POSTED, NO QUORUM

Finance Committee Meeting and Open Warrant Meeting

Minutes – April 28, 2011

Sharon High School Library, 7:30 P.M.

Members Present:  Charles Goodman, Alexander Korin, Joel Lessard,, Ira Miller

                               (Hamilton).

                Absent:   Maria Anderson, William Brack, Brian Fitzgerald, Keith Garte,

                               Gordon Gladstone, Josh Kiernan, Laura Nelson, Edward Philips.

1. There was a brief meeting prior to the Open Warrant meeting.  The first item on the agenda was the Reserve Fund transfer for Norfolk County Agricultural School in the amount of $19,500.

2. Ed Little explained about the cost to run the school.  The Trustees voted to assess county students.  They assessed each one for $1,500.  They already assessed out of county students.  Out of county pays $21,936 for each student.  The school has just under 500 students, 120 per year.  Over 400 apply every year.  Between 85% and 90% go on to college.  Others go to work or go into the military.

3. There was some discussion regarding the number of Sharon students, which is 16-17, and funding sources other than tuition.

4. Joel Lessard stated that the Committee didn’t have a quorum so couldn’t vote on this Reserve Fund request.  He made a stipulation that it was unforeseen and extraordinary, met those requirements, and the Committee will vote on the Reserve Fund transfer at their next meeting.

5. Ed Little announced that the first Sunday in October the school will have an Open House.  This is a 350 acre agricultural school with animals.  They are spending $28M for additions starting in October.

6. A MOTION was made by Ira Miller and SECONDED by Chuck Goodman to adjourn the Finance Committee meeting.

7. VOTED:  4-0-0.

8. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

9. Open Warrant Meeting

10. Joel Lessard asked if there were any articles anyone wanted to discuss.

11. Alice Cheyer wanted to discuss Article 21.  Community Preservation Committee Projects Funding Request and Article 22.  Community Preservation Committee appropriation and transfer to Conservation Commission Fund.

12. Richard Kramer discussed Article 15.  Article to rescind capital borrowing authorized at Town Meeting/never borrowed.  Conservation and Water, $7M or $7.5M.  He would be proposing amendment at Town Meeting.  Opposing using money at Rattle Snake Hill land.  There may be opportunity to tap other money.  Fisheries & Wildlife to partner and keep authority in place.

13. There was much discussion on Article 15.  The Town only had $7.5M and needed to partner to have $7M.  Fisheries & Wildlife was funded by hunting licenses.  The vote was eight years old.  Suggestion there should be re-authorization from Town Meeting.

14. Joel Lessard explained that Article 21 deals with the Audubon Society to hold conservation restriction.  Article 22 was for the purchase of open space for the future.

15. Alice Cheyer explained in detail about Article 21 and how the Audubon Society stewardship prepares maps and documents at a cost of $10,000 with up to $5,000 for legal costs.  This would be done in a timely manner instead of some possible future time when the town would take care of this.  She further explained Article 22.  Authorization transfer from CPA open space fund to Conservation Commission Land Fund to allow timely action by the Conservation Commission for future opportunities for land protection as this applies throughout the year.  Approval will enable Conservation Commission to begin negotiations with people through easements.  Fund title searches, appraisals, legal costs.  Protect as they come up.  This is distinct and different from Article 21.

16. There was some discussion on this information.

17. There was some discussion on Article 5.  Budgets/Compensation of Elected Officers, regarding the listing in the back of the Warrant of a 2% increase by the Finance Committee and a 2.41% increase by the Priorities Committee.  Only $170,000 difference between the two budgets, but it was stated this was meant not to allocate entire revenue forecast and have a surprise tax increase like last year.  There will be a tax increase due to Middle School override.

18. Joel Lessard announced that the Town Meeting is Monday, May 2, at the High School, at 7 p.m.

19. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

20. VOTED:  4-0-0.

21. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.