The agenda for the Select Board meeting tomorrow
6:30PM, Town Hall, John Marland Meeting Room
Appointments
Hearing NStar petition for two pole locations on Faunce Corner Road
Meeting with Ms. Mary Ellen DeFrias regrading UMass 4th of July Celebration
Update from Mr Hickox on DPW road and sewer projects
New Business
Petitions from NStar to obstruct and disturb the surface of various streets
Renewal application of James Alphonso for appointment as Constable
Approval of Minutes
Minutes of May 12, 2008
Minutes of May 14, 2008 workshop
Executive Session
Other news from Town Hall includes ...
... Mr Hickox has tendered his resignation from the Privatization Study Group. South Coast Rail will be seeking input from town boards and residents at a meeting on Wednesday June 18th at 10AM at Town Hall, Room 304 (Select Board meeting room) on economic development and land use plan. If you can't attend, written comments can be submitted to the Dartmouth Planning Office. Comcast will be moving the position of several cable channels in July as they transition to digital service. Some customers with analog service will need to get a digital converter box to see the channels. Comcast will offer it for free for 1 year. Details can be found at this link
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Select Board agenda June 2nd
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46 comments:
Boy you were in rare form today Bill. I was happy to see there are reasonable town meeting members and not just blind followers of the CFRG. We should have just presented the override questions to the town meeting members rather than a town wide vote. They would have all passed.
I am not a town meeting member but watched some of the meeting on tv. The town meeting does not represent the whole town. It is filled with special interest groups. I've known that for a long time. I take my hat off to you, Bill, for having the guts to speak your mind without being rude and classless like some of those in the audience. What a disgrace! I am glad you were there today. Keep up the good work. It's not easy!
Town meeting is full of teachers, DPW, police, town workers, etc., etc.
I just hope the town doesn't find itself in need of extra reserve funds. You'll see some real tantrums from the school folks!
Bill,
Thanks for showing the courage to state your opinions at town meeting today. It appears that you have become the lightening rod for the "emotionals". Their attempts at "mob rule" should have been more tightly reigned in by the moderator. Funny how you were the victim of personal attacks even on issues where the Fincom agreed with you. There was no "catcalling" to them though. The chairman of the school committee showed his true colors once again by personally attacking you and then claiming to have been insulted himself. This is becoming a pattern with him. The special interests had a majority today due to the lack of turnout. If town meeting members can't attend two meetings per year, then they should relinquish their membership. Keep the faith Bill and remember, you were elected by a landslide.
Were you people (ND Mom and anonymous) watching the same town meeting I was? I saw a group of people that were ELECTED show support for a group of people that don't have the right to vote yet, kids. I also saw a group of elected people that even though they clearly had enough votes to do what Ms. Hamilton suggested and then some did not, showing great respect for the town, the finance committee, some select board members, and the school department who continue to work together to reach compromises and move us forward (all of us including the children). I believe you also saw a firm warning that if our elected officials can't learn how to work together, parents and education supporters will find a way to convince them to. It's a choice you can make Bill to be a part of the solution with reasonable compromises or join the head shaking minority that is no longer an effective leader because of her unwillingness to compromise. Compromise (even if they don't agree 100% they find some common ground to build on), that's how good leaders accomplish good things.
Not a town worker,teacher,DPW, or policeman. Just an elected citizen who cared enough about the issues to run and get elected and have a say in how the town is governed.
Catcalls were unfortunate but they were by no means limited to one side. You must have missed the catcalls directed towards Mrs Hamilton that were rude, classless and uncalled for. No room in town meeting for any of that stuff.
You must have also missed the part where the vast majority of those in attendance voted against the motion made by Mrs Hamilton-including many of the parents in attendance. Mr. Trimble is entitled to his opinion and voiced it and so is any other member of the town, that's what this form of government is all about isn't it?
to Anonymous 9:46. The town did find a need for some of the fy08 reserve funds and they saw fit to ask FinCom to appropriate it for the K-5 literacy program. There were no tantrums from 'the school folks' either actually just the opposite.
