Joint Meeting of the Finance Committee and Select Board 2/28/2023

Joint meeting of the Finance Committee and Select Board

Finance Committee Members present: Frank Abbott, Michele Miller

Finance Committee Members present remotely: Ilene Marcus

Other individuals present: Susan Cooper, Justin Makuc, Melissa Noe, Laurie McArthur (SB Secretary), Tom Mensi, Christopher Andrews, Gerard Clarin

Other individuals present remotely: Kenn Basler

Minutes of the meeting 2/28/23

Meeting Date: Tuesday February 28, 2023

Meeting Opened at 4:03 pm

AGENDA:
PARKS COMMISION

Michele reported that the Finance Committee felt there were some missed opportunities for the Parks department and the Pavilion. Michele clarified whether there was a Town Meeting with the Parks Department to discuss the plan prior to determining the reasoning for requesting $100,000.  Tom said that he appeared before the Select Board to discuss the deteriorating status of the playground and reported that after having read the requirements for the ARPA funds he believed that a playground would fit into this category.  Tom reported that they went through the questions the Select Board posed. Tom reported that the ARPA funds were meant to address the health and well-being needs resulting from COVID.  Gerry asked if the Town revenue has suffered from the pandemic.  Melissa reported that the Town revenue had decreased.  Michele asked if there was a way to remove an item from the playground plan in order to decrease the cost of the entire project.  Ilene said that our expenses have increased given the supply chain issues and the labor shortage issues everything is costing more.  The Finance Committee and the Parks Department discussed how maintenance costs would differ based on installing a new playground vs keeping the current playground. Susan recommended surveying the town to see what playground components may not be necessary, and the Finance Committee discussed maximizing the ARPA funds to try and include the ball field.  Ilene discussed the impact on the town to include increased insurance funds, and asked if there was a way to complete the project so that Parks would not have to go to a Town meeting to request additional funds.  Tom reported that the Parks department provided an estimate for maintenance.  

Justin explained the different costs for the FY24 budgeting for the Parks Department.  Tom reported that the Parks Department lacks control over the cost of the lifeguards.  Melissa said that there is no liability to the town if no lifeguard is posted; however, the Parks Department identified that the lifeguards would help promote safety and be a service to the town.  The Town Administrator, Finance Committee, Select Board, and Parks Department discussed options pertaining to having one or two lifeguard’s vs no lifeguards.  The Finance Committee, Parks Department, and the Select Board agreed that it would be important to keep the lifeguards.  

The Parks Department discussed the role of the beach monitor three days a week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), which included patrolling the beach, cleaning up, maintaining order with inflatable toys, and monitoring the parking situation.  The Parks Department discussed the need for access to the boat ramp, limiting parking access to Monterey Residents, and concerns with parking in previous years.  Gerry discussed how the parking becomes dangerous on a busy day, and reported they will be putting up signage.  Susan asked how the beach monitor would be able to cope with the parking lot.  Gerry said that if there was an issue then the monitor would call the police since they do not have enforcement capabilities.  The Parks Department, Finance Committee, Select Board and Town Administrator discussed solutions to help with identifying Town Residents parking at the beach.  Melissa asked if Parks had considered sending a letter to hotels to let them know that the beach is only for residents.  The Parks department consulted with Town Counsel and reported they were informed that if the boat ramp is not limited then they can limit parking access to Town residents.  The Parks department said that the Police Department would be able to enforce parking.  Melissa recommended adding signage to inform individuals that the beach is only for resident use.  

Jerry provided an update regarding the baseball field and reported that they must go to the Conservation Commission for approval due to some soil being removed.  The Parks commission has the application completed; however, they reported that they are having trouble trying to find someone to provide them with the detailed information.  Jerry reported that they found someone to help them write the proposal.  Jerry reported that the material being taken away will be able to be utilized in another area of the town for fill.  Melissa presented the budget request items for the Parks department.  Jerry said that they ordered sand for the beach, and reported that price has increased.  Justin asked when they will be able to put out for bid for the ball field.  Jerry said that he will find out as soon as they are provided with the information about the spec from Mark at Forsight and would then send out for three quotes.  

Justin invited the Parks Department to the Select Board meeting next week to discuss the quotes.  Susan clarified that the quotes are for the current scheme and suggested that perhaps one quote could include some minimization on one or more pieces of equipment.  

Ilene asked Frank if he would like to schedule a meeting with the Parks Department to continue to work on the capital worksheets.  Tom asked Frank to compare the two bids that the Parks Department they already have.  

CONTINUE BUILDING BUDGET AND CAPITAL PLAN

The Select Board and Finance Committee discussed areas of the budget still requiring discussion.  The Select Board and the Finance Committee continued to discuss the new Police Cruiser.  Justin shared his conversation with Brian about the Police Cruiser, reporting that Brian said it was going to be inevitable, but may not be necessary this year.  Justin said that if they are going to utilize three Police Cruisers, then now may be the time to take care of that.  Justin reviewed the mileage and engine hours and the average mileage per year.  

Justin recommended applying free cash to all of the special articles, and Susan reported that she agreed with that recommendation.  

The Select Board and Finance Committee discussed the current health insurance plans listed on the budget.  Melissa suggested either modifying the health insurance plan to a single or couples plan, or to remove it from the budget all together.  The Select Board and Finance Committee identified several other categories that will require additional conversation to include: Highway Operations and capital, the Cemetery, Library wages, the Fire Company, and Capital improvements.  

The Select Board adjourned at 5:16pm due to a lack of caucus. 

Michele made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:16pm. Frank seconded.  Call a vote: Frank-yes, Michele-yes, Ilene yes?