November 11, 2003
Bridgewater
Raynham
Easton
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Massachusetts
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Opinion/Analysis
Joseph Gillis Jr.
You can do something!
The meeting started at 7:30, as planned. However, this may have been about the only part of the meeting that the Moderator had control over. There were many times when votes were taken out of order, when article amendments were lost track of, and when voting instructions were just plain wrong. Mr. Plouffe's first meeting this past spring was difficult, and even though there were some problems it was the hope of many that he would grow into the position. Unfortunately, last night's meeting was a step backwards.
Article 6 - Responsible Contractor Bylaw. This article started of with a great deal of confusion as an amendment was immediately added to it to not include projects of $75k or less, or projects part of county, regional or state purchasing. Once it was made clear that this amendment would not replace the $750k & $200k thresholds, this amendment did pass. Then the real discussions began - and they centered on two critical pieces of the Article. The critical concerns for many were the requirements that all contractors and sub-contractors have pension plans and have apprentice-training programs as defined. These two provisions could potentially exclude many businesses (including local businesses) from participating in these work projects. Article 6 was eventually voted "Tabled". [Not sure if that was correct, since the Article was placed on the floor and seconded -- many thought the proper action was to simply vote the Article down.]
Articles 8,9,11 for transferring around $225k. The Advisory Board did not recommend these Articles. They and many in attendance believed that the Town needs to review discretionary spending and work to close the Structural Deficit. {A Structural Deficit is when expenses exceed income, and is only balanced by converting assets or savings into income.} Article 8 failed, and then Articles 9 & 11 were voted "take no action" since they did not make sense without the first Article.
Article 10 for recognizing various cash accounts. After some discussion, it was voted to accept this Article.
Article 22 for transfer of money from $450k Police Signalization account. This Article was passed, as it should have been, to pay vendors who completed work in good faith. However, there were some interesting comments from Ken Mahtesian, speaking for Capital Planning. He admitted that work had been committed to by Capital Planning prior to a Town Meeting vote to authorize funds, but that it all worked out. He also stated that to his knowledge all bills have been accounted for and the Town will not see further fund requests. Lastly, he conceded that more than the dollars estimated were requested in the prior $450k vote to allow for uncertainties.
