Finance Committee

FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes of the Meeting February 3, 2025 1. Chairman LaFauci called the meeting to order at 9:15pm in the City Council Chamber. 2. Chairman LaFauci requested that a roll call be taken to record the attendance for the meeting. The Clerk called the roll – Committee members VP LaCava, LeBlanc, McMenimen, Vidal, and LaFauci were all present in-person. 3. VP LaCava moved to accept the minutes of the meeting held on January 21, 2025. The motion was adopted on a voice vote and the minutes of the meeting on January 21, 2025 were accepted. 4. Councillor McMenimen moved to hear from all individuals with an item on the agenda – Purchasing Agent Crystal Philpott, Recreation Director Kimberly Hebert, Building Maintenance Director Jon Millian, Fire Chief Andrew Mullin, PW Director Michael Chiasson, and City Engineer Robert Winn. The motion was adopted on a voice vote. 5. A request was received from the Mayor to accept the donation of a 50th anniversary Warrendale Little League baseball cap from Alan Humbert to be displayed in the City Hall Museum Room. VP LaCava moved approval to accept the donation. The motion was adopted on a voice vote. 6. A request was received from the Mayor to approve the appropriation in the amount of $36,000 to fund an environmental study at the Withington Hall and Farrell Hall buildings located at the 200 Trapelo Road property. Councillor McMenimen recused herself from this matter and the next matter pertaining to the property due to the proximity of her residence. The scope of the work will include a pre-demo hazmat survey, an asbestos and lead paint environmental report, and the technical specifications required for the abatement at each building. FROM: Unreserved Fund Balance #001-000-3590-3590 $36,000 TO: Building-Environmental Study #001-192-5800-6620 $36,000 Ms. Philpott gave an overview of the project and scope of work, including the background of each building. VP LaCava asked questions about the impending demolition as a result of the study. Councillors Vidal, LeBlanc, off-committee Bradley-MacArthur and Chair LaFauci asked follow up questions about the demolition phase of the project. VP LaCava asked about the number of contributing buildings on the property. VP LaCava moved to approve the appropriation of $36,000. The motion was adopted on a voice vote. 7. A request was received from the Mayor to approve an appropriation in the amount of $236,160 from Unreserved Fund Balance to renovate the Trapelo Cottage, a contributing building, at the 190 Trapelo Road property. Attached is a cost proposal that was received from the City’s carpentry vendor, JT Haffey Builders. FROM: Unreserved Fund Balance #001-000-3590-3590 $236,160 TO: Building – 190 Trapelo Rd #001-192-5800-6287 $236,160 Mr. Millian gave an explanation of the scope of the work, detailing the specific exterior improvements to be made and the need for additional funds for the eventual interior improvements, VP LaCava expressed concerns about the existing condition of the building and the need to preserve it. Councillor Vidal asked questions about the intended use of the building and its interior size. Councillors LeBlanc, off-committee Bradley-MacArthur and Chair LaFauci asked follow up questions about the cost, security and the roof. Councillor LeBlanc moved to approve the appropriation of $236,160. The motion was adopted on a voice vote. 8. A request was received from the Mayor to approve an appropriation in the amount of $57,015.13 from Unreserved Fund Balance. These funds will be used for the following building improvement projects at the Senior Center Building. Attached are copies of the proposals that were received from the City’s carpentry vendor, JT Haffey Builders. Senior Center – Remove & repair soffit, fascia, gutter $13,016.45 Senior Center – Remove & install window trim (Main St side) $11,355.58 Senior Center – Heard Street Entrance Doors (solid core) $32,643.10 Total $57,015.13 FROM: Unreserved Fund Balance #001-000-3590-3590 $57,015.13 TO: Building – Senior Center #001-192-5800-6268 $57,015.13 Mr. Millian gave a detailed explanation of the proposed work and the need for the improvements. VP LaCava and Councillor Vidal asked questions on the choice of vendor and the expected start date of the work. Councillor Vidal moved to approve the appropriation of $57,015.13. The motion was adopted on a voice vote. 9. A request was received from the Mayor to approve the acceptance of a grant in the amount of $35,000 from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to purchase fire safety equipment for the Waltham Fire Department. Upon questions from Councillor Vidal and McMenimen, Chief Mullin explained the intended use of the funds and that it  has been a recurring grant for a number of years. VP LaCava moved to approve the acceptance of the grant of $35.000. The motion was adopted on a voice vote. 10. A request was received from the Mayor to approve the transfer of funds in the amount of $31,000 to pay for the rental of a sewer jet truck for two months. The 2019 International Sewer Jet truck is currently experiencing mechanical issues and is in the shop pending a diagnostic assessment and repair. FROM: Sewer - Service Repairs #600-440-5400-5394-49 $31,000 TO: Sewer – Equipment Rentals #600-440-5200-5276 $31,000 Mr. Chiasson explained the reasons for the needed repairs and the need for the rental while the repairs were made. Upon questions from VP LaCava, Mr. Chiasson stated it could take up to two months, hopefully less for the repair and rental period. VP LaCava moved to approve the transfer of $31,000. The motion was adopted on a voice vote. 11. A communication was received from the Mayor concerning the Farwell Street Bridge over the Charles River. Mr. Winn explained the City would be responsible for the design and the State DOT would be responsible for the construction phase. VP LaCava asked questions about the recent work performed by the gas company and the expected time frame to complete the design and construction. Councillor McMenimen asked questions about any historical impacts and the need to research. Councillor LeBlanc asked if Chapter 90 funds could be used as a funding source for the project. Off-committee Councillor Logan gave a brief history of the bridge, including its naming, historical significance, and its art deco style. Several Councillors asked questions about the traffic impact and what steps will be taken to mitigate traffic issues. Chair LaFauci asked if the bridge could be constructed offsite and then placed at the site. VP LaCava moved to table the matter. The motion was adopted on a voice vote. 12. A motion by Councillor Vidal to adjourn was adopted on a voice vote and Chairman LaFauci declared the meeting adjourned at 10:15pm. Paul G. Centofanti – Clerk to the Finance Committee