Minutes

Finance Commission · from the Town's website · 2 pages · 95 KB
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Winthrop Finance Commission Minutes

Date:

Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 6:00pm

Attendees: TOW: Meredith Hurley (MH), Sean Driscoll (SD), Al Legee {AL}, Russ Sanford (RS), Sarah

Johnson (SJ), Robbie Powers (RP)

FC: Brent Farrell (BF), Karin Chavis (KC), Matt Gorzkowicz (MG}, Hannah Belcher (HB),
Joe Hanlon (JH), John DaRos (JD)

Absent: John Macero, Max Tassinari, William Gault, Shannon Poulos

Meeting called to order at 6:11 pm by MG.

Rollcall vote completed by KC. All present except individuals noted above.

Minutes from prior wo meetings unanimously approved.

Focus of meeting will be on the discussion and review of various departmental budgets. Discussion
topics / commentary are highlighted below.

Parks and Recreation (SD)

Location is in old middle school which is difficult to operate efficiently and properly

issues with high utility bills and failing windows

Increasing fees is putting some strain on certain families in spring and summer, which has
decreased enrollment (flag football is at 220 currently vs. 260 previously)

Summer programming enrollment has decreased due fo (i) presence of competing offerings
by Winthrop Public Schools, which is free (ii) COVID and stay athome employment by parents
Issues finding employees on part-time basis

Expecting to close year-end with revenue of approximately $389K

Mass Port provides funding to cover employee costs, especially over the summer, which helps
decrease costs

Program attendees do not have fo be exclusively from Winthrop, but residents get preference
Salary for SD is approximately $83K, which is below market (~$90K), assistant program director
is well below market - comparison made to compensation at Senior Center

Inspectional Services (AL)

Health

Full-time inspector with code enforcement capability has increased revenue and caught
violations (overcrowding, fire protection, etc.)

Building permit revenue has increased significantly due to new projects and large
redevelopments

Interaction with conservation and assessors’ offices discussed. Overall engagement between
departments has improved.

Requested six iPads for field inspections, minimum amount is four fo be effective.

Electrical and plumbing Inspectors are currently being paid $21-$22 per hour, which is below
the typical of ~$30 per hour or greater

Airbnb inspections and process discussed

Department (MH)

Vaccinations have decreased, focus on flu vaccinations over COVID, due to cost of COVID
vaccine and bulk ordering requirement. Only source of revenue for department.
Resource coordinator and navigators have been very helpful in addressing emergencies
Issue related to data research, innovation and outcomes ~ started related to opioid epidemic
and has expanded to mental health, domestic violence, etc.

Department is heavily reliant on grant funding, 83% in FY 2024 and 80% in FY 2025
Accessing mental health services is difficult, and MH is looking to have an on site therapist /
clinician

* Space utilization in office is difficult to manage at times
Town allocated salaries are MH and program director, remaining compensation is grant

funded
* All goals and objectives can be met with town proposed budget
JH motioned to adjourn; BF seconded. Approved by all present members.

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.