FinComm Discussion of Warrant Articles
Tonight's marathon Finance Commission session wrapped up just shy of midnight after numerous presentations by the Board of Selectmen and discussion of the three petition articles to 1) increase Board of Selectmen membership from 3 to 5 members, 2) impose term limits on Selectmen, and 3) change the date of future Town Elections and Town Meetings.
Much of the evening was spent discussing the Infrastructure Investment Incentive (I-Cubed) program and its potential application to the Westwood Station project.
Here is a 10-minute video of Michael Walsh presenting the proposal to increase the number of members on the Board of Selectmen. I lacked the memory/patience to record the entire meeting, so this is just the presentation.
Comments
Fin Com Meeting
Dave,
Thank you for posting the video above. I hope people watch it and get involved in the idea of 5 vs. 3 selectmen. This is an idea with great merit and as the town grows needs to be seriously considered. I wish town boards would work with residents on articles such as 5 vs. 3 Selectmen in order to encourage town participation.
The discussion on I-Cubed funding was extremely troubling. I hope residents of Westwood think long and hard about I-Cubed funding. It sounds like a major risk for the town to enter into in order to assist the developer of Westwood Station. As a resident pointed out last night, Steve Rafsky promised this town $5M this year and $7.5M in 2010 from Westwood Station. Instead, the BOS presents information on I-Cubed with could potentially mean Westwood take on $50M in debt. I found the presentation extremely confusing as did many other individuals in the room. I hope all the facts are ironed out before the town gets into this mess further than we already have.
Joanie M
Lacked the memory/patience?
Lacked the memory/patience? Dave, you didn't show up until 10:30! 3.5 hours of discussion had transpired before your arrival.
If you're going report on happenings in town or start a career in the media, you need to be true to your potential audience and report the full story and 'spirit' of the discussion(s) rather than rely on sound bites and video clips!
I'm not the reporter
That's why I linked to the Daily News Transcript for the story. I arrived at 815pm, just before the start of the I-cubed discussion...oh, by "memory" I meant memory in my digital camera that I was holding. Once WestCAT is set up, these meetings will be recorded and broadcast in their entirety by an independent non-profit.
pre-town meeting
The Finance Commission meeting was an interesting exercise in the type of conversation that could be very constructive on a regular basis. Much of the meeting was informational--the whole discussion of I-Cubed was presented not as an argument to do anything, but an update of what is going on. The presentation about moving the Colburn school and building a barn on the cemetery grounds did not lead to a decision, but was instructive about the types of issues being considered for action. FinComm meets again in March...in the meantime, these issues can be discussed and considered by more than those present in the relatively full little theatre auditorium.
Mquigley im sorry to say but
Mquigley im sorry to say but Dave was there around 8:15 or so. I think it may be time to change the batteries in your watch. I think the I-Cubed debate would of been a better taping, well at least more interesting to watch. Poor Mr Shapiro went down in a ball of flames with that one. If the board of Selectman can sell that one to the town I give them credit. They could probably sell Ice to an Eskimo if they pull that one off.
I believe I remember you from the meeting you had many questions which was good. I'm not sure who Mr Connor's liked more you or Dottie.
I'm just kidding he seems to like Dottie much more. Next time Mquigley bring your cam and ask Dave to post it.