Finance Committee Meeting
Minutes – January 22, 2007
Town Hall, Lower Level Hearing Room – 7:00 P.M.
Members Present: Joel Alpert, Brian Fitzgerald, Charles Goodman, Jonathan Hitter
(late), Joel Lessard, Ira Miller, Laura Nelson, Edward Philips, Gloria
Rose (late), Gregory Sydney (Hamilton)
Absent: Maria Anderson
1. The agenda tonight included the proponents of the Economic Development Committee and Board of Selectmen on the rezoning initiative. They presented information and gave financial data. Also review budgets of the Board of Health, Lake Management, and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Ira Miller announced that the Finance Committee has guests from Troop 95 Boy Scouts. They were just about completing their Merit Badge of Citizenship.
2. Bob Shelmerdine from the Intoccia Group brought the Finance Committee up to date on what they’ve been doing such as meeting with boards and committees to review their proposal.
3. Ken Caputo, Engineer, made a presentation regarding the proposed rezoning from residential to business.
4. Dean Sratouly, President of Development of the Congress Group, spoke regarding what they plan to develop in the area similar to Mashpee Commons, including small shops, restaurants, municipal area, professional space, and a large anchor grocer.
5. There was much discussion held on this information including financial impact to the community. The developer stated they take care of their own trash, plowing, and security. May have to add a policeman or fire watch. Estimated mill rate would be about $3.1 million grossed out.
6. The next item on the agenda was the Budget Review.
7. The first sector was the Board of Health. Linda Rosen, Administrator. Elizabeth Barnett, Member, Sheila Miller, Public Health Nurse, Linda Callen, Administrative Assistant.
8. Linda Rosen stated some of the items done by the Board of Health including blood pressure, immunizations, and flu vaccine, septic systems, upgrading, and new systems. Licensing of all the restaurants and food establishments.. Inspectional services at camps, pools, spas, and health clubs. Sheila Miller does home visits, coordinates with the Council on Aging.
9. There was considerable discussion on this budget.
10. Brian Fitzgerald thanked the committee for accommodating the Boy Scouts. They will receive badges tomorrow night at the Court of Honor.
11. There was some discussion regarding the Google Groups.
12. The next item on the agenda was Cliff Towner, Chair of the Lake Management Committee, who presented his budget in the amount of $2,500.
13. There was some discussion on what this committee does and the condition of the lake.
14. The next budget review was John Lee from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
15. John Lee presented some background on the ZBA and what is happening currently.
16. There was some discussion held regarding five cases to be heard or decided. They expect an increase in legal fees and in administrative costs due to work load.
17. Jon Hitter reported on Capital Outlay and the joint meeting between Priorities and Capital. Priorities will make the decision of what percentage is allocated. There was discussion regarding possibility of funds available in FY’08 budget due to buy down method.
18. There was much discussion on this report.
19. OLD BUSINESS
20. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Laura Nelson to approve the Minutes of January 8, 2007.
21. VOTED: 10-0-0.
22. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Laura Nelson to approve the Minutes of December 11, 2006.
23. VOTED: 10-0-0.
24. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Joel Alpert to approve the Minutes of November 13, 2006.
25. VOTED: 8-0-2. Abstain: Fitzgerald, Lessard.
26. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Joel Alpert to approve the Minutes of November 6, 2006.
27. VOTED: 9-0-1. Abstain: Lessard.
28. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Laura Nelson to approve the Minutes of October 30, 2006.
29. VOTED: 9-0-1. Abstain: Sydney.
30. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Joel Alpert to approve the Minutes of October 12, 2006.
31. VOTED: 8-0-2. Abstain: Lessard, Sydney.
32. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Joel Alpert to approve the Minutes of October 4, 2006.
33. VOTED: 9-0-1. Abstain: Sydney.
34. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Joel Alpert to approve the Executive Session Minutes of October 4, 2006.
35. VOTED: 9-0-1. Abstain: Sydney.
36. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Laura Nelson to approve the Minutes of September 25, 2006.
37. VOTED: 10-0-0.
38. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Joel Alpert to approve the Minutes of September 18, 2006.
39. VOTED: 8-0-2. Abstain: Lessard, Rose.
40. There was discussion regarding the Investment Policy and what changes were made at the Selectmen’s meeting. The revised document was not yet available.
41. There was discussion on the health insurance and the need for more money next year.
42. Next week there will be continued budget review Board of Assessors, Town Clerk, Personnel, Planning Board. The following week, February 5, Conservation Commission, Library.
43. The next meeting will be January 29, 2007. Review of Town Meeting articles coming up.
44. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.
45. VOTED: 10-0-0.
46. The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.