1994-02-14-AC-MIN.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

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both scenarios. Hastings would cost approximately $ 500,000 more per year, including capital, or $ 6,000,000 over a twelve year period. Page 2 of the handout dealt with capital costs ranging from $200,000 already spent to $ 4,668,000 the estimate of the total needed Page 3 highlights all the costs associated with the Hastings with the lowest estimated cost to a homeowner being $ 1,367 to a high of $ 2,191 over a twelve year period. The bottom line is estimated to be around $ 40 per year per household between the low and the high end Important issues to be dealt with are the ongoing operating costs and the loss of revenue The estimated cost of opening the Hastings will in effect exhaust the entire allowable increase in taxes in fy 95 * R Borghesani recommends that the town go forward with the opening of the Hastings but that the SC be challenged to re-think staffing levels, rentals and work extremely hard in pursuing SBAB funding. Sense is that the SC wants the Hastings to be a fully operational school in every sense and doesn't intend to scale back in any fashion (ie: Higashi School would be disruptive if they were co-existing) Sense that the SC is recouping everything lost over the past few years * C Coughlin feels that the fy 95 request will be cut back by the SC * SC has requested J Young to submit a budget reflecting a $ 400 and 900,000 reduction * R Borgheasni indicated that perhaps the libraries in each of the schools be re-claimed for classroom space, perhaps not educationally sound * G Burnell expressed opinion that consensus of committee was need for guidance for the SC. G Burnell discussed three options available: open Hastings, add rooms to existing schools, use classrooms at the high school and the middle schools to accommodate the functions of the elementary schools. No one is suggesting increasing class size The third option has been rejected pursuant to C Abbot and C Coughlins review of the facilities * C Abbott questioned need " to support an override" G Burnell stated that the AC must support a balanced budget at this point * Motion by R Souza that we support the opening of the Hastings". Seconded by M Mairson. * G Burnell asked for a show as to who would support additions to the schools, two members voted in the affirmative * Discussion on the motion followed. R Borghesani indicated that he would support the opening only if there was an assurance from the SC for good fiscal management of the plan. G Burnell suggested that we ask the SC to return with a leaner budget. P Lapointe questioned what is the educational benefit being derived for the premium being paid( ie: Hastings vs additional 16 classrooms), there is a need to take a long look at the operating costs, and a need to do it now. P Lapointe doesn't feel that these issues have been responded to with the Hastings opening plan. * Vote taken on the motion: Those in favor were RB,CC,JP,MM,CA,RS