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Home My WebLink About2021-01-20 RMLD Citizens Advisory Board MinutesRECEIVED Town of Reading TOWN CLERK 9 Meeting Minutes READINC, MA, 2021 OCT 2I PM 3: 24 Board - Committee - Commission - Council: RMLD Citizens Advisory Board Date: 2021-01-20 Time: 7:30 PM Building: Location: Address: Session: Joint Meeting Purpose: Version: Attendees: Members - Present: Mr. Jason Small, Chair (North Reading); Mr. Vivek Soni, Vice Chair (Reading) Members - Not Present: Mr. George Hooper, Secretary (Wilmington); Mr. Dennis Kelley (Wilmington); Mr. Joseph Markey (Lynnfield) Others Present: Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Mr. Jason Small, Chair Topics of Discussion: PER GOVERNOR BAKER'S MARCH 10, 2020, ORDER SUSPENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE OPEN MEETING LAW, G.L. C. 30A, §20 THIS MEETING WAS HELD REMOTELY VIA ZOOM JOINT MEETING WITH RMLD BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Refer to the RMLD Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes For January 20, 2021 1. Call Meeting to Order - J. Small, Chair There was not a quorum of the Citizens' Advisory Board present at this meeting. 2. Scheduling: CAB Meetings & Coverage for Commissioners Meetings - J. Small, Chair There was not a quorum of the Citizens' Advisory Board present at this meeting. 3. Adjournment - J. Small, Chair There was not a quorum of the Citizens' Advisory Board present at this meeting. As approved on October 20, 2021. Page 1 1 ` DECEIVED Town of Reading TOWN CLERK Meeting Minutes READING,_FIA. 2021 OCT 21 PH 3: 24 Board - committee - Commission - council: Finance Committee Date: 2021-09-30 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Chair Ed Ross, Vice Chair Jeanne Borawski, Eric Burkhart, Geoffrey Coram, Jackie McCarthy, Joe McDonagh Members - Not Present: Marianne Downing, Andrew Mclauchlan, Mark Zarrow Others Present: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom, Business Administrator Jayne Wellman, Karen Herrick (remote), David DiBarri, Charles Lyons, Jay Picone, Carla Scuzzarella, Kevin Nigro Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde Topics of Discussion: Chair Ed Ross called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Mr. Ross announced the passing of ZBA Chair Jamie Maughan, expressed is appreciation for Mr. Maughan's love of the community, and sent his condolences to Mr. Maughan's family. Liaison Reports: Ms. McCarthy attended RMLD's most recent meeting. Though there was nothing discussed relative to Finance Committee, Ms. McCarthy noted that the General Manager made suggestions for noncarbon and renewable funds. Mr. Ross attended recent School Committee meetings, where they have begun discussing possible uses for ARPA funds. He also attended recent Select Board meetings, where they were discussing Town Meeting warrant articles. Town Manager Bob LeLacheur stated that the only remaining article that the Finance Committee has not voted on is Article 9 for the Right of First Refusal for land next to Meadow Brook. The issue is still open before the Select Board, and they will take the matter up at their next meeting on October 12th. A member of the Select Board was assigned to join negotiations offline, as another option by the proposed buyer came up. There are two options: the first option is for $2.25 million for all five parcels; and the second option is for one parcel for $500,000, which could be used as parking for, and an entrance to, the Town Forest. Though the Select Board discussed possibilities, there is not a definite plan for all five lots if purchased. The Committee discussed possible ways to fund either option including Free Cash, Stabilization Fund, and borrowing. But because Free Cash is not yet certified, and the Select Board has yet to vote on the matter, the Committee agreed to meet the evening of Page I 1 October 18'^ at 6:30 pm, ahead of the Special Town Meeting, to continue their discussion and make their recommendation. Review and Vote on Financial Articles for November Subsequent Town meeting Article 7: Approve borrowing by the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District Representatives from the Northeast Metropolitan Vocational Technical School District were present including: Carla Scuzzarella, Principal of Northeast Metro Tech; Dave DiBarn, Superintendent; James Picone, Finance Director; Kevin Nigro, Project Manager from PMA Consultants; and Charles Lyons, Consultant. Superintendent DiBarri and Dr. Scuzzarella highlighted that the district was recently awarded a $3 million grant from the Cummings Foundation, from which they will receive $30,000 per year for 10 years. Five years ago, they received a $100,000 grant, for $25,000 over four years. With the funds, they were able to create a successful Saturday shop program for the district, which has become very popular with Reading students. Charles Lyons outlined the project to build a new school, which is in the MSBA stage of being funded. The district was awarded $141 million to help pay for the construction. However, MSBA is behind the times of recognizing actual costs. The total project costs are $317 million, which leaves $176 million in costs to the member communities. The district will borrow the rest of the funds needed, and repayment will be over a 30 -year bond, for which Reading's share will be $260,000 per year starting in FY26. Mayors in some member communities have co-signed a letter asking for $3 million from ARPA to help lessen the burden. The NEMVTS needs support from all 12 member communities to be able to do this project. If they get a negative vote, they will have to hold an election district -wide. Mr. LeLacheur urged the Committee to support the Article, and noted the Town can be creative with ways to repay without borrowing. Article 3: Amendments to the FY22-FY32 Capital Improvement Plan There is a request to add $400,000 in capital: $150,000 for road repairs, $150,000 for Recreation to start the Birch Meadow Master Plan design, and $100,000 for extra sidewalk repairs. Article 4: Amendments to FY22 Operating Budget There is just over $500,000 requested from Free Cash. Workers Compensation insurance came in $20,000 lower than budgeted, and Property and Casualty insurance came in $65,000 higher than budgeted. Both figures are new baselines, as insurance costs are expected to increase due to the pandemic. Public Safety wages increased $3,000, as Public Health hired a full-time Public Health Nurse. Health inspections are outsourced except for one full-time Health Inspector, so there is a $10,000 increase in expenses. Town Forest Committee is asking for $50,000 to do more thinning in the Town Forest. There is a $400,000 increase in the Water Enterprise Fund and $250,000 increase in the Sewer Enterprise fund. Article 5: Unpaid bills from prior fiscal years There is one bill for $52.19. On a motion by Ms. Borawski, and seconded by Mr. Burkhart, the Finance Committee voted 6-0-0 to approve Article 3 as presented. Page 1 2 On a motion by Ms. Borawski, and seconded by Mr. Coram, the Finance Committee voted 6-0-0 to approve Article 4 as written. On a motion by Ms. Borawski, and seconded by Ms. McCarthy, the Finance Committee voted 6-0-0 to approve Article 5 as written. On a motion by Ms. Borawski, and seconded by Mr. Burkhart, the Finance Committee voted 6-0-0 to approve Article 7 as written. Discussion on ARPA funds Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom recapped a Conference she attended, with a presentation about ARPA funds. She asked whether the water tower project would be an appropriate use of ARPA funds, and was told that the Federal Government would not push back on such a project, as it applies to water infrastructure, which is one of the key focuses of the plan. While communities have until 2026 to spend the money, it must be encumbered by December 31, 2024. A community conversation is still very useful, but it is ultimately up to the Select Board to decide how to spend the money. The Committee discussed the potential, but seemingly limited uses for the funds, and how to make their recommendation on the water tower article at Town Meeting, with the Select Board having final approval. A motion that allows Flexibility to borrow or use other funds will be needed. Ms. Borawski noted that for projects that are not covered by ARPA, there is still healthy free cash. Mr. Ross and Ms. Borawski shared their plan for a working group to get community involvement in the ARPA process. Representatives from Town and School staff would be tasked with working with the community to identify what the needs are. They will have more information on the plan to share at the Financial Forum. Mr. Lel-acheur noted that if a Committee is created, it may need to follow Open Meeting Law guidelines. He also reminded the Committee that the Permanent Building Committee can be a resource for the water tower, even though they did not want to take on the whole project. Karen Herrick noted that she spoke with Senator Lewis who said there might be additional state funds to communities, and schools are also receiving ESSER funds. Minutes for Approval: September 13 2021 On a motion by Ms. Borawski, and seconded by Mr. Coram, the Finance Committee voted 6-0-0 to approve the meeting minutes of September 13, 2021 as written. On a motion by Ms. Borawski, and seconded by Mr. Coram, the Finance Committee voted 6-0-0 to adjourn at 9:42 pm. Page 1 3