The point I have tried to make, here and at Town Meeting, is that the use of one time revenue for recurring expense is a bad idea and against the adopted policy of the Select Board and Finance Committee. Whether the funds are for education or anything else, using one time revenue for ongoing expense results in an unsustainable situation.
I think to be honest with ourselves, we have to acknowledge that we are not following the policy that has been adopted. If there are good reasons not to, let's state what they are and why they are compelling. Pretending that we are following the policy, while clearly not doing so, is confusing and leads to the wrong message being sent. If there was a deal made to fund the textbooks with this year's reserve fund, but not to touch the Stab Fund or next year's reserve, say so. Then we can avoid lengthy discussions and conflicting messages from those who have not been informed of the deal.
You have got to be kidding Bill! A deal made. How is a deal made between 220 town meeting members and the fincomm? That must have been one hell of a secret meeting. Face it, you are wrong on this issue and move on. Unless you are suggesting the fincomm made the deal and all of the town meeting members are just a bunch of Pavlov dogs. Is that what you are saying? As your fellow CFRG memebers have been saying to all of the Pro overide folks, "Get over it!"
Town Meeting did not even have a quorum until after 9AM and from what I saw, many people at town meeting didn't even raise their hands 'for or against'. If people decide to run for town meeting, they should understand that it means dedicating two days a year to the town. Many town meeting members don't want to be attacked by their neighbors so they just stay home.
It is a different story, however, when they enter the voting booth and close the curtain!
To 1:35 am anon, the school administrators should be the FIRST group to support the kids by funding books and technology in their budget! It is obvious that the school budget is underfunded every year...when the town finds itself in financial crisis these things come to light. When the money is flowing, nobody seems to care about leadership in our schools. Great leadership is seen during the difficult times. I find it humorous to say town meeting is a reflection of the entire town when town meeting couldn't even get a quorum until after 9AM.
The voting booth is a better reflection of the town.
Thanks Bill, for debating the issues with respect and not attacking individuals. We can agree to disagree and at the same time, be respectful! You never once sunk to that level! If people in the crowd at town meeting choose to act that way, shame on them! I am addressing both sides! Any person who is an elected member of the town should be a role model for others. Debate issues, don't attack people!
Bill:
The truth always surfaces. When the town is once again going to VOTERS for an override because we have used reserve funds for ongoing expenses and not replenished the stab fund, they will being crying into their coffee because the answer will be NO!
The folks in that room yesterday DO NOT represent all voters. Go ahead Town Meeting Members, keep fiddling away, as Dartmouth is burning!
I have previously said that I had not formulated an opinion on the Reserve Fund transfer for books. The reason for this is that I can see the good arguments from both sides.
I completely understand Bill's position, and admire his ability to stand strong through adversity, but I also have listened to Greg Lynam state repeatedly that the State aid reductions have really put a crimp on the education process. I also can see where the book purchase would be considered a Capital expense, and have also said I would have supported a smaller override for the schools if it had been presented for that purpose.
The FinCom has been the most vocal about building the Reserve and the Stab funds, and in the end, I have to trust their judgment that the money is well-spent on the books, and does not put the Town in jeopardy for anything else. They know better than anyone else since "gate-keeping" is their prime job.
The fact that they supported the $300K+ purchase but not the smaller one out of the 09 Reserve tells me that they gave it a lot of thought. Since they have the power to do the transfer without asking, I also respect the fact that they did ask for an opinion, and got clear direction.
I believe that what has happened is a reasonable compromise, especially since any potential override asking for replacement money is still in the hands of the taxpayer. The FinCom got to their position knowing that any override money is far from assured, and they made the decision anyway, so they obviously feel the money is well-spent and will be available.
