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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

MEMBERS PRESENT: Wendy Ballinger, Chairman; Constantine Constantinides; David Grace; Joe Armstrong; Lisa Fenton; Paul Lemieux; Tony Vegnani. MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Kevin Sparks. BOARD OF SELECTMEN: James Pollard, Richard Lane, Paul Reidy, Shawn Harris. NOT PRESENT: Joseph Norton. SCHOOL COMMITTEE: Mark Mason, Terry Garon, Edward Tibbetts, Margaret Sullivan, Michael Hayes, Elizabeth Michaud, Maura Curran. ALSO PRESENT: Richard Agnew, Town Administrator; Paul Donlan, Treasurer/Collector; Mary Gallagher, Town Accountant.

1.CALL TO ORDER. Chairman Wendy Ballinger called the meeting to order at 6:05 P.M. in the Scituate Town Library.

2. On a MOTION by Mr. Vegnani, SECONDED by Mr. Armstrong, the agenda was accepted as written by unanimous vote (8-0).

JOINT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN, SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND ADVISORY COMMITEE

3. BUDGET ISSUES FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE YEARS. Mr. Agnew said that the police and fire budgets will be short on utilities for FY06; Ms. Ballinger estimated the shortfall to be $15-20,000, and said that the Department of Public Works (DPW) budget will also be short on utilities this year. Mr. Agnew said that the total the Town will be short in utilities is $50,000. Mr. Mason reported that the schools would also have a shortfall in utilities, in the six-figure range, and that Ms. Garon is currently working on the figures. Ms. Ballinger estimated the combined shortfall at somewhere in the $200-300,000 range. Mr. Vegnani said this is minus snow and ice, which is still unknown. Ms. Ballinger said that a transfer from Free Cash will be requested to cover the shortfall; Mr. Agnew said that $563,000 is available. Ms. Garon arrived and reported that the shortfall in utilities in the schools for 2006 is $300-350,000. This brought the combined shortfall to a total of $460,000. Ms. Donahue asked what the percentage increase was in the schools; Ms. Garon said that she had it broken out per utility: 44 percent for oil, 22 percent for gasoline, xx percent for electricity, and xx percent for natural gas Ms. Ballinger asked about whether the mild weather has helped at all; Ms. Garon said that she has not figured that in; also there are some new heating systems and they’ve been working with the boilers to maximize energy efficiency. She said that the $350,000 is a conservative number. Mr. Agnew said the Stabilization Fund has over $2 million. Mr. Armstrong said that a free service is available to help with energy conservation, and that 15-20 percent could be saved. Mr. Mason said that today a generator was needed at Cushing School, the boiler dates from 1965. Mr. Agnew said that most of the heating systems being used in Town municipal buildings are fairly new and are quite efficient: Town Hall, Police Dept, water treatment plant. Mr. Mason said that the boilers at Gates were replaced five years ago; Hatherly’s and Wampatuck’s were also recently replaced. Mr. Armstrong asked why the school’s oil bills are so much higher than the Town’s percentagewise. Mr. Tibbetts jumped in at this point to say that the utility shortfall in the school budget for FY06 is in fact $237,951, not $350,000. Ms. Ballinger said that all departments are running 33 percent higher in utilities this year than last year, and that an extra 20 percent has been added to the FY07 Town budget in utilities. The combined shortfall was recalculated at $347,500.

Ms. Donahue said that the Advisory Committee had discussed looking at how other schools handle their energy issues. Bob MacIntyre was suggested as a contact. Mr. Mason said that the Facilities Manager has been working hard. Mr. Lezinski said that the Habeeb Report recommendations had been adhered to, but that there is still single pane glass at Wampatuck School; it is not just efficient heating systems but the entire building envelope that is at issue. He said that replacement of the envelopes in some cases would be required for true energy efficiency. Ms. Donahue said that weatherstripping doors and windows would help in some cases.

