HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINCOM08072014Town of Mansfield
Finance Committee
Minutes of August 7, 2014
RECEIVED
±ll'wN CLERKS OFFICE
Present: Steve Schoonveld, Chairman; Walter Wilk, Vice Chairman; Me4J*rSE{M &aA(JBBZ9n; Yogen
Chemburkar; Scott Feely; and James Bazinet at 8pm
r1l,NSFl1 =LD
Absent: Liz Christo, Clerk j,AtcSi"ijl1SETTS
Call to Order: Chairman Schoonveld called the meeting to order at 7:35pm
Discussion with Special Guest, Bob Saquet, Town Moderator, opportunities to improve Town Meeting
and communication with residents
Steve Schoonveld's goals for future town meetings are a more organized approach to town meeting including
better communication with residents and a better way to present articles to residents on present issues.
Bob Saquet states that many towns have tried to encourage higher attendance and that one of the reasons
residents may not attend town meeting is because the town is well run. When there is no controversy, then
there is less interest. Bob also feel people need to understand why it is important to attend Town Meeting.
For example, the North Street Fire Station was built in 1930. More houses burnt down in those years. In
2014, houses are built better and a fire station does not need to be in the center of town. The best place for a
fire station is where the highway garage is located.
(Walter Wilk asks if Bob Saquet feels enough residents are aware of the date of Town Meeting. Bob Saquet
aid in the old days the warrant was hand delivered to every house in town. Bob feels people may look at the -
warrant if it is in front of them instead of looking for it online.
Walter asks what would be two pieces of advice to get more people at town meting?
Bob Saquet recommends advertising in the Sun Chronicle and putting together monthly newsletters.
James Bazinet asks Bob Saquet how does a committee amend a by law. Bob Saquet answers "only at Town
Meeting ".
DPW/Public Safety Building Strategy Committee
Finance committee wants to act as an advisory position. Walter Wilk volunteers to help with strategizing
public safety facility discussions.
School Superintendent Search Committee
Walter Wilk suggests Liz Christo and Steve Schoonveld join the School Superintendent Search Committee
and it must be determined if this is a voting position on the search committee.
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Finance Committee Meeting August 7, 2014
Update on the Industrial ParldCovidien Status
Committee would like to invite Bill Ross to the next Finance Committee Meeting to discuss Covidien.
of calendar for efforts leadine un to Town
Finance Committee recommends having warrant ready by April IS`.
Scott Feely would like CIP on the calendar soon.
Finance Committee will work on the calendar at next meeting.
Update on where we are in the process on approving policies
Finance Committee would like to keep policies on the agenda for next meeting. They would also like to get
the Board of Selectmen on the agenda for policies.
Committee Members Updates and Comments
Next Finance Committee Meetings will be on September 1 It' and 251h
Review and Approval of Minutes
Delay for next meeting.
Other Items Not Known 48 He
Prior to
Jim Bazinet questioned and opened a lengthy discussion of Article 37 which commissioned the Audit
Committee. Jim Bazinet would like a better understanding of the 7 specific duties with Article 37. Jim has
issues with prior meetings not being fully documented.
Walter Wilk says in the Charter the committee must meet twice a year, however, they can meet more if
committee choses.
Jim Bazinet does not feel the committee is meeting the 7 requirements of the committee at this time.
Adjourn
Motion to Adjourn at 9:45 pm (O'Brien/ Chemburkar) Approved
Roll call vote: Feely aye; O'Brien aye; Chemburkar aye; Bazinet aye; Wilk aye; Chairman Schoonveld aye.
A
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Finance Committee Meeting August 7, 2014
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Date of Approval