January 22, 2007
Present was James C. Lehan, Jonathan P. Smith, Ramesh H. Advani and Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator.
At 7:35 p.m., Jim Lehan called the meeting to order.
Jonathan Smith moved to grant a Common Victualler license to Guido’s Restaurant, 218 Dedham Street, to expire on 12/31/07. Ramesh Advani seconded, and it was so voted.
Ramesh reviewed the Affordable Housing information that he got at the MMA conference with the Board. There was information on how to form a Trust.
BUDGET REVIEW
Jack discussed the budget. Jane Wall was present. Tonight we are focusing on the operating budget. We are doing everything non-revenue.
The Board would like year to date figures on the local estimated receipts.
There is a shortfall of approximately $400,000. Jack said the good news is that we anticipated medical insurance to increase, and he got the word from MIIA that we are only up 1.7%. We got the lowest increase in the pool of 100 towns. This would reduce the deficit by $130,000, to $300,000.
Jim mentioned the DPW may come in lower than level funding. Ramesh would like to see the extra go into the roads program. Jim suggested waiting since we haven’t seen the budget yet.
Jim asked Jane to give the Board a one liner on all the departments they put a hold on tonight, explaining why there is an increase. Jack would rather give the impact statement for all the budgets.
Jim said we should ask everyone why can’t you go to a level funded budget and if you do, what are you giving up. Get an impact statement from everyone.
Ramesh questioned town reports and doing away with the printing. He suggested we put it online instead. Jonathan pointed out that there is a state law mandating town reports be printed.
The Board discussed that Housing for Fire/Police would need to be a town meeting article.
Jonathan said that how you spend free cash needs to be decided. It would affect the Reserve Fund. How are you going to make assumptions?
Jim and Jonathan are in favor of $75,000 for the Reserve Fund. Jim is worried about the facilities budget because we keep cutting them. Ramesh is okay with $50,000 but not higher.
At 9:30 p.m., Jonathan Smith moved to go into executive session to discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health rather than the professional competence of an individual. Ramesh Advani seconded, and it was a roll call vote: Ramesh Advani, aye; Jim Lehan, aye and Jonathan Smith, aye. The Board will return to open session only to adjourn the meeting.
At 9:37 p.m., Jonathan Smith moved to adjourn the meeting. Ramesh Advani seconded, and it was so voted.
This is a true and accurate report of the Selectmen’s Meeting of January 22, 2007.
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Jonathan P. Smith, Clerk
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