1988-06-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 r :1 . 4- UNNO He recommended discussion on local mandate issues in connection with the Bill. Senator Kraus reported that the Mass. Municipal Association had initiated a petition to open up the Health Care issue to collective bargaining in order to allow Towns to negotiate downward, but that there had been little support for the clause in the Legislature. He felt that the Health Care Bill would be passed. Boston Harbor Cleanup - Mr. White spoke of the high increase in water and sewer rates necessary to accommodate the bills for the cleanup of the Boston Harbor. He saw the need to encourage financial assistance by the State for the cleanup. Senator Kraus felt that although neither State nor Federal Government could be looked to for much assistance financially, there is an argument for State funding to offset deterioration of infrastructure which had taken place over the years. Federal funding received for maintenance and repairs had been spent on the systems of communities outside the MDC area and the Senator saw strong justification for financial assistance to MWRA communities now. Increasing revenue options to cities and towns - Mr. White reported that the MMA is encouraging the Legislature to provide cities and towns with more flexibility in raising revenues. Senator Kraus noted that because of depletion of state funds and Governor Dukakis' presidential campaign, the Legislature may prorogue in mid -July, leaving many serious matters unresolved. He reported that at this time a large percentage of communities analyzed are not able to cope under the constraints of Proposition 2�. There is potential for severe damage to public school systems and the State is looking at increases in taxes and cuts in services. Regarding the downgrading of training given in schools because of a decrease in trainers, he suggested that senior citizens and the business community be encouraged to assist with this problem and other major educational concerns. State tax cap and local aid -- Mr. White noted that increases of State Aid to assist towns in the funding of essential services appears not to be as likely as in years past. He urged that Senator Kraus be encouraged to support exemption of local State Aid from the restrictions of the State tax cap. Mr. Eddison thanked Senator Kraus for meeting with the Board and for the opportunity to discuss issues of importance to the Town. PINE MEADOWS GOLF CLUB Mark Moor Frank Carney and William Hubner of Moore Homes, Inc., and Atty. Fred Conroy were present to update the Board on current development plans proposed for Pine Meadows Golf Club. Mr. Carney outlined the process under which the plans had been developed including meetings with various Town officials, Boards, Committees and neighborhood groups.