As there were no further comments on the anticipated shortfalls for FY06, Ms. Ballinger moved on to a discussion of FY07. Ms. Ballinger said that in estimating revenues vs expenses for FY07, we would need 11 percent additional to the current 2 percent from the State to close the budget gap, and that in the formulas Scituate would be likely to get this. Mr. Agnew said that the governor is talking about increases in Chapter 70 and the lottery; and that the Town is not likely to get the 17 percent that has been talked about, that 10-13 percent is more likely. Ms. Ballinger said that the Town Administrator had discussed some additional cuts on the Town side at the last Selectmen’s meeting, including not filling three vacant positions at Town Hall, although these cuts have not been voted. Mr. Pollard said that he has written to state legislators Hedlund, Bradley, and Hynes to invite them to the February 21st Selectmen’s meeting to discuss the numbers, as well as grant money that might be available. He also said that regarding budget cuts they have asked to prioritize them in the event that more state aid is forthcoming. Mr. Agnew said the question is what to do at Town Meeting as we will not have the exact figures by then; should we go in with an estimate; a breakdown from the Governor’s office is expected by the end of the month, and he will speak to Rep. Hynes and Sen. Hedlund to get a better idea of what this might be. Mr. Agnew said that we should be prepared to go into Town Meeting with these cuts; and that we should be prepared for a June 1 Town Meeting to make necessary adjustments. Mr. Mason said that teachers will have to know by June 1 whether they are returning again, or if they are laid off they can collect unemployment over the summer only to be rehired in September. Ms. Curran asked about depositing state aid into Free Cash. Ms. Ballinger said that money left over in Town budgets is put in excess and deficiency account and then if it is unencumbered it goes into Free Cash; there are not deposits into Free Cash. Mr. Grace asked Mr. Mason and Ms. Garon when teachers have to notify the schools when they are retiring; Mr. Mason said that those who are retiring have been taken into account but that others may retire or resign. Ms. Garon said that it is no longer in the contract that there is a date by which they have to give notification. Mr. Grace suggested that if there were an April 1 Special Town Meeting it might be possible to add in hires based on additional state aid; Mr. Tibbetts said that that might be possible. Mr. Reidy asked about retirement numbers again, what projections can be made; Mr. Mason said that they can only project but they cannot know for sure until they have the letters in hand. Mr. Donlan said that thirteen replacements on the school side have been calculated in regard to Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Ms. Ballinger thanked Mr. Donlan for his work coordinating the Town side and school side budgets re insurance etc. Mr. (Blake)? (glasses to left of me) asked if there is an advantage to having Town Meeting so early when Special Town Meetings then have to be held when budget figures are more solid. Mr. Agnew said the charter review committee looked at moving Town Meeting to April but decided for various reasons to leave it on the first Saturday of March. He also said that he didn’t think that one month makes that much difference. Mr. Agnew said that without changing the charter it would be possible to open the meeting and then to postpone it, although he wouldn’t be in favor of this. Ms. Ballinger said that it would be worth talking to the charter review committee about their reasons and perhaps looking at this issue again. She asked for further comments on FY07. Mr. Donlan asked how discussions with state legislators might affect the way we proceed. Mr. Pollard said that we cannot change the budgets based on what the legislators might say, as they will not know for sure either. Mr. Pollard talked about the lottery money, that urban interests might be intent on retaining a large portion. Mr. Agnew said the question is whether to go to eight percent, which is about $300,000, and be less conservative, especially when talking about layoffs. Mr. Tibbetts said that the budget number is already low compared to reality, the 20 percent additional in utilities might be overly optimistic. Regarding state aid Mr. Agnew said that sticking with two percent is too conservative; that eight percent would be more realistic. Ms. Ballinger said that some revenues can be projected accurately; she said we may have local receipts, new growth and state aid wrong. Mr. Donlan said re health insurance, Plymouth County is now in a surplus position; last year we had a 10 percent increase in health insurance, this year he has projected 12, he said he will ask the Plymouth County Commission what is a realistic number.

