1. Call to Order

Council President DeMedeiros called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 PM with the pledge of allegiance to the flag and called the Town Council portion of the Joint Workshop to order with a roll call.

Present were Council President DeMedeiros, Council Vice President Burk, Councilor Janick, Councilor Cook and Council Edwards. Absent were Councilor Perry and Councilor Vieira. Town Administrator Cotta and Town Clerk Chabot were also present.

School Committee Chairman Jerome Larkin called the School Committee portion of the Joint Workshop to order. Present were Chair Larkin, Vice Chair Farnworth and Member DeCotis. Absent were Member Pavao and Member Pallasch. Ms. Amy Roderick, School Finance Director, was also present.

Budget Committee Chair Edwards called the Budget Committee portion of the Joint Workshop to order with roll call of members. Present were Cynthia Isherwood, Michael Janick, John Edwards V, David Perry and Daniel Deren.  Absent: Joseph Sousa, Judith Jones and Thomas Haley. Chair Edwards announced new officers elected – Chair Edwards, Vice Chair Perry, Secretary Deren and Docket Secretary Haley.

2. Discussion on Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Budget

Council President DeMedeiros reviewed the FY 2021 Gaming monies allocations for School ($2,000,000) and Municipal ($1,100,000) Capital needs, as authorized at the Town Council meetings of October 18, 2021 and November 8, 2021. Municipal preliminary budget will be discussed at the January 10 Council meeting.

School Chair Larkin reported that the School Committee will be reviewing their first draft at their next meeting. He mentioned that State Aid is expected to drop again this year and offered to review the funding formula with the Budget Committee to help understand increase in school budget over last year.

Council President mentioned the Audit Report ending June 30, 2021 will be available shortly.

COVID monies (CARES, American Recovery, ESSER1, ESSER2 and ESSER3) and COPS grant were briefly discussed.

Budget Chair Edwards requested Town Council and School Committee inform Budget Committee of upcoming meetings on the budget. All agree to have clerks send notices to Budget Committee.

Administrator Cotta noted that three union contracts (Teamsters, AFSCME and IAFF) are in negotiations.

School Chair Larkin noted that NEA and Council 94 are in contract negotiations.

3. Adjournment

Budget Committee member Deren motioned to adjourn, seconded by member Janick.  Motion passed in the affirmative. Budget Committee adjourned.

School Committee Chair Larkin motioned to adjourn, seconded by member DeCotis. Motion passed in the affirmative. School Committee adjourned.

Town Councilor Edwards motioned to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Janick. Motion passed in the affirmative. Town Council adjourned.

Joint Workshop adjourned at approximately 7:29 PM.

A True Copy.

ATTEST_________________________

                 Joan B. Chabot, Town Clerk