Advisory Committee Present: Robert Czekanski
September 21, 2011 Randy Dinjian
Connie Benjamin
Terry Abdalian
Mike Zelenkov
The Advisory Committee met at the Town Hall at 7:30 p.m.
TRANSFER REQUEST
On a motion made by Benjamin and seconded by Dinjian, the Advisory Committee voted to approve a transfer request in the amount of $1,204.00 to pay an existing bill from unemployment for two weeks in July 2011. (Czekanski – yes, Dinjian – yes, Benjamin – yes, Abdalian – yes, Zelenkov –yes) This is a result of a former employee being laid off by their most recent employer after resigning from the Town of Bolton in May of 2010. Ms. Madden, Treasurer and Human Resources Director stated that Bolton is partially responsible for the unemployment claim and anticipates further exposure.
MINUTES
On a motion made by Benjamin and seconded by Dinjian the Advisory Committee approved the minutes of June 22, July 6 and July 26, 2011. (Czekanski – yes, Dinjian – yes, Benjamin – yes, Zelenkov – yes, Abdalian – abstained)
STRATEGY FOR FY13 BUDGET
The Advisory Committee had an initial discussion regarding the strategy for the FY13 budget process.
The Advisory Committee is an independent committee that makes recommendations to the Board of Selectmen. It is the Advisory Committee’s opinion that they have done a fair and thorough job and don’t see any reason why they won’t continue to do so.
It was Mr. Dinjian’s opinion that if the school budget continues to increase and be supported at town meeting, the only alternative is to consider an override or more spending of the stabilization fund in order to not continue to degrade town services.
The Advisory Committee will continue to discuss the FY13 budget strategy after the free cash has been certified. The Advisory Committee is also interested in attending the School Committee budget meetings on a regular basis. Ms. Day will contact the District to get the budget schedule.
DRAFT ARTICLE FOR THE SMITH PROPERTY
Present: Roland Ochsenbein and Richard Heaton, two members of the Partners for Planning
The Advisory Committee discussed the article being proposed by the Partners for Planning to purchase the Smith Property. The article will authorize the Town to buy, clean up and do what it wishes with the property as a municipal use. There also has to be a commitment to prepare a plan to develop affordable housing to be eligible for the grants.
Mr. Heaton provided the Advisory Committee with a set of spreadsheets detailing the costs associated with the purchase.
Ms. Day was asked to confirm whether it is appropriate to provide this information via the town’s website.
Mr. Heaton explained that this is a 5 year project with an anticipated loan every year for 5 years. The town will be eligible for a significant amount of money from grants to pay for the project which will reduce the borrowing. There is a 25% contingency for this project if needed. The best case scenario is receiving the grants and the worst case scenario would be that the town would be responsible for the entire clean up of the property if the grants were not received.
Mr. Dinjian stated that this is an enormous financial risk to the town if things do not go according to plan. To alleviate the Town’s financial risk, Mr. Dinjian suggested that the town consider selling the affordable lots given to the town by developers, to increase the value of the Affordable Housing Partnership Trust Fund to defray the financial risk. Mr. Heaton was favorable to Mr. Dinjian’s suggestion but stated that it is the responsibility of the Affordable Housing Partnership Trust Fund Committee and not the Partners for Planning which is a volunteer organization.
The Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. to continue discussions regarding the purchase of the Smith Property. The Partners for Planning will attend this meeting along with the environmentalist to discuss the Smith Property.
On a motion made by Benjamin and seconded by Abdalian, the Advisory Committee voted to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. (Czekanski - yes, Dinjian – yes, Benjamin – yes, Abdalian – yes, Zelenkov – yes)
Respectfully submitted by Linda L. Day
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