Board of Aldermen

Appropriations Committee Meeting Minutes

Thursday, 10 May 2007

Appropriations Committee

In attendance: Nick Gove, Superintendent of Mount Hood and Parks

Appropriations Committee concludes FY2008 budget hearings at 9:17 p.m.  Chairman Brodeur steps down from the chair.  Vice-Chairman Tramontozzi takes the chair to conduct the regular order of business.

Order No. 07-195, TRANSFER Amount $55,080.00 From: Water-Salaries, A/C #614511-511000 To:  various Water Accounts as set forth herein

President Mortimer moves to recommend, 2^nd by Alderman Boisselle.  All in favor.

Order No. 07-196, TRANSFER Amount:  $132,100.00 From: various Public Works - surplus accounts To: various Public Works - deficit accounts as set forth herein.

President Mortimer moves to recommend, 2^nd by Alderman Boisselle.

On discussion Alderman Conn says this order is somewhat misleading in that these are not surplus accounts.  There is simply money left in them.  This is a bookkeeping order to balance the accounts.  All money has not been expended.

On the motion to recommend, All in favor.

Order No. 07-198, TRANSFER Amount: $2, 400.00 From: Auditor, Education/Seminar, A/C#011352-540600 $246.65; Municipal Debt, Interest, A/C #017512-549102 $653.35; Temporary Debt, Interest $1,500.00.  To: Departmental Equipment, IT Computer Purchases & Upgrades, A/C#019302-530100 As set forth herein

President Mortimer moves to recommend, 2^nd by Alderman Forbes.  All in favor.

Order No. 07-199, GRANT Amount:  $200,000.00 From: Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, Dept. of Business and Technology. To: A/C#2589 – Victorian Street Lights Said funds will be used to perform a comprehensive restoration of existing Victorian Street Lights on Main Street, West Wyoming Avenue and Berwick Street.

Alderman Infurna moves to recommend, 2^nd by Alderman Boisselle.  On discussion Alderman Infurna says that Mr. Gove is here and perhaps he could provide the committee with some information.

Mr. Gove says there is currently a contract out to bid to renovate all the Victorian lights which will include new optics, louver assemblies, and bulbs.  All globes will be replaced and the existing cast iron poles will be stripped, painted and repositioned.

Alderman Infurna says that some people have complained about this but it is a safety issue.

Alderman Brodeur says he's not sure if he buys in on the Fed side.  Earmarks have gone from zero to billions of dollars.  The problem is that Melrose gets Victorian lights and another community gets a gazebo, but the notion remains that earmarks are a bad idea.  With impending increases to water and sewer rates and the school department's needs, this idea doesn't make sense to him.

Alderman Conn asks if the grant is restricted.  Mr. Gove says that is his understanding.  Alderman Conn asks if the documents are in-house.  Mr. Gove says yes.  Alderman Conn asks if the project will be made available to bid.  Mr. Gove says yes.

Alderman Boisselle asks if the renovation will incorporate flower baskets.  Mr. Gove says yes.  Alderman Boisselle asks if a particular group of people will be watering them.  Mr. Gove says the program will be similar to adopt-a-site.

Alderman Forbes says there is another safety issue.  Many people walk on Main Street.  He asks what good are beautiful lights when people trip on the tree grates.  Mr. Gove says the grates are being worked on and several have already been removed.

Alderman Seaboyer asks if all of the globes will be replaced as well as rewiring the poles.  Mr. Gove says yes.  Alderman Seaboyer asks if the surplus globes will be retained in case of vandalism.  Mr. Gove says it makes sense to purchase extras.  Alderman Seaboyer asks if any old parts will be retained.  Mr. Gove says they are the City's to keep.  If there is any value in them he'll keep them.

Alderman Wright asks if all the existing Victorian lighting is included in the project.  Mr. Gove says yes; there are 41 double luminary poles in the downtown area and an additional 25 on Wyoming and Berwick Streets.  One pole that was knocked down in an accident will be replaced.  Alderman Wright says the grant is to update the existing poles to properly light Main Street and the Wyoming Avenue business district.

Alderman Buonopane moves to recommend, 2^nd by Alderman Infurna.  One opposed (Brodeur).

Alderman Buonopane motions to adjourn, 2^nd by Alderman Forbes.  All in favor.

Appropriations adjourns at 9:30 p.m.

Maribeth Harrington
Clerk of Committees