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 Monday, May 5, 2025 A meeting of the Committee of Ways & Means was held in Cahill Auditorium on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 6:00pm. Councilor Boericke was in the Chair. Clerk of the Council, Susan Cimino conducted the roll call. Present: Meredith Boericke, Chairwoman Joseph Reynolds, Member Julia Flaherty, Member Elizabeth Maglio, Member Not Present: Peter Morin, Vice-Chairman Also Present: Kara Nyman, Chief of Staff Michael Esmond, Director of Municipal Finance Terri Stano, Library Director Laurie Cavanaugh, Assistant Library Director Sharmila Biswas, Director Elder Affairs Christopher Shipps, HR Director Jeffrey Kunz, Library Trustee Approval of Minutes • None Old Business • None May 5, 2025 Ways & Means Committee 1 of 10 New Business A Public Hearing on the Town Budget, allowing public comment, will be held on Tuesday, May 27 at 7pm. Please email written statements or your questions to towncouncil@braintreema.gov These meetings will be televised and recorded on BCAM TV cable/YouTube. • 25 018 Mayor: FY2026 Operating Budget or take up any action relative thereto Chairwoman Boericke asked if there was a Motion to Take off the Table Order 25 018 Motion by Councilor Flaherty to Take off the Table Order 25 018 Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to Take off the Table Order 25 018 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (4–Boericke, Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (1-Morin), Abstain (0) 610 Library 541 Elder Affairs 152 Human Resources 121 Mayors Office 610 - Library FY2025 Budget, Terri Stano - Library Director The Thayer Public Library FY26 budget aligns with the minimum standards required for certification in the state aid to public libraries award program. The Thayer Public Library is an essential resource supporting life-long learning, providing quality services, and creating connections to the community in an accessible and equitable environment for all. The librarians and staff dedicated significant efforts to achieve several goals outlined in the strategic plan. The goals are included in the FY26 budget overview. Library Achievements - 44% increase in program attendance. - 52% increase in usage of electronic resources. - The library celebrated its 150th anniversary with diverse programs for all age groups. - Library trustees partnered with Aaron Cohen Associates for a space needs assessment. - Additional exterior lighting was installed, funded by the Library Friends Board. Priorities for FY26 - Expand programming and increase attendance. - Promote collections and online learning platforms. - Prioritize library space needs. Challenges - Anticipate challenges regarding the impact of federal funding cuts. - Recent cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Science (IMLS) have already affected resources and grants. - The library was denied the $4,000 Explore grant to enhance the English Conversation Circle program and increase material resources for the World Language section. - Waiting to see how the cuts will affect the statewide database program. - Federal funds also help support the statewide library ebook and audiobook program. May 5, 2025 Ways & Means Committee 2 of 10 Many individuals have come out in support of their town libraries: - "My parents mind my 4 year old son during the week while I am working. One of their favorite activities with him is to go into the library to pick out books. He loves it so much and would be heartbreaking to see their resources reduced for so many people who utilize it." - "The library is important to my family. I'm a single mother with a son of walls who is in head stock. The library is crucial to us. We often depend on the library for educational books as well as books to borrow each week." The library is not what we have for people, but what we do for and with people. The library is a place where people connect, gather, learn, and socialize. The Thayer Public Library remains optimistic due to the support of the Town Council, Mayor's Office, Board of Library Trustees, and Friends of the Library. We are committed to ensuring the library remains a vital resource. Chairwoman Boericke read the names of the Library Trustees who are elected community members who give their time and talent to serve us all: Ann Toland, Chair Jeffrey Kunz, Vice Chair Christian VanDerslice, Treasurer John Pelose, Secretary Timothy Carey, Member Laura Colpus, Member Rachel Duffy, Member Meg Morton, Member Patricia Pilgrim, Member Councilor Flaherty gave her support to the library and thanked them for all they do. She stated the library is very important to her family, especially when the kids were little and spending time in the Children’s section. Councilor Maglio asked about the Federal Cuts. Director Stano stated there are grants we apply to but when the federal money was cut so no more staff to trickle down and send the grant money of $4,000 to us. Some of the ebooks and databases are federally funded and those could disappear. Federal funding enhances us so we can buy more. Councilor Reynolds stated you had a good year in FY25. Did you add staff? Director Stano stated we did add some back staff that we lost. We are running efficiently. We are open 64 hours a week. We can’t leave only one staff on a floor. Chairwoman Boericke stated you and your staff do an unbelievable job. The library is for everyone. It is like the epitome of democracy. Our library funding to maintain our accreditation is based on a formula. We are $156 away from losing our accreditation. The mayor said she would support educational excellence. This budget for our town library which supports the educational excellence for every single person in our community is insufficient and a big disappointment. Right now the average resident is paying eleven cents per day for our library. I don’t think that’s enough. $42 per person per year to access endless amounts of resources, cultural experiences, educational opportunities, a