Ms. Ballinger pointed out that this portion of the meeting, the joint meeting, will be adjourned at 7:30. She said that the third way of looking at balancing the budgets, (stabilization and free cash are the first two), is budget cuts, and the fourth way is an override. Mr. Tibbetts excused himself from the meeting in order to attend a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, and said that aside from opening a new building (Jenkins School) the Town has not had an operational override since 1990, and an override might be something to look at. Mr. Reidy said that the Town voted to expend $3.1 million to build two new fire stations and discussed how financial forecasting has been plugging numbers in, including for the senior center and a possible teen center. Pensions and fringe benefits increase five percent per year, he said that numbers are plugged into a program and can give projections. He said that had the override passed last year we would have been in the black now. Ms. Ballinger said that financial forecasting has assumed 3.3 percent increases, and asked if any personnel has been held to 3.3 percent. Mr. Agnew said that police and fire have; Mr. Mason said that there was a 0/2 split and then a 2/2 split. Ms. Ballinger said that personnel costs in the schools are close to 90 percent of the budget; in the police budget it’s over 90 percent. She also said that debt comes off the top in the shared budgets. Bonding nets a lower operating budget. Mr. Agnew said that building the fire stations will probably cost $6 million, almost $3 million more than was allotted, and the senior center will come in $500-600,000 more. Mr. Agnew also mentioned space needs and that the Town Hall is the biggest problem. Ms. Ballinger said that there is nowhere to store files in the Conservation and Board of Health offices. Mr. Armstrong mentioned cost shifting in regard to the funding gap for the Senior Center; he suggested that the CPC could be involved in this, and that if we want continued Town support for the three percent being taken for the CPA, we have to be more creative about how these funds can be used. He suggested a meeting with the Treasurer and the CPC to look at what is possible for those funds. Mr. Vegnani went back to the four options for balancing the budget, and said that free cash and stabilization will not solve the problem for the School Department. This leaves cuts in programming, yet they cannot fulfill their contract commitments; and he mentioned that an override should be discussed as it is the only way for the schools to meet their needs. Mr. Pollard said that Arlington asked for a $6 million override but guaranteed that it would be good for five years. He said that the School Department there did not want to commit to this, but in the end they did and the override passed; they have an emergency fund, they are only in their second year but it appears to be working. He said he would like to look at this and other innovative ways to balance the budget. How about one year of freezing the capital plan. He said that if we keep piling debt upon debt (fire stations, seawalls, senior center) we’ll never climb out of the rut. Ms. Ballinger said that there are people in Town who are living on the edge; Mr. Pollard said that in Arlington people who are in need are not hurt financially, they are given exemptions and abatements. He also said that there are other ways to increase revenue, such as local sales tax and personal income tax; and there are those who are opposed to Proposition 2 ½. He said regarding departments that are continually struggling, we have to look at other Towns to see what creative ways they have used to balance their budgets. Ms. ? asked about impact fees. Ms. Ballinger said that linkage fees could be used rather than impact fees, which are legally in question; she said that these can only work if, for example, an entire new school were needed. There was a discussion about the impact of Oceanside Village. Mr. Reidy said that the developer estimated 38 children would reside in the 250-unit development. Ms. Ballinger said that there are really no developments big enough in Town to merit linkage or impact fees, and large developers have deep pockets for litigation, which would impact the Town. Mr. Reidy said that the last override did not go through even though people were told that there would not be another one for at least five years. There was a discussion about forming a joint committee (schools and Selectmen) to look at possible solutions. Mr. Pollard said in Arlington they established what the Town’s needs were and then figured out what it would cost; and this puts it in a language that citizens can understand. Ms. Donahue asked about financial forecasting; Mr. Reidy said that the final numbers are being plugged in as far as we know at the moment. She asked to have those numbers for the next Advisory meeting on January 26th, or the subsequent meeting at the beginning of February.

Ms. Ballinger asked each member of the Advisory Committee, Board of Selectmen, and School Committee to say one thing they would like to see pursued next, in terms of the process.

Ms. Donahue: have the financial forecasting numbers within two years, with the state aid numbers;

Mr. Armstrong: ways to useCPC funds;

Mr. Lemieux: same as Ms. Donahue regarding financial forecasting;

Mr. Vegnani: the cost for health insurance:

Ms. Fenton: the creation of an economic development group;

Mr. Grace: tweak financial plan, and look at doing a larger override to last several years;

Mr. Constantinides: more definition for line items in financial plan; also Town Meeting held in April or May rather than March; and he questioned why the litigation line in the Selectmen’s budget was cut $100,000;

Mr. Hayes: look at financial forecasting; Ms. Fenton’s idea for economic development group; ways to pressure state representatives as the solution must come from the state; the general population of Scituate needs to be educated, people don’t care unless they are being hurt and feel they are not getting the services;

Ms. Michaud: formation of a subcommittee from the Selectmen and schools to look at long-term school needs and space needs of the Town of Scituate;

Ms. Curran: communicating operational and physical building needs;

Ms. Sullivan: combining recreation into waterways;

Ms. Garon: looking at FY06 budget and reviewing FY07 projections; financial forecasting will be helpful. We must work with realistic numbers.

Mr. Mason: energize base of voters, only 23 percent of voters voted last year, there is a silent majority that would support an increase in municipal services;

Ms.Gallagher: if an override is sought she agrees it has to be a big one; capital outlays, debt exclusions can be asked for.

Mr. Donlan: health insurance line item budget will be looked at; pension liability for 2026.

