Finance Committee Meeting

Minutes – August 14, 2006

School Administration Building – 7:30 P.M.

 

Members Present:  Joel Alpert, Maria Anderson, Brian Fitzgerald, Kenneth Goldberg,

                               Charles Goodman (late), Jonathan Hitter, Joel Lessard, Ira Miller,

                               Laura Nelson, Edward Philips, Gloria Rose, Gregory Sydney

                               (Hamilton)

 

1.      This was the 3rd meeting of FY’07.

 

2.      The agenda was the Budget Review, Financial Analyst, and under Other Business, the Massapoag Brook Association.

 

3.      Gloria Rose presented the budget process for FY’08.  She stated that the packet contained three budgets:  Level Funding, Level Funding with Contractual Obligations, 2.5% increase with Contractual Obligations.  The various departments in the Finance Committee sector would receive their directions in September or October.  The format would be the same as for FY’07.  Also asked for salary information for FY’09.

 

4.      There was much discussion regarding the budget in the Finance sector, in other sectors, and what the impact would be on taxes.

 

5.      The next item on the agenda was the Financial Analyst that the Finance Committee sponsored for Fall Town Meeting.

 

6.      Joel Alpert presented the following criteria for a Financial Analyst reporting to the Finance Committee:  (1) Report to the Chairman of the Finance Committee; (2) Attend all meetings of the Finance Committee; (3) Attend all meetings of the Priorities Committee; (4) Attend all meetings of the Capital Outlay Committee; (5) Attend other Town department and committee meetings as directed by the Chairman of the Finance Committee; (6) Attend all Town Meetings and Special Town Meetings; (7) As directed analyze all budgets submitted to the Finance Committee and make recommendations as appropriate; (8) As directed analyze proposed contracts and make recommendations; (9) As directed assist Town Committees and Departments which report to the Finance Committee in preparation of their budgets; (10) As directed contact other Towns to obtain financial information and/or alternative approaches to implement chosen programs or initiatives.

 

7.      There was considerable discussion regarding the Financial Analyst.  More discussion was needed on this and also the need for a presentation of the Warrant article.

 

8.      A suggestion was made to survey other towns.  Joel Alpert will call the treasurer and get information for next meeting.

 

9.      The next agenda item was a presentation by Mary Tobin, a member of the Massapoag Brook Association regarding a memorandum dated August 11 to the Finance Committee regarding their request for $1 million to the Community Preservation Committee to buy land the Association feels is unsuitable for 40B housing.  A letter was also sent to the Board of Selectmen dated August 1  They feel there was a misstatement made by the Chairman of the Community Preservation Committee.  Also present was Lois Miller, Secretary of the Association.

 

10.  There was much discussion on this presentation with special concern for public safety, increased size of septic system, and degradation of wetlands.

 

11.  A MOTION was made by Joel Alpert and SECONDED by Joel Lessard to approve the minutes of July 24, 2006.

 

12.  VOTED:  10-0-2.  Abstain:  Nelson, Philips.

 

13.  The next item on the agenda was “It’s Your Money”, the articles in the Sharon Advocate.  There was some discussion on this.  There were comments that the citizens appreciated the articles.

 

14.  Laura Nelson reported that the Library did not meet this month.  The next meeting is in September.

 

15.  Ira Miller stated that the Finance Committee was invited and will attend.

 

16.  Joel Alpert will get information to the Finance Committee on the School Committee contract within the next week or so.

 

17.  There were other suggestions for the upcoming agenda:  Town Reports and Water Department as enterprise fund.

 

18.  Selectman Rich Powell announced that at the Selectmen’s meeting at the High School Library on August 15, the developer and owners of Rattlesnake Hill will be present at the second public forum on Rattlesnake Hill.  Another meeting is scheduled for September.

 

19.  Ira Miller stated that it would be our intent to invite owners as well to the Finance Committee to discuss financial aspect.

 

20.  The next meeting will be on September 11, 2006.

 

21.  It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

 

22.  VOTED:  12-0-0.

 

23.  The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.