Thank you Mr Gracie. Your responce seems to be in accord with the distinctions made by the FinCom yesterday and agreed to by the overwhelming majority of TM members yesterday. There is room for compromise in all things.
Let's look at the public facts here:
- a week ago, Curt Brown says on his blog that Mr Michaud is talking to Mr McDonald about an override in the fall for textbooks. Link here
-I get an email that says the Finance Committee is looking into transferring the reserve fund to the school department for books. I posted about that here
-An email from the Finance Committee says that they are doing this to avoid a fight at Town Meeting over the reserve and Stabilization fund
-The school department puts out a fact sheet showing their priority textbook needs. The one I received from Mr. Gagne on Monday at the Select Board is different than the one I saw Tuesday at the Town Meeting. Monday's needed amount is $245K, Tuesday the sense of the Town Meeting request is $350K.
-Mr. Friedman, the Finance Committee chair, asks for a "sense of the Town Meeting" vote on transferring the reserve fund remainder to the school department.
-I point out that this transfer violates the policy of the Finance Committee and Select Board on use of one time revenue. The Finance Committee and Mr Michaud speak in favor of the transfer.
-The vote passes by a large margin.
-The Finance Committee speaks at length about the precarious financial situation that is still facing the town
-Ms. Hamilton offers an amendment to the FY09 budget to transfer reserve funds for textbooks
-I speak against it for the same reasons I spoke against the initial transfer.
-Mr McDonald is outraged and personally insulted that I would say these transfers are a raid on the reserve funds by the school department.
-The Finance Committee speaks against using the reserve fund for Ms. Hamilton's amendment
-The amendment to use the FY09 reserve fund fails with most of those who voted for the first transfer voting against this one.
-This comment appears above
I saw a group of elected people that even though they clearly had enough votes to do what Ms. Hamilton suggested and then some did not, showing great respect for the town, the finance committee, some select board members, and the school department who continue to work together to reach compromises and move us forward (all of us including the children).
These facts raise a few questions.
Who asked the Finance Committee to transfer the funds from the reserve account? Is it their own idea? The school department puts out a fact sheet showing their priority textbook needs, is this a coincidence? At what public forum did the group "who continue to work together to reach compromises and move us forward" discuss this?
It is still my opinion that the transfer of these funds clearly violates the policy set out by the Finance Committee. It is still my opinion that this had all been choreographed ahead of time. Except that no one told Ms Hamilton not to ask for FY09 funds or she was told and did it anyway. I had good reason to suspect it had all been choreographed but I spoke against it anyway because I believe it is a bad precedent and bad fiscal policy.
If you think that I have the facts wrong here and can give us a better understanding of what was done and why, feel free to let the rest of us in on it.
Once again, get over it and move on. You obviously can't. I don't think you are going to be able to weather the upcoming debates, because you are having difficulty COMPROMISING.
It's obvious Bill, some people can't handle the truth. Even Curt Brown had the scoop on this stuff days before Town Meeting. That's okay.
You're being honest, not like someone else. I have complete respect for the Fin. Com but also did not agree with them on this one. Just take a look at Ellen H. post on Curt's blog. At least she's being honest as well. I give both of you kudos for a job well done! Even if you were on different sides of this one!
Thanks Bill. Thanks Ellen.
Bill, I think I am seeing this a little differently than you. If the money was being transfered from the Stab Fund I would completely agree with you. The Reserve Fund is the buffer for the FY Town needs. If it isn't needed it goes into the Stab, which is always a good thing.
However, the "sense of the Town" that I have been getting since the last election is this:
1. Taxpayers would have given some money to the schools for books and computers IF they had been separated out, especially if it had been a Debt Exclusion. There is a clear indication that the majority does not want to fund more administration, but has no problem helping the kids directly and reasonably. People want change in the way the schools do things but also don't want to hurt the kids while keeping the pressure on.
