Middlesex Town Meeting Solutions Committee
Meeting Minutes
May 8, 2006, 7:00 pm

Present: Susan Clark, Ron Krauth, Dave Shepard, Barb Whitchurch, Greg Whitchurch.

1. Town Plan Survey
The Town Meeting Solutions Committee (TMSC) and the Middlesex Conservation Commission (MCC) both believe it would be best to survey all town landowners rather than the random sample of approximately 50% of the landowners originally conducted. Dave and Susan will attend the next Planning Commission meeting to discuss surveying the remaining 50% of the town landowners.

2. Website
A proposal from the Middlesex Conservation Commission (MCC) for a new structure for their spot on the town website was reviewed. Greg thought the concept was fine; the MCC will coordinate with Greg and provide him with the material to upload.

3. Affordability Issue
Susan referenced two recent letters in the Middlesex Monthly on the topic of the affordability of Middlesex. This might be an area where the TMSC could facilitate discussion.

Ron questioned whether the town tax bill could break out the amount of tax that goes to pay various town expenses so that residents could better see where their tax dollars go. Greg suggested including contact information for tax payers where they could ask questions or express concerns about specific portions of their tax bill. He also suggested a discussion of what people want Middlesex to be like in the future.

Helpful discussion might include a good breakdown of where tax money is allocated and how a taxpayer might be able to influence this.

Ron asked if voting ballots could include more information about what an item being voted on will cost and more background to explain the purpose of the item.

There was discussion on how to structure a meeting to address affordability. It will be important that the Select Board support such a meeting and be in attendance. Susan will run the concept of such a meeting by the Select Board.

Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.


Minutes recorded by Dave Shepard