safe and welcoming environment for every single person in our community. I think we can do better. May 5, 2025 Ways & Means Committee 3 of 10 541 Department of Elder Affairs, Sharmila Biswas - Director Sharmila Biswas, Director of the Department of Elder Affairs, stated we are a small department but the impact on Braintree is not small. We have an impact on the older residents of Braintree. Some individuals come every day for hours. Some live alone. Some have a lot of impairments but this is their place where they are not lonely and they are not isolated. We have a lot of programs and coordination with a lot of organizations. We had a slight increase in the budget due to two reclassifications. We increased building repair and water and sewer. Councilor Flaherty stated you have the smallest budget of them all with the exception of the Town Council. The population you serve is some of the most vulnerable people in town. You are working with people who are in very difficult circumstances and you are also working with people to prevent them from becoming faced with the same difficult circumstances. You are our community builders. It is important to recognize the value of. Director Biswas stated they did receive a grant to get a new van in fall 2026. Councilor Maglio stated she is concerned about the federal cuts including possible cuts to elders health insurance. Director Biswas stated we do have two insurance counselors called the shine counselors who serve health insurance needs for elders (we call them older adults now). From South Shore Elders we have someone called a benefits counselor who will provide guidance on how to get social security or how to navigate through the process. Councilor Reynolds asked about the Administrative/Clerical line items on the Elder Affairs budget. Councilor Reynolds stated I see you are down some $16,000 and I also see you have a couple of positions that have been upgraded. Director Esmond stated last year we had partial funding for a position that had not been filled since 2023 so in this year’s budget we are not filling that but moved forward with doing some reclassifications for a couple of the staff members that are there and allow Sharmila and her team to maintain and grow services for the residents and seniors they serve. Director Biswas stated I am thankful to the mayor’s office for the reclassifications were really needed. These two positions do a tremendous amount of work. Councilor Reynolds asked about the Elder Affair building and is there any new issues? Director Biswas stated they are having problems with the front door. I would like to speak with the Facilities and see if they can fix it. I am currently looking at grants to request a modernization of the front area. We have a grant that pays for our part-time Asian outreach coordinator, van driver, and the receptionist. We are lucky to have our State Delegation who are very supportive. Chairwoman Boericke asked about the budget under the trends/metrix table and the Asian outreach calls in FY23 and FY24 are more than what is anticipated in FY26. Why is this? Director Biswas stated I will have to get back to you after I speak with our outreach person. Chairwoman Boericke asked if we have a strategic plan for the Elder Affairs building? Director Biswas stated right now I do not think so. The big room was my project and opened December 1, 2017. During exercises I do think we need more room and to expand the center. May 5, 2025 Ways & Means Committee 4 of 10 152 - Human Resources FY2026 Budget, Christopher Shipps - HR Director Director Esmond stated the Human Resources budget is essentially level funded across all the major programs. The payroll function is now through the Treasurer’s office and not the HR department. There has been a considerable increase year-over-year in the retirement, vacation, sick leave and sick conversion accounts. They are very hard to predict. When long-time employees leave many will receive a large one-time payout for vacation and if they’re retiring potentially and whether they are eligible for sick leave benefits. A lot of the time it is not known until we’re within the year. On the Employee Benefits, that’s 95% of the HR budget. It is really your pension and your healthcare appropriations that make up the bulk of that amount. The growth is about 1%. Veterans line is not being cut it is the year-over-year trend we are not needing as much but if we do we would certainly add to that line. Celebrations is level funded from FY25 to FY26. Director Esmond explained the pension funding will grow at 7.1%. Pensions will be a focus as we pay down and address that long-term liability to get to 100% funded by FY34. Healthcare -the town operates healthcare for our active employees and retired employees through the health insurance trust fund or our medical trust. The town appropriates funding into the trust and that trust also receives contributions from employees and retirees as well as from the Enterprise funds (Water/Sewer and BELD). Christopher Shipps, HR Director stated the increase of health insurance costs for this year went up by 5%. We also have robust choices of plans. Councilor Maglio stated I am interested in the upcoming negotiations. Councilor Reynolds asked about the Veteran benefits and they are primarily about the 115. I understand reduced funding is due to the number of Veterans requesting benefits has dropped. There are efforts at the state level from an outreach standpoint to get some of our younger generation of veterans who are not taking advantage of these benefits. Is the VSO still an open position? Director Shipps stated yes that position is still open. We need a VSO who is proactive and reaching out to our community at all levels. Councilor Reynolds asked about the Veteran’s VSO position and noticed the grade level has been increased. Director Shipps stated yes that is correct. Councilor Reynolds stated there are some programs in the state that they are offering in terms of discounts for property tax for