Town Council - Ways & Means Committee

Braintree Town Council MEMBERS Joseph Reynolds, Chairman Committee of Ways & Means Julia Flaherty, Vice-Chairwoman One JFK Memorial Drive Elizabeth Maglio, Member Braintree, Massachusetts 02184 MINUTES Wednesday, April 5, 2023 Remote via Zoom Webinar A meeting of the Committee of Ways & Means was held remote via Zoom Webinar, on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Councilor Reynolds was in the Chair. Clerk of the Council, Susan Cimino conducted the roll call. Present: Joseph Reynolds, Chairman Julia Flaherty, Vice-Chairwoman Elizabeth Maglio, Member Also Present: Ed Spellman, Director of Municipal Finance Jim Arsenault, DPW Director Mike McGourty, Facilities Director Marybeth McGrath, Municipal Licensing & Inspections Director John Thompson, Asst DPW Director/Town Engineer Ben Hulke, Asst DPW Director Ryan Matheson, Engineering Rob DeVito, DPW Finance Lou Dutton, Superintendent Water & Sewer Daryn Brown, Director of Golf Hilary Waite, Stormwater Russ Forsberg, Inspector Shawn McGoldrick, Town Auditor Approval of Minutes • None Old Business • None April 5, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 1 of 9 New Business • 23 016 Mayor: Request to Approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Plan or take up any action relative thereto (Public Hearing at full Council May 2, 2023) Chairman Reynolds asked if anyone from the Mayor’s staff would like to begin. Chairman Reynolds asked if any committee members would like to speak on Order 23 016. Questions were asked by members. Ed Spellman explained the Capital Plan requests. One thing we did is consolidate all the different ADA items that were in 4 different budges last year and put them all into one. Councilor Maglio asked for a list of the grants. Councilor Flaherty asked what the $280,000 ADA funding will be spent on. How do we decide if something is for improvement, repair, replacement or to accommodate something for ADA in ways it has not before. Marybeth McGrath, Municipal Licensing & Inspections Director stated the departments would work as a team to decide which most pressing issues are. This year we were discussing facilities improvements, signaling improvements with accessibility and playground equipment. Marybeth McGrath stated the ADA Transition Plan draft report is with the mayor for his review and next steps. It would then be placed for public view and comment. It would then go to the Council for review and ultimate approval. Director Arsenault stated we need these funds to be available when it is a fluid event and need the flexibility to use the professional people. We may have an elevator that stops working and we need to repair it. We have to have the ability to react to situations that occur during the year. Russ Forsberg stated going forward there will be a much clearer path based on this ADA Transition Plan. Councilor Flaherty asked about the electronic archiving system. How has your department been slowed down? Marybeth McGrath stated we have a lot of files that are still in paper format. We have large construction plans that we store at 90 Pond Street because we do not have the room here at town hall. The electronic files would help not only the department but the general public. Councilor Maglio stated the ADA money last year was about the same amount and was slated for the parking lot and the handicapped ramp. Is that money being allocated to some of the other needs. Marybeth McGrath stated those monies were allocated and still available and waiting for that to occur. Councilor Maglio stated we have been waiting on the ADA Plan, the parking lot and ramp hasn’t been completed. It gets confusing about what are the delays and what other decisions are made. Chairman Reynolds stated there have been projects that have been delayed and then we have to allocate more funds to and they were susceptible to the impacts of supply chains and other issues that relate to April 5, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 2 of 9 the significant increase in the overall costs and availability of contractors. I will support these but this town and Council should get more timely updates on delays in projects. Councilor Flaherty asked about the funding for sidewalks. John Thompson stated projects vary depending on the condition of the current sidewalks Jim Arsenault stated we have increased the desire to improve the sidewalks making them ADA compliant also. It is the desire of the community also but as you can see is quite costly. Chairman Reynolds asked about $135,000 parking lot/ramp repairs. John Thompson stated we have stormwater grant from DEP that we have begun the final design on. We will have community outreach with this project. Mike McGourty stated this is for all around at different buildings that are in disrepair. This is a number we felt we could correct the problems. Councilor Flaherty asked where are we with the I&I and what does this money get us once it is completed. Hilary Waite stated modeling will be very helpful to understand the system. Jim Arsenault stated there are different components to this to help us reduce the elements. It is a very dynamic system. We do as much as we can to reduce the overflows. Lou Dutton stated this is year 10 of a 15 year program. This year we did not receive an increase from the MWRA which is a good thing and shows our program is working little by little. John Thompson stated the smoke testing has not showed any signs of significant issues but we are finding