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 May 21, 2018 A meeting of the Committee of Ways & Means was held in the Cahill Auditorium, Braintree Town Hall, on Monday, May 21, 2018 at 6:00p.m. Councilor Bowes was in the Chair. The Clerk of the Council conducted the roll call. Present: Thomas Bowes, Chairman Shannon Hume, Vice-Chair arrived at 6:11pm Stephen C. O’Brien, Member Timothy Carey, Member Thomas Whalen, Member Also Present: Joseph Reynolds, Chief of Staff Edward Spellman, Finance Director James Arsenault, DPW Director Nelson Chin, Recreation Director Stephen J. O’Brien, Highway Superintendent Robert Campbell, Town Engineer Lou Dutton, Water Works Assistant Superintendent Michael McGourty, Facilities Director Mark Thompson, System Operations Assistant Superintendent Daryn Brown, Golf Director Dan Sullivan, Town Auditor 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 • May 8, 2018 Motion: by Councilor O’Brien to approve minutes of May 8, 2018 Second: by Councilor Carey Vote: For (5), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) May 21, 2018 Ways & Means Committee 1 of 8 • May 14, 2018 Motion: by Councilor O’Brien to approve minutes of May 14, 2018 Second: by Councilor Carey Vote: For (5), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) New Business • 18 026 Mayor: FY2019 Operating Budget or take up any action relative thereto The following Departments were in attendance to present their proposed FY2019 Budget: APPENDIX F Pages Public Works Department 59-76 Golf 106-114 Sewer 88-94 Water 95-105 Storm Water 115-120 Committee members asked each department many questions about increase/decrease line items. Public Works Department James Arsenault, DPW Director stated the Public Works staff are the unsung heroes. When things go right they are not even noticed however when things go wrong they are the first to be called upon to get the community back up and running. The entire DPW department will go through a reorganization to help meet the needs of the federally unfunded Stormwater regulations required July 1, 2018. We are establishing succession planning and better management of all the different divisions. Councilor Whalen asked about a new position. Director Arsenault stated it is someone who will oversee the vehicle maintenance for the community. We need someone to bring it together and take care of routine maintenance. This will include all municipal vehicles town wide. Councilor Hume stated this is a great idea. It will give us control and cost savings in the future of our vehicles. Councilor Bowes stated there is a new position for traffic engineer. Councilor Hume asked what is different. Director Arsenault stated this position will be able to focus on the whole community with software called MICRO or MACRO. Right now we do damage control. They can look at traffic studies that come out and make sure they are in the best interest of the town. Councilor O’Brien stated the DPW workers are unsung heroes. Councilor O’Brien asked if we are spending enough on our sidewalks. Director Arsenault stated the sidewalks are included in the 100 Roads Program. Councilor Carey asked about DPW lighting versus BELD. Director Arsenault stated some are our lights and some are BELD’s. This line item is our portion for example parks and fields. Councilor O’Brien stated many elderly do not have access to social media to get information for example the 25 mph speed limit. Jeff Kunz, Director for Trash & Recycling stated to keep the contamination down for recycling we may want to look at a plastic bag ban in the town in the future. Councilor Hume asked where we stand with Perry Park. Nelson Chin, Director of Parks & Recreation stated there are currently procurement issues. The equipment is not anticipated to be updated there within the next two to three months. Councilor Hume stated this is a neighborhood park that is not in good shape. It is not fair to the residents near that park. It needs so much work so whatever we can May 21, 2018 Ways & Means Committee 2 of 8 do to push this forward. Councilor Bowes stated thank you to Director Chin for all you do. Good luck and congratulations on getting a new assistant department head. Golf Daryn Brown, Golf Director stated an increase in this year’s budget is to cover contractual changes. Other than that the budget is level funded. Councilor Bowes asked for clarification on why the golf simulators were not installed after the monies were approved. Director Brown stated the installation was longer than estimated and it was not cost efficient to install and take down 3 weeks later. Director Brown stated the overtime is to prep the course on weekends and holidays and to supplement weekday work when we get behind. Sewer Director Arsenault stated this division oversees the piping throughout the town. There are many miles of sewer piping. An increase in this year’s budget is to cover contractual changes. It was requested we level fund. Water Lou Dutton, Water Works Assistant Superintendent was present to answer increase/decrease amounts. An increase in this year’s budget is to cover contractual changes. Councilor O’Brien stated I think we could reduce $5,000 from the Lockbox line item and at least $25,000 from the Reserve fund. Lou Dutton stated we cannot plan on year to year with the Water