Finance Committee Minutes

Meeting date: 
Wednesday, January 24, 2018

 

January 24, 2018, 7:00PM

Wellfleet Senior Center, 715 Old Kings Hwy

Members Present: Chair, Janet Loewenstein; Stephen Polowczyk; Ira Wood; Vice Chair, Fred Magee; Robert Wallace; Jeff Tash

Regrets: Kathy Granlund; Linda Pellegrino

Others Present: Town Administrator, Dan Hoort; Shellfish Constable, Nancy Civetta; Chair of the Board of Water Commissioners, Justina Carlson; Water Commissioner, Curt Felix; Water Commissioner, James Hood; Assistant Shellfish Constable, John Mankevetch; Cole Morton; Ed Tesson; Sue Tesson; Jim O’Connell

Chair Loewenstein called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

Transfers-No transfers to note

Discussion with the Board of Water Commissioners’

Chair of the Board of Water Commissioners Justina Carlson and fellow members James Hood and Curt Felix were present to review the Water Enterprise Fund. Hood presented the Enterprise Budgets: Projected, which examines the ten-year long-term projections. Hood explained that the report indicated a 3% adjustment annually for the office salaries and indirect costs which line up with the projected increases, without assuming the WhiteWater contingency. He continued to explain that the Deferred Connection fees reflect the ten-year residential fees, and has not provided any budget for infrastructure upgrades.

Felix mentioned that there were low numbers signing up for the system. There is a rate structure goes up as the consumption increases, and seeking legal advice from Town Counsel, examining the cost-structures and make the system more attractive to residents who want to connect. It’s a work-in-progress at this time.

The Committee reviewed the Water System Manager and Water System Clerk positions. Polowczyk asked how the current descriptions would match up with the new professional hire request. The Committee is requesting a job description for the requested professional hire position.

The Board members were thanked for their time.

Discussion with Shellfish Constable, Nancy Civetta

Shellfish Constable Nancy Civetta introduced herself and stated that the Shellfish Department was lacking in capacity, and is requesting a seasonal part-time staff person. She is also presenting an outline of propogation responsibilities to been added to the Assistant Constable’s job description to justify the reclassification of the position and increase in salary. Other materials presented were a draft of the propogation plan, budget talking points, and a review of the budget numbers for FY 179 Shellfish and FY 180 Shellfish Conservation and Propogation,

Wallace reported that there should be someone on patrol. Recreational people would respond positively to have a statistical paper for people to report usage. McGee asked about posted signage, and Assistant Constable Mankevitch responded that there is signage and ample warning for recreational shellfish users.

McGee asked if there was anyone opposed. Civetta responded that no, they haven’t encountered opposition. Jim O’Connell said that there seems to be a clear picture of where the ideas are going, and there seems to be a lot of energy and enthusiasm for the industry and department.

The Committee thanked for Civetta for her time and preparation.

Liaison Reports-

Chair Loewenstein will schedule a meeting with the Fire Chief.

Strategic Planning-

Chair Loewenstein created a question and answer list from department heads, and wanted to document their concerns regarding the future of their departments.

Hoort reported that the Selectmen are concerned with public access to the beach at the Beachcomber, but the proposal is still being worked on.

Magee distributed an amended handout of “disruptors” to the Town budget. The goal is to present a similar document at Town meeting. The Committee discussed choosing the most significant issues. Magee suggested presenting to Town Meeting page one.

The Committee members divided up the “factors” to be liaisons. The Committee discussed prioritizing the items, and focusing on the big-ticket items.

Loewenstein requested changes to the budget items from the Town Administrator, Dan Hoort.

Correspondence-January 2018 issue of the Beacon

Other Business-

Minutes

Moved to accept as amended, by Polowczyk. Magee seconded, and the motion carried, 6-0-1

Future Business:

-Recreation department

-CPC Member to attend in February

-Look at the liaison list. Jeff Tash would like to volunteer as a liaison

-transfers

-strategic planning

-correspondence

-other business

-minutes

-Scheduled a meeting for the 14th of February: Boiler points and budget.

The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:58 P.M.

Public Record:

Shellfish Department:

  1. Budget Request and Propogation Plan: FY 2017-2019
  2. Draft: Position Description PT/Recreational Fishery and Propogation Assistant
  3. Draft: Job Description Assistant Shellfish Constable
  4. Budget Talking Points: Propogation
  5. Carol Mahedy letter of support dated 12/18/2017
  6. Charles Lake letter of support dated 12/19/2017
  7. Fred Olander, letter of support dated 12/17/2017