HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-10 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES DECEMBER 10, 1997
CALL TO ORDER: John Leeman, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: John Leeman, Chairman;William B. Duffy, Jr.;
Kevin Foley; Donald Stewart; David Torrisi; and Robert J. Halpin, Town Manager.
DAVID MINICUCCI -APPOINTMENT - BOARD OF ASSESSORS: William Duffy made a
motion, seconded by David Torrisi,to appoint David Minicucci to the Board of Assessors for a one year
term to expire June 30, 1998; vote approved 4-0.
LONG TERM DEBT REFUNDING ANALYSIS: Kevin Mahoney discussed with the Board the sale of
two General Obligation bonds in January. One bond is for the land acquisition of Osgood Hill and the
other bond is for a variety of projects including the Middle School project. Mr. Mahoney also discussed
the potential of refinancing existing debt in order to take advantage of the lower interest rates being offered.
William Duffy made a motion, seconded by David Torrisi,to authorize the Town Treasurer to solicit bids
for sale of General Obligation Bonds for the Osgood Hill property; vote approved 4-0. At this time, Mr.
Foley joined the meeting.
Thomson School -The Board of Selectmen discussed the four options of financing the Thomson School
project. The four financing options are attached to these minutes. William Duffy made a motion to
support option 44; motion failed to be seconded.
William Duffy made a motion, seconded by David Torrisi,to support financing option 42; vote
approved 5-0.
UPDATE - STEVENS ESTATE (i� OSGOOD HILL: The Board discussed the financial report
provided regarding the Stevens Estate @ Osgood Hill. This financial report is through October, 1997, and
shows that a net profit is to be expected.
FISCAL YEAR 1998 TAX CLASSIFICATION: William Duffy made a motion, seconded by
Donald Stewart,to keep the tax classification differential for residential property at 1.16%. The Board of
Selectmen continued discussion of the impact of the percentage shifts. Kevin Foley spoke in support of a
1.12%shift which would produce an 80/20 split between residential and commercial properties. Mr. Foley
felt that this would assist in attracting businesses to town. Mr. Torrisi stated that while an 80/20 split was
most favorable,the 1.16%differential would produce a 79/21 split. Mr. Torrisi noted that it was a
difficult decision to raise the differential last year and feared it would be difficult to do so again if the
Board chose to lower the differential again this year; vote approved 3/1/1 (John Leeman abstained and
Kevin Foley opposed).
ADJOURNMENT: The Board of Selectmen then recessed to a joint informational meeting with various
town boards for status reports and information sharing regarding building and facilities planning.
Melissa A. Powers, Administrative Secretary David Torrisi, Clerk of the Board
Board of Selectmen Minutes Page 2.