# finance-committee — 13 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 : 2021-09-23-minutes-2094.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-09-23 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-09-23-minutes-2094.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09232021-2094 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 23, 2021 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Peter Beardmore, Dave Passios, Jay Simeone, Chris Menard, Evan Watters via Zoom, Absent: Tom Balish, Tom Gray Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Finance Director Karen Brochu, Superintendent of Lunenburg Public Schools Kate Burnham, HR Director Michael Cassidy, 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/gslPh-rXx9M 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: None 4. Public Comment: None 5. Discussion with Schools Superintendent Kate Burnham and HR Director Michael Cassidy: Dr. Burnham said the last year and a half has been full of surprises for the schools, and the administration has been working on filling the educational, as well as, socio-emotional gaps left by the pandemic. The biggest challenge the schools have faced is handling contact tracing as it has taken up a majority of the nurses’ time. The schools are working on implementing a “Test and Stay” program, which is to be funded by the state, but finding ways to staff the program has proved difficult. Currently the schools are using local funds for the program, which should be reimbursed with the Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ESSER) formula grant funds. The schools are advertising for a new facilities director in the wake of John Londa’s retirement, but the applicants’ experience has not met the demand for the position. There is one principal at the Middle High School, and though working with two vice principals has been working out so far, the administration will advertise for a second principal for the high school. In the meantime, the administration will seek out feedback on the current arrangement of school leadership. Mr. Passios asked about bussing. Mr. Cassidy replied the schools will go out to bid in January, and may need to increase the fleet by two busses over the next three months. Dr. Burnham highlighted the challenge the schools face with bussing as there is no way of knowing which families will actually use the bus. Mr. Beardmore commented that the committee should be out of the realm of ambiguity when it comes time to approve the budget. Mr. Cassidy added the administration is going through an assessment of their IT, and that could impact the FY23 budget. Dr. Burnham added that a multi-year plan will be developed when the assessment is complete. ===PAGE 2=== 6. Discussion with Town Manager on general government function: Ms. Lemieux stated that her highest priority is IT, and she’s currently working with a consultant to look at infrastructure, security, network upgrading, and additional support services. Ms. Lemieux informed the committee she is also applying for a grant to fund a network upgrade, which may involve a budget amendment. Ms. Lemieux informed the committee that the Town Accountant Clerk will be retiring, and she is planning to hire an Assistant Accountant to assist the Finance Director, so there will be someone qualified to stand in when the Finance Director is out. Ms. Lemieux stated this should not impact the FY23 budget. Ms. Lemieux also informed the committee that the treasurer/collector’s office will be looking for more funding to put liens on properties in order to maintain their schedule. Ms. Lemieux will also be looking to create a new department to accommodate the town’s facilities as it’s not typical for the Department of Public Works to also be responsible for all the town’s buildings. Outside of the omnibus budget, Ms. Lemieux is working on a public records management plan, which will entail a centralized catalogue. Ms. Lemieux stated her challenges are unanticipated retirements along with the resignation of the IT Director. It has been difficult to find the right people for the vacant positions. Other challenges include the proposed 40B project, as well as simultaneous road projects (Complete Streets, Pleasant Street bridge, D.O.T. work on 2A) 7. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Lemieux informed the committee that the Principal Assessor submitted receipts for $430,254 in new growth for the town, which came in $149,664 higher than what was estimated at Annual Town Meeting, the uptick in funds will cancel out the deficit left by school choice and charter assessments. Ms. Brochu informed the committee that she is working on the free cash balance sheet, and it looks like there will be $2.6 million for the town to spend. 8. Old Business a. Review Special Town Meeting Draft Articles: The committee decided to hold an additional meeting on October 7, 2021 to discuss the articles on the warrant before the public hearing on October 14, 2021. 9. New Business: None 10. Minutes: tabled 11. Committee Reports: Committee members updated each other on their respective committees. 12. Public Comment: None 13. Items for future meetings: Earmarks. Mr. Beardmore suggested if any committee members had any thoughts on earmarks to bring them up at the next meeting in order to be put on a future agenda. 14. Next Meetings: October 7, October 14 (STM public hearing), October 28 (Joint meeting w/School Committee to discuss Chapter 70) 15. Adjournment: Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn, Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-10-07-agenda-2095.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-10-07 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-10-07-agenda-2095.