2. People care about "both sides" of the Town, recognizing that while there are issues with leadership decisions and methods on both sides, the whole Town is important. No one wants to throw out the baby with the bathwater while we all affect change for the future. I believe that this is why the $1.5M override passed.
3. The taxpayers are being very careful what they choose to fund with extra money. The fact that the DE failed, which surprised me, is not an indication that they didn't want things fixed, just chose not to pay extra for it. If people were just "cheap" as has been alleged, nothing would have passed.
I believe that the FinCom viewed this opportunity as a way to accomplish #1, as a one-time bail-out for a serious problem that has mostly been caused by the State and reduction of aid. The numbers I have seen show that it is not a case of there having been NO books bought every year, just not enough. I also think they thought that this was a good use for the "extra" money allocated for FY08, and helps solve a real problem. I think the discussion of whether books that have a limited life is a Capital expense or a reoccurring one is gray area.
I saw no indication that the FinCom had any intention of doing this every year, and certainly no intention of spending any of the Reserve for a FY that hasn't even started yet, even if relatively small money. To me, if there was a plan to conspire to raid our savings, they would have supported Ellen's second motion. The members on the FinCom that I know have been just as critical of the priorities displayed by the schools as you and I have been, yet despite that they thought this was a reasonable idea, and tested it.
At the end of the day this helped solve a problem and doesn't cost the taxpayers anything extra at this point, and goes directly to the kids. Let's not forget that all the things that were rejected by the voters in the last DE were also funded. I have a lot of faith in the FinCom and their ability to sort out what is the best use for our money. This is especially true because they, above everyone else, know how much trouble we are in. I don't think the mechanism of how this all came to be is really all that important since all areas of the Town ask the FinCom for money from the Reserve. It is always their discretion to approve or deny, but in this case they asked for opinions because it is unusual.
To town meeting lover. Are you for real? We still live in a democractic society which means all the voters get their say. Wouldn't life be wonderful if only teachers, town workers, & parents could decide town issues? That's what happens at town meeting and now you want the same thing to happen for override questions. Thank you Bill for standing up for the taxpayers and the financial stability of our town. You handled yourself with dignity and class.
Bill, get over it! Take another sip out of your 2 liter bottle of Diet coke and move on.
My problem with this whole affair is not that the kids get textbooks. The problem is that we are going against our stated policy and all I am asking is that we acknowledge that we are doing so. There may be good and compelling reasons for doing it. That is the discussion we should have had, not whether kids are being deprived. Either we have a policy that we will not appropriate in the Fall or at year's end to fund the basic expenditures of departments or we do not. If there is a compelling reason for not following our policy then let's put it out for debate and discuss it. Not at the 11th hour either. What we have now is the Finance Committee parsing the definition of what is a capital need and the school department denying that they had anything to do with the request. Sunshine is the best disinfectant. Let's make these kinds of decisions in the public eye with time for people to discuss and debate the merits.
