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2015.09.24_TC_Minutes_Special (2) TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION MEETING FY 2015-2016 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING Thursday, September 24, 2015 5:01 PM Mayor Bernard Featherman called the Budget Public Hearing Meeting to order in the Town Commission Chambers at 5:01 PM. CALL TO ORDER: Roll Call: Members present: Mayor Bernard Featherman; Vice Mayor William Weitz, Ph.D; Commissioner Carl Feldman; Commissioner Louis P. Stern and Commissioner Rhoda Zelniker. Also present: Town Attorney Glen Torcivia; Town Manager Beverly Brown; Town Clerk Valerie Oakes; Police Chief Craig Hartmann; Finance Director Cale Curtis; Building Official Mike Desorcy; Code Enforcement Officer Carol Holland; Interim Library Director Suzi Hayes and members of the public. Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was given, followed by a minute of silence. Civility Pledge: The Civility Pledge was recited by the Town Clerk. 1. ADDITIONS,DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Mayor Featherman called for any additions or deletions to the agenda. Receiving no additions or deletions,the agenda was accepted as presented. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS: Joe Sessa, 3400 S. Ocean Blvd. — It is my understanding that the janitorial position in the Library held by Bertrand Desir is being eliminated. He has been employed by the Town of Highland Beach for over 26 years and is set to be terminated by the end of this month because of budget constraints. There is a part-time position available in Public Works if he chooses to accept it. I spoke with Mr. Desir, and he informed me that he would be willing to take a cut in salary and work 30 hours a week if he could maintain his benefits. Some of the residents have voiced their concern to me, and asked that the Commission take this under advisement and allow Mr. Desir to maintain his position with the cut in hours and salary. Town Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 24,2015 Pace 2 of 7 Richard Kaplan, 3420 S. Ocean Blvd. —I am involved with the Friends of the Library, and I have seen some major changes over the past recent months such as the resignation of the Library Director, the termination of the IT person and now the elimination of the janitorial position. This was a friendly place where people enjoyed coming to, and I am having a hard time trying to understand some of these changes. The Library is a very important part of this Town, and I would appreciate it if someone would provide me with all the facts so I can understand what is going on in the Library. 3. PRESENTATIONS: A) Summary of Budget Updates By: Cale Curtis, Finance Director Finance Director Cale Curtis —The Commission has received Update No. 4 to the budget which is a complete summary of all the revisions that have been made to the 2015-2016 Proposed Budget (attached as Exhibit"A"). Commission Discussion: Commissioner Feldman — Did you remove the $5,000 from the Commission for their travel? Fin. Dir. Curtis — That has remained the same until I can get a consensus as to what the Commission proposes to do about this item. Comm. Feldman — Any new Commissioners should not be included in the pension plan which will save us $25,000 a year. Where did the $5,000 go from the sale of the fire engine and police car? Fin. Dir. Curtis—It was put into the General Fund. Comm. Feldman — We discussed our membership in the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce and the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, and whether or not we should be members. Regarding the $100,000 for resurfacing the parking lot, will this go out for bid? Fin. Dir. Curtis — This will go out for bid, but our best estimate is at $100,000 at this time. Comm. Feldman — There will be a decrease in the money budgeted for new floors in the Library since they went from hardwood flooring to carpeting. From what I can see in this budget, we do have enough surplus to continue with the 3.5 millage rate. Commissioner Zelniker — Regarding Comm. Feldman's comment, I agree with