<p> FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES MEETING OF JANUARY 3, 2006</p><p>The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kenneth Farley at 5:35 p.m.</p><p>Members present: Mayor Wallace Nutting, City Manager John Bubier, Finance Director Curt Koehler, Councilors Kenneth Farley, Chairman, John McCurry and Michael Ready.</p><p>APPROVAL OF MINUTES: NOVEMBER 15, 2005</p><p>Motion by Councilor McCurry, seconded by Councilor Ready to accept the minutes of November 15, 2005 as printed. Vote: Unanimous.</p><p>DISCUSSION/UPDATE: CITY HALL RENOVATIONS</p><p>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.</p><p>DISCUSSION/APPROVAL: CONTRACT FOR DEMOLITION OF 315 MAIN STREET (T. NELSON)</p><p>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.</p><p>After reviewing the proposals, the Committee agreed to award the bid to: Peter Petit Excavating, Inc. </p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>DISCUSSION: PROCEDURES FOR WARRANT APPROVAL (C.Koehler)</p><p>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.</p><p>PRESENTATION OF FY2005 AUDIT RESULTS BY AUDITOR, GREG CHABOT</p><p>Mr. Greg Chabot of the auditing firm of Runyon Kersteen Ouellette addressed the Committee briefly.</p><p>OUTSTANDING ISSUES LIST</p><p>1) Postage rates: The City should pursue a meeting with a representative of the post office to clarify the bulk mailing rates.</p><p>2) Review Regional Cooperation: A meeting is scheduled for this week with all cities/towns concerned.</p><p>3) School buses: Better communication is needed in order to get the realistic per-student cost of transportation of St. James School students.</p><p>4) Cell phones: There are difficulties with Cingular which need to be discussed.</p><p>A report is forthcoming as to the number of cell phones out and if the number of users is justified.</p><p>OTHER BUSINESS: FIRE STATION COVERAGE Discussion to take place on where additional stations should be.....beach areas, west Biddeford (business project on Route 111).</p><p>ADJOURN</p><p>Motion by Councilor MaCurry, seconded by Councilor Ready to adjourn. Vote: Unanimous. Time: 6:50 p.m.</p>