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10072021-2095 ======================================================================================== ===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, October 7, 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/87479169262?pwd=NEpJSWIrWVBaSWtGNVBQWDFnZzl0QT09 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 874 7916 9262, Passcode: 996077 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, broadcast, and recordings are for the convenience of the public. If any technical difficulties were to occur, 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. Old Business a. Review special town meeting articles b. Open discussion on takeaways from department head discussions, possible earmark and budget priorities 7. New Business a. none 8. Minutes 9. Committee reports 10. Public comment 11. Items for future meetings 12. Next meetings: October 14 (STM public hearing), October 28 (Joint Meeting w/School Committee to discuss Ch70) 13. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-10-07-minutes-2095.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-10-07 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-10-07-minutes-2095.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10072021-2095 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 7, 2021 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Peter Beardmore, Dave Passios via Zoom, Jay Simeone, Chris Menard Absent: Tom Balish, Tom Gray, Evan Watters Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, School Committee Chairperson Carol Archambault via Zoom, Select Board Chairman Tom Alonzo via Zoom. 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/cmyWUZzeBS0 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: Mr. Beardmore informed committee members of the Massachusetts Municipal Association Trade Show to take place in January 2022. Mr. Beardmore also let committee members know they’ve been invited to participate in the Annual Association of Town Finance Committees Meeting via Zoom in October 2021. 4. Public Comment: None 5. Town Manager Report: Ms. Lemieux reported that the Finance Director has submitted the FY21 balance sheet to the Department of Revenue. $2,665,798 in free cash is to be certified. Ms. Lemieux added that she’s been informed by the DPW director that there’s been a 38 percent increase for salt which will affect the snow and ice budget. 6. Old Business a. Review Special Town Meeting Articles: Ms. Lemieux detailed the warrant articles to be heard at a public hearing scheduled for October 14, 2021. Several articles are still in the information gathering phase, and won’t be ready to be discussed in full until at least the scheduled hearing. b. Open Discussion on takeaways from department head discussions, possible earmark and budget priorities: Mr. Beardmore inquired about ARPA funds. Ms. Lemieux explained the hesitation on spending the money when some projects chosen may be funded from other sources. 7. New Business: none ===PAGE 2=== 8. Minutes: Mr. Menard motioned to approve the minutes from the September 9 and September 23, 2021 meetings. Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 9. Committee Reports: Committee members updated each other on their respective committees. 10. Public Comment: none 11. Items for Future Meetings: The joint meeting with the school committee regarding Chapter 70 funds will be held October 28, 2021. The committee agreed that a public hearing will most likely be held on November 4, 2021 regarding outstanding warrant articles. 12. Next Meetings: October 14, 2021 (public hearing regarding warrant articles), and October 28, 2021. 13. Adjourn: Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-10-14-agenda-2096.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-10-14 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-10-14-agenda-2096.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142021-2096 ======================================================================================== ===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, October 14, 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 Facebook Live 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/89267431315?pwd=azJTalB6SXhRMEJ5MjJLNTJsK1FZdz09 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475- 4499 and enter Webinar ID: 892 6743 1315, Passcode: 115105 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, broadcast, and recordings are for the convenience of the public. If any technical difficulties were to occur, 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. Public Hearing on Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles 6. Vote recommendations on STM warrant articles 7. Warrant letter or other content for the STM warrant 8. Minutes 9. Committee reports 10. Public comment 11. Items for future meetings 12. Next meetings: October 28 (Joint Meeting w/School Committee to discuss Ch70), November 4, November 16 (STM) 13. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-10-14-minutes-2096.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-10-14 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-10-14-minutes-2096.