Finance Committee Meeting/Open Warrant Meeting

Minutes – April 27, 2009

Sharon High School Library – 7:30 P.M.

Members Present:  Donald Gilligan, Gordon Gladstone, Charles Goodman (late),

                               Jonathan Hitter, Josh Kiernan, Joel Lessard, Ira Miller, Laura Nelson,

                               Edward Philips, (Hamilton)

                Absent:   Maria Anderson, Brian Fitzgerald

1. The Finance Committee met prior to the Open Warrant meeting to hear information on articles not yet voted, and approve meeting minutes.

2. A MOTION was made by Laura Nelson and SECONDED by Jon Hitter to approve the minutes of January 12, 2009, as written.

3. VOTED:  6-0-2.  For:  Hitter, Kiernan, Lessard, Miller, Nelson, Philips.  Abstain:  Gilligan, Gladstone.

4. A MOTION was made by Laura Nelson and SECONDED by Jon Hitter to approve the minutes of January 26, 2009.

5. VOTED:  5-0-3.  For:  Gilligan, Hitter, Kiernan, Miller, Nelson.  Abstain:  Gladstone, Lessard, Philips.

6. A MOTION was made by Laura Nelson and SECONDED to approve the minutes of February 9, 2009.

7. VOTED:  7-0-1.  For:  Gilligan, Hitter, Kiernan, Lessard, Miller, Nelson, Philips.  Abstain:  Gladstone.

8. A MOTION was made by Joel Lessard and SECONDED by Jon Hitter to approve the minutes of February 23, 2009.

9. VOTED:  6-0-2.  For:  Gilligan, Hitter, Kiernan, Lessard, Miller, Philips.  Abstain:  Gladstone, Nelson.

10. A MOTION was made by Laura Nelson and SECONDED by Joel Lessard to approve the minutes of March 2, 2009.

11. VOTED:  3-0-5.  For:  Lessard, Miller, Nelson.  Abstain:  Gilligan, Gladstone, Hitter, Kiernan, Philips.

12. A MOTION was made by Joel Lessard and SECONDED by Ted Philips to approve the minutes of March 9, 2009.

13. VOTED:  6-0-2.  For:  Gilligan, Hitter, Kiernan, Lessard, Miller, Philips.  Abstain:  Gladstone, Nelson.

14. A MOTION was made by Joel Lessard and SECONDED by Ted Philips to approve the minutes of March 16, 2009.

15. VOTED:  4-0-4.  For:  Gilligan, Lessard, Miller, Philips.  Abstain:  Gladstone, Hitter, Kiernan, Nelson.

16. Ben Puritz and Bill Fowler reported on information regarding Article 32.  Revolving Funds Reauthorizations.

17. Bill Fowler stated that on the update of Revolving Funds as of now, only a few thousand dollars changed.

18. There was considerable discussion on the revolving funds especially Recreation, Railroad Parking, and Recycling.  It was stated that the funds were to be self-supporting and if not, the program would be stopped or have to find another area for revenue.

19. A MOTION was made by Donald Gilligan and SECONDED by Jon Hitter to recommend Article 32, as written.

20. VOTED:  7-0-1.  For:  Gilligan, Gladstone, Hitter, Lessard, Miller, Nelson, Philips.  Abstain:  Kiernan.

21. Article 12.  Roadway Layout for Johnson Drive.

22. Ben Puritz stated that we were not able to reach an agreement with abutters in support of the article at this time.  Article will be dropped.

23. A MOTION was made by Donald Gilligan and SECONDED by Gordon Gladstone to recommend indefinite postponement of Article 12.

24. VOTED:  8-0-0.  For:  Gilligan, Gladstone, Hitter, Kiernan, Lessard, Miller, Nelson, Philips.

25. Special Article 2.  Use of Wilber School Payments for FY’09.

26. Bill Fowler stated we will have different numbers each day.

27. Special Article 3.  Snow and Ice Deficit.  The deficit was $400,554.79.

28. Article 10.  Conveyance of 810 South Main Street.

29. Ben Puritz reported that the property is adjacent to Shaw’s.  This was acquired by the state from the town for I-95 construction.  It was never used for that purpose.  The Town has asked the state to rescind and the Town would reestablish ownership.  The Town could convey the property.  This would allow for additional parking at Shaw’s and signalization.  The article would allow the Selectmen, on behalf of the Town, to sell the property.

30. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Donald Gilligan to recommend Article 10.