removing the $5,000 from the Commission for attending certain conferences. Do we need a motion to do this? Town Attorney Torcivia — If you are going to change any of the budget that is in front of you, a motion is needed for that specific change. Vice Mayor Weitz — I am quite satisfied with the budget and the changes that have been made to save money. Could you explain the appropriation from Reserves (Unassigned Fund Balance) - $91,405? Fin. Dir. Curtis — We have had a Reserve for Contingency in the General Fund of approximately $300,000. When we implemented the last drop in the tax rate, it brought us below that figure. In order to bring that Reserve for Contingency back up to that amount, we are proposing to allocate $91,405 from our Unassigned Fund Balance. Vice Mayor Weitz — I do not agree with Comm. Feldman's comment regarding future Commissioners not being included in the pension plan. This is something that exists, and it is wrong to isolate certain Commissioners from a program that is available to them. Town Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 24,2015 Page 3 of 7 A discussion ensued between Vice Mayor Weitz and Town Manager Brown regarding the budget process. Commissioner Stern — The Florida League of Cities Convention is invaluable, and we should not eliminate any of that money from the benefits we have as being a Commissioner. The Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce and the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce does not require much money for dues. Our Mayor attends these meetings. I have also attended some of the Commission meetings in both towns and have brought back valuable thoughts that have helped this Town. We do not need to make any additional changes. The budget should be approved as presented at this time. Mayor Featherman — I also agree that the Florida League of Cities Conferences and the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce and the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce memberships are very important to this Town. 4. PRESENTATIONS OF BUDGET RESOLUTIONS: A) RESOLUTION NO. 15-007 R A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A FINAL MILLAGE RATE OF 3.5000 MILS FOR THE TOWN'S GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2015 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2016; PROVIDING THAT THE FINAL MILLAGE RATE OF 3.5000 MILS IS 5.54 PERCENT LESS THAN THE COMPUTED ROLLED-BACK RATE OF 3.7053 MILS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read Resolution No. 15-007 R into the record. B) RESOLUTION NO. 15-008 R A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A FINAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2015 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 DETERMINING AND FIXING THE AMOUNTS NECESSARY TO CARRY ON THE GOVERNMENT OF THE TOWN FOR THE ENSUING YEAR; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Clerk Oakes read Resolution No. 15-008 R into the record. 5. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING 2015-2016 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET: Carl Gehman, 1123 Highland Beach Drive — The budget should be approved as is. It is a great budget. Town Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 24,2015 Paze 4 of 7 Richard Kaplan, 3420 S. Ocean Blvd. — I am questioning the 10% reduction in the Library, and I would like someone to meet with me to explain the reason behind this. 6. COMMISSION QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION: Comm. Zelniker — I am not in favor of the monies budgeted for the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce and the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce memberships. I would like to see more done for the Library out of our taxpayer money. Residents should not have to pay for the programs offered at the Library. I am waiting for the policy that Town Manager Brown and Town Attorney Torcivia are drafting. Town Manager Brown—If we pay these people to do this service, they become employees of the Town, and we have to pay social security, retirement and liability insurance. The policy we are looking