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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1965-02-01-AC-MIN.pdf February 1, 1965 The Appropriation committee met on Monday evening, February 1, 1965 • at 7:45 P. M. in the office of the Town Accountant. �--` Present: J. Harper Blaisdell, Chairman Oscar R. Carlson Lagan Clarke,Jr. Robert M. Gary Donald P. Noyes Mrs. Richard W. Souza Moreland Ave. ''chool Site - Pleasant St. Site. Selectmen have asked us to enter their meeting at $:15 to discuss this matter. John- Blaisdell suggested that we have now been given three different sets of figures on these sites: Moreland Pleasant School Committee $404,500 $2$3,000 School Sites Comm. 277,900 331,000 S. S. Building pomm. 307,000 242,500 All contain some errors. He would like to suggest to the Selectmen and these committees that another committee be asked to investigate and make a report which should take into account as many of the costs of each site as can be estimated reasonably. None of these reports takes into account the extension of Worthen Rd, which will be necessary for the More- land site, the comparative cost of sidewalks for each site, the possible other expenses for bringing in water, sewer, or any other service to the sites. He feels that, since the Town Meeting has asked for the difference in cost between Moreland and another site, all factors which influence site cost must be considered. The Appropriations Committee attended Selectmen's Meeting at $:25 P. M. The school ommittee, School Sites committee, and building Committee were all represented. Revised comparative costs were presented by Mr. Abbott of School Sites committee. Moreland is estimated to cost $307,900 Pleasant 277,530 (School Ctee.est) Pleasant 311,$30 (Sites Cttee.est Mr. Abbott stated that the owner paid $4,500/Acre for the last piece he bought. and estimate that the land is worth $330,000 to them. Subtracting $100,000 ( cost of constructing streets) , gives a net worth of $230,000 as a possible high price for the land. This figure may be high, but the ;Sites Committee feels that the $90,000,figure used by other committees is likely to be too low. Selectmen ataldo said that the ,cost of the land was $2,500 per lot for the Whole piece ( the $4,500 was just for the last small Piece), therefore $90,000 should be reasonable. State would reimburse $9,000. Abbott : Bad traffice on Pleasant St. Town would hatr'. to construct elbow so traffic could back up. Emerson Rd might go through part of Pleasant St.Site. Pleasant St. site is too close to Tarbell and Adams sites. Lore- 1 land is about midway between Adams and Franklin. l.. . 3 continued feb. 1, 1965 The school Cgmmittee prefers Pleasant St. to Moreland, Prefers Moreland to Tarbell Site, Bus cost would be less for Pleasant for some time. They will accept either Moreland or Pleasant St. , whichever is financially better for the town. Would be willing to trade Tarbell for Pleasant St. Mr. Blaisdell suggested another committee to study allcost factors. Appropriation pmmittee All budgets are in. Salaries and proposed increased and longevity pay discussed at length. Agreed: recommend against proposed longevity Agreed: recommend Against proposed sixth step ( one dissenter) . This was followed by further discussion and agreement to recommend a 5% increase for employees who are now at maximum. Logan Clarke suggested the following, " We approve of neither the 6th step nor longevity, but , for those who are now at maximum, we consider a salary increase this year of 4% in anticipation of the fact that during the tear the Selectmen will make a study of salaries and update - the Evans report.". Long Range financial Planning Van Boughton spoke to the committee about the long range financial study which the capital Expenditures Committee and the Planning Board favor. It would be a guide to be used in evaluating proposals which come up. Planning Board would have a population and growth models and see how fast the town is approaching maximum. Starting with the policies the town is now working under, it would Compare with standards which exist. Project against growth model rate of sewer development, street replacement, etc. could be better judged as adequate, too fast, or too slow. give financial estimated assuming present policies continue, then examine alternates.e.g. what would be the effect of open land or changing zoning. They would propose a mechanism for keeping the study up to date. Consultant -- study was discussed with 3 consultants,Metcalf and Eddy are thought4 to be best choice. They have had the most similar experience, yre a large�company, have had wide esperience and can offer a variety of services. he largest part of the wourk would be done by citizen groups, consultants should be available to organize, advise on standards, and provide manpower when necessary. Cost. — This could be done with 701 funds, with 2/3 reimbursed by govt. Int this case, the contract would be between the state and consultant and the result would be a "Master Plan". We could have a flexible ^tudy finance by the town alone, with consultant on a per diem basis .:.with a upset fee. Thw price would probably be about the same to the town- 815,000 for a study which would take 12 to 2 years. (701 study would cost $36,000 of which town would pay $12,000) . Lxecutive committee -- Captial Expenditures Committee might serve as a nucleus, others would be included. Van suggesteddrepresentatives of the Planning Board, Appropriation Committee, School ommittee. The committee suggested thwt this might beat be presented in the Warrent as a captil Expenditures ommittee Article ; rather than a planning Board Article. Generally the committee seemed in favor of the plan; John 4 Blaisdell wishes to know more about the specific det4ils, particularly the Executive committee, before committing himself. an will keep the c committee informed. • Budgets which have been approved by the Selectmen were read by J. Blaisdell and revisions noted. E. & 'B. $343,000 as of 11/31/64; it may be $600,000to 700,000 by closing. Letter from Homer Oagedorn was read — suggests aiming a separation of Town Clerk and Treasurer Jobs. Ruth F. Souza, Acting Secretary •