our veteran community. There is also one for our automobile excise tax. It is my understanding the town could waive a automobile tax excise for a qualified veteran and the state would pick up the cost and reimburse the town. Director Esmond stated that is my understanding too councilor. Councilor Reynolds stated I would be interested in working with the mayor’s office on that. May 5, 2025 Ways & Means Committee 5 of 10 Councilor Reynolds asked about the Foster Veteran’s Center – wondering the status of that building costs/maintenance/utilization. I want to see a robust center. That might be a better question for our Facilities team. Director Shipps stated VSO would be a key voice in which direction to go on this. Chairwoman Boericke stated one question I asked prior to this meeting was on reclassifications. That information just came down to us at 5:30pm tonight. I would like to reserve the potential opportunity to bring you back on that Director Shipps after we have time to review it. Chairwoman Boericke stated the mayor mentioned her budget is based on a presumed 2% COLA increase for all of our town employees who are up for contract negotiations. We know our people are our most important asset also our largest part of the budget. Do we have a plan B? Director Esmond stated it is probably a little early. To put it in perspective an additional 1% is a million dollars roundly. Our position around discussions is a lot about affordability. It is too early to say how we would fund an alternate outcome. Chairwoman Boericke stated to add to Councilor Reynolds statements about the veteran benefits; we may want to consider adding an outreach goal for 2026. People are entitled to these benefits for their service. We should make sure they know about it and can access those. 121 - Mayors Office, Kara Nyman - COS Kara Nyman, Chief of Staff stated the Mayor’s Department budget is around $449,000 which is a 1% increase from FY25. This funds 4 full-time positions. We also have the Economic Development Manager this year. His position is funded through a grant through the state. Director Esmond stated there is also $10,000 funded in a line item for our Civic Plus website update. Councilor Reynolds asked how long the grant is for the Economic Development Manager. Director Esmond stated it is good through June 30, 2026. Councilor Reynolds mentioned a goal of the Mayor’s Department is economic development. I would be interested in the measurements of that as the fiscal year goes forward. Councilor Reynolds ask was the Communications Coordinator position upgraded as well? Chief of Staff Nyman stated it will be. Our current person is leaving for law school. We changed the grade from M5 to M11 to reflect the job responsibilities and to attract more highly qualified candidates to this role. Councilor Maglio asked about goal #2 information accuracy and the updating of the town website (page 64). That is a huge task. Do we have funding for web software? Is it going to be someone’s dedicated job? What is the plan/cost/and how is it reflected in the budget? Chief of Staff Nyman stated it is Civic Plus which was added to the printing line item in the Mayor’s office. Director Esmond stated it is a big job. The software license is funded in the Finance IT program. The funding in the Mayor’s office would allow us to do some redesign/consulting work. Right now we administer/control our own content. May 5, 2025 Ways & Means Committee 6 of 10 Chairwoman Boericke asked if the Economic Development Manager, if that grant expires at the end of FY26 is the plan then to get that salary in the budget for FY27? Director Esmond stated I don’t know we’ve yet identified what the plan was whether alternative funding or absorbed by the town. We see this as a critical need in the moment and would be strongly on consideration particularly when we start to see some of the metrics as this is an important part of our growth strategy. The grant could possibly be extended. Chairwoman Boericke stated a hope for next year that I do not see anywhere in the budget is the importance of our environment. I hope that we can be moving to a place where we are thinking more strategically about how environmental efforts are good for the economy, the earth, our residents and they really touch every single department. Accounting throwing out paper, Schools throwing out trash, so forth and down to BELD with solar installations. I hope we can think more strategically and long term about that. Chairwoman Boericke asked if there was a Motion to Table Order 25 018 to the next Committee of Ways & Means meeting. Councilor Flaherty made the Motion to Table Order 25 018 Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to Table Order 25 018 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (4–Boericke, Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (1 - Morin), Abstain (0) • 25 019 Mayor: FY2026 Budget – Community Preservation Committee or take up any action relative thereto (no action this evening) Chairwoman Boericke asked if there was a Motion to Take off the Table Order 25 019 Councilor Flaherty made the Motion to Take off the Table Order 25 019 Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to Take off the Table Order 25 019 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (4–Boericke, Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (1-Morin), Abstain (0) To be presented by Planning Director on May 7, 2025. No action required this evening. Councilor Flaherty made the Motion to Table Order 25 019 Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to Table Order 25 019 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (4–Boericke, Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (1-Morin), Abstain (0) May 5, 2025 Ways & Means Committee 7 of 10 • 25 020 Mayor: FY2026 Budget - Continuation of Revolving Funds or take up any action relative thereto (no action this evening) Chairwoman Boericke asked if there was a Motion to Take off the Table Order 25 020 Councilor Flaherty made the Motion