# finance-committee — 38 documents, concatenated for reading and search # # This is a CONVENIENCE BUNDLE, not a source. Every document below is # published separately and byte-identically; cite the individual file, # whose path is given in each header, rather than this bundle. # Index of all boards: https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/minutes/INDEX.txt # The town's own scanned original is linked per document. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-01-14-agenda-2076.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-01-14 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-01-14-agenda-2076.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01142021-2076 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, January 14, 2021 7:00 PM AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/85772177040 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 85772177040# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. Discussion regarding committee recommendation matrix for spending on buildings (new and renovations) IV. Revolving accounts- how they are presented- who has spending authority? V. Town Manager/Finance Director Reports VI. Minutes VII. Committee and Department Reports VIII. Fiscal Policies- receipt of meeting materials and publishing to the public in advance of the meeting (48 hour advance receipt for preview and to post with agenda) IX. Public Comment X. Next Meeting 1. January 21, 2021 Five Year Forecast and Capital Plan 2. January 28, 2021 TBD XI. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-01-14-minutes-2076.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-01-14 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-01-14-minutes-2076.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01142021-2076 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ===PAGE 2=== ===PAGE 3=== ===PAGE 4=== ===PAGE 5=== ===PAGE 6=== ===PAGE 7=== ===PAGE 8=== ===PAGE 9=== ===PAGE 10=== ===PAGE 11=== ===PAGE 12=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-01-21-agenda-2077.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-01-21 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-01-21-agenda-2077.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01212021-2077 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, January 21, 2021 7:00 PM AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/88073368211 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 88073368211# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. Town Manager: Five Year Forecast and Capital Plan IV. Minutes V. Committee and Department Reports VI. Public Comment VII. Next Meeting 1. January 28, 2021 TBD 2. February 2/11/2021 Initial Budget Presentation VIII. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-01-21-minutes-2077.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-01-21 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-01-21-minutes-2077.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01212021-2077 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ===PAGE 2=== ===PAGE 3=== ===PAGE 4=== ===PAGE 5=== ===PAGE 6=== ===PAGE 7=== ===PAGE 8=== ===PAGE 9=== ===PAGE 10=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-01-28-agenda-2078.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-01-28 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-01-28-agenda-2078.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01282021-2078 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, January 28, 2021 7:00 PM AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/87592988564 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 87592988564# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. Review Five Year Forecast and Capital Plan IV. Review Department presentation schedule V. Minutes VI. Committee and Department Reports VII. Policies needing review VIII. Public Comment IX. Next Meeting 1. February 2/11/2021 Initial Budget Presentation X. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-01-28-minutes-2078.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-01-28 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-01-28-minutes-2078.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01282021-2078 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ===PAGE 2=== ===PAGE 3=== ===PAGE 4=== ===PAGE 5=== ===PAGE 6=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-02-11-agenda-2079.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-02-11 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-02-11-agenda-2079.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02112021-2079 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, February 11, 2021 7:00 PM AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/84097190175 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 84097190175# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. Town Manager: Initial 2022 Budget Presentation IV. Town Manager/Finance Director Reports V. Minutes VI. Committee and Department Reports VII. Policies needing review VIII. Public Comment IX. Next Meeting 1. 2/18/2021 Department Presentations 2. 2/25/2021 6 pm Debt/OPEB Presentations, 7 pm Department Budget Presentations X. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-02-11-minutes-2079.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-02-11 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-02-11-minutes-2079.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02112021-2079 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ===PAGE 2=== ===PAGE 3=== ===PAGE 4=== ===PAGE 5=== ===PAGE 6=== ===PAGE 7=== ===PAGE 8=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-02-18-agenda-2080.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-02-18 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-02-18-agenda-2080.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02182021-2080 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, February 18, 2021 7:00 PM AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/86748864511 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 86748864511# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. 2022 Department Budget Presentations: 1. Council on Aging 2. Library 3. Land Use IV. Town Manager/Finance Director Reports V. Minutes VI. Committee and Department Reports VII. Policies needing review VIII. Public Comment IX. Next Meeting 1. 2/25/2021 6 pm Debt/OPEB Presentations, 7 pm Department Budget Presentations X. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-02-18-minutes-2080.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-02-18 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-02-18-minutes-2080.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02182021-2080 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Terri Burchfield, Chair Peter Beardmore, Vice-Chair Heather Sroka, Secretary Christopher Menard David Passios Jay Simeone Evan Watters Lunenburg Finance Committee February 18, 2021 17 Main Street, P.O. Box 135 Lunenburg, MA 01462-0135 978.582.4139 FAX 978.582.4148 Location: Zoom Virtual Meeting Present: Terri Burchfield, Peter Beardmore Dave Passios, Jay Simeone, Chris Menard, Evan Watters, Heather Sroka Absent: 1. Call to Order Terri Burchfield, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and read the COVID-19 / Zoom meeting advisory statement. This meeting was recorded and is viewable on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSOVTrqv66U6:30 2. Chair Report Tonight’s meeting will be the COA, Library and Land Use Director Budget reviews. Next week the meeting will begin at 6:00 to have presentations regarding OPEB with the actuary and the Debt. 7:00 for the Police and Fire Budget presentations. 3. Public Comment None 4. Counsel on the Aging – Sue Doherty, Eagle House Director – No increase requests for operating costs. Increase request for salaries. ===PAGE 2=== Roll with the changes. See attached presentation. 70 volunteers a total of 1743.25 hours helping 131 people 61 and older. 5187 Meals on Wheels delivered to 61 Lunenburg Residents Question and Answer session with the Finance Committee. How to help – Friends of the Eagle House Membership Forms can be found outside the building. 5. Library Budget Presentation – Muir Haman, Library Director See Attached Presentation Question and Answer Session with the Finance Committee. How to Help - Friends of Lunenburg Public Library. 6. Land Use Director – Adam Burney No presentation – Their budget is incorporated in the Town Manager’s Budget Recommendation. Permits are not to be used to generate revenue. Questions and answer session with the Finance Committee. 7. Questions for Karen Brochu Peter – next week’s discussion with the consultant – will they have the information regarding the debt financing questions. Karen – received the OPEB presentation and has been uploaded to the OneDrive. Schedules have been put together for the Building projects for next week. She forwarded emails to David so he is prepared. 8. Minutes December 10 January 14 January 21 ===PAGE 3=== Evan – all three have a mistake at the end from a prior meeting. Heather – that’s when you go in and clean it up. That’s why they are on the OneDrive so that the committee can take care of that prior to the meeting. Peter motion to approve with correction Chris seconded. In Favor Terri, Chris, Peter, Dave, Evan, and Heather Abstain Jay had not reviewed them. 9. Reports Dave Parks Department Hunting on parks property. Created and voted on a policy for that. Working on policy for field use. Working on opening the Town Beach in the Spring. Programs have been successful. Possible Article for Spring Town Meeting regarding the revolving account. TCP Design Committee – Met as a committee to spend time drilling down on the proposals. An adjusted program was submitted with some savings, but not substantial. Emailed with a request as to why significant savings not made. Joint Meeting with the Select Board. Charge, Proposal, Numbers – what is the next step? 10. Public Comment None 11. Adjournment Next meeting at 6:00 Motion – made by Dave, Jay seconded All in favor 9:38 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-02-25-agenda-2081.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-02-25 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-02-25-agenda-2081.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252021-2081 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, February 25, 2021 6:00 PM AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/81627014105 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 81627014105# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. Parker Elmore, OPEB IV. David Eisenthal, Debt Service Projections V. 2022 Department Budget Presentations: 1. Fire 2. Police VI. Town Manager/Finance Director Reports VII. Minutes VIII. Committee and Department Reports IX. Policies needing review X. Public Comment XI. Next Meeting 1. 3/4/2021 Department Budget Presentations Monty Tech, DPW XII. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-02-25-minutes-2081.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-02-25 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-02-25-minutes-2081.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02252021-2081 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Terri Burchfield, Chair Peter Beardmore, Vice-Chair Heather Sroka, Secretary Christopher Menard David Passios Jay Simeone Evan Watters Lunenburg Finance Committee February 25, 2021 Minutes 17 Main Street, P.O. Box 135 Lunenburg, MA 01462-0135 978.582.4139 FAX 978.582.4148 Location: Zoom Virtual Meeting Present: Terri Burchfield, Peter Beardmore, Dave Passios, Jay Simeone, Chris Menard, Heather Sroka Absent: None 1. Call to Order o Terri Burchfield, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM and read the COVID-19 / Zoom meeting advisory statement. o This meeting was recorded and is viewable on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD-v74NN8GA&t=30s Announcement made regarding member emails, they should be information only and no engagement among members. 