Town Council - Ways & Means Committee

Braintree Town Council MEMBERS Meredith Boericke, Chairwoman Committee of Ways & Means Peter Morin, Vice-Chairman One JFK Memorial Drive Joseph Reynolds, Member Braintree, Massachusetts 02184 Julia Flaherty, Member Elizabeth Maglio, Member MINUTES Wednesday, March 6, 2024 A meeting of the Committee of Ways & Means was held in Johnson Chambers on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 7:00pm. Councilor Reynolds was in the Chair. Clerk of the Council, Susan Cimino conducted the roll call. Present: Meredith Boericke, Chairwoman Peter Morin, Vice-Chairman Joseph Reynolds, Member arrived at Julia Flaherty, Member Elizabeth Maglio, Member Also Present: Erin V. Joyce, Mayor Kara L. Nyman, Chief of Staff/Director of Operations Michael Esmond, Director of Municipal Finance Carolyn Murray, K.P. Law/Town Solicitor Brian Maser, K.P. Law Approval of Minutes • None March 6, 2024 Ways & Means Committee 1 of 3 Old Business • None New Business • 24 010 Mayor: Appointment of Michael Esmond as Director of Municipal Finance or take up any action relative thereto Chairwoman Boericke asked if anyone would like to speak on Order 24 010. Erin V. Joyce, Mayor stated I am before you tonight to offer my appointment of Michael Esmond as Director of Municipal Finance. Mr. Esmond wrote “I write with great interest and enthusiasm to submit my resume for your consideration for the Finance Director opening currently listed on the Town of Braintree’s website. As a resident of the town and a senior financial professional, I view the opportunity as an unparalleled chance to link my career interests and experience with the community that I live in.” I believe Michael will bring professional knowledge and background. He is astutely aware of the challenges that communities like Braintree face. Councilor Morin stated I find him imminently qualified. I think he brings he brings a fresh prospective to the Town. He seems to be insightful in addressing our serious issues regarding our finances and our budget. I think he will be a valuable resource. Councilor Maglio stated how will you translate past positions into municipal finance. What are the kinds of things you will be looking for. Michael Esmond stated first is to file the mayor’s budget on time. In the longer term is to align with the strategic vision of the mayor, town council and the residents. Councilor Reynolds asked about living in the town. Michael Esmond stated I have been here since 2020. With a child in the schools I get to see in real life what the people in the schools do. I have been in the schools and see what our dollars have been able to do. Councilor Reynolds asked about intake of revenue vs borrowing. Any ideas you have? Michael Esmond stated even in the decisions you make now must go back to the visions of fiscal responsibility and approaches. The goal is to balance and make tough decisions in the beginning and to stay on track with the larger vision. Councilor Flaherty asked what excites you about municipal finance in Braintree. Michael Esmond stated this is an opportunity to lead a team and be part of something to make a difference in the long-term plans and put us in solid financial footing. Chairwoman Boericke asked that you please provide the budget in a searchable format. Chairwoman Boericke asked if there is a Motion for Order 24 010. March 6, 2024 Ways & Means Committee 2 of 3 Motion read by Councilor Morin for favorable recommendation to the full Council. Motion: Upon the request of her honor, the Mayor, the Town of Braintree, through the Braintree Town Council, and in accordance with sections 3-3 and 2-10 of the Charter of the Town of Braintree to approve the appointment of Michael Esmond as Director of Municipal Finance. Motion: by Councilor Morin to approve Order 24 010 Second: by Councilor Flaherty Vote: For (5–Boericke, Flaherty, Maglio, Morin, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) • 24 011 Mayor: Appointment of K.P. Law as Town Solicitor or take up any action relative thereto Chairwoman Boericke asked if anyone would like to speak on Order 24 011. Erin V. Joyce, Mayor stated before you is the recommendation to bring on K.P. Law as our town legal advisors. We decided for the time being to move away from an in-house town solicitor. The firm K.P. Law has a long history of working with the Town of Braintree, especially Carolyn Murray. She has a lot of familiarity with our issues. Councilor Maglio asked what does this look like. How involved do you get with the day to day issues. Carolyn Murray stated we work as a team. Brian is here and is one of the partners in the labor and employment group. We put together a small group within the firm. I will be your primary contact. If there is a need to be here for something I make myself available. Chairwoman Boericke asked if there is a Motion for Order 24 011. Motion read by Councilor Morin for favorable recommendation to the full Council. Motion: Upon the request of her honor, the Mayor, the Town of Braintree, through the Braintree Town Council, and in accordance with sections 3-3 and 2-10 of the Charter of the Town of Braintree to approve the appointment of K.P. Law as Town Solicitor. Motion: by Councilor Morin to approve Order 24 011 Second: by Councilor Flaherty Vote: For (5–Boericke, Flaherty, Maglio, Morin, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (0), Abstain (0) It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:27p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan M. Cimino Clerk of the Council Documents provided for Meeting • 24 010 Mayor: Appointment of Michael Esmond as Director of Municipal Finance or take up any action relative thereto • 24 011 Mayor: Appointment of K.P. Law as Town Solicitor or take up any action relative thereto March 6, 2024 Ways & Means Committee 3 of 3