Finance Committee Meeting
Minutes – September 25, 2006
Sharon High School Library – 7:30 P.M.
Members Present: Joel Alpert, Maria Anderson, Brian Fitzgerald, Charles Goodman,
Jonathan Hitter, Joel Lessard, Ira Miller, Laura Nelson, Edward
Philips, Gloria Rose, Gregory Sydney (Hamilton)
Absent: Kenneth Goldberg
1. The first item on the agenda was Warrant Article 3, Wilber School lease and proposal. There was a meeting tonight in Executive session under Exemption H of the Mass. Public Records Law.
2. Ben Puritz stated that on September 26, at the Selectmen’s meeting, the Wilber Use Committee will announce and recommend in public. The Selectmen will advance the negotiation process and the responses to the RFP will no longer be under the Exemption H.
3. The next item was Warrant Article 2, Horizons for Youth land.
4. Ben Puritz stated that there is an executed Confidentiality Agreement. That will preempt his ability to speak on the matter.
5. There was some discussion on this item.
6. The next item on the agenda was Warrant Article 6, Sharon Soccer Association, Third Field.
7. Rich Goldman updated the progress on their proposal indicating 1000 children playing, ages 5-18. Two fields on Gavins Pond Road. Propose a third field and a parking lot. Add 111 parking spots. The Soccer Association will pay for it. Benefit for other sports in town by freeing up a field. Met with Police for traffic and safety concerns. An alternative site not recommended. Keep program together.
8. There was much discussion regarding the third field, its location, children playing under high tension wire, traffic in the neighborhood, and litter on the fields.
9. Many people who attended meeting from Sharon Woods neighborhood offered their views and input regarding wildlife, trees, water, and conservation land.
10. There was some discussion on Warrant Article 7, Sharon Soccer Association lease.
11. It was brought up that the lease might not be finalized before town meeting. The lease needs to be reviewed by the Selectmen.
12. Rich Goldman stated that this lease was the original 10 year term with a 5 year extension. It would expire in 2008. This was reviewed by Town Counsel.
13. Ira Miller stated that the Finance Committee has gone through all articles. The committee has a chance to do some discussion. Next meeting we’ll take votes. There is one article that had to do with accepting some fire insurance money on the Middle School.
14. ARTICLE 1. Rescind King Philip vote of May Town Meeting.
15. Discussion to be deferred on this article.
16. ARTICLE 2. Horizons for Youth land.
17. There was much discussion on this article. No information because of Confidentiality Agreement.
18. Ira Miller stated that the committee would defer recommendation until town meeting. One is to vote indefinite postponement or vote recommendation at town meeting.
19. Brian Fitzgerald reported that this is an important piece of property. Near lake, flat. The owners made an agreement with Goodwill. Town is not allowed to talk about this in public. Property should be vetted properly.
20. There was continued discussion on this article.
21. A MOTION was made by Brian Fitzgerald and SECONDED by Joel Alpert that we recommend to Selectmen that Ira Miller become part of negotiations between town and Horizons for Youth land.
22. VOTED: 7-0-4. For: Alpert, Anderson, Fitzgerald, Goodman, Lessard, Nelson, Sydney. Abstain: Hitter, Miller, Philips, Rose.
23. ARTICLE 3. Lease and Proposal of Wilber School. Not enough information to discuss.
24. ARTICLE 4. Finance Committee to Engage Qualified Financial Analyst.
25. Maria Anderson reported that the towns around us have Finance Directors. No one has just a financial analyst or assistant. Finance Directors report directly to the Town Administrator. One town reported to Finance Committee directly. We’re interested in hiring an analyst rather than director. Salary from high $70,000 to mid $95,000.
26. There was discussion on Finance Director’s role and responsibilities.
27. This article was deferred to the next meeting for vote.
28. ARTICLE 5. Community Preservation Committee.
29. There was much discussion on this article.
30. Ira Miller announced that the committee should vote one by one. First item: Repair the floors, $12,000 at S. Pleasant St. $6,000 Affordable Housing, $6,000 Historic Preservation. Voted favorably by CPC, 7-0.
31. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Brian Fitzgerald for indefinite postponement of $12,000 expense for repairing floors at S. Pleasant Street.
32. There was discussion on the motion.
33. VOTED: 11-0-0.
34. Second Item: Affordable Housing Reserve, repair of roofs at Hixson Farm, 7-0.
35. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Brian Fitzgerald for indefinite postponement for $136,600 for repair of roofs at Hixson Farm.
36. VOTED: 11-0-0.
37. Third Item: $10,000 from the CPC open space reserve. Update town’s open space and recreation plan, 6-1.
38. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Gloria Rose to approve $10,000 expenditure to come up with a plan.
39. There was discussion on the motion.
40. VOTED: 8-0-3. For: Alpert, Anderson, Fitzgerald, Hitter, Miller, Philips, Rose, Sydney. Abstain: Goodman, Lessard, Nelson.
41. Fourth Item: $4,800 toward ADA compliant drinking water fountains, 7-0, Deborah Sampson, Ames Street Playground.
42. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Ted Philips for indefinite postponement for $4,800 for ADA drinking water fountains at Deborah Sampson and Ames Street Playground.
43. There was discussion on the motion.
44. VOTED: 9-0-2. For: Alpert, Anderson, Fitzgerald, Hitter, Lessard, Miller, Nelson, Philips, Rose. Abstain: Goodman, Sydney.
45. Fifth Item: $14,000 for administrative expenses, 6-1.
46. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Ted Philips to approve $14,000 for expenditure for administrative expenses.
47. There was discussion on the motion.
48. VOTED: 8-0-3. For: Alpert, Anderson, Fitzgerald, Goodman, Hitter, Miller, Philips, Rose. Abstain: Lessard, Nelson, Sydney.
49. ARTICLE 6. Soccer Association, the third field. Deferred to next meeting.
50. ARTICLE 7. Soccer Association lease. Deferred to next meeting
51. ARTICLE 8. CSD Modification. Deferred to next meeting.
52. ARTICLE 9. Lot Width Shape Factor.
53. There was much discussion on this article.
54. ARTICLE 11. Street Acceptance. Deferred.
55. ARTICLE 12. One member’s absence from ZBA hearing. Deferred.
56. ARTICLE 13. Unemployment. Placeholder.
57. ARTICLE 14. Stabilization Fund. To put $100,000 in Stabilization Fund coming from free cash. Deferred.
58. A MOTION was made by Joel Alpert and SECONDED by Ted Philips to accept minutes of September 11, 2006, as corrected.
59. VOTED: 8-0-2. Abstain: Fitzgerald, Hitter.
60. The next meeting will be October 4.
61. Committee Liaison Meetings.
62. Laura Nelson reported on the Library Board of Trustees. Conveyed their opinions and feelings behind move to Selectmen sector. Bill Heitin, Selectman, Gloria, and I were present. Discussion ensued, as the Finance Committee tried to explain and defend our position. They have not taken a decision. Tabled to third Wednesday in October.
63. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.
64. VOTED: 11-0-0.
65. The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 p.m.