Finance Committee

Minutes – October 3, 2011

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

Members Present:  William Brack, Arnold Cohen, Gordon Gladstone, Charles Goodman,

                               Alexander Korin, Joel Lessard, Ira Miller, Jacqueline Modiste (late),

                               Laura Nelson (Hamilton)

                Absent:   Brian Fitzgerald

1. The first item on the agenda was Paul Vitali and the Conservation Commission to discuss Article 9.  To transfer management of a parcel of land that the Town owns at the end of Oakland Road from the Selectmen to the Conservation Commission.

2. Paul Vitali, who lives on Valley Road, initiated the article for the Warrant for this Oakland Road parcel.  He stated this parcel is in the Zone II Water Resource Protection Area.  Medium and high yield for aquifer and sits on top of this water supply.  It is a de facto vernal pool.  Oakland Road comes down from S. Main right to gravel pit, and the gate is always open.  He stated it could have improved protection with the Conservation Commission to look after it.

3. Eric Hooper, DPW Superintendent reported that the DPW has areas for snow disposal on Farnham Road.  Other area for snow storage by the gas company.  This would take away from DPW about 40%.  DPW responsible already.  Conservation Commission owns areas that the DPW maintains.  When property goes into Conservation Commission, give up 10 acres for one.  Railroad parking is considerably closer to this.  Paved area is couple hundred feet as opposed to couple thousand.  It should be going to Water Department, not Conservation Commission. Wilber Waste Water Facility that is closer than this area.

4. There was considerable discussion on this article.  Greg Meister, Conservation Commission Administrator, and Peg Arguimbau, Chair, Conservation Commission, explained that the Vitalis brought this to their attention.  Also, if public money involved, there would be a 10-1 land change.  A big concern was snow disposal that contains salt.

5. Paul Vitali stated that the article looks to transfer the management of the site, not to transfer the deed.  Conservation Commission not to own property.  Day to day oversight.  Part of water supply.  Limited access to vehicles.

6. Eric Hooper stated it is used for compost storage and construction storage.

7. Peg Arguimbau will research what the Conservation Commission manages but doesn’t own.

8. There was much discussion on what is prohibited by Zone II regulations.  Question if it was used in the past, can be used in the future.  Need to have clarification on these regulations.

9. The next item on the agenda was David Wluka and Nancy Wluka, agents for the Raiders, to present information on Article 10, Zoning Amendment Petition – Route 1 – Change of zoning to allow Landscaping/Nursery Business use in Light Industrial District.

10. David Wluka stated that it is 6.7 acres.  Buildable from buffer wetlands.  Lexus dealer other side of wetlands.  Light industrial.  Convey wholesale landscaper, equipment and supplies.  Not big traffic generators.  Some water use.

11. There was some discussion on this article.

12. The next item on the agenda was Sherry Clancy, National Development, regarding Article 11, Zoning by-law change – New definition of Assisted Living Facilities.

13. Sherry Clancy explained that one of our partners is Epoch Senior Center.  Did project in Hingham and Westwood.  Would like to do in town.  Need failing memory issues.  Your Town Counsel felt it was distinct from nursing home.  These people are well but have memory problems.  Same zone as nursing home.  Find a demand for people that are well and fit but need some help.  Would only be assisted living for memory care.  Definition to allow construction.  Looking at site in town adjacent to nursing home.  Not looking at any specific piece of land.  General definition.  By special permit.

14. There was much discussion on this article.

15. Joel Lessard announced the next scheduled meeting was the 13^th.  Next Thursday have Eric Hooper scheduled to come with Bill Fowler to talk about borrowing for Water Department projects.  Will contact David Crosby, Chair, Water Management Advisory Committee, to come for next Thursday the 13^th.  Our topic will be Article 13. Authorization to borrow for water department projects; the funding of the project.  How to fund the water main project.  Also, Council on Aging to discuss Article 2. Elderly and Disabled Taxation Fund – To accept voluntary donations to assist low income, elderly and disabled pay their property taxes.

16. Write Ups:  BRIAN FITZGERALD:  Articles 1 &14.  Eminent domain and hotel rooms tax.  ALEX KORIN:  Article 2.  Elderly & Disabled Taxation Fund.  ARNIE COHEN:  Articles 3-6 & 12.  Zoning by-law change – P.O. Square Uses, Site Plan; Dimensional Standards; Off-street Parking; Affordable Housing; Lot Shape.  LAURA NELSON:  Article 7.  Scenic Road by-law $300 fine.  IRA MILLER:  Articles 8 & 11.  Rescind authorization to borrow; New definition of Assisted Living.  BILL BRACK:  Article 9.  Convert management of Oakland Road from Selectmen to Conservation Commission.  JOEL LESSARD:  Article 10.  Route 1 change of zoning for landscaping.  JACKIE MODISTE:  Articles 13 & 16.  Authorization to borrow for water department projects; Accept deeds in lieu of foreclosure.  GORDON GLADSTONE:  Article 15.  CPC Funding Request – Purchase Antique Fire Truck.

17. The next meeting will be Thursday, October 13.

18. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

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