Finance Committee Meeting

Minutes – September 14, 2009

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

Members Present:  Keith Garte, Gordon Gladstone, Jonathan Hitter, Ira Miller, Edward

                               Philips (Hamilton)

                Absent:   Maria Anderson, Brian Fitzgerald, Donald Gilligan, Charles

                               Goodman, Josh Kiernan, Joel Lessard, Laura Nelson

1. There was no quorum present at this meeting.

2. Susan Saunders, Chair of the Sharon Housing Partnership and Jane Desberg, member of the Sharon Housing Partnership, was the first appointment on the agenda for the Johnson Drive update.

3. Susan Saunders explained the procedure for the Housing Partnership to obtain the property on Johnson Drive to build affordable housing.  They applied to the Community Preservation Committee for funding for a feasibility and site study work to support the development of affordable housing.  If the project was not feasible, they wouldn’t use future funds.

4. There was some discussion regarding Johnson Drive.  The Planning Board would present the article to abandon the property and the Community Preservation Committee would present the article requesting funds for a feasibility and site study.

5. There was discussion regarding 9 Glenview Road and the collection of rent.  There will be a follow-up with the Selectmen or Ben Puritz to see what the procedures should be.

6. The next appointment on the agenda was Corey Snow, Chair, Community Preservation Committee, to discuss CPA projects for Warrant article.

7. Corey Snow presented the following three projects that the Community Preservation Committee are recommending for this Town Meeting:  (1)  Library Restoration/Renovation Project.  (2)  Historic Properties Inventory Project.  (3)  Affordable Housing Feasibility and Site Study-Johnson Drive Site.

8. There was considerable discussion on each project.  The Library Project was to be expanded if feasible.  Originally went through Capital and would have to be revoked before CPC appropriation.  The Historic Project would be Phase 2 which is the final phase.  They would like to make a third Historic District.  Affordable Housing Project would be supported by CPC up to $47,500 for feasibility and site study.  May not go forward after preliminary analysis and project would end.  Peter O’Cain is working with Town Counsel and abutter to get Memorandum of Understanding within a reasonable time.

9. Corey Snow gave account balance summary:  FY’10 Approx. Starting Balance--$350,000.  FY’10 Revenues Less Debt Service (est.)--$211,912.  FY’10 Total Available--$561,912.  Spring 2009 (FY’10) Appropriations—(-$23,000).  Fall 2009 (FY’10) Appropriations—(-$105,150).  FY’10 Ending Balance--$433,762.  An additional $380,000 on July 1 of 2010.  Pay down some debt or pay off short term notes.

10. Jon Hitter reported on the meeting on the Middle School last Wednesday with the School Committee.  Great presentation and very informative.  We should get more information by end of month on financing plan estimates for taxpayers for borrowing.

11. OLD BUSINESS

12. Warrant recommendations.  Have heard from Middle School.  Planning Board regarding Brickstone.  Sharon Housing Partnership and Community Preservation Committee presented here tonight.

13. On September 16 there will be a Public Hearing on Brickstone by the Planning Board.  On September 21 there will be a Public Hearing by the Charter Commission at the Community Center on their draft report.

14. Discussion on Annual Report will be held when more members are present.  Paul Lauenstein has given information on the Inter-Board Communication.  E-mail addresses were sent to the committee.  The Charter Commission is undertaking town-wide maintenance in their draft report.

15. Ira Miller reported that the Town has entered into agreement with Walpole for a half-time position for this other town to monitor energy use in the schools.

16. Future meeting, October 5, Paul Bouton and Paul Lauenstein.  Confirmed October 19 that insurance group will be here.  The Committee should forward any questions for agenda discussion items, and they will be forwarded to the insurance group prior to the meeting.

17. The next meeting will be October 5.

18. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.