Board of Aldermen

Appropriations Committee Meeting Minutes

Thursday, 10 April 2008

Appropriations Committee

Absent: Forbes, Wright

In attendance: City Auditor/CFO Patrick Dello Russo, Fire Chief John O'Brien

Appropriations called to order by Chairman Brodeur at 7:34 p.m.  Order No. 08-209, APPROPRIATION Amount: $85,327.41 From: A/C #84042-590000, Contract Stabilization Fund, Transfer Out To: A/C #012211-511000 , Fire – Salaries, $78,327.41  A/C #012211-513000, Fire – Overtime, $7,000.00 These expenditures are necessary to fulfill the retroactive pay for the firefighters’ contract settlement and fund fire overtime for the remainder of FY 2008

City Auditor/CFO Patrick Dello Russo says that it was not long ago that the Administration worked to establish the Contract Stabilization Fund, acknowledging that it would be prudent to set aside funds for contract settlements.  This Board of Aldermen acted prudently and wisely and agreed to set aside funds.  The amount estimated was adequate to fund the contract.

Alderman Seaboyer says this award will bring the fund's total down quite a bit.  Mr. Dello Russo says the current total is $171,000.  This appropriation will cut the amount about in half.  There are future obligations outstanding, and he hopes the balance will be close to covering them.

Alderman McAteer-Margolis says there's a letter from Chief O'Brien requesting $40,000 to be added to the overtime account.  Chief O'Brien says $7,000 in overtime is retroactive.  Alderman McAteer-Margolis says the letter requests an additional $40,000.  Mr. Dello Russo says that should not have been included with this request.

Alderman Tramontozzi asks which years the contract covers.  Mr. Dello Russo says it is for 2008, 2009 and 2010.  The only outstanding contract is the police.  Alderman Tramontozzi thanks Chief O'Brien for his hard work, saying the contract is important for the City.  Chief O'Brien says it was a collaborative effort between the Mayor, Mr. Dello Russo, Marianne Long and down through the firefighters.  He says everyone had a piece of it, and he has to thank everyone, including the Board of Aldermen.

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

Alderman Mortimer motions to adjourn, 2^nd by Alderman McAteer-Margolis.  All in favor.

Maribeth Harrington
Clerk of Committees