TOWN OF NORTH ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS
FINANCE COMMITTEE
OCT 4, 2007 @ 6:30PM
NORTH ANDOVER TOWN HALL, 1ST FLOOR
FinCom Members in Attendance:~ Chairman Douglas Swatski at 7:55 p.m, Vice Chairman Mark Rogers, Ben Osgood, Peter Besen, Eva Hamori, Jean Sullivan.
Others in Attendance:~ Town Moderator Charles Salisbury.
I.~~~~~ CALL TO ORDER @ 6:30 PM
II.~~~ MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:~ Motion EH, 2nd BO Vote 5-0-0
III.~ NEW BUSINESS
~~~~~~~ A.~~~~~ RULES OF PROCEDURE - MR suggested an alternative method of approving the minutes as specified in Robert’s Rules of Order.~ This allows the chairman to request if there are any changes to the minutes as written.~ If there are, they must be stated as a motion, seconded and voted upon.~ If no changes or no more changes after a motion to change the minutes, the Chairman simply states that “The minutes are approved as written” without the need for a formal vote.~ This would be recorded in the meeting’s minutes as: “The Chairman asked if there were changes to the minutes of (date of meeting) as written.~There being none, the minutes were approved as written.”
~~~~~~~ B.~~~~~ Department Liaison Assignments - Ben - Transport, DPW, School Facilities; Eva - Library, ~Senior Center, Vets;~ Peter - High School, Fire, Special Ed;~ Mark - Elementary Schools, ~~~~~~ Middle School;~ Alan, Mike, Doug - TBD~ Unassigned:~ Central Office
~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ BO recommended standardization of questions asked in the department meetings.~ These ~~ might include Level of discretionary spending, types, percentage and amounts.~Future ~ needs, any big spending on the horizon.~ Level of usage for services.~ Impact statement of planned cuts.~ Deviation from budget (up or down) and why.~ Trigger points, when extra money would assist and why.~ CIP projects and justification.~ Opportunities for ~ savings, what has been down to save.
C.~~~~~ Contract affordability - PB handed out a copy of an e-mail and discussion concerned the definition of affordability regarding the pledge signed by the boards last year.~ Establishing a subcommittee was suggested to look into the financial impactg of collective bargaining contracts.~ PB will contact Ray Santilli concerning his contracts costing model.
D.~~~~~ FINCANCE COMMITTEE POLICIES & RULES OF PROCEDURE - EH handed out the latest draft as amended from the last meeting.~ PB made a motion to change Section III C to remove “and voting”.~ BO 2nd and vote was 6-0-0.~ A majority will now be based on members present providing that a quorum is made.~ A final definition on changes will wait until all members are present,
E.~~~~~ FACILITIES MANAGER - postponed until next meeting
F.~~ TOWN MODERATOR - There was a discussion of conflicts of interest
G.~ OTHER - It was suggested that the finances of the ambulance be looked into; specifically bills for services for individuals with no health insurance.~ A request for a monthly report on Revenues and Expenses vs. Budget from the town accountant was reiterated.~ Also a status report on the budget for the old town center.~ MR made a motion to make PB an alternate to the Board Communication Committee, 2ns EH, vote 6-0-0
IV.~~~~ NEXT MEETING:~ 10/18/07 - 11/1/07
V~~~~~~ Adjournment:~ Motion MR, 2nd EH, vote unanimous (6-0-0) 9:00 pm
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