Finance Committee Meeting

Minutes – August 9, 2010

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

Members Present:  Maria Anderson, Gordon Gladstone, Charles Goodman, Joel Lessard,

                               Ira Miller, Laura Nelson, Edward Philips (Hamilton)

                Absent:   William Brack, Brian Fitzgerald, Keith Garte, Josh Kiernan

1. The main item on the agenda was discussion of Post Office Square Zoning Article for Fall Town Meeting.

2. Pat Pannone, Member, Economic Development Committee, with an architectural background, made the presentation.  Eli Hauser, Chair, Economic Development Committee; Member, Planning Board, and Susan Price, Chair, Planning Board; Member, Economic Development Committee were present for discussion and questions.

3. The goal of the re-zoning proposal was to clarify the by-law, change the use, establish a mixed use of office, retail and residential, build out closer to street, make pedestrian friendly, and work towards Smart Growth concepts.

4. There was considerable discussion regarding bringing buildings close to street, height of buildings, on-street and off-street parking, traffic flow, and waste water problem.

5. The members of the Planning Board and Economic Development Committee suggested having zoning in place and ready to enable developers and current owners to be able to make changes when the economy turns around.

6. Rentals were similar to Walpole; Canton slightly higher.  Goal was not to increase tax revenue but to increase vitality and interest in Post Office Square.

7. Susan Price stated they could prepare a one or two page document to understand the zoning summary, what the actual changes are, and discuss the major points on permit authority with the Planning Board on Wednesday, August 11, at the Community Center at 7:30 p.m.

8. Eli Hauser would look for the roll call of the properties and the tax revenue which was approximately $435,000, 13.5% in 2008.

9. OLD BUSINESS

10. Discuss Goals for FY’11 and Liaisons at the next meeting.  Discuss the open position.  There are resumes coming to us from the Nominating Committee to be circulated.

11. Joel Lessard announced that we are now receiving a new publication called Citation.  Also Municipal Association Beacon Newsletter regarding Open Meeting Law Guidelines.

12. The next meeting will be August 23, 2010.

13. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

14. VOTED:  7-0-0.

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