Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Kate Fulton does not speak for me nor do I think the Advisory Committee;
Definition of “consensus” from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary
a generally accepted opinion; wide agreement
I wonder if Kate Fulton thinks a 5 for and 1 against with one absent is wide agreement or not?
If there was not general agreement of the Advisory Committee on the subject of funding and debt for a new school, why then did the committee vote 5 to 1 in favor of sending a letter raising those very points? There are seven members on said committee with one member being absent from that meeting. Kate Fulton is the same member who objects to being marked as absent when she misses a meeting. She makes the point "I sent with regrets that I will not be at the meeting' What part of not being present at a meeting does absent not include or explain? If you are not there, you are absent. This is on the video record of Advisoryy Committee meetings.
I have to ask and will ask if Kate Fulton was at the meeting of the MFOB or not. If Kate was not present, how would she know how Julie Farrell presented herself? If Julie Farrell stated she was there as a representative of the Advisory Committee then I have a problem with that. If however, she merely stated I am also a member of the Templeton Advisory Committee, then that would simply be a factual statement. In my opinion, Kate Fulton's letter is just pure politics, plain and simple. Any member of the community who could make time and take the trouble to attend that meeting could have done so. In my opinion, Kate Fulton is a member of the build it at all costs and the hell with the consequences, even if it puts the town in another very large financial hole. One can be in favor of the school or any project, but still question and state concerns with more debt. At some point, it has to be about can we afford it?
Next time, if Kate Fulton wishes to address people by way of a letter to the editor of a newspaper, perhaps she does not chastise one person for misrepresentation while doing the same thing in a letter to the editor. Next time, simply sign it Kate Fulton, citizen rather than secretary, Templeton Advisory Committee. That implies you are writing on behalf and speaking for the Committee, which there was no motion, second, nor any vote for you to do so.
posted by Jeff Bennett
from the latest copy of the selectmen handbook.
Perhaps this needs to be read by the selectmen.
Role of the Chair:
Being chair of the board does not mean forfeiting the right to vote or express an opinion. The chair, however, must be careful not to dominate the meeting. The powers of the chair—to prepare the agenda (see below), to call the items, and to recognize others to speak—give him or her enormous control over the way the meeting is conducted. A good chair will make the effort to ensure that the other selectmen are given an adequate chance to be heard. The greatest challenge facing a chair is keeping the discussion moving forward. A delicate balance must be established, allowing members to express their views freely, but without getting bogged down in long-winded expressions of opinion. By addressing issues one at a time, in an orderly fashion, and by steering conversation away from irrelevant subjects or personality clashes, the chair can help to build consensus within the board.
The chairman can make a motion, second, vote and express their view (s) Being chairman does not give one more power nor does it mean a chairman can make decisions on matters that belong in front of the entire board, such as having a joint meeting between two or more boards, committees or commissions. If a selectmen thinks that is up to only the chairman, I would say that selectmen has not learned much in three years. I think if a selectmen wants a joint meeting, then they should let the board know in a public forum, such as a meeting of the board of selectmen. You do not get elected to be a go along to get along member. That is my opinion.
posted buy Jeff bennett
Perhaps this needs to be read by the selectmen.
Role of the Chair:
Being chair of the board does not mean forfeiting the right to vote or express an opinion. The chair, however, must be careful not to dominate the meeting. The powers of the chair—to prepare the agenda (see below), to call the items, and to recognize others to speak—give him or her enormous control over the way the meeting is conducted. A good chair will make the effort to ensure that the other selectmen are given an adequate chance to be heard. The greatest challenge facing a chair is keeping the discussion moving forward. A delicate balance must be established, allowing members to express their views freely, but without getting bogged down in long-winded expressions of opinion. By addressing issues one at a time, in an orderly fashion, and by steering conversation away from irrelevant subjects or personality clashes, the chair can help to build consensus within the board.
The chairman can make a motion, second, vote and express their view (s) Being chairman does not give one more power nor does it mean a chairman can make decisions on matters that belong in front of the entire board, such as having a joint meeting between two or more boards, committees or commissions. If a selectmen thinks that is up to only the chairman, I would say that selectmen has not learned much in three years. I think if a selectmen wants a joint meeting, then they should let the board know in a public forum, such as a meeting of the board of selectmen. You do not get elected to be a go along to get along member. That is my opinion.
posted buy Jeff bennett
Monday, January 23, 2017
Do selectmen understand how the board works? Do they know their position and authority?
"How many times do I have to ask for us to meet jointly. I did not say no. The Chairman did. That's his call. I asked if I could speak about it in the last meeting and I missed my chance. I asked the TA if I could send an email and I did."
The above is part of a comment made by Ms. Brooks to a post on January 18, 2017 "Apparently the MA department of revenue . . . ."
