MINUTES
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
August 26, 2011
Attendees: Members: S. Beyle, N. Balmer, J. Cannon, S. Cole, B. Eastman, R. French, F. Guidi, J. Knox Administration: D. Schropfer, J. Knight
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 PM by the Chairman R. French.
Agenda: The upcoming Special Town Meeting Article 5 was discussed at length.
S. Beyle noted that the new provisions of the Town Charter related to capital projects does not apply to a School District project, and suggested we send a letter to the school administration asking that anyone assigned to head up any project have a proven track record of on time and within budget project leadership; she will prepare a draft for our review. She also asked about state funding restrictions on how long a time this project would be committing the existing building be used solely as a school.
R. French questioned the lack of a long-term capital needs plan for the school district, noting that it has been requested for years but not made available. S. Cole joined in questioning the process that got us to this point, when the school administration knew of the need prior to the last Town Meeting, but noted the process is different from the project.
J. Cannon noted that a year ago the school was inspected by the state and no problems were noted, even though the “green” program was in place last year as well. The state funding for capital improvements (other than the “green” program) has been made available every year, and the MSBA sees no reason it will not continue into the future.
F. Guidi noted that to go ahead with all of the uncertainty involved makes little sense. How much potential for other capital needs are still hidden? We should have a thorough inspection by qualified engineers and a long-term plan for capital improvements.
S. Cole noted that the lack of planning may not reflect incompetence on the part of the administration, and diverting this years funding to assessment of the needs may have been a good move for the Towns involved.
R. French noted we need to make decisions at the time required with the facts available to us at that time, then re-visit them if more information becomes available.
J. Knight noted that every year capital money is available, but the “green” program is only for roofs, windows and boilers.
N. Balmer noted that there is not enough information to recommend this article. How will it affect our own capital planning which has been in place for years? There may be hidden issues like mold, plumbing and electrical that are still unknown. We are also providing education under “school choice” to Provincetown and Truro children, but they do not need to share in these type of capital costs.
J. Knox noted that there has been minimal due diligence, and that asking for our approval is an insult to our intelligence.
N. Balmer moved the question, and it was voted 8-0 to take a vote. S. Beyle moved we recommend article 5 for approval, seconded by S. Cole and voted in the negative 2-6. R. French and S. Cole voted for the motion. We will draft two opinions, one for the majority and one for the minority for the warrant, to be discussed at our next meeting.
J. Cannon moved we recommend article 1 for approval, seconded by B. Eastman and voted 8-0.
B. Eastman moved we recommend article 2 for approval, seconded by F. Guidi and voted 7-1. (J. Knox against)
B. Eastman moved we recommend article 3 for approval, seconded by S. Beyle and voted 8-0.
B. Eastman moved to defer a recommendation for article 4 until Town Meeting, seconded by S. Beyle and voted 8-0.
B. Eastman moved to defer a recommendation for article 6 until Town Meeting, seconded by N. Balmer and voted 8-0.
N. Balmer moved we approve the minutes of the 3/23/11 executive session, seconded by J. Knox and voted 4-0.
S. Beyle moved we approve the minutes of the 6/22/11 meeting, seconded by N. Balmer and voted 4-0.
J. Cannon moved we approve the minutes of the 7/18/11 meeting, seconded by J. Knox and voted 5-0.
B. Eastman moved we adjourn at 5:49 PM, seconded by F. Guidi and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted, Brian G. Eastman Clerk/Secretary
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