to Take off the Table Order 25 020 Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to Table Order 25 020 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (4–Boericke, Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (1 - Morin), Abstain (0) Councilors reviewed the Revolving Funds for the Library and the Department of Elder Affairs this evening. There were no questions from Council members. MOTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 CONTINUATION OF REVOLVING FUNDS R1. That, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, Section 53E1/2 of the General Laws, the Town of Braintree hereby sets the maximum amount that may be spent during Fiscal Year 2026 beginning on July 1, 2025 for the revolving funds established by ordinance for certain departments, boards, committees, agencies or officers, as follows: Revolving Fund Department, Board, FY2026 Spending Limit Committee, Agency or Officer Elder Affairs Services and Department of Elder Affairs $30,000 Activities (Fund 3002) Immunization (Fund 3001) Board of Health $50,000 Library Materials (Fund 3006) Library Trustees $45,000 Library Room Rental (Fund 3007) Library Trustees $5,000 Recycling Materials (Fund 3004) Mayor, in conjunction with $4,800 Recycling Coordinator Household Hazardous Waste (Fund Mayor, in conjunction with $50,000 3005) Recycling Coordinator Full Day Kindergarten (Fund 1008) School Committee $1,100,000 Pro Shop (Fund 7103) Mayor, in conjunction with $300,000 Director of Golf Operations Food and Beverage (Fund 7104) Mayor, in conjunction with $700,000 Director of Golf Operations School Bus (Fund 2011) School Committee $500,000 Tree Replacement (Fund 3013) Mayor, in conjunction with $100,000 Department of Public Works Building Maintenance (Fund TBD) Mayor, in conjunction with $200,000 Department of Public Works Councilor Flaherty made the Motion to Table Order 25 020 Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to Table Order 25 020 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (4–Boericke, Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (1 - Morin), Abstain (0) May 5, 2025 Ways & Means Committee 8 of 10 • 25 025 Mayor: Increase Maximum Household Senior Work Off Program Amount or take up any action relative thereto Chairwoman Boericke asked if anyone would like to speak on this. Director Esmond stated last August 2024 the mayor filed to increase the per household allowance in any fiscal year and the total budget for this program. We looked at the program this year and filed an increase to the per household amount which would increase it from $1,500 to $2,000 and request authorization to increase the total program funding from $50,000 to $75,000. This is an important program that Director Biswas and her team oversee and administer. Director Biswas stated thank you to Chris Shipps, HR Director in making the application for this senior work off program application much easier. We have about 31 people enrolled and serve different departments. People who are retired are all on a fixed income and do need the extra help. Chairwoman Boericke stated I hear from seniors who have property wealth but not cash on hand wealth. It is important to reach seniors with these important programs that drive to increase socio-economic equity in our community. Often times the people with means are the ones who know about the program. If tax payer dollars are used for this we need to make sure we are representing at large our communities. No matter what education level you attained, you have something to offer. We want to make sure we are reaching all our residents. Is there a plan. Chairwoman Boericke asked if it was thought of keeping the $1,500 per household but still increase the entire program to $75,000 because that way you could go from 31 people to 50 people versus 31 to 37. This would only accommodate 6 more people in this program. Director Esmond stated we are addressing this because we feel we are somewhat behind other communities that have adopted this option. We expect not every household would take advantage. It is a meaningful number of hours. We are not means testing it currently. We are not capping it currently at a lower amount. We would be looking at how this is utilized. This is only ever going to touch a subset of seniors in Braintree that are able, capable, willing and interested in being able to volunteer their time through work. We have to continue to identify ways that we would be able to offer relief to other seniors and veterans as well. This can’t be the only program. Chairwoman Boericke asked do we have a Motion for Order 25 025? Motion made by Councilor Flaherty for Favorable Recommendation to the full Council: Motion: That the Town of Braintree’s senior work off program, as authorized by Chapter 59, Section 5K of Massachusetts General Law, shall increase the annual household cap for reduced tax obligations to $2,000; further, that the amount of such reduced property tax obligations shall not exceed $75,000 in Fiscal Year 2026; and, further, that abatements under the senior work off program will be paid from the Allowance for Abatements and Exemptions Account. Councilor Flaherty made the Motion to approve Order 25 025 Motion: by Councilor Flaherty to approve Order 25 025 Second: by Councilor Maglio Vote: For (4–Boericke, Flaherty, Maglio, Reynolds), Against (0), Absent (1 - Morin), Abstain (0) May 5, 2025 Ways & Means Committee 9 of 10 It was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:30p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan M. Cimino Clerk of the Council Documents provided for Meeting Budget file linked here: https://www.braintreema.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15581/FY2026-Budget-Document • 25 018 Mayor: FY2026 Operating Budget • 25 019 Mayor: FY2026 Budget – Community Preservation Committee • 25 020 Mayor: FY2026 Budget - Continuation of Revolving Funds • 25 025 Mayor: Increase Maximum Household Senior Work Off Program Amount May 5, 2025 Ways & Means Committee 10 of 10