Westport News

Present:    Warren Messier (WM), Bob McCarthy (BM), Jack Baughan (JB), Tracy Priestner (TP), Charles “Buzzy” Baron (BB), Hugh Morton (HM), John Miller (JM), Mark Carney (MC), Marybeth Ferrarini (MF)

1.    HM, Acting Chair, opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the traditional salute to the flag.

2. BB made a motion to thank Lisa Arnold for her many years of service to the Fincom as a member, Vice-chair and Chair during some difficult times.  Her service is appreciated by all and she will be missed.  BM seconded the motion and all were in favor.  JM drafted letters of thanks and appreciation to Lisa Arnold and Tony Vieira and all returning members signed the letters.

3. HM welcomed two new members to the committee, Mark Carney and Marybeth Ferrarini.  Everyone went around the table introducing themselves and saying a brief bio.  JM asked if the secretary could send out an updated list of member phone numbers, email and addresses.

4. The minutes of June 29th were presented for approval.  WM made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected.  TP seconded the motion and all were in favor.

5. Three transfers were presented to the Fincom for approval.  
1. WM made a motion to approve the transfer from the reserve fund for $600.00 to fund the Tax Collector in tax taking purposes.  TP seconded the motion and all were in favor.
2. WM made a motion to approve a transfer of funds from the Transfer Station to the Highway Department in the amount of $1,200.00 to cover expenses associated with a Highway laborer working at the Transfer Station.  BB seconded the motion and all were in favor.
3. WM made a motion to approve a transfer of funds from the Town Clerk’s personal services to general expenses in the amount of $139.63 to cover the increase in longevity per the union contract.  JB seconded the motion and all were in favor.

6. The payroll expense for the last meeting for the secretary was presented for approval in the amount of $46.92.  WM made a motion and TP seconded the motion to approve the payroll.  The motion was carried unanimously.

7. Two vouchers to pay bills were presented for payment.  One bill was for the annual dues to the Association of Town Finance Committees for $200.00 and the other bill were two invoices for office supplies in the amount of $48.07.  WM made a motion and TP seconded the motion to approve the bills as presented.  The vote was unanimous in favor.



8. Reorganization:
Chair:    BM nominated and WM seconded for Hugh Morton as Chair.  HM accepted the nomination.  Other nominees were Bob McCarthy, who respectfully declined and Warren Messier, who respectfully declined.  Since there were no other nominations, BB move and WM seconded the motion close the nominations.  All were in favor.  Then, BB moved and TP seconded the motion to elect a Chair.  The vote was unanimous in favor of HM as Chair of the Fincom.
    Vice-Chair:    BM nominated and WM seconded for Charles “Buzzy” Baron for Vice-Chair.  Other nominees were John Miller, who respectfully declined and Jack Baughan, who respectfully declined.  Since there were no other nominations, TP move and JB seconded the motion close the nominations.  All were in favor.  Then, TP moved and WM seconded the motion to elect a Vice-Chair.  The vote was unanimous in favor of BB as Vice-Chair of the Fincom.

9. Michael Coughlin, Town Administrator, was in attendance and spoke on the fall special town meeting.  The dates are the end of October or the beginning of November.  He thought that the Fincom liaisons should start meeting with departments as soon as possible to advise and help them control their budgets.  HM said we can’t control their spending but we want to know how it’s going and advise them if they need it.  Tentative liaison assignments were handed out and we will take them up at the next meeting.  

10.    Appointments to other committees:  WM was appointed to the Dredging Committee and the Fire Station Building Committee by unanimous votes.  JB was appointed to the Capital Improvement Planning Committee by unanimous vote.  MC was appointed to the Tax Incentive Program Committee by unanimous vote.  

11.    HM asked BB to take a look at the new open meeting law and report back at the next meeting.

Adjournment and next meeting: There being no further business to come before this meeting, BB moved and JB seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:50pm.  The vote in favor was unanimous.  The next meeting will be on August 10th at 7:00 p.m. at the Westport Town Hall.
                            
Respectfully submitted,
Nicole Botelho, Recording Secretary