2. Public Comment: Peter Beardmore read an email regarding Heather Sroka’s request for salary schedule information regarding all departments as well as benchmark information used to adjust salary schedules over contract periods. Expressed need for way to present true personnel costs between school and other town department budgets. Peter Beardmore wished Dave Passios a happy birthday. Heather Lemieux responded to Mr. Beardmore’s remarks and requests. Committee looks forward to reviewing all the information when it is pulled together by both the Town Manager and School Superintendent and related staff. Having a way to make the information more transparent for folks attending Town Meeting should be a goal for this year. ===PAGE 2=== 3. Parker Elmore, OPEB: Parker Elmore and Francis Fraine were present from Odyssey Advisors to address the GASB 75 report on Other Post Employment Benefits (non pension related) and answer any questions. Highlights: Total OPEB Liability as of 6/30/2020 is $56,141,225 (mostly health benefits earned by current and retired staff). The OPEB Trust Fund as of that date had $375,269, leaving an unfunded liability of $55,765,956. Assumptions include the Municipal Bond Rates which drive the liability rate over time. Also includes termination and retirement rates, percent of employees who elect coverage through the town, and health care cost inflation. The Town currently has funded less than 1% of the liability, which is true of 33% of other Massachusetts municipalities. C. Menard asked questions related to the benchmark community comparisons. H. Lemieux reported that part of the Town’s actions to help the costs moving forward will be a move to Medicare for retirees currently covered on active insurance. This led to a 2% discount for active plan coverage. The service cost per eligible active employee is $6,330. Mr. Elmore also presented a 40 year forecast of the Total OPEB Liability. Costs appear stable over that time when considered using the present value of money against budgetary inflation. C. Menard asked if the Town was limited to investment options. We do have fiduciary responsibilities to invest responsibly. Long term we are currently assessed 6.72% return on investment. 4. David Eisenthal, Debt Service Projections Projected impact of potential Passios building and Turkey Hill renovation debt was reviewed. The basis used was $21 million dollars, upped to $27 million for Turkey Hill based on when that is anticipated to start. The amounts were compared against debt policy ratios to see if such debt would comply. Spread over 30 years, and going out over 40 years, it would be. Discussion ensued regarding longer vs. shorter term debt and why one is preferable over another. 5. Department Budget Presentations Fire Department Chief Sullivan Chief Sullivan reviewed the department’s structure, staffing and responsibilities. Majority of calls are Emergency Medical Response, with a large uptake starting with the jump in growth with the apartment complexes in town. Plans are to transition to Paramedic level designation during FY22. Budget supports 1 new firefighter/paramedic in year 4 of the 5-year staffing plan. Paramedics are hard to recruit as they are high demand. Should have 24/7 Paramedic coverage during FY23. Above target requests for paramedic training and protective gear replacement are in the current budget numbers. Salary schedules are being considered as part of the issue around recruitment and retention. Desire is to ===PAGE 3=== cover protective gear in the operation vs. capital budget. Some ambulance equipment that might have otherwise been earmarked but for Covid has been obtained through CARES Act funding. Need expressed to keep legislative team aware of needs as state funding comes available. Police Department Chief Gammel Chief Gammel reviewed the Police Department organization chart and operations. The FY22 budget includes a new patrol officer position per the 10 year staffing plan. There were over 20,000 calls for service over 2020. Motor vehicle stops were down due to Covid. The department is trying to assure supervision across shifts so differential is a new issue. The Chief reviewed departmental goals and what they mean over the next several years as the staffing plan continues to be implemented. Grant funded items were discussed, including body cameras which will be implemented soon. Questions regarding some of the forward-looking needs, such as increased admin support in 2023. Because there are many junior patrolmen, COLAs with steps will lead to larger annual salary line increases in the near term. Police reform requirements, especially around certification of reserve officers, will also have significant budget impact. The estimated cost to get the current reserve officers trained for certification over the next few years is around $90,000. C. Menard commented that these mandates really need to be funded at the state level and we should be following this up with our state legislators. D. Passios asked about whether there is enough information to rate the new hybrid vehicles. It’s too soon, but so far the Chief thinks they are good vehicles. He also commented on the need to track maintenance costs over the life of vehicles to have better data for planning. 6. Town Manager Report H. Lemieux reviewed a spreadsheet tracking the current adjustments that have been made since the budget was initially presented. C. Menard remarked that he feels the Town needs to make better investment in IT to get us better efficiency and transparency. A second document reviewed the Health Insurance adjustments (rate reduction and month premium holiday) which significantly lowered costs for the year. She is recommending a Health Insurance stabilization account for holding next year’s savings to support the anticipated spike in cost in 2023. Some discussion around covid vaccines and local centers and the issues around a regional vaccine site relates to an insufficient number of vaccines available. The state is getting 139,000 vaccines per week and it’s not enough. 7. Minutes: Motion to approve the minutes of 2/11/2021 Passios, 2nd Menard. Passed 5-0 Burchfield abstained. 8. Committee Reports P. Beardmore reported on School Committee meeting and the reopening of full time classes. There was substantive budget discussion in preparation for their ===PAGE 4=== vote. They plan to withdraw AC request for Primary School and replace it with Alarm System to the Capital Planning Committee. 9. Motion to Adjourn March 4 Monty Tech and DPW and Finance Committee letter and draft warrant articles to date. P. Beardmore motioned to adjourn at 8:45 C. Menard seconded Roll call vote was unanimous. Minutes submitted by T. Burchfield ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-03-04-agenda-2075.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-03-04 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-03-04-agenda-2075.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042021-2075 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, March 4, 2021 7:00 PM AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/83135387172 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 83135387172# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. 2022 Department Budget Presentations: 1. Montachusett Regional Voc Tech 2. Dept. of Public Works IV. FinCom Warrant Letter V. Draft Warrant Articles VI. Minutes VII. Committee and Department Reports VIII. Town Manager/Finance Director Report IX. Public Comment X. Next Meetings 1. 3/11 Public Access; Sewer; Administration 2. 3/18 Public Schools; Info Technology; moneyed articles XI. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-03-11-agenda-2082.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-03-11 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-03-11-agenda-2082.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112021-2082 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, March 11, 2021 7:00 PM AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/87436963733 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 87436963733# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. 2022 Department Budget Presentations: 1. Public Access Cable 2. Sewer Commission 3. Administration, Unclassified, Debt Service IV. FinCom Warrant Letter V. Draft Warrant Articles VI. Minutes VII. Committee and Department Reports VIII. Town Manager/Finance Director Report IX. Public Comment X. Next Meetings 1. 3/18 Public Schools; Info Technology; moneyed articles 2. 3/25 Public Hearing Town Meeting Warrant XI. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-03-18-agenda-2083.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-03-18 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-03-18-agenda-2083.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182021-2083 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, March 18, 2021 7:00 PM AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/89902584896 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 89902584896# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. 2022 Department Budget Presentations: 1. Lunenburg Public Schools 2. Technology 3. Moneyed Articles IV. Personnel/Salaries V. FinCom Warrant Letter VI. Draft Warrant Articles VII. Minutes VIII. Committee and Department Reports IX. Town Manager/Finance Director Report X. Public Comment XI. Next Meetings 1. 3/25 Public Hearing Town Meeting Warrant XII. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-03-18-minutes-2083.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-03-18 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-03-18-minutes-2083.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03182021-2083 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Terri Burchfield, Chair Peter Beardmore, Vice-Chair Heather Sroka, Secretary Christopher Menard David Passios Jay Simeone Evan Watters Lunenburg Finance Committee March 18, 2021 17 Main Street, P.O. Box 135 Lunenburg, MA 01462-0135 978.582.4139 FAX 978.582.4148 Location: Zoom Virtual Meeting Present: Terri Burchfield, Peter Beardmore Dave Passios, Jay Simeone, Chris Menard, Evan Watters Absent: Heather Sroka 1. Call to Order Terri Burchfield, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and read the COVID-19 / Zoom meeting advisory statement. This meeting was recorded and is viewable on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQAj16kJQlc 2. Public Comment Peter – There was quite a bit of content received for tonight’s meeting. Suggested a separate conversation to discuss personnel compensation following town meeting. 