The Meeting Was Called to Order by Chairman Kenneth Farley at 5:35 P.M

FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES MEETING OF JANUARY 3, 2006

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kenneth Farley at 5:35 p.m.

Members present: Mayor Wallace Nutting, City Manager John Bubier, Finance Director Curt Koehler, Councilors Kenneth Farley, Chairman, John McCurry and Michael Ready.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: NOVEMBER 15, 2005

Motion by Councilor McCurry, seconded by Councilor Ready to accept the minutes of November 15, 2005 as printed. Vote: Unanimous.

DISCUSSION/UPDATE: CITY HALL RENOVATIONS

An update on the repairs to City Hall was given by Renee O’Neil, Clerk of the Works. The Insurance Company estimates damages at $55,000. The work is progressing steadily as per Ms. O’Neil and so far under budget. Mr. Jim Godbout reported that the work on the heating and air conditioning has been completed; a bit more work needed on the air exchange system.

DISCUSSION/APPROVAL: CONTRACT FOR DEMOLITION OF 315 MAIN STREET (T. NELSON)

Mr. Nelson updated the Committee on the demolition project at 315 Main Street. Three bids were received: 1) Peter Petit Excavating, Inc., Biddeford, ME Bid amount: $30,000. 2) St. Laurent & Son Inc., Lewiston, ME $38,000. 3) L.R. Higgins, Inc., Scarborough, ME 72,250.

After reviewing the proposals, the Committee agreed to award the bid to: Peter Petit Excavating, Inc.

Motion by Councilor McCurry, seconded by Councilor Ready to award the bid to Peter Petit Excavating in the amount of $30,000. (Source of funding to be taken up at tonight’s Council meeting.) Vote: Unanimous.

DISCUSSION/UPDATE: STIPEND FOR CLAIRMA MATHERNE FOR TIME SPENT AS INTERIM CITY MANAGER(C.Koehler) A couple of months ago, the idea of giving Ms. Matherne a stipend for the time she spent as Interim City Manager was discussed among Council members. The amount of $2,500 was the consensus but no formal action was taken on the payment.

Motion by Councilor McCurry, seconded by Councilor Ready that the amount of $2,500 be paid to Ms. Matherne for the time she spent as Interim City Manager. Amount to be charged to account 21111-60108, General Administration, Workers Comp Light Duty Wages. Vote: Unanimous.

DISCUSSION: PROCEDURES FOR WARRANT APPROVAL (C.Koehler)

Mr. Koehler stated that the warrant should be signed by the Finance Committee on the off-week for prompt payment; warrant is ready on Tuesday before 10:00a.m.

PRESENTATION OF FY2005 AUDIT RESULTS BY AUDITOR, GREG CHABOT

Mr. Greg Chabot of the auditing firm of Runyon Kersteen Ouellette addressed the Committee briefly.

OUTSTANDING ISSUES LIST

1) Postage rates: The City should pursue a meeting with a representative of the post office to clarify the bulk mailing rates.

2) Review Regional Cooperation: A meeting is scheduled for this week with all cities/towns concerned.

3) School buses: Better communication is needed in order to get the realistic per-student cost of transportation of St. James School students.

4) Cell phones: There are difficulties with Cingular which need to be discussed.

A report is forthcoming as to the number of cell phones out and if the number of users is justified.

OTHER BUSINESS: FIRE STATION COVERAGE Discussion to take place on where additional stations should be.....beach areas, west Biddeford (business project on Route 111).

ADJOURN

Motion by Councilor MaCurry, seconded by Councilor Ready to adjourn. Vote: Unanimous. Time: 6:50 p.m.