BOARD OF SELECTMEN MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2003 5:30 P.M.
In attendance: Marion V. McEttrick, James G. Mullen, Jr., Charles J. McCarthy, David W. Owen, Town Administrator and Paula Rizzi, Executive Secretary
The Board approved the meeting minutes of the March 10, 2003 meeting.
The Board discussed the possibility of putting a Proposition 2 ? Override Ballot question on the March 29, 2003 Town Election Warrant that would help to restore the anticipated 2004 budget shortfall in the following departments: Public Safety, General Government, Public Works, Health and Sanitation, Library, Cemetery and Parks and Recreation.
The Board discussed putting a non-binding ballot question on the April 29, 2003 Annual Town Election Warrant regarding the retention of the 1909 wing of Milton High School. Selectman Mullen introduced this idea as a means to save an historical Town property and provide the Town with a source of revenue for the operation of the Milton Public Schools. James G. Mullen, Jr. moved, Charles J. McCarthy seconded and the Board voted unanimously to add the following non-binding question to the Annual Town Election Warrant:
Question 1: Retaining the 1909 Section of Milton High School
Do you favor retaining a portion of the 1909 section of Milton High School to be placed on the tax rolls and used as commercial office space with said income to be used exclusively for the operation of Milton Public Schools?
The Board discussed the amount of Bond Premiums from the School Building project with Warrant Committee Chair, Emily Innes and Town Accountant David Grab. Bond Premiums are the difference between the face amount of the bond and the proceeds from issuance of the bond (excess paid). A decision on what will be done with this money was deferred until the next meeting.
Chair McEttrick distributed and the Board discussed updated information from the Department of Revenue comparing Milton’s capacity to fund its town services with other communities and a chart of increases in our average residential tax as a result of the school building project. Also discussed were school construction cost variables and the total impact they will have on the taxpayer.
Town Administrator David Owen reported to the Board that he has had conversation with his counterpart in Canton regarding the sharing of a Town Planner. Canton’s Planner has retired and officials in Canton are interested in sharing a Planner with Milton. Also discussed was the part-time Veterans’ Agent position and the possibility of housing the cable TV head end and associated equipment and staff in the former Youth Department office in the basement of the Town Hall.
Charles J. McCarthy moved, James G. Mullen, Jr. seconded and the Board voted unanimously at 7:20 p.m., with Marion V. McEttrick voting yes, James G. Mullen, Jr. voting yes and Charles J. McCarthy voting yes to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing executive session meeting minutes, and to return to public session only for the purpose of adjournment.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
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