3. Lunenburg School District Budget Request Dr. Burnham and Mr. Cassidy briefed the school district budget request from the linked powerpoint: https://1drv.ms/p/s!ArN1S_- FZTiYhQzlcaXC6FFiyVbH?e=blM4sh and pdf: https://1drv.ms/b/s!ArN1S_-FZTiYhQtsA_nZK2QJCfha?e=WHjsRN Budget reflects the strategy for continuous improvement including: Teaching and Learning ===PAGE 2=== Communication and Operations Cultivating Climate and Culture Equity, Access, and Opportunity for all students Slight enrollment increase expected in FY22 due to homeschooling during the pandemic. Ideally current class size range will be maintained. The year the schools subscribed to online testing tools for assessment in the absence of MCAS scores. There is a need for additional K-5 math and reading intervention. Evaluations conducted by school psychologists for special education students were lagging due to last year’s closure. Covid relief money was used to hire a part- time school psychologist. (273 students currently enrolled in special ed.) Behavioral health advisory council was formed 2 years ago. This year there was a grant-funded stipend for a social worker to coordinate a universal referral process for behavioral health support. Many students have been identified and are receiving support. Ch 70 funding as a percentage of the school department has been declining - 35.9% in FY21. FY22 recommended budget reflects 2.5% increase, up from 1.58% in Fy21. Budget partially funds first year of 5-year staffing plan. New positions include assistant principal (pk-5), director of teaching & learning, teacher (K), paraprofessional (K), full-time substitute nurse, director of extended learning programs (funded through revolving accounts), summer program, stipends for curriculum team leads. (4 planned positions are not funded.) Offset positions: Assistant principal (6-12), offset – reduce LMHS guidance staff and dean position Social Worker (PK-2), offset – PS Guidance Teacher, Grade 3, THES, offset – PS 2nd Grade Grant funded positions: Social Worker (3-8) Instructional Math Specialist (K-5) Paraprofessionals, (2) Math and Reading tutor (THES) Psychologist (PK-5) IT Technicians ===PAGE 3=== Unknowns/Unfinalized: Chapter 70, Circuit Breaker, Federal & State Grants Bargaining units: Teachers, custodians, paraprofessionals, food service, individual contracts Peter – Thanked school committee for bringing complete and approved budget proposal to finance committee. Congratulated decision to return full-time on April 5. Glad to see focus on math and reading in the elementary school. Peter – Would ‘hold harmless’ policy (using enrollment numbers from FY19) positively effect Lunenburg with respect to CH funding? Dr. Burnham – it would positively effect districts in greater need. Peter – do you anticipate use of Cares Act money to facilitate full return? Dr. Burnham – currently existing budget. Mr. Cassidy – as additional grants become available, we intend to charge back. Peter – are the elimination of the guidance positions going to adversely effect choosing classes and college applications, other impacts? Dr. Burnham – roles of guidance counselors vary depend upon level. For example, clinical license is more important at primary level. Additional vice principal positions will alleviate time on MS and HS guidance counselors. HS guidance support will be monitored and may need to be restored in the future. New Covid relief act may bring additional support in the future to deal with mental health challenges that are emerging. Dave – are there unemployment costs associated with eliminated / offset positions such as movement with ‘bubble class’? Dr. Burnham – intend to work with individual teachers and overall staff, particularly dealing with ‘bubble class’. There are also professional and emotional costs. Mr. Cassidy – there is no financial impact. We can do involuntary transfers. Chris – current student/teacher ratio is approx. 24/1. Only two new positions are teachers. Why isn’t it better to hire more teachers rather than administrative and staff positions? Dr. Burnham – stipend teacher leader positions are teachers. Current teachers in the district don’t have the specific professional expertise to meet the current needs. Chris – Noted needs for instructional math specialist in K-5. Where is STEM as a goal? Dr. Burnham – looking for teachers with deep knowledge of math for these specialists. Primary and elementary school teachers may be math and science- phobic. Currently the highest priority is math and reading at the primary and elementary grades. Our math program needs to be reviewed and aligned with state standards. Must address needs of ESL and special ed students. ===PAGE 4=== Chris – How complete is 10-year capital forecast? For example, additional baseball diamond is not on the forecast. Dr. Burnham – field space was identified at the symposium in October 2019. We identified it but it isn’t on the capital plan. Chris – it is important as we look at building use. Please make sure long term capital plan is complete. Evan – Does the 5-year staffing plan address immediate needs or anticipated needs over the term of the 5-years. Dr. Burnham – it is a little bit of both. It will be revised again in December and may be changed after the effects of new-hires are re-assessed. Mr. Cassidy – DESE could add requirements also. Chris – What programs do we have for dual-enrollment and how are they promoted? Dr. Burnham - Programs in place with MWCC and Fitchburg State University. Typically discussed individually between guidance counselors and students. We’ve also moved from Virtual High School to Educere to offer more options to students. Evan – Has there been direct input from students to establish district needs? Dr. Burnham – many formal and informal interactions with kids. Most kids focus on social and emotional relief / academic load. Evan – Will remote options for snow days and sick days be an option in the future. Dr. Burnham – commissioner of education is currently opposed to this. In cases with medical issues (case by case), live streaming will be an option, though not fully fleshed out. Dave – The prioritization of other items over a life safety system (fire alarm at the primary school) was a mistake. Monty tech proactively overhauled fire and ventilation systems. Dr. Burnham – fire alarm at primary school has been problematic, but under as certain set of conditions. Trouble is increasing in frequency, particularly in winter months. Current system is obsolete, and parts are difficult to come-by. Becoming a more urgent matter. Next year it will be a higher priority. Peter – We talk about maintaining our buildings. We have a 20 year old building, the primary school, in need of approximately $300,000 in spending and we are doing nothing. We say one thing and we do another. 4. Monied Articles – Mrs. Lemieux – Articles: C – currently no prior year expenses D – currently no amendments to prior year, working on snow and ice deficit and whether there will be sufficient end of year funds to cover. ===PAGE 5=== E – capital plan update coming, including unexpended funds from current and prior years. We may add additional projects. (DPD vehicle, Marshall Park) H – updated consolidate omnibus budget coming, collective bargaining will not be complete by public hearing I – stabilization $100K recommendation exceeds fiscal policy K – special purpose stabilization deposit will be recommended, not removing funds for DPW purchase. Ideally, we’ll get it to the point where we can fund two large fire trucks in FY26 and 27. Current balance is $1,198,705. We’d need another $325K. L - OPEB #’s haven’t changed. Will come from free cash and sewer revolving account. M – Solid waste, we’ll need to adjust bag fees to cover cost of operations to make revenues greater than current $302K. Bids are out for new solid waste removal contract. Probably won’t be completely resolved by town meeting. N – Water enterprise fund, to be reviewed by town accountant. O – Health Insurance Stabilization Fund $369,334 based on savings for FY22 P - $15,000 for use of sale of cemetery lots funds, in addition to operating account Q, R – rescind borrowing amounts relating to LMHS S – LPAC budget as presented T – waiting on costs relating to old LPS site W – waiting on costs relating to TCP design Z – APR is in perpetuity. Acreage is 109. Property owners are gifting 20 acres. Peter – concerned with additional benefits to Pierce family relating to adjacent properties. AA – Sewer capital reserve as previously presented. CC – Salary admin plan bylaw change will delay “longevity” until fall but will address new positions in May. Jay – Could we look at trash pick-up schedule, reducing to 4-day schedule. Mrs. Lemieux – current bid follows current Cassela schedule. 5. Minutes None 6. Committee Reports Dave – TCP is working on town meeting reports and will come up with funding article number for their next meeting. 7. Town Manager / Finance Director Report ===PAGE 6=== Mrs. Lemieux – confirmed earmark for fire alarm expires end of FY21. No information available on prior year bond bill. Various scenarios about funding for this project discussed by the committee, including a potential amendment to the capital plan. Work on regional Covid vaccine site is underway. 8. Public Comment Dave – 12 street lights have been identified that are missing or non-functional. Citizens should report bad street lights to DPW. Encouraged citizens to look at planning board articles in the warrant. Articles will be on the planning board’s web page by EOD. 9. Next Meetings March 25 – Public Hearing and votes on committee recommendations on warrant articles 10. Adjournment Motion: Chris Menard 2nd: Evan Watters In favor: Chris, Peter, Dave, Jay, Evan, Terri ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-03-25-agenda-2101.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-03-25 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-03-25-agenda-2101.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252021-2101 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Public Hearing and Meeting Thursday, March 25, 2021 7:00 PM AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/85691377577 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 85691377577# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. Public Hearing 1. Review Town Meeting Warrant Articles 2. Close Hearing IV. Vote Recommendations V. FinCom Warrant Letter VI. Minutes VII. Town Manager/Finance Director Report VIII. Public Comment IX. Next Meetings 1. 4/8 Regular meeting X. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-04-08-agenda-2084.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-04-08 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-04-08-agenda-2084.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082021-2084 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, April 8, 2021 7:00 PM AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/85097126313 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 85097126313# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. Position/Salary information IV. Policies V. Minutes VI. Committee and Department Reports VII. Town Manager/Finance Director Report VIII. Public Comment IX. Next Meetings 1. 4/22 Regular meeting 2. Saturday, 5/1 Annual Town Meeting X. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-04-08-agenda-2102.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-04-08 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-04-08-agenda-2102.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082021-2102 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, April 8, 2021 7:00 PM AGENDA Amended 4/8/21 In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/85097126313 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 85097126313# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. Consent Calendar IV. Position/Salary information V. Policies VI. Minutes VII. Committee and Department Reports VIII. Town Manager/Finance Director Report IX. Public Comment X. Next Meetings 1. 4/22 Regular meeting 2. Saturday, 5/1 Annual Town Meeting XI. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-04-22-agenda-2104.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-04-22 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-04-22-agenda-2104.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04222021-2104 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, April 22, 2021 7:00 PM AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/83251636471 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 83251636471# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. Finance Committee Procedures discussion Position/Salary information IV. Policies Vote to accept Capital Plan Policy change V. Minutes VI. Committee and Department Reports VII. Town Manager/Finance Director Report VIII. Public Comment IX. Next Meetings 1. Saturday, 5/1 Annual Town Meeting 2. Thursday 5/13 X. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-04-22-minutes-2104.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-04-22 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-04-22-minutes-2104.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04222021-2104 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Terri Burchfield, Chair Peter Beardmore, Vice-Chair Heather Sroka, Secretary Christopher Menard David Passios Jay Simeone Evan Watters Lunenburg Finance Committee April 22, 2021 17 Main Street, P.O. Box 135 Lunenburg, MA 01462-0135 978.582.4139 FAX 978.582.4148 Location: Zoom Virtual Meeting Present: Terri Burchfield, Jay Simeone, Chris Menard, Evan Watters, Heather Sroka Absent: Peter Beardmore, Dave Passios 1. Call to Order Terri Burchfield, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and read the COVID-19 / Zoom meeting advisory statement. This meeting was recorded and is viewable on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSOVTrqv66U6:30 2. Chair Report None 3. Public Comment None 4. Policy Discussion School Committee provided information on contract and increase in salaries. Terri - typically schools look at and compare salaries with at least 5 other similar districts. This gives an idea of why a district may be losing personnel. ===PAGE 2=== Chris – maybe some discussion about procedures regarding salary schedule with the personnel committee. What would be expected that the Finance Committee should vote on – a matrix with Committee expectations. Chris believes that Boards and Commissions that have oversight and are part of a department budget should review their budget prior to Finance Committee presentation Floor; for example DPW, Conservation Commission, Cemetery. They all play relevant parts and yet they have no say in the budget they are to use for the upcoming fiscal year. Chris also believes there has to be a better way to go about the budget than to have money figures at Town Meeting. These are all things the Finance Committee should look to clean up in policy. There is some discussion around Debt Exclusion, the TCP/THES and belief that the Finance Committee has to come up with a long-term plan. There is no Town Consensus on what to do with Town Buildings and the Vertex Plan. Chris would like more information on Chapter 90 Funds, Pavement Management. He believes one department does a lot and that it should be broken up. Heather L. would like a short meeting next week 4/29 prior to Town Meeting. She will have the Figures for the Collective Bargaining Articles. 5. Minutes Due to the heavy load of meeting minutes – minutes have been assigned as follows – 2/18 Heather 2/25 Terri 3/4 Jay 3/11 Evan 3/18 Peter - Schools 3/25 Chris – Public Hearing 4/8 Dave 4/22 – Heather 6. Adjournment Motion made by Chris, Seconded by Jay all in favor 7:47 p.m. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-04-29-agenda-2085.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-04-29 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-04-29-agenda-2085.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04292021-2085 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, April 29, 2021 7:00 PM AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/87484035824 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 87484035824# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. Finance Committee Procedures discussion IV. Warrant Article Recommendations Collective Bargaining TC Passios Design V. Minutes VI. Committee and Department Reports VII. Town Manager/Finance Director Report VIII. Public Comment IX. Next Meetings 1. Saturday, 5/1 Annual Town Meeting 2. Thursday 5/13 X. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-04-29-minutes-2085.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-04-29 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-04-29-minutes-2085.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04292021-2085 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Terri Burchfield, Chair Peter Beardmore, Vice-Chair Heather Sroka, Secretary Christopher Menard David Passios Jay Simeone Evan Watters Lunenburg Finance Committee April 29, 2021 17 Main Street, P.O. Box 135 Lunenburg, MA 01462-0135 978.582.4139 FAX 978.582.4148 Location: Zoom Virtual Meeting Present: Terri Burchfield, Peter Beardmore, Jay Simeone, Dave Passios Chris Menard, Evan Watters, Heather Sroka, Michael Ray Jeffreys, Thomas Alonzo, Carol Archambault Absent: None 1. Call to Order Terri Burchfield, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and read the COVID-19 / Zoom meeting advisory statement. This meeting was recorded and is viewable on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSOVTrqv66U6:30 2. Chair Report Terri - there will be 2 seats open for FinCom – Please fill out a Talent Bank form if you are interested. Chris and Terri had some discussion about whether there was a Public Hearing on monied articles. All meeting are open meetings and there was a public hearing regarding all articles in the Town Meeting Warrant. 3. Public Comment None ===PAGE 2=== 4. Policy Discussion Chris - Procedural policies must be worked out and implemented by the Finance Committee. There should be a document with procedural items in it and this should be worked on after Town Meeting. All documents should be in the Drive at least 48 hours prior to a meeting. This gives all committee members time to prepare and review for the meeting. This should be in writing. 5. TCP Discussion Michael Ray Jeffreys – Chair of the TCP Building Committee Have been working for 2 years on this project School, Town, Community, Arch Engineering, Research, Environmental, Plumbing, Electrical Had several public hearings to identify space needs – B&GCL Schools Lions Farming – for large kitchen space Prioritized - How to maximize space in the building? Cost to consolidate? Received the total figure and it was shocking. The Building is 69 years old – expected a figure on in the range of $10-15M actual was $21M $8M to keep the building running – in current state and use Roof, plumbing, electrical, earthquake proof 50% remodel level 3 trigger to get the building up to current code. TCP Building trying to decide how to move forward. Would like to find out the cost for a rebuild now that the remodel figure came in so high. New build would be approximately $275 per square foot – 55,000 square feet. Finding out the cost to rebuild is the prudent thing to do. Asking for $54,000 to possibly save millions of $$. Peter – intent of the proposal for a new build cost analysis is to compare apples to apples. ===PAGE 3=== Mr. Jeffreys wanted to inform the public that the Town of Lunenburg is 293 years old and has never had to build a Town Hall. The current Town Hall was donated. Chris has been watching the TCP Building Committee meetings and commented that they have done an excellent job. He pointed out that years ago there was a Building Reuse Committee that intended to provide the Town with a big picture view of the Town Buildings and what needed to be done. TCP was transferred from the schools to the town which he feels was an error. Mr. Jeffreys - The goal of the TCP Building Committee is to have a vibrant Town Center and Village District. Parking requirements are one spot for every 300 square feet of a building. We are currently not meeting the needs of the Town. 6. Warrant Articles Heather L. presenting some changes in the figures for the Town Meeting Warrant. Article 3 – Payment of Prior Year Bills - to transfer $645,000 from free cash. There was an outstanding invoice relating to EMT recertifications. Motion to recommend warrant article as recommended by Town Manager Evan motioned, Chris Seconded, all in favor. Article 5 – Capital Plan revised figures and revenue sources presented by the Town Manager. Raise and appropriate $682,502.42 Free Cash - $804,041.00 Motion to recommend the article with Town Manager revisions Peter motioned, Evan seconded, all in favor. Article 6 – Omnibus Budget additional $105,100 regarding the recycling program. The only bid the Town received is a 3 year contract. Motion to recommend article 6 as recommended by the Town Manager Peter motioned, Dave seconded, all in favor. Article 17 – DPW Collective Bargaining Agreement 3 year contract – transfer funds from Salary Reserve Year one - $32,697.42 Contract Dates July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024 Motion to recommend approval as recommended by Town Manager Peter motioned, Chris seconded, all in favor ===PAGE 4=== Dave – Asked Town Manager if the the Town is rescinding unused funds for the feasibility study related to the LMHS project. $750,000 which was initially included in the amount and authorization for the school project. Total amount being rescinded is $4.8M the total cost of the project was $72M. The $750,000 from the feasibility study was included in the amount rescinded. 7. Reports Peter – School Committee Strategic Planning was discussed. Mr. Londa focused on the fire alarms at LPS. There is $25,000 earmarked for Capital Planning this year. However, the district used unspent funds and transferred to use for the fire alarm project this year. The money earmarked will go toward other capital projects. Dave – Parks Earth Day projects through out town. Reviewing Town Beach rental policies. Hiring for Town Beach – seasonal positions 2-3 more lifeguards are needed. OHAC is having lifeguard training. TCP – presented earlier in the meeting Cap Planning – Document to the Committee for a policy change of $20,000 requirement for a capital project. 8. Town Manager Report Heather L. the Flat Hill Road Culvert project will not be done until late FY22. Pleasant Street will begin June 1st. Complete Streets Project beginning the end of May and complete by July 1st. 2 week sidewalk projects – Memorial/Main/Oak Ave intersection Live Meetings/Hybrid Meetings 11 person at Town Hall with masks and socially distant. 9. Public Comment Dave Rodgers – 82 Highland Street Is the ACE Program at TCP a state mandated program? Could that be placed elsewhere? What is the direct cost? ===PAGE 5=== Dave Passios – Whiting Street Acknowledging the passing of Dwight Wentworth at 93 years. 10. Adjournment Town Meeting on Saturday, May 1st check in begins at 8:00 a.m. Motion to adjourn Dave Seconded by Peter All in favor 8:49 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-05-13-agenda-2086.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-05-13 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-05-13-agenda-2086.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132021-2086 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, May 13, 2021 7:00 PM AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/89890155890 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 89890155890# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. Finance Committee Procedures discussion IV. Fiscal Policy 1. Capital Planning recommended changes V. Minutes VI. Committee and Department Reports VII. Town Manager/Finance Director Report VIII. Public Comment IX. Next Meetings 1. Thursday 5/27 X. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-06-10-agenda-2087.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-06-10 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-06-10-agenda-2087.