Mr. Agnew: increase in fuel costs hits everyone, an override would never pass this year; doesn’t know if the Town would be willing to look at a five year override; need to have a look at what to take to Town Meeting.

Mr. Reidy: input on financial forecasting, meetings are public; the numbers don’t lie, more clarity and pragmatic thinking is needed;

Mr. Lane: continue the dialogue established here, this is one community burdened with limited resources, we must band together, don’t pit one against the other;

Mr. Pollard: thanked Ms. Ballinger for coordinating this meeting, it was productive; subcommittees can be established but the three boards here should meet again well before Jan/Feb 2007;

Mr. Harris: he works in Town, he sees senior citizens who are struggling, young people who can’t afford to stay in Town; Mr. Mason’s comment that only 23 percent came out to vote hit him. Having a meeting like this is one step in the right direction.

The joint meeting was adjourned at 7:45.

4. REVIEW OF TOWN MEETING ARTICLES. Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Sponsored Items. Ms. Ballinger said that the last item, Litchfield Property, will not be reviewed until next week; the Curtis property may be discussed but may not be voted.

Mr. Hallin said $2.6 million has been collected, with 100 percent matching every year, and the same is anticipated for this year. He said he will get information on the breakdown on allocation of funds; status of projects is being updated and will be prepared within the next few days. Ms. Donahue asked about what projects have been completed. Ms. Ballinger said that they will try to include as much information as possible in the Town Meeting book.

Mr. Vegnani said he and Ms. Ballinger went to the CPC meetings and said that we are going into the fifth year of the CPC and the Town has to renew the commitment. Mr. Hallin said that it does not expire but that it could be changed; Mr. Vegnani said that it could be revoked in FY07, and how would this impact longer term projects. Also what is the big picture. Ms. Fenton said there seems to be a lot of disparate and separate projects; only a few would bridge from one category to another and that these would seem more meritorious of the matching funds. Also some economy of scale is needed; an overall strategy of the CPC, an underpinning philosophy, would be something the Advisory Committee would be looking for.

1. Local Historical Survey/Historic Preservation/$6000. Mr. Hallin said that this is to prepare an E-Form for Lawson Park and prepare a National Register nomination for the GAR Hall. Mr. Vegnani asked how this item jives with item 6, GAR Hall restoration. Mr. Hallin said that the application was made so that the Hall would be eligible for grant money. Mr. Grace asked why not wait and apply for grants. Mr. Leavitt said it is doubtful if as a result of item 1 grants might be available. The $132,000 will finish the building and it will be useful as meeting space and other public space. Mr. Constantinides asked if the CPC has applied to the Massachusetts Historical Commission; Mr. Leavitt said that they have done that once and received a grant. Mr. Constantinides asked if the Planning Board has been consulted regarding parking etc for functions. Ms. Fenton said this is the fifth stage of the historic survey; Mr. Hallin said that each stage has cost $600; $24,000 has been expended, there will be this one and then perhaps one more. Ms. Fenton asked whether the biggest reason for the registration is to qualify for grants. She asked to see a total of the expenditure and what the objectives are. Ms. Donahue also asked why the work is being done instead of first seeking a grant; and what can we get out of this registration. Ms. Ballinger said regarding the National Register nomination, there are several grants that are only available for buildings on the National Register, especially the one from the Getty Foundation. She pointed out that the Advisory Committee has supported expenditure on the local historic survey for the past four years. Ms. Ballinger said that $24,000 was expended in each of the past two years. Mr. Hallin said that he thought it was $6000 per year. Mr. Armstrong said that it had been mentioned that looking at it down the line we would then be qualified to apply in the future. Ms. Ballinger said that there is a very short list of private organizations that do this sort of funding. Mr. Constantinides said he would like to see a capital plan for what will need to be spent on the various sites and buildings in the next five to ten years. On a MOTION by Mr.Vegnani, SECONDED by Mr. Grace, the Advisory Committee voted unanimously in support of this item (8-0).

2. Restoration of Mossing Shed/Historic Preservation/$20,300. This is the smaller of the two historic buildings at Scituate Marine Park. Mr. Leavitt said that this is the last existing mossing shed. The goal is to make it into a museum. On a question by Mr. Vegnani, Mr. Leavitt said this would be the lowest priority of the CPC this year. Ms. Donahue asked about the possibility of moving the two buildings to the site of the mossing museum on The Driftway; this would make more room for revenue-producing activities at the park. Ms. Fenton said that the mossing shed is too small for holding classes etc. On a MOTION by Mr. Armstrong, SECONDED by Mr. Vegnani, two voted in favor and six voted opposed; this item failed to be supported on a vote of 2-6.

