m. by Chairman John Ellard. John read aloud that the meeting was being recorded and could be reproduced.

Rich Penney made a motion to accept the minutes from the December 14, 2011 meeting, seconded by  Joe Gambon. A unanimous vote was taken.

New Business

• Dr. John Rogers, accompanied by Peggy Bryan, and Dan Palata, from P3 Company, presented the plan for the New Senior Center.
  • Currently the Cost to the town would be 2.5 million. It will cost 3 million to construct, but we received a 500k grant which has to be used by the end of Fiscal Year 2013. Even if used, and the project does not go through, the town does not have to pay this money back. The increased cost on an annual basis would be approximately 51K, 12K on the high end for a cleaning service, 35K for utilities and 4K for an HVAC service contract.
  • Building would be a 1 floor structure and approximately 9000 sq. ft and designed in a manner which allows for rooms to be expanded or sectioned off. It would contain a living room, cafeteria, fitness room, nurse’s office, an arts and crafts room, a commercial kitchen and a pay as you go salon. Dan Palata from P3 Corp spoke about the building and the fact that everything is being done to make sure the building is a green as possible without having to go through the LEADS process.
  • In thinking outside the box, and trying to limit the cost to the townspeople, the committee has started a capital donation plan in which people, and or businesses can make capital donations and have parts of the building have their name on them. They also can make donations payable over 5 years to help contribute to the increased operating expenses, estimated to be 51k annually.
  • The old facility has had its share of accidents, none of which to date has been serious enough to affect the towns liability insurance ratings, but the new building being a one floor structure designed with seniors in mind, would help alleviate some of these issues. Currently a traffic study is being done to assess the impact the residents in the neighborhood.
  • The building is designed with movable partitions which would allow the space to be rented out. A discussion on whether the rental funds go into a revolving account to offset the annual operating expenses needs to be had.
• Selectman Bill Minahan and Town Accountant Eric Hart handed out the preliminary budget.
  • The Selectmen’s recommended budget came in at 48,300,840. According to Bill, everyone was level funded with the exception of the 2.5%.
  • Income for the Year has been assumed to be flat. It was recommended that any new money due to an increase of State Numbers be allocated between the Education Budgets and the remainder of the town using a 70/30 split.
  • Health insurance should come in under the initial 8.3% increase budgeted. Eric made the recommendation that any savings from Health Insurance be put aside for future town retirement benefits which currently have been unfunded.
  • Increase in Police Chiefs salary line item is a result of a new contract in which the town is buying back all sick time now and paying out over a 3 year period. On a go forward, the contract does not provide for any sick / vacation benefits, so buyback at retirement is removed from the equation.
  • Workmen’s Compensation Insurance has increased a good percentage due to the 3 year audit period. Liability Insurance is expected to increase by 140K this year.
  • Rich Penney brought up the idea of instituting the .75% Hotel occupancy tax for the local hotels. Research is needed and a case must be brought before the Board of Selectmen before this can be done. This does not have to be an article and can be an action at the board level.
  • None of the unions included any contractual raises in the budgets as they have to be negotiated

• Other Business
  • None.

OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

• School Building Committee
  • No Updates given.
• Capital Planning Committee
  • No updates given.

NEXT MEETING:

Currently scheduled for January 25, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lower conference room.

Rich made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Joe Gambon.  A unanimous vote was taken and the meeting ended at 8:57 p.m.

Respectfully

William Allen

Secretary

Rockland Finance Committee

Rockland Finance Committee Agenda

Meeting Date: January 11, 2012

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Rockland Town Hall lower conference room

Call Meeting to Order – Chairman

Review of Minutes – Secretary
Rockland Finance Committee Agenda

Meeting Date: January 11, 2012
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Rockland Town Hall lower conference room

Call Meeting to Order – Chairman
Review of Minutes – Secretary
New Business
New Senior Center Discussion with Dr. Rodgers
FY2013 Budget
Other Business:
Committee Reports:
Correspondence:

Next meeting: Scheduled for January 25th, 2012 in Lower Conference room

Adjourn:

William Allen

Secretary

Rockland Finance Committee

]]> http://rockland-ma.gov/finance-committee-meeting-jan-11-2012/feed/ 0 http://rockland-ma.gov/finance-committee-meeting-nov-16-2011/ http://rockland-ma.gov/finance-committee-meeting-nov-16-2011/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:17:06 +0000 Town Hall http://rockland-ma.gov/finance-committee-meeting-nov-16-2011/ ROCKLAND FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES

ROCKLAND TOWN HALL

ROCKLAND, MA 02370

November 16, 2011

In attendance at November 16, 2011 Finance Committee meeting were Bill Allen, Bob MacDonald, Joe Gambon, Rachel Gear, Paula Ferguson and Rich Penney.  Absent were John Ellard and Julie Schaffer.

The meeting was brought to order at 7:04 p.m. by Vice Chairman Joe Gambon. Joe Gambon read aloud that the meeting was being recorded and could be reproduced.

Rich Penney made a motion to accept the minutes from the October 26, 2011 meeting, seconded by Rachel Gear.  A unanimous vote was taken. Paula Ferguson and Bill Allen abstained as they were not in attendance.

New Business

• Fiscal 2013 Budget
  • Tabled the budget discussion as nothing has been received to date. We expect something will be available for next meeting.
• Letter from Fire Department
  • Rich brought up that the disability claims should be covered by Town’s workers compensation policy. This should cover a good portion of the replacement costs, so the budget burden should be alleviated to some extent.

Other Business

• Distributed Conflict of Interest Law sheets to those in attendance to read and sign

OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

• School Building Committee
  • Auxiliary gym is now open. Middle School Locker rooms should be completed in 2-3 weeks and be the first part of the school up and running. Middle School is ahead of plan. High school appears to be on plan. Auditorium should be completed in time for town meeting.
• Capital Planning Committee
  • Met on November 15^th. Scheduled to meet with the Park Department as well as School Committee on during the week of November 19 – 26^th with the intent of updating the Capital Plan.

NEXT MEETING:

Our next meeting is December 14, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the lower conference room.

Rachael Gear made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Rich Penney.  A unanimous vote was taken and the meeting ended at 7:21 p.m.

Respectfully

William Allen

Secretary

Rockland Finance Committee

Meeting Date: October 26, 2011
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Rockland Town Hall lower conference room

• Call Meeting to Order – Chairman

• Review of Minutes – Secretary

• New Business

• Other Business:

• Committee Reports:

• Correspondence:

• Next meeting:

Adjourn:

William Allen
Secretary