2011-09-07-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 7, 2011 population trends relate to school enrollment changes. He has observed a strong correlation between the change in population from the January 1 St census report and the change in October 1 school enrollments measured 18 months later. No specific causal relationship has been shown, and a number of possible explanations were discussed. Mr. Pato reported that the School Department continues to see an increase in student enrollments with preliminary data showing a I% increase in school population as of September 1 St. (However, the school department uses the October 1 St enrollment for budgeting purposes.) The Committee discussed the increase in population and school enrollment growth as well as ways to predict changes (e.g., taking a 3 -year historic sample). Mr. Mehr, a Town Meeting member from Precinct 3, suggested tracking student population by housing and that this could help in budget preparations. Mr. Michelson asked if there was a trend of families with school age children moving into town and replacing empty- nesters. Proposal for synthetic turf on center fields. The project to study suitability of synthetic turf at the center fields discussed at the August 18, 2011 meeting will be funded out of the DPW budget. DPW has moved ahead with borings. Changes in state health insurance options. Mr. Pato verified with Mr. Valente that while the schedule for coalition bargaining on health benefits is challenging, there are currently no red flags to meeting the March deadline for electing to enter the GIC should the town determine that this is the best path forward. Mr. Addelson attended a recent state seminar and there was nothing notable to report. There will be a general summit on 1015 and a meeting of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Appropriation Committee on 10/12, probably in executive session, to discuss coalition bargaining strategy for health insurance. Other business. Patrick Mehr distributed a spreadsheet he had prepared, captioned Assessments, Commercial Properties to Research, dated 9/7/11, analyzing commercial properties and their assessments over time. He has highlighted in the spreadsheet several commercial properties that have been sold at prices in excess of their assessed valuation as of the sale year and that he believes may be under - assessed. He will do further research and bring this to the attention of the Board of Assessors. Liaison Reports by Staff and Members. Bridge and Bowman School Construction. The most recent estimates of construction costs for the Bridge and Bowman projects have come in several million dollars higher than originally anticipated. The status of those projects will be addressed at an upcoming School Committee meeting and at the upcoming budget summit on 1015. 2