at is for them to lease the premises, and then offer other programs that do not charge for their services. The Library has a list of programs they would like to offer to the residents. Vice Mayor Weitz — The Town budget information has been available on the Town website for the past several months. This Commission has reviewed this budget, and there have been reductions across the board in every area of this Town. There are some individuals who are concerned about a particular issue around a personnel action which is not the Commission's prerogative. The Town Manager makes the determination as to the status of hire and fire of employees. There was no termination. I voted for reducing a position in the Library that was costing this Town somewhere between $70,000 and $80,000, when we can get the same job done in an equal or better capacity for $12,000. That was a financial decision with no prejudicial action. Comm. Feldman — On Page No. 16 - Expenditure Comparison, I do not see a cost for the new IT for the Library as a separate item. Fin. Dir. Curtis—The IT does not have its own line item in the budget. Each department has a cost factored into its line item for contractual IT services. 7. ADOPTION OF MILLAGE RATE ON SECOND READING: A) RESOLUTION NO. 15-007 R A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A FINAL MILLAGE RATE OF 3.5000 MILS FOR THE TOWN'S GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2015 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2016; PROVIDING THAT THE FINAL MILLAGE RATE OF 3.5000 MILS IS 5.54 PERCENT LESS THAN THE COMPUTED ROLLED-BACK RATE OF 3.7053 MILS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: Vice Mayor Weitz moved to adopt Resolution No. 15-007 R on second reading. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Feldman. ROLL CALL: Vice Mayor Weitz - Yes Commissioner Feldman - Yes Commissioner Zelniker - Yes Commissioner Stern - Yes Mayor Featherman - Yes Town Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 24,2015 Pace 5 of 7 Motion carried 5 to 0. 8. ADOPTION OF 2015-2016 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET ON SECOND READING: A) RESOLUTION NO. 15-008 R A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A FINAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2015 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 DETERMINING AND FIXING THE AMOUNTS NECESSARY TO CARRY ON THE GOVERNMENT OF THE TOWN FOR THE ENSUING YEAR; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: Commissioner Feldman moved to adopt Resolution No. 15-008 R on second reading. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Zelniker. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Feldman - Yes Commissioner Zelniker - Yes Vice Mayor Weitz - Yes Commissioner Stern - Yes Mayor Featherman - Yes Motion carried 5 to 0. 9. REPORTS—TOWN COMMISSION: A) Commissioner Rhoda Zelniker — I am happy that the millage rate is at 3.5 mils and we have worked very hard for the residents of our Town. B) Commissioner Carl Feldman — We have to be a bit more open with these reports for our residents and explain what is in the budget. Fin. Dir. Curtis is working on a complete compensation package for our employees which will be very helpful. The residents should also be able to see what the employees receive from the Town. C) Commissioner Louis P. Stern read his statement into the record (attached as Exhibit`B"). D) Vice Mayor Weitz — I appreciate Commissioner Stern's position on the budget. I originally proposed 3.6 mils but the majority did not agree with that. It is rare in any Town that millage rates get shifted that dramatically from year to year. We are currently at 3.95 mils and reducing it to 3.5 mils. Hopefully it will not be a decision that we will regret. I do not agree with Comm. Stern's statement regarding the morale of the staff. We are giving the employees a 3% raise in salary along with an excellent health and benefits package. We have great employees, and I care about our employees. Our employees are very well treated and I do not want to hear about a Town Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 24,2015 Paze 6 of 7 morale problem. If there is a morale problem, then we need to identify it, discuss it and try to work through it. Comm. Feldman — Regarding Comm. Stern's comment on overtime, we never discussed overtime. The money was taken out of the budget for overtime for the scanning project in the Building Department only. E) Mayor Bernard Featherman—We are working for the benefit of our residents. Our Library is a very important part of our Town. Also, the Florida League of Cities Conferences are very valuable and informative to our Commissioners. 