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10142021-2096 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 14, 2021 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Acting Chairperson Chris Menard, Peter Beardmore (arrived 15 minutes late), Dave Passios, Jay Simeone, Tom Balish, Tom Gray, Evan Watters Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Land Use Director Adam Burney, Karen Brochu via Zoom, Select Board Member Lou Franco via Zoom, Lunenburg resident Rhonda Lissio 1. Call to Order Chris Menard called the meeting to order at 7:00 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/ueog2Zsqgtw 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: None 4. Public Comment: None 5. Public Hearing on Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles: Mr. Menard opened the public hearing. Ms. Lemieux, Ms. Brochu, and Mr. Burney went into detail on most proposed warrant articles to be heard at Special Town Meeting. Committee members agreed to hold another public hearing on November 4, 2021 to discuss those articles still missing key details. a. Mr. Menard read Article A out loud. Ms. Lemieux explained there would be an increase of $4,912 in the Town Accountant’s budget to replace the retiring principal clerk with an assistant accountant, as well as adding four hours for the new position. Ms. Lemieux also explained the technology budget would increase by $65,352 to cover hiring an outside consultant, as well as an upgrade to Microsoft 365, along with network and infrastructure upgrades. Ms. Lemieux is in the process of applying for grants to assist covering those costs. Whether the town will be awarded the grants will not be known until after the Special Town Meeting. Ms. Lemieux also explained an increase in the town’s share of Medicare by $39,935, however a reduction in the group health insurance along with a reduction in the Monty Tech Assessment will cover that cost. Ms. Lemieux also explained that revenue adjustments reflecting new growth along with changes in the sewer enterprise budget totaled $156,487 which makes a balanced budget for the town. Mr. Watters and Mr. Simeone asked about whether the schools’ technology program came under the town’s budget. Ms. Lemieux explained the schools are talking with the town’s technology consultant about proposals, and that the schools’ technology will be covered separately from the town. ===PAGE 2=== b. Article B, concerning payment of prior year expenses totaling $7,519 in technology invoices that weren’t known about until after FY21 was closed out. Mr. Beardmore asked whether the technology budget was underspent that year. Ms. Brochu answered that the FY21 technology budget closed out at $72,000 with $30,000 to cover salaries. The committee determined there was enough money left in that budget to cover those outstanding invoices. c. Ms. Lemieux did not have a number to discuss with the committee concerning the Lunenburg Professional Fire Fighters Collective Bargaining Agreement. d. Adjusting Elderly Exemption limits on income and assets: Ms. Lemieux explained the article aims to adjust the exemption amount from $750 to $1,000 for those single seniors with incomes of $31,000 or less and/or assets totaling $52,700 or less, and those married seniors with incomes of less than $72,600 and/or assets totaling $72,000 or less. Ms. Lemieux explained the adjustment would have an estimated impact of $7,500, which could be covered by the overlay account. Mr. Balish and Mr. Beardmore commented that the wording of the article doesn’t explain the exemption amount, which makes the article appear misleading. Mr. Passios opined that oftentimes it’s the asset limit that bumps some a lot of the town’s seniors out of the program. e. Easement of land adjacent to Leominster Shirley Rd: Mr. Menard expressed his concern about the lack of visibility at the current intersection. Mr. Burney explained that the applicant is working with the abutting business to improve visibility by cutting back existing vegetation. f. Sewer Enterprise budget: Ms. Lemieux explained the fund will provide an increase in hours for the assistant to Sewer Business Manager to make it a benefitted position. Mr. Passios made clear that those funds would be covered by the Sewer Enterprise fund. g. Sewer Commission to transfer $14,875 into their Capital Reserve Stabilization Fund. Ms. Brochu explained that there is a certain amount of revenue that gets set aside each year to be deposited into Sewer Capital Reserve Stabilization Fund. h. Demolition Delay: Ms. Lemieux explained the article was submitted by the Historical Commission. The article aims to amend the bylaw. The committee agreed Article H would have no financial impact. i. Salary Administration Plan: Ms. Lemieux explained that the approved positions by the Personnel Committee are to be incorporated into the compensation and classification grid. j. T.C. Passios Building Committee Report: The committee agreed to support hearing a report at Special Town Meeting, with hope that more information, and/or a preview will be available at the public hearing scheduled for November 4, 2021. k. Mr. Menard suggested discussing both Articles K and L together, and pointed out that there are currently no known values on tearing down and rebuilding the T.C. Passios building. Mr. Passios said there are figures for Article K. Mr. Beardmore expressed his preference to discuss Article K when a comparative analysis among other town building projects are complete. Ms. Lemieux informed the board that the debt exclusion for Article K is $23,570,000. Mr. Beardmore said he had a discussion with Ms. Lemieux, the Town’s financial advisor, and Mr. Menard about debt analysis, and that the voters need ===PAGE 3=== to informed on how the Turkey Hill Elementary School project, as well as any debt incurred from any T.C. Passios project will affect their tax rates. Ms. Lemieux added that for Article L, the $250,000 figure may change as she anticipated an actual number from the architect before the next time the article will be discussed. Lunenburg resident Rhonda Lissio commented she would vote no on both articles, and opined that the town has unilaterally decided how to use the T.C. Passios building. Ms. Lissio encouraged the town to control its