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102021-2087 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, June 10, 2021 7:00 PM AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel. The Town of Lunenburg, in response to the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) is currently following the guidance from the Lunenburg Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC regarding the virus and steps communities can take to prevent the spread and all town facilities are currently closed to the public. In accordance with the Governor’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G. L. c. 30A, § 20, all public meetings are being conducted remotely. This meeting will be broadcast live through local access cable, on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/) and will be able to be found on the LunenburgAccess YouTube channel within 24 hours after the meeting. The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/766316760 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 766316760# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. Finance Committee Procedures discussion IV. Minutes V. Committee and Department Reports VI. Town Manager/Finance Director Report VII. Public Comment VIII. Next Meetings 1. Thursday 6/24/2021 IX. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-06-17-agenda-2089.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-06-17 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-06-17-agenda-2089.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06172021-2089 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, June 17, 2021 7:00 PM-Town Hall Bilotta Meeting Room, Second Floor AGENDA In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadc ast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel and on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable-157427270975305/). The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://zoom.us/j/88615259136 or From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 88615259136# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e -mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brough t up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. I. Announcements II. Public Comment III. Discussion with School Representative re: Ratified Collective Bargaining Agreements IV. Finance Committee Procedures discussion V. Minutes VI. Committee and Department Reports VII. Town Manager/Finance Director Report VIII. Public Comment IX. Next Meetings 1. Thursday 6/24/2021, Thursday 7/8/2021 X. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-06-24-agenda-2088.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-06-24 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-06-24-agenda-2088.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06242021-2088 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== NOTICE of FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING on June 24, 2021 7:00 PM Town Hall AGENDA 1. Open meeting 2. Communications • Public Comment • New Communications 3. Minutes 4. Town Manager/Financial Officer Reports 5. Public Comment 6. Next Meetings July 8, 2021 Committee Reorganization 7. Adjournment ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-06-24-minutes-2088.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-06-24 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-06-24-minutes-2088.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06242021-2088 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Terri Burchfield, Chair Peter Beardmore, Vice-Chair Heather Sroka, Secretary Christopher Menard David Passios Jay Simeone Evan Watters Lunenburg Finance Committee June 24, 2021 Minutes 17 Main Street, P.O. Box 135 Lunenburg, MA 01462-0135 978.582.4139 FAX 978.582.4148 Location: Town Hall Present: Terri Burchfield, Peter Beardmore, Jay Simeone, Chris Menard, Tom Balish Absent: Dave Passios, Heather Sroka, Evan Watters 1. Call to Order o Terri Burchfield, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. 2. Public Comment: Tom Balish was introduced as one of the 2 new Committee members. 3. Minutes: C. Menard motioned to approve the minutes of 2/25/21, 3/4/21, 3/18/21 and 3/25/21. P. Beardmore seconded, carried unanimously with Tom Balish not voting. 4. Motion to Adjourn Next meeting July 8, the Committee will reorganize. C. Menard motioned to adjourn at 7:15. J. Simeone seconded, carried unanimously. Minutes submitted by T. Burchfield ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-07-08-agenda-2103.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-07-08 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-07-08-agenda-2103.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07082021-2103 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Thursday, July 8th, 2021 7:00 PM – Lunenburg Town Hall Bilotta Meeting Room, Second Floor AGENDA Revised (7/6) In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel and on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access-Cable- 157427270975305/). The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88178171671 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 88178171671# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. 1. Call to Order 2. Announcements 3. Public Comment 4. Reorganization and committee assignments 5. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 6. Discussion on procedures and goals 7. Discuss Pond View Commons 40B application with Land Use Director, possibly vote on submitting comments to MassHousing 8. Minutes 9. Committee Reports 10. Public Comment 11. Next Meetings: July 22, August 12 12. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-07-22-agenda-2090.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-07-22 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-07-22-agenda-2090.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222021-2090 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Peter Beardmore, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Gray, Co-Clerk Thomas Balish, Co-Clerk Jay Simeone David Passios Evan Watters Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, July 22, 2021 7:00 PM – Lunenburg Town Hall Bilotta Meeting Room, Second Floor Agenda 17 Main Street, P.O. Box 135 Lunenburg, MA 01462-0135 978.582.4139 FAX 978.582.4148 In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel and on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access- Cable-157427270975305). The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81862086442 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 81862086442# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. 1. Call to Order 2. Announcements 3. Public comment 4. Town Manager / Finance Director report 5. Committee assignments 6. 40B commentary to Mass Housing 7. Finance committee procedures and goals 8. Minutes 9. Committee reports 10. Public comment 11. Items for future meetings 12. Next meetings: August 12, August 26 13. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-07-22-minutes-2090.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-07-22 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-07-22-minutes-2090.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07222021-2090 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Peter Beardmore, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Tom Gray, Co-Secretary Thomas Balish, Co-Secretary David Passios Jay Simeone Evan Watters Lunenburg Finance Committee July 22, 2021 17 Main Street, P.O. Box 135 Lunenburg, MA 01462-0135 978.582.4139 FAX 978.582.4148 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Peter Beardmore, Dave Passios via Zoom , Jay Simeone, Chris Menard, Tom Gray, Tom Balish Absent: Evan Waters 1. Call to Order Peter Beardmore called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and read the Zoom meeting advisory statement. This meeting was recorded and is viewable on YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSOVTrqv66U6:30 ] 2. Chair Report Peter informed the Committee of the 40B workshop on August 3rd and the Gulf ribbon cutting. 3. Announcements None. 4. Public Comment None 5. Town Manager / Finance Director Report ===PAGE 2=== The Town Manager Informed the committee the governor signed the fiscal 2021 budget. The LED lighting at the library for $40,000 was granted. There will be a 15% increase in garbage bags. A list of possible projects for the ARPA funds are being prepared for review. 6. Procedures and Goals The committee approved the following members to be liaisons for the committee. David- Capital Planning and Parks Tom Gray- Land Acquisition and Open space Tom Balish- Fire and Police and Library Peter- School, Association of Town Finance Committee and MMA Chris – Council on Ageing Other liaison assignments Wes placed on hold for future discussions. Committee discussed if the Finance Committee should make any comment about the 40B project. The committee agreed that we don't have enough information at this time to comment 7. Discuss Peter’s draft of goals for the next year Peter read the draft. The committee was concerned the wording my unnecessarily hamper the Town in emergency situations. Also,the wording could be read as micromanaging various spending. Peter stated he would reword these areas for next meeting. 8. Minutes Motion was made to approve minutes for July 8th was seconded and was unanimously approved. 9. Committee Reports ===PAGE 3=== None. 10. Public Comment None. 11. Adjournment Motion was made by Chris and seconded by Jay, unanimous 8:50 p.m. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-08-12-agenda-2091.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-08-12 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-08-12-agenda-2091.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122021-2091 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Peter Beardmore, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Gray, Co-Clerk Thomas Balish, Co-Clerk Jay Simeone David Passios Evan Watters Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, August 12, 2021 7:00 PM – Lunenburg Town Hall Bilotta Meeting Room, Second Floor Agenda 17 Main Street, P.O. Box 135 Lunenburg, MA 01462-0135 978.582.4139 FAX 978.582.4148 In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel and on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access- Cable-157427270975305). The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82036205948 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 82036205948# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. 1. Call to Order 2. Announcements 3. Public comment 4. Town Manager / Finance Director report 5. Discussion with DPW Director 6. Discussion with Police Chief 7. Old Business a. ARPA planning b. 40B commentary c. Finance Committee procedures and goals document review and approval d. Committee Assignments 8. New Business a. Special Town Meeting timeline and calendar b. Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption 9. Minutes 10. Committee reports 11. Public comment 12. Items for future meetings 13. Next meetings: August 26, September 9 14. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-08-12-minutes-2091.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-08-12 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-08-12-minutes-2091.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08122021-2091 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, August 12, 2021 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Peter Beardmore, Dave Passios, Jay Simeone, Chris Menard, Evan Watters, Tom Gray, Tom Balish Absent: None Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Lunenburg Police Chief Thomas Gammel, DPW Director Rob Oliva, School Committee Chairperson Carol Archambault. 