Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-03-13-AC-MIN.pdf APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1995 COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, 7:00 PM Present: P Lapointe, C Coughlin, M Mairson, J Pagett, R Neumeier, R Leone, R Borghesani, L Peck, M Miley, J Ryan * P Lapointe discussed the "overview adjustments" as prepared by the Town Manager for the BOS dated March 13, 1995 followed by a general discussion (see handout) * P Lapointe distributed and discussed updating an "enterprise fund overview".P Lapointe will update with fiscal 1994 and 1995 as well as estimates for fiscal 96 data for the report. * Discussion and vote of the following articles: * Article 5: Supplementary Appropriations for Current Fiscal Year (FY 95). No vote taken as the final amount to be transferred to the School Department from the municipal budgets has not been finalized. The transfer is in accordance with the agreement made between the BOS and SC at the 1994 Town Meeting to fund the shortfall in the teachers early retirement program. * Article 6: Prior Year's Unpaid Bills. No vote taken as there is no request for funds at this time. * Article 7: Supplementary Appropriations for Authorized Capital Improvement Projects. No vote taken as there is no request for funds at this time. * Article 8: Water Mains. Motion to recommend approval of the article, $ 850,000. UNANIMOUS * Article 9: Sanitary Sewers. General discussion as to whether the program is aggressive enough. Motion to recommend approval of the article, $ 300,000. UNANIMOUS * Article 10: Street Improvements. Discussion centered around the need to construct a salt shed for $ 125,000. P Lapointe will pursue the idea of renting space from the Commonwealth at their two salt storage sheds on Rte 2 and Rte 2A. AC feels that the money will be better spent on road resurfacing. Question arose as to why some communities are apparently doing no road resurfacing and what is the allocation method used in disbursing C. 90 funds. Motion to recommend approval of the article, $ 700,000. UNANIMOUS * Article 11: DPW Equipment Question arose as to why the department heads apparently did not make the request and yet the Town Manager has requested the funds. Motion to recommend approval of the article, $ 107,000. UNANIMOUS * Article 12: Pine Meadows Golf Course Improvements General discussion of the need to maintain the golf course and the fact that the revenues generated by its operation subsidize other recreational activities. Motion to recommend approval of the article, $125,000. UNANIMOUS * Article 13: Playgrounds and Ballfilelds Improvements General discussion of the need to maintain the fields. Motion to recommend approval of the article, $ 50,000. UNANIMOUS * Article 14: Authorize Receipt of Grant for Purchase of Transit Vehicles General discussion of the request. Memorandum from Barbara Lucas, Transportation Coordinator was discussed identifying the mandate to meet clean air requirements, the possible savings, servicing of the vehicles, current and possible fueling stations, possible need for a third party to review the proposal and the concern of the limited range of the vehicles. Question arose as to what the CEC would recommend. Motion to table the article at this time. UNANIMOUS The second part of the request deals with the creation of a trolley service between Lexington and Concord. Justification appears to be a reduction in automobiles travelling between the two communities. Very little support expressed for the concept and a feeling that the Chamber of Commerce should pursue the concept if it is viable. Motion to recommend defeat of the request. UNANIMOUS * Article 15: Library Building Design Study and Other Miscellaneous Purchases General discussion of the recommend reduction in the request by the BOS to $ 47,393. Motion to recommend approval of the article, $ 62,393. DEFEATED (3Y(MM,PL,RL)6N) Motion to recommend approval of the article, $ 47,393. APPROVED (8Y,1N(PL)) * Article 16: Council on Aging Senior Center, Air Quality/Air Conditioning General discussion. BOS has reduced the requested funds to $ 8,000 for a study of the situation. Concern expressed that the air quality needs to be addressed as soon as possible. If $ 8,000 for the study is approved the repairs can still be completed for the summer of 1996 assuming there is an appropriation request at the 1996 town meeting. Motion to recommend approval of the article, $ 8,000. UNANIMOUS * Article 17: Miscellaneous School Article Motion to table the article since there is a question as to whether the SC has formally voted the request. UNANIMOUS * Article 18: School Equipment Purchases New Technology Motion to table the article since there is a question as to whether the SC has formally voted the request. UNANIMOUS * Article 19: Internet Subscription and Purchase of Equipment General discussion as to the town departments need for the internet. Apparent school and library need but limited municipal need. There does not appear that any one department has taken this request on since it is being requested by the Cable Television and Communications Advisory Committee. Motion to table the discussion of this article and have a representative of the Cable Advisory Committee appear before the AC. UNANIMOUS * Article 20: Fund 50th Anniversary Veterans' day Celebration General discussion of the request. Motion to recommend defeat of the request. UNANIMOUS * Article 21: Fund RePlace General discussion of the article. Motion to table discussion of the article and request a representative of RePlace appear before the AC. APPROVED (8Y,1N(JP)) * Article 22: Acceptance of MGL, C 40, S.42J General discussion. Motion to recommend approval of the article. UNANIMOUS * Article 23: Acceptance of MGL, C 83, S 16G General discussion. Motion to recommend approval of the article. UNANIMOUS * Article 33: Petition for an Act Relating to Quarterly Tax Bills General discussion. Motion to recommend approval of the article. UNANIMOUS * AC will request that a representative from the Cable Advisory Committee and RePlace attend the AC meeting schedule for March 22, 1995 * Next meting scheduled for March 16, 1995 at 6:00 pm at the Clarke Middle School Meeting scheduled for March 22, 1995 at 6:00 pm at the Clarke Middle School. Request a room from the school department. * Motion to adjourn. acmar 13