Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Judge Welsh Hearing Room, Town Hall, Provincetown, MA 02657

Members Present: Sue Buerkel, Walt Winnowski, Mark Leach, Ed Gage, Tom Thurston, Gail Enos and Matthew Clark

Members Excused: Ruth Gilbert, Robert Vetrick, Ginny Ross, and Gary Delius

Also Present: Keith Bergman, Town Manager

Meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.

Minutes Approval

Matthew Clark made a motion to approve minutes of February 17, 2005. Tom Thurston seconded and it passed 6:0:1.

FY 2006 Budget Review Hearings con’t.

Division IV-Public Works (David Guertin, DPW Director, Sandra Turner, DPW Deputy Director)

David Guertin gave an overview of budget. Sandy Turner passed out a memo and explained electrical bills as previously requested by FinCom. Discussion on projected fuel costs as it affects different budgets (School Dept). Keith Bergman explained overview of budget increases.

192-Buildings & Grounds (Tony Lemme, Foreman)

31 buildings, 32 areas of grounds, 11 town landings are maintained.

17% increase which reflects staffing level increase for custodial service for new library, as well as maintaining Freeman Street building and increase in staffing for Town Hall restrooms.

Matthew Clark made a motion to approve budget of $666,112. Tom Thurston seconded and it passed 7:0:0.

421-Administration

45.7% increase largely reflects shift of costs from Wastewater Fund to General Fund for staffing in this department.

Mark Leach made a motion to approve budget of $376,909. Walt Winnowski seconded and it passed 7:0:0.

422-Highway (Ray Duarte, Foreman)

31% increase

Tom Thurston made a motion to approve budget of $332,127. Mark Leach seconded and it passed 7:0:0.

423-Snow & Ice

FEMA will reimburse 75% of costs for 72-hour period for blizzard of 2005.

Level funded because you can only overspend this budget if it is not decreased.

Tom Thurston made a motion to approve budget of $57,317. Matthew Clark seconded and it passed 7:0:0.

431-Solid Waste/Recycling (Gerard Menangas, Foreman)

Transfer station and curbside pick-up.

5.6% increase reflects collective bargaining union agreement. There have been 2 increases in fees to commercial establishments since last year’s budget.

Matthew Clark made a motion to approve budget of $453,702. Tom Thurston seconded and it passed 7:0:0.

439-Waste Disposal/Other

Cost of hauling to and tipping fees at SEMASS.

4.4% decrease

Tom Thurston made a motion to approve budget of $239,297. Walt Winnowski seconded and it passed 7:0:0.

Walt Winnowski made a motion to adjourn. Ed Gage seconded and it passed 7:0:0. Meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

Meeting reconvened at 1 p.m.

Same members present as in morning session.

Letter from Board of Health (BOH) Chair, Mark Baker concerning his opposition to 1/3 reduction (from Wastewater Fund) in Health Agent position was read. Duane Gregory and Dan Brown from the BOH were present and reiterated Mark Baker’s position that Health Agent should be a full-time position. Keith Bergman responded that because of BOH concern about insufficient support for septic system monitoring and enforcement, the BOS voted to insert an article to the town warrant to re-program an existing $20,000 appropriation for the support of wastewater monitoring and enforcement as needed. This gives department of Regulatory Management discretion as to how funds would best be spent (staffing configuration) and not necessarily re-fund Health Agent position.

440-Wastewater Enterprise Fund

1.3% increase

10-year Pro Forma was presented. It includes no sewer user-fee increase assuming that there is a phase 2. The goal is to maintain a positive balance in this fund at all times. Revenues come from sewer betterment fees, user fees and 20% of room tax. Expenses are debt service on construction costs, fee to Metcalf & Eddy to operate and anything else the town decides i.e. 1/3 funding for Health Agent, etc.

Matthew Clark made a motion to table budget pending receipt of requested information on indirect cost details. Tom Thurston seconded and it passed 7:0:0.

450-Water Enterprise Fund (Albert Robinson, Deputy Water Superintendent)

10-year Pro Forma was presented. No rate increases for next 2 years. The goal is to maintain a large positive balance in fund at all times, especially with so many major capital expenses coming up in the next few years. DPW is looking to add 2 technical positions-treatment supervisor and distribution supervisor.

Tom Thurston made a motion to approve budget with the provision that use of the $50,000 Reserve Fund (Acct# 55500) be subject to the approval of the Finance Committee. The Town Manager and DPW Administrators concurred with this added restriction. Mark Leach seconded and it passed 6:0:1.

Gail Enos made a motion to adjourn. Ed Gage seconded and it passed 7:0:0.

Meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Phyllis Lutsky

Phyllis Lutsky

Recording Secretary