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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

7 PM

MEMBERS PRESENT: Dick Cook, Chair, Lisa Fenton, Vice-Chair, Constantine Constantinides, Scott Roberts, Karen Connolly, Anthony Antoniello, Bob DeLorenzo, Maura Curran
BOARD OF SELECTMEN PRESENT: Joseph Norton
1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Mr. Cook called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. at Scituate Town Library.
2. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: On a MOTION by Mr. Roberts, SECONDED by Ms. Fenton, the agenda was accepted as written by unanimous vote (8-0).
3. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: On a MOTION by Mr. DeLorenzo, SECONDED by Ms. Connelly, the minutes from 9.22.08 were accepted as amended by unanimous vote (8-0).
4. SPECIAL TOWN MEETING - The Committee reviewed the draft Warrant for Special Town Meeting to be held on November 23, 2008.

• Mr. Cook summarized the Advisory Committee’s responsibilities and schedule.

o 11.9.08 deadline (2-weeks prior to STM) for the Advisory Committee to have final book.
o 11.6.08 last Advisory Committee meeting to finalize reports
o 10.24.08 warrant will open and close at Board of Selectman meeting

• Advisory Committee liaisons for school, waterways and general budget are prepared to work on those.
• Advisory Committee discussed the need for further documentation and explanation to accompany the Warrant
• Mr. Cook will extend invitation to Rick Agnew to attend next Advisory Committee meeting.

5. LETTER TO BOARD OF SELECTMEN AND TOWN DEPARTMENTS
• Committee commented on letter and agreed to make the following changes before implementing:

o Remind the departments of the 48-hour before meeting requirement for having information to committee in order for their budget to be voted on. If a department is unable to supply details we request a week’s notice so we can adjust the schedule.
o Note that a detailed schedule with corrected dates will follow
o Add list of liaisons next to their respective departments
o Note that the general articles will be added to the schedule as they become available

• Mr. Cook will draft letter to Mr. Rick Murray, Board of Selectmen, regarding a joint meeting to discuss goals for the Town of Scituate and the process leading to the ATM.

o Mr. Norton said this year in particular it is important to have an early dialogue and to work together.
o Mr. Cook will discuss with Mr. Murray having a joint-meeting on October 23

6. OLD BUSINESS:

• Mr. Roberts instructed Committee to review the Open Meeting Law handout. Also said anyone can go to www.ago.state.mass.us .
• Mr. Roberts handed out most recent Town Audit for AC review.

7. NEW BUSINESS:

• Ms. Fenton – spoke about a potential meeting to discuss future goals to improve the state of the Town. Suggested a forum to include Board of Selectmen, Advisory Committee, Townspeople. Meeting could address opinions as to what people would do if drastic decisions need to be taken.
• Committee and Mr. Norton agreed that this would be productive if moderated in a way to cultivate ideas and suggestions
• Ms. Curran suggested looking into the 3% tax to fund CPC projects and give thought to being creative and responsible with those funds.

8. This led to overall CPC conversation.

o Advisory Committee to be refreshed as to CPC’s laws and goals.
o Ms. Fenton will invite John Bulman to next meeting.
o Advisory Committee will get an overview of CPC’s short- and long- term view.
o Review current applications.
o Discuss status of current CPC tax rate & how to reduce it if necessary.
o Talk focused on hiring a freelance, commission-based grant writer to find funding for projects
o CC discussed inviting a recreation & conservation state expert or a Bulman recommended CPC state contact to review how other towns are faring with CPC implementation, are there more appropriate state & fed grant opportunities than CPC for some of the things we are doing?

8. ADJOURNMENT. On a MOTION by Mr. Constantinides and SECONDED by Ms. Curran, the meeting was adjourned at 8:07p.m.

Next meeting to be held Thursday, October 16, 2008.

Respectfully submitted by Heather Dwyer