HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-17 Finance Committee Minutes °ra RECEIVE
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Finance Committee
Date: 2021-03-17 Tme: 7:00 PM
Building: Location:
Address: Session: Open Session
Purpose: Open Session - Remote Meeting Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Chair Ed Ross, Vice Chair Dan Dewar, Nick Bolvin, Jeanne Borawski, Eric
Burkhart, Marianne Downing, Andrew Mclauchlan, Mark Zarrow
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Town and School Staff: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Assessor Victor
Santanlello, Facilities Director Joe Huggins, Library Director Amy Lannon,
Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom, School CFO Gall Dowd, School
Superintendent John Doherty, Administrative Services Director Matt
Kraunelis, Assistant School Superintendent Jennifer Stys, Assistant Town
Manager Jean Delios, DPW Director Jane Kinsella, Assistant DPW Director
Chris Cole, Assistant Facilities Director Kevin Cabuzzl, Assistant Fire Chief
Paul Jackson, Fire Chief Greg Bums, Police Chief David Clark;
School Committee Members: Carla Nazzaro, John Parks, Chair Chuck
Robinson;
Select Board Members: Carlo Bacci, Chair Mark Dockser;
Public: Bob Holmes
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde
Topics of Discussion:
This meeting was held remotely via Zoom.
Chair Ed Ross called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Vote Town Meetina Warrant Articles (Includina Budget):
Town Manager Bob Lel-acheur reviewed the Warrant Articles that require the vote of the
Finance Committee.
Article Article seeks to amend the Capital Plan. For FY22, changes include: $250,000 for OPM
and design for replacement of the High School turf field and track; $250,000 for OPM and
design for replacement of the Parker Middle School roof; $50,000 for downtown energy
efficient projects; -$50,000, as Facilities used a surplus in FY21 to purchase a Bobcat Skid
Steer; and -$125,000, as Town Hall no longer needs a generator after moving the Health
Division refrigerator to the Police Station, which already has a generator. This article does
not fund Capital, rather it just changes the Capital Plan.
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On a motion by Mr. Dewar, and seconded by Ms. Borawski, the Finance Committee
voted 8-0-0 to approve Article 4 as written.
Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Jeanne Borawski-Yes,
Dan Dewar-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
Article 5
Article 5 seeks to amend the FY21 operating bud et.
Account Line 2926 etlen Decrease Increase
899 - Benefits wages 111F Pending Retirement$150,000 $350,000
&expenses (Fire$93,000) and (Police $57,000)
Health Insurance Premiums-$500,000
E99 - Regional Essex North Voke $25,000 $35,000
Vocational Education Minuteman Voke $10,000
G91 - Administrative Elections$10,000 $10,000
Services Wages
G92 - Administrative Legal $45,000 $65,000
Services Expenses Postage (elections) $20,000
H92 - Public Services Veteran's Benefits-$40,000 $40,000
Expenses
191 - Finance Wages Accounting OT$3,000 $3,000
192 - Finance Assessors revaluation $70,000 (now every $70,000
Expenses five ears
J91 - Public Safety Fire buyback$53,000 (retirements) $157,000
Wages Dispatcher OT$50,000
Police buyback$54,000 (retirements)
K93 - Public Works estimate as of 3/15/21 $50,000
Snow&Ice
Subtotals $390,000 $390,000
Net Operating Expenses $0
From Free Cash $0
On a motion by Ms. Downing, and seconded by Mr. Dewar, the Finance Committee
voted 8-0-0 to approve Article 5 as written.
Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Jeanne Borawski-Yes,
Dan Dewar-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
Article
Article 6 authorizes payment of outstanding bills from prior years. Because there are no
prior year bills, there is no need for the Finance Committee to vote.
Article 7
Article 7 is the Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) contribution. Last June the
contribution was cut to $100,000. This year, there are requested transfers into the OPEB
Trust Fund for$100,000 from the General Fund, $60,000 from the Water Fund, $22,000
from the Sewer Fund, and $10,000 from the Storm Water Fund, totaling $192,000.
On a motion by Mr. Dewar, and seconded by Ms. Borawski, the Finance Committee
voted 8-0-0 to approve Article 7 as written.
Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Jeanne Borawski-Yes, Dan Dewar-Yes, Eric
Burkhart-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
Page �
Article
Article 9 seeks approval for the spending limits on the annual revolving funds. There are no
Chan es from last ear.
Revolving Spending Revenue Expenditure Year End
Account Authority Source Allowed Dmits Balance
Ex noes
onsulting and
onservation Fees as provided for in engineering services
Commission Conservation Reading General Bylaws for the review of liable for
Consulting Commission Section 5.7, Wetlands designs and $25,000 expenditure
Fees Protection engineering work for next year
the protection of
wetlands.
Building, Plumbing, Legal, oversight and
Wiring, Gas and other inspection, plan
permits for Schoolhouse review, Initial property
Commons,The ppraisals and appeals,
Inspection Metropolitan at Reading Public Services Available for
Revolving Town Manager Station, Postmark planning and general $250,000 expenditure
Fund Square, 20-24 Gould management, curb, next year
Street, 467 Main Street, sidewalks and
Oaktree, Addison- pedestrian safety
Wesley/ Pearson and improvements, records
ahnson Woods archiving and other
develo ments m ect related costs.
