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 2, 2019 A meeting of the Committee of Ways & Means was held in the Cahill Auditorium, Braintree Town Hall, on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 7:00p.m. Councilor Bowes was in the Chair. Clerk of the Council conducted the roll call. Present: Thomas Bowes, Chairman Stephen O’Brien, Member Thomas Whalen, Member Timothy Carey, Member Not Present: Shannon Hume, Vice-Chairman Also Present: Dr. Frank Hackett, Superintendent of Schools 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 19, 2019 Motion: by Councilor Whalen to approve Minutes of February 19, 2019 Second: by Councilor O’Brien Vote: For (4– Bowes, Carey, O’Brien, Whalen), Against (0), Absent (1 - Hume), Abstain (0) Old Business • None New Business • 19 012 Superintendent of Schools: Statement of Interest (SOI) with the MSBA for Braintree High School or take up any action relative thereto Dr. Hackett stated we are submitting this SOI for the High School. This is not a financial commitment. This is just authorizing me as Superintendent to let the MSBA know we are interested in partnering with them potentially for a project. We should find out in December 2019 whether or not they invite us for eligibility. We at that time would come back to you and talk about implications. This is simply a request to have a discussion with them. We don’t have a space constraints issue we have a space utilization issue. Councilor O’Brien asked about the science labs. April 2, 2019 Ways & Means Committee 1 of 2  Dr. Hackett stated all safety issues have been addressed by they are tired and old. We fix plumbing when we have issues. If we were to get approved they come in and say science lab 1200 square feet. That is what you have to build to as the minimum. This is the second time around for the SOI for BHS. We submitted last year in April. If we do not get chosen this time it might be time for a different conversation. Councilor O’Brien asked if a new school is even in the sights. Dr. Hackett stated we submit a SOI to the MSBA. If they come back and say to us let’s talk. We have a feasibility study which is generally up to about $1 million to do that study. That study MSBA requires us to look at two or three options that are some kind of renovation and two or three options that are new. That’s part of the process. Councilor O’Brien stated I do not feel it is the right time for a new school maybe 10 years but not now. MOTION read by Councilor O’Brien for favorable recommendation to the full Council: Resolved: Having convened in an open meeting on April 2, 2019 prior to the SOI submission closing date, the Town Council of Braintree, in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated April 2, 2019 for Braintree High School located at 128 Town Street, Braintree, Massachusetts, which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future: Priority #3: Prevention of the loss of accreditation; Priority #5: Replacement, renovation, or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs in a school facility; Priority #7: Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the Town of Braintree or the Braintree School Department to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Motion: by Councilor O’Brien Order 19 012 for favorable recommendation to the full Council Second: by Councilor Carey Vote: For (4– Bowes, Carey, O’Brien, Whalen), Against (0), Absent (1 - Hume), Abstain (0) • 017 19 FY2020 Budget Review Schedule or take up any action relative thereto The committee members reviewed the FY20 Budget Review Schedule and had no issues at the time. It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:20p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan M. Cimino, Clerk of the Council Documents provided for Meeting • 19 012 Superintendent of Schools: Statement of Interest (SOI) with the MSBA for Braintree High School • 017 19 FY2020 Budget Review Schedule or take up any action relative thereto April 2, 2019 Ways & Means Committee 2 of 2