01/09/2020 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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5 Finance Committee Minutes January 9, 2020 COMMUNICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE Communications from Finance Committee Liaison Selectman Andrew R. Gottlieb: (continued) The clarity of Santuit Pond has become a challenge as a result of the internal recycling of phosphorus into the sediments from the accumulation of excess fertilization through land use practices and septic systems. Although the Solar Bee circulators are still functioning there is a need to halt the input of undesirable nutrients to prevent the pond from worsening conditions. Of interest is the upcoming annual MA Municipal Association(MMA) meeting and workshops scheduled to be held later this month. Information regarding the event can be found at the website: www.MMA.M. After attending a recent Association of Town Finance Committees meeting it was noted there is a notion a town's budget is the budget of the Finance Committee and not the budget of the Board of Selectmen or Town Manager. This brings forth inconsistencies with the Town of Mashpee as the Town Charter structures this function under the decree of the Town Manager. It was recommended the lines of communication between the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee be more accessible. Selectman Gottlieb extended an open invitation to the Finance Committee to attend and be recognized at Board of Selectmen Meetings. On January 27, 2020 the Financial Team is scheduled to present financial options regarding the funding of wastewater. On February 10, 2020, the Town Manager will be presenting the Town Manager's Recommended Budget for FY2021 to the Board of Selectman. It was noted the Finance Committee has scheduled the Public Hearing on the proposed FY2021 Budget on March 19, 2020. In a fast track schedule,the deadline for Finance Committee recommendations for Town Meeting to be included in the warrant is March 26, 2020. It was recommended the Finance Committee Report contain budget information from previous years to review the budget increases and turn-backs. In closing there was a brief discussion regarding the food waste issue, and perhaps consulting restaurant owners and possibly grocery stores in the Town of Mashpee to garner interest in composting. Food encompasses approximately 40% of the weight of waste. The Finance Committee expressed appreciation to Selectman Gottlieb for the informative session.