THIRTIETH MEETING APRIL 27, 2005
PRESENT: E. Innes, D. Biagiotti, W. Connors, L. Dee, M. Ellis, K. Hodlin, M. Kelly, T. Lowney, B. Mason, N. Monroe, R. Musto, J. Tarvin, C. Winston and K. Conlon
RESERVE FUND BALANCE: $250,511
Chair Innes called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.
The minutes of April 13, 2005 were approved 9-0-2.
Town Moderator Brian M. Walsh addressed the Committee with respect to the budget deliberation process, the budget discussions that are now being conducted by the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee, and the possibility that consideration of all financial Warrant Articles may be postponed until the second week of the Annual Town Meeting. The Moderator will meet again with the Warrant Committee after the Annual Town Meeting adjourns for purposes of discussing the process for future budget deliberations.
The Committee received and considered Reserve Fund Transfer requests from the Fire Department, the Board of Appeals, the Veteran’s Department and the Wire Department. A conference was held with Fire Chief Malcolm Larson regarding the Fire Department’s request for a Reserve Fund Transfer in the amount of $150,000. The Committee asked Chief Larson to provide documentation in support of the Fire Department’s request. Chair Innes will request supporting documentation for the other departments’ Reserve Fund Transfer requests, which will be considered at the next meeting of the Warrant Committee.
The Committee also received a copy of a letter from the Town Administrator to Senator Brian A. Joyce.
The Chair reported that the Historical Commission is reviewing with the Town Counsel the definition of “partial demolition” in connection with Warrant Article 44, “Demolition of Historically Significant Buildings or Structures”.
The Committee discussed Warrant Article 55, a citizens’ petition entitled “A Resolution Affirming Civil Rights and Liberties”, focusing on procedural issues rather than the merits of the proposed resolutions. A motion to recommend that the Town vote “No” not on the merits of the resolutions but rather for the reason that Article 55 has no impact on the business of the Town was defeated, 4-8-1. The Committee voted 9-4-0 to recommend that the Town vote “No” not on the merits of the resolutions but rather for the reason that, because the Warrant Committee is a non-political, non-elected body, it is not appropriate for it to make a recommendation. Town Meeting Members should vote their consciences on Article 55.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
RESERVE FUND $329,441
Accounting Set-Aside $750
School Department Set-Aside $78,180
RESERVE FUND BALANCE $250,511
The next meeting of the Warrant Committee will be on Monday, May 2, 2005, at 6:00 p.m. at Milton High School prior to the first night of the Annual Town Meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Katie Conlon
Secretary
April 28, 2005
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