Attleboro Municipal Council

Municipal Council June 20, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, 7:00 P.M. Councilors Angelo, Conti, Dolan and Holmes were absent. President DiLisio welcomed new Councilor Jonathan Tavares to the chamber and asked if everyone could remain standing after the salute to the flag to honor Sgt. Donald Hebert who passed away. Councilor Blais spoke about Sgt. Donald Herbert. Council voted unanimously to approve the minutes of May 2nd, 16th and 24, 2023. City Clerk Jackson read the first public hearing notice of 6 hearings for the evening. PUBLIC HEARING: to discuss amending Section 5-11 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Attleboro as follows: Delete in its entirety and replace with the following: 5-11 Remaining Loan Order Funds After completion of a capital project that has been financed through the sale of bonds or notes, any remaining balance of funds available for the completed project may be appropriated by a two-thirds vote of the council for any purposes for which a loan may be incurred for an equal or longer period of time than that for which the original loan, including temporary borrowing, was issued. If the remaining balance of funds available for the completed project are not in excess of $50,000 said funds may be may be applied, with the approval of the chief executive officer, for the payment of indebtedness. (M.G.L. Ch. 44, Sec. 20) No one came to speak for, against or neither for nor against. The public hearing was closed. PUBLIC HEARING: regarding a request to waive allowable permit fees associated with the Willett Elementary Roof and Window Repairs: Building Permit (100%) Mechanical (100%) Sheet Metal (100%) Electric (35%) Plumbing (35%) Gas (35%) Speaking in favor was Attorney Jack Jacobi, MBC Chair of 15 Prince Street. No one came to speak against and no one came to speak neither for nor against. The public hearing was closed. PUBLIC HEARING for the application from National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc. to install two poles on Oak Hill Avenue. National Grid to install new 35’ C4 stub poles (P4096-84 AND P4097-84) 30’ =/- across the street, North of Poles 4096 and 4097 including anchors on the North side of each new pole. Speaking in favor was Engineer Jeff Silva for National Grid. There was no one to speak against and no one to speak neither for nor against. The public hearing was closed. PUBLIC HEARING for the application from National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc. to install three new poles on Rambler Road to feed new 48 house development. New Pole 40’C2 Page 1 of 8 June 20, 2023 (P9974) 100’+/- North of P9973. New Pole 40’C2 (P9975) 140’=/- North of P9974. New Pole 40’C2 (P9976) 130’+/- North of P9975. Speaking in favor was Engineer Jeff Silva for National Grid. There was no one to speak against and no one to speak neither for nor against. The public hearing was closed. PUBLIC HEARING: To discuss an amendment request to 10-5.2 (A), Prohibited on Certain Streets to add: Frank Mossberg Drive, 650 feet northerly side from Townsend to Extension Street. No one came to speak in favor. No one came to speak against or neither for nor against. The public hearing was closed. PUBLIC HEARING: To discuss an amendment request to 10-4.11, Isolated Stop Signs to add: Stop sign on Tifft Drive at Perez Street No one came to speak in favor. No one came to speak against or neither for nor against. The public hearing was closed. The Council entered Committee of the Whole. No one came to speak the Council arose at 7:14 PM. Clerk Jackson read the Mayor’s Communication: June 20, 2023 Dear Municipal Councilors: 1. I respectfully submit a communication from Attleboro Public Schools Director of Finance Marc Furtado regarding the following FY22 fiscal obligations that were not received in time to be processed in the normal FY22 business cycle: NAME OF VENDOR AMOUNT DEPT REASON Ahold Financial Services $45.50 Business Office Received after year closed Therefore, I hereby request Your Honorable Body to authorize the School Department to pay these previous year school bills totaling $45.50 as identified in Mr. Furtado’s communication. (Copies in your packets) In order to be able to process this request for the end of FY2023 deadline, I hereby request Your Honorable Body to consider this prior to June 30, 2023. 