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, May 17, 2023 A meeting of the Committee of Ways & Means was held via Zoom Webinar on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 6:00pm. 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 Meredith Boericke, President (ex-officio) Also Present: Margaret Laforest, Chief of Staff/Director of Operations Ed Spellman, Director of Municipal Finance James Arsenault, DPW Director Mike McGourty, Facilities Director Rob DeVito, DPW Finance Jim Lee, School Superintendent Shawn McGoldrick, Town Auditor School Committee Members residents Approval of Minutes • None Old Business • None May 17, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 1 of 7 New Business • 23 025 Mayor: FY2024 Operating Budget or take up any action relative thereto APPENDIX K - 300 Education DPW – School Maintenance (Facilities) FY2024 Revenue Forecast Overview Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to Take off the Table Order 23 025 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) Education Superintendent Lee stated the budget in front of you is level funded. It seeks to maintain the programming, the staffing and the things we provide on an annual basis to all of our students. The Braintree Public School department serves the community through its mission of educating the young people of the town. Operating ten (10) schools and a variety of educational programs, BPS partners with parents and the community to prepare all students to become responsible and contributing members of a diverse and global society. Under the supervision of the Braintree School Committee, the school system has developed an operating budget for FY24 that maintains the quality education provided to our students through a level-services approach. The proposed budget, which was recently approved by the School Committee, of $74,732,869 reflects increases to our operating costs that result from contractual and inflationary impacts, while also adding back into our operating costs the 2.2 million dollars that have been covered in FY23 through the utilization of one-time monies available to the school department. The budget being presented is conservative in its approach to escalating special education costs, particularly given the potential increase in tuitions of private special education schools of 14%. The School Committee is also still in negotiations with the Braintree Educators Association on a successor contract, so the ultimate financial impact of those negotiations still remains unknown. Like other departments, the school system is facing increases to many of our fixed costs, which impacts the bottom line of the budget. The school system is poised to open the brand-new South Middle School at the beginning of the 2023- 2024 school year, and is excited to complete the reconfiguration of our 5th grade program. Students from Liberty & Highlands elementary schools who are entering the 5th grade next year will join their previous classmates in the new South building in September. This step will complete the initial plan of expanding both East Middle School and South Middle School to accommodate 5th grade programming, which frees up space in all of our elementary schools. This plan, through the support and collaboration of the MSBA, positions the district favorably with respect to space needs in our existing schools. In addition, the Braintree School Committee recently voted to turn the existing South Middle School into an Early Elementary Center, which will house all kindergarten and preschool classes beginning in 2024-2025. This decision will allow the school department and the town to entertain options regarding the Monatiquot and Colbert buildings moving forward. May 17, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 2 of 7 Councilor Flaherty asked where the increased funding is going to in terms of this FY24 budget. Superintendent Lee stated as you recall we used $2.2 million from a one-time funding. This year the town has reabsorbed that $2.2 million so what you will see throughout the budget are some offsets. Councilor Flaherty asked if it covers 4 reading teachers, 3 librarians, and 4 math specialists. Superintendent Lee stated yes and some other pieces. Reading at Flaherty, Highlands, Hollis, Ross; Library at East, South, Braintree High School; Math Specialists at Ross, Flaherty, Highlands. Some of that money went towards tuition for our Special Ed programming. Classroom coverage for special development that allowed us to pay for PD. We bring in coverage so teachers can attend PD. Councilor Flaherty asked about the remaining $4.2 million and where it is in the budget. Superintendent Lee stated it is contractual increases. If you think of it in terms of steps and lanes. Councilor Flaherty stated this 9% increase covers the revenue we got through ARPA and also the contractual increases. Superintendent Lee stated yes but it is closer to 7.5% increase. Councilor Flaherty stated your costs for fuel and utilities have been zero’d out. Is that due to the Maintenance merger? Superintendent Lee stated yes those costs went over to the town and so did the money. We anticipate the towns Facilities Department will handle the supplies and labor. Councilor Maglio stated when I look at the School budget, how much money came into Braintree as restricted. Superintendent Lee stated we get grants for Title I, II, III. We get special education grants that is $1.5 million. We have a number of revolving accounts. Kindergarten for example. Where money comes in but goes right back out to fund those programs. Kindergarten revolving is requested at 1.1 million. That is how we pay those teachers. School Transportation request is $500,000 for FY24. The ESSR during COVID we got the money directly and the Schools spent it directly. Circuit breaker is another reimbursement from the state for extraordinary special education expenses. There are other earmarks we receive through the Town or directly to the Schools. It is hard to budget for these because sometimes we don’t know they are coming. Superintendent Lee stated $74,732,869 is the budget we are requesting. The state designates $72.5 as a foundation budget. Braintree is higher. Shawn McGoldrick, Town Auditor stated the Town of Braintree is well over the required net school spending for this Town. Councilor Maglio asked if the Schools ever submitted a Supplemental Budget request. Superintendent Lee stated every? Yes. Often? No. President Boericke stated the Council’s roles is to reduce the budget or approve the budget. We cannot increase the budget. The power rests solely with the mayor. May 17, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 3 of 7 Chairman Reynolds asked if it was true there will be a $10,000 offer for early retirement. Superintendent Lee stated it is. Chairman Reynolds asked if that money was factored in for FY24. Superintendent Lee stated it is factored