FINANCE COMMITTEE
MINUTES – NOVEMBER 3, 2003
TOWN HALL – 7:30 P.M.
Members present: Pietal, Heitin, Bergeron, Fixler, Goodman, Hitter, Miller, Rose, Sydney, Feldman
1. Received further explanation and documentation about Warrant Article V – Conservation Sub-Division Design (CSD) from Eli Hauser – Planning Board member
· Points from the discussion
a. There are 52 Parcels in questions as part of this article
b. Several of the properties listed may already be developed or are Town owned
c. Not every property can be developed – conservation, land locked etc…
d. Noted a discrepancy between Town Assessor’s parcel size and ArcView parcel size
o Hauser explained the difference human v. computer modeling
o Heitin added that where there is large discrepancies its looks to be farmland
e. Goodman suggested additional research should be provided detailing exactly how many of the parcels can be “developed”
f. Discussion about what can be built on five acres led to a “clustering” discussion
o Conventional houses ( 1 X # of Acres)
o Age Qualified ( 1.75 X # of Acres)
o Multi-Family ( 1.25 X # of Acres)
g. Pietal asked whether parcel owner’s can sub-divide
o Hauser replied that this is possible
2. Confirmed that all Finance Committee members received Joel Tran’s email replies to questions sent regarding rezoning articles.
3. Reviewed memo reply from Police Chief Joseph Bernstein relating to traffic concerns surrounding both Cobb’s Corner and South Main Street Rezoning
· Hauser stated that updated traffic studies are required prior to any development considerations
· 5 out of 8 residents impacted by proposed Cobb’s Corner rezoning are now in favor of the article.
4. Decided to delay recommendations until Town Meeting for Articles II, III, IV and VII - pending forthcoming Economic Impact Study
5. Reviewed/Edited Recommendation for clarification on all voted on Warrant Articles
· Updated copies will be distributed for review
6. Discussed implementing a Conflict of Interest processes
· Pietal mentioned that the States Ethic Commission is a good source for general inquiry and is a free service
· Discussed the $550.00 bill from Town Counsel (Gelerman)
7. Pietal to invite Don Hillegas to review MUNIS System prior to Finance Committee reviewing budgets
8. Selectmen Grasfield mentions the possibility of adding a Finance Page to the Town Website
Key Dates
Priorities Meeting – November 6, 2003
Capital Outlay Committee Meeting – November 13, 2003
Open Warrant Meeting – December 1, 2003
Town Meeting December 8, 2003
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