1. Call to Order Peter Beardmore called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. and read a statement concerning the Open Meeting Law, and how all public meetings are legally being held remotely. This meeting was recorded and is viewable on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBYyoyyTYEE&ab_channel=LunenburgAccess 2. Announcements: Mr. Beardmore introduced new recording secretary Amanda Koeck to the committee. Mr. Beardmore informed the committee there would be an upcoming joint meeting with the school committee regarding Chapter 70 funds on a date to be determined. 3. Public Comment: None 4. Town Manager/Finance Director Report Ms. Lemieux shared updates from the latest Select Board meeting, and stated the proposals for the School Street project are due Aug. 17, 2021, and that the Flat Hill Road culvert project is still being worked on as the engineer has found the prices for materials are still very high, and the backlog of work is long due to the pandemic. The project will be put on hold while the Town applies for a small bridge grant with hope prices go down in the meantime. The project could start in spring of 2022. Ms. Lemieux also informed the committee that a structural engineer has looked at the town hall envelope as well as the clock tower, and that project is moving forward. The Lunenburg Turkey Hill Family Lions Club Food Pantry will be moving from the second floor of the public safety building to the TC Passios kitchen area. Ms. Lemieux and the school facilities director are calculating operating costs and how those may impact the special revolving account, which involves revenue from rent from organizations that currently use the building. Ms. Lemieux is working on finding grant opportunities that address food security. Mr. Passios asked whether the food pantry had any budgetary impact on the public safety building, Ms. Lemieux replied no. The town has received 50 percent of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, which was $614,000 in municipal funds. Ms. Lemieux stated there was a determination that the county allocation comes out to $2,279,580, 50 percent of which will be paid directly to the town by or around August 16, 2021 with no request process. Expenses must be dedicated by December 31, 2024, and performance must be complete by December 31, 2026. Ms. Lemieux informed the committee that the next Special Town Meeting is slated for November 16, 2021 on the condition that the Select Board approves of the date at their next meeting scheduled for August 17, 2021. Articles for the Town Warrant will be due by September 28, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. ===PAGE 2=== Mr. Menard asked about the Flat Hill Road culvert being deemed “safe,” and asked how long it would take to complete the project. Ms. Lemieux responded that the culvert is at the same standard it was when the Department of Transportation was out to inspect, and that traffic in the area is down to one lane. 5. Discussion with DPW Director Mr. Beardmore explained that all department heads have been invited to finance committee meetings proceeding budget presentations to see what the committee has to expect for the upcoming FY23 budget season, as well as getting reacquainted face to face after a year of remote meetings. Mr. Oliva informed the committee that the Complete Streets project should be finishing up over the next two weeks, and that there are still minor details to be worked out with the Pleasant Street bridge project, but that should also be completed soon. Mr. Beardmore pointed out that the Oak Ave and Main St island, which is involved in the Complete Streets project, was not reconfigured as he thought the project stated. Mr. Oliva replied that the grading did not go as expected, and wouldn’t allow for the original proposed changes. Mr. Beardmore asked for an update on the Pavement Management Plan. Mr. Oliva responded that he is continuing with the plan, and that he will work on updating it now that Burrage, Prospect, and Whalom Rd have been paved and are about to be striped. Mr. Oliva informed the committee there are $628,000 in Chapter 90 funds still to be spent, and the Pavement Management Plan is at about $526,000 to $270,000 including the drainage portion for debt exclusion. Mr. Passios asked about the divots on Pleasant St. Mr. Oliva responded that the divots will be raised to grade after the winter. Mr. Beardmore asked about the DPW’s need for equipment. Mr. Oliva responded that last year the department got funding for a new dump truck and pick-up truck, and that on next year’s capital plan there’s a ten-wheeler, but since the DPW is no longer using sand, the need for that no longer exists. Mr. Oliva said that the biggest need for the DPW is to address roadside vegetation, and that the current 13 year-old flail mower that attaches to the trackless is not the right tool for the job, and is also in need of constant repair. Mr. Oliva stated the DPW needs a large tractor with a rotary mower to efficiently handle roadside vegetation, and will probably cost more than $160,000. Mr. Oliva added that the trackless does have an attachment for road repair, that works well, but the department doesn’t use it as much as it should because interchanging the attachments is laborious. Mr. Passios suggested the possibility of upgrading the flail mower. Mr. Oliva replied that one would cost $30,000, but would not be the right tool for the job. Mr. Menard asked how the department is doing in terms of staffing. Mr. Oliva replied that the department is still in need of an assistant facilities custodian, a cemetery assistant, and a temporary recreation director. Mr. Passios asked if there are any intentions to grow the department. Mr. Oliva replied there is not at this time. Mr. Beardmore commented that the parks department had a rough start to the summer, and expressed his opinion that regardless of which entity is in charge of scheduling the parks and fields, all of the land should belong to the tax payers. Mr. Oliva responded that the Town Manager and school administration are working on better coordination of time management for school use and community use of the parks ===PAGE 3=== and fields. Mr. Beardmore added that when the committee is looking into potential projects, the scheduling issue could make him hesitant to invest. Mr. Menard suggested that scheduling on parks and school fields, as well as use of the TC Passios building, should all be on the same platform, and that the process should be open to all who are looking to schedule the time. Ms. Lemieux explained how requests for use of fields, parks, and buildings are currently processed, and considered the possibility of changing the scheduling platform so the schedule can be made visible to those groups interested in booking time at parks and fields. Mr. Menard asked about the status of bridges and culverts over the next five to ten years. Mr. Oliva acknowledged a plan needs to be developed to address those issues, and that he hasn’t come up with that plan yet. Mr. Passios asked if there were other items on the watch list, drawing attention to a culvert on Page St. Mr. Oliva stated that the construction for that culvert will come forward in this year’s capital plan. Mr. Simeone asked about the street sign upgrade project. Mr. Oliva said there is a list of what’s needed, and the department is working on that list. 6. Discussion with Police Chief Mr. Gammel informed the committee that his department is sticking to their 10-year plan, that they are moving forward with personnel and have recently hired their nineteenth officer, and that two more officers are about to be appointed. As the department continues with the plan, another lieutenant will be added to the force, as well as a part-time clerical employee. Mr. Gammel harkened back to 2002 when the department had fourteen officers and a full time Public Safety Coordinator with an assistant who was part-time. Mr. Menard asked how the workload has changed since the pandemic. Mr. Gammel responded that there’s been an uptick in mental health calls, and domestic violence calls, and as the pandemic has slowed down, traffic violations have gone up, along with arrest warrants. Mr. Gammel informed the committee that there will be additional mandatory in-service training for full time, as well as reserve officers as a result of the police reform bill signed into law last year. Mr. Beardmore asked if the chief would have a better idea of what those trainings will entail as budget time gets closer. Mr. Gammel said he will as he will be attending meetings and a hearing in upcoming weeks and months, and that he already knows that achieving certification for full time and reserve officers will pose a challenge. Mr. Gammel also pointed out that reserve officers will be trained as full time officers from now on, and that reserve academies have been phased out. Mr. Gammel emphasized the importance of the reserve officers that currently supplement the full time police force, and how much they save the town on overtime, but since the police reform law will not allow for reserve officers any longer, the department will need to figure out how to move forward without them. Mr. Gray asked how many reserve officers are currently on the force. Mr. Gammel said there are currently eight in addition to the 19 full time officers currently on the police force. Mr. Gammel added that now that he has built the force up to 19 officers he will be creating specialty jobs including a traffic officer, and when the next two recruits come out of the academy, the department will have a detective. Mr. Gammel also wants to separate the community outreach/school resource officer into two positions rather than having one officer do both jobs. The department is also working on collaborations with different groups to better deal with the new kinds of challenges police departments are facing by creating crisis intervention teams and involving social workers. ===PAGE 4=== Mr. Beardmore then asked the chief how the department is doing in terms of equipment. Mr. Gammel responded that the cruisers are very well cared for, and that the department has received new bullet- proof vests this year. Mr. Beardmore asked about the new body cameras the officers wear. Mr. Gammel responded that the body cameras are a helpful addition for compiling reports, and that they’re working out very well. Mr. Gammel said he’d also like to outfit the cruisers with cameras, and he’ll be seeking out grant funds for that. Mr. Beardmore asked about the hybrid vehicles. Mr. Gammel responded that the hybrids are good vehicles, and they’ll be ordering two more. Mr. Beardmore pointed out that the department went with purchasing a hybrid vehicle over a new K9 vehicle. Mr. Gammel stated that the K9 cruiser is not in use all the time, so it still has a couple years left in it and that Jerry, the current K9 officer is close to retirement, and he has to think on how he will replace the dog, and pointed out that major funds are needed to train an officer to work with a dog. Mr. Gammel discussed and opportunity to lease motorcycles, and pointed out the positive impact the motorcycles have on the community when it comes to parades, and providing escorts for funerals, as well as traffic tools. Mr. Beardmore asked if there is a substantial training requirement. Mr. Gammel explained that the training would be covered in his budget. Mr. Passios asked about including cruiser replacement into the department’s budget as opposed to capital plan. Mr. Gammel responded that if his budget was consistent, he’d be fine with that idea. Mr. Passios added another scenario would be that purchasing a motorcycle could start with being covered under the capital plan and its replacement should be funded within the department’s budget. Mr. Gammel opined that he’s not opposed to something like that as long as there are funds available, but that he certainly would not want to end up in a situation where he had to sacrifice personnel positions in order to pay for equipment. Mr. Gray asked if the police department checks on other towns’ department’s salaries to be sure Lunenburg officers are within range. Mr. Gammel said they do check on towns the same size as Lunenburg especially around negotiations. 