impulses, and to look at its office space as a whole instead of rendering two buildings useless and charging taxpayers to renovate, or build another 55,000 sq. ft. building, and that the only way to reduce the cost is to reduce the size. Mr. Menard opined that looking further into how some space can be used would be beneficial for a decision on Article L. Mr. Passios rebutted, saying that the needs of the town have been assessed several times in the last eight years, and it has come to the point where the proposals on the T.C. Passios building need to move forward, and be voted on by the town. m. Flat Hill Culvert: Ms. Lemieux explained that easements are needed to repair a culvert on Flat Hill Road. n. Ms. Lemieux explained that Article N was voted on already, but the Map and parcel numbers were wrong at the time. Article N reflects the correct numbers. p. Ms. Lemieux explained that the parks commission submitted Article P to include Marshall Park in the sewer service area map. q. Mr. Burney explained the Article Q aims to rename some districts in town. r. Mr. Burney explained that Article R aims to change what the town’s bylaw says to match the town’s water district map. s. Mr. Burney explained that Article S would then update the town’s zoning map to reflect the change in the water district map. t. Mr. Burney explained that Article T aims to establish lot size requirements in the Limited Business/Residential District and do away with the Retail Commercial District. At 8:25 p.m. Mr. Beardmore motioned to close the public hearing, Mr. Watters seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 6. Vote recommendations on Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles: a. Mr. Beardmore motioned to recommend approval on Article A, Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. b. Mr. Beardmore motioned to recommend approval on Article B, Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. c. Mr. Beardmore motioned to defer a recommendation until Special Town Meeting on Article C, Mr. Watters seconded. Upon discussion committee members agreed they may discuss this article again on November 4, 2021. On vote, motion carried unanimously. d. Mr. Beardmore motioned to defer a recommendation until Special Town Meeting on Article D, Mr. Passios seconded. Upon discussion committee members agreed they may discuss this article again on November 4, 2021. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ===PAGE 4=== e. Mr. Beardmore motioned to recommend approval on Article E, Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. f. Mr. Beardmore motioned to recommend approval on Article F, Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. g. Mr. Beardmore motioned to recommend approval on Article G, Mr. Watters seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. h. Mr. Beardmore moved to find no financial impact on Article H, Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. i. Mr. Beardmore motioned to recommend approval on Article I, Mr. Watters seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. j. Mr. Beardmore motioned to recommend approval on Article J, Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. k. Mr. Beardmore motioned to defer articles K and L to Special Town Meeting, Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. l. Mr. Beardmore moved that the committee find no financial impact for articles M through T, Mr. Watters seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 7. Warrant Letter or Other Content for Special Town Meeting: Mr. Beardmore will write a letter from the finance committee to Lunenburg voters concerning the potential financial impact of articles K and L to be distributed with the Warrant Articles. 8. Minutes: Mr. Beardmore motioned to approve the minutes of the September 23, 2021, and October 7, 2021 meetings. Mr. Passios seconded. Mr. Simeone stated he did not read the minutes. Motion carries. 6 Yeas, 1 abstain. 9. Committee Reports: Committee members updated each other on their respective committees. 10. Public Comment: none 11. Items for Future Meetings: Mr. Passios suggested discussing the information the Green Communities Committee has collected on replacing the current street lights with L.E.D. street lights. The committee agreed to put the item on an agenda in December. 12. Next Meetings: The joint meeting with the school committee regarding Chapter 70 funds will be held October 28, 2021. A public hearing will be held November 4, 2021 on outstanding warrant articles. Special Town Meeting November 16, 2021. 13. Adjourn: Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-10-28-agenda-2097.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-10-28 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-10-28-agenda-2097.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282021-2097 ======================================================================================== ===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, October 28, 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 Facebook Live 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/87566226087?pwd=REViOS8wL0FINWNsSnN0TDc2RXVpUT09 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 875 6622 6087, Passcode: 700402 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, broadcast, and recordings are for the convenience of the public. If any technical difficulties were to occur, 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 – joint meeting with Lunenburg School Committee 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements 4. Public comment 5. Chapter 70 presentation and discussion 6. Public comment 7. Finance Committee Business Meeting a. Discuss conduct of public hearing on November 4th b. Discuss any business pertaining to Special Town Meeting scheduled for November 16th c. Minutes d. Committee reports e. Items for future meetings f. Next meetings: November 4 (public hearing on remaining STM articles), November 16 (STM), December 9 (Ch 70 follow- up, possible legislative delegation meeting) 8. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-10-28-minutes-2097.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-10-28 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-10-28-minutes-2097.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10282021-2097 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 28, 2021 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Chris Menard, Dave Passios, Jay Simeone, Tom Balish, Tom Gray, Evan Watters Guests: Massachusetts Association of School Committees Field Director Tracy O’Connell Novick, Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Lunenburg Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kate Burnham, School Committee Chairperson Carol Archambault, School Committee member Brian Lehtinen, School Committee member Sophie Shapiro via Zoom, Lunenburg Public Schools Business/HR Manager Michael Cassidy, Town Accountant Karen Brochu, Select Board Member Lou Franco via Zoom, Select Board member Michael-Ray Jeffreys via Zoom 1. Call to Order –Joint meeting with Lunenburg School Committee Mr. Beardmore called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and read a statement concerning the Open Meeting Law, and how all public meetings are legally being held remotely. Ms. Archambault called the Lunenburg School Committee meeting to order. This meeting was recorded and is viewable on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Gp102JkcQdU 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: Mr. Beardmore explained that this joint meeting of the school committee and finance committee was to provide an opportunity for both committees to learn more about the Commonwealth’s Chapter 70 program, which addresses funding for public elementary and secondary schools, and also establishes minimum spending requirements for each school district and minimum requirements for each municipality’s share of school costs. Mr. Beardmore highlighted that the finance committee has noticed that as the school’s budget has risen, Chapter 70 funds have not, and that the intent of this meeting is to determine the best routes to improve the town’s standing. Mr. Beardmore also informed those in attendance that Lunenburg’s delegates in the state legislature were invited to this meeting, and they intended on being present, however, the legislative schedule had since changed, and both houses were in session, so none of the delegates could be present. 4. Public Comment: none at this time. 5. Chapter 70 Presentation and Discussion: Ms. Archambault introduced Ms. Novick who complimented both committees for getting together to learn more and discuss Chapter 70 funding. Ms. Novick explained the history behind Chapter 70, how it is calculated, and how Lunenburg’s figures are formed, as well as the circuit breaker and how it works locally, along with how Montachusett Regional Vocational School tuition factors in to Chapter 70 funds. ===PAGE 2=== Ms. Novick explained that the Commonwealth determines a base foundation for all districts, then considers how many low income students, and English language learners there are in each district and adds more funds based on those numbers. Ms. Novick explained that the inflation rate also affects the base foundation, but pointed out that increase in costs surpasses the rate of inflation. Ms. Novick alluded that without higher enrollment, more low income students and/or English language learners, inflation is the only other factor that would raise the base foundation. According to Ms. Novick, base foundation numbers are determined based on enrollment from the prior year. After the Commonwealth determines how much each district is required to spend, municipalities are obligated to fund 59 percent of that foundation budget, while the Commonwealth provides 41 percent. In order to determine how much each district is responsible for, all taxable property in each municipality is taken into consideration, as well as income tax filed, and sets them equal to each other to develop a common calculation to come up with a combined effort yield. Ms. Novick went on to talk about the Student Opportunity Act, which goes into effect this year so won’t be accounted for until next year’s numbers are determined. The act contains four financial changes affecting the the base foundation amount concerning health insurance, special education, English learning students, and low income students. Ms. Novick explained that in FY22 the state determined the town’s contribution to be $10,908,378, with Chapter 70 funds coming in at $7,500,000, and that since the base foundation can’t meet the cost of operations, the town spent over and above its required amount. Ms. Novick also pointed out Lunenburg’s enrollment pattern has had several ups and downs before seemingly levelling out. Ms. Novick also said that several municipalities have passed a Proposition 2 1/2 override in order to fund changes to the budget, and suggested looking at the base foundation determination and discussing an override with legislature representatives. Ms. Archambault asked about charter school reimbursement changes. Ms. Novick explained that those changes will be addressed when the Student Opportunity Act takes effect. Mr. Lehtinen asked about transportation and the circuit breaker. Ms. Novick explained that the state plans to eventually reimburse all funds for transportation, but the amount would come back in phases. At 8:25 p.m. the school committee adjourned, and the finance committee took a 5 minute recess. 