3. Burial Site Survey, Phase II/Historic Preservation/$22,500. Mr. Hallin said this is the second phase of this project, to identify work that needs to be done to the stones toward applying to the Mass. Historical Commission. He said $40,000 was funded last year, $25,000 was spent. This is the last phase of this project. Ms. Donahue asked how much it will cost to do the actual repairs. Phase I defined the sites. Mr. Leavitt said that they intend to pursue grant opportunities as a result of the survey. On a MOTION by Mr. Vegnani, SECONDED by Ms. Ballinger, the Advisory Committee voted unanimously in support of this item (8-0).

4. HVAC System for Cudworth House/Historic Preservation/$26,500. Mr. Armstrong spoke about the temperature problems that have jeopardized the integrity of the building. Mr. Leavitt said that this is the last capital project they are aware of for this building. Mr. Vegnani asked if this is one of the buildings on the National Register project; Mr. Leavitt said that it is not, and that they are not interested in putting it on the register. Ms. Donahue asked why not. Mr. Leavitt said that this is a high priority item for the Historic Society but that he is not a big fan of the National Register, Ms. Phippen would be a better person to ask about the National Register. Ms. Fenton suggested a historic Scituate tour be organized for schoolchildren. Ms. Ballinger asked who pays the utility bills for this building; Mr. Leavitt said the Historical Society does. On a MOTION by Mr. Grace, SECONDED by Mr. Vegnani, the Advisory Committee voted unanimously in support of this item (8-0).

5. Restoration of Life Saving Station/Historic Preservation/$45,500. Mr. Leavitt commented that this is one of two remaining lifesaving stations. Mr. Vegnani said that this is usable space; Mr. Leavitt said that the intention is to use it for the recreational sailing program. Ms. Donahue mentioned that the building is in the flood plain; Mr. Bjorklund said that the building will be raised, and that it could be moved. Ms. Donahue said that she will vote against this as she feels that it should be relocated to the site of the Irish Mossing Museum on The Driftway; and plans are to build classrooms in the new building that will replace the existing large building on the property. Mr. Hallin said that the proposed work needs to be done in order to move the building. Mr. Leavitt said the building was moved from Cohasset to Scituate in the 1940s. Mr. Vegnani pointed out that they are voting on the restoration and not on the location. Ms. Ballinger asked why the building would be painted before it is being moved. On a MOTION by Mr. Vegnani, SECONDED by Mr. Armstrong, the Advisory Committee supported this item on a vote of 7-1.

6. GAR Hall Restoration/Historic Preservation/$132,500. Mr. Vegnani asked if grants are available to do such restoration work. Mr. Leavitt said the Mass. Historic Commission would be the only real source for funding for this, and that they have received $15,000 from them for this. Mr. Leavitt said that in coming years the building would be eligible for grant money. On a MOTION by Mr. Grace, SECONDED by Mr. Constantinides, the Advisory Committee supported this item on a vote of 6-2.

7. Community Housing/Community Housing/$100,000. (Mr. Armstrong recused himself from this item.) Diane Bernstein, chairman of Scituate Housing Partnership, said that this is in compliance with the Scituate Affordable Housing Plan. The proposal is for three to five units. The site contains two to three acres of upland. The goal of the project is to apply for and acquire state and federal grant money to build 3-5 units of affordable housing on land located on Stockbridge Road currently owned by the Town of Scituate. Ms. Fenton said that this is a commendable project, using excess Town-owned land for this purpose. Mr. Vegnani said that the project is phased but they are asking for the full amount to be set aside. Ms. Bernstein said that a public meeting was held on Saturday, abutters were not pleased about the short notice and voiced concerns about their neighborhood; Ms. Bernstein said that the intention is that they should have some representation in the project. Ms. Donahue said that they have legal standing on this, they should have been consulted on the Greenbush project but were not. On a MOTION by Mr. Vegnani, SECONDED by Mr. Grace, the Advisory Committee voted unanimously in support of this item (7-0).

8. Cushing Community Playground/Recreation/$44,800. CPC work is being done outside the existing playground. The PTO is raising funds for the difference (total cost $106,000). On a MOTION by Mr. Grace, SECONDED by Ms. Donahue, the Advisory Committee voted unanimously in support of this item (8-0).