2. I respectfully submit a communication from Elections Office Manager Leslie Veiga regarding the need for funds to reimburse an employee for mileage to the Massachusetts Clerk’s Association Conference. Therefore, I hereby request Your Honorable Body transfer $57.64 from Account 11621000-532015 (Elections – Staff Development) to Account 11621000-571010 (Elections – In- State Travel). (Copies in your packets) In order to be able to process this request for the end of FY2023 deadline, I hereby request Your Honorable Body to consider this prior to June 30, 2023. 3. I respectfully submit a communication from Elections Office Manger Leslie Veiga requesting to use previously voted funds to mail Vote by Mail Ballots to now be used to mail census Page 2 of 8 June 20, 2023 confirmation cards. On December 20, 2022, item #39, Your Honorable Body voted to transfer $5,265 into Account 11621000-534210 (Elections – Postage) for the purpose of mailing ballots for the Special Elections on February 28, 2023 and June 6, 2023. The Elections Office used a small portion of the $5,265 and would like to use the remaining funds to mail census information cards. Therefore, I hereby request Your Honorable Body authorize the use of $3,600 from Account 11621000-534210 (Elections – Postage) to mail census information cards. (Copies in your packets) In order to be able to process this request for the end of FY2023 deadline, I hereby request Your Honorable Body to consider this prior to June 30, 2023. 4. For Your Information: I regret to inform Your Honorable Body we have received the resignation of Walter Vivar from the Council of Human Rights. Please join me in thanking Mr. Vivar for his service to the City. 5. I respectfully submit a communication from Council on Aging Acting Director Courtney Diamond regarding items that the Council on Aging would like to surplus. There was no interest in these items from any of the departments. Therefore, I hereby request Your Honorable Body to declare the following as surplus and available for disposition. (Copies in your packets) Quantity Item Condition 2 Fabric Office Chairs Fair 2 Club Arm Chairs Fair 1 Fabric Love Seat Fair 1 True Manufacturing Co. Fridge Inoperable 1 Toshiba Microwave Fair 6. I respectfully submit for confirmation by Your Honorable Body the appointment of Cari Gray, 24 Briarwood Drive, Unit 6, to the Council on Human Rights to fill an unexpired term. Term to expire February 2025. 7. I respectfully submit a communication from Director of Veterans’ Services Ben Quelle regarding the donation of Stop & Shop gift cards totaling $90.00 from Veteran and Attleboro resident Frank McKenzie. In accordance with Section 1-12 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Attleboro, I hereby request Your Honorable Body accept this generous donation to the City of Attleboro. 8. I respectfully submit a communication from Director of Budget & Administration Mason Lord regarding the need for funds to provide funding for Munis upgrades and additional software and technology upgrades to increase efficiencies throughout city government. Therefore, I hereby request Your Honorable Body transfer of $220,000.00 from account 11241000-578380 (City Wide- Reserve for Capital) to account 11241000-599300 (City Wide -Transfer to Capital Fund) and to further transfer $220,000.00 to Fund 3525 (Munis & Tech Upgrade)). (Copies in your packets) In order to be able to process this request for the end of FY2023 deadline, I hereby request Your Honorable Body to consider this prior to June 30, 2023. 9. I respectfully submit a communication from City Auditor Deborah Gould regarding FEMA Snow Grant – Winter Storm January 2022. At the time of the storm total expenses identified as potentially eligible for reimbursement were charged to the federal emergency management grant in the amount of $245,413.49. Recently the City received $235,814.72 in reimbursement related to this snow event leaving $9,598.77 of unreimbursed expenses. In the absence of an appropriation, a Page 3 of 8 June 20, 2023 deficit will be reported on the City’s June 30th balance sheet, deficits in special revenue funds are reductions on the next $9,598.77 of available free cash from account 1000-359000 General Government –Undesignated Fund Balance to Fund 2276 FEMA Special to cover Winter Storm Expenses not reimbursed by FEMA. (Copies in your packets) In order to be able to process this request for the end of FY2023 deadline, I hereby request Your Honorable Body to consider this prior to June 30, 2023. Sincerely, Cathleen DeSimone, Mayor There was no Clerk’s Communication. President DiLisio asked for committee reports. Chair Waterman of the License Committee asked for a meeting at the next appropriate time. Chair Dolan of the Public Works Committee brought forth the following: Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to appropriate $63,890.30 from Account 6000-359000 (Wastewater Enterprise Fund - Retained Earnings) to Account 6000-553150 (Wastewater Enterprise Fund – Water Meter Supplies). Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to appropriate $123,900.00 from Account 6000-359000 (Wastewater Enterprise Fund – Retained Earnings) to Fund 3232 Landfill Site Projects. Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to appropriate $15,975.47 from Account 6000-359000 (Wastewater Enterprise Fund - Retained Earnings) to Account 6000-530170 (Water Enterprise Fund- Meter Survey). Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to transfer $17,676.30 to Account 16301000-589066 (Recreation – Paving) from the following: $ 4,300.00 from 16301000-511000 (Recreation - Salary & Wages) $ 1,700.00 from 16301000-512020 (Recreation - Seasonal) $ 1,700.00 from 16301000-524011 (Recreation – Maint. of Buildings) $ 9,976.30 from 16301000-584029 (Recreation - Outdoor Improvements) Per MC Vote #10 on 12/20/22. Balance from Picnic Tables & Benches at PH And to further transfer $7,559.40 from 1100630-584010 (Recreation - Site Improvements) to Account 1100630-589066 (Recreation – Paving). Additionally, to authorize the use of funding from the Recreation Revolving Funds to complete the project if the bid comes in over the budgeted amount. Vice Chair Kobus of the Finance Committee brought forth the following votes: Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to transfer $42,776.46 from Account 6000-578360 (Wastewater Enterprise Fund – 53rd Week) to Account 6000-511000 (Wastewater Enterprise Fund – Salary & Wages). Page 4 of 8 June 20, 2023 Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to appropriate $70,000.00 from Account 6000-359000 (Wastewater Enterprise Fund – Retained Earnings) to Account 6000- 521020 (Wastewater Enterprise Fund – Lights & Power). Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to transfer $5,000.00 from Account 11241000-578300 (City Wide – Reserve Fund for Transfer) to Account 16101000- 521020 (Library – Lights & Power). Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to transfer $18,036.00 from Account 16501000-511000 (Park – Salary & Wages) to the following: $2,000.00 to Account 16501000-521020 Lights and Power $3,000.00 to Account 16501000-524240 Equipment Maintenance $2,900.00 to Account 16501000-530101 Professional Services $136.00 to Account 16501000-532015 Staff Development $5,000.00 to Account 16501000-546010 Supplies Grounds $5,000.00 to Account 16501000-548040 Supplies Equipment Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to appropriate $4,300.00 from Account 6000-359000 (Wastewater Enterprise Fund – Retained Earnings) to Account 6000-521010 (Wastewater Enterprise Fund – Heating). Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to transfer $80.00 from Account 11411000-532015 (Assessor – Staff Development) to Account 11411000-558110 (Assessor – Subscription). Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to appropriate $500,000.00 of available free cash from account 1000-359000 General Fund Undesignated Fund Balance to account 1000-321200 General Fund – Fund Balance Reserve for Expenditures. The purpose of this appropriation from General Fund Undesignated Fund Balance – Free Cash is to reduce the Fiscal Year 2024 Tax Levy. Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to approve the solid waste fee of $300.00. This is a $25.28 increase from Fiscal Year 2023. Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to approve the solid waste fee of $58.57 per unit to be credited to Fund #2604 Residential Special Waste Disposal for Fiscal Year 2024. Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to transfer the following: • $4,080.97 from 3341-397000 Ozone System-Other Financing Uses to 6100-392000 Water Enterprise Other Financing Sources and to further transfer the funds from 61000-392000 Water Enterprise Other Financing Sources to 1000-321305 General Fund Reserve for BOND Debt Payment And to transfer • $7,223 from 3336-397000 Wading River Pilot-Other Financing Uses to 6100-392000 Water Enterprise Fund Other Financing Sources and to further transfer the funds from 6100-392000 General Fund Other Financing Sources to 6100-321305 Water Enterprise Fund Reserve for BOND Debt Payment Page 5 of 8 June 20, 2023 and to transfer • $1,965.58 from 3566-397000 Fire Engine -Other Financing Uses to 1000-392000 General Fund Other Financing Sources and to further transfer the funds from 1000-392000 General Fund Other Financing Sources to 1000-321305 General Fund Reserve for BOND Debt Payment Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to approve the expenditure of such funds by the Council on Aging regarding the CDBG grant in the amount of $16,964 to fund the Outreach/SHINE Counselor. Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to accept the donation of $8,056.28 to the City of Attleboro for Fund 2075 – TRIAD Donation to be expended by the COA Director with the approval of the Mayor and to allow additional program donations. The donation is due to the closure of TRIAD accounts across the country. Voted 1 yea – 6 nays (Nays Waterman, Bennett, Kobus, Reynolds, Tavares and DiLisio) (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to approve securing a purchase order from funds in Account 11241000-530150 (City Wide – Special Events-Professional Services) in order to sign a contract as soon as possible to for a September fireworks display. FAILED Chair Kobus of IT & Infrastructure Committee brought the following forward: Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to transfer $388.00 from Account 11331000-558010 (Budget & Admin - Data Processing Supplies) to Account 11331000-578020 (Budget & Admin - Previous Years Bills) Member Tavares of Traffic & Transportation Committee called for a meeting at the next appropriate time. Chair Reynolds of City Property & Claims Committee brought forward the following votes: Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to accept the generous donation of streetlight/sidewalk light box wraps with an estimated value of $6,000 from Keep Attleboro Beautiful to the City. Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to accept the donation of Stop & Shop gift cards totaling $250.00 from the Attleboro Elks (Artie Evans) to the Veterans office of the City of Attleboro. Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to declare the following Water Department vehicle as surplus and available for disposition. Vehicle Vin Number Mileage 2008 E250 Van 1FTNE24L48DA09456 146,000 Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to declare the following School Department copiers as surplus and available for disposition: Page 6 of 8 June 20, 2023 Vice Chair Waterman of Personnel, Veterans & Human Services brought forth the following: Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to approve the reappointment of Catherin Merkle to the Zoning Board of Appeals for 3 Years, term to expire February 2026. Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to approve the appointment of Kelly Lee to fill the three-year term of Director of Council on Aging, Term to expire February 2026. Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to approve the appointment of John G. Davis, 439 Lindsey Street, to the Planning Board to fill an unexpired term. Term to expire February 2024. Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to accept this generous donation of Stop & Shop gift cards totaling $60.00 to the Veterans Services office of the City of Attleboro from an Attleboro resident. Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to approve the appointment of Mark Connors, 58 Stanley Street, to the Board of Assessors to fill an expired term. Term to expire February 2026. Chair Blais of the Public Safety & Emergency Management Committee brought forward the following: Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to approve the expenditure of such funds by the Attleboro Police Department as specified within the parameters of the grant and also approve any further grant amendments regarding the anticipated receipt of Public Safety Answering Point Support and Incentive Grant of approximately $165,733.00 for FY24 from the (EOPSS) - State 911 Department. Voted 7 yeas – 0 nays (Angelo, Conti, Dolan & Holmes absent) to accept the donation of a Nexgrill 4 Burner Gas Grill with a retail value of $199.99 from Home Depot Inc, South Attleboro Store to the Attleboro Police Department. Page 7 of 8 June 20, 2023 There was no new business or old business. The President went over the rest of the meeting dates for June. The council voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:14 PM. A TRUE COPY ATTEST: City Clerk/Clerk of the Council MINUTES APPROVED BY COUNCIL: (DATE) City Clerk/Clerk of the Council Page 8 of 8 June 20, 2023