10. REPORTS—TOWN ATTORNEY GLEN J. TORCIVIA: No report. 11. REPORTS—TOWN MANAGER BEVERLY M. BROWN: On October 5th, the Library goes back to the regular hours of 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. We received a letter from the Boca Raton Airport Authority, and they have passed a Resolution disbanding the Aviation Advisory Committee. We had one representative on that board, and he has been notified. 12. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS DISCUSSED AT MEETING ONLY: Joe Canazarro, 1121 Bel Air Drive—When residents take the time to present an issue, there should be a response by the Commission. I do not see this happening. Vice Mayor Weitz talked about morale. You can talk about how great it is, but do you really know what is going through the minds of your employees. Something should be done about it. Mayor Featherman — Sometimes when you make changes, people do not like it. We have made changes to become more economically directed. Also, if residents have issues,they can go to the Town Manager or the Town Attorney for answers. Joe Sessa, 3400 S. Ocean Blvd. — I spoke to Town Manager Brown regarding the Library employee. She indicated to me that she had no control in this matter. The Commission provided her with no funds to maintain or keep this gentleman employed. Town Attorney Torcivia—The Town Manager makes personnel decisions, and the Commission makes the budget decisions. If the job is eliminated due to a financial decision, the person is not being terminated. The position just does not exist any longer. Joe Sessa—He was given an alternative of working 20 hours a week with no benefits. To me this is very unfair. Does it cost $34,000 for each married employee for their benefits? Town Manager Brown—That is correct. Edward Neidich, 4740 S. Ocean Blvd. — I can assure you that no one on this Commission wants to hurt any employee or anybody here. This Commission has a responsibility to the residents of this Town and common sense has to prevail. They had to look at this budget and make the decisions based upon what is in the best interest of the Town of Highland Beach. I commend this Commission on doing a great job. Town Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 24, 2015 Paye 7 of 7 Town Clerk Oakes read the meetings scheduled for the month of October: • Town Commission Workshop Meeting — September 29th — Cancelled due to lack of agenda items. • Town Commission Regular Meeting—October 6th— 1:30 PM • Town Commission Workshop Meeting—October 27th— 1:30 PM • Code Enforcement Meeting—October 29th—9:30 AM • Board of Adjustment& Appeals, Planning Board and Beaches & Shores—No meetings. • The Financial Advisory Board—To be determined and announced. 13. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Commission, Mapor Featherman called for a motion to adjourn the Budget Public Hearing Meeting at 6:20 PM. MOTION: Commissioner Stern moved to adjourn the Budget Public Hearing at 6:20 PM. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Feldman which passed unanimously. APPROVED: 41L1JLl3lJ, •ems, Bernard Featherman, Mayor is P. SterK, Commissioner William Weitz, Vice Mayor C�arlFeldffian, Commissioner C%v `Itho a Zelniker mmissioner ATTEST: Valerie Oakes, CMC, Town Clerk Date c? 1f Update to the Proposed 2015-2016 Budget Update 4- September 24, 2015 The below is a complete summary of all the revisions that have made it into the 2015-2016 Proposed Budget. The updates in red are based on the actions taken at the September 10`x' Budget • Revenues- Reduced the operating tax rate from 3.95 to the computed "rolled-back" rate of 3.7073. This change to the operating tax rate results in a$488,000 reduction to the ad valorem (property) tax revenues. • Further reduced the operating tax rate from the rolled-back rate (3.7053)to 3.50. This equates to a$409,000 cut to Highland Beach property taxes for the year. • The newly awarded insurance contract with the Preferred Government Insurance Trust will save the General Fund an additional $10,000, the Water Fund $30,000, and the Sewer Fund $1,500. • Town Manager Department- Reduced by $127,290 by eliminating Systems Analyst position. A full-time position(Library Assistant) has been added back to the Library and is described below. • Finance Department - Reduced auditing services by $6,800 due to newly awarded contract. • Public Works Department- Eliminated $75,000 for the hiring of a consultant to provide analysis and feasibility study of future major walk-path capital improvement(streetscape) • Police Department- Eliminate funding of$68,000 for License Plate Recognition Camera system due to State of Florida moratorium on permitting of new systems in"right-of- way". This project will be re-introduced once the State takes action. • Library Department- Add $67,000 for wages and benefits for the hiring of a Library Assistant (full-time)position to replace the full-time position of Library Systems Analyst. The position change results in a savings of over $60,000 annually. • Library Department- Eliminate $150,000 for the enclosure of the Library Terraces pending further information regarding the justification, need, and citizen desire for enclosure. • Personnel Benefits (all departments, non-union) - The Town Commission agreed to a 3% raise across the board for all non-union employees effective October 1, 2015. The change from 5% merit raises (employment anniversary) to 3% across the board raise on October lsl will result in a savings to the Town of approximately $18,000. • Town M.,n gefA,dded $1 5-000 fef aMer-it Pay Pfegram. The details is o f this Mefit Pay i ivsrru will be girvii at U lUllil uuiv. Newevef, r ", the fnefit ed-to-individuals emade-sigirirrEcinrEvircrroucrens-to the�Town r(rr • T-AlON,n Glefk Added $4,000 to TaA%Qer-k's budget for eveffifne eests asseeia4ed with building rlepaft., e t +:low • Town Clerk- Added $5,000 to election budget for public referendum. • Public Works- added $12,000 to Contractual Services for the existing Janitorial Services to take over daily cleaning of the Town's Library. • Library- Eliminate the full-time Maintenance/Janitorial Position from Fund (Library) and add a part-time Maintenance position in Public Works. This position change will result in a reduction of hours from 40 to an average of 20 per week. The part-time positon does not include insurance benefits. The Town will save $54,000 annually with this position change. • Library- Eliminated $6,500 from the Library's budget for cleaning and janitorial supplies/services. These costs will be included in the Town's existing Janitorial Service contract. • We have reduced the side walk repairs budget from $100,000 down to $10,000. • Longevity pay will be given to employees who reach milestone years. The payments will be made in a lump sum based on the individuals annual salary at the time the milestone is reached: 10 years-2% 12 years- 3% 15 years-4% 20 years- 5% • Appropriation from Reserves (unassigned fund balance) - $91,405. This appropriation is being made so that we can fund the Reserve for Contingency at $300,000. • With these changes, the Reserve for Contingency sets at $300,000. • The General Fund Budget has been reduced by a total of$897,000, or 7.8% 7` 9/y/ s SORRY 1 MISSED THE LAST BUDGET HEARING. FOR THE RECORD,I WOULD HAVE VOTED NO TO THE 3.5 TAX RATE,BUT YES TO 3.6 FOR REASONS OF OPERATING RESERVES(UNNASIGNED FUND BALANCE). WHY DO WE HAVE ADVISORY BOARDS IF WE DO NOT SUPPORT THEM?????AND IN THIS CASE THE FINANCIAL BOARD RECOMMENDED IN WRITING(DOCUMENTED IN THEIR MINUTES). THE ROLL BACK RATE. 1 WAS NEW ON THE COMMISSION 4 YEARS AGO WHEN THE PREVIOUS COMMISSIONS USED OVER A MILLION DOLLARS(FROM THE UNNASINGED FUND BALANCE)TO BALANCE THE BUDGET(WHICH