31. VOTED:  7-0-1.  For:  Gilligan, Gladstone, Hitter, Kiernan, Lessard, Miller, Philips.  Abstain:  Nelson.

32. Article 22.  Feasibility Study for Sharon Middle School.  No figures yet.

33. Article 8.  Sharon Friends School Fund Records and Appointments.

34. Ira Miller stated we have the list of the Trustees to allow voting the four separate funds.

35. A MOTION was made by Jon Hitter and SECONDED by Josh Kiernan to recommend Article 8.

36. VOTED:  8-0-0.  For:  Gilligan, Gladstone, Hitter, Kiernan, Lessard, Miller, Nelson, Philips.

37. Article 17.  Reimburse Old Post Development Corporation for 40R Zoning Incentive Payment.

38. Ben Puritz reported that delay in permitting delayed financing.  Memorandum between proponent and town.  The timing would be extended to sixty days from April 1 to June 1.  Approval letter from the state requires many conditions.  When the developer meets all conditions, then the town can apply for funds and reimburse the developer.

39. There was some discussion on this report.

40. There was further discussion on Article 27.  Recreation.

41. There was no change in the Committee’s vote to recommend $10,000 for scheduling software of the $35,000 requested in the article.

42. A MOTION was made by Donald Gilligan and SECONDED by Joel Lessard to adjourn the regular Finance Committee meeting.

43. VOTED:  8-0-0.  For:  Gilligan, Gladstone, Hitter, Kiernan, Lessard, Miller, Nelson, Philips.

44. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

45. Open Warrant Meeting began at 8:35 p.m.

46. Ira Miller stated there would be a review of all articles and further discussion by concerned citizens.

47. Special within Annual Town Meeting

48. Special Article 1.  Transfer from FY’09 Fire Department Budget to Stabilization Fund.  Transfer sum of money, $160,000.  Funding that was voted on at our FY’09 Town Meeting to hire firefighters but, because of economic reasons, it was not expended.  Use to expend in FY’10 budget.  It must be done prior to Town Meeting to have funds available.  Voted 7-0-0 in favor.

49. Special Article 2.  Use of Wilber School Payments for FY’09.  Authorize money to be used for FY’09.  Monies we would be receiving such as lease payments and some tax credits.  Voted 8-0-0 in favor.

50. Bill Fowler stated this was put in as a potential shortfall.  The need for Article 2 may disappear.

51. Special Article 3.  Snow and Ice Deficit.  Transfer available funds for Snow and Ice.  $400,554.79.  Appropriate this amount.  It exceeds what’s available in our Reserve Fund.  Voted 8-0-0 in favor.

52. Annual Town Meeting

53. Article 1.  Finance Committee Members.  The Nominating Committee recommended that we put in some information about the people coming before Town Meeting which has been included in the Warrant and recommendation by Charter Commission.  Four of the members that were nominated are incumbents and one new candidate filling a vacancy as a two-year term replacement.  Voted 8-0-0 in favor.

54. Article 2.  Act Upon Reports.  Voted 9-0-0 in favor.

55. Article 3.  Addition to Stabilization Fund.  $165,000 balance in Stabilization Fund.

56. The Committee did not want to raise money.  Voted 6-1-1 for indefinite postponement.

57. Article 4.  Personnel By-Law.  Much discussion on this article took place whether in this fiscal climate it was prudent to raise salaries.  Suggested raise was 2% - 2.5%.  Personnel Board voted by majority to concur with numbers in Warrant.  No way to be fair to all by not approving this portion of the article to all town employees.  Reluctantly voted 6-1-1 in favor.  Personnel Board vote was 3-2.

58. Article 5.  Budgets/Compensation of Elected Officers.  In the recap sheet in back of the Warrant which lists department by department that will be appropriated by the town for FY’10 budget.  The town was extremely fortunate to find some source of revenue unexpectedly.  $2.4 million, additional funding source available for the budget.  With that amount available, to be equitable within the town for all employees, we voted 7-1-0 in favor.

59. Article 6.  Norfolk County Retirement.  Annual assessment.  Voted 6-0-2 in favor.  Increase of 9.5% over last year for pensions.

60. Article 7.  Unemployment.  Fund our unemployment benefits.  $86,000 used for unemployment costs mandated by state.  5% increase over FY’09.  Voted 7-0-1 in favor.

61. Article 8.  Sharon Friends School Fund Records and Appointments.  Voted 8-0-0 in favor.

62. Article 9.  Annual Audit.  $52,800.  Increase over last year.  Voted 6-0-2 in favor.

63. Article 10.  Conveyance of 810 South Main Street.  Authorize Selectmen to sell land.  Our concern was the ownership of that parcel, but Town Counsel said state is in concurrence that town will be owner of that property.  Voted 7-0-1 in favor.

64. Article 11.  Right-of-Way By-law.  This will allow us to respond to the concern that some residents would like to have access to Verizon FIOS.  Under our current law Verizon is not interested in paying us any fees for use of our poles.  Voted 7-1-0 to recommend repeal.

65. Article 12.  Roadway Layout for Johnson Drive.  Three articles last Fall Town Meeting.  Parties are still negotiating how to come to some resolution.  Before town takes action, the Committee wants to see how abutters resolve their issues.  Town Engineer’s recommendation is to postpone indefinitely on this article.  Voted 8-0-0 for indefinite postponement.

