Select Board Meeting Minutes 4/16/24
Select Board meeting minutes
Date: 4/16/24
Location: Town Hall and remote
Select Board members present: Justin Makuc (Chair), Susan Cooper, Frank Abbott
Others present: Roger MacDonald (Town Administrator), Ilene Marcus (Finance Committee Chair), Bill Shein, Mickey Jervas
Other present remotely: Jeff Zimmerman (Finance Committee)
The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm.
- Winter overtime deficit spending/reserve fund transfer request
The Accountant alerted the Select Board that highway winter overtime is over budget by $8,147.08. The budget was $22,500, and has been the same for years even though there are more staff and the staff are being paid a higher rate. The winter overtime and salt & sand accounts will be combined to limit similar future overages, and the accountant confirms that this is acceptable practice. There was a motion to authorize the deficit spending in the winter overtime account and simultaneously request a reserve fund transfer from the Finance Committee of the $8,147.08. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
- Finalize letter to accompany warrant
Minor modifications were made to the draft cover letter to go ahead of the Warrant. There was discussion about the status of the capital plan. The capital plan will be discussed at a future meeting.
- MOU with Great Barrington Police Department for use of the jail cell
A motion was made to approve the memorandum of understanding with Great Barrington for use of the jail cell. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.
- Joint meeting with the Finance Committee to review FY25 budget/Annual Town Meeting warrant
The Finance Committee joined the meeting.
Frank proposed raising the Fire Hall lease from $50,000 to $60,000, and said that the publicly available tax documents of the Fire Company demonstrate need for the additional money. Frank said that the monies can potentially go toward better bookkeeping and possibly an audit. After extensive discussion about the Fire Company, it was generally agreed to raise the line to $60,000 and get the Fire Company bookkeeping help. Justin did not participate due to conflict of interest.
Susan proposed increasing Fire Department compensation based on data related to firefighters and fire calls. There was concern about the future staffing of firefighters and where firefighters are coming from. Susan expressed that regionalization in some form is likely in the future. Susan proposed adding $52,500 in stipends divided as follows: $20,000 for the Fire Chief, $15,000 for the Assistant Chief, $10,000 for the Captain, and $7,500 for the other Captain. There was discussion about making sure that there are clear expectations and job descriptions. There was a general agreement to raise Fire Department compensation to $284,110. Justin did not participate due to conflict of interest.
There was a motion to increase the Fire Hall lease to $60,000 and Fire Department compensation to $284,110. The motion was seconded and carried 2-0, with Justin abstaining due to conflict of interest.
The Select Board and Finance Committee discussed the overall themes of the budget process this year as well as the budget hearing.
The Finance Committee reviewed and agreed to sign the cover letter ahead of the Warrant.
The Finance Committee adjourned.
The Select Board and Town Administrator discussed the process for posting and mailing the Warrant.
- Town Administrator updates
A member of the Lake Garfield Working Group was concerned about a potential conflict of interest. The Board suggested he consult the State Ethics Commission.
- Minutes
The minutes of 3/12/24 were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes as amended was made, seconded, and carried by a vote of 3-0.
The Board will review the minutes of the April meetings at its next meeting.
- Unanticipated business
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, seconded, and carried by a vote of 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:50pm.
Documents used at the meeting:
- Winter overtime reserve fund transfer request
- Signed Warrant and cover letter
- Signed jail cell lock-up MOU with Great Barrington
Minutes drafted by: Justin Makuc
Minutes Approved by: Select Board