2010-02-01-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 1, 2010 With respect to the FY 2011 operating budget, Dr. Bouquillon reported that enrollments have been dropping but are stabilizing. Cost - saving measures, including the elimination of two programs and some reductions in force, are being implemented that will result in a reduction in costs below a "level service" budget. Lexington's assessment is expected to be about $1,538,000, down 10% from last year. The following documents relating to Minuteman finances were distributed before or during the meeting: • January 15, 2010 letter from Minuteman's Director of Business and Operations to Carl Valente concerning Minuteman Feasibility Study and draft language for Town Meeting vote • PowerPoint slides for January 19, 2010 public hearing on FY 2011 Minuteman budget • Handout on Minuteman FY 2011 Proposed Budget and Estimated Member Assessments dated January 19, 2010 • Spreadsheet entitled "FY 2011 Preliminary Assessment Projections" dated 12/30/2009 2. Open Meeting Law. John Bartenstein provided a brief summary of changes to the Open Meeting Law that will become effective on July 1, 2010. The major issues are a revision of the definition of the term "deliberation" to expressly include certain email communications; increased minute - keeping requirements; the requirement that minutes of previous executive sessions be periodically reviewed for potential disclosure; transfer of enforcement authority for municipal bodies from the District Attorney to the Attorney General; and a provision for a civil penalty of up to $1,000 that may be imposed on the "public body" for intentional violation of the law. The Committee will further discuss the implications of these changes in future meetings. Al Levine noted that the FY 2011 proposed Budget includes some funding to assist the finance committees with minute - taking. 3. Meeting Management. There was a brief discussion of meeting management issues. Joe Pato will revise further and re- circulate a draft statement on protocol for participation in meetings by non - members. 4. Future Meeting Schedule and Report to Annual Town Meeting. In addition to upcoming meetings already posted for 2/8, 2/17, 2/22 and 3/1, meetings will be scheduled for 3/8, 3/15 and 3/18 to work on the Committee's report to the Annual Town Meeting. The goal will be to have the report on the TMMA table by the start of the Annual Town Meeting on Monday, March 22 although financial articles will not be taken up until Monday, March 29. Tentative assignments were made for preparation of the -2-