Public Health Clinic fees, charges and Materials and costs vailable for
linics and trd-part $
Board of rsassociated with clinics 25,000 xpenditure
hiy
Services Health reimbursements and public health next year
ro rams
Charges for lost or cquire Library
amaged Library materials to replace
Library materials lost or damaged Items, vailable for
Library Fines and for the ture
and Fees Director and and fees from printing, maintenance, $15,000 expenditure
rustees faxing or similar next year
supplementary fee- upkeep and supplies
based services. r supplementary
.-based services
Matters Cabin Facilities Utilities and all other vailable far
Operating Director Rental Fees maintenance and $10,000 expenditure
eratin ex enses nett vear
DireQor of
Public Works
upon the Sale of timber; fees for Planning and vailable for
Town Forest recommenda[i Improvements to the $10,000 expenditure
on of the use of the Town Forest own Forest next year
Town Forest
ommittee
On a motion by Mr. Mclauchlan, and seconded by Mr. Dewar, the Finance
Committee voted 8-0-0 to approve Article 9 as written.
Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Dan Dewar-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Mark
Zarrow-Yes, leanne Borawski-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
Article SO
Article 10 is the annual approval of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The current balance
is $387,000.
On a motion by Ms. Downing, and seconded by Mr. Dewar, the Finance Committee
voted 8-0-0 to approve Article SO as written.
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Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Dan Dewar-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Jeanne
Borawski-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
Articles 11 and 12
These articles came from a joint effort by Assessor Victor Santaniello and Community
Services Director Kevin Bohmiller, and request adoption of clauses of Mass General Laws for
veterans. The articles do not have a large impact on Reading, as the funds would be
reimbursed by the state, but would be meaningful for veterans if they pass. Article 11
would allow veterans who own property in a trust that is not a life estate to apply for a
Veteran's Disability Exemption. Article 12 would allow for tax relief for Gold Star Parents.
On a motion by Mr. Dewar, and seconded by Ms. Downing, the Finance Committee
voted 8-0-0 to approve Article 11 as written.
Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Dan Dewar-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Jeanne
Borawski-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
On a motion by Mr. Dewar, and seconded by Ms. Borawski, the Finance Committee
voted 8-0-0 to approve Article 12 as written.
Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Dan Dewar-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Jeanne
Borawski-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
Articles 13 and 14
At Financial Forums in the fall, the Finance Committee expressed a desire to increase
Capital spending. Town and School staff got together to prioritize and decided the
replacement of the High School stadium turf and track was priority number one, and the
replacement of the Parker Middle School roof was priority number two. Each project will
have a $250,000 Capital request in FY22, with a debt authorization request to maintain
Flexibility in the construction schedule. There is a $3 million debt authorization request in
Article 13: $1.9 million for the turf field, and $1.1 million for the track replacement. There
is debt approval requested for$2.7 million for Article 14 for the Parker Middle School roof.
On a motion by Mr. Dewar, and seconded by Ms. Borawski, the Finance Committee
voted 8-0-0 to approve Article 13 as written.
Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Dan Dewar-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Jeanne
Borawski-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
On a motion by Mr. Dewar, and seconded by Ms. Downing, the Finance Committee
voted 8-0-0 to approve Article 14 as written.
Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Dan Dewar-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Jeanne
Borawski-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
Article 15
Article 15 is a vote to accept whatever the state provides the Town under Chapter 90
funding. The preliminary estimate is just under $600,000.
On a motion by Ms. Downing, and seconded by Mr. Dewar,the Finance Committee
voted 8-0-0 to approve Article 15 as written.
Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Dan Dewar-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Mark
Zarrow-Yes, Jeanne Borawski-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
Article 16
Mr. LeLacheur noted that line item E99 Education-Vocational increased by $95,000 to
$788,000, as the assessment from the Northeast Metro Technical High School in Wakefield
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was just received. The additional $95,000 will be funded by Free Cash, bringing the total
use of Free Cash to $2.87 million.
