Finance Committee Meeting
Minutes – October 22, 2007
Town Hall, Lower Level Hearing Room – 7:30 P.M.
Members Present: Joel Alpert, Maria Anderson, Gordon Gladstone, Charles Goodman,
Jonathan Hitter, Josh Kiernan, Joel Lessard, Ira Miller, Laura Nelson,
Edward Philips, Gregory Sydney, (Hamilton)
Absent: Brian Fitzgerald
1. The first item on the agenda was more information on Article 3, Amend By-Law, Sr. Living Overlay District, Special Permit. The major issues were what was the difference between a Special Permit vs. a Site Plan? What would be the outcome if these articles were defeated or passed?
2. Dick Gelerman, Town Counsel, presented the information stating that municipalities are better off with a special permit than site plan process. However, this development project would not proceed under a special permit. The Selectmen negotiated a development agreement which contained 33 conditions to be met plus many benefits not available under a special permit. If the zoning changes, it would be ineffective for 8 years. All benefits to the town would be forfeited. The developer could continue with 40B.
3. There was some discussion regarding this information.
4. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Ted Philips to recommend indefinite postponement of Article 3, Amend By-Laws, Sr. Living Overlay District, Special Permit.
5. VOTED: 8-0-3. Abstain: Anderson, Goodman, Nelson.
6. Ira Miller announced a correction regarding a misprint in the Warrant on Article 2. It stated a 9-1 vote; it was actually 8-2.
7. The next item on the agenda was Article 4, Limit to Reconsider Motion. Ira Miller announced that the Moderator was unable to attend. He will be with us at the Open Warrant meeting. On articles for reconsideration, it has been stated that the Moderator has some authority to accept a motion or not.
8. There was considerable discussion regarding Article 4 on new information from Dick Gelerman, Town Counsel.
9. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Joel Lessard to recommend indefinite postponement of Article 4, Limit to Reconsider Motions.
10. There was some discussion on the motion.
11. VOTED: 5-6-0. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Kiernan, Lessard, Sydney. Against: Alpert, Goodman, Hitter, Miller, Nelson, Philips.
12. A MOTION was made by Joel Alpert and SECONDED by Maria Anderson to recommend approval of intent of Article 4.
13. There was continued discussion on this motion.
14. VOTED: 5-5-1. For: Alpert, Anderson, Hitter, Miller, Philips. Against: Gladstone, Goodman, Kiernan, Lessard, Nelson. Abstain: Sydney.
15. A MOTION was made by Laura Nelson and SECONDED by Chuck Goodman to recommend approval of Article 4, as written.
16. VOTED: 6-4-1. Against: Gladstone, Kiernan, Lessard, Miller. Abstain: Sydney.
17. The next item was Article 5. Corrections to Business D District Zoning By-Law.
18. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Joel Alpert to recommend approval of Article 5.
19. VOTED: 8-0-2. Abstain: Goodman, Sydney. Hitter not voting.
20. The next item was Article 8. Amend zoning by-law for signage.
21. There was much discussion on this article. It was stated that the Planning Board has deferred action until the public hearing on October 31.
22. Gordon Gladstone stated that Article 7 is to amend the sign by-law which then allows them to be of a certain size. Article 8 amends zoning by-law for placement of signs in residential area.
23. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Josh Kiernan to recommend acceptance of Article 8.
24. There was considerable discussion on this article. Bob Shelmerdine arrived with a new map and further explanation of Article 8.
25. VOTED: 4-4-2. For: Gladstone, Kiernan, Miller, Philips. Against: Anderson, Lessard, Nelson, Sydney. Abstain: Alpert, Goodman. Hitter not voting.
26. There was some discussion on the vote.
27. The next item was Article 9. Amend Zoning By-Law for Drive-thru. Acted on favorably by the Planning Board.
28. A MOTION was made by Joel Alpert and SECONDED by Joel Lessard to recommend acceptance of Article 9 as written.
29. VOTED: 7-2-1. Against: Anderson, Nelson. Abstain: Sydney. Hitter not voting.
30. The next item was Article 11. Former Horizons For Youth Property Capital Maintenance/Improvements.
31. Jon Hitter reported on the Capital Outlay meeting. Capital Outlay recommended expenditure of $133,000 by borrowing.
32. There was considerable discussion on this article.
33. A MOTION was made by Joel Lessard and SECONDED by Ted Philips to recommend acceptance of Article 11 in the amount of $132,900.
34. VOTED: 9-1-1. Against: Alpert. Abstain: Nelson.
35. The next item was Article 10. Horizons For Youth Revolving Fund.
36. There was discussion held on this article.
37. At the next meeting, the Finance Committee will ask the new Finance Director, Bill Fowler, his opinion on Revolving Funds.
38. A MOTION was made by Joel Lessard and SECONDED by Joel Alpert to recommend indefinite postponement on Article 10.
39. VOTED: 8-2-1. Against: Hitter, Philips. Abstain: Kiernan.
40. Next Monday evening is Open Warrant meeting at 8 p.m. at Sharon High School Library. The regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.
41. OTHER BUSINESS.
42. A copy of the Town of Sharon Management Review will be made available to all committee members, for the year end June 30, 2006.
43. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.
44. VOTED: 11-0-0.
45. The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.