Board of Aldermen

Appropriations Committee Meeting Minutes

Thursday, 19 July 2007

Appropriations Committee

Absent: Tramontozzi, Heavey, Infurna, Wright

In attendance: City Engineer Bob Beshara; Building Commissioner John Luther

Appropriations called to order by Chairman Brodeur at 7:50 p.m.

President Mortimer moves to join Orders 07-164A and 07-165A, 2^nd by Alderman Forbes.  All in favor.

Order No. 07-164A, Amending Something Previously Adopted  Order No. 07-164 -- Water Enterprise operating budget for Fiscal Year 2008 be amended by striking the amount "$3,842,275.36" and inserting in place thereof the amount "$3,843,336.36" as set forth herein.

Order No. 07-165A, Amending Something Previously Adopted  Order No. 07-165 -- Sewer Enterprise operating budget for Fiscal Year 2008 be amended by striking the amount "$5,557,967.14" and inserting in place thereof the amount "$5,440,472.14" as set forth herein.

Chairman Brodeur asks City Engineer Bob Beshara to inform the committee as to why these budgets need adjusting.  Mr. Beshara says the MWRA adjusted the final assessment: the water assessment increased by just over $1,000.00 and the sewer assessment decreased by just over $117,000.00.

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

Chairman Brodeur asks which line-items will be amended.  Mr. Beshara says his computer froze and was unable to make the adjustments today.  Chairman Brodeur asks that he provide that information to the aldermen before the August full board meeting.

Alderman Forbes says the average increase will be $63.00 per year or about $16 to $18 per month.  Mr. Beshara says yes, for combined water and sewer service.

Chairman Brodeur asks if the lion's share of the adjustments will be in the MWRA's assessment.  Mr. Beshara says yes.

On the motion to recommend, All in favor.

Order No. 08-009, APPROPRIATION  Amount $10,716.23 From: Contract Stabilization Fund, Transfers Out - A/C #84042-590000 To: Inspectional Services, Salaries - A/C #012411-511000  This transfer is necessary to fund the salary adjustment for the position of Assistant to the Director of Inspection Services.

Building Commissioner John Luther says the appropriation is needed to fund the salary of the position as of July 1.  The position increased in level and the hours increased by 5 per week.

Alderman Seaboyer asks if the Assistant has taken the necessary classes and certification required.  Mr. Luther says she is studying for the exam.

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

Order No. 08-010, APPROPRIATION  Amount: $4,000.00 From: Contract Stabilization Fund, Transfer Out - A/C #84042-590000 To: Board of Appeals, Salaries - A/C #011761-511000  This appropriation is necessary to fund the approved salary increase for the Board of Appeals Secretary position.

Chairman Brodeur says this matter had fairly extensive discussion during the budget hearings.

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

Order No. 08-011, TRANSFER  Amount: $90,000.00 From: City Solicitor, Labor Counsel - A/C #011512-528950  $70,000.00  City Solicitor, Special Counsel - A/C #011512-528970  $20,000.00  To: City Solicitor, Salaries - A/C #011511-511000  $90,000.00  This transfer is necessary to fund the salaries and wages line item for the Deputy City Solicitor.

Chairman Brodeur says the Aldermen should have anticipated receiving this funding order after approving the position during the budget hearings.  There is confirmation from the Auditor's office that funding is available.

Alderman Boisselle asks if there will be two City Solicitors or just one.  Chairman Brodeur says that David Lucas is still the City Solicitor; Mr. Van Campen reports to him.

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

President Mortimer motions to adjourn, 2^nd by Alderman Buonopane.

Maribeth Harrington
Clerk of Committees