HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-12-06-AC-MIN.pdf APPROPRA(TION COMMITTEE MEETING
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2001, ROOM 111 @ 7:45P.M.
Present: P hamburger, R Pawliczek, D Brown, K Dooks, S Spector, A Levine, E
Michelson, R Eurich, A Nedzel and J Ryan
• Photo taken for Town Report
• General discussion of possible "swing space". See P Oamburger memo dated
December 5, 2001. A Levine discussed the possibility of using one swing space
and additional portables for space. Each portable would probably require
$100,000 of site work. He estimates that one half of the elementary schools could
be finished four years sooner with the use of two swing spaces. Question is
whether swing spaces will have a gym, playground and cafeteria. Schedule could
be six years vs. ten years or eight vs. twelve years.
• Options appear to be utilizing one swing space or two, one being a commercial.
• SC appears not to have arrived at a solution at this time. Members of the AC
expressed concern as to the status of the decision that needs to be made soon. P
hamburger will make another pass at his memo and try to shorten it a bit.
• Depot Square. Do we need a by-law? Bedford has a town by-law with respect to
the issue of appropriating funds such as C. 90. By-law change proposes that all
funds received (including C. 90) be appropriated for specific purposes by Town
Meeting. E Michelson will continue with his research.
• Reclassifying Lots. Illegal to retro actively change the assessed value or reclassify
property
• Electric bills reduction potential discussed
• J Kreiger has requested an opportunity to appear at the next AC meeting in order
to discuss the possibility of weekly recycling. The meeting will be in the Police
Department Guard Room at 7:45 p.m. The Town Manager is in the process of
negotiating a contract with Waste Management for this service.
• Schedule: Report to the printer on March 11, 2002 with distribution to the TMMA
on March 13, 2002.
• E Michelson indicated that the MMRVHS assessment would be up by
approximately$ 76,000. A significant part of the proposed increase is due to an
additional assessment to the Town for special needs. The additional cost,
approximately$ 65,000 is the cost for both FY 02 and FY 03. The AC feels that
the cost should be split between the two years. Marge Daggert is the new
MMRVHS representative from Lexington.
• S Spector discussed the settled school labor contracts and how they might be
presented in the AC Report
• Summit III Review. J Ryan conservative in revenue estimates in an attempt to
replenish"free cash"reserves. J Ryan will sit with P Hamburger to discuss
reconciliation of the amount when certified. SC presentation done differently this
year from the Town. SC appears to be concerned over the fact that the Town has
put on the able $1.7 million in"program improvements"when at the same time
they made cuts before announcing their request.
• General discussion of why the "free cash"amount, growth etc. are publicly
announced earlier.