Finance Committee Meeting

Minutes – January 29, 2007

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

Members Present:  Joel Alpert, Maria Anderson, Charles Goodman, Jonathan Hitter, Joel

                               Lessard, Ira Miller, Edward Philips, Gloria Rose, Gregory Sydney

                               (Hamilton)

                Absent:   Brian Fitzgerald, Laura Nelson

1. The agenda was to review budgets of the Board of Assessors, Town Clerk, and Planning Board.

2. The first review was the Board of Assessors with Mark Mazur, Administrative Assessor, making the presentation regarding data re-inspection being the biggest portion.

3. There was discussion held on this budget including the possibility of web posting and quarterly tax bills.

4. The next budget on the agenda was Marlene Chused, Town Clerk.

5. Marlene Chused reported on what has been happening in her department.  The revenue was $27,000 in passports only and more regulations coming through next year.  Everything is mandated except passports.

6. There was some discussion regarding this budget.  There will be an article on the Warrant to close the Clerk’s office on Saturday and legal holidays and be open on Friday instead when there is a call for a special election.

7. There was general discussion on the upcoming rezoning.

8. Jon Hitter will put together an analysis on the rezoning like the one he did for Rattlesnake Hill.

9. Gloria Rose reported on the Capital Outlay Committee meeting.  Two projects to be completed.  There’s going to be an overage of money.  Appropriated and borrowed $1.1 million on Wilbur from $500,000 on asbestos abatement.

10. Jon Hitter reported that funds have been borrowed under twenty-year borrowing.  A million plus is coming back, $900,000, and $500,000 coming back for abatements.

11. There was some discussion regarding these reports.

12. The next budget on the agenda is the Planning Board.

13. Eli Hauser, Chair, reported on what is happening at the Planning Board including inclusionary zoning, shape factor, Brickstone, and Wayne Bradley’s resignation.

14. There was much discussion held regarding the budget and the need for advertising and postage.

15. Eli Hauser reported on the rezoning, the Sign By-law, and the multi-board meeting to be held February 13 by the Economic Development Committee.

16. There was considerable discussion on these issues.

17. Eli Hauser also reported on the economic development of Route 1, Shaw’s Plaza, and S. Main Street, Sharon Heights, and Post Office Square.

18. There was some discussion on these items.

19. The next meeting is Monday, February 5.

20. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

21. VOTED:  9-0-0.

22. The meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m.