6. Public Comment: Resident Dave Rodgers called in and said he found the Chapter 70 talk enlightening, and opined that the cards are stacked against Lunenburg because the State House does not care about municipalities beyond Route 128. Mr. Beardmore added that looking at other municipalities in the same situation as Lunenburg, and having a discussion with Lunenburg’s representatives could help the town’s case, and reminded those attending that the town has an obligation to do its best to educate its kids. 7. Finance Committee Business Meeting: a. Discuss conduct of public hearing on Nov. 4: The committee agreed to use the actual article numbers listed in the warrant as opposed to the letters they used when the warrant was in draft form. Mr. Beardmore informed the committee that Michael Ray Jeffreys would attend the meeting to give two presentations, one on Article 7 as a ===PAGE 3=== member of the T.C. Passios Building Design Committee Member, and another presentation on Article 8 as a Select Board member. b. Business pertaining to Special Town Meeting Nov. 16: Ms. Lemieux had no new items to discuss. Mr. Beardmore said more information will be discussed at the Nov. 4 hearing pertaining to Articles 3, 7, and 8. c. Minutes: Mr. Watters motioned to accept the minutes from the October 14, 2021 meeting, Mr. Menard seconded. Mr. Passios abstained. Motion carried: 6-0-1 d. Committee Reports: Mr. Passios explained how Mr. Jeffreys would present Articles 7 and 8 at the public hearing Nov. 4, and that final figures pertaining to those articles were still unknown. e. Items for future meetings: Next regularly scheduled meeting is Dec. 9, 2021. Topics to discuss include the Green Communities Committee street light project, follow up on Chapter 70 discussion with state representatives, and ARPA funds. f. Next meetings: Nov. 4, Nov. 16 (STM), Dec. 9. 8. Adjourn: Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn, Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion passes unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-11-04-agenda-2099.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-11-04 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-11-04-agenda-2099.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042021-2099 ======================================================================================== ===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, November 4, 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 Facebook Live 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/87254845959?pwd=ZHV2dlpTRzBOMU8ycmV0NUI1Q0J0QT09 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 872 5484 5959, Passcode: 378545 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, broadcast, and recordings are for the convenience of the public. If any technical difficulties were to occur, 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 reports 6. Public Hearing on Special Town Meeting warrant articles 3, 7, and 8 7. Discussion and votes on recommendations for Special Town Meeting warrant articles 8. Special Town Meeting consent calendar 9. Minutes 10. Committee Reports 11. Public Comment 12. Items for future meetings 13. Next meetings: November 16 (STM), December 9 (Ch 70 follow-up, possible legislative delegation meeting, green committee items, ARPA) 14. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-11-04-minutes-2099.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-11-04 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-11-04-minutes-2099.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11042021-2099 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 4, 2021 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Chris Menard, Dave Passios, Evan Watters, Thomas Balish, Thomas Gray Absent: Jay Simeone Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, T.C. Passios Building Design Committee Chairman Greg Roy, Select Board Member Michael Ray Jeffreys, Town Accountant Karen Brochu, Lunenburg Resident Rhonda Lissio, Lunenburg Resident Dave Rodgers via Zoom 1. Call to Order Mr. Beardmore called the meeting to order at 7:00 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/kUqJBVgp2mk 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: none 4. Public Comment: 5. Town Manager/Finance Director Reports: none 6. Public Hearing on Special town Meeting Warrant Articles 3, 7, and 8: Mr. Beardmore opened the public hearing. Mr. Beardmore explained that the committee resolved to avail themselves to public hearing after the Warrant was printed if more information was made available. a. Article 3: Though Ms. Lemieux anticipated the collective bargaining agreement with the Lunenburg Professional Fire Fighters to be ready for discussion, another piece, not having to do with finances, still needs to be addressed. Mr. Passios suggested that anything could change until an agreement between the two parties is signed. b. Articles 7 and 8: As a member of the T.C. Passios Building Design Committee, Mr. Jeffreys gave a presentation on Article 7 which pertains to renovation the T.C. Passios building. Mr. Jeffreys explained that when the committee was tasked with its charge in 2019 the cost of renovation would be $22,592,000, and as it’s two years later, the cost has increased to $28,967,640, citing cost increases across the board from inflation, to materials and labor, as well as the job market. Mr. Jeffreys also proposed a conceptual design for a completely new building for $39,637,229, which would house many uses ===PAGE 2=== including: most town offices, the ACE Program, Lion’s Club Food Pantry, the Extended Day Program, storage for schools and the town, as