1999-04-07-ATM-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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ADJOURNED SESSION 1999 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING — April 7, 1999 The adjourned session of the 1999 Annual Town Meeting was called to order by Moderator Margery M. Battin, at 8:00 p.m., in Cary Memorial Hall. A quorum of 169 members was present. 8:00 P.M. The Moderator reviewed procedural issues and explained the meeting would begin with a report from Cary Library, then take up Line Item 1200 of Article 22, followed by reports of the Capital Expenditures Committee and the Engineering Department, followed by Article 26, Reconsideration of Article 14, and a report of the Recreation Committee before Article 29 is taken up. ARTICLE 2: REPORTS OF TOWN OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES 8:02 p.m. Reverend Dr. Peter Meek, President, Cary Memorial Library Board of Trustees, summarized recent changes, vacancies and additions to the Board of Trustees, with Reverend Brian Dixon and former Selectman Dan Fenn leaving the Board's Executive Committee, and Reverend Jed Snyder and Selectman Catherine Abbott joining the Executive Committee. Reverend Meek explained the Friends of Cary Library had recently incorporated as a private nonprofit entity and that the American Library Association had recently recognized Cary Library as one of the outstanding libraries in America. Reverend Meek further explained and updated the year's activities, progress, and future plans, including the recent establishment of the Cary Memorial Library Foundation, a nonprofit entity. 8:07 p.m. William J. Dailey, Jr., Chairman of the Cary Memorial Library Foundation provided an overview of the Foundations' members and fundraising plans. ARTICLE 22: OPERATING BUDGET 8:13 p.m. The Moderator declared the Meeting open under Article 22, Line Item 1200, Minuteman Regional School. Education 1200 Minuteman Regional School 797,604 8:13 p.m. Presented by Jane Pagett, Lexington representative to the Minuteman Regional School. Ms. Pagett summarized why she is not recommending the requested appropriation be approved and the basis for a recommended appropriation of $551,882. 8:29 p.m. Paul Lapointe, Appropriation Committee, explained the many reasons for which the Town should embrace Minuteman, what a viable institution the school is, and that it is worthy of Lexington's support. Mr. Lapointe pointed out that the member towns comprise less than 50% of the school's enrollment and pay more than 70% of the expenses. He addressed the assessment methodology. 8:39 p.m. Paul Lapointe, Appropriation Committee, presented the following Substitute Motion: --------------- - - - - -- SUBSTITUTE MOTION: That $551,882 be appropriated for Line 1200, Minuteman Regional High School, for the ensuing fiscal year and be raised in the tax levy. --------------- - - - - -- 8:40 p.m. Mr. Lapointe presented the rationale for the substitute motion, and ofthe need to signal to Minuteman that Lexington is demanding some action. 8:43 p.m. Eric Michelson, Appropriation Committee, reported that a majority of the Appropriation Committee supports the substitute motion. 8:44 p.m. Sheldon Spector, pr.6, requested a point of order and the motion by the Appropriation Committee.