WARRANT COMMITTEE MINUTES
FIFTH MEETING September 7, 2005
PRESENT: K. Conlon; T. Lowney; D. Biagiotti; J. Conley; W. Connors; H. Crichlow; L. Dee; S. Keel, B. Mason, P. Nolan, J. O’Connor; L. Walker, C. Winston
ABSENT: N. Gray; T. Hurley
RESERVE FUND BALANCE $400,000
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
The minutes of August 31, 2005 were approved 9-0-2.
The Committee received copies of the draft Special Town Meeting Warrant and Report of the Warrant Committee.
A conference was held with Chair of the Board of Selectmen Marion McEttrick and Town Accountant David Grab who reviewed Article 3 “Appropriation for funding Fiscal Year 2005 Deficit” with the Committee. Also in attendance were Chair of the School Committee Glenn Pavlicek, School Superintendent Magdalene Giffune and Town Administrator David Colton. The Town Accountant distributed a copy of Department of Revenue Medicaid Reimbursement for Medical Services Provided to Special Needs Students. Following discussion and a history of the reasons for the necessity of this article, the Committee, with Member Walker moving and Member Keel seconding, voted 12-0-0 to recommend to Town Meeting an appropriation of $183,689 from free cash under Article 3.
The Committee received a copy of an opinion from Town Counsel dated August 26, 2005 regarding Article 9, a citizens’ petition article seeking a supplemental appropriation for the Collicot and Cunningham School projects.
A conference was held with John Michael Shields regarding Article 9, “Appropriation of Additional Funds for School Building Project.” Also speaking on the subject were School Superintendent Magdalene Giffune and School Committee Member Mary Kelly. Mr. Shields provided the Committee with the reason for this citizens’ article which was presented for inclusion in the Special Town Meeting Warrant by more than 100 residents that the Collicot and Cunningham Schools be built according to the plans presented to the Town Meeting and citizens in 2000. However, because the Article does not authorize borrowing, Town Counsel and bond counsel concluded that the Town could not borrow for purposes of Article 9. Because it is a Citizens’ article, no changes can be
made under this article. Therefore, Mr. Shields and the advocates agree with a recommended “no” vote at this time on the article. The advocates hope that this matter can be worked out among the Selectmen, School Committee and School Building Committee and will work with the Town Administrator in this regard. Following discussion, Member Connors moved and Member Lowney seconded a No vote on Article 9. The Committee voted 12-0-0 to recommend a No vote on Article 9.
The Committee discussed Article 7 and the Chair explained the reason for the School Building Committee’s $3 million request under this article.
The Committee voted 11-0-1 to approve a $123.30 voucher to Curry Hardware for the purchase of eight name plates and holders for Warrant Committee members.
The Committee received a copy of an opinion from Town Counsel dated September 2, 2005 regarding Article 4, a home rule petition for an alcoholic beverage license for a restaurant to be located at Central Avenue and Eliot Street.
The Committee will review Articles 4, 6, 7, and 8 at future meetings prior to the Special Town Meeting.
The next meeting of the Warrant Committee will be on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol A. Blute, Clerk
September 21, 2005
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