well as conference/meeting space. As a Select Board member, Mr. Jeffreys then gave a presentation on Article 8, which requests $350,000 to advance the design of the proposed new building, if the town would decide to choose that option. Mr. Jeffreys pointed out that as the building stands, the current tenants who pay rent on the building are what keeps the building in operation, and the town does not currently appropriate any funds for the T.C. Passios building. Mr. Jeffreys pointed out that a study was done on all town facilities in 2016, which revealed the town would soon need a new building to house town offices as Town Hall and the Ritter buildings have been rendered inadequate. Mr. Jeffreys shared pictures of current storage conditions, and informed those in attendance that the town has lost records due to mold from leaking roofs. Mr. Jeffreys drew attention to the inadequate accessibility of the Ritter building, as well as an inadequate supply of electricity. He also pointed out that by relocating town offices, a preservation of Town Hall and the Ritter could be attempted. Mr. Jeffreys also suggested in his presentation that not investing in a new building will cost the town millions of dollars a year to address the problems it currently faces with the existing conditions. Mr. Jeffreys explained that the late information of the increase in costs has caused the Select Board to recommend to pass over both Articles 7 and 8 at Special Town Meeting on Nov. 16, 2021. Mr. Beardmore thanked Mr. Jeffrey for the presentations, and asked Ms. Lemieux what she knew about the new numbers. She consulted the town’s financial advisor, who was not available to give an answer. Mr. Beardmore said he encouraged the Select Board to pass over the articles. Mr. Beardmore also said he analyzed the new numbers and compared them to the average value of homes in Lunenburg and realized that funding either project, without taking into consideration funds to be expended to address Turkey Hill Elementary School, would put the town in violation of its own financial policies for five years. Mr. Beardmore calculated that the average property owner could expect to pay $341 more per year at the $28.9 million price tag, and $467 more per year with the $39.6 million price tag. Mr. Menard approached the situation as a need vs. want scenario, and questioned whether busing students from the Primary School to the T.C. Passios for two hours out of the day was beneficial. Mr. Jeffreys said that the Extended Day Program is definitely a need, and that Superintendent Dr. Kate Burnham had several reasons why it’s important for students to separate learning in the classroom from after school activity. Mr. Menard agreed that Extended Day is needed, but asked whether it needs to take place at the T.C. Passios and suggested the town library as an alternate location citing the library’s newest master plan featuring the library as a community space. Mr. Watters asked whether the projects have taken into account the possible increase to the Extended Day Program. ===PAGE 3=== Mr. Gray inquired if there were other locations for some uses, could the size of the building be decreased in order to lower the cost. Mr. Jeffrey responded that it’s not a proportionate relationship. Mr. Beardmore concluded that there is a strong possibility that the articles will be passed over, and asked where the town should go from there. Mr. Jeffreys reiterated that the problems the town faces will not go away, and the T.C. Passios Building Design Committee has done the best they can do. Mr. Jeffreys pointed out that the Town Manager plans to separate town facilities from the Department of Public Works, which will give the town the opportunity to properly address problems with town buildings. Mr. Watters motioned to close the public hearing. Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Public Hearing Public Comment: Ms. Lissio commented that she disagrees with the tasks the T.C. Passios Building Design Committee were charged with, which was to house the current groups using the T.C. Passios building along with municipal offices. Ms. Lissio stated that she disagrees with passing the costs of housing the existing programs onto the tax payer. Ms. Lissio also claimed that in her research she found only one community that funds an Extended Day Program, and that is Lexington. Mr. Rodgers called into the meeting and recognized that the town faces a complex situation with prices being a moving target, and that any project will cost more money than anticipated. 7. Discussion and Votes on recommendations for Special Town Meeting Articles: The committee agreed to meet at 6:00 p.m. on November 16, 2021, an hour before Special Town Meeting is scheduled to start to address any new information regarding Article 3. On Articles 7 and 8 Mr. Beardmore informed the committee their choices are to recommend approval, recommend disapproval, defer, or claim no financial impact, and that the committee would be setting a precedent to recommend to vote to pass over the articles. Mr. Passios opined he would only vote on passing over if the motion was on the floor at Town Meeting. Mr. Passios expressed that passing over would not give voters a clear picture of what committee members are thinking, and that without debating the articles on the floor, and giving the public a chance to respond, there’s no way to tell how the rest of the town thinks on the articles. Mr. Passios also expressed his concern over the current working conditions of the town’s employees and the possibility of a push back, and asked if not now, when. Mr. Passios wants to hear the voice of the townspeople. Mr. Beardmore opined that if committee members had more time to consider the numbers