January 26, 2021

“Mr. McManus moved to go forward with the funding sources. Mr. Howell stated that he feels Mr. MacAskill is correct, a vote is not needed. Mr. MacAskill stated that they've already taken action on this and they don't need to vote it. Mr. McManus does not remember approving the funding sources. Mr. Ballantine suggests they go ahead and approve the funding sources so that it is clear to everyone. As a reaffirmation of a vote that was already taken, just to clarify, Mr. MacAskill 2nd the motion. Mr. Howell agrees with Mr. McAskill that they are starting to build back a confidence level and confidence with the public. Mr. Howell reiterated what he previously said, that he will not vote for a nickel until verified. Mr. MacAskill agrees with Mr. Howell and last night proved they need to get as much information and give the staff as many tools as they can to get the proper information to the public. He is going to vote no as he did last time. He feels they have a problem if they go back to 2007 and find $100,000 in procreations. Although it is legal, and he knows it legal, it is still a bad look for the Town. If there was more time he's said this should be approved at a Town Meeting. He does not feel they have enough time to go back with this because they gave a pretty sizable homework project last night to staff. However, he hopes the Board takes this up sooner rather than later, in asking our Town Finance Director and our Town Administrator to find old articles and bring them back to Town Meeting and get rid of them. Spending money 14 years later, whether it is legal or not, is not right, and it's not a good thing to do to the tax payers. They should be voting this project. Mr. Howell stated there should be some way to relook at all of these things. That kind of money should not be waiting for them to spend a decade and a half later. Town Administrator Powers reacts to what the Board is saying. Both he and Dan have said, given that level of discomfort, they are willing to pull the project. He fully agrees and appreciates the sentiments expressed. There is an opportunity to acquire a modeling scenario that will help us be independently informed for your decision making. The funds that were available, far exceed his tenor here. He does not disagree with what he takes as a future policy for him to eventually draft on behalf of the Board. Staff is trying do their best, to find ways without seeking additional expenditures and appropriations but still keep these massive questions going forward so they don't cause inertia or inaction. If there is concern at that level, he would fee! more comfortable withdrawing it, other than the value it presents to us. Mr. MacAskill noted that this predates Town Administrator Powers, Dan Pelletier and himself. He is not placing blame but only speaking about going forward. The Board voted it, 4-1-0 and the Board is comfortable and gave direction. There is no blame here whatsoever. He does appreciate the willingness to change direction and go to town meeting. The vote was 4-1-0 with Mr. MacAskill voting Nay, Mr. Howell, Mr. Ford, Mr. McManus and Mr. Ballantine voting aye on roll call.” (Motion: McManus)

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)