Select Board Meeting Minutes 1/17/23

Joint meeting of the Finance Committee and Select Board

Meeting Date: Tuesday January 17, 2023

Meeting Opened at 5:00 pm

Select Board Meeting 1/17/23

Select Board Members Present: Justin Makuc, Susan Cooper, Scott Jenssen

Other individuals present: Laurie McArthur (Office Assistant), Don Torrico, Noel Wicke, Ilene Marcus, Frank Abbott, Michele Miller

Other individuals present remotely: Melissa Noe

Meeting Opened at 5:00pm

Call to Order at 5:00pm

Agenda:

1. Meeting with Don Torrico, Building Commissioner

Justin presented two items that were listed on the Warrant that would also affect the FY 24 Budget.  The Building Commissioner and a representative from the Conservation Commission will be here tonight to discuss added fees and rate increases in their departments.

Don Torrico, the Building Commissioner, requested three additional hours per week due to an overage in hours worked.  Don discussed that he had always put down for fourteen hours per week, but it was clear once he started using the timeclock program that he has been averaging an additional three hours per week to complete his required duties.  This will appear as a $5,409 transfer request on the Special Town Meeting Warrant to cover the remainder of FY23, and it will also effect the FY24 budget. The Finance Committee requested information for the past three years in regards to permits. 

1. Review Special Town Meeting Warrant

The Finance Committee and Select Board discussed the organization of the Special Town Meeting Warrant and who would be explaining the various items listed on the Warrant.  There was a consensus to organize the articles by monetary value, with the highest sums appearing first.

The Conservation Commission requested a raise for their agent.  Noel was present to discuss the request for an increase in wages for the Conservation Commission agent.  Noel is requesting $14,000 as agent wages for the FY24 budget year, which includes a wage increase from $25 to $35/hr to stay competitive.  Noel said that the Conservation Commission has submitted a request to increase fees, and Justin informed her that the Conservation Commission is able to set their own fees. 

Justin moved that the Select Board raise the Conservation Commission agent’s rate from $25 to $35 per hour out of the revolving fund this week, and assuming the article passes during the Special Town Meeting the $35/hour will remain in effect once the item is paid as a line item out of the operating budget.  Scott seconded.  Call a vote: Susan- yes, Scott- yes, and Justin- yes. 

1. Review Operating Budget Status: % Anticipated Spending Increases

The Finance Committee discussed their approach to the Operating Budget and timeframes for deadlines to have the project completed.  The Finance Committee said that their goal is to have a final document on March 28, 2023.  Justin discussed items on the Operating Budget list and areas where it would be beneficial to meet with the department heads.  The Finance Committee provided an update of work completed on this list thus far, and future discussions they will have with department heads.  The Finance Committee and Select Board discussed areas that may benefit from a financial increase, distinguishing between increasing pay rates and making large capital purchases for various departments.  The Finance Committee and Select Board will meet on February 1^st at 12pm noon for a joint meeting.  Susan suggested identifying the department heads requiring the most critical questions.  On February 14^th and 21^st, additional joint meetings will be held, and department heads will be invited to attend.  Melissa reviewed the policy created pertaining to the budget. 

1. Identify Requests that need more information

Justin presented a document outlining several FY24 budget requests deserving attention from the Select Board and the Finance Committee. 

1. Adopt Capital Policy and Review Capital Plan

Justin suggested the Finance Committee work on the Capital Plan and Policy, as revised by the Select Board, and report back to the Select Board when they are ready.

1. Additional Topics as required

The next joint meeting will be February 1^st at 12pm at which the Select Board and Finance Committee will continue their discussion on the Operating Budget.  Frank suggested breaking the list down by departments. 

Ilene brought up the Southern Berkshire Ambulance’s (formerly Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance) operating budget request for $51,669.36. Justin said that this is on the Select Board agenda for tomorrow night, and provided an update regarding the SBVA’s request and receipt of $17,979 from Monterey’s ARPA monies.  The Finance Committee and the Select Board discussed the new operating budget request in terms of the budget and call volume in Monterey, agreeing to reassess their figures.  The current request is based solely on Monterey’s land assessment and does not include any other factors such as call volume.  Melissa suggested requesting information from other small towns to see what they are paying towards the ambulance. 

Justin made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:17pm; Scott seconded

Call a vote: Susan-yes, Scott-yes, Justin- yes.  Select Board adjourned at 6:17pm

            Documents used at the meeting

1. FY24 Budget requests: list prepared by Justin
   1. Conservation Commission
   2. Building Department
2. Southern Berkshire Ambulance request for funding