66. Article 13.  Accepting New Growth Legislation.  Change the way we appraise tax and capture new growth.  One time benefit to town.  Most advantageous time to make this switch.  Evaluate property as of June 30 instead of January 1 because of large project at Wilber.  Voted 7-1-0 in favor.

67. Article 14.  Raising Minimum Value for Personal Property Tax.  This would change the threshold amount of personal property this would tax.  It was costing us more money to collect less money than what we were receiving.  By raising threshold that would correct that.  Voted 8-0-0 in favor.

68. Article 15.  Long-term Lease for Horizons for Youth Property Not Including Administration Building.  Invested a lot of money for maintenance and improvement.  Authorize Selectmen to enter into long-term lease agreement to recoup some of costs.  Voted 6-2-0 in favor.

69. Article 16.  Long-term Lease for Horizons for Youth Administration Building.  Would do something similarly as Article 15 for specific property involved.  Article 15 talks about all the buildings except the Administration Building.  In favor of both articles, 6-2-0.

70. Ira Miller stated that in order to enter into a lease longer than ten years, it requires Town Meeting approval.

71. There was some discussion on these two articles.

72. Article 17.  Reimburse Old Post Development Corporation for 40R Zoning Incentive Payment.  Allowing repayment of $200,000 to reimburse developer.  Voted 7-0-2 in favor.

73. Article 18.  Public Safety Communication.  New By-law to require new buildings or existing buildings going under renovation for communication with Fire and Police.  Conversation with Historical Commission would not cause any problem.  Would allow for collection of fines and enforcement.  Voted 7-1-0 in favor.

74. Capital Articles.  Allow to borrow funds with pay-down strategy to minimize debt.

75. Article 19.  Public Works – Streets & Sidewalks.  DPW maintain and reconstruct major roadways.  Voted 6-0-1 in favor.

76. Article 20.  Public Works – Vehicles & Equipment.  Trucks for Forestry & Grounds, computer equipment, HVAC for Town Hall, lighting, and carpeting.  Voted 8-0-0 in favor.

77. Article 21.  School Department.  Considered essential needs.  Replace, upgrade computers.  Acoustical ceiling, security at Heights Elementary, annual furniture replacement program, and other needed items.  Voted 7-0-1 in favor.

78. Article 22.  Feasibility Study for Middle School.  Still waiting for final amount.  Make our recommendation prior to Town Meeting.

79. Article 23.  Fire.  Need to replace pumper truck.  $600,000.  Additional $60,000 to purchase defibrillators for two ambulances and another in Town Hall for an additional $2,000.  Voted 8-0-0 in favor.

80. Article 24.  Police.  Annual replacement, four fully equipped police cruisers.  Voted 8-0-0 in favor.

81. Article 25.  Civil Defense.  Added an additional $11,000 to more fully repair the doors and windows.  Voted 5-3-0 in favor.

82. Article 26.  Library.  Would allow $18,400 for reconstruction for main entrance vestibule.  Voted 6-2-0 in favor.

83. Article 27.  Recreation.  Requested to borrow $35,000.  $25,000 for new vehicle for use by Recreation Director while he is in town.  Committee only in favor of purchasing software.  Voted 5-3-0 to fund $10,000 web-based software to allow scheduling of programs and payment.

84. Article 28.  Town Clerk.  Fund provision of new voting equipment for town.  $51,800 for equipment and maintenance contract.  Need to comply with various state regulations and Americans with Disabilities Act.  Voted 8-0-0 in favor.

85. Article 29.  Information Technology.  Funding for the town IT Department to purchase a document management system so documents could be entered and stored electronically.  Could store paper documents offsite.  Voted unanimously 8-0-0 in favor.

86. Article 30.  Veterans’ Exemption.  Annual article which keeps us current with various state real estate tax exemptions.  Put forth by Department of Veterans.  Voted unanimously 9-0-0 in favor.

87. Article 31.  Community Preservation Committee Annual Funding – Administrative Expenses.  Annual article to authorize CPC administrative expenses.  Request up to 5% of town’s portion of fiscal revenue, $20,000.  Voted 7-0-0 to fund administrative expense.

88. Article 32.  Revolving Funds Reauthorizations.  A place to collect funds for people who use services in the town and then available to expend funds for those purposes.  Voted 7-0-1 in favor.

89. There was some discussion with audience, Finance Committee, and Paul Bouton, Moderator, on some items to clarify and accelerate Town Meeting.  Moderator will look into the matter and will come to a future Finance Committee meeting to discuss.

90. Ira Miller announced that tomorrow evening will be Pre-Town Meeting.  Just the procedural matters.

91. The next meeting will be May 4 at 6 p.m. at Sharon High School Library.

92. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

93. VOTED:  9-0-0.

94. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.