Minutes
Finance Commission · from the Town's website · 2 pages · 102 KB
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Finance Commission Minutes Thursday May 28, 2026, 6 pm Winthrop Town Hall / Harvey Hearing Room Meeting called to order @ 6 pm by Chair Matt Gorkowicz PRESENT: Karin Chavis KC, Matt Gorkowicz MG, Christian Buonopane CB, Bill Gault WG, Joe Hanlon JH, Max Tassinari MT, Kim Dimes KD, Paul Reardon PR, Michael Gillespie ML, Jim Letterie JL Also present Robbie Powers RP and Sarah Johnson SJ on Zoom, Leslie Darcy LD Absent, Shannon Poulos Meeting is on Zoom, chair reads Zoom information into the record Motion by KD to accept previous meetings minutes; 2nd CB Yes: KC, MG, CB, WG, JH, KD, PR, ML Abstain: MT Chair moves into agenda of meeting; introduces Superintendent of Schools Lisa Howard LH to answer the commission’s questions after previously meeting with her _LH provides an update on collective bargaining between the teacher’s union and School Committee LH gives very good insight into the commission’s questions about step increases, COLAs, specific unit agreements, MG then asks LH about her opinion on the difference between her submitted budget and the Town manager budget, referencing the contingency line LH explains that the contingency line in 27 is there to settle the contract, for 4 units + admins + custodians; carried over LH talks about earmarks and seeking more funding from the state via State Rep Jeff Turco and State Senator Lydia Edwards LH also discusses grants, how they affect her department, and the losses (not receiving) grants that have resulted form noncompliance with 3A General discussion between the Commission and Supt. Howard continues regarding the costs of various maintenance expenses, afterschool programs, and where to plug holes in the budget should her request not be met and/or grants continue to be lost JH asks a question regarding the previous passed 2.5 override; LH explains that this override was NOT designed to last for many many years, and designed to keep level service for this / last year LH adds that the school committee has thus far been able to stretch the money as far as possible through prudent management and careful spending LH continues to explain that they are very cautious and conservative with planning Continued discussion of rising expenses within the school department KC notes that it would be nice for principals to post their reports / updates for each school Discussion of test scores / performance Commission and LH discuss a potential succession plan for her, Supt Howard explains her leadership style Commission discusses enhancing the rink’s capacity to generate revenue by improving amenities / the facility Improving bathrooms, discussing hourly rate, increase to rate Making the rink able to be open all year, JL points out that besides Parazzo rink, Larsen Rink is the closest to the airport -> significant potential MG reminds the Commission to send him their comments to send to TC General discussion of other budgetary issues including the Housing Authority and how much it pays for trash MG again reminds the Commission to send him comments regarding the budget so he can prepare what to send for TC in time for budget meeting. Meeting adjourned unanimously Minutes by: Christian Buonopane