Minutes
Finance Commission · from the Town's website · 2 pages · 84 KB
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Winthrop Finance Commission Minutes Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 6:00pm Attendees: TOW: Phil Ronan (PR), Al Lagee (AL), Russ Sanford (RS), Lisa Howard (LH), Sarah Johnson (SJ) FC: Karin Chavis (KC), William Gault (WG), Matt Gorzkowicz (MG), Hannah Belcher (HB), John DaRos (JD), Brent Farrell (BF), Max Tassinari (MT), John Macero JM) Absent: Joe Hanlon, Shannon Poulos Other: Jim Letterie JL), Suzanne Swope (SS) Meeting called to order at 6:09 pm by MG. Rollcall vote completed by KC. All present except individuals noted above. Minutes approved from the prior meeting (5.14.25) approved by all members present at that meeting. Presentation & Discussion: Veterans Affairs by Phil Ronan * Creation of women’s veteran’s memorial and designations for purple heart, etc. = Budget is static, not grant dependent — all towns above 12K population position is mandated. * Outreach and coordination of care and improving lifestyle for various veterans is focus. 4 — Instituted preventative maintenance program for various plaques and statues. = No issues or complaints with proposed budget from town manager. » Salary adjustment was related to the town compensation survey. Presentation & Discussion, Inspectional Services by Al Lagee & Russ Sanford = — Building clerk has been added to full-time position. = Perfected building software processes. » Coordination with assessors’ office has been improved. = Accessory Dwelling Units and Airbnb ordinances are coming online and being addressed. = Goals for the upcoming year focused on completing inspections efficiently, completing certifications and education, and streamlining processes. = Digitalization process has not been started, and it is still being discussed with the town manager. » ADUs expected to be mandated for single-family homes also. = jL suggested adding an additional full or part-time code enforcement officer (~$30-$35K for part-time addition). "The expectation is to generate over $1MM in fees, etc. « Town manager discussing hiring a third-party company to track Airbnb rentals. Continued Discussion, School Department by Lisa Howard * Second meeting with LH, list of questions provided in advance by commission members. ® Teachers’ union negotiations just began (umbrella for four of the seven unions). " Collective bargaining not pursued due to various groups represented. « No final numbers received related to federal funding, expected by July. * — Autism program transitioning to ATC, have third-party program built via New England Center for Children (saves $1-$1.5MM annually due to in-house services being provided). Follows children. « Creating specific classroom at ATC, requiring teacher becoming “mobile” to accommodate space needs * — Earmark of $200K from Lydia Edwards office expected to occur again this coming year = One payroll, one accounts payable and shared business manager in business office ~ currently meets needs but more personnel would be beneficial General Committee Discussion « june 3° is presentation by Finance Commission, followed by public hearing » June 10” budget vote will occur by Town Council MT motioned to adjourn; all seconded. Approved by all present members. Meeting adjourned at 8:00pm.