7. Old Business a. ARPA Planning Ms. Lemieux said that she’s still gathering estimates. Mr. Beardmore added that he’s been looking into a way to integrate broadband with the replacement of streetlights, but he has received no response from Verizon. Mr. Menard commented that the city of Worcester received $110 million in ARPA funds, and is spending $10 million on their parks. Mr. Beardmore commented it would be good if the town could spend ARPA funds on projects like Marshall Park and the now vacant Primary School Building. Ms. Lemieux pointed out that plans for any projects would have to be completed so the money could be spent by 2024. b. 40B commentary Ms. Lemieux stated the public comment period for the latest 40B project has been extended to September 2, and all correspondence should be submitted to Town Hall by August 28, 2021. c. Finance Committee procedures and goals document review and approval Mr. Beardmore stated that he and Ms. Lemieux spoke the day before about the committee’s proposed procedure on off budget spending in excess of $20,000. Ms. Lemieux stated that the committee’s proposal is contradictory to the roles and responsibilities of the Finance Committee and the Town Manager in the Town Charter. Mr. Beardmore opined that the committee’s proposal is non-binding, and is a written request that only lasts for one year, in order to be reviewed and decided on for the next fiscal year, and is not a policy or a proposed bylaw, or a proposal to change the Charter. It is a request to make sure the only subcommittee of Town ===PAGE 5=== Meeting is fully informed of where the money is going that’s flowing through the town. Mr. Menard expressed his confusion as to how the committee’s request goes against the charter. Ms. Lemieux replied that there is no language in the charter that lends itself to the paragraph in the request that is interpreted as an approval of the expenditure of funds. Mr. Menard pointed out that the Finance Committee goes through an extensive process to develop the budget presented at Town Meeting, and then the day to day operations are handed back to the executive side of town government. Mr. Menard then opined that it would make sense that off budget spending would come back to the finance committee. Mr. Beardmore explained that there are things the flow through the town such as earmarks, and Chapter 90 reimbursement, that don’t flow through the town’s budget, and so the finance committee is not made aware. Mr. Beardmore explained that Lunenburg has a system of checks and balances, and that the finance committee is a subcommittee of the legislative branch, and that though the Charter is specific to the executive side of government, it is fairly vague when it comes to this subcommittee of the legislature. Mr. Beardmore opined that the finance committee’s request only seeks to make the process more transparent. Mr. Menard added that the special reserve fund should be included as part of the town’s budget. Mr. Gray asked what knowing about an expenditure would do for the committee if they wouldn’t act on it. Mr. Passios opined that not having information on off budget expenditures takes away from the committee’s ability to review and recommend for future discussions. Mr. Gray asked if the committee gets to see expenditures at any point. Mr. Beardmore said the finance committee does have access to the audit, but audits have not been discussed by the committee for the past two years, but the procedure and goals document aims to create a formal discussion on off budget spending. Mr. Balish asked if quarterly reports are discussed amongst the finance committee. Mr. Beardmore said that mostly the committee gets them, and that they go on the Select Board’s agenda. Ms. Lemieux said she has attended Finance Committee meetings where the Finance Director has given updates. Ms. Lemieux stated that she has tried to keep the Finance Committee updated on projects, and earmarks, and needs of departments, but putting it in writing makes it feel as if it’s a requirement which doesn’t align with the Charter. Ms. Lemieux committed to continue to deliver verbal updates and to be as transparent as possible. Mr. Balish pointed out that the language in the paragraph could be interpreted in various ways, and pondered whether there could be a compromise with the language in the paragraph. Mr. Gray expressed he understands the tension around the paragraph, because a manager should be free to make decisions without someone looking over their shoulder, but at the same time, the committee wants to know as much information as possible. Mr. Beardmore defined the topic at hand as a resolution of the finance committee that will be shared with any interested party. That the resolution explains the committee’s expectations and how they want to operate, and it is not a directive to anybody. Mr. Passios moved to adopt the wording of the Finance Committee Resolution as presented. Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, Mr. Beardmore: aye, Mr. Simeone: abstain, Mr. Watters: nay, Mr. Balish: nay, Mr. Gray: nay. Motion does not pass. Mr. Beardmore stated he would leave the document in the shared drive for review, and the topic can be discussed at the next meeting. d. Committee assignments: Mr. Watters volunteered to serve as liaison to the Planning Board by checking in with the town’s Land Use Director periodically. 8. New Business a. Special Town Meeting Timeline ===PAGE 6=== Ms. Lemieux informed the committee that the next Special Town Meeting is slated for November 16, 2021 on the condition that the Select Board approves of the date at their next meeting scheduled for August 17, 2021. Articles for the Town Warrant will be due by September 28, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Finance Committee recommendations on the warrant are due by October 14, 2021, which will be advertised as a public hearing. Ms. Lemieux suggested putting the discussion of warrant articles on all agendas beginning in September. b. Senior Citizen Tax Exemption Ms. Lemieux and the Select Board have been discussing ways to incorporate a senior citizen discount program into real estate taxes that would mirror the current circuit breaker program for state income taxes. Mr. Beardmore suggested the committee watch the Select Board meeting from July 27, 2021, where the board discussed eligibility requirements, and that the exemption is about to become a hot topic that will come up in November. c. APR Ms. Lemieux informed the board that the Town was notified by Department of Agricultural Resources that the Pierces have withdrawn their application. Therefore the article passed at the last Town Meeting will be rescinded and the $66,500 will become free cash to be appropriated by the Town Manager. 9. Minutes Mr. Simeone motioned to approve the July 22, 2021 meeting minutes as amended. Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 10. Committee Reports Committee members updated each other on their respective assignments 11. Public Comment None 12. Items for future meetings On November 3, 2021 a joint meeting of the school committee and finance committee will take place to learn about Chapter 70 funds from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. 13. Next Meetings August 26, 2021, and September 9, 2021 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall 14. Adjourn Mr. Watters motioned to adjourn. Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-08-26-agenda-2092.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-08-26 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-08-26-agenda-2092.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08262021-2092 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Peter Beardmore, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Gray, Co-Clerk Thomas Balish, Co-Clerk Jay Simeone David Passios Evan Watters Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, August 26, 2021 7:00 PM – Lunenburg Town Hall Bilotta Meeting Room, Second Floor Agenda 17 Main Street, P.O. Box 135 Lunenburg, MA 01462-0135 978.582.4139 FAX 978.582.4148 In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel and on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access- Cable-157427270975305). The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89466989282or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 89466989282# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. Please note the available zoom option is for the convenience of the public. If any technical difficulties were to occur with zoom, the meeting will continue. If you wish to continue to participate, you must report to the location on this notice. Please be aware of this and plan accordingly. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. 1. Call to Order 2. Announcements 3. Public comment 4. Town Manager / Finance Director report 5. Discussion with Fire Chief 6. Discussion with COA Director 7. Old Business a. Finance Committee procedures and goals document review and approval b. Special Town Meeting timeline and Calendar 8. New Business a. none 9. Minutes 10. Committee reports 11. Public comment 12. Items for future meetings 13. Next meetings: September 9, September 23 14. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-08-26-minutes-2092.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-08-26 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-08-26-minutes-2092.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08262021-2092 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, August 26, 2021 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Peter Beardmore, Dave Passios, Jay Simeone, Chris Menard, Evan Watters, Tom Gray, Tom Balish Absent: None Guests: Town Accountant Karen Brochu, Fire Department Chief Patrick Sullivan, Council on Aging Director Susan Doherty 1. Call to Order Peter Beardmore called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. and read a statement concerning the Open Meeting Law, and how all public meetings are legally being held remotely. This meeting was recorded and is viewable on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPdpklZ0snY&ab_channel=LunenburgAccess 2. Announcements: None 3. Public Comment: None 4. Finance Director Report Ms. Brochu updated the committee on fourth quarter revenues and expenditures, and said the town had a very good year with revenues exceeding expectations by 2.2 percent. Ms. Brochu added that the town had a very conservative outlook at the beginning of FY21 due to the pandemic, and that because the town was able to push back on collection of excise tax there was an actual increase in collections. Mr. Beardmore questioned whether the town was spending its money in a timely manner. Ms. Brochu added that there were a number of years when the town didn’t levy to capacity, and that sometimes changes are made at Annual Town Meeting, as well as certain factors that can’t be known at the time the budget is set. Mr. Menard asked when decisions would be made pertaining to ARPA Funds. Ms. Brochu answered that projects need to be checked against U.S. Treasury guidelines to be sure the funds are spent accordingly. 