SUMMER RESIDENTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Chatham, Massachusetts
Minutes of the Meeting of July 24, 2009
Present: Arnold Trebach, Bob Champlin, Don Edge, Kay Flynn, Jill MacDonald, Katherine Malfa, Hugh Moulton and Philip Richardson
Guests Speakers: Representatives of the Chatham Concerned Taxpayers, Fran Meaney and Phil Dupont
Chairman Jill MacDonald called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M.
1. The Committee approved the minutes of the meeting held on July 10, 2009.
2. Fran Meaney and Phil Dupont provided an overview of the Chatham Concerned Taxpayers group including (i) the history of the formation of the group, (ii) its growth from 60 individuals at the first meeting to approximately 120 individuals in the meeting just prior to the annual town meeting and (iii) and its overall goal of keeping property taxes from rising too rapidly. The presentation included statistics relating to the FY 2010 budget, the growth of spending since FY 2001 and the funding of 2010 budget items with free cash and emergency funds. Mr. Meaney explained that the group believes the town should use more fiscal discipline and spend less, however, the group does not feel it is their job to say where spending cuts should occur.
3. Bob Champlin, Treasurer, gave the Treasurer’s report.
4. The Committee discussed the final plans for the Summer Town meeting, including presentations, sign approvals and a proposed survey.
5. There was a discussion about the Chair’s Interim Report to the Board of Selectmen, which will include an update on Committee personnel, town meeting plans and other issues.
6. There was an open discussion on certain SRAC priority issues including town budget issues, proposed recommendation that there be no increase in current tax levels, and proposed recommendation that the town retain an outside consultant to assess whether services are being provided in the most efficient and effective manner. The Committee agreed that such a consultant should not dictate the priorities of those services since that is the responsibility of the Board of Selectmen, but should focus on whether services are provided in an efficient and effective manner.
7. Phil Richardson gave an update on his efforts to develop alternatives to permit increased parking at Lighthouse Beach. The Committee also discussed issues relating to the West Chatham corridor and parking on Main Street during the Fourth of July parade.
The Meeting was adjourned at 12:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Katherine A. Malfa
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