TOWN OF HARVARD
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Minutes
Meeting Date: February 12, 2008
Meeting Place: Town Hall
Members Present: Steve Colwell , Marie Crowley-Sobalvarro, George McKenna, Terry Mead, Debbie Ricci (Chair),
Others: Tim Bragan, Town Administrator, Lorraine Leonard, Finance Director
Meeting Time: 7:30 pm
Adjournment Time: 10:17 pm
Discussions and Actions
l The minutes of the Feb. 7nd and Feb 9th FinCom meetings were reviewed and approved with minor modifications. Passed ( 5-0-0 )
l Mr. Robert LaPierre addressed the FinCom regarding a 40B project on Stow Road. His concern was that the Housing Affordable Trust was given $150,000 for this project(CPC funds)to subsidize affordable housing units in this project. He also stated he does not want more taxpayers' money to go into this Fund. He also had concerns about the contractor's plan for phasing in the Pine Hills project. Tim Bragan clarified that no matter the phase, the percent of affordable housing has to stay intact, unless the ZBA has made other agreements.
l Victor Normand clarified the use of Harvard Municipal Housing AffordableTrust Funds (HMHAT). The CPC request is not dedicated to the Stow Road project. The basic concept is to take a 40B development and offer the developer funds to identify more of the units as affordable (up to $25,000/unit,) up to 4 units. This offer has been made to all of the 40B developers and will be offered to any in the future. The developer of the Pine Hills project (Stow Road) has shown interest in this plan. The Affordable Trust was formed to take advantage of
opportunities as they come up without an approval of Town Meeting so the opportunities are not lost to the Town. Discussion on condominium regulations-they should be in place before hand as opposed to changing regulations after the units have been built and sold. If a project comes up, which needs additional funding, the CPC can call for a Special Town Meeting to transfer funds into the HMHAT fund.
l FinCom reviewed the 2/12/08 Recap sheet for FY09.Tim Bragan identified changes on Recap.
1. Ambulance Line-$12,660 revenue was adjusted and equals increase from FY08 to FY09. but this number should be decreasing.
2. Omnibus budget BOS - Council on Aging coming out and going into an Article for $12,500.
3. Elected Board – Library budget was reduced. A warrant article will be submitted for $15,700
4. Adjustment in Schools budget line was reduced by $161,000 voted by School Committee
5. Health Insurance Offset Health Insurance decrease,-Worcester County Retirement-increase
6. Capital warrant articles have not changed.
l Omnibus Budget for FY07 actuals need to be presented .
l Warrant articles now total $102,200 .The FinCom discussed the format for article recommendation. If the recommendation is “no position”, the write-up will include pros and cons.
l Marie Crowley-Sobalvarro moved to state “No position” to the three separate articles: COA extra hours, Library substitute and monitors, and additional School spending. George McKenna seconded the motions. Passed (4-1-0)
l Marie Crowley-Solalbarro move to recommend the CPC's request for $20,000 for repainting and re-glazing of windows at the Hildreth House. Steve Colwell seconded the motion. Passed. (5-0-0)
l $150,00 of CPC funds for the Harvard Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund (HMAHTF)-- FinCom had much discussion on this issue. A suggestion is to have the HMAHT work in concert with Planning Board , ZBA, and BOS to better plan and coordinate with developers to negotiate the impact costs of the projects to the town. CPC can call a Special Town Meeting to transfer funds to the Affordable Housing Trust if an opportunity arises. Debbie Ricci moved that FinCom recommend $30,250 ( 10% of FY 09 revenue) of CPC Funds for the HMAHTF. George
McKenna seconded the motion . Passed (5-0-0).
l Small Warrant Articles
Hydrant on Lower Common-George McKenna moved to approve $20,000 for this project. Marie Crowley-Sobalvarro seconded the motion. Passed (5-0-0)
Fire Chief's Vehicle-George McKenna moved to approve $35,000 for the fire chief vehicles. Marie Crowley-Sobalvarro second the motion. Passed (5-0-0)
Septic Design and bid documents -the FinCom has not received enough information on this article to make any decision.
Ballot box-Marie Crowley-Sobalvarro, moved to support the Ballot box Warrant article for $7000. George McKenna seconded the motion. Passed (5-0-0)
GASB 45-OPEB actuarial valuation- Marie Crowley-Sobalvarro moved to support the GASB 45 OPEB actuarial valuation for $12,000. George McKenna seconded the motion.
Passed (4-1-0)
l Discussion on the funding of the bundled building projects DPW projects and Schools projects-
1. Glen W. from Pioneer Valley Environmental is trying to get quotes for replacement of Bromfield boilers and retrofitting with existing piping.. Debbie Ricci would like to see some hard figures on this work, it's necessity and work plan.
2. Steve Colwell questioned the use of borrowed funds or small Warrant Articles for the DPW projects and the timing of these projects
3. HES ceiling fans and Bromfield classrooms projects will give added value to the schools
4. FinCom requests more accurate quotes for DPW projects and recommends that the first year of Principal and interest be put in the warrant article on this Loan be put in the first year of repayment.
l Debbie Ricci moved to recommend the Borrowing Plan for all DPW projects(subject to more accurate, written quotes), the installation of ceiling fans at HES, the renovation project of two classroom at Bromfield, and the replacement of the boiler at the Bromfield School(subject to more accurate, written quotes )and not to exceed the projected amounts in Town of Harvard Capital Plan 2/12/08, with the first principal payment to be made in 2009, George McKenna seconded the motion. Passed (4-1-0)
l Steve Colwell moved to make the Borrowing Plan, voted previously, be subject to Debt Exclusion. George McKenna seconded the motion. Passed (4-1-0.)
l Steve Colwell gave an update on the School Committee meeting of Feb. 11,2008. The School Committee voted to submit a proposal for the Devens RFP for the contract to educate Devens' elementary-aged children.
l Marie Crowley-Sobalvarro moved to adjourned at 10:17 George McKenna seconded the motion. Motion passed (5-0-0)
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