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ADJOURNED SESSION — 1998 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING APRIL 27, 1998 The April 27, 1998 Adjourned Session of the 1998 Annual Town Meeting was called to order by Moderator Margery M. Battin, at 8:10 p.m., in Cary Memorial Hall. A quorum of 167 members was present. 8:10 P.M. The Moderator announced that articles would be taken up in order this evening except for articles 54 and 55 which would be the first order of business on Wednesday, April 29 The Moderator explained that it was expected Indefinite Postponement would be moved on articles 12, 16, 22, 24, 27, and 31 and that the long standing practice of Reconsideration is for people to inform the membership at least one session prior to the meeting at which reconsideration may be moved. ARTICLE 2: REPORTS OF TOWN BOARDS, OFFICERS, COMMITTEES 8:14 p.m. George Woodbury, Director of Public Works, recognized the Town's custodial staff in their efforts to make Cary Hall shine. Mr. Woodbury introduced the staff who were recognized by the membership with a standing ovation. 8:15 p.m. Appropriation Committee Chairman Paul Lapointe responded to an earlier request from Robert Whitman, pr.8, for a recap on the status of Free Cash and acknowledged work done by the Board of Selectmen and School Committee, in particular Selectman Peter Enrich and School Committee member Barrie Peltz, to present a balanced budget. Mr. Lapointe provided an explanation on the status of free cash along with a free cash allocation analysis. ARTICLE 11: STREET RELATED IMPROVEMENTS 8:23 p.m. Presented by Selectman Dan H. Fenn, Jr. ------------------ - - - - -- MOTION: That the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen be authorized to issue Highway Reimbursement Notes of the Town under G.L. c.44, sec. 6, as amended, in anticipation of reimbursement by the Commonwealth for highway reconstruction and improvements under the authority of Chapter 90 of the General Laws as funded, and that notes issued for a shorter period than two years may be refunded by the issue of new notes maturing within two years from the date of the original obligation, and that the Selectmen are authorized to accept highway funds from all sources including the $700, 000 allocated under Chapter 90 of the General Laws which are hereby appropriated for such highway purposes. ------------------------ --- Mr. Fenn explained street resurfacing needs and that the plans for this article also include costs for a traffic signal at the intersection of Bedford Street and the Minuteman Bikeway. Mr. Fenn provided an update on the status of street resurfacing and how far behind the Town is in the street resurfacing program. He also addressed the software for inventory /analysis of street needs. Mr. Fenn reported the Selectmen unanimously recommended approval. 8:30 p.m. Marita Hartshorn, Bicycle Advisory Committee, spoke in favor of the article and explained that the Committee, concerned about safety at the crossing, had advocated for the Bedford Street signal for the past two years. Ms. Hartshorn summarized reasons for support of the Minuteman Bikeway. 8:35 p.m. Charles Hornig reported the Capital Expenditures Committee unanimously recommends increasing the appropriation to $980,000, explaining the past street resurfacing under - funding, but will not be moving to amend the article. Adjourned Session —1998 Annual Town Meeting, cont.... April 27, 1998