Finance Committee Meeting

Minutes – July 30, 2007

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

Members Present:  Joel Alpert, Gordon Gladstone, Charles Goodman, Jonathan Hitter,

                               Josh Kiernan, Joel Lessard, Ira Miller, Laura Nelson, Edward Philips,

                               Gregory Sydney (Hamilton)

                Absent:   Maria Anderson, Brian Fitzgerald

1. The first item on the agenda was to approve the minutes.

2. A MOTION was made by Joel Lessard and SECONDED by Ted Philips to approve the Open Session minutes of June 25, 2007.

3. VOTED:  7-0-1.  Abstain:  Alpert.

4. A MOTION was made by Joel Lessard and SECONDED by Ted Philips to approve the Executive Session minutes of June 25, 2007.

5. VOTED:  7-0-3.  Abstain:  Alpert, Hitter, Sydney.

6. The next item on the agenda was an update of the Community Preservation Committee by George Bailey, Chair.  He reported on a computer model that would indicate how they were doing financially in terms of borrowing and debt service.  Their policy now is to minimize debt service obligations.  He reported on the projects that have been financed and stated that there will not be much money to spend until July, 2008.  He indicated they have a planner prioritizing the needs of the town.

7. There was much discussion held regarding this update, the condition of the CPC, and its future plans.

8. There was some discussion regarding the status of the Charter Commission.  George Bailey stated that they have met the signature requirement and a question will be on the ballot after the May Town Meeting.  They will need nine candidates to run for this Commission.

9. The next item on the agenda was the Planning Board regarding the Lot Shape Factor By-law.

10. Amanda Sloan and Susan Price made a presentation showing examples of odd shaped lots.

11. There was considerable discussion on this presentation as to the extent of this problem.

12. OTHER BUSINESS

13. Ira Miller stated that the Committee is waiting for the first draft of the Town Meeting articles.  Revolving Funds may be a topic for discussion.

14. Joel Alpert had three items to discuss.  There was a major discussion on solid waste regarding the $40 annual increase, the “Pay As You Throw” plan, and the Priorities Committee.

15. There was much discussion on these topics.

16. There was considerable discussion regarding the upcoming budget regarding what the percentage increase should be.

17. The next meeting will be August 13.

18. A MOTION was made by Joel Lessard and SECONDED by Joel Alpert to approve the minutes of July 9, 2007.

19. VOTED:  8-0-2.  Abstain:  Goodman, Nelson.

20. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

21. VOTED:  10-0-0.

22. The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m.