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 Tuesday, October 2, 2023 A meeting of the Committee of Ways & Means was held remote via Zoom on Monday, October 2, 2023 at 6:30pm. 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 arrived @6:43pm Meredith Boericke, President (ex-officio) Also Present: Margaret Laforest, Chief of Staff James Arsenault, DPW Director Ed Spellman, Finance Director Rob Millette, BEMA Ben Hulke, Asst. DPW Director Carl Johnson, Historical Commission Will Shreefer, Conservation Commission Approval of Minutes • April 10, 2023 Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to approve the minutes of April 10, 2023. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to approve the minutes of April 10, 2023. Second: by Councilor Reynolds Vote: For (2–Flaherty, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (1 - Maglio), Abstain (0) • April 11, 2023 Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to approve the minutes of April 11, 2023. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to approve the minutes of April 10, 2023. Second: by Councilor Reynolds Vote: For (2–Flaherty, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (1 - Maglio), Abstain (0) October 2, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 1 of 7 Old Business • None New Business • 23 059 Mayor: Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund or take up any action relative thereto (Public Hearing 10/3 at full Council) Chairman Reynolds asked if anyone would like to speak on Order 23 059. Director Arsenault explained for the sixth year in a row, the Town has received money from the Commonwealth's Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund (Fund) "to address the impact of transportation network services on municipal roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure or any other public purpose substantially related to the operation of transportation network services in the city or town including, but not limited to, the complete streets program... and other programs that support alternative modes of transportation." The Fund was established in 2016 and is funded through a statutory per ride assessment on trips conducted by Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) in Massachusetts. In 2022, rideshare companies provided about 60.6 million rides that started in Massachusetts, which is 52.45% increase more than in 2021. Between 2020 and 2021, there was only a 12.5% increase. The total number of rides that initiated in Braintree in 2022 was 380,245, an increase of 29.14% from 2021. Of those rides, 89,878, or 24%, were local rides-or rides that started and ended in Braintree. Based on this data, the total revenue from the Fund that has been allocated to Braintree is $38.024.50. The Town is required to submit a report to the Division no later than December 31, 2023, detailing the projects and the amount used or planned to be used for transportation-related projects, as described above. The intended use of the funds in FY24 is to support the renovation of roadways and education, enforcement and engineering of traffic calming measures. Chairman Reynolds asked if there is a Motion for Order 23 059. Motion read by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council. Motion: That the sum of $38,024.50 received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund be appropriated to Department of Public Works to be spent in accordance with St. 2016, c. 187, s. 8(c)(i). Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to approve Order 23 059 Second: by Councilor Maglio Roll Call Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) October 2, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 2 of 7 • 23 060 Mayor: Opioid Settlement Funds or take up any action relative thereto Chairman Reynolds asked if anyone would like to speak on Order 23 060. Ed Spellman, Finance Director explained as you may recall, in May of 2018, the Town of Braintree initiated the process to take legal action against opioid manufacturers and distributors to hold them accountable for their alleged role in driving the opioid epidemic. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, includes allegations that the defendants falsely trivialized, mischaracterized and failed to disclose the known, serious risks of addiction while promoting the use of opioids in increasingly higher doses without disclosing their greater risks. In 2022, the Attorney General announced that municipalities that sign onto statewide opioid settlements with opioid distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson, opioid-maker Johnson & Johnson, and future statewide opioid settlements, would receive 40% of the abatement funds the state recovers, up from the 15% default allocation provided by the settlements. Thereafter, the settlement administrator for the Johnson & Johnson settlement established a portal for management of funds, including disbursement of payments to involved municipalities. According to the formula negotiated by the parties, the Town is eligible to receive a total of $117,3967.92 in FY24. Municipal abatement funds are subject to strict spending requirements and must be used to address the opioid crisis in a manner that reflects the input of residents of the municipalities, of people who have personal experience with the opioid crisis, of experts in treatment and prevention, and of staff and organizations that are carrying out the abatement work; addresses disparities in existing services and outcomes and improves equity and the health of individuals and communities disadvantaged by race, wealth, and stigma; addresses mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and other behavior health needs that occur together with opioid use disorder; and encourages innovation, fills gaps and fixes shortcomings of existing approaches; includes evidence-based, evidence-informed, and promising programs; and takes advantage of the flexibility that is allowed for these funds. In 2022, under the direction of Lyn Frano, the mayor established an Opioid Settlement Task Force comprised of community stakeholders that will assist with the identification and implementation of appropriate strategies for expenditures from the funds received as a result of the settlements. Chairman Reynolds asked if there is a Motion for Order 23 060. Motion read by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council. Motion: That the Town vote to appropriate $117,397.92 from the Massachusetts State­ Subdivision for Statewide Opioid Settlement Funds to be expended in accordance with the policies set forth therein or take up any action relative thereto. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to approve Order 23 060 Second: by Councilor Maglio Roll Call Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) October 2, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 3 of 7 • 23 064 Mayor: Appointment of Carl Johnson to the Braintree Historical Commission or take up any action relative thereto Chairman Reynolds asked if anyone would like to speak on Order 23 064. Carl Johnson, stated I was asked to be on the Historic Commission. I am very familiar with all the procedures in Chapter 40 that controls district commissions which is now part of the historic commission. Councilors thanked Mr. Johnson for serving in this position and offering your time and service. Chairman Reynolds asked if there is a Motion for Order 23 064. Motion read by Councilor Flaherty 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 sections 3-3 of the Charter of the Town of Braintree to approve the appointment of Carl Johnson to the Braintree Historical Commission. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to approve Order 23 064 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) • 23 065 Mayor: Appointment of Christopher Griffin to the Massachusetts Port Authority Community Advisory Committee or take up any action relative thereto Chairman Reynolds asked if anyone would like to speak on Order 23 065. Margaret Laforest stated Chris Griffin is unable to join us this evening. He is on vacation after a very busy summer of events. This came about from the recommendation of Sandra Kunz who served since 2014. Chris also expressed interest to the Mayor. Councilors thanked Mr. Griffin for serving in this new and different role he is willing to take on. Chairman Reynolds also wanted to thank Sandra Kunz in her representation of our town. Chairman Reynolds asked if there is a Motion for Order 23 065. Motion read by Councilor Flaherty 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 sections 3-3 of the Charter of the Town of Braintree to approve the appointment of Christopher Griffin to the Massachusetts Port Authority Community Advisory Committee. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to approve Order 23 065 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) October 2, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 4 of 7 • 23 066 Mayor: Appointment of Will Schreefer to the Conservation Commission or take up any action relative thereto Chairman Reynolds asked if anyone would like to speak on Order 23 066. Margaret Laforest stated as you can see from Mr. Schreefer’s resume he will bring a wealth of knowledge to this position. Councilors thanked Mr. Schreefer to be willing to do this job. You are highly qualified to do it. Councilors were impressed with his skills and talents. Mr. Schreefer thanked members for the opportunity. Site development is something I have been doing my entire career so it’s a natural fit. Chairman Reynolds asked if there is a Motion for Order 23 066. Motion read by Councilor Flaherty 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 sections 3-3 of the Charter of the Town of Braintree to approve the appointment of Will Schreefer to the Conservation Commission. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to approve Order 23 066 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (3–Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) • 23 067 Mayor: Appointment of Dave Storlazzi to the Planning Board or take up any action relative thereto Chairman Reynolds asked if anyone would like to speak on Order 23 067. Margaret Laforest stated Dave Storlazzi is unable to attend this evening. Dave is a lifelong resident of Braintree. He has owned and operated his family business in the community for over 25 years. The Planning Board is a deep commitment and probably one of the most important boards in our community. Dave has met with the Mayor and has accepted the willingness to serve. Chairman Reynolds stated his disappointment in not receiving a resume with the appointment until this evening. Will Mr. Storlazzi be the alternate or sitting member? Margaret Laforest stated Dave Storlazzi will be a 3 year term as a primary member it does not specify as the alternate. Councilor Flaherty stated we have somebody who has been an alternate for 2 years who has a great deal of technical experience and in her career and is on the board listening and asking relevant questions. It is October 2, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 5 of 7 not a good look to take someone with so little experience and have that person leapfrog a woman more experienced. I could support Mr. Storlazzi as an alternate on this board. Councilor Maglio thanked Mr. Storlazzi for stepping up but not for this board possibly another committee in town. Chairman Reynolds stated I sat on the Planning Board, first elected to that committee in 1993. Right now we have zoning issues in this community that some would say are chaotic. It requires a measured, deliberate kind of approach. There is an opportunity for a person to learn and I applaud Mr. Storlazzi’s willingness to serve the town but I don't believe that his experiences at this point in time qualifies him to be a voting member of the planning board. As an alternate candidate I would not have an issue. I would ask the administration pull this appointment and change it to an alternate. Chairman Reynolds stated I would like to make this vote on how the Motion currently stands and give the Mayor’s office the opportunity to discuss the possible alternate position and have legal weigh in. Margaret Laforest stated this committee can report back that no vote was taken with a request of an update from the administration tomorrow. Councilor Flaherty wanted to add “as an alternate member” to the Motion to vote this evening. Chairman Reynolds asked if there is a Motion for Order 23 067. Motion read by Councilor Flaherty 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 sections 3-3 of the Charter of the Town of Braintree to approve the appointment of Dave Storlazzi to the Planning Board as an alternate member. Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to approve Order 23 067 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (1–Flaherty), Against (2 - Maglio, Reynolds), Absent (0), Abstain (0) October 2, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 6 of 7 • 23 068 Mayor: Acceptance of Donations or take up any action relative thereto Chairman Reynolds asked if anyone would like to speak on Order 23 068. Councilor Maglio stated thankyou for all your help each week at the Farmer’s Market to Rob and Archie. Rob Millette, BEMA was in attendance and was thankful. Chairman Reynolds asked if there is a Motion for Order 23 068. Motion read by Councilor Flaherty for favorable recommendation to the full Council. Motion: That the Town of Braintree be and hereby is authorized, in accordance with Section 53A of Chapter 44 of the Massachusetts General Laws to accept the following gift upon the conditions attached and herein set forth: DONOR GIFT PURPOSE Braintree Farmers Market $500 Braintree Emergency Management Agency Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to approve Order 23 068 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 8:00p.m. by Roll Call Vote. Respectfully submitted, Susan M. Cimino Clerk of the Council Documents provided for Meeting • 23 059 Mayor: Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund or take up any action relative thereto (Public Hearing 10/3) • 23 060 Mayor: Opioid Settlement Funds or take up any action relative thereto • 23 064 Mayor: Appointment of Carl Johnson to the Braintree Historical Commission or take up any action relative thereto • 23 065 Mayor: Appointment of Christopher Griffin to the Massachusetts Port Authority Community Advisory Committee or take up any action relative thereto • 23 066 Mayor: Appointment of Will Schreefer to the Conservation Commission or take up any action relative thereto • 23 067 Mayor: Appointment of Dave Storlazzi to the Planning Board or take up any action relative thereto • 23 068 Mayor: Acceptance of Donations or take up any action relative thereto October 2, 2023 Ways & Means Committee 7 of 7