Finance Committee Meeting

Minutes – January 23, 2006

Town Hall, Lower Level Hearing Room, 7:30 P.M.

Members Present:  Joel Alpert, Brian Fitzgerald, Kenneth Goldberg, Charles Goodman,

                               Jonathan Hitter, Joel Lessard, Ira Miller, Gloria Rose, Gregory

                               Sydney (Hamilton)

                Absent:   Maria Anderson, Michael Feldman

1. This is the 14^th meeting of this fiscal year.  The first item on the agenda was the budget of the Board of Assessors.  Mark Mazur, Administrative Assessor presented the budget.

2. Considerable discussion followed the presentation regarding all aspects of the budget including a re-evaluation project which occurs every three years.

3. At the next meeting on January 30, the Board of Health’s budget will be reviewed.  The Library budget may also be ready.  Other budgets to be considered are Personnel Board, Conservation Commission, Lake Management, Planning Board, and the Zoning Board of Appeals.  The Town Clerk has been presented.  The Selectmen’s budget will be in February.  The Priorities Committee met last Thursday.  At this time, there will be a little less than a 3% increase available for Operating Budgets.

4. OTHER BUSINESS

5. Joel Alpert gave a report on the School Committee.  Due to increase in energy costs, they may be short $200,000; however, they can absorb that this year.

6. Jon Hitter reported there is a Capital Outlay meeting on Thursday to go over outstanding funds.

7. There was much discussion regarding an open letter to the taxpayers on the costs of the Community Center and other items coming up in the spring for funds, and if the Finance Committee wants to support it as a committee.

8. A MOTION was made by Joel Alpert and SECONDED by Greg Sydney to accept an open letter to the taxpayers of the town of Sharon from the Sharon Finance Committee.

9. Discussion was held on the motion.

10. VOTED:  9-0-0.

11. A MOTION was made by Brian Fitzgerald and SECONDED by Jon Hitter to send the letter to Paul Pietal for Sharon Update.

12. VOTED:  9-0-0.

13. A MOTION was made by Joel Alpert and SECONDED by Ira Miller to submit the open letter for publication in the Patriot Ledger.

14. VOTED:  9-0-0.

15. A MOTION was made by Jonathan Hitter and SECONDED by Ira Miller to submit the open letter to the Sharon Advocate.

16. VOTED:  9-0-0.

17. A MOTION was made by Ken Goldberg and SECONDED by Greg Sydney to offer to read the open letter at the Selectmen’s meeting and hand out at the meeting.

18. VOTED:  9-0-0.

19. A MOTION was made by Ira Miller and SECONDED by Jon Hitter to authorize Joel Alpert to incorporate changes as discussed tonight and other stylistic changes.

20. VOTED:  9-0-0.

21. There was much discussion regarding the hiring of a health insurance consultant.  It was determined that the Board of Selectmen will hire the consultant.  Joel Alpert was concerned they may not ask the questions that are relevant.  Jon Hitter suggested that if it is not done by March 1, the Finance Committee will hire someone.  Greg Sydney stated that we can work together if they need assistance.

22. A MOTION was made by Greg Sydney and SECONDED by Joel Alpert that Greg Sydney and Joel Alpert will represent the Finance Committee to the Selectmen with regards to the hiring of a health insurance consultant.

23. VOTED:  9-0-0.

24. Joel Alpert made a suggestion regarding town vehicles with a view to significant savings.

25. Discussion was held regarding the Finance Committee keeping track of money that had been appropriated and not spent.

26. A MOTION was made by Greg Sydney and SECONDED by Ken Goldberg that the Finance Committee request a list from the Treasurer of authorized unspent funds as of December 31.

27. VOTED:  9-0-0.

28. The next meeting will be on January 30 at the High School.

29. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

30. VOTED:  9-0-0.

31. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 P.M.