Actually, it is not the chairman's call, it is the call of the board of selectmen, the chair only gets one vote, same as the rest of the members. The chairman gets to put items on the agenda but any member can request an item and it should be put on for discussion. It is not the call of the chairman whether the board has a joint meeting or not, rather it is a vote of the board, as in five members. I would think someone who has been a selectmen since January of 2014 would know that. Three years as a selectmen, you are not green any longer. In my opinion, this as well as other things are just more excuses as I have yet to see a vote of the board for a joint meeting of the selectmen and advisory committee.
There may have been one i missed but I do not think so. This seems to be just like the budget or spending plan of 2017, no selectmen asked for more time or more discussion on it, they just voted yes on it then a few days after the board of selectmen voted on a version for town meeting, the administrator changed it and no selectmen said anything about it at town meeting, which in my opinion, shows how little they paid attention to it in the first place.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Diane Haley Brooks12:09 AM
"How many times do I have to ask for us to meet jointly. I did not say no. The Chairman did. That's his call. I asked if I could speak about it in the last meeting and I missed my chance. I asked the TA if I could send an email and I did."
The above is part of a comment made by Ms. Brooks to a post on January 18, 2017 "Apparently the MA department of revenue . . . ."
Actually, it is not the chairman's call, it is the call of the board of selectmen, the chair only gets one vote, same as the rest of the members. The chairman gets to put items on the agenda but any member can request an item and it should be put on for discussion. It is not the call of the chairman whether the board has a joint meeting or not, rather it is a vote of the board, as in five members. I would think someone who has been a selectmen since January of 2014 would know that. Three years as a selectmen, you are not green any longer. In my opinion, this as well as other things are just more excuses as I have yet to see a vote of the board for a joint meeting of the selectmen and advisory committee.
There may have been one i missed but I do not think so. This seems to be just like the budget or spending plan of 2017, no selectmen asked for more time or more discussion on it, they just voted yes on it then a few days after the board of selectmen voted on a version for town meeting, the administrator changed it and no selectmen said anything about it at town meeting, which in my opinion, shows how little they paid attention to it in the first place.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Friday, January 20, 2017
from
"A guide to financial management for town officials" book published by the division of local services.
WHAT ARE THE BASIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE?
WHAT ARE THE BASIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE?
The primary duties of a finance committee
are to advise and make recommendations
to town meeting on the budget and other
areas of finance. "Other areas of finance, would that be like debt and long range planning for capital items?"
are to advise and make recommendations
to town meeting on the budget and other
areas of finance. "Other areas of finance, would that be like debt and long range planning for capital items?"
In addition to its research and advisory role at town meeting, the committee can play a
vital role in the financial planning of the town. In some communities, the finance
committee develops long-range revenue and expenditure forecasts, which are very useful
in scheduling large capital acquisitions and identifying major changes in the operating
budget of the town.
What a concept, the finance committee or advisory committee looking at and being involved in financial planning and long range, as in future finance of the town and changes in the operation of the town that affects future financial (money from your taxes) changes, such as elimination of department heads and mergers, such as a police chief being in charge of the fire department. Perhaps some selectmen should read this booklet, it is free, well, it has already been paid for by you through your state tax payments so you do not have to pay for it again through your property tax dollars.
vital role in the financial planning of the town. In some communities, the finance
committee develops long-range revenue and expenditure forecasts, which are very useful
in scheduling large capital acquisitions and identifying major changes in the operating
budget of the town.
What a concept, the finance committee or advisory committee looking at and being involved in financial planning and long range, as in future finance of the town and changes in the operation of the town that affects future financial (money from your taxes) changes, such as elimination of department heads and mergers, such as a police chief being in charge of the fire department. Perhaps some selectmen should read this booklet, it is free, well, it has already been paid for by you through your state tax payments so you do not have to pay for it again through your property tax dollars.
posted by jeff Bennett
C.S. 1-ER Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue FY2017
| ||
NOTICE TO ASSESSORS OF ESTIMATED RECEIPTS
| ||
General Laws, Chapter 58, Section 25A
| ||
Templeton
| ||
A. EDUCATION:
| ||
Distributions and Reimbursements:
| ||
Chapter 70
|
8,256
| |
School Transportation
|
0
| |
Charter Tuition Reimbursement
|
0
| |
Smart Growth
|
0
| |
Offset Items – Reserve for Direct Expenditure:
| ||
School Choice Receiving Tuition
|
0
|
Sub-Total, All Education Items:
|
8,256
|
B. GENERAL GOVERNMENT:
| ||
Distributions and Reimbursements:
| ||
Unrestricted General Government Aid
|
1,340,791
| |
Local Share of Racing Taxes
|
0
| |
Regional Public Libraries
|
0
| |
Urban Revitalization
|
0
| |
Veterans Benefits
|
120,318
| |
Exemp: VBS and Elderly
|
62,775
| |
State Owned Land
|
110,786
|
Offset Item - Reserve for Direct Expenditure:
| ||
Public Libraries
|
11,309
|
Sub-Total, All General Government:
|
1,645,979
|
C. TOTAL ESTIMATED RECEIPTS:
|
1,654,235
|
How is $1,340,791.00 going to cover a 1.4 million dollar loan payment? Seems a bit short, which seems to be a habit of this board of selectmen. Someone failed 4th grade math.
