Town Council - Ways & Means Committee

Braintree Town Council MEMBERS Meredith Boericke, Chairwoman Committee of Ways & Means Charles Ryan, Vice-Chair One JFK Memorial Drive Donna Connors, Member Braintree, Massachusetts 02184 Julia Flaherty, Member Steven Sciascia, Member MINUTES Wednesday, March 31, 2021 A meeting of the Committee of Ways & Means was held Remote via Zoom Webinar, on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 6:00p.m. Councilor Boericke was in the Chair. Clerk of the Council, Susan M. Cimino conducted the roll call. All votes were taken by Roll Call Vote. Present: Meredith Boericke, Chairwoman Charles Ryan, Vice-Chairman Donna Connors, Member Julia Flaherty, Member Steven Sciascia, Member Also Present: Nicole Taub, Chief of Staff Ed Spellman, Director Municipal Finance Marybeth McGrath, Director of Municipal Licenses & Inspections Juliana Melchionda, Board of Health Mark Dubois, Police Chief Karen Shanley, HR Director Shawn McGoldrick, Town Auditor James Arsenault, DPW Director Ben Hulke, Assistant DPW Director March 31, 2021 Ways & Means Committee 1 of 8 Approval of Minutes • Minutes of January 5, 2021 MOTION: by Councilor Ryan to Approve Minutes of January 5, 2021 Motion: by Councilor Ryan to Approve Minutes of January 5, 2021 Second: by Councilor Connors Roll Call Vote: For (5–Boericke, Connors, Flaherty, Ryan, Sciascia), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) • Minutes of February 23, 2021 MOTION: by Councilor Ryan to Approve Minutes of February 23, 2021 Motion: by Councilor Ryan to Approve Minutes of February 23, 2021 Second: by Councilor Connors Roll Call Vote: For (5–Boericke, Connors, Flaherty, Ryan, Sciascia), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) Old Business • None New Business • 21 009 Mayor: Appointment of Kimberly Kroha to the Planning Board or take up any action relative thereto MOTION: by Councilor Ryan to Table Order 21 009 Motion: by Councilor Ryan Table Order 21 009 Second: by Councilor Connors Roll Call Vote: For (5–Boericke, Connors, Flaherty, Ryan, Sciascia), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) • 21 012 Council President: Chapter 134 of the Acts of 2008 – Extension or take up any action relative thereto Robert Brinkmann, Deputy Assessor stated this act provides full property tax relief to any reservists or member of the National Guard for the amount of time that they are called into active duty and deployed to a foreign country. If you were called into duty and serving overseas for half the year, you would only pay half of whatever your property taxes are. This rarely happens thankfully for their sake but it is a nice added benefit for their sacrifice and service. I have been here 10 years now and we have processed a total amount of $17,309.87 in four fiscal years. It is a good opportunity to help those on active duty. It was the first of its kind and I give credit to former Councilor Clifford and other members to adopt this. March 31, 2021 Ways & Means Committee 2 of 8 Councilor Ryan read the following Motion for Order 21 012 for favorable recommendation to the full Council: MOTION: BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BRAINTREE THAT THE TOWN VOTE TO EXTEND CHAPTER 134 OF THE ACTS OF 2008 OF THE MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL LAWS THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2024 AT WHICH TIME THE TOWN COUNCIL MAY VOTE TO EXTEND CHAPTER 134 OF THE ACTS OF 2008. Motion: by Councilor Ryan for favorable recommendation to the full Council Order 21 012 Second: by Councilor Connors Roll Call Vote: For (5–Boericke, Connors, Flaherty, Ryan, Sciascia), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) • 21 013 Mayor: Appointment of Juliana Melchionda to the Board of Health or take up any action relative thereto Chairwoman Boericke thanked Ms. Melchionda for taking this on what I can imagine is cosmic heartache. Nicole Taub stated this appointment is truly special. As everybody knows we tragically lost Laurie Melchionda last year and to come before you to ask for the appointment of her daughter, Juliana Melchionda for stepping up to take her place on the Board of Health. Her resume is very impressive with a true passion for the patients she serves as a nurse at Mass General with a specialty in Cardiac. Juliana Melchionda stated it truly is an honor to continue the work my mom set out to do every day. Marybeth McGrath, Director of Municipal Licenses & Inspections