small issues and eliminating them. Councilor Maglio stated the trunkline of the MWRA is not keeping up and causing bottlenecks in our system. John Thompson stated that is something we are looking at with our modeling effort. It shows impact but not as big of a way we thought. We are still looking at this. The EPA will be our partner to talk to the MWRA and make changes. We are requesting additional funding to continue the modeling to help reduce our SSOs. Chairman Reynolds asked the difference between inflow and infiltration. John Thompson stated inflow is typically a point source into the system like a sump pump. Infiltration is more system wide, not a direct point source like ground water seeping through joints but taken as a whole has a significant impact. Councilor Flaherty asked about the mowers and if they could be shared. Daryn Brown, Director of Golf stated the golf mower is different than a ball field mower. It takes us about 5 days a week just to mow the golf course to keep it playable on a weekly basis. That would be very little opportunity for another department to borrow the mower. Daryn Brown noted the equipment they have ordered is taking 1 to 2 years to receive with supply chain delays. April 5, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 3 of 9 Chairman Reynolds asked about DPW doing work internally with a sidewalk paver. Ben Hulke stated the mayor noted interest to make some of the sidewalk repairs in house. This will save as opposed to a contractor. This is just for the sidewalk paving not the curbing. Chairman Reynolds asked about an item F-550 for $210,000 to be bonded. Ed Spellman stated it is for a truck with catch basin cleaner. Hilary Waite stated we want to clean at least a 3rd of our catch basins every year to meet our EPA permit obligations and also keeping the drainage system functioning better. Chairman Reynolds asked if there is a Motion to TABLE this to an upcoming meeting. MOTION: To approve FY23 Capital Plan as submitted. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to Table Order 23 016 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) April 5, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 4 of 9 • 23 017 Mayor: Request for Appropriation - Fiscal Year 2023 General Fund Capital Budget or take up any action relative thereto (Public Hearing at full Council May 2, 2023) ORDERED: That the Town of Braintree appropriates the sum of Four Million Three Hundred Thirty-Five Thousand Dollars ($4,335,000) to pay costs of the following capital projects: Project Amount Authorizing statute Police Vehicles 243,000 Ch. 44, s 7(1) Police HVAC 90,000 Ch. 44, s 7(1) School Building Repairs HVAC 125,000 Ch. 44, s 7(1) School Building Renovations 235,000 Ch. 44, s 7(1) School Technology 151,000 Ch. 44, s 7(9) School Library Books 145,000 Ch. 44, s 7(1) Roadway Resurfacing 1,700,000 Ch. 44, s 7(1) Town ADA Improvements 280,000 Ch. 44, s 7(1) DPW Facilities Parking Lot & Sidewalk 135,000 Ch. 44, s 7(1) DPW Cem./Ground Vehicle Dumpster 135,000 Ch. 44, s 7(1) DPW Hway (2) vehicles, Plow& Sander 280,000 Ch. 44, s 7(1) DPW Sidewalk Paver 60,000 Ch. 44, s 7(1) DPW Cem/ Ground Cemetery Expansion 565,000 Ch. 44, s 7(1) DPW Hway (1) Sidewalk Snowplow 191,000 Ch. 44, s 7(1) and for the payment of all other costs incidental and related thereto; that the amounts indicated above for each project are estimates and that the Mayor may allocate more funds to any one or more of such projects, and less to others, so long as, in the judgment of the Mayor, each of the projects described above can be completed within the total appropriation made by this Order; that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to the authorizing statutes described above, or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor. Chairman Reynolds asked if there is a Motion to table this to an upcoming meeting. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to Table Order 23 017 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) April 5, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 5 of 9 • 23 018 Mayor: Request for Appropriation – Fiscal Year 2023 Enterprise Funds Capital Budget or take up any action relative thereto (Public Hearing at full Council May 2, 2023) Chairman Reynolds asked if any Committee members would like to speak on Order 23 018. Questions were asked by members. Chairman Reynolds asked if there is a Motion for Order 23 018: Motion read by Councilor Flaherty: MOTION: TOWN OF BRAINTREE, MASSACHUSETTS, IN TOWN COUNCIL, ORDERED: That the Town of Braintree appropriates the sum of Three Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($320,000) to pay costs of the following capital projects: Project Amount Authorizing statute Golf Large Rough Mowers 110,000 Ch. 44, s 7(1) Storm Water Truck & Catch Basin Ch. 44, s 7(1) cleaner 210,000 and for the payment of all other costs incidental and related thereto; that the amounts indicated above for each project are estimates and that the Mayor may allocate more funds to any one or more of such projects, and less to others, so long as, in the judgment of the Mayor, each of the projects described above can be completed within the total appropriation made by this Order; that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow said amount under and pursuant to the authorizing statutes described above, or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council to approve Order 23 018 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) April 5, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 6 of 9 • 23 019 Mayor: Request for Appropriation – Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Budget - Other Available Funds or take up any action relative thereto (Public Hearing at full Council May 2, 2023) Chairman Reynolds asked if any Committee members would like to speak on Order 23 019. Questions were asked by members. Chairman Reynolds asked if there is a Motion for Order 23 019. Motions E-1 through E-12 E-1) Water Sewer Enterprise Fund MOTION: That the sum of $150,000 be transferred from Fiscal Year 2022 Certified Water Sewer Retained Earnings for the purpose of Clean Water Asset Management - SRF Grants. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council to approve Order 23 019 (E-1) Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) E-2) Water Sewer Enterprise Fund MOTION: That the sum of $3,000,000 be transferred from Fiscal Year 2022 Certified Water Sewer Retained Earnings for the purpose of Water System Distribution. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council to approve Order 23 019 (E-2) Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) E-3) Water Sewer Enterprise Fund MOTION: That the sum of$200,000 be transferred from Fiscal Year 2022 Certified Water Sewer Retained Earnings for the purpose of Sewer System Modeling. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council to approve Order 23 019 (E-3) Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) E-4) Water Sewer Enterprise Fund MOTION: That the sum of $250,000 be transferred from Fiscal Year 2022 Certified Water Sewer Retained Earnings for the purpose of Sewer Smoke Testing. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council to approve Order 23 019 (E-4) Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) April 5, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 7 of 9 E-5) Water Sewer Enterprise Fund MOTION: That the sum of $40,000 be transferred from Fiscal Year 2022 Certified Water Sewer Retained Earnings for the purpose of Ford Explorer. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council to approve Order 23 019 (E-5) Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) E-6) Water Sewer Enterprise Fund MOTION: That the sum of $35,000 be transferred from Fiscal Year 2022 Certified Water Sewer Retained Earnings for the purpose of Transit Van. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council to approve Order 23 019 (E-6) Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) E-7) Water Sewer Enterprise Fund MOTION: That the sum of$30,000 be transferred from Fiscal Year 2022 Certified Water Sewer Retained Earnings for the purpose of Ford Escape. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council to approve Order 23 019 (E-7) Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) E-8) Water Sewer Enterprise Fund MOTION: That the sum of $20,000 be transferred from Fiscal Year 2022 Certified Water Sewer Retained Earnings for the purpose of Leak Detection/ Correlator LC 2500 Sewer Smoke Testing. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council to approve Order 23 019 (E-8) Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) E-9) Water Sewer Enterprise Fund MOTION: That the sum of$100,000 be transferred from Fiscal Year 2022 Certified Water Sewer Retained Earnings for the purpose ofRichardi Reservoir Pump Replacement. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council to approve Order 23 019 (E-9) Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) April 5, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 8 of 9 E-10) Golf Enterprise Fund MOTION: That the sum of $17,000 be transferred from Fiscal Year 2022 Certified Golf Retained Earnings for the purpose of Aeriation Core Remover. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council to approve Order 23 019 (E-10) Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) E-11) Storm Water Enterprise Fund MOTION: That the sum of$108,000 be transferred from Fiscal Year 2022 Certified Storm Water Retained Earnings the purpose of Catchment Investigations. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council to approve Order 23 019 (E-11) Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) E-12) Storm Water Enterprise Fund MOTION: That the sum of $123,750 be transferred from Fiscal Year 2022 Certified Storm Water Retained Earnings the purpose of Elder Affairs BMP (towns share of) State Section 319 grant (of $138,250) match. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council to approve Order 23 019 (E-12) Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 12:16p.m. by Roll Call Vote. Respectfully submitted, Susan M. Cimino Clerk of the Council Documents provided for Meeting • 23 016 Mayor: Request to Approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Plan or take up any action relative thereto (Public Hearing at full Council May 2, 2023) • 23 017 Mayor: Request for Appropriation - Fiscal Year 2023 General Fund Capital Budget or take up any action relative thereto (Public Hearing at full Council May 2, 2023) • 23 018 Mayor: Request for Appropriation – Fiscal Year 2023 Enterprise Funds Capital Budget or take up any action relative thereto (Public Hearing at full Council May 2, 2023) • 23 019 Mayor: Request for Appropriation – Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Budget - Other Available Funds or take up any action relative thereto (Public Hearing at full Council May 2, 2023) April 5, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 9 of 9