posted by Jeff bennett
from the facebook page of Diane Brooks;
"There were many informational meetings to explain the building and design of the new school and the location AND how the tax rate would be affected
and how the taxpayer would feel the impact of their taxes being raised. I am not going to belabor that point as it's been gone over a year and 1/2. This project has taken much longer than expected as it has repeatedly attempted to be blocked. This is just one more way to try to stop it. We had a ballot vote and here are the results:
QUES. 1 - New Elementary School
Yes 806
No 597"
The following is from Jeff Bennett:
I do not think the people who voted for the school voted to be lied to.
I also believe the people deserved to hear everything, the good and the bad. I was at many of those meetings and the attendance was very poor most of the time. Some of those meetings, I was the only person there besides the committee, the person recording the meeting and sometimes a reporter. So some of the fault lies with the people for failing to be interested in a project of this size and cost - 47 million plus. This is debt on the Town, not the school and the tax rate will / would not be $1.74 per thousand as was advertised and none of the selectmen said otherwise. Why would they, after all they wanted the school at all costs, even putting the town in jeopardy of not having access to any potential state aid, which the town budget is dependent on, just so this school and this debt could be placed in the laps of the people. Their own paper work on school finance and tax rate increase used $1.74 per thousand as a "net increase" while showing the old debt vote in back in 1996 and supposedly paid off in 2016 then to 2019, except the plan was / is to keep that debt on the books for another 28 plus years. check the facts for yourself. The debt exclusion that people voted for in 1996 was going to stay in place for an another 28 years. Isn't that nice, you thought that money, about 50 cents, was coming off your tax bill, not so fast.
We want our new school so just keep paying your taxes, we are the superior board and we know best. We cannot add, but we know best!
That is my thoughts and opinion, so the selectmen can post this on their facebook pages and all their followers can read it and maybe ask some questions.
posted by Jeff Bennett
"There were many informational meetings to explain the building and design of the new school and the location AND how the tax rate would be affected
and how the taxpayer would feel the impact of their taxes being raised. I am not going to belabor that point as it's been gone over a year and 1/2. This project has taken much longer than expected as it has repeatedly attempted to be blocked. This is just one more way to try to stop it. We had a ballot vote and here are the results:
QUES. 1 - New Elementary School
Yes 806
No 597"
The following is from Jeff Bennett:
I do not think the people who voted for the school voted to be lied to.
I also believe the people deserved to hear everything, the good and the bad. I was at many of those meetings and the attendance was very poor most of the time. Some of those meetings, I was the only person there besides the committee, the person recording the meeting and sometimes a reporter. So some of the fault lies with the people for failing to be interested in a project of this size and cost - 47 million plus. This is debt on the Town, not the school and the tax rate will / would not be $1.74 per thousand as was advertised and none of the selectmen said otherwise. Why would they, after all they wanted the school at all costs, even putting the town in jeopardy of not having access to any potential state aid, which the town budget is dependent on, just so this school and this debt could be placed in the laps of the people. Their own paper work on school finance and tax rate increase used $1.74 per thousand as a "net increase" while showing the old debt vote in back in 1996 and supposedly paid off in 2016 then to 2019, except the plan was / is to keep that debt on the books for another 28 plus years. check the facts for yourself. The debt exclusion that people voted for in 1996 was going to stay in place for an another 28 years. Isn't that nice, you thought that money, about 50 cents, was coming off your tax bill, not so fast.
We want our new school so just keep paying your taxes, we are the superior board and we know best. We cannot add, but we know best!
That is my thoughts and opinion, so the selectmen can post this on their facebook pages and all their followers can read it and maybe ask some questions.
posted by Jeff Bennett
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Apparently the MA department of revenue thinks Templeton has too much debt to get a state guaranteed loan at this time. It seems Templeton has too much debt. Really? because at an advisory committee meeting, the Templeton town administrator told the committee that the school debt would not/does not count as the 5% debt limit. As I have previously asked, is or would Templeton be responsible for the 47 million dollars debt? The consequences Diane Haley Brooks is I am running for selectmen again this year! Sorry the selectmen and some others do not like advisory committee writing a letter to the municipal finance oversight board and they do not like the committee doing it's job, but someone has to try to tell people on the condition of Templeton finance. Diane Brooks should remember the MCAD training and realize that retaliation is against the rules.There is a correlation between real estate, loans, mortgages and what people can afford and i would think that would be apparent in municipal finance as well. It is not about for or against a school, it is about finance and what you can afford. I believe it was irresponsible for the selectmen to paint a healthy financial picture for the people of Templeton just to put them in debt for another 47 million dollars. I believe it is even more irresponsible to still try after you have been told things are bad and even worse than you thought.
posted by Jeff Bennett
posted by Jeff Bennett
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