I am thrilled Mayor Kokoros has made this appointment with your approval. I worked for years with Laurie and look forward to working with Juliana. Council members welcomed Juliana in this role and expressed their support. Councilor Ryan read the following Motion for favorable recommendation to the full Council: MOTION: Upon the request of his honor, the Mayor, the Town of Braintree, through the Braintree Town Council, and in accordance with Section 3-3 of the Charter of the Town of Braintree to approve the appointment of Juliana Melchionda to the Board of Health. Motion: by Councilor Ryan for favorable recommendation to the full Council Order 21 013 Second: by Councilor Connors Roll Call Vote: For (5–Boericke, Connors, Flaherty, Ryan, Sciascia), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) March 31, 2021 Ways & Means Committee 3 of 8 • 21 014 Mayor: FY21 Supplemental Appropriations (#2) or take up any action relative thereto Nicole Taub stated her and Ed Spellman worked with the Department Heads to identify unspent monies that would not be used this fiscal year. We also reviewed previously authorized, but unspent, capital items and additional available funds have been identified. The Mayor’s office has identified areas within the operating budget that require additional funds to eliminate a deficit in spending through March 4, 2021. The goal is to utilize funding transfers to cover expenses throughout the fiscal year. The Mayor’s office has been monitoring potential budget deficits, including police and fire overtime, and wish to remedy these existing shortfalls now as opposed to waiting until the end of the fiscal year. The total supplement request is valued at $1,053,911.81, broken down as follows: • Police Overtime--$336,253.54 • Fire Overtime--$323,399.28 • Fire Stipends--$10,000.00 • Snow & lce--$255, 829.00 • Vacation Buy Back- -$73,884.29 • Sick Leave Buy Back--$54,545.70 Councilor Connors asked what is the total will we be coming back for a Supplemental Appropriation by the end of this fiscal year. Ed Spellman stated this request currently is through March 8, 2021. We will be back for approximately $700,000 for Police/Fire OT. Councilor Connors asked Human Resources about the retirements and if they were planned or unplanned. Karen Shanley, HR Director stated one person in public safety retired due to becoming 65 and we could plan for that. All other retirements we were unaware of. I do have several resignations that have not been paid out yet. Accrued vacation time has to be paid out. Councilor Boericke asked about Snow & Ice. This is a 50% over budget. Should we budget more? Ed Spellman, Director of Municipal Finance stated there is an article we pass each year that allows towns to carry a deficit for Snow & Ice into the next fiscal year. We always pay that in our current fiscal year. That would have to be factored into the next budget to cover that deficit. It would have to be paid for and that would take away from other funds to pay it. Going forward I would like to try to increase that number for Snow & Ice when times stabilize. James Arsenault, DPW Director stated using our own personnel to snow plow will bring the cost down significantly. Councilor Connors asked about the change in the Veterans benefits. Karen Shanely stated that line is less because you have to have below a certain amount of money in your bank account and assets. It is governed by how much money you have. Our new Veteran’s agent is really great at outreach. March 31, 2021 Ways & Means Committee 4 of 8 Councilor Ryan read the following Motions for Order 21 014 for favorable recommendation to the full Council: 1. Police Department Motion: That the sum of $54,757.31 be transferred from Finance / Principal on Debt Program 50 / Principal on Debt Account; $37,000 be transferred from Finance / BSBA Principal on Debt Program 53 / Principal on Debt Account; $29,310 be transferred from Finance / BSBA Interest on Debt Program 53 / Interest on Debt Account; $15,000 be transferred from Department of Public Works / Street Lighting Program 09 / Street Lighting Account; $900 be transferred from Department of Elder Affairs / Equipment Maintenance Program 02 / Gasoline Account; $70,910 be transferred from Library / Current Topics Program 05 / Librarians Account; $8,456 be transferred from Library / Administration Program 05 / Casual Employees Account; $12,000 be transferred from Library / Building Maintenance Program 02 / Lighting Account; $10,000 be transferred from Planning and Community Development / Administration Program 01 / Planning Administration Account; $27,257 from Planning and Community Development / Planning Program 04 / Staff Planner Account; $148.23 be transferred from Municipal Licenses and Inspections / Inspection Code Enforcement Program 05 / Building Inspector Account; $20,175 be transferred from Municipal Licenses and Inspections / Administration Program 01 / Part Time Clerical Account; $4,840 be transferred from Police / Administration Program 01 / Medical Payments Account; $9,000 be transferred from Police / Administration Program 01 / Staff Development Account; $15,000 be transferred from Police / Patrol Bureau Program 04 / Staff Development Account; $4,500 be transferred from Police / Harbormaster Program 09 / Harbormaster Account; $15,000 be transferred from Police / Patrol Bureau Program 04 / Matron Account; $2,000 be transferred from the Police / Patrol Bureau Program 04 / Meals – Prisoners Account, for a total of $336,253.54 be transferred to the Police Department Overtime Accounts and further, that the Director of Municipal Finance be authorized to allocate said sums to and among the various line items affected thereby. Motion: by Councilor Ryan for favorable recommendation to the full Council Order 21 014 (1) Second: by Councilor Connors Roll Call Vote: For (5–Boericke, Connors, Flaherty, Ryan, Sciascia), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) 2. Fire Department Motion: That the sum of $28,989.77 be transferred from the Municipal License and Inspections Department / Inspection Code Enforcement Program 05 / Building Inspector Account; $1,500 be transferred from the Fire Department / Fire Prevention Program 07 / Fire Prevention Line; $30,000 be transferred from the Fire / Capital Program 1504 / FY15 Highlands Repairs and Bathroom Line; $5,201.30 be transferred from the Fire / Capital Program 1510 / FY17 Fire Vehicle Replacement Account; $65,113.72 be transferred from the Fire / Capital Program 1544 / FY17 Firefighting Boat Account; $240.70 be transferred from the Fire / Capital Program 1906 / FY19 Fire Radio Repeator Account; $7,828.40 be transferred from the Fire / Capital Program 1657 / FY17 Fire Vehicle Replacement; $7,370.82 be transferred from the Fire / Capital Program 1906 / FY19 Fire Extractor Replacement; $14,734.75 be transferred from the Fire / Capital Program 1906 / FY19 Prevention SUV Replacement; $9,817.08 to be transferred from the Town Council / Capital Program 1604 / Furniture Account; $20,000 be transferred from the Town Council / Capital Program 1633 / Light Contract Consultant Account; $4,534.99 be March 31, 2021 Ways & Means Committee 5 of 8 transferred from the Mayor / Capital Program 0000 / Recycling Comm. Account; $3,405 be transferred from the Mayor / Capital Program 1604 / Furniture Account; $4,554 be transferred from the Finance / Capital Program 0960 / Data Processing Account; $10,972.43 be transferred from the Finance / Capital Program 1806 / Town Hall Security Account; $109,136.32 be transferred from the Finance / Principal on Debt Program 50 / Principal on Debt Account, for a total of $323,399.28 to be transferred to the Fire Department overtime accounts, and further, that the Director of Municipal Finance be authorized to allocate said sums to and among the various line items affected. Motion: by Councilor Ryan for favorable recommendation to the full Council Order 21 014 (2) Second: by Councilor Connors Roll Call Vote: For (5–Boericke, Connors, Flaherty, Ryan, Sciascia), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) 3. Fire Department Motion: That the sum of $5,000 be transferred from the Fire / Capital Program 1421 / FY14 Fire C-5 Account to the Fire / Fire Suppression Program 04 / EMS Coordinator Account. Motion: by Councilor Ryan for favorable recommendation to the full Council Order 21 014 (3) Second: by Councilor Connors Roll Call Vote: For (5–Boericke, Connors, Flaherty, Ryan, Sciascia), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) 4. Fire Department Motion: That the sum of $154 be transferred from the Fire / Capital Program 1421 /FY14 Fire C-5 Account; $2,734.30 be transferred from the Fire /Capital Program 1421/ FY14 Fire Flash Account; and $2,111.70 be transferred from the Fire / Capital Program 1510 / FY17 Fire Vehicle, for a total of $5,000.00 be transferred to the Fire / Fire Suppression Program 04 / Grant