Hi guys, I think I can help...But I may have removed my post from Curt's blog becuase I want to think through things because I'm beat. My husband was away for work (now back), my mailbox was knocked over (ugh) and I have small children, new pets and many things on my domestic to do list. OK, I have been in Town Meeting for three years, I've seen the ebb and flow of politics and Fin Com stances, SC stances,SB opinions, task forces, the revision of my own ideas etc. I've had so much conversation between Mr. Lynam, Select Board, Mr. Gagne, Mr. Iacaponi, Dr. Russell and others-- it would make any computer die and I aplogoze to all parties. And yes poor Steve R and Mr. Cordeiro, most of my emails are analytical, with a list of suggestions or critical like "Why can't we get xyz in the budget prioritized (like textbooks, school libraries, librarians)"..."Why are we cutting world languages and not athletics or overriding for athletics/music." "Why can't administration be at Quinn" etc..."Why can't just Gidley re-open..." Things that people would think came from the CFRG or Bill (joke) come from me all the time-for better or worse. I'm always asking about contracts and pay scales and Bush Street, efficiencies...and facts and how to get more to students. OK let me see the time-line as of late, 2 parents (me one of them)really focused on textbooks getting funded the past month or two. Three years of lots of CIP and trucks upon trucks (trucks aren't bad but get less discussion than education objects or education/school related CIP which we value)...Hence my letter to editor about here we go again trucks trucks aren't books capital expenses/worthy/necessary can't Fin Com help or Reserves or anyone (benefactors>??)-{Side note-I gave up something last yr. to give money for elementary history books cause it was a good deal my husband's employer did double match--so I've been interested in textbooks and got quite a few purchased for DeMello, year before that bought school new release library books--the history textbooks weren't for my children's grade but wanted to help and could at the moment, plus how can an advocate not help logic}....satisfy something pressing...school technology upgrades count too but seem secondary for the moment (even though Ms. Clarke would say tech crucial too)...Then I emailed Greg Lynam a lot with different questions/fact finding and he was also thinking and agreeing we have some immediate textbook/tech needs(plus Fin Com has casually discussed this before other times in mtgs. after their extensive review of school budget, SC did recent failed CIP text/tech request, so lots of discussion stirring over years with different ideas and problem solving possibilities from public and others etc...), Greg L did what he could do within reason and in sync with his assessment/ values/ new policy/ budget...Fin Com as a whole I suppose did what it felt it could do within policy and based on future financial what if issues...I don't know of any deal-just talks of need description and cost and avail. rev numbers...Yet, they all knew I'd probably seek funds from my current blatant discourse and past behavior (around $425,000)...So in conjunction with the reading program that was identified as top need-I, on my own, asked and argued for the $68,500-for one time Math/Science Middle School and HS books affecting so many students (2180 texts asap) fall 2008 because that's what an education/student advocate does especially when a math guru just told you how desperate the schools really are for these math texts due to MCAS and how quickly science books expire--copyrights-some as old as my marriage--1993, 1997. I asked Mrs. Clarke for the school priority sheet last week for my own info and received it Monday before TM Tues. I had to revise my letter to Editor I submitted awhile back--made it more specific, I also asked Mrs. Clarke after last SC mtg. to talk to Greg L because there was back and forth between us over which priorities were solid and things seemed "nebulous" and the schools weren't ever going to get something "shoveled their direction" maybe a certain specific need of high value (like the literacy prog. been trying to get for a long time), best cost (purchase bulk) and largest student impact (K-5) could get met with possible yr. end returns if any left (this is unpredictable and changes every year). Sure Fin Com might want to prevent me or others from TM floor to ask for the whole amount $425,850 (Middle and HS principals said those math/science were tops of multiple items on their lists last week-SC and I requested this info separately-Shawn wanted it on website so no public confusion)--So the school stuff and town stuff evolves (changes daily) and different people state their ongoing or adapted requests, this isn't a "deal" or anything, just diplomacy and democracy- public asking for most up to date textbook priority lists and knowing the balance in Reserve for this yr. and next and that Fin Com supported books as "capital expense" lasting up to ten years...just like trucks, library books, or police equip (computers/cruisers)--This has been my point that books are like mostly capital (cause don't appreciate and get worn out old-material or condition over time, fall apart, obsolete), but partly operational (need em to operate, do the work of education with teachers)...The capital/operational is tricky distinction...The math/science request at TM from floor was decided by me solely (no other parents or schools knowing of this-except friend next to me who saw me writing) and I didn't decide it til I was sitting there in a Middle School auditorium with a Middle school priority book need, energized to argue the case for them because I just read a book to kids