Testing line item and Chemicals line item. We do not know what we are going to be required to do each year. We were told to level fund the overtime amounts. Storm Water James Arsenault, DPW Director went through a Powerpoint presentation on Storm Water. We need to create a Storm Water master plan. Environmental regulations are changing. We will be fined for not complying with the EPA Storm water program. The proposed utility fee is $6.25 per quarter or $25 per single family per year. This will also improve the quality of our drinking water and swimming and fishing areas. Councilor Carey asked if it is anticipated that the costs/fees remain the same. Joe Reynolds, Chief of Staff stated we do not know what other regulations might come down upon us. It is prudent to get this program off the ground and running to be proactive. We will do everything we can to keep future fees in control. These rates have been locked down for at least the next two years. On the Water/Sewer bill there is a line that will say Storm Water as a separate fee. Councilor Whalen we need to act now to get this going before we get fined and we need the people to work in house to do it. May 21, 2018 Ways & Means Committee 3 of 8 Councilor O’Brien made a Motion to reduce Water & Sewer line item 61-43801-5750 Lock Box from $10,000 to $5,000 and line item 61-43801-5780 Reserve Fund from $125,000 to $100,000. Motion: by Councilor O’Brien Second: by Councilor Hume for discussion Vote: For (2 - O’Brien, Carey), Against(3 - Bowes, Hume, Whalen), Absent(0), Abstain(0) This reduction was proposed from page 96 tab F of the FY2019 Budget Book. Councilor Hume made a Motion to reduce Water & Sewer line item 61-43801-5750 Lock Box from $10,000 to $5,000. Motion: by Councilor Hume Second: by (No Councilor made a second) Vote: No vote taken. This motion does not carry. The following Motions were read by Councilor Hume for favorable recommendation to the full Council. APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEAR 2019 OPERATING BUDGET 1. That the Town of Braintree raise and appropriate the sum of $133,883,370 to provide for all of the expenses for the maintenance and operation of the Town’s several departments and programs for the fiscal year 2019 and that the several sums herein set forth are hereby approved for the several purposes and are subject to the source of funding for said expenditures as outlined on the attached Exhibit A, specifically, that the sum of $86,216 be transferred from Golf Course receipts, the sum of $250,000 be transferred from the Overlay Surplus account, the sum of $9,700 be transferred from the Waterways Improvement fund, the sum of $22,000 be transferred from the Sale of Cemetery Lots, the sum of $615,121 be transferred from Water and Sewer receipts, the sum of $1,240,000 be transferred from the Town owned land account, the sum of $6,152.18 be transferred from the Municipal Building Insurance Fund, the sum of $21,736 from the Handicap parking fine account and the balance to be raised in the tax levy. Motion: by Councilor Hume for favorable recommendation to the full Council Second: by Councilor O’Brien Vote: For (Bowes, Hume, O’Brien, Carey, Whalen), Against(0), Absent(0), Abstain(0) May 21, 2018 Ways & Means Committee 4 of 8  2. That the Town of Braintree appropriate the sum of $1,586,992 to provide for all of the expenses for the maintenance and operation of the Town’s Golf Course and related programs for the fiscal year 2019 and that the several sums herein set forth are hereby approved for the several purposes as outlined on the attached Exhibit A, specifically, and that the sum of $1,586,992 be raised in the Golf Course receipts. Motion: by Councilor Hume for favorable recommendation to the full Council Second: by Councilor Whalen Vote: For (Bowes, Hume, O’Brien, Carey, Whalen), Against(0), Absent(0), Abstain(0) 3. That the Town of Braintree appropriate the sum of $18,479,155 to provide for all of the expenses for the maintenance and operation of the Town’s Water and Sewer Division and related programs for the fiscal year 2019 and that the several sums herein set forth are hereby approved for the several purposes as outlined on the attached Exhibit A, specifically, that the sum of $103,694 be transferred from the Water Sewer Rehabilitation Fund and the balance of $18,479,155 be raised in the Water and Sewer receipts. Motion: by Councilor Hume for favorable recommendation to the full Council Second: by Councilor Whalen Vote: For (Bowes, Hume, O’Brien, Carey, Whalen), Against(0), Absent(0), Abstain(0) 4. That the Town Council vote to amend Title 3 of the Town’s General Ordinances, by adding “Chapter 3.13: Stormwater Enterprise Fee”, as filed with the Office of the Town Clerk. Motion: by Councilor Hume for favorable recommendation to the full Council Second: by Councilor Whalen Vote: For (Bowes, Hume, O’Brien, Carey, Whalen), Against(0), Absent(0), Abstain(0) 5. That the Town Council vote to amend Title 13 of the Town’s General Ordinances, by adding “Chapter 13.14: Stormwater Management”, as filed with the Office of the Town Clerk. Motion: by Councilor Hume for favorable recommendation to the full Council Second: by Councilor Carey Vote: For (Bowes, Hume, O’Brien, Carey, Whalen), Against(0), Absent(0), Abstain(0) May 21, 2018 Ways & Means Committee 5 of 