Writer-Procurement Officer Account. Motion: by Councilor Ryan for favorable recommendation to the full Council Order 21 014 (4) Second: by Councilor Connors Roll Call Vote: For (5–Boericke, Connors, Flaherty, Ryan, Sciascia), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) 5. Public Works Department Motion: That the sum of $7,639.37 be transferred from Finance / Principal on Debt Program 50 / Principal on Debt Account; $49,990 be transferred from Finance / Capital Program 1544 / Electronic Archiving Account; $1,156 be transferred from Town Clerk / Capital Program 1504 / FY15 Electronic Tabulators Account; $1,476 be transferred from Town Clerk / Capital Program 1806 / Handicap Accessible Voting Booth; $740.55 be transferred from Planning and Community Development / Capital Program 1544 / Town Green Universal Account; $12,000 be transferred from Municipal Licenses and Inspections / Capital Program 1504 / Licensing Permit Software Account; $75,000 be transferred from Department of Public Works / Capital Program 0000 / Daugherty Gym Floor Account; $1,915 be transferred from Department of Public Works / Capital Program 1504 / FY16 Highway Roller; $600 be transferred from Department of Public Works / Capital Program 1504 / FY15 Automated Defibulators Account; $2 be March 31, 2021 Ways & Means Committee 6 of 8 transferred from Department of Public Works / Capital Program 1906 / FY19 AFI Infield Groomer Account; $6,643.47 be transferred from Library / Capital Program 1504 / Children’s Room Account; $375 be transferred from Department of Elder Affairs / Capital Program 1421 / Carpet Replacement Account; $831 be transferred from Department of Elder Affairs / Capital Program 1421 / FY14 Study for Addition Account; $281 be transferred from Department of Elder Affairs / Capital Program 1806 / Storage Shed Account; .72 be transferred from Schools / Capital Program 1666 / School Roof Repair Account; $97,178.89 be transferred from Department of Public Works / Environmental Affairs and Waste Collections Program 12 / Recycling Processing Account, for a total of $255,829 to be transferred to the Department of Public Works / Snow and Ice Program 11 / Contract Services Account. Motion: by Councilor Ryan for favorable recommendation to the full Council Order 21 014 (5) Second: by Councilor Connors Roll Call Vote: For (5–Boericke, Connors, Flaherty, Ryan, Sciascia), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) 6. Human Resources Motion: That the sum of $73,884.29 be transferred from Human Resources / Veterans Benefit Program 06 / Veterans Benefits Account, to the Human Resources / Administration Program 01 / Vacation Buy Back Account. Motion: by Councilor Ryan for favorable recommendation to the full Council Order 21 014 (6) Second: by Councilor Connors Roll Call Vote: For (5–Boericke, Connors, Flaherty, Ryan, Sciascia), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) 7. Human Resources Motion: That the sum of $7,402.23 be transferred from Human Resources / Veterans Benefit Program 06 / Veterans Benefits Account; $18,293 be transferred from Finance / Interest on Debt Program 51 / Bond Interests Account; $22,821.11 be transferred from Department of Public Works / Environmental Affairs and Waste Collections Program 12 / Recycling Processing Account; $6,029.36 be transferred from State Assessments / State Assessment and Charges Program 820 / Charter School Tuition Account, for a total of $54,545.70 to be transferred to the Human Resources / Administration Program 01 / Sick Leave Buy Back Account. Motion: by Councilor Ryan for favorable recommendation to the full Council Order 21 014 (7) Second: by Councilor Connors Roll Call Vote: For (5–Boericke, Connors, Flaherty, Ryan, Sciascia), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) March 31, 2021 Ways & Means Committee 7 of 8 It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 6:50p.m. by Roll Call Vote. Respectfully submitted, Susan M. Cimino Clerk of the Council Documents provided for Meeting • 21 009 Mayor: Appointment of Kimberly Kroha to the Planning Board or take up any action relative thereto • 21 012 Council President: Chapter 134 of the Acts of 2008 – Extension or take up any action relative thereto • 21 013 Mayor: Appointment of Juliana Melchionda to the Board of Health or take up any action relative thereto • 21 014 Mayor: FY21 Supplemental Appropriations (#2) or take up any action relative thereto March 31, 2021 Ways & Means Committee 8 of 8