Finance Committee

City of Fitchburg Massachusetts 01420 CITY COUNCIL Councilors at Large President Ward Councilors Marcus L. DiNatale Michael P. Kushmerek Ward 1 – Bernard J. Schultz, III Amy L. Green Ward 2 – Paul R. Beauchemin Michael P. Kushmerek Vice President Ward 3 – Andrew J. Couture Samantha M. Squailia Elizabeth R. Walsh Ward 4 – Andrew J. Van Hazinga Anthony M. Zarrella Ward 5 – Marisa R. Fleming Ward 6 – Elizabeth R. Walsh Finance Committee A meeting of the Finance Committee was held over the Zoom platform and live streamed at FATV Studios on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. The meeting was called to order by Chairman DiNatale at 6:03 PM. Committee Members present: Councilors Paul Beauchemin, Marcus DiNatale, Michael Kushmerek, and Elizabeth Walsh. Councilor Anthony Zarrella arrived late. Committee Members absent: None. The chairman opened the meeting for public comment. No one had registered to speak. 214-20 ORDER: that the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the FEMA 2020 Assistance to Firefighter supplemental grant in the approximate amount of $4,582.00 (FOUR THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY- TWO AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to purchase additional PPE and disinfecting supplies to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. Discussion: The chairman read a letter from Fire Chief Anthony Marrama dated Oct. 6, 2020. Action: Motion to approve made by Councilor Kushmerek and second by Councilor Walsh. Approved: Roll call vote—Beauchemin (Yes), DiNatale (Yes), Kushmerek (Yes), and Walsh (Yes). Councilor Anthony Zarrella arrived at the meeting. 215-20 ORDER: that the City of Fitchburg hereby approves the expenditure of funds from the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program grant in the approximate amount of $81,420.00 (EIGHTY-ONE THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY AND 00/100 DOLLARS) for the purpose of said grant, which is to improve the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services for law enforcement. Discussion: Police Chief Ernest Martineau was present. The chairman read a letter from Chief Martineau dated October 5, 2020. Chief Martineau stated that this federal grant was awarded to 41 departments, 3 in Massachusetts, and is much needed during these times as it helps officers develop the skills needed to survive in this climate. The grant will allow the department to offer train the trainer sessions to forces across Worcester County. Action: Motion to approve made by Councilor Beauchemin and second by Councilor Walsh. Approved: Roll call vote—Beauchemin (Yes), DiNatale (Yes), Kushmerek (Yes), Walsh (Yes), and Zarrella (Yes). 216-20 ORDER: that there be and hereby is appropriated the sum of SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE THOUSAND, ONE HUNDRED NINE AND 06/100 DOLLARS ($755,109.06) same to be charged against RESERVED FOR APPROPRIATION, INSURANCE RECOVERIES OVER $150,000 and credited to SCHOOL EXPENSES. Discussion: School Superintendent Robert Jokela and School Director of Finance & Operations Craig Chalifoux were present. The chairman read a letter from Mr. Chalifoux dated October 6, 2020. Mr. Chalifoux stated that the funds will be used for a new reading program for elementary students. Mr. Jokela thanked City Solicitor Vincent Pusateri for his assistance in getting this insurance payment from the city’s insurer MIIA for the city’s out of pocket expenses related to the damage at Crocker School several winters ago. These funds are a reimbursement for rental of school space and busing to the rented school. The capital cost of repairing the Crocker School damage was paid directly by the insurance company. Councilors asked why we spent money on a school that is now possibly going to be torn down. Mr. Jokela replied that the city is working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority to replace the Crocker School, but is not sure how long the project will take and the department needs the classroom space. Councilors noted that the work has already been done, and between the time of the damage and the time when a new school will be open, the city is gaining five or more years of use of that classroom space. Councilors asked about the temporary boiler being rented at the school. The chairman suggested that that question was not germane to the current item, but may be better directed to a future loan order anticipated for when the building project comes before City Council for funding. Accepting the check and appropriating the funds to the School Department through this order will complete the repair project from the winter damage. Action: Motion to approve made by Councilor Kushmerek and second by Councilor Walsh. Approved: Roll call vote—Beauchemin (Yes), DiNatale (Yes), Kushmerek (Yes), Walsh (Yes), and Zarrella (Yes). Motion to adjourn made by Councilor Walsh, second by Councilor Zarrella. Approved by unanimous consent. The meeting adjourned at 6:20 PM. Respectfully submitted, Calvin D. Brooks, Clerk