on equality seeking and improvement of life circumstances (this was Elizabeth Cady Stanton's work back before women could vote) decided based on the math and Sched A...the town would not fall apart or grow an operational budget with this modest amount $65,580 one time math/sci...We were going to vote on many CIP next-with bonds for equip...The Reserves overall are in a strong position for FY09, the govt. budget is stable, libraries stable,...The Stab fund will get money from turnbacks in fall-last yr. we got a large amount-yet still we need to save and be prudent, grow these safety monies over time (But Iacaponi told me there is no magic number for security and our bond rating didn't slide in the past with much less in stab, not asking for stab)...I am by no means condoning "raids" or ruining other depts. chances at improvements or funding (cause I value other functioning depts too-like Youth Advocate, Animal Control, Public Health, COA) but I truly thought this small amount could make a huge impact...and it would guarantee books for fall 08, using avail. money not an override...I know texts/tech needs are recurring in the amount of about $600,000 yr and should either be part of the school budget or a sustainable override, if no further reorganization can be done with education-but I'd hate to see cuts to whole education, music, art, languages, athletics-cause it is damn hard getting into college and kids deserve balance and chances to shine...It is not my intention to amke taxes high here or grow budgets will nilly...Plus as you've pointed out no one voted along with me but a few TM education advocates--so I'm harmless (I've never gotten money allocated), but I'm keeping the message of get textbooks alive...these elem. reading books will really help...If any of my timeline is inaccurate-I'm sorry...And Bill I was horrified people booed you and me and anyone...never in my life has the public been so full of sighs and under the breath comments-Of course the small stuff is silly--Older ladies who were down the aisle from me shouted repeatedly MOVE--(shut up and get out of town)--I was mid-thought and this is just wrong whether we agree on textbooks or how to get anything funded or not...SC needs to rethink priorities, School Admin needs to plug away at better immediate choices, and we all need a breather...Thank goodness less people are reading, sleeping and knitting during TM...
Frank, I understand your arguement but shame on the schools for not providing textbooks and computers. This has been an ongoing problem, not a surprise, so why hasn't something been done? Okay the kids need learning materials. We all get it and they shouldn't suffer due to poor management but where is the accountability and where are the people who should be demanding it? It is the responsibility of school administration to provide these things above all else. Cut athletics, cut music, cut whatever you have to and fulfill that obligation first. Then work on funding the rest. In a perfect world the schools would have everything they want and need but this is certainly not a perfect world or a perfect economy. Maybe the voters would be more willing to help the schools if parents were more willing to confront the SC and Dr. Russell and hold them accountable.
I wrote the last thing that was long, Ellen H-I thought I put my name in but didn't--I want to say Town Meeting has a right to convince, act and have their say, but it might be time for a Mayor???
To Marianne-believe you me we give Steve and SC heck...but we value art/music/physical ed...maybe these should go on override, which would pass override for these or textbooks/tech--or none. Ellen
Have to put kids to bed will check all the developments later...Ellen
I'm sorry, but I see this book situation as very similar to a teenager spending all of their allowance on frills, and then needing gas money to get to work. When do you pull the plug and make them walk?
Unfortunately in this case, the teenager is driving younger kids too. Now who suffers?
We cannot keep rewarding bad financial management and disregard for the taxpayer's wishes by bailing the School Committee and the School Department out over and over, and over.
Textbooks this year, some other REAL NEED next year. But, no salary freezes or cuts for top earners. Why are they unable or unwilling to prioritize and spend accordingly?
Are they teenagers, digging their defiant little heels in, and willing to LOSE THEIR JOBS and cause others to lose theirs too, just to get what they want?
So sad. So frustrating. It wears one down to even think about it.
It is frustrating, the priorities need to be rechecked with low revenue...I think we will see contracts done way differently and I do think there is a need for less raise, but when you look at benchmark Survey (which will be in library soon-or ask Gagne for copy)--things aren't that out of whack here--I think we need changes at state level, but the state is in trouble--lots to consider and I know what you mean text/tech should have been primary-I think the fuel increase chipped away at stuff, the contracts-I'm not in thse rooms, but I don't know what transpires--we need better negotiators and no raise for people making $65,000 and above (or some number agreed upon by all unions and individ contracts for 2 years)-We also need to put the extracurricular on override? The fees are in place, the fundraising is happening, the PTO contributions are huge-Middle School just gave $10,000 for in-house technology...Administration has consolidated (no tech Director, Elem librarian, Curric Director, Less Guidance, less music, less PE/art little kids--we need to see a new list of cuts and vacancies, town govt. has 17 unfilled positions-some needed.
Ellen, I don't know which would pass if any at all. My feeling is this, fund textbooks, computers, & teachers first. If you fall short for anything else, then ask for an override. At least this would be an honest, responsible effort and request on the part of school administration. Would this get more money for the schools? Due to the poor leadership exhibited in the past couple of years, probably not, but they have to regain the trust of the voters and this would be a good way to start. The voters have to be assured that money given to the schools will be spent on the basic educational needs of the children. We can argue that there is no basis for this mistrust but the fact remains it does exist. We could also argue that athletics, music etc. are basic needs as well but not everyone would agree. What everyone would agree on is that teachers, books etc. are basic needs and should be in the budget. How can you trust a school administration that does not provide these basic requirements?
Ellen, I agree with Marianne on this. Our children deserve the textbooks/technology/and teachers first! I know Bill is in favor of this as well. Sports/band are important, but 4300 kids do not play sports/band. They all use textbooks!
I do think it's time to look into mayor/ different form of government. When people run for TM it is their responsibility to show up! It's sad to have such a low turn out.
Marianne, I agree with you. It really isn't my argument, just my assessment of what played out, and my trying to understand it. Even at the time it was happening I wasn't sure where I stood, and I am glad that it is/was not my decision.
I have said elsewhere on this blog that anything that isn't on what I consider the "number 1's" list of priorities should be considered for change. That is materials, teachers, and facilities.
I also understand the "tough love" approach and have had to use that many times in my life, both with kids and grandkids, but I also believe nothing is black and white so there should always be room for gray.
The "tough love" is aimed at the administration but the kids get hit more than they do with some things. That was my original reason for being willing to support a small override or DE, as well as my supporting the $1.5M for the Town. Sometimes you have to give a little benefit of the doubt, move off the square, and see what happens.
That doesn't mean I would support something over and over either. I fully expect that any upcoming overrides will be a hard-sell, especially this Fall.
The bottom-line with the book transfer is that it is not a reoccurring override, and no debt was accrued as with a DE, so I can live with it. At this point in time it has not cost the taxpayers another nickel. In many ways it could actually be considered a win-win. It serves a good purpose, but I don't think it would be wise for anyone to expect it to keep happening.
Had the issue of transferring the reserve fund money for textbooks been in the town meeting packet, it would have helped me make my decision. The difference between capital and operational is a gray area and I would have liked to have more discussion on it. Because this was sprung upon us the day of town meeting and it was non-binding, I chose not to vote either way. After having a reasonable time to think about it, I am glad the kids will be getting the textbooks.
From Ellen-The public needs the list of textbooks going out to 2012 to digest, the school dept. has it but they are constantly relooking at text /tech priorities and discussing with bldg. admin. We should get updates on what is acquired and what remains unfunded each year. This is a good way to move forward-like a "report card" on textbooks/tech and unfilled/needed professionals year after year, whether this at the spring public hearing or some other time-or even bi-annually. I agree with all of you that textbooks should come first as teachers etc.-let's not forget technology. The technology didn't get touched upon at Town Meeting with all the other conversation. I am more for an override for the sports and music and whatever else, and then get the textbooks/tech with original budget...I think the public will see the merit for these things...I do think these items are co-curricular and part of the whole education experience as others have mentioned, but lets start with textbooks/tech first and build upon the foundation...I suppose nobody would override for raises, so contract negotiations have to be very even and careful, but fair...Any news from PB and when all the contracts are on the same table? people have been speaking with SC and Admin about sports and more override, it is their call, no coercion but people do say--Why have a 30 million school system with no books first...I get this issue, it does seem goofy...
