MINUTES
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
November 19, 2008
Attendees:
Members: J. Bayne, S. Beyle, J. Cannon, J. Dowman, B. Eastman, J. Knox, N. Newell, R. Smith
Administration: S. Vanderhoef
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM by the Chair.
Agenda:
The Selectmen may apply for CPA funds to be used to purchase the Church of the Visitation property.
Lower Cape regional issue discussions continue between Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown. Orleans may propose water and wastewater regionalization for Brewster, Eastham, Orleans and Wellfleet. The state may push smaller school districts to combine at all grade levels with neighboring larger districts.
The Planning Board has held a public hearing for a Zoning Ordinance that would essentially prevent economically feasible wind turbines. The committee members present voiced unanimous strong opposition to passage as proposed. Regional co-operative planning for alternative energy at the county level has started, and this ordinance would prevent siting anything in Eastham.
Rooms tax enabling legislation is imminent, but the language may still be changed at the state level. We may want an article for Eastham to adopt this at Town Meeting as a new revenue source. Provincetown and Orleans have passed town articles already.
The Town budget is starting to come together, looking at cost savings and the potential for significant changes if state funding is reduced further. An article is planned for well testing and permitting for a future Town water supply, possibly using the debt exclusion already passed.
The currently proposed library building project may not fit in with overall capital spending until 2014. This year the Town administration has suggested the trustees consider deferring all except architectural fees.
The Natural Resources department and the Hemenway shellfish growing operation was discussed as an opportunity for cost savings or increased revenues.
S. Beyle moved that we approve the minutes of the 10/22 meeting, seconded by J. Bayne, and voted 8-0.
The next meeting will be December 10th at 5:00 PM, followed by a joint meeting with the Planning Board to discuss the zoning article on wind energy.
B. Eastman made a motion to adjourn at 7:48 PM, seconded by J. Dowman and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Brian G. Eastman
Clerk/Secretary
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