Finance Committee Meeting
Minutes – September 18, 2006
School Administration Building – 7:30 P.M.
Members Present: Joel Alpert, Maria Anderson, Brian Fitzgerald, Charles Goodman,
Jonathan Hitter, Ira Miller, Laura Nelson, Edward Philips, Gregory
Sydney (Hamilton)
Absent: Kenneth Goldberg, Joel Lessard, Gloria Rose
1. The first item on the agenda was Warrant Article 20, Home Rule Petition for Affordable Housing by the Sharon Housing Partnership. Present were Jane Desberg, Robert Young, and other members of the Sharon Housing Partnership.
2. Jane Desberg made the presentation. Currently there’s a lottery for 40b. Can only have $50,000 of household assets and $150,000 which includes real property, stocks, and bonds. In Sharon anyone would have more equity than $150,000. No one in Sharon could do this.
3. Robert Young stated he had met with the Council on Aging to discuss the problem with the current law and how it would affect existing seniors in Sharon. We don’t have a lot of affordable housing and all is subsidized. All subsidized is affordable, but not all affordable is subsidized. Lou Kafka was helpful. Using Avalon Bay as model with $150,000. No one in Sharon could use it. Sharon should seek Home Rule Petition in the General Court.
4. There was much discussion on this article.
5. Joel Alpert raised the question of discrimination. If the $400,000 is established, it would just be for Sharon. Would there be any legal issues doing something like that?
6. Jane Desberg would take that up with Town Counsel.
7. Ted Philips stated that if it is a Home Rule Petition, it only affects Sharon.
8. Next item on the agenda was the Planning Board Article 8, CSD Modification, continuation from previous meeting. Present were Wayne Bradley, Paul Lauenstein, and Amanda Sloan. Arnie Cohen arrived later.
9. There was continued discussion on this article regarding affordable housing and some mention of inclusionary zoning.
10. Arnie Cohen spoke as the dissenting vote and gave specific reasons for his vote including wording, incentives, inclusionary zoning, and buffer areas.
11. There was much discussion on this presentation and how the changes might affect the future.
12. Next item on the agenda was Warrant Article 5, Expenditure of CPC Funds, by Community Preservation Committee. Present were George Bailey, Corey Snow, Treasurer, and other members.
13. George Bailey made the presentation. We ratified a vote. The CPA was adopted by the town of Sharon in November 2004. Went into effect the following July 1. We accumulated funds, half of $621,890. We will receive an estimated amount in October by the state. There are fairly large communities about to join. We know we will get 100% this year. 100% end of next fiscal year. Then going to drop to 75%. Very complicated, rigorous method who gets money. First approved $6,000 for house on Pleasant Street. This comes from affordable housing fund. Facing a repair to existing housing. This and second one not achieved any gain on affordable housing. $10,000 from fund to update the Conservation Commission in town open space and recreation plan. The vote was 6-1. The other two votes were 7-0. $4,800 for two fountains. The total amount at end of year would be $20,000, a contingency fund to cover expenses. A plan is needed for recreation, open space, preservation, and affordable housing. The vote was 6-1.
14. The Community Preservation Committee voted down the application of the Massapoag Brook Association for $1,000,000. The vote was 4-3.
15. There was much discussion held on this article.
16. There was discussion on the use of CPA funds for repairs and maintenance, especially to state property.
17. It was stated that this statute can be used to assist a housing authority and low income housing property.
18. There was concern regarding the collection of the $300,000 and how much interest it earns.
19. It was stated that these expenditures were for the drinking fountains, open space and recreation plans, and operating expense. A plan of prioritization is needed.
20. COMMITTEE LIAISON REPORTS
21. Ira Miller reported on the first meeting for Priorities. We had an agenda. Discussed goals and objectives for the year. Format for reporting to Priorities Committee. Information wasn’t as timely reported as it could have been. The committee kept changing requests from time to time. On reporting up front at beginning of meeting. Having the format of the revenue estimate to have more comparisons to see trends from year to year. The sector came up. The library came up. Meeting at library on Wednesday on why they would like to switch sectors to Selectmen sector. Reporting of budgets. Gloria worked up format. Selectmen also had a format different than ours. We’re going to discuss it again. May not come to any agreement.
22. There was much discussion on this report.
23. Joel Alpert suggested introducing the policy of a sustainable budget.
24. One more meeting is scheduled to review last of Warrant articles.
25. NEW BUSINESS
26. Jon Hitter stated that “It’s Your Money” articles are edited. The Advocate edits. Articles are her headlines. Not comfortable how they are edited. Need to make sure it is an accurate representation of what the committee wants to put out.
27. Ira Miller stated that they are unedited in Sharon Update.
28. There was discussion held on this item.
29. Joel Alpert stated that the editor always sends back to me with changes, and I send to Ira.
30. Ira Miller announced that next week we will wrap up the Warrant articles. We have Horizons for Youth. Soccer articles, Article 22 to be added. Insurance proceeds from Middle School roof. Tomorrow night Selectmen to sign Warrant.
31. The next meeting will be September 25.
32. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.
33. VOTED: 9-0-0.
34. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.