The Articles for the February 22, 2016 Special Town Meeting are below. As the Town Administrator, I wanted to prepare this summary for attendees to be prepared for the items to be debated that night. I hope to see you all there for Town Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Tantasqua Regional High School Auditorium.
ARTICLE 31 – SENIOR CENTER FEASIBILITY STUDY
Summary: This article seeks $32,000 from free cash to fund a feasibility study consisting of a detailed space analysis, ADA code review, conceptual drawings, cost estimates and possible hazmat analysis of the current senior center. The costs developed through this study will determine whether the Senior Center Building should be renovated or whether a new building should be built.
ARTICLE 32 – STRATEGIC PLANTING PLAN FOR THE TOWN COMMON
Summary: This article seeks $6,000 from free cash as part of the recommendations of the Town Common Study Committee to fund the creation of short term and long term tree planting & landscaping plan for the Town Common.
ARTICLE 33 – TRANSFER OF FUNDS TO CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
Summary: This article will begin the funding of a Capital Projects Fund as required by our financial policies. The purpose of this fund is to maintain an equipment replacement and facilities maintenance schedule. The Town’s Comprehensive Fiscal Management Policies provide for annual funding of a minimum of .5% of the General Fund Operating Budget and this year the request is to fund $146,600 from free cash.
ARTICLE 34 – HAZMAT TESTING – 8 BROOKFIELD ROAD
Summary: This article seeks $4,000 from free cash to fund a limited Hazardous Materials Inspection of 8 Brookfield Road. Scope of work will include: Asbestos Site Survey/Report, Representative Lead-Based Paint Survey and inspection of building and grounds for miscellaneous hazardous materials.
ARTICLE 35 – COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH SOUTHBRIDGE LANDFILL PROJECT
Summary: This article seeks $30,000 from free cash as requested by the Board of Health. They are seeking this funding in order to obtain legal services, advisement and consulting services relative to the Southbridge landfill and any health effects on Sturbridge residents.
ARTICLE 36 – SHELVING FOR THE CENTER OFFICE BUILDING
Summary: This article seeks $1,600 from free cash to provide funding for shelving units for the Center Office Building for all offices located in that building. There is not much available space within the offices at the Center Office Building and even records used on a regular basis have troubles fitting in the office space. Funding this article will help the offices manage their records and materials more effectively.
ARTICLE 37 – UNPAID BILLS OF A PRIOR FISCAL YEAR
Summary: An invoice for a supply purchased by the Fire Department in FY15 was not submitted timely for payment in FY15. Delivery was taken by the Town and payment is currently due to the vendor. The total due is $1,009.19 and will come from free cash. The citizens should know that this article requires a 9/10ths vote at Town Meeting to pass.
ARTICLE 38 – FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR EXPANSION OF SEWER SERVICE
Summary: This year the Selectmen set a goal of working towards expansion of the sewered areas in Sturbridge. This article seeks $22,000 from the Sewer Reserve Fund Balance and will provide funding for a Feasibility Study to be prepared by Tighe & Bond to evaluate connecting several study areas in the Town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) to the town’s sewer system. The study will include: Record Information Review, Conceptual Design Layout, Field Evaluation, Opinion of Project Cost, a Summary Report and presentation of findings at Selectmen’s meetings.
ARTICLE 39 – TRANSFER OF FUNDS FOR CHEMICALS AND TESTING
Summary: This article seeks $13,200 from the Sewer Reserve Fund Balance and $9,000 from the Water Reserve Fund Balance to cover new reporting parameters that were not known when the FY16 Budget was prepared. These will be covered in future budget requests.
ARTICLE 40 – FUNDS TRANSFER – BURGESS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROJECT
Summary: This article seeks $500.24 from free cash to close-out a recent borrowing for the Burgess Elementary School Project. Funds for this project were borrowed by the Town and are being repaid over a twenty (20) year repayment schedule. Because borrowing is done in $1,000 increments this portion was not able to be borrowed in the recent bond issue to close-out this project and must be paid off with available funds.
ARTICLE 41 – FUNDS TRANSFER – WATER MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES
Summary: This article seeks $2,500 from the Water Reserve Fund Balance for Professional Services performed by Tighe & Bond for engineering services related to the Town’s water supply.
ARTICLE 42 – FUNDS TRANSFER – SEWER MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES
Summary: This article seeks $2,500 from the Sewer Reserve Fund Balance for expenses related to zinc testing at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Leon A. Gaumond Jr.
Town Administrator
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