5. Discussion with Fire Chief Mr. Sullivan informed the committee that he will be looking to hire another full-time staff person next year, and added that it’s a challenge for him to retain personnel due to not being able to compete with the schedules and salaries of surrounding cities and towns. Mr. Sullivan also informed the board that he wouldn’t be requesting funds for a new truck until 2027, but has suggested using ARPA funds to replace an aging rescue vehicle. Mr. Sullivan also drew attention to the now 23 year-old public safety building, which is facing issues with mold due to a faulty HVAC/sprinkler system, as well as drafty windows that let out the heat. Mr. Sullivan said he doesn’t know what the cost would be to fix the issues. Mr. Menard commented that it would be helpful to see the complete ===PAGE 2=== list of concerning issues at the public safety building. Mr. Passios added that the windows may be something the Green Communities Committee could work into their April 2021 grant season. 6. Discussion with COA Director Ms. Doherty informed the committee that the senior center is getting back to normal, and that the staff at the senior center never stopped working, they just changed the way they did things. Ms. Doherty informed the committee that she will be looking to hiring a new kitchen manager in FY23, and the position would be non-benefitted. Mr. Beardmore asked about the facility. Ms. Doherty answered that the roof over the main entrance, which has handled many ice dams in winters past, has been repaired and replaced with a rubber roof, which was covered under the capital plan. Ms. Doherty is now looking to make the back outdoor area of the senior center more usable for its patrons, and that she is looking into a $20,000 grant to get started. Ms. Doherty added that additional parking behind the Eagle House is in the capital plan in the future, and hopes the patio project will tie in with that. Mr. Passios asked if Ms. Doherty was able to make use of any Cares Act funds. Ms. Doherty answered that since she was able to carry over Formula Grant funds this year, along with donations, and the 501c3 fund raising group for the senior center, she didn’t look into Cares Act Funds. She informed the board that she was able to use existing funds to invest in a new projector and sound system for the senior center’s main meeting room. 7. Old Business a. Finance Committee procedures and goals document review and approval Mr. Balish edited the portion of the document concerning off budget spending, and the Town Manager approves of the new paragraph. Mr. Menard motioned to approve the procedures and goals document as amended, Mr. Watters seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. b. Special Town Meeting timeline and calendar The committee will hold a public hearing on the Warrant on November 14, 2021. Special Town Meeting will be held on November 16, 2021. 8. New Business: None 9. Minutes: Mr. Passios motioned to approve the minutes with corrections from the August 12, 2021 meeting, Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 10. Committee Reports: Committee members updated each other on their respective assignments 11. Public Comment: None 12. Items for Future Meetings: No discussion 13. Next Meetings: September 9, September 23 14. Adjournment: At 8:40 p.m. Mr. Watters motioned to adjourn; Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-09-09-agenda-2093.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-09-09 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-09-09-agenda-2093.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092021-2093 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Peter Beardmore, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Gray, Co-Clerk Thomas Balish, Co-Clerk Jay Simeone David Passios Evan Watters Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, September 9, 2021 7:00 PM – Lunenburg Town Hall Bilotta Meeting Room, Second Floor Agenda 17 Main Street, P.O. Box 135 Lunenburg, MA 01462-0135 978.582.4139 FAX 978.582.4148 In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel and on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access- Cable-157427270975305). The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83677082698 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 836 7708 2698# If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. Please note the available zoom option is for the convenience of the public. If any technical difficulties were to occur with zoom, the meeting will continue. If you wish to continue to participate, you must report to the location on this notice. Please be aware of this and plan accordingly. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. 1. Call to Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements 4. Public comment 5. Town Manager / Finance Director report 6. Discussion with Library Director 7. Discussion with Land Use Director 8. Old Business a. Special Town Meeting update and timeline 9. New Business a. Technology planning and investment opportunities 10. Minutes 11. Committee reports 12. Public comment 13. Items for future meetings 14. Next meetings: September 23 (Superintendent, Town Manager), September 30?, October 14 (STM public hearing) 15. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-09-09-minutes-2093.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-09-09 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-09-09-minutes-2093.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09092021-2093 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 9, 2021 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Peter Beardmore, Dave Passios, Jay Simeone, Chris Menard, Evan Watters, Tom Gray Absent: Tom Balish Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Library Director Muir Haman, Land Use Director Adam Burney, School Committee Chairperson Carol Archambault. 1. Call to Order Peter Beardmore called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. and read a statement concerning the Open Meeting Law, and how all public meetings are legally being held remotely. This meeting was recorded and is viewable on YouTube at https://youtu.be/KnaBTOgjiLc 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: October 28, 2021 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall there will be a joint meeting of the Finance Committee and School Committee featuring Tracy O’Connell Novick of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees to talk about Chapter 70 funds. 4. Public Comment: None 5. Town Manager Report: Ms. Lemieux briefed the committee on what happened at the Select Board meeting on September 7, 2021. 6. Discussion with Library Director: Mr. Haman informed the committee that the carpeting project covered by the capital plan is complete. The 10-year strategic plan being developed by the Board of Library Trustees is almost finished. The plan aims to improve convenient access to the library digitally, along with expanding its user base to accommodate growth in town. According to Mr. Haman, the pandemic shed light on the need for more electronic resources while the circulation of physical books decreased. Mr. Haman will be looking for funds to cover the cost of licenses for electronic materials, and will be looking for more staffing in the future due to the increase in population. Mr. Menard asked if the library would be looking to extend hours. Mr. Haman said yes. Mr. Menard asked if a draft of the 10-year plan was published anywhere. Mr. Haman said the Trustees are almost finished and might publish the plan after their next meeting. Mr. Haman added that he may be requesting funds to address the HVAC system as a future capital planning item. Mr. Passios encouraged him to consult the Green Communities Committee when the time comes. ===PAGE 2=== 7. Discussion with Land Use Director: Mr. Burney informed the committee that his department looks stable for FY22. There is a potential retirement coming up that deals with clerical work and site inspections. Mr. Beardmore asked about the town’s Master Plan. Mr. Burney replied that there has been a Request for Proposals, but no response has been received. 8. Old Business a. Special Town Meeting update and time line: no change 9. New Business a. Technology planning and investment opportunities: Mr. Beardmore expressed concern over how the town will handle its technology moving forward in the wake of the resignation of the Information Technology Director. Mr. Beardmore inquired about what the strategy is to protect the town from a cyberattack. Ms. Lemieux assured the committee that protecting the town is her first priority and she’s currently doing research to put a solid plan in place. Mr. Menard commented that the schools and town should be on the same platform. Ms. Lemieux responded that the same services are not available to both entities. 10. Minutes: Mr. Menard motioned to approve the minutes as amended from the August 26, 2021 meeting. Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 11. Committee Reports: Committee members updated each other on their respective committee assignments. 12. Public Comment: none 13. Items for future meetings Meeting on September 30 possible, but not likely. 14. Next meetings: September 23 (Superintendent, Town Manager) October 14 (Special Town Meeting public hearing) ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-09-23-agenda-2094.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-09-23 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-09-23-agenda-2094.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09232021-2094 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Peter Beardmore, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Gray, Co-Clerk Thomas Balish, Co-Clerk Jay Simeone David Passios Evan Watters Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, September 23, 2021 7:00 PM – Lunenburg Town Hall Bilotta Meeting Room, Second Floor Agenda 17 Main Street, P.O. Box 135 Lunenburg, MA 01462-0135 978.582.4139 FAX 978.582.4148 In accordance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over the Lunenburg Public Access channel and on FacebookLive on the Public Access Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Lunenburg-Public-Access- Cable-157427270975305). The following information is also provided for members of the public that would like to participate in the meeting remotely: To Participate Remotely: From a computer, please use the link below to join the public meeting webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88130169399?pwd=YmszcU9PRVVQN0xxZ0JwYXk4TFdaQT09 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 881 3016 9399 # Passcode: 636808. If you have not registered with Zoom you will be asked for your name and an e-mail address. Note: No participant ID is needed, just press # when asked. Telephone users may dial *9 to request to speak after joining the meeting. Computer and app users may use the “raise hand” feature to request to speak. Please note the available zoom option is for the convenience of the public. If any technical difficulties were to occur with zoom, the meeting will continue. If you wish to continue to participate, you must report to the location on this notice. Please be aware of this and plan accordingly. The agenda lists all the topics which may be discussed at the meeting and are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair. Votes may be taken as a result of these discussions. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by Open Meeting Law. 1. Call to Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements 4. Public comment 5. Town Manager / Finance Director report 6. Discussion with Schools Superintendent, Dr. Burnham and Business/HR Director, Mr. Cassidy 7. Discussion with Town Manager on general government function 8. Old Business a. Review special town meeting draft articles 9. New Business a. none 10. Minutes 11. Committee reports 12. Public comment 13. Items for future meetings 14. Next meetings: October 14 (STM public hearing), October 28 (Joint Meeting w/School Committee to discuss Ch70) 15. Adjourn