For those who missed Town Meeting on Tuesday, you can watch what happened by going to Channel 3 (Valley Vision). I suggest you do!
The meeting opened with the School Board’s report. The election results are as follows: Lisa Lynde was elected as board member, Ed Alkalay as moderator, Colleen Cormack as clerk and treasurer. Congratulations to all. All articles passed.
After the School Board meeting, Ed Alkalay opened the town’s portion. Albany has two selectmen: Joe Ferris won the three year seat, Rick Hiland the one year seat. Ed Alkalay was re-elected moderator for three years. Leah Valladares was elected as Trustee of the Trust Fund. Kim Guptill was re-elected as Cemetery Trustee and Lisa Robitaille was re-elected as Supervisor of the Checklist. The next warrant article was the budget and there was discussion on several of the items there. Among the items discussed was the salary and necessity of having a town administrative assistant (with an amendment and secret ballot on reducing the hours which lost 35 to 15). There was discussion regarding the increase for MWV Economic Council and the rise in the solid waste cost. After all was said and done, Warrant Article 2 was passed as written (Budget of $672,856). Articles 3-6 passed with no issues. Article 7 drew attention as well. After discussion though it was decided that the town would not pay to hire a company to install cameras and tape meetings. Articles 8-17 passed without incident. Article18, to get money out of politics, was passed after discussion. The town decided to hold over Article19 (the town taking over the Guppy property) to next year. Article 20 passed.
Before the meeting was officially closed, Cathy Ryan addressed the town’s cash flow problem. She reported that the town has changed banks and now has the ability to borrow money through TANs (Tax Anticipation Notes) at 2.2% per month. This is likely to be needed this year. She also discussed the prospect of the town going to semi-annual tax billing next year. This is not something the town votes on, but rather something the selectmen decide. The town meeting came to conclusion after this.
The weekly selectmen’s meeting was cancelled. Don’t forget to sign up to help with Albany’s 250th Birthday Celebration. Please contact Steve Knox at s_knox@roadrunner.com.
Waldorf School: You can help support the school by joining the Box Top program. For a complete list of items that participate in this go to http://www.boxtops4education.com/-/media/BoxTops/FlyersAndDownloads 2015-11a_BTFEProducts_List.pdf. Another way to help the school is by shopping Amazon. Check how at Amazon Smiles on line, and click the link for White Mountain Waldorf School as your charity of choice.