in a different way. If you think of somebody who is on the verge of retirement typically they are maxed out on our salary scale. We bring in replacements on a much lower spot. Chairman Reynolds asked what is going to happen to Monatiquot School. Superintendent Lee stated it is my understanding to lease it out to another educational entity. Chairman Reynolds asked if the new South Middle is on track. Superintendent Lee stated we anticipate everybody being there in September. Chairman Reynolds asked about re-districting. Superintendent Lee stated the idea of re-districting is still on the table as we look towards FY25 that we need to analyze more. Chairman Reynolds stated I assume this would be cost savings for your operating budget. Superintendent Lee stated yes correct. Chairman Reynolds asked why Science Supplies line item has been reduced. Superintendent Lee stated that is due to need. That money moves between departments depending on the need for the year. Councilor Maglio asked which unions are part of the “me-too” clause. DPW – School Maintenance (Facilities) Mike McGourty, Facilities Director stated we have completed many large projects and combined two separate facilities departments on the maintenance side and combined them into one. They are a very effective force. They show up every morning and give 100%. We are in the keep it running phase. Councilor Flaherty stated you have clearly attacked a lot of work that needed to be done. When did the Facilities budget turn over to you? Why did it go down 2% in FY24. Mr. McGourty stated FY23 we took over the budget. In FY24 we believe we can control it better. There will be a Supplemental for asbestos abatement and building maintenance costs. Councilor Flaherty asked how you would rank your problems. Mr. McGourty stated Hollis and Highlands being our oldest schools. Some of our highest costs are under the plumbing/HVAC costs. We are dealing with many cases antiquated and lacking parts. There is a cooling system on the BHS roof for the auditorium and we are looking to repair or replace. I would say the biggest problems are with heating and cooling equipment. Councilor Flaherty asked about other departments like police and fire and work done by facilities. May 17, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 4 of 7 Mr. McGourty explained that his team would do the work and the departments would reimburse Facilities for materials they would use etc. Councilor Flaherty asked what if the Schools asked you to do repairs and it went over their budget and couldn’t reimburse you. Rob DeVito stated something large did come about and we could not budget for it we would ask for a Supplemental and come before Council and ask for that money. Councilor Maglio asked for the building maintenance, how do you achieve equity and also address emergencies? Mr. McGourty stated we are going to do assessments on our mechanical systems, our schools and our equipment. Right now our time and effort is spent on keeping the buildings operational. Councilor Maglio stated so you did a walkthrough of all the schools and you looked at what are the worst emergencies that would make the biggest difference. That is kind of a plan. Mr. McGourty stated we are going to put together a schedule and make sure it works town wide so everybody is getting as much as we can give them. Rob DeVito stated Superintendent Lee while putting together this budget asked every school Principal their wish list. We have that list and will look to get things done. President Boericke stated budgeted building repairs for the entire town is $245,588. For heating and ventilation for the entire town $150,000. Asbestos $50,000. For School Plumbing I see $50,000 again for 10 schools. Are we putting numbers in to make the numbers work? Mr. McGourty stated the numbers you mentioned is to maintain the systems to keep them operational for the year. We are hoping to submit a Bond to do this repair work over the next 5 to 7 years. We have been asked to work within our means. Councilor Flaherty asked in your opinion is it worth it to make the repairs to these old buildings? Mr. McGourty stated that’s a great question. We do not make any investments into a building that I do not think is in the best interest of the Town. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to Table Order 23 025 to the next Committee of Ways & Means meeting Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) May 17, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 5 of 7 • 23 027 Mayor: FY2024 Budget - Continuation of Revolving Funds or take up any action relative thereto (Revolving Accounts on the date Department Head presents Budget) 5/4 Library® 5/9 Golf® 5/10 Department of Public Works® - Recycling 5/16 Dept. of Elder Affairs® 5/16 Municipal Licenses & Inspections® 5/17 Education® Chairman Reynolds explained we have two Revolving Funds from the Schools this evening. There were no questions on the Education Revolving Funds. Motion was read by Councilor Flaherty: MOTION FOR CONTINUATION OF REVOLVING FUNDS R1. That, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, Section 53El/2 of the General Laws, the Town of Braintree hereby sets the maximum amount that may be spent during fiscal year 2024 beginning on July 1, 2024 for the revolving funds established by ordinance for certain departments, boards, committees, agencies or officers, as follows: Revolving Fund Department, Board, FY2024 Spending Limit Committee, Agency or Officer Elder Affairs Services and Department of Elder $30,000 Activities Affairs Immunization Board of Health $50,000 Library Materials Library Trustees $45,000 Library Room Rental Library Trustees $5,000 Recycling Materials Mayor, in conjunction with $4,800 Recycling- Coordinator Household Hazardous Mayor, in conjunction with $50,000 Waste Recycling Coordinator Full Day Kindergarten School Committee $1,100,000 Pro Shop Mayor, in conjunction with $250,000 Director of Golf Operations Food and Beverage Mayor, in conjunction with $500,000 Director of Golf Operations School Bus School Committee $500,000 May 17, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 6 of 7  Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to Favorable Recommendation to the full Council to approve Order 23 027 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) Chairman Reynolds stated the next meeting we will discuss Revenue and Finance. It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:22p.m. by Roll Call Vote. Respectfully submitted, Susan M. Cimino Clerk of the Council Documents provided for Meeting • 23 025 Mayor: FY2024 Operating Budget or take up any action relative thereto • 23 026 Mayor: FY2024 Budget – Community Preservation Committee or take up any action relative thereto • 23 027 Mayor: FY2024 Budget - Continuation of Revolving Funds or take up any action relative thereto May 17, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 7 of 7