29 Warrant Articles for March 18 Selectmen's meeting
Published on March 12th, 2003
STONEHAM, MA - Last night, Town Selectmen unanimously approved the Warrant for the Annual Town meeting on May 5th. The Selectmen plan to add recommendations and vote on the twenty-nine articles on next Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
Still concerned with several revenue raising ideas suggesting ways to close the Town's newly estimated $2.3 million deficit, officials have not ruled out reopening the Warrant for additional articles.
Already included in the Warrant are proposals to sell Town properties and collect garbage or recycling fees. Although the Warrant does not specifically mention a proposition 2 1/2 override, a budget solution Selectmen claim to consider a last resort effort, one article does concern the possibility of raising taxes.
A breakdown of the Warrant Articles follows:
Taxation, Budget and Revenue items
Absorbing the majority of the Warrant, most articles concern taxation, budget, and revenue proposals.
Several articles concern saving and raising funds for the budget, including articles proposing the lease of the East, North, or Central schools for a period of ten years, fixing the salaries for several Town boards and elected officials for the upcoming fiscal year, and collecting trash, recycling or hazardous waste fees. Several other articles suggest rescinding several previously approved Warrant articles to free revenue for the 2004 budget, utilizing $1 million dollars from the Town?s stabilization fund, and transferring or borrowing money to pay for Town invoices.
Two of the articles specifically mention taxes - one proposing taxes be raised or appropriated to absorb Town charges, and the other proposition looking to lower the senior citizen exemption age from 70 to 65 and increase the amount of the exemption from $500 to $1,000.
Over five budget articles address the water and sewer funds and rates, and only one such article could result in increased revenue for the Town. That article, a proposal to establish an enterprise fund for water department surpluses, could result in the Town being able to divert some of the $2 million water surplus to the 2004 budget. Although Town officials expressed optimism about that possibility, they still need to look into the legality of such a move.
The remainder of the budget items would seek to appropriate a total of $550,000 for constructing and maintaining water mains, fire hydrants, water meters, manhole covers, sewer mains, and equipment acquisition. Of that total, $25,000 would be dedicated towards extending a sewer main from West Wyoming Avenue to Brook Street.
Police and Fire Items
There are currently three articles concerning the police and fire departments. One article seeks funding for land appraisals of five potential sites for a new Emergency Operation Center or Fire Department. That article also seeks appropriations to draw up initial plans for the new building. The second and third proposals also request funding so that the Police Department can acquire three new police cruisers, and so the Fire Department can repair one of its fire engines.
Government Function Items
Related to impending layoffs and cuts in Town services, some articles propose changing Stoneham Town codes. Allowing Town officials to hold dual-posts previously prohibited by chapter two of the Town Code, many of the article?s proposals erode measures meant to prohibit a potential conflict of interest. For example, one aspect of the proposed changes would eliminate a section of the Town Code prohibiting Stoneham employees and officials from selling supplies or materials to the department he/she works for without the consent of the Selectmen.
Yet another proposed change would cut out rules prohibiting town officials from awarding a contract if that person has a financial interest or involvement in the agreement.
Many other changes to chapter two of the Town Code would eliminate time deadlines for filing or submitting reports. One of the most significant changes would ignore a mandate requiring Town officials to submit expenditure reports for departments 120-days prior to a Town Meeting. Yet another proposed change to chapter two would allow committees holding a public hearing to cease giving public notice of the meeting?s location and starting time.
Other articles related to Town governance would allow the Town to choose all Town officers for the upcoming year, grant Town officers the ability to choose committees, and allow Town boards to control fees for services rendered.
Building And Zoning Items
Articles concerning building and zoning issues will allow the Stoneham Arena to build a concession stand, operate vending machines and a pro shop, and to lease equipment for the operation of those services. In addition, an article will seek to amend the zoning by-law map by placing several lots into the Residence B district and redefining the purpose and uses of the medical district area.
Miscellaneous Items
The Warrant also contains an article seeking to revoke a Massachusetts law placing the Town Hall janitor in the civil service, a move that could save money for the Town.
Lastly, the Warrant includes an article intended to increase prohibitions on street peddlers, vendors, and solicitors. The proposed amendment to Town Code would attempt to balance first amendment and privacy rights with the need to prevent fraud.
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