2013-04-08-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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4/8/13 Minutes There was a motion to support the budget adjustments as outlined by Mr. Addelson. The motion passed. VOTE: 7 -0 Article 8m (FY2014 Community Preservation Committee Operating Budget and CPA Projects: LexHAB Set -Aside Funds for Acquisition of Community Housing): Mr. Bartenstein reported that he has put some additional thought into this Article, and wants to change his vote of support from Yes to No. He explained that LexHAB did not spend the funds appropriated last year for the annual set -aside program, and therefore this year's appropriation was proposed to be earmarked for housing to be constructed at the Leary and /or Busa sites instead. However, LexHAB has not yet identified the specifics of a project at either of those locations, which is usually necessary before the Town appropriates funds. Mr. Michelson added that originally the purpose of the set -aside was to allow LexHAB the ability to purchase land on the market, not to build on land already owned by the Town It was generally agreed that the funding requested would not be enough to complete a project at either site. Mr. Levine commented that there is no point in appropriating the money for the identified projects at this time because another appropriation will be needed. He said that he would change his Yes vote to No as well. Mr. Bartenstein said he does not want to appropriate construction funds before seeing the design plans, and he expects to present a minority report at Town Meeting. Article 18 (Post Employment Insurance Liability Fund): It was reported that Tom Diaz is planning to present an amendment to Town Meeting to reduce the appropriation request from $775,000 ($550,000 from free cash and $225,000 from the tax levy) to $465,499 (funded entirely by free cash). Until recently the Town has been paying for this liability on a "pay -as- you -go" basis. It was noted that the transition to pre- funding the OPEB obligation is difficult, but pre- funding the obligation will probably save the Town money over the long term; it also addresses intergenerational fairness. It was agreed to caucus during Town Meeting to determine the Committee's position on the amendment. 3. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m. A list of documents and other exhibits used at the meeting is attached. Respectfully submitted, Sara Arnold Recording Secretary Approved May 9, 2013 2