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/School FSC Minutes Date: February 23, 2021 Time: 5:30 PM Location: Zoom/Remote Participation/LTC PRESENT: Present on Roll Call were C. Elliott, C. Nuon, SC Martin, and SC Descoteaux. Two absent (C. Conway, SC Hoey). Also present were Conor Baldwin (CFO), C. Samaras, Billie Jo Turner (Asst. Supt. Of Schools), C. Chau, C. Mercier, C. Drinkwater, SC Dillion, SC Doherty M. Leahy and Allison Chambers (Asst. CFO). MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: C. Elliott called the meeting to order noting the attendance. ORDER OF BUSINESS: Mr. Baldwin provided update regarding City revenues and expenses during fiscal year and commented on Net School spending and the commitment of the City of going beyond that requirement. Mr. Baldwin noted the conservative budgeting approach by the City and commented on increased federal funding for schools. SC Martin noted the restraints with federal money and C. Elliott commented on limits on spending. Ms. Turner provided presentation entitled “Lowell Public Schools Joint Finance Subcommittee”. The presentation outlined the three sources of revenues for the schools as well as FY21 savings due to remote learning and teachers not in classrooms. Ms. Turner noted most of money would be allotted to salary contracts and fixed costs. Ms. Turner noted money to repair learning losses due to non- classroom education. Ms. Turner noted expenses to repair learning loss would be for extended classroom use and teacher training. C. Mercier questioned which group of students are leaving programs. C. Elliott noted presentation and that there was good information provided. C. Elliott questioned use of money for infrastructure. SC Martin noted upcoming subcommittee on school side which will address those issues. Ms. Turner summarized that the goals are to improve digital learning, add staff, cover covid testing costs, provide air filters and enhance professional development. C. Nuon requested power point be provided to members. City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov  (Page 2 of 2) ADJOURNMENT: Motion to Adjourn by SC Marin, seconded by C. Nuon. So voted. Meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM. Michael Q. Geary, City Clerk City of Lowell • 375 Merrimack Street • Lowell, MA 01852 • www.lowellma.gov