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NINTH MEETING WARRANT COMMITTEE OCTOBER 16, 2005
PRESENT: K. Conlon, T. Lowney, J. Conley, W. Connors, H. Crichlow, N. Gray, S. Keel, B. Mason, J. O’Connor, L. J. Walker, C. Winston.
ABSENT: D. Biagiotti, L. Dee, T. Hurley, P. Nolan.
RESERVE FUND BALANCE: $387,946
Chair Conlon called the meeting to order at 4 p.m..
The Committee received a copy of a draft handout for Town Meeting members showing the results from construction bids for Cunningham/Collicot Schools which were opened on October 12, 2005. Also received was a memorandum from the Town Administrator advising that the Board of Selectmen at its meeting of October 12, 2005 voted unanimously to support Article 7 and to request a positive recommendation from the Warrant Committee on a non-contingent borrowing authorization in the amount of $2.5 M to cover the cost of the base bid, ADD alternates, roof line restoration and Collicot gymnasium design fee and a contingency of approximately 10%. A draft handout on recommendations from the Warrant Committee on Articles 4, 6 and 8, for the Committee’s review and comment, was also received.
Conferences were held with School Building Committee Chair Charles Winchester and Vice-Chairman Tony Cichello, Chair of the School Committee Glenn Pavlicek, School Superintendent Magdalene Giffune, Assistant School Superintendent Mary Gormley and former Selectman and lead proponent of Article 9 John Michael Shields regarding Special Town Meeting Article 7 “Supplemental Appropriation - School Building Project.” Tony Cichello distributed a fact sheet outlining the base bid received and add alternates which included brick masonry, redesigned roof line, pendant light fixtures and cost overruns at other schools . The School Building Committee requested that the Warrant Committee recommend to Town Meeting an appropriation under Article 7 of $3,000,000.
The Warrant Committee discussed with Glenn Pavlicek a proposal that the $3,000,000 borrowing under Article 7 be made under the levy limit. Following discussion, and with the understanding that bond consultant Lisa Dickinson would be consulted prior to the Special Town Meeting, member Winston moved that the Warrant Committee recommend that the Town Meeting approve a $3,000,000 appropriation under the levy limit. Member Mason seconded the motion. The Committee voted 10-0-0 to recommend that the Town Meeting approve a $3,000,000 appropriation under the levy limit.
Chair Conlon summarized a discussion that she had with Town Counsel John Flynn regarding the Warrant Committee’s highly technical recommendation on Article 8 and the possibility that, if adopted by Town Meeting, it might not be considered final action on the article, in contravention of the Town’s By-laws. The Chair also described further consultations that she had with former Moderators Charles Winchester and Richard Ward, both of whom had suggested that the Warrant Committee consider recommending that Article be referred to a study committee given many of the problems with the wording of the article. Member Keel moved to reconsider Article 8 “Citizen Petition - Town Meeting Resolution” and Member Gray seconded the motion. After discussion, the Committee voted 9-1-0 to Recommend
that the Article be referred for further study to a committee to be comprised of five citizens and to be appointed by the Moderator and that said committee submit a written recommendation to the Board of Selectmen on or before March 1, 2006.
The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
The next meeting of the Warrant Committee will be prior to the Special Town Meeting on Monday, October 17, 2005.
RESERVE FUND BALANCE: $387,946
Respectfully submitted,
Carol A. Blute, Clerk
October 17, 2005.
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