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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCMeetingMinutes_04.24.03 (2) DRAFT FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES April 24,2003 ATTENDANCE: The following members were present: ,Pack Watkins, Chairman, Bernice Fink, Vice Chairman, Paul Stewart, Keith Mitchell, Mark Nichols, Paula Porten, Steve Dawe and Mike Batsimm. John Simmons, Chairman of the Community Preservation Committee, Bill Hansen, Martha Larson, Diana Headrick and Alden Clayton of the Stevens Estate Board of Trustees were also present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the April 10 and 15 meetings were unavailable for approval. FY04 Budget Update Jack opened the meeting with an update on the House Ways & Means Budget. He noted that difference between the Governor's state aid and the House state aid is a minus $498,337. The raw numbers show a$701.,765 difference. Mark Rees has assumed that we revert back to the old regional schools formula thus adding $203,428 in our favor. Jack emphasized additional information may change the numbers. NEW BUSINESS Finance Committee Town Meeting Presentation Jack distributed the slides to be presented at Town Meeting. The group agreed that the Finance Committee makes the initial presentation then department heads address their individual budgets. Stevens Estate at Osgood Hill The Stevens Estate Board of Trustees then began discussions on Article 34 of the Warrant (Authorization to Lease Stevens Estate at Osgood Hill). The Trustees agreed that a third party operator could be an option provided the estate keeps its non- profit status. The Trustees also stated that the Article is too vague and therefore they recommend against it. The FinCom thanked them for their presentation. Community Preservation Act John Simmons, Chairman of the Community Presentation Committee described exactly what his committee does and what they hope to accomplish in the future. He distributed the information detailing each project by priority. The FinCom agreed that CPC is doing a great job. OLD BUSINESS Outstanding Warrant Article Votes Article 14 —Foster Farm School: "B" began discussions by stating concerns about the wording of this Article. The FinCom agreed to table the vote until more information becomes available. Jack then listed the questions that he and the group have concerning this Article. There are as follows: Will the triggers be left in or will they be changed? If the 3 triggers aren't met, can we go to Special Town Meeting? Is the$35M amount too high? What does the word"eligible"costs of the project mean? How will it be funded in the future(debt service or capital projects)? Will this have an effect on the Town's bond rating? Will there be an override? How do the other 27 towns that were reinstated to the SBA list feel? Paul noted that the Book of Motions would be needed before Town Meeting so the FinCom will be aware of any changes made by the BOS. Article 6--Authorization of Revolving Board of Health: Keith MOVED to recommend favorable action on this Article. Paul seconded and the motion passed 7-0-1 with Jack Watkins opposed. Article 7—Authorization of Revolving Escrow Account for Septic Services/Board of Health: Keith MOVED to recommend unfavorable action of this Article. Jack noted that he, as well as Mark Rees, has questions about this account. The FinCom also expressed reservations concerning this Article. Paula seconded and the vote passed 7-0-1 with Steve Dawe abstaining. Article 8 — Authorization of Revolving Escrow Account for Restaurant Inspections/Board of Health: Keith MOVED to recommend unfavorable action on this Article. The group agreed that more information is needed on this Article. Mike seconded and the motion passed 7-0-1 with Steve Dawe abstaining. Article 23 —Appropriations—Community Preservation Fund: Keith MOVED to suspend the rules so the FinCom can vote on this Article this night. Paula seconded and the MOTION passed 7-0-1 with Steve Dawe opposed. Keith then MOVED and Paul seconded to recommend favorable action on this Article. Paul seconded and the motion passed 7-0-1 with Steve Dawe opposed. FUTURE MEETINGS There is a joint meeting of the BOS, School Committee and Finance Committee on Tuesday,April 29 at 5:30 pm at the Senior Center. Directly following this meeting,the Finance Committee will hold a meeting at the same location. The FinCom then made tentative plans to meet Thursday,May 1 and definitely Thursday May S. Page-2— Article 34 — Authorization to Lease Stevens Estate at Osgood Hill: The Finance Committee agreed that this Article is too vague and did not clearly enough define a cohesive plan. Keith MOVED and Steve Dawe seconded to recommend unfavorable action on this Article. The motion passed unanimously. OTHER Jack MOVED that the Finance Committee transfer$90.000 from its reserve account to the School Department in recognition of the fact that the School Department has had to use monies earmarked for new textbooks to satisfy a SpEd shortfall. This $90,000,therefore, is earmarked for those new textbooks to be purchased by the end of June. Paula seconded and the vote was unanimous. ADJOURNMENT Keith MOVED and Mike seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 pm. The vote was unanimous.