MINUTES
Board of Selectmen
Wednesday, January 16, 2008 – 2:00 p.m.
Work Session
Location:
Earle Mountain Room
Present:
Selectman Linda S. Burt, Chair; Selectman Martin F. McDonald, Vice Chair;
Selectman David W. Schropfer, Clerk; Selectman Kenelm N. Collins; Selectman Carol F. Martin
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator
Michael Ferreira, Assistant Town Administrator
Diane Rommelmeyer, Town Accountant
Gail Fitzback, Deputy Assessor
Chairman Linda Burt called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m.
WORK SESSION
FY09 Budget Review
Members of the Finance Committee present were John Knight, Russell French, Joseph Bayne and Judith Cannon.
Sheila Vanderhoef, Town Administrator, explained that Town department heads did their best to reduce spending where they could.
The Board of Selectmen, as well as members of the Finance Committee, asked questions regarding individual line items in the proposed FY09 budget. Issues discussed included the following: salaries, educational incentives, travel stipends, the Stabilization Fund, the Finance Committee’s reserve fund, abatements, the Ford Escape hybrid car for the Data Collector’s use, technology spending at the Eastham Elementary School, money used for staff development, the Assessing Department’s appraisal system consultant, supply costs, software and maintenance contracts, fuel supplies, money spent for the Annual Town Meeting, free cash, and overrides.
Diane Rommelmeyer, Town Accountant, stated that no money was spent from the Stabilization Fund in FY08. She stated that the fund would only be utilized in extraordinary cases. She noted that the Town’s bond rating is helped by having a healthy amount of money in the Stabilization Fund.
Gail Fitzback, Deputy Assessor, answered questions regarding the Assessing Department’s utilizing the services of a consultant, whose fixed rate salary is $15,000. Ms. Fitzback stated that each year there are new guidelines and requirements, creating the need for towns to hire consultants.
The Board asked about the purchase of a new vehicle to be used by the Data Collector. The Board asked how much money in mileage reimbursement the Data Collector has received so far. Mrs. Vanderhoef said that she would supply that information.
The Board discussed the Conservation Commission’s use of supplies. Mrs. Vanderhoef stated that they have recently had a postage meter put in to help them. Mrs. Vanderhoef noted that the Natural Resources Department and the Department of Public Works would each like to have their own full-time Administrative Assistant. Also talked about was the possibility of setting a new schedule for the Conservation Agent, enabling her to go to night meetings without incurring overtime.
The Board discussed and asked questions about the Department of Public Works and Natural Resources Department union contract currently being negotiated.
The Board discussed the police building’s energy costs, police cruiser costs, and police and fire retirement ages.
Selectman Kenelm Collins left the meeting at 4:15p.m.
Mrs. Vanderhoef stated that the Gas Inspector and the Plumbing Inspector are in their second year of three year contracts and that their salaries will be going up as well.
The Board discussed the Wind Turbine By-Law and stated that the Ad Hoc Wind Turbine By-Law Committee should be scheduled for the January 23, 2008 Board of Selectmen’s meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Selectman Carol Martin made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:25 p.m.
The motion was seconded by Selectman David Schropfer and so voted 4-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Shaw
| 