Line Category FY21 FY22 Town TM yoy% TM %
Revised Manager Grand
Budget Budget Total
B99 Benefits $18,416,670 ;19,108,534 3.8% 15.2%
499 Capital $2,551,997 $3,570,000 39.9% 2.1%
D99 Debt service $4,993,600 $4,762,844 -4.6% 4.1%
E99 Education-Vocational $550,000 $788,000 43.3% 0.5%
F99 Finance Committee $300,000 ;200,000 -33.3% 0.2%
Reserves
Total Shared Costs $26,812,267 $28,429,376 6.0% 22.1%
G91 Administrative Svcs $1,563,775 $1,551,400 -0.8% 1.3%
we es
G92 Admin Svcs expenses $1,683,600 $1,751,100 4.0% 1.4%
H91 Public Services wages $1,342,625 $1,393,300 3.8% 1.1%
H92 Public Services expenses $250,000 $234,500 -6.2% 0.2%
I91 Finance wages $775,625 $801,350 3.3% 0.6%
I92 Finance expenses $150,550 $152,250 1.1% 0.1%
391 Public Safety wages $11,816,900 $12,274,475 3.9% 9.8%
392 Public Safety expenses $640,903 $658,350 2.7% 0.5%
K91 Public Works wages $2,789,700 $2,881,475 3.3% 2.3%
K92 Public Works expenses $845,025 $843,500 -0.2% 0.7%
K93 Public Works Snow&Ice $675,000 $675,000 0.0% 0.6%
K94 Public Works Street $145,000 050,000 3.4% 0.1%
LI hts
K95 Public Works Rubbish $1,850,000 $1,905,500 3.0% 1.5%
L91 Library wages $1,432,295 $1,544,550 7.8% 1.2%
L92 Library expenses $372,100 ;387,400
M91 Core Facilities $3,369,300 3,184,100
M92 Town Buildings $358,650 ;348,150 -2.9% 0.3%
Total Municipal Gov't $30,061,048 $30,736,400 2.2% 24.8%
U99 School Department $48,657,663 $49,695,998 2.1% 40.2%
VOTED GENERAL FUND $105,530,978 $108,861,776 3.20/b
State Assessments $735,377 $760,150 3.4% 0.6%
TOTAL $106,266,355 $109,621,926 3.2%
W99 Water Enterprise Fund $6,892,200 $7,698,275 11.7% 5.7%
X99 Sewer Enterprise Fund $6,741,450 $7,417,700 10.0% 5.6%
Y99 Storm Water Enterprise $538,380 $538,750 0.1% 0.4%
Fund
Z99 PEG Access $612,500 $612,500 0.0%
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS $14,784,530 $16,267,225 10.0% 12.2%
GRAND TOTAL VOTED $120,315,508 $125,129,001 4.0% 99.4%
On a motion by Mr. Mclauchlan, and seconded by Mr. Dewar, the Finance
Committee voted 8-0-0 to approve budget line items B99 Benefits, C99 Capital,
D99 Debt Service, E99 Education-Vocational, and F99 Finance Committee reserves
as written.
Rall call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Jeanne
Borawski-Yes, Dan Dewar-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed Ross-
yes.
On a motion by Mr. Burkhart, and seconded by Ms. Borawski, the Finance
Committee voted 8-0-0 to approve Total Municipal Government budget line items
G91, G92, H91, H92, I91, I92, 391, 392, K91, K92, K93, K94, K95, L91, L92, M91,
and M92 as titled and presented.
Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Jeanne
Borawski-Yes, Dan Dewar-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed Ross-
Yes.
On a motion by Mr. Boivin, and seconded by Mr. Mclauchlan, the Finance
Committee voted 8-0-0 to approve budget line item U99 School Department as
presented.
Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Jeanne
Borawski-Yes, Dan Dewar-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed Ross-
Yes.
On a motion by Ms. Downing, and seconded by Mr. Dewar, the Finance Committee
voted 8-0-0 to approve budget line items W99 Water Enterprise Fund, X99 Sewer
Enterprise Fund, and Y99 Storm Water Enterprise Fund as written.
Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Jeanne
Borawski-Yes, Dan Dewar-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed Ross-
Yes.
On a motion by Ms. Borawski, and seconded by Mr. Dewar, the Finance Committee
voted 8-0-0 to approve budget line item Z99 PEG Access Enterprise Fund as
presented.
Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Jeanne
Borawski-Yes, Dan Dewar-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed Ross-
Yes.
Article 19
Article 19 will not be voted on tonight, as there is currently no information for litigation or
settlement for 59 Middlesex Avenue. If there is any action anticipated at Town Meeting, the
Select Board will invite the Finance Committee to Executive Session.
Mr. LeLacheur thanked the Finance Committee for their kind words & deeds last June and
through the fall supporting the Town and School staff throughout the pandemic. Mr. Ross
expressed his appreciation for Town and School staff for everything they have endured over
the last 12 months.
Minutes:
On a motion by Mr. Dewar, and seconded by Mr. Mclauchlan, the Finance
Committee voted 8-0-0 to approve the meeting minutes of March 10, 2021 as
written.
Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Dan Dewar-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Mark
Zarrow-Yes, Jeanne Borawski-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
The next meeting of the Finance Committee is to be determined. Typically, Finance
Committee meets at 7:00 pm on the first evening of Town Meeting. If action is needed
before Town Meeting, there may be a meeting scheduled a week or two before. If there is
action needed relative to Article 19, 59 Middlesex Avenue, The Finance Committee may be
invited to an Executive Session of the Select Board.
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School Committee Chair Chuck Robinson, on behalf of the School Committee, expressed his
appreciation of the Finance Committee's participation and support throughout the budget
process.
On a motion by Dan Dewar, and seconded by Mr. Mclauchlan, the Finance
Committee voted 8-0-0 to adjourn at 8:30 pm.
Roll call vote: Marianne Downing-Yes, Dan Dewar-Yes, Eric Burkhart-Yes, Jeanne
Borawski-Yes, Mark Zarrow-Yes, Nick Boivin-Yes, Andrew Mclauchlan-Yes, Ed
Ross-Yes.
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