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{"id":10320,"date":"2025-01-16T07:58:49","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T12:58:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northstarreporter.com\/?p=10320"},"modified":"2025-01-16T07:58:49","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T12:58:49","slug":"meeting-notebook-town-council-jan-13","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northstarreporter.com\/2025\/01\/16\/meeting-notebook-town-council-jan-13\/","title":{"rendered":"Meeting Notebook: Town Council Jan. 13\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

amber@northstarreporter.com<\/a><\/p>\n

The Town Council meeting on Jan. 13 covered a range of topics, including confirmations to key committees, public hearings on community projects, and a financial condition review by the town manager.<\/p>\n

Confirmations<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kim Ciaramicoli was unanimously confirmed to the Conservation Commission. A professional wetland scientist with conservation agent experience in Hopkinton and Framingham, Ciaramicoli stated, \u201cI would love the chance to apply my expertise to the town.\u201d<\/p>\n

David Sequeira was unanimously confirmed to the Charter Review Committee. With a background on the Historical Commission, five years of residency in North Attleborough, and experience in parks and recreation in Framingham and Lincoln, Sequeira shared, \u201cI really enjoy working with multiple departments.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Town Manager Michael Borg remarked that Sequeira\u2019s perspective would be a productive addition to the committee.<\/p>\n

Public hearings, discussions and votes<\/strong><\/p>\n

The council deliberated on two key initiatives during the public hearings.<\/p>\n

The first initiative was the approval of $139,995.32 from the Capital Improvement Program Stabilization Fund to support the purchase and installation of accessible playground equipment, landscaping and fencing at Joseph W. Martin Elementary School.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The total project cost is $201,000, with $50,000 secured by state Rep. Adam Scanlon and approximately $11,000 funded through donations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During the discussion, Jeremy Floman, a third grade and special education teacher at Martin Elementary School, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the initiative, saying, \u201cHaving an accessible playground will allow kids to grow social skills\u2026 The kids will now see that any goal, whether large or small, can be reached.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Principal Dr. Jennifer Evans emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, \u201cEvery kid deserves to play\u2026 This is for the children, it has always been for the children.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Councilor John Simmons praised the collective effort, acknowledging the community\u2019s role in making the project possible and thanking Scanlon for his contribution. The council unanimously approved the funding, with a 7-0 vote.<\/p>\n

The second initiative during the public hearing addressed the purchase of new office furniture for the Senior Center, with funding fully covered by $65,000 secured by Scanlon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Borg highlighted plans to move the Senior Center to 451 Elm St., noting that the current furniture is outdated and would not survive the transition. The council recognized the necessity of the purchase and approved it unanimously, 7-0.<\/p>\n

Town financial condition\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Borg provided an update on North Attleborough\u2019s fiscal health. Borg stated, \u201cAt the FY25 midpoint, expenditures are aligning with budget projections.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Borg cautioned about a potential deficit due to rising costs.<\/p>\n

Medical insurance claims are exceeding premiums, with a projected 10-12.5% increase in FY25. The town is re-evaluating its current insurance provider, Blue Cross & Blue Shield.<\/p>\n

Borg also noted that inflation is driving up costs for goods, services, contracts, personnel and utilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Further, limited housing stock and a lack of diversity in new construction are impacting growth estimates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe see minimal new growth coming,\u201d Borg noted.<\/p>\n

New growth refers to developments that add entirely new structures or infrastructure to the town, rather than repurposing existing buildings for new businesses.<\/p>\n

Financial snapshot<\/strong><\/p>\n

Current available funds: $6 million (free cash, CIP stabilization, and municipal borrowing).<\/p>\n