Council Focuses on Gym Rental Plan

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

The Finance Committee continues to work on a long-term plan for the rental of the gym on Pauline Street at the old middle/high school. In the meantime the Town Council has approved a revolving fund to operate the gym.

Councilor and Finance Committee member Nick DelVento said the discussion of fees is still in the Finance Committee and they are working on a long-term plan regarding future fees. Currently, the fee to use the gym is $50 an hour.

DelVento explained that the revolving fund will be funded by rental fees and the maximum allowed in the fund is $75,000. Any balance at the end of the year will remain in the fund.

The Finance Committee will also work on a Capital Project Fund to upgrade software for the towns and schools. Chief Financial Officer Mike Perez the upgrade includes changing vendors and redesigning the system. The software will improve many areas, especially the Inspectional Services Department. One benefit will be the ease in which people can have plans approved from town departments.

“It’s likely to be a three-year process,” Perez told the council.

In other council business:

• The Council elected Councilor Russ Sanford to the position of vice president of the board. Councilors hold the position for a year. Councilor James Letterie served in 2016.

• Councilor Heather Engman was named co-chair of the Economic Development Committee.