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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-21-AC-min Minutes Town of Lexington Appropriation Committee March 21, 2011 Place and time: Cary Hall, Ellen Stone Room, 6:45 p.m. Members Present:Glenn Parker, Chair; John Bartenstein, Vice Chair and Secretary; Robert Cohen;Susan McLeish; Joe Pato, Vice Chair; Alan Levine; Mollie Garberg; Eric Michelson; Richard Neumeier; Rob Addelson (non-voting, ex-officio) Other Attendees: Patrick Mehr The meeting was called to order at 6:55 p.m. The principal order of business was to finalize the Committee’s position on warrant articles for which votes remained outstanding. Article Votes . Article 4 -Operating Budget. 3 votes were added for a final vote of 9-0-0. Article 5 -Enterprise Funds Budget –Water and Sewer. 3 votes were added for a final vote of 9-0-0. Article 6 -Senior Service Program. Mr. Addelson reported that arecommendation for a $10,000 appropriation would bemade to the BOS thatevening. It was decided to leave this item pendingand to make an oral report when the matter comes up. Article 8(c) -Leary Property Planning Funds. A motion was made and seconded to recommend approval of this article. Vote: Approved 9-0-0. Article 8(f) -Battle Green Master Plan. 3 votes were added for a final vote of 9-0-0. Article 10 –Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment. 3 votes were added for a final vote of 9-0-0. Article 11 -Sewer System Improvements. 3 votes were added for a final vote of 9-0-0. Article 13 -Public Facilities Capital Projects.1 vote was changed for a final vote of 9-0- 0. Article 17 -Reduce CPA Surcharge. 3 votes were added for a final vote of 1-8-0. Article 18 -Post EmploymentInsurance Liability Fund. 3 votes were added for a final vote of 9-0-0. Article 20 -SpecifiedStabilization Funds. 3 votes were added for a final vote of 9-0-0. Article 30 –Amend By-law -Town Meeting Procedure. 2votes were added and one was changed for a final vote of 9-0-0. 1 Article 27 -Amend General Bylaws -Private Ways. A proposed amendment to be brought forward by Charles Hornig wasdiscussed. The Committee decided to defer a vote until themotion is available for review. Article 37 -Commercial Assessments. Mr. Addelson summarized his remarks from the last meetingfor the benefit of those who were not present, inparticularhis concerns that capturing value based on an up-zoning is speculative and could expose the town to claims for abatement and penalties. Mr. Levine expressed concern that this request is premature. Mr. Michelson recapped his position that DOR would only be asked for guidelines. Ms. McLeish brought up the question whether the Board of Assessors or the Board of Selectmen should be raising these issues with the DOR. The Committee decided to take a revote on this article. A Motion was made and seconded to recommend approval of this article. Vote: 4-4-1. Article 38 -Residential Assessments. Mr. Levine stated there needs to be more research and discussion to be better prepared to support this article. The Committee discussed the importance of having adequate time for due diligence and what board or committee might best evaluate the matter. The Committee decided to take a revote on this article. A Motion was made and seconded to recommend approval of this article. Vote: 4-5-0 The Committee discussed the final report schedule and editing assignments. A list of documents and exhibits used at the meeting is attached. The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Andrea Yepez Recording Secretary Approved April 6, 2011 2 Exhibits Town of LexingtonAppropriation Committee March 21, 2011 1.Agenda posted by Glenn Parker, Chair. 3