Finance Committee Minutes of 12-12-2019
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes
Town Hall ~ December 12, 2019
Sturbridge, MA
Call to Order:
The Finance Committee Chair called the Finance Committee meeting to order at 7:20 pm. The following committee members were present: Kathy Neal (KN), Michael Hager (MH), Larry Morrison (LM), Joni Light (JL), and Kevin Smith (KS). Absent: Jared Burns (JB), James Waddick (JW), Karen Davis (KD), and Bruce Boyson (BB).
Guest: Jeff Bridges (JBr), Town Administrator.
Reserve Fund Transfer
Town Administrator request for $3,300.00 to pay for an appraisal at 53 Holland Road. JBr explained that the goal of the Board of Selectmen is to acquire the land at 53 Holland Road as an essential component to the Town’s trail network. He stated that he has been in contact with the property’s owner and now requires an appraisal to determine the worth of the property. JBr noted that he is requesting a reserve fund transfer due to the time element and his desire to have an article regarding this property on the Special Town Meeting Warrant in January. KS asked why Community Preservation Act (CPA) administrative funds were not being used for the appraisal. JBr stated that he was not aware that CPA funds were available for appraisals. LM asked if the land could be taken by eminent domain; JBr indicated it could be, but that process would also require an appraisal. LM stated that it is the present view of the Finance Committee to look favorably at a later time at the proposal before the committee at the present time, and no disagreement with that observation was voiced. MH stated that it is a worthwhile expenditure but that the appraisal should be funded by CPA funds.
Meeting Minutes
No meeting minutes to approve.
Old Business
JBr explained that non-union Town employees have met with the wage and salary comparison study consultant. He added that these employees will have their job analysis questionnaires completed by the end of the year and that approximately 70% of the employees will be interviewed by the consultant as part of the process.
No New Business
No Public Access
MH moved the motion to adjourn. LM seconds. Motion accepted 5-0-0 and meeting adjourned at 7:38 pm.
/jme