The Waterford Street building, a central topic of the meeting, is facing the need for extensive roof work in the next 5 to 10 years. The estimated cost for the renovations is $32 million, driven by the significant 70,000 square feet of roof area in need of attention. Past water issues were acknowledged, and steps are being considered to address the building’s condition. The council underscored the urgency of allocating funds for these renovations to prevent escalated costs in the future.

Financial deliberations at the meeting showed the council’s acute focus on effective fund management. The treasurer reported that the general fund is 83% utilized and in good standing, despite some accounts being over budget due to unforeseen expenses for repairs, maintenance, and professional development. The gift and revolving funds were reported to be in very good condition, with the revolving fund showing an increase in balance from $33,865 to $37,483.60. Additionally, there was a discussion about a $6,000 purchase order for an event service extending to July 1st and the reclassification of various expenses into the FY 24 State Grant.

The need to stay under the $40,000 city council-mandated cap on the revolving fund led to a discussion on reclassifying expenses. Adjustments in April and transfers in and out of the account were noted, with anticipation of reaching the fund cap requiring close monitoring. A minor adjustment of $271.75 in the revenue line was attributed to a deposit that had not been accounted for in the last financial report.

The council also considered a $5,000 addition to the general fund to cover unexpected generator expenses. If this request were not granted, alternative plans would need to be devised to avoid a deficit entering the new fiscal year. Elevator contract fees were another financial concern, with efforts to ensure accurate billing.

The flexibility of the new rules for state grants was noted, allowing for a more comprehensive range of covered expenses. The council also evaluated the FY 24 and FY 25 State Grants, including received amounts and proposed expenditures. An update on the FY 24 technology grant mentioned the acquisition of Chromebooks and other equipment to advance the council’s operational capabilities.

The meeting also delved into the city’s budget request and the upcoming meeting with the welfare committee. The budget request of $210,400 was a reduction from the proposed budget by $111,000. The council discussed salary adjustments, particularly a reduction in the custodian’s salary by $5,000 due to a new hire and a planned $2,000 increase for the Outreach coordinator. A salary study was referenced to inform the discussion on department head salary adjustments, emphasizing the importance of competitive wages to attract and retain qualified personnel.

Additional topics at the meeting included the progress on the age-friendly designation, updates on the Waterford Street project, and the cost implications of a municipal building. The council addressed potential costs and the importance of thoughtful expense management for these projects. The meeting concluded with the announcement of upcoming community programs and events, emphasizing the council’s continued commitment to service and engagement, such as a Veterans appreciation night, a WX game outing, a fishing and gun event, and a COVID clinic. The necessity for board orientation and ethics training for members was also discussed, alongside the introduction of food donation boxes.