Finance Committee Meeting
Minutes – October 20, 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 (late), Ira Miller, Jacqueline Modiste,
Laura Nelson, (Hamilton)
Absent: Brian Fitzgerald
1. Ira Miller filled in for Chairman, Joel Lessard, who arrived shortly after. To be discussed were five Warrant articles that had not been considered, and new information on one already voted. New information on Article 13. Authorization to borrow for water department projects.
2. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Laura Nelson to reconsider Article 13.
3. VOTED: 9-0-0. For: Brack, Cohen, Gladstone, Goodman, Korin, Lessard, Miller, Modiste, Nelson.
4. There was much discussion regarding the amount of money to be borrowed. From information they had received, the figure was $820,000 for the project and $10,000 for finance cost for a total of $830,000.
5. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Chuck Goodman to add $10,000 to the borrowing cost to be $830,000 for Article 13.
6. VOTED: 8-1-0. For: Brack, Cohen, Gladstone, Goodman, Lessard, Miller, Modiste, Nelson. Against: Korin.
7. The next item on the agenda was Article 1. Acquire or take by eminent domain land on South Main Street by Gavins Pond Road for highway purpose.
8. There was no information on this article, but the Selectmen support it.
9. There was some discussion on the article.
10. It was suggested to defer until end of meeting.
11. The next item was Article 11. Zoning Amendment Petition – Route 1 – Change of zoning to allow Landscaping Business use in Light Industrial District. Proposal had been heard. Selectmen support article.
12. There was some discussion on the article.
13. A MOTION was made by Joel Lessard and SECONDED by Laura Nelson to recommend Article 11 at Town Meeting.
14. VOTED: 9-0-0. For: Brack, Cohen, Gladstone, Goodman, Korin, Lessard, Miller, Modiste, Nelson.
15. The next item was Article 3. Zoning by-law change – New definition of Assisted Living Facilities.
16. Ira Miller reported on questions from last meeting. There was a need for clarity on minimum lot size and Sacred Heart property. Proponents may want to withdraw and propose a revised article in the future.
17. There was much discussion on this article.
18. A MOTION was made by Joel Lessard and SECONDED by Gordon Gladstone to recommend Article 3 at Town Meeting.
19. VOTED: 8-1-0. For: Brack, Cohen, Gladstone, Goodman, Lessard, Miller, Modiste, Nelson. Against: Korin.
20. There was a suggestion that the Planning Board could bring back this article and the proponents not need to wait for two years.
21. The next item was Article 4. Citizen’s petition to convert management of a parcel that the Town owns at the end of Oakland Road from Board of Selectmen to Conservation Commission.
22. There was a letter from Paul Vitali to the Selectmen regarding the Warrant article dilemma facing Selectmen. The Selectmen agreed to put in writing not to put snow down there and lock the gate. Also keep log of what’s going in and out. The Selectmen were adamant they want to maintain control on this piece of land.
23. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Bill Brack to recommend Article 4 for indefinite postponement.
24. There was considerable discussion on the motion.
25. VOTED: 8-1-0. For: Brack, Cohen, Gladstone, Goodman, Korin, Lessard, Miller, Modiste. Against: Nelson.
26. The Planning Board continued the hearing on Affordable Housing, and they didn’t take a position on it.
27. A MOTION was made by Laura Nelson and SECONDED by Joel Lessard to recommend Article 8. Zoning by-law change – P.O. Square Affordable Housing, at Town Meeting.
28. There was some discussion on the motion.
29. VOTED: 9-0-0. For: Brack, Cohen, Gladstone, Goodman, Korin, Lessard, Miller, Modiste, Nelson.
30. There was continued discussion on Article 1. Eminent domain.
31. A MOTION was made by Joel Lessard and SECONDED by Chuck Goodman to recommend in favor of Article 1. Acquire or take by eminent domain land on South Main Street by Gavins Pond Road for highway purpose.
32. There was some discussion on the motion.
33. VOTED: 4-3-2. For: Brack, Goodman, Lessard, Miller. Against: Gladstone, Korin, Nelson. Abstain: Cohen, Modiste.
34. A MOTION was made by Laura Nelson and SECONDED by Jackie Modiste to reconsider Article 9. Amend scenic road by-law to include a $300 fine for each violation.
35. Additional information has come forward to this committee. To see vote changed or confirmed. One piece of information, the branch overhanging on personal property is not a violation and not subject to fine. Objection to personal property rights might be resolved. There was some discussion on this information.
36. VOTED: 1-8-0. For: Nelson. Against: Brack, Cohen, Gladstone, Goodman, Korin, Lessard, Miller, Modiste.
37. Ben Puritz came to the meeting to discuss articles that needed clarification, including Article 1. Eminent Domain, no cost to town; Article 4. Oakland Road, agreements in place and signed before Town Meeting. On Selectmen’s agenda for November 1; and Article 13. Borrowing for Water Department, correct number for article. He also stated that Selectmen are opposed to Article 9. Scenic Road; in favor of Article 11. Light Industrial District; and in favor of Article 13. Borrowing for Water Department.
38. A MOTION was made by Alex Korin and SECONDED by Gordon Gladstone to reconsider Article 1 for additional information.
39. VOTED: 8-1-0. For: Brack, Cohen, Gladstone, Goodman, Korin, Lessard, Miller, Modiste. Against: Nelson.
40. A MOTION was made by Joel Lessard and SECONDED by Bill Brack to recommend Article 1. Acquire or take by eminent domain land on South Main Street by Gavins Pond Road for highway purpose.
41. VOTED: 8-1-0. For: Brack, Cohen, Gladstone, Goodman, Korin, Lessard, Miller, Modiste. Against: Nelson.
42. Joel Lessard reported that regarding Article 15. Community Preservation Funding Request – Purchase Antique Fire Truck, it is certified historical. State doesn’t require special documentation.
43. The next meeting will be October 24, 2011.
44. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.
45. VOTED: 9-0-0.
46. The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m.