Finance Committee Meeting

Minutes – June 14, 2010

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

Members Present:  Brian Fitzgerald, Keith Garte, Gordon Gladstone, Charles Goodman,

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

                               (Hamilton)

                Absent:   William Brack, Donald Gilligan

1. The agenda was discussion items.  A Reserve Fund Transfer for the library won’t be done until next year.

2. The first discussion item was firm deadline for Warrant articles.

3. There was considerable discussion regarding articles for the Warrant and that deadlines are not adhered to.  Suggestions were made to propose a By-law or do as a matter of administration.  Without sufficient information, vote indefinite postponement.  Planning Board has had vote a week before Town Meeting.  By-law binding all boards and committees to deadline.  Legal guidance would be needed.  Have discussion with Board of Selectmen.  Other comments were future years planning, motion at Town Meeting not the same as in the Warrant, and adjourn Town Meeting for days or weeks to get more information.

4. There was a suggestion to have a meeting on July 12 with Board of Selectmen; Ben Puritz; Town Counsel, Richard Gelerman; Town Moderator, Paul Bouton; and Town Clerk, Marlene Chused.

5. Charles Goodman left the meeting around 8 p.m.

6. The next item was regarding Committee goals.

7. There was some discussion regarding the column for the Sharon Advocate, “It’s Your Money”.

8. There was some discussion regarding a minority opinion of the articles and publishing the votes.

9. At the next meeting consider more goals for the Committee.

10. Joel Lessard announced that there was an official resignation letter from Jon Hitter.  There was one official opening.  After Don Gilligan resigns, there will be two.

11. There was some discussion about filling either one or two vacancies.  Ira Miller stated that the Finance Committee Nominating Committee was prepared to submit names.  The Finance Committee makes the decision.

12. The next item was Committee Liaisons.

13. There was some discussion about liaison assignments.  Some people had requested certain committees.  There was a suggestion to have a liaison when it’s time to look at budgets.

14. Gordon Gladstone would make two or three bullet lists what the committee should expect from a liaison and what groups or boards should have a liaison.

15. Josh Kiernan suggested a training session for new members to jump start the meeting so they would have an idea of what’s expected, what their role is as a committee, and budget information.

16. There was a suggestion that the meetings start at 7 p.m. in order to end earlier in the evening.  The committee will review start and end times at a later date.

17. Suggestions were made regarding being informed earlier and often on zoning by-laws and receiving copies of other committees’ agendas.

18. Ted Philips stated he would help out with the management of the Googles Group e-mails.

19. Brian Fitzgerald reported on the Flag Day ceremony.  The Boy Scouts raised and lowered the flag.

20. Gordon Gladstone reported that work started at the Middle School today.  It should be done in October 2012.

21. The next meeting will be June 28, 2010.

22. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

23. VOTED:  8-0-0.

24. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.