9. Community Basketball Courts/Recreation/$120,000. A site drawing and a rendition of what the completed project will look like was presented by Robert MacClellan and Howard Szklut. Mr. Hallin said that the existing court will be kept and refurbished and two new fenced-in ones built. Mr. Vegnani said that here again he likes that it is being partially funded by the proponents; that it is linked into the police station, and that the project will bring more people to the site which has been vandalized with the skate park there. Mr. MacClellan said that they met with neighbors at the top of the hill. He said that six parking spaces will be removed but six will be restored with the redesign of the area. He also said that the sledding hill will not be affected. Mr. Szklut said that the high school will be looking to this area for more community recreation opportunities. Ms. Ballinger praised the organization of this project. On a MOTION by Ms. Fenton, SECONDED by Mr. Grace, the Advisory Committee voted unanimously in support of this item (8-0).

10. Library Entrance Rehabilitation/Restoration and Pocket Park/Open Space/Recreation/$50,000. Mr. Hallin said that they will look at possibly moving the pocket park to an area more centrally located to the current senior housing. Ms. Fenton said that it is good to look at integrating the properties. Ms. Ballinger pointed out that the funds would provide for a survey and engineering. Ms. Donahue said that the park was put in at the request of the Library and was put in in memory of her mother and stepfather, and it was supposed to be maintained, but it wasn’t; no money has been spent by the Town in the past ten years to maintain the park. Mr. Vegnani said it seems like a lot of money for a feasibility study. Ms. Ballinger suggested that this could be done more collaboratively and that the proposal isn’t very well developed. On a MOTION by Ms. Fenton, SECONDED by Mr. Grace, this item failed to be supported by a vote of 2-6. Mr. Grace said that the timing is poor, with the Senior Center in limbo at the moment. Mr. Bjorklund said that the work on the park is not dependent on the Senior Center.

11. Driftway Park/North River Marshes Public Access Plan/Open Space/Recreation/Housing/Historic Preservation/$60,000. Mike Clark, Chairman Conservation Commission. This project is proposed in five phases ending in FY11, asking for a total of $732,500. He talked about a walkway and a six-foot sidewalk, and said that they can use MBTA mitigation money for a portion of the trail. What is the centerpiece property associated with this trail; Driftway Park, which is overused by boaters. He said they are asking for $30,000 for a preliminary design, identifying uses and integration of trail, and opening it to the public hearing process. The other $30,000 is for the Spit, to develop a beach management plan in response to Mass Audubon regarding shore birds being disturbed and before the state comes in and dictates terms. This has to be done in order for the rest of the project to go forward. The long-term plan is for a boardwalk from Third Cliff to the Spit. The ultimate goal of the project is a walkway from the Harbor along The Driftway and to Judge Cushing Park on Route 3A. Mr. Clark said that this is the formal implementation of a plan looked at by the Town ten years ago; he said there is space for this, and that the Planning Board has provided a formal recommendation for this. Ms. Donahue said that Driftway Park is a state-funded park, she asked if the state will be sought for funding; Mr. Clark said that numerous avenues for funding will be looked at. Mark Stewart said that pursuing this through the CPC will make grant money more available. Mr. Clark said the designation Preserve America is being sought, and that funding opportunities will result. Ms. Fenton said that creating additional access other than vehicular is an excellent thing; and that the creation of the pathway will open up more opportunities for state funding. Ms. ?? pointed out that part of Driftway Park is AJ MacEachern Park, a memorial park; Mr. Clark said that he was aware of this. Ms. Ballinger said that none of the basic backup is provided here, there are no engineering estimates, but that it is a great project so she will vote for it; she also said that the material as it is has come in too late. Mr. Clark said that he will make sure to provide adequate information in the future. Ms. Donahue commented that she is the President of the NSRWA but that there is no conflict here. On a MOTION by Mr. Vegnani, SECONDED by Mr. Lemieux, the Advisory Committee voted unanimously in support of this item (8-0).

Items 12 Curtis Property Feasibility Study and 13 Litchfield Proposal will be heard next week. Ms. Ballinger said that all information must be received by Tuesday morning in order to be heard at next Thursday’s Advisory meeting. She also said they will reopen if new information is available on the failed items, but it also must be received by Tuesday morning.

5. OLD BUSINESS. There was no old business to conduct at this time.

6. NEW BUSINESS. There was no new business to conduct at this time.

7. A MOTION to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Constantinides, the motion was SECONDED by Mr. Vegnani, all were in favor and the meeting was ADJOURNED at 9:45 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Martin