2009-02-05-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes Town of Lexington Appropriation Committee February 5, 2009 Place and time: Room G -15, Town Office Building, 7:30 PM Members present: Alan Levine (Chair), John Bartenstein, Richard Eurich, Mollie Garberg, Susan McLeish, Eric Michelson, Glenn Parker, Pam Hoffman, Rob Addelson (ex officio, non - voting) Also present: Carl Valente The meeting was called to order at 7:38 PM. 1. Busa Farm. The Busa family is looking to sell approximately 8 acres and 2 homes off Lowell St. near the Arlington line. Home currently not a requirement of sale. Landowners have benefited from a chapter 61A tax break. As a result, on sale of the property, town gets first right of refusal and a sale to the town avoids the landowners incurring rollback taxes. Discussions have occurred with Conservation Committee, Recreation Committee and LexHab to ascertain interest in property. Recreation and LexHab have both expressed interest. There is a need for an appropriation of $15,000 to cover: a) An appraisal of the property ($7500) b) A concept plan at $7500 for recreation and affordable housing usage. CPA funds cannot be used to reimburse these costs. At the spring Town meeting, we will be able to appropriate funds for administration and studies. Eric Michelson moved to approve a $15,000 transfer from the Reserve Fund and Pam Hoffman seconded. Current Reserve Fund balance was estimated at $533,OOO.Discussion reinforced that sufficient funds were available in reserve to cover snow and ice spending. Unanimous vote to approve appropriation of $15,000 Reserve Fund transfer to contractual services for expenses in relation to Busa property. 2. Budget a) Health Insurance Adjustment The budgeted increase in health insurance was 12 %. Blue Cross underwriters have revised and are recommending a new estimate of 9.5 %. This will free $420,000