Finance Committee Meeting

Minutes – May 7, 2012

Sharon High School Library, 6:15 P.M.

Members Present:  William Brack, Arnold Cohen, Brian Fitzgerald, Gordon Gladstone, Charles

                               Goodman, Alexander Korin, Joel Lessard, Ira Miller, Laura Nelson (Hamilton)

                Absent:   Jacqueline Modiste

1. The first item on the agenda was the Library Budget.  There was some discussion regarding the Library Board of Trustees decision to recommend a 1% increase in salary for the Library Director.  The $756 increase was taken from technology leaving the bottom line the same.

2. A MOTION was made by Ira Miller and SECONDED by Gordon Gladstone to accept the amendment number of $76,320.  $75,564 was the old number.

3. VOTED:  7-0-2.  For:  Brack, Fitzgerald, Gladstone, Korin, Lessard, Miller, Nelson.  Abstain:  Cohen, Goodman.

4. The next item was Article 1.  Permit all alcohol package stores in certain districts; Shaw’s Plaza, Sharon Commons and Route 1.  The Finance Committee previously voted, 4-3-0, to recommend approval.

5. Richard Gelerman, Town Counsel, reported on the Selectmen’s meeting.

6. Richard Gelerman stated that the Selectmen will present as a main motion on Article 1.  It would allow up to six licenses in five locations.  Three in the article plus Heights and the center of town.  The all alcohol license limited to those food stores as passed two years ago.  If that motion fails, it is within Town Meeting authority to take up which tracks four licenses in three locations.

7. There was considerable discussion on how to present the motion.  The Finance Committee suggested presenting the original article and someone from the Selectmen to offer an amendment.  The Town Counsel agreed with this presentation and would notify the Moderator, David Yas.

8. A MOTION was made by Gordon Gladstone and SECONDED by Laura Nelson not to support the amendment on Article 1.

9. There was much discussion on the motion.

10. VOTED:  5-3-1.  For:  Gladstone, Goodman, Korin, Lessard, Nelson.  Against:  Brack, Fitzgerald, Miller.  Abstain:  Cohen.

11. It was MOVED and SECONDED to adjourn.

12. VOTED:  9-0-0.

13. The meeting was adjourned at 7 p.m.