City Council Finance Sub Committee

Office of the City Clerk City Hall • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 P: 978.674.4161 • F: 978.970.4007 www.LowellMA.gov Lowell City Council Michael Q. Geary City Clerk Finance SC Minutes Date: October 20, 2020 Time: 5:30 PM Location: Zoom/Council Chamber PRESENT: Present on Roll Call were Chairman Elliott and C. Nuon, 1 absent (C. Conway). Also present Conor Baldwin (CFO), Allison Chambers (Asst. CFO), C. Mercier, Tina Masiello (Auditor), Chris Haley (DPW-Recycling) and Manager Donoghue. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: C. Elliott called the meeting to order commenting on motion regarding PILOT agreement with Lowell Housing Authority (LHA) as well as trash collection for their units. ORDER OF BUSINESS: C. Elliott noted the audits being conducted regarding trash contamination with the LHA and noted that there would be discussions with that agency regarding resolving issues in the future. Manager Donoghue commented on the existing PILOT agreement with LHA and the history of same noting it was entered into during a different era and would need revisions. Mr. Baldwin made presentation assisted by Ms. Chambers entitled “Topic: Discussion – The Lowell Housing Authority PILOT in Place and Contaminated Trash Issue (Per C. Elliott Motion 10/13/20). C. Elliott noted that the barrels provided to LHA were purchased by the City. Mr. Baldwin outlined topics in the presentation which included; solid waste subsidies (revenues and costs), PILOT agreement, LHA recycling services, LHA contamination and LHA costs scenarios. Mr. Baldwin noted the future effect on taxpayers in the future to cover these costs. C. Elliott noted that recycling markets are expensive. Manager Donoghue noted more contamination means higher costs. C. Elliott noted the need to identify where these costs are originating. Mr. Baldwin outlined the process of payments under the LHA PILOT program. Mr. Baldwin outlined the financial dynamics of the LHA with the City and outlined different scenarios regarding payments of the LHA if requested that they reimburse for trash and recycling. C. Nuon noted that there is contamination from LHA trash and the issue needs to be addressed so that taxpayers don’t feel that burden and that discussions with agency are needed. C. Elliott noted PILOT was executed City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 2) many years prior and needs updating and that trash audit will assist with setting parameters. Manager Donoghue commented on City and vendor trash audits. C. Mercier noted that times have changed and agreement needs to coincide with needs. C. Elliott noted Manager should have discussion with LHA and come back before the subcommittee to resolve issues. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to recess by C. Nuon, seconded by C. Elliott. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 6:06 PM. Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov