Finance Committee Meeting
Minutes – March 30, 2009
Town Hall, Lower Level Hearing Room
Members Present: Maria Anderson, Donald Gilligan, Gordon Gladstone, Charles
Goodman, Jonathan Hitter (late), Josh Kiernan, Ira Miller, Laura
Nelson, Edward Philips (late) (Hamilton)
Absent: Brian Fitzgerald, Joel Lessard
1. The first item on the agenda was Article 12, Roadway Layout for Johnson Drive.
2. Peter O’Cain, Town Engineer, explained what was happening on that article. After 2008 Fall Town Meeting, Norfolk County Engineering received feedback from abutters. Norfolk County now wants the town to obtain release letters from owners, requesting release of interest. When county appoints owner, High Plain Street reverts to abandon. Reverts to Mr. Chitvanni. This portion of roadway would be owned by Mr. Chitvanni, who would own the land. He would give release. The County has been unable to obtain release from the other abutter of 124 sq. ft. Twenty feet of frontage. They need more time to discuss project with abutter. Town could go ahead. County would not abandon. Would still have this residual layout. Town can’t do anything else with the land. If they abandon easement, would become part of this property.
3. At this time there would be no action at this Town Meeting.
4. Ben Puritz, Town Administrator, and Bill Fowler, Finance Director attended the meeting to give information on Warrant articles.
5. Bill Fowler explained that in the process of trying to close out FY’08, found funds in the amount of $2.4 million that couldn’t be identified. Release of funds in October 2007. Two schools resulted in $2.4 million in addition to the amount already there. The deposit confirmations were faxed. It has been booked. Results in $2.4 million for the year. Close out 2008. Appropriate use of money, 2.5% levy. Take some of the found money to use it to offset a 2.5% tax increase this year. Use about $1.1+ million to offset the tax rate. Rest of it put in Stabilization Fund or become free cash.
6. Ben Puritz stated that offset means no increase in tax rate.
7. Ira Miller stated that reimbursement is money from state for school projects. $2.4 million found, $274,000 insurance, $900,000 free cash already estimated to be used. $3.547 million available not to raise taxes.
8. Ben Puritz stated that Priorities voted to freeze property taxes and not change the allocation that was the basis for sector budget change, 3.06%.
9. There was considerable discussion regarding this $2.4 million found money.
10. There was considerable discussion regarding Selectmen’s budget and salary increase of 2% for Executives which would amount to approximately $160,000. There were comments that School Executives were increased 2.5%. Townspeople have not indicated they want reduction in services. Concern was expressed about FY’11 and FY’12 revenue.
11. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Chuck Goodman to recommend not to raise 2% necessary to fund town side at amount to $156,000.
12. There was much discussion on the motion.
13. Special Article 3. Snow & Ice.
14. Ben Puritz stated that $338,000 for year for Snow & Ice. Article proposed would take pressure off Reserve Fund. Would offset any deficit for Snow & Ice. We have the ability and capacity in free cash to cover.
15. Bill Fowler stated not enough in Reserve Fund to cover it. This would allow any other unforeseen items. What doesn’t get used will go back to free cash. Won’t overspend Reserve Fund.
16. VOTED: 6-3-0. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Goodman, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson. Against: Gilligan, Hitter, Philips.
17. A suggestion was made to invite Dr. Dunham to have this same discussion regarding reduction of budget for salaries.
18. Don Gilligan left the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
19. The next item on the agenda was Warrant articles.
20. Special Article 1. Transfer from FY’09 Fire Department Budget to Stabilization Fund. Recommended. 7-0-0.
21. Special Article 2. Use of Wilber School Payments for FY’09.
22. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Jon Hitter to recommend Special Article 2 not to exceed $350,000.
23. VOTED: 8-0-0. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson, Philips.
24. Special Article 3. Snow and Ice Deficit. $338,000.
25. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Jon Hitter to recommend Special Article 3 an amount to $338,000 at this writing.
26. VOTED: 8-0-0. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson, Philips.
27. Annual Town Meeting.
28. Article 1. Finance Committee Members.
29. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Chuck Goodman to recommend Article 1 to fill the vacancies.
30. VOTED: 8-0-0. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson, Philips.
31. Article 2. Act Upon Reports. Recommended. 9-0-0.
32. Article 3. Increase in funding of Stabilization Fund.
33. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Laura Nelson to recommend Article 3 for indefinite postponement.
