Date: June 11, 7:00
Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/7949362580
Meeting ID: 794-936-2580 Direct Dial: +1 929 205 6099
Agenda: https://www.natickma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06112020-3970
My Unofficial Notes: The meeting was a high level discussion of the budget adjustment to fire and police. A key item of note is that at the end of both the police and fire chiefs' comments, the Chair asked if the proposed budget is enough to ensure public safety. Both said yes. It was also clear that there were disagreements between Chief Lentini and the Town Administrator over what cuts should be made.
Detailed notes on specific questions and discussion topics:
Reduction in p/t parking enforcement: Chief Hicks had no concerns and felt like the 2 FT can do all the work, so eliminated PT position.
Chief Lentini said he is dismayed to see his assistant’s position cut. And he could have found $54,000 in his budget to save that position. He hopes to work with TA on this.
Public question: Aileen Zogby: Weren’t ALL department heads directed to send her their own suggestions for where to make cuts? Was Chief Lentini allowed to submit his own.
Answer: Chief Lentini didn’t want to comment. “Some were considered. Others were not.”
Public Questions: Anthony Humeniuk
Want to confirm that the $145k for traffic division has been cut. Answer: It has been cut.
There is $1.4M budgeted for plan overtime across the Police and Fire departments. What initiatives have been evaluated to adjust shifts to minimize this impact?
Phil Rooney response - These are a function of staffing and contracts; sometimes part of conditions signed with contracts.
Chief Hicks response - Spoke to his role as a manager to stay within the budget and use it for adjusting to changing needs.
Kate Flathers follow-up: Wanted to confirm that this overtime is needed to smooth out fluctuating needs. Asked if this has been modeled to determine that this is more cost effective than changing shifts or additional hires.
Phil Rooney declined to answer due to concerns about union contract discussions.
Asked about $241k of COLA increases.
Phil - doesn’t feel comfortable asking Chiefs to answer the question as it could affect or reveal their strategy in union negotiations
Tony follow-up: TA has suggested that there has been no contract for 5-6 years, can you comment?
Phil declined to comment.