8  6. To see if the Town of Braintree will accept the provisions of Chapter 44, § 53F½ of the Massachusetts General Laws establishing a Storm Water fund as an enterprise fund effective fiscal year 2019. Motion: by Councilor Hume for favorable recommendation to the full Council Second: by Councilor Whalen Vote: For (Bowes, Hume, O’Brien, Carey, Whalen), Against(0), Absent(0), Abstain(0) 7. That the Town of Braintree appropriate the sum of $620,525 to provide for all of the expenses for the maintenance and operation of the Town’s Storm Water and related programs for the fiscal year 2019 and that the several sums herein set forth are hereby approved for the several purposes as outlined on the attached Exhibit A, specifically, and that the sum of $620,525 be raised in the Storm Water receipts. Motion: by Councilor Hume for favorable recommendation to the full Council Second: by Councilor Whalen Vote: For (Bowes, Hume, O’Brien, Carey, Whalen), Against(0), Absent(0), Abstain(0) 8. Pursuant to General Law Chapter 44, Section 31D, the Town is authorized to incur a liability in excess of the amount appropriated for snow and ice for fiscal year 2019. Motion: by Councilor Hume for favorable recommendation to the full Council Second: by Councilor Whalen Vote: For (Bowes, Hume, O’Brien, Carey, Whalen), Against(0), Absent(0), Abstain(0) • 18 027 Mayor: FY2019 Budget – Community Preservation Committee or take up any action relative thereto (Presented by Christine Stickney on May 8) This item was discussed and voted for favorable recommendation to the full Council at the Budget meeting on May 8, 2018. • 18 028 Mayor: FY2019 Revolving Accounts or take up any action relative thereto (Revolving Accounts to be presented on the date Department Head presents Budget) 5/7 Library® (R3, R4) 5/8 Dept. of Elder Affairs® (R1) 5/8 Municipal Licenses & Inspections® (R2) 5/8 Education® (R7) 5/21 Department of Public Works® (Recycling) (R5, R6) 5/21 Golf® (R8) May 21, 2018 Ways & Means Committee 6 of 8 Revolving Accounts R3 and R4 were voted on (May 7, 2018) and referred to the full Council for favorable recommendation. Revolving Accounts R1, R2 and R7 were voted on (May 8, 2018) and referred to the full Council for favorable recommendation. Revolving Accounts R5, R6 and R8 were voted on at the meeting of May 21, 2018. Councilor Hume read the following Motions on the revolving accounts for favorable recommendation to the full council. R5. That the Mayor be authorized to use a revolving fund in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53e1/2 that may be spent by the Mayor, in conjunction with the recycling coordinator, without further appropriation during the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2018, for the purchase of home composting bins, curbside recycling bins, recycling bags and for the collection of fees and payments for recycling materials, including hazardous waste. The recycling revolving fund is to be credited with all fees collected during fiscal year 2019. The Mayor may spend up to $2,000 in revolving fund monies during fiscal year 2019. Motion: by Councilor Hume Second: by Councilor Whalen Vote: For (Bowes, Hume, O’Brien, Carey, Whalen), Against(0), Absent(0), Abstain(0) R6. That the Mayor be authorized to use a revolving fund in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53e1/2 that may be spent by the Mayor, in conjunction with the recycling coordinator without further appropriation during the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2018, for the collection of fees and payments from the collection of revenue- generating materials and to use the income to promote Town recycling initiatives and events, including household hazardous waste events. The recycling revolving fund is to be credited with all fees collected during fiscal year 2019. The Mayor may spend up to $50,000 in revolving fund monies during fiscal year 2019. Motion: by Councilor Hume Second: by Councilor Whalen Vote: For (Bowes, Hume, O’Brien, Carey, Whalen), Against(0), Absent(0), Abstain(0) May 21, 2018 Ways & Means Committee 7 of 8  R8. That the Mayor be authorized to use a revolving fund in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53e1/2 that may be spent by the Mayor, in conjunction with the golf greens superintendent without further appropriation during the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2018, for the collection of fees and payments from the collection of revenue generated from clinics and payments for group and individual lessons and the sales of pro shop materials fees collected during fiscal year 2019. The Mayor may spend up to $90,000 in revolving fund monies during fiscal year 2019. Motion: by Councilor Hume Second: by Councilor Whalen Vote: For (Bowes, Hume, O’Brien, Carey, Whalen), Against(0), Absent(0), Abstain(0) Old Business • None It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:45p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan M. Cimino Clerk of the Council Documents provided for Meeting • 18 026 Mayor: FY2019 Operating Budget or take up any action relative thereto • 18 027 Mayor: FY2019 Budget – Community Preservation Committee or take up any action relative thereto • 18 028 Mayor: FY2019 Revolving Accounts or take up any action relative thereto May 21, 2018 Ways & Means Committee 8 of 8