2018-03-15-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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03/15/2018 AC Minutes • Article 16(g), Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment: Sidewalk Improvements • Article 17, Appropriate for Water System Improvements • Article 18, Appropriate for Wastewater System Improvements • Article 27, Appropriate to General Stabilization Fund to be Indefinitely Postponed(IP'd) • Article 32, Amend General Bylaw Regarding Financial Committees (Citizen Article) Article 14, Appropriate for Police Station Rebuild-Design, generated additional discussion. Mr. Radulescu-Banu asked that his vote to abstain be changed to a vote in support of the article. Ms. Yang shared her concern about the timing for the project. It was noted that, if delayed, it would likely come into conflict with plans to rebuild the high school, plus interest rates are likely to increase. It was also noted that a debt exclusion referendum for the police station would not be necessary for a few more years. Ms. Yang decided to vote in support of the project. The following articles were reviewed in preparation for this Committee's report to the ATM: • Article 4, Appropriate FY2019 Operating Budget—School Expenses: Ms. Yang reported that the 6.35%budget increase, as compared to FY2018,partially reflects standard salary increases and some additional staff positions. There was a significant increase in the costs for out-of-district placements for special education students. She added that the number of special education students has increased, and the required services for special education have resulted in additional expenses. It was noted that the average cost per non-special education student is approximately$18,000 a year, while it costs approximately $81,000 for a special education student being sent out-of-district. A motion was made and seconded to support Article 4, Line Item 1100—School Expenses. The motion passed. VOTE: 8-0 • Article 8, Appropriate to Create Diversity Advisory Task Force: Ms. Basch reported that the Town is requesting $30,000 (half from the Town budget and half from the school budget) to hire a consultant to work with volunteers and staff to develop recommendations for fostering diversity and equitable resources in the town and school communities. A report should be completed during FY2019. A motion was made and seconded to support Article 8. The motion passed. VOTE: 8-0 • Article 10: Appropriate the FY2019 Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Operating Budget and Community Preservation Act (CPA) Projects: )0- (a) Conservation Land Acquisition: Mr. Radulescu-Banu reported that it is expected that this article will be IP'd. ➢ (b) Community Center Sidewalk: Mr. Radulescu-Banu reported that a sidewalk design to connect Marrett Road with the Lexington Community Center had been made available. During discussion, Mr. Padaki expressed his desire to take a position after the Capital Expenditure Committee has voted on this project. A motion was made and seconded to support Article 10(b). The motion passed. VOTE: 7-0-1 2