7/9/1996 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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i ■ F - + � RECEIVED SIS FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES JIMY 9 19 9 6 M ASH Er. METINGoMMEC ' . M Finance Committee members present: Sid Golub, Chai=n; Alec-Watt; Mike Kumin and Tony Gallo. Dan Goggin and Juan Ba igalupi were unable to attend* The meetiLng was held at the Carol Jacobson Senior Center. Please note for the record that once the Minutes are approved, the audio tape will be reused. mutes Tony Gallo Motioned to app rove' the Minutes of June 11, 1996 a written. Mike Kumin seconded the Motion and members approved unanimously --o . Contract Negotiations Mr. Golub asked if members had an opportunity to review the letter which Mr. Whritenour had provided the previous week? fir Watt mentioned that he did not. find it very helpful . Mr. Kumin asked why the Finance Committee wants to be involved wi-th these negotiations Mr. Gallo felt that the Finance Committee should be .involved in everything. He feels that it is their re ponsaL ility to the citizens of this Town. Mr. Kumin asked if they should be involved in everything when the Town has the Board of Selectmen and the Executive Secretary involved He asked what the Finance Committee can add? Mr. Gallo felt that the Finance Cottee is responsible for the taxpayers, money. Mr, Golub felt that the Board of Selectmen is a political group and it can be very awkward for them. It was Mr. Golub' s opinion that the Finance Committee is one step removed from that and can take a position that is more objective. Mr. Golub mentioned that hi's presence at the School Department' s negotiations was very be of ficial,, and it was his objectiveness that helped them get as far as they had. Mr. Watt believed that the Flo nance Committee should be involved right from the begirmi g. Mr. Golub mentioned the pending petition to have a Finance Committee member act as an ex officio member of the negotiating team. Mr. Kumin then asked why it is that the Board of Selectmen do not want the Finance Committee involved? Mr. Golub answered that it was only his opinion, but that the Selectmen may feel that their power is being threatened or that the Finance Committee may disrupt negotiations . Mr. Golub did mention that the Finance Committee does have to get involved at some point t recommend or not recommend, Mr. Golub mentioned that this matter should be part of their monthly mews issue. Mr. Kumin stated that he still believed a point meeting with the Selectmen would be beneficial . It would help to iron certain things out. Mr. Watt mentioned that as a