A Special Meeting of the City Council was held in the Council Chamber on Monday, December 6, 2004 at 6:00 P.M. for the purpose of taking action on matters relating to setting the tax rate. Notice of this meeting was posted on December 2, 2004 at 7:58 P.M.
All Councillors were present.
Council President Leonard F. O’Leary presided.
Councillor O’Keefe moved to dispense with the reading of the previous meeting. It was so voted.
Councillor O’Keefe requested that everyone rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Councillor Harvey asked for an explanation from the Assessor on the figures that were submitted to the City Council.
Councillor O’Keefe asked if there was an opinion from the City Solicitor?
Councillor Harvey agreed that he wanted a legal opinion from D.O.R. (Department of Revenue)
Councillor O’Keefe stated that he didn’t think we can do this even though we want to.
Councillor Harvey stated we’ll have an answer tomorrow from D.O.R.
Councillor O’Keefe asked if this could be delayed?
Councillor Harvey stated that this has to pass before we set the tax rate. He asked to reconvene till Wednesday?
Councillor O’Leary stated there are five (5) things went before the Mayor he didn’t want to sign. Either he Vetoe’s it or signs it or it passes.
Councillor Harvey stated one of the actions was a Home Rule Petitions to lower 8% to 4% for seniors. The town of Lincoln did this but it was also unsigned. Charter states you either Veto or sign.
Councillor Pelletier agrees with Councillor Harvey. Are we voting to hold off?
Councillor Furey stated he disagrees, do we have a bottom line figure on how much it would cost the city? Would like to to see a work-off program. We shouldn’t hold up the tax rate. The Mayor is not ante Senior citizen.
Councillor Bencal stated senior working it off, we would be required to amend the Mass. General Law. This body has reached out and tried to work with the administration. We need an answer. These people need help, if the Mayor didn’t like it Veto it.
Councillor O’Keefe asked the Assessor or the Finance Director or KateSullivan why the Mayor isn’t here tonight.
Councillor O’Leary requested and received unanimous consent to suspend the rules to allow Kate Sullivan to speak.
Kate Sullivan stated the Mayor is at a bypass road meeting, this doesn’t affect the Home Rule Petition if Mayor doesn’t sign it.
Councillor Pelletier asked what is additional for the Fire Department.
Mr. Bruce Guy, stated we were in a deficit when the budget was passed in June as a result we came back with an appropriation to balance the budget.
Councillor Pelletier stated the pipe line is $250,000.00.
Frank Kulik stated fiscal year 2005 there is new growth, pipeline number is incorporated $11,187,200.00, ¼ of a million in growth.
Councillor Harvey asked Kate Sullivan will the Mayor study this if this doesn’t get approved.
Kate Sullivan responded yes he will study this.
Councillor Harvey stated the Mayor will have the Assessor study this. You can’t know until you offer this. We need to help those in need. If Peabody can do this and Lincoln did this then we should be able to.
Councillor O’Keefe stated that the hour is late, we’re going to support the Mayor regarding the bypass road.
Frank Kulik stated when the tax rate is approved we’ll send it to the D.O.R., the procedure is the same.
Councillor Harvey stated we’ll have an answer tomorrow from Mr. Johnson or Mr. Murphy for D.O.R.
Kate Sullivan state we know people need relief but we went through exhausting budget session.
Councillor Sosnowski stated we’re trying to work out the tax rate. In June we had to go by court ruling regarding the Firefighters.
Councillor O’Leary requested and received unanimous consent to allow Mr. Guy to speak.
Bruce Guy stated separate appropriations to amend the budget $875,000.00.
Councillor Lovely asked Kate Sullivan why didn’t the Mayor sign? Why didn’t he veto?
Kate Sullivan stated it requires his signature he chose not to sign it.
Councillor Lovely asked Bruce Guy the $875,000.00 for the Fire Department is the money still there? The Mayor didn’t hire firefighters. Next year we’ll be looking at the same issue at budget time.
Bruce Guy state we’re raising $875,000.00 that money will be surplus next year.
Councillor Harvey stated that the Council continue this meeting until tomorrow December 7, 2004 at 6:00 P.M.
Councillor O’Keefe asked that Attorney Rennard, the Assessor, Board of Assessors, Mayor and Bruce Guy be invited.
Councillor O’Keefe moved to recess until tomorrow at 6:00 P.M. It was so voted.
On the motion of Councillor O’Keefe the meeting adjourned at 6:40 P.M.
ATTEST: CHERYL A. LAPOINTE
CITY CLERK
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