HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCMeetingMinutes_12.05.05 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes
December 5, 2005
Attendants: Chairman Keith Mitchell, Vice Chairman ("VC") Mike Batsimm (arriving 6:01), Paul Stewart,
Tack Watkins, Mike Giarratano, Eva Hamori, Melinda Coppa, Steve Dawe and Mark Nichols; also present was
Citizen Melynda Renner. Community Preservation Act Committee ("CPAC") Chairman, John Simons, and
Citizen"B"Fink joined the meeting at 6:11pm.
I. Call to Order: Chairman Mitchell called the meeting to order at 5:56 pm.
II. Approval of Minutes: Jack Watkins, with a second from Paul Stewart, made the motion to approve the
December 1 minutes, provided in the handout. The motion passed 7-0-1, with Mike Giarratano abstaining.
111. Old Business:
A) Special Town Meeting Warrant Article Votes:
Article 10: Paul Stewart gave a brief overview of the Community Preservation Act Committee meeting which
he attended. Paul expressed his concerns over the ability to sub-divide the parcel of land. Chairman Mitchell
suspended further discussion on this topic until the John Simons could give the members an update.
B)Article 2: Stabilization Fund Transfer: Chairman Mitchell gave a brief overview of what his explanation
will be to support this article. Paul Stewart suggested he also explain what the purpose of a stabilization fund is
for_ Mark Nichols added that this is a reserve to pay for emergencies similar to the request last year for a fire
truck. Paul Stewart also highlighted the time the State took back monies, the Town depended on to fund the
operating expenses, without any notice. Jack Watkins referred to the recent newspaper article where Andover is
incurring approximately$100k more in interest expense because the Rating Agencies downgraded the Town's
rating for failing to have adequate reserves. He added his belief that the only resistance will come from those
who want to spend the money sooner, highlighting the schools as an area for spending. Steve Dawe stated his
desire to see half of all monies found to go into the reserve. He also added an inverted override equates to the
save it to spend next year mentality; which those opposing this article may have.
A) Article 10: Chairman Mitchell returned to this topic on the arrival of John Simons. John proceeded to give
an update on the sub-division issue, stating that both Trust of Public Land("TPL") and Town Counsel could
argue both sides of the issue. Hypothetically, he added the town could decline the purchase option, with the
Planning Board also declining the developer's request to sub-divide and then end up in court, only to come to a
costly compromise. The TPL is enthusiastic about this option but needs board approval before committing. He
stated the value of the house and a small portion of land, with conservation covenants, is approximately$1.0
million. The CPAC did vote to take favorable action on this Article to give the town more flexibility. VC
Batsimm made a motion to recommend favorable action, with Mark Nichols providing the second. The motion
carried with Jack Watkins, Paul Stewart and Steve Dawe abstaining(6-0-3).
C) Article 12: Ambulance Enterprise Fund: Chairman Mitchell provided the Committee with a brief
overview of the explanation,based on comments he received from Jack Watkins and Paul Stewart, for
recommending Unfavorable action. Paul Stewart reiterated his concerns over the plan to allocate indirect costs
and further highlighted that monies will still need appropriating at the Annual Town Meeting.
IV. New Business:
A) Next Meeting: The Committee will meet on Thursday, December 15, 2005 at 6:30pm.
V. Adjournment: VC Batsimm, with a second from Melinda Coppa,made the motion to adjourn the meeting
at 10:07pm. All members voted in favor of adjourning.
Approved_January 12, 2006_ Vote_5-0-0 X Melinda Coppa