34. VOTED: 6-1-1. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Goodman, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson. Against: Hitter. Abstain: Philips.
35. Article 4. Personnel By-Law.
36. There was some discussion on this article.
37. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Chuck Goodman to recommend that the amounts as written in Article 4 be reduced by last year’s figures exclusive of Police Chief except those by contract.
38. VOTED: 6-2-0. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Goodman, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson. Against: Hitter, Philips.
39. Article 5. Budgets/Compensation of Elected Officers. Will have to hold for school. Need to do Town Clerk.
40. Article 6. Norfolk County Retirement. Recommended. 6-0-2.
41. Article 7. Unemployment. Recommended. 7-0-1.
42. Article 8. Sharon Friends School Fund Records and Appointments. Hold for names of Trustees.
43. Article 9. Annual Audit. Recommended. 6-0-2.
44. Article 10. Conveyance of 810 South Main Street. Need to hear from consultant, Tom Houston.
45. Article 11. Telecommunications By-Law Changes. FIOS.
46. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Chuck Goodman to recommend repeal of By-Law in Article 11.
47. VOTED: 7-1-0. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Philips. Against: Nelson.
48. Article 13. Accepting New Growth Legislation. Recommended. 7-1-0.
49. Article 14. Raising Minimum Value for Personal Property Tax. Hold.
50. Article 15. Long-term lease for Horizons for Youth Property not including Administration Building.
51. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Chuck Goodman to recommend Article 15.
52. VOTED: 6-2-0. For: Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Philips. Against: Anderson, Nelson.
53. Article 16. Long-term lease for Horizons for Youth Administration Building.
54. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Ted Philips to recommend Article 16.
55. VOTED: 6-2-0. For: Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Philips. Against: Anderson, Nelson.
56. Article 17. Reimburse Intoccia for 40R Zoning Incentive Payment. Recommended. 7-0-2.
57. Article 18. Public Safety Communication. Hold.
58. Article 19. Public Works – Streets & Sidewalks. Recommended. 6-0-1.
59. Article 20. Public Works – Vehicles & Equipment. Town Hall carpeting. Hold.
60. Article 21. School Department.
61. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Ted Philips to recommend Article 21 in the amount of $1,014,000.
62. VOTED: 7-0-1. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Philips. Abstain: Nelson.
63. Article 22. Feasibility Study for Sharon Middle School. Hold.
64. Article 23. Fire.
65. A MOTION was made by Ted Philips and SECONDED by Jon Hitter to recommend Article 23 in the amount of $662,000.
66. VOTED: 8-0-0. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson, Philips.
67. Article 24. Police.
68. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Ted Philips to recommend Article 24 in the amount of $128,000.
69. VOTED: 8-0-0. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson, Philips.
70. Article 25. Civil Defense.
71. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Maria Anderson to recommend Article 25 in the amount of $11,000.
72. VOTED: 5-3-0. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Miller, Nelson, Philips. Against: Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan.
73. Article 26. Library.
74. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Ted Philips to recommend Article 26 in the amount of $18,400.
75. VOTED: 6-2-0. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Miller, Philips. Against: Kiernan, Nelson.
76. Article 27. Recreation.
77. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Ted Philips to recommend Article 27 in the amount of $35,000.
78. VOTED: 4-4-0. For: Gladstone, Hitter, Miller, Philips. Against: Anderson, Goodman, Kiernan, Nelson.
79. Article 28. Town Clerk.
80. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Ted Philips to recommend Article 28 in the amount of $51,800.
81. VOTED: 8-0-0. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson, Philips.
82. Article 29. Information Technology.
83. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Ted Philips to recommend Article 29 in the amount of $27,000.
84. VOTED: 8-0-0. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson, Philips.
85. Article 30. Veteran’s Exemption. Recommended. 9-0-0.
86. Article 31. Community Preservation Committee Annual Funding – Administrative Expenses. Hold.
87. Article 32. Revolving Funds Reauthorizations.
88. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Ted Philips to recommend Article 32 at Town Meeting.
89. VOTED: 8-0-0. For: Anderson, Gladstone, Goodman, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson, Philips.
90. Ira: The next meeting is Wednesday, April 1, as scheduled, or Thursday.
91. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.
92. VOTED: 8-0-0.
93. The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 p.m.