Joint Finance Committee/Capital Outlay Committee Meeting
Minutes – March 19, 2009
Sharon High School Library
Members Present: Finance: Maria Anderson, Donald Gilligan, Gordon Gladstone,
Charles Goodman, Josh Kiernan, Ira Miller, Laura Nelson,
Edward Philips (late), (Hamilton)
Absent: Brian Fitzgerald, Jonathan Hitter, Joel Lessard
Members Present: Capital Outlay: Gordon Gladstone, William Heitin, Paul Linehan,
David Milowe, Walter “Joe” Roach, Alison Rutley,
Laura Salomons
Absent: Brian Fitzgerald, Amanda Sloan
Other Attendees: Bill Fowler, Eli Hauser, Rob Maidman, Susan Price, Ben Puritz
1. Paul Linehan announced the joint meeting of Capital Outlay and the Finance Committee. There were some items for Capital Outlay before discussion of Capital items for the Warrant. There had been discussion of paying cash instead of borrowing. Due to circular reference, $223,000 was the correct amount, not $225,000.
2. It was MOVED and SECONDED to approve Capital Outlay meeting minutes of February 26, 2009.
3. VOTED: 7-0-0.
4. Bill Heitin gave an overview to the Finance Committee of this year’s process of Capital Outlay. The Capital Outlay actual budget mirrors the respective Warrant articles for recommendation. The year in review was summarized on the spreadsheet. Actual votes were taken at the last meeting. Capital has lowered allotment from 6.5% to 6%.
5. There was some discussion on this overview.
6. The next item on the agenda was the Capital Outlay Warrant articles.
7. Article 19. Public Works – Streets & Sidewalks. Maintaining the roads. No new sidewalks. $634,407.
8. There was discussion on this article.
9. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Josh Kiernan to recommend $634,407 under Article 19 for roadway construction.
10. VOTED: 6-0-1. For: Anderson, Gilligan, Gladstone, Goodman, Kiernan, Miller. Abstain: Nelson.
11. Article 20. Public Works – Vehicles & Equipment. $51,000 vehicles; $10,000 diagnostic computer to repair town vehicles; $41,000 Forestry & Grounds truck. $33,000 for light improvements. $150,000 town hall: $75,000 carpeting, $75,000 HVAC. $51,000 plus $183,000 less $82,000.
12. There was some discussion on Article 20.
13. Article 20 was tabled.
14. Article 21. School Department. DW technology, $172,294. Building improvements, $10,000. Building improvements center, $30,000. Department equipment furniture, $97,000. Building site, $90,000. Building improvements DW, $155,000. Building improvement high school, $402,500. SPED vans, $280,000. Total, $1,014,569.
15. There was discussion on Article 21.
16. Article 22. Feasibility Study for Sharon Middle School. Architectural plans.
17. Gordon Gladstone stated that this was a placeholder for an amount to be determined to carry Middle School forward from May to November. This will require additional architectural and management funds.
18. There was discussion on Article 22.
19. Article 23. Fire Department. The pumper is $600,000. $62,000 for three portable defibrillators and one to be permanent, mounted in Town Hall.
20. There was discussion on Article 23.
21. Article 24. Police. Police equipment, three cruisers, $30,000 each. Computers. $128,000.
22. Article 25. Civil Defense. Continuation of renovation of windows and exterior of building that was started last year. Energy efficient windows installed and doors. $11,000.
23. Article 26. Library. Modification to main entry. Energy efficient type door. Work with Historical Commission. Widening of vestibule. $18,400. Price from contractor, Peter Andrews.
24. Article 27. Recreation. Small passenger vehicle, $25,000. Software, $10,000.
25. Article 28. Town Clerk. New voting equipment, $51,800. $50,000 equipment and $1,800 for maintenance contract.
26. Article 29. Information Technology. Document management system. Election storing paper. $27,000.
27. Warrant review will be continued at Monday’s regular meeting.
28. The next item on the agenda was a presentation by Eli Hauser and the Economic Development Committee on Post Office Square, Phase 1 Study results. $100,000 funding from state for 43D study. Three consultants were hired who did economic study, zoning use patterns, and economic water study by another firm. Organized pedestrian usability of square, zoning. What environmental looks like. Housing component with long term affordability. Waste water management. Asking town leaders and community what we want to do and what they want to see. Post Office Square is 20 acres. 8% of total commercial property. 14% of commercial tax revenue. Post Office Square revitalization is more than revenue and what we want is that square. $450,000 to $500,000. $435,000 revenue.
29. Susan Price reported on smart growth, development of town center, more pedestrian friendly, and centralized waste water system.
30. Rob Maidman reported that three property owners, DeLappa Company, Alice, and Dickerman, need to be part of this for revenue projection. Preserve the culture and aesthetics. Traffic flow studies to be done and water use.
31. There was considerable discussion on this report regarding how the revitalization of the center and the waste water management plan could affect the center of town. There was a suggestion that grants and property owners should finance the project, not the town.
32. The next Finance Committee meeting will be Monday, March 23.
33. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.
34. VOTED: 7-0-0.
35. The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m.