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1/18/2024 AC Minutes 5 would be helpful to the authors. He asked if there were any projects in Article 10 which might not receive unanimous support. Mr. Bartenstein suggested that Article 10(d), the fitness path, was an area of concern because of the possibility that funding may be available from a trust fund. Mr. Pa- daki stated that he would like some confirmation that the Affordable Housing Trust would be providing annual reports before moving ahead with Article 10(i), prefunding for the AHT. Mr. Bartenstein asked Ms. Kosnoff if the usual data on participation and spending on the senior ser- vices program (Article 6) could be provided. Ms. Kosnoff replied that she has the dollar amounts but suggested that he contact the new Senior Services Director, Dana Benkelman. Mr. Parker stated that he had prepared a template for the Committee’s report in Wdesk, and that it was ready to receive content from the Committee. He added that he would need to discuss data link- ing for the report with Rosalyn Impink, the Town Budget Officer. Committee Member Participation in Local Elections Mr. Bartenstein inquired about expectations of Committee members with respect to participation in local elections. In the past, the Committee had a policy which encouraged members to avoid en- dorsements and other public displays of support for candidates. The rationale for this was that the Committee desires a good working relationship with whomever is ultimately elected. Mr. Parker re- sponded that. based on legal precedent established by the state Supreme Court, we are not permitted to impose any conditions that would limit the free speech of members. Mr. Bartenstein noted that personal expressions of support should not refer to a member’s service on the Appropriation Com- mittee, which Mr. Parker agreed was still Committee policy. Mr. Michelson added that participation by a Committee member as an officer in a campaign would still be strongly discouraged. Minutes of Prior Meetings Minutes from the Committee meeting on January 11 were approved by a vote of 7-0. Future Meeting Discussion Mr. Parker stated the Committee will be participating in a joint meeting at Budget Summit III on Thursday, January 25, starting at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Parker stated that Dr. Julie Hackett, School Superintendent, and Dave Coelho will be attending the Committee meeting on February 1, and Suzie Barry is also expected to provide an update on the “Lex250" celebration. Mr. Parker stated that the Committee would aim to publish its report on March 11. He commented that Town Meeting is starting particularly early this year. Ms. Kosnoff stated that, as a result of the early start, Town staff could not commit to publishing the Brown Book in time to take up financial articles on the first night of Town Meeting. Mr. Bartenstein asked that the Committee be notified as soon as practical about the publication schedule for the Brown Book. Ms. Kosnoff offered an update on the Select Board’s position regarding the future use of 173 Bed- ford St. as swing space. Previously, the Select Board seemed intent on using 173 Bedford St. as swing space during upcoming construction projects, and the 5-year capital plan had assumed town- owned swing space would be available. Some Select Board members are now contemplating the use of 173 Bedford St. for affordable housing sooner than 2031, which is when it would otherwise be- come available following its use as swing space. As a result, staff have issued an RFP for leasing space, and this remains an open policy issue that could impact the final FY2025 budget.