Contracts with the teacher's union are handled by the school department and School Committee. All other town departments fall under the Executive Administrator and Select Board. The Select Board is going to hire a labor negotiator to work on those contracts under their jurisdiction, probably within the next few weeks. There are two contracts on the town side which have expired the Police Brotherhood and Dartmouth Town Employees Association with the exception of the DPW. These will have to be taken up first.
I'm not sure how you get the schools to budget textbooks, technology upfront as basic needs before sports. I guess you have to shame them into it! I think that is what some here have tried to explain. They have control of their budget.
Parents need to scream to school administrators, S.C., write letters, phone calls, etc. They leave children vulnerable when they fail to provide the basics for education, and later blame others for their poor management!
I see the text/tech issue as comparable to a slowly rising tide; 3,4,5 years ago texts were getting older but not yet to the point where they were a critical priority so as funding for their replacement slowly eroded there was not a huge hue and cry. With the passage of time and the funding situation as we know it is now, with the 2 failed overrides and the sour economy, the text situation and its placement in the 'pecking order' has changed. Texts and technology that was dated 4 -5years ago maybe did'nt asue a huge amount of concern. Well that has now changed and I do think it prudent to re-order priorities and move a sports overide onto the list instead of a text/tech one. To say that the parents have not been screamiong loud enough or the admin has been grossly negligent is missing the point in my opinion. The passage of time has changed the equation so the discussion should also change to reflect the new reality.
I think it is very important to have discussion on capital vs. operational needs. While I support what happenned at town meeting yesterday(fincom felt we could afford it), we are embarking on a slippery slope of what comprises capital expenditures. To my knowledge, books have always been considered operational. If we are now going to categorize them as capital improvements then what else will be changed to capital needs. Personally, I think that this should be a one shot deal and books should be considered operational needs. Time for the school committee to get its' priorities straight. I don't think they will though. My sense was that they want to see departments throughout the town budgeted on the safe side with lots of turnbacks to the reserve fund. It's pretty easy to figure out why.
Similarly, I feel that accepting those streets as public ways was the right thing to do. The rules were changed without notice. It is fair to say now the message has been sent to developers that street acceptance is not automatic. Holding-Steen built that development with one thing in mind, PROFIT, and it would have been a lot worse if neighbors hadn't picketed the gate to the developer's private community.
I have a large stray dog in my house and I'm waiting for animal control, do we need more techs-like at least one
All kidding aside. Has anyone talked about regional Animal Control? If Dartmouth joined with Acushnet, Freetown, & Rochester, we may have more techs on call/ available to assist with stray dogs, etc.
I am just thinking that all of the surrounding communities are dealing with these same issues.
Seriously, when you need animal control, you need it and it can't take 30 mins for person to get to your house. They are looking into all kids of regional call things...I just know we need professionals and Dartmouth is a giant town! Seems we pay slaries and benefits to others, public health shouldn't get shafted...I do know that things are tough here...
Barry-the discussion of capital vs operational and capital while operational needs to continue, the police cruisers and stuff was from tax levvy because although they consder it capital it is also operational. Huh, this is talking in circles all stuff is basically operational for a dept. to do its work, but items not positions that last(how long3-10 yrs.) are capital...So should we save all items not workers to do the job or dept are capital (that last) not consumables?
Meant to say "say" not save--consumables aren't capital, but things that last are?
BIll-What will you say to SC about contract season-Will SB hope the school shows some freezes?
BIll--How about a CFRG pow wow and school admin-for idea sharing?
Nobody ever mentions the Town Master Plan when making decisions-is this used Bill? Do we have a five yr. plan?
To anon 8:38 om, Teachers should be treated well when union talks begin. We need quality teachers, textbooks, and technology for our children. Sports are extra.
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