1/31/1995 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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Page employees he had, both full time and seasonal , He explained that the department is material intensive, that without proper equipment the work cannot be done. He stated that his capital equipment is currently 2 of its replacement value. He explained that his department is responsible for eight town buildings and that he had two full time people, who are not road crew, to oversee these buildings. He explained that he has ten people responsible for town beaches, paved town roads and unpaved town roads, and 80 or 90 miles of -private roads . Mr, Goggin asked if Mr, Taylor if he has made comparisons of other towns approximately the same size? Mr. Taylor answered that it has not been done in a few years, but yes he has statistics and Mashpee is at the low end of people per mile. Mr. Taylor also hopes to maintain his 2 seasonal employees. Last Summer was the -first year the Department had them. Nor. Taylor invited the Finance Committee to meet with the Board o Selectmen and himself on Monday, February 13 , 1995 at 7: 1 P . At that time they will have a consultant there to discuss a comprehensive list. It will state what the Town needs to do to get the most for its money. Mr. Goggin asked Mr, Taylor's invo lv rent in the Capital Improvement Committee Mr. Taylor answered that the DPW has approximately $3 , 2 million of repairs and road work to be clone over a period of years and the department will work with the Capital Improvement Committee. He also explained that state funding available will be approximately $1. 2 million. some funds have been previously promised for Great Oak Road. Mr. Taylor spoke about certain funds which the Town has received for the first time. One such grant was received for trees. The Department planted 30 trees at Heritage Park, The Tree Warden is involved in a program to foster and take care of these trees . The Town also received funding for overlay and repairs to Rt, 151 which was 10 0% funding. The Town owed nothing. He also spoke of work which was completed last year, for eg, Iced Brook Toad and ashpee' first set of traffic signals on Rt. 151. Mr, Goggin asked if the signals were on all night? Mr, Taylor answered that they are, but this can be overruled by the Police Department at any time. Mr. Taylor mentioned that ashpee's largest asset is the approximate $32 million for Town roads. Mr. Taylor spoke about the Long Range Plan and did not feel that 2 increase each year would be sufficient. He stated that the State doesn't provide a great return for gas tax, Ir. Cahir is working to improve this. He also mentioned that the cost of living rate is going up 3-4%, The cost of sand is up 3 and asphalt 2 , as well as the cost of fuel has increased. Mr. Taylor mentioned that an override is still a possibility for the Town. Ids. Ding and Mr. Goggin stated that the Finance Committee sees no need for an override.