7/21/2016 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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5 Finance Committee Minutes July 21, 2016 LIAISON REPORTS School Department: It was reported the School Department and School Committee have agreed to return $500,000 to the Town to assist with costs associated to the Quashnet School window and door replacement project. School Committee liaison George Schmidt indicated the cost projection is now$1.7 million. With the School's$500,000 contribution, and the$700,000 state reimbursement projection it is anticipated the Town would be required to contribute $500,000 towards the cost of this project. Dawn Thayer,the Finance Director indicated the Town Meeting article is required to fund the entire project in full. This includes the projected state reimbursement and the turn back of $500,000 from the School Department which would be certified as free cash. The remaining funds would require bond authorization over a term of 20 years. In the state reimbursement program, invoices totaling$50,000 or more are permissible to be submitted for reimbursement as the project moves forward. Rodney C. Collins Town Manager indicated the Planning& Construction Committee has met, and has voted to recommend this project to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee. To move this process forward to Town Meeting,the CIP will hold a special meeting. Assuming all is approved with the state contribution and Town Meeting approval,the project is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2017 when the schools are out of session. A brief discussion followed with respect to$1.5 million in School Choice funds. Mr. Schmidt indicated the School Committee has been reviewing the funding allocation although there are limits as to what can be expended under this category. With respect to the recent decline in school enrollment,members of the Finance Committee requested a five year outlook from the School Committee regarding the use of the school buildings. It was agreed this is a valuable exercise and it is a regular Town government practice. Mr. Schmidt indicated he would bring this topic to the School Committee for consideration, but he assured the committee there would always be a need for the three school buildings. It was reported that recently the Superintendent of Schools and School Principals participated with members of the Mashpee Police Department in the ALICE program to receive active shooter response training skills. A mock trial series which would include a lock-down drill is planned when the schools are in session. ADDITIONAL TOPICS Association of Finance Committees for 2017 dues: $204 Approved. Finance Committee Web Page: To be updated on a continual basis.