IS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW)THIS WAS NOT COMFORTABLE FOR ME WORKINGTHE NUMBERS AND HAVING TO EXPLAINING IT TO OUR RESIDENTS. IT IS TRUE WE HAVE SUBSTANTIAL SUPPORT FUNDS,BUT FOR THOSE COMMISSIONERS THAT DO NOT KNOW,THE GREATER SAVINGS BALANCE IS IN THE WATER FUND WHERE WE LOSE MONEY EACH YEAR AND WILL NEED A RATE INCREASE. ALSO THESE FUNDS INCREASED BECAUSE OF THE SALE OF OUR PROPERTIES WHICH WAS 3.5 MILLION DOLLARS. MORALE AMONG EMPLOYEES IS NOT GREAT....AS STATED,WHEN JERRY WAS REMOVED FROM THE LIBRARY BERTRAND,KNEW IT WAS ONLY TIME BEFORE HE WOULD BE REMOVED AS WELL.THIS IS A GENERAL FEELING FROM A NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES I HAVE SPOKEN WITH....IN FACT THEY FEEL THEY ARE NO LONGER APPRECIATED OR TRUSTED BY THE COMMISSION. OVERTIME; ONE OF MY FAVORITE ACTIVITIES IS LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS....HOW DO WE NOW DO A 5:00-6:00 LUH WITH NO OVER TIME....IT WOULD HAVE TO BE AT 1:00 WHICH MEANS NO LIGHTS AND NO DIMENSIONAL HARMONY DURING SCHOOL HOURS.THEY COULD NOT PERFORM UNTIL LATER IN THE AFTERNOON. BY THE WAY THEY WERE JUST SELECTED AND INVITED TO SING IN LONDON DURING THE HOLIDAYS WHICH IS QUITE AN HONOR. HOPEFULLY THEY WILL GET THE NECESSARY FUNDS TO BE ABLE TO GO. ONE OTHER ACTIVITY....BEACHES AND SHORES WILL NOW HAVE TO DO THEIR ACTIVITIES DURING REGULAR HOURS....NO OVERTIME,NO SATURDAY FUNCTIONS. REFERENDUM; HARD TO BELIEVE,WHEN THE CHARTER COMMITTEE KNEW IN A 10 YEAR SPAN WE WOULD NEED MONIES IN EXCESS OF$350,000 FOR THE LIKES OF A FIRE ENGINE OR A REPLACEMENT OF A WALKING PATH,ETC.AND RAISED IT TO 10%OF BUDGET. IT PASSED UNAMIOUSLY BUT INCORRECTLY...AS WE LEARNED NOT BY REFERENDUM, AND THOSE THAT FOUGHT THIS NOW THINK WE CAN AGAIN MOVE FORWARD ON A FIRE ENGINE WITHOUT A REFERENDUM.....HARD TO BELIEVE AS THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. BUDGETS ARE GUESSTOMATES PUT TOGETHER BY DEPARTMENT HEADS FOR THEIR EXPECTED NEEDS....CAREFULLY THE COMMISSION DID A GOOD JOB OF REDUCING THESE NUMBERS,BUT WE MAY HAVE CUT IT TOO THIN WITH 3.5 TAX RATE,HIGHLAND BEACH RESIDENTS WILL NOT FEEL A SIGNIFICIENT REDUCTION....BUT WILL READ ABOUT IT IN THE COASTAL STAR WHICH WILL MAKE US LOOK GOOD....HOWEVER AS A MEMBER OF THE FINANCE BOARD SAID....SAVE ME$300 AND I WON'T KNOW IT,BUT RAISE ME$300 AND I WILL BE ALL OVER YOUR BACK.THE FACTS ARE INCREASED VALUE OF REAL ESTATE AND ANYTHING NOT AT ROLL BACK RATE IS A TAX INCREASE. I.E THE COUNTY IS NOT RASINGTHEIR TAX RATE,BUT THIS IN A TAX INCREASE AND OUR TOWN ONLY RECEIVES 25%OF THE TAXES LEVIED SO OUR RESIDENTS WILL INDEED HAVE INCREASED TAXES FOR THE COUNTY, SCHOOL ETC. THE NET RESULT COULD FOR OUR RESIDENTS A SMALL SAVINGS. SURPRISED AT ONE OF OUR COMMISSIONERS WHO ASKED,WHAT ARE WE REALLY GIVING OUR RESIDENTS IF WE DON'T GIVE THEM A REDUCTION IN TAXES....WELL WHEN I TALK ABOUT HIGHLAND BEACH I STRESS AND IMPRESS MOST PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE TOWN,THAT WE HAVE OUR OWN POLICE DEPT,FIRE STATION,POST OFFICE,LIBRARY,WATER PLANT IN A TOWN THAT IS 2-1/2 MILES LONG AND.06 SQ MILES WITH A POPULATION OF 4000 AND 8000 IN SEASON. ONE OF OUR RESIDENS SEEMED UPSET THAT THE COMMISSIONERSS NOWHAVE$600.00 IPADS...WELL THE TOWN IS SAVING MONEY-LESS STAFF TIME,PAPER,COPIER ETC. WE ARE IN THE ELECTRONIC AGE WHICH IS SO MUCH MORE EFFICIENT. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THE IPADS DO NOT BELONG TO THE COMMISSIONERS,AND MUST BE RETURNED AS THEY ARE TOWN PROPERTY. IT IS NOW TIME FOR US TO REDUCE SOME TIME SPENT IN OUR COMMISSION MEETINGS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF HOURS IT NOW TAKES TO TYPE UP MEETING MINUTES. THE LAST MISCONCEPTION.....THE NEW BUDGET HAS NO MONEY SCHEDULED FOR THE NEW WATERLINE OR CALCITE EQUIPTMENT.....IT IS A PASSED REFERENDUM FOR WHICH FINANCING WILL HAVE TO BE OBTAINED WHICH WILL SHOW UP ON NEXT YEARS TOTAL AD VOLERUM TAX AS INTEREST ON A DEBT. THIS NEW COMMISSION WORKED SO WELL IN OUR FIRST FEW MEETINGS,IT IS TIME FOR US TO AGAIN WORK TOGETHER TO BENEFIT THE TOWN AND NOT OUR OWN INDIVIDUAL PET ITEMS. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME VENT.