1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

Council President deMedeiros called the meeting to order with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

3. ROLL CALL

Present

Absent

Councilor Janick

Town Administrator Cotta, Solicitor Marcello, and Deputy Clerk Veegh were also present.

BUSINESS BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL

4. GENERAL BUSINESS

                A. Overall Discussion, Review, and Potential Preliminary Votes on FY 2022/2023 Budget, including
                    individual line items and capital expenses as previously submitted by Town Administrator.  

Including not limited to:

a. Police Department

b. Public Works Department

Council President deMedeiros stated that as significant casino monies had been spent on capital for the year, capital expenses would be discussed at a later date when the Administrator will share plans for federal ARPA money.

Police Chief Jones presented the Police Department FY 2021/2022 Budget request to the Council. Under Salaries, he proposed 3% raises for himself and the deputy chief. He noted a 2.75% increase for IBPO employees was covered by the current collective bargaining agreement, adding that Town Administrator was currently in contract negotiations with AFSCME.

As some headings/line item information was missing on the backup spreadsheet, councilors decided to table discussion on police salaries. Discussion of General Contractual/Mandated Expenses requests included clothing allowances, in-service training, community policing, and state psychological testing. Further discussion on TPD operation requests included vehicle tires, software service contracts, IT systems/support, telephone and communications, fuel and electricity.  All Municipal Court line items were level-funded.

DPW Director Rogers presented the Public Works budget requests. Councilor deMedeiros noted salary amounts would change but would be reflected in the council contingency fund. Director Rogers’ salary increase amount was based on an adjustment reflective of last year’s raise that did not coincide with the fiscal year. Discussion continued for operation requests including minor equipment replacement and repairs, road salt increases, heat and fuel.

Under the Rubbish/Recycling Collection section, Director Rogers explained the large increase was related to mid-year landfill closure and estimated trash hauling and future tipping fee expenses.   

On the Landfill budget, Director Rogers attributed substantial increases for Landfill Engineering/Testing and Recycling Center to a potential need for re-engineering of the landfill, as well new and increased DEM permit and testing requirements. Building Maintenance categories remained level-funded except for fuel.

Briefly discussed was the Town Council budget which remained level-funded except for the Contingency fund increase due to three contracts currently in negotiation. Town Hall operating expenses were level-funded except for heating.

Under Legal Services, Solicitor Marcello explained original contract of $130k had broken down to $160/hour based on 67 hr. /month average, which he described as well below industry rates. He would be providing a formal budget proposal in the range of $175-$180 /hr.  Administrator Cotta explained current Prosecution legal services contract was ending, necessitating an increase for soliciting in a narrow field. 

Planning, Zoning and Town Sergeant budgets were level-funded. Town Administration expenses were level-funded except for personnel (assistant) and new photocopier lease. 

Civic Appropriations increase requests were briefly discussed. Solicitor Marcello noted National Opioid Settlement funds were forthcoming that may be used for addiction outreach services.

                B. Planning for future FY 2022/2023 Budget Reviews

It was decided to cancel the previously scheduled Special Meeting on Monday, February 21, 2022 due to a holiday conflict and reschedule a new meeting on Saturday, February 26, 2022.

6. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Cook motioned to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 1:05 p.m.

A True Copy.

ATTEST________________________________

                      Joan B. Chabot, Town Clerk