Minutes
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