Town Council - Ways & Means Committee

MEMBERS Braintree Town Council Thomas Bowes, Chairman Committee of Ways & Means Shannon Hume, Vice-Chair One JFK Memorial Drive Stephen C. O’Brien, Member Braintree, Massachusetts 02184 Timothy Carey, Member Thomas Whalen, Member MINUTES April 24, 2018 A meeting of the Committee of Ways & Means was held in the Cahill Auditorium, Braintree Town Hall, on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 6:00p.m. Councilor Bowes was in the Chair. The Clerk of the Council conducted the roll call. Present: Thomas Bowes, Chairman Stephen O’Brien, Member Timothy Carey, Member Not Present: Shannon Hume, Vice-Chairman Thomas Whalen, Member Also Present: Joseph Reynolds, Chief of Staff Christine Stickney, Director Planning and Community Development Al Varasso, American Legion The meeting was opened with the pledge of allegiance to the flag followed by a moment of silence for all those serving in our armed services, past and present. Approval of Minutes • February 26, 2018 Motion: by Councilor O’Brien to Approve Minutes of February 26, 2018 Second: by Councilor Carey Vote: For (3 – Bowes, O’Brien, Carey), Against (0), Absent (2 - Hume , Whalen), Abstain (0) New Business • 18 019 Mayor: Funding Request for Community Preservation Project – 435 Washington Street or take up any action relative thereto (Public Hearing at full Council) Joe Reynolds, Chief of Staff stated this is a second funding request for Community Preservation Committee funds. The original thought was to use general funds but now the project will utilize money in the CPC funds. April 24, 2018 Ways & Means Committee 1 of 3 The original request was for 1.3 million for the preservation, restoration and universal access to the Union School - the funds would restore all of the exterior and add a small addition to the rear for an enclosed lift that would go to the basement and the two floors above plus some minor interior ADA items as to the connection. When the applicants requested the funds the CPA had discussed with the Mayor’s office the splitting of the funding. The original $650 was under Order #17-072 and the second $650 was to be under other an alternative option but it did not pan out due to unforeseen Town expenditures so the applicants returned to the CPA for the second $650 and they recommended approval. Councilor O’Brien asked if the project is on track for $1.3 million. Do you have enough funds to complete this project. Christine Stickney, Director of Planning and Community Development stated the cost estimate is from the architect. There should be no additional costs unless materials end up costing more due to unforeseen circumstances. Joe Reynolds stated we could request to use General Funds if the project needs more funds and if costs run over. Councilor O’Brien stated I would like that statement in Public Record to see if money is needed the general funds are used to pay any over run. I rise in approval if we go above and beyond they get paid. Joe Reynolds stated we are committed to this and want it done by 2019. We have other items in the pipe line that CPC can pay for. Council Bowes asked about the timeframe for the project. Christine Stickney stated they would be meeting with the architects shortly and would get that information to Council. They would like it complete by July 2019 the 100th Anniversary. Councilor Bowes stated thank you also to Al Varasso and all your work. I am in full support of this. Al Varasso stated it is a labor of love. Motion read by Councilor O’Brien for favorable recommendation to the full Council: In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44B of the General Laws and with the recommendation of the Community Preservation Committee, appropriate $650,000.00 from the CPA Unreserved account for the preservation and restoration construction of the historic exterior and universal accessibility project of the former Union School located at 435 Washington Street. Said funds are to be expended under the direction of the Community Preservation Committee and by the Director of Planning and Community Development. Motion: by Councilor O’Brien for favorable recommendation to the full Council Second: by Councilor Carey Vote: For (3 – Bowes, O’Brien, Carey), Against (0), Absent (2 - Hume , Whalen), Abstain (0) April 24, 2018 Ways & Means Committee 2 of 3 Old Business • None It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 6:20p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan M. Cimino, Clerk of the Council Documents provided for Meeting • 18 019 Mayor: Funding Request for Community Preservation Project – 435 Washington Street or take up any action relative thereto April 24, 2018 Ways & Means Committee 3 of 3