AMESBURY

CITY HALL

62 Friend Street

Amesbury, MA 01913

City Council Finance Committee

Budget Hearings

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

City Hall Auditorium

The meeting was called to order by Councilor Sherwood at 7:00 p.m.

Members present: Councilor Ferguson, Councilor Moavenzadeh,Councilor Sherwood, Councilor Bartley, Councilor Bezanson, Councilor McMilleon; Councilor McClure arrived at 7:07 p.m. and Councilor Lavoie arrived at 7:10 p.m.

Members absent:Councilor Sickorez

Councilor McMilleon reminded the public that the budget recommendation meeting will be held on May 28, 2015.

There was a packet of information dropped from the Superintendent’s Office.

FIRE –Fire Chief Brickett and Assistant Fire Chief Fournier presented the budget.

The budget is fairly flat over last year. There is a 2.4% increase in overtime, and 2.1% increase overall in personnel. There is a 1.6% increase in operating expenses.

Councilor Bezanson asked about ambulance billing. Chief Brickett explained.

There was a discussion about equipment and warrantees (truck and ambulance).

Councilor Ferguson asked for clarification of what the column of other stipends included. She also asked about the overtime line item. Chief Brickett said it was mostly due to the ambulance call back.

Councilor Bezanson inquired about sick time. Chief Brickett responded that it was contractual.

POLICE – Police Chief Kevin Ouellet and Lieutenant Jeffrey Worthenpresented the budget.

Chief Ouellet read a letterto the committee members.

There was a discussion regarding the School Resource Officer positions.

Councilor Lavoie asked how many sworn officers there are. Chief Ouellet said there were 33 officers currently and they are budgeted for 32.5.

Councilor Lavoie asked about body cameras. Chief Ouellet thinks this needs to be vetted first.

There was a conversation about regional dispatch.

There was a discussion regarding the heroin epidemic and synthetic marijuana.

Councilor Sherwood asked for an update on the police vehicles. Chief Ouellet said they’re looking to replace (2) two administrative vehicles. There are (5)five on the lease program for the frontline cruisers.

HARBORMASTER – Chief Kevin Ouellet and Lieutenant Jeffrey Worthen presented the budget.

This budget is level funded.

There was a discussion on the bridge project and a problem with the signage on the highway. Chief Ouellet will address it.

Councilor Sherwood motioned to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. Councilor McMilleon seconded. It was voted unanimous.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Dawne Warren

Administrative Assistant

Office of the City Clerk