they might be able to form an opinion to express, and also pointed out that with commodities pricing, along with inflation, and other issues being impacted by the pandemic also holds weight in deciding. Mr. Menard agreed with Mr. Beardmore and said the committee should have been able to start the discussion six weeks ago, and if they did, committee members might have an answer. Mr. Menard agreed to take a stand and recommend passing over the articles, and recognized that passing over is unprecedented, and pointed out that these are unprecedented times. Mr. Menard also said he would disapprove both articles, citing that Article 8 is still incomplete, and the price is too high. Mr. Passios pointed out that a yes vote to renovate the T.C. Passios would result in a special election to fill ===PAGE 4=== the sudden vacant seat on the Select Board. Mr. Watters pondered whether recommending to pass over the articles would only lead to another Town Meeting where the committee would again seek to pass over the articles. Mr. Watters also said he would vote to disapprove both articles because putting all the proposed uses together does not make sense. At the same time, Mr. Watters expressed his concern over kicking the can down the road, and pointed out that it’s been almost a decade, and the town is still having the same discussion. Mr. Gray said it’s the committee’s job to make a recommendation, and currently he couldn’t approve of the article, so he would vote to disapprove. Mr. Gray also pointed out that if the prices keep rising, and they go up to $50 million, there won’t be much building of anything anywhere. Mr. Gray also drew attention to the programs the town currently provides at the T.C. Passios, and pondered what kind of town Lunenburg would be if they did not provide those programs. Mr. Beardmore claimed he’s been against the articles since they’ve began, and that comparing the options of renovation and building new was the right thing to do. Mr. Beardmore prefers to look at alternative options for the ACE Program, Extended Day, PACC, and food bank locations within the next six months. Mr. Beardmore said he’s not sold on municipal offices and all the other programs needing to exist under one roof. Mr. Beardmore said he’d initially vote for disapproval, but would entertain a motion to pass over the articles. Mr. Balish claimed he’d be against both articles and would prefer to look at what the town can actually afford, and make a decision based on that. Mr. Menard moved to recommend disapproval of Article 7, Mr. Gray seconded. Motion passes, 3-2. Mr. Menard –yea, Mr. Balish –yea, Mr. Beardmore –yea, Mr. Passios –no, Mr. Watters –no. Mr. Menard moved to recommend disapproval of Article 8, Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Menard moved to recommend the Finance Committee, as a whole, pass over Articles 7 and 8, Mr. Beardmore seconded. Motion failed. 4 no, 2 aye. Balish –no, Gray –no, Passios –no, Watters –no, Menard –aye, Beardmore-aye Mr. Passios explained that a vote of the Finance Committee, as a whole, would not impact the way he votes on other committees. Mr. Menard reiterated that the committee has just been presented with new data, which hasn’t had the opportunity to be discussed enough publicly, and that is his reasoning behind the recommendation to pass over. Ms. Lemieux clarified for the committee that moving to pass over the articles on the Town Meeting Floor is a debatable motion, which can be discussed on the floor. 8. Special Town Meeting Consent Calendar: Ms. Lemieux informed the committee that the Select Board voted Articles 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 as “noncontroversial,” and agreed to vote those articles first at Special Town Meeting as a block. Mr. Menard moved to recommend agreement with the Select Board on the consent calendar, Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 9. Minutes: No minutes to review. ===PAGE 5=== 10. Committee Reports: Committee members updated each other on their respective liaison assignments. 11. Public Comment Mr. Passios informed those in attendance that the T.C. Passios Building Design Committee would host a public forum on the latest information regarding Articles 7 and 8 on November 10, 2021. Mr. Beardmore reminded those in attendance that the work of town committees and boards is that of volunteers, and that there aren’t many, if any hidden agendas, and everyone is trying their best to do what’s right for the town. Mr. Beardmore harkened back to when the town was facing a very contentious time. During that time, it was Lunenburg resident Mr. Rodgers who said that the voters at Town Meeting will ultimately make the right decision for Lunenburg. Mr. Menard requested of Mr. Jeffreys copies of the presentations he gave at the Finance Committee meeting to hold onto for reference, and reminded those in attendance that the presentations are now public documents. 12. Items for Future Meetings 13. Next Meetings November 16, 2021 at 6 p.m. at Lunenburg Middle High School, and Special Town Meeting at 7 p.m. on November 16, 2021. December 9, 2021 (Follow up on Chp 70, Green Communities Committee, ARPA funds) 14. Adjourn At 9:54 p.m. Mr. Watters motioned to adjourn, Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously….[This happened really fast, and when I looked back at YouTube, the camera was on the Town Manager, so I’m really not sure who moved and/or seconded to adjourn] ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-11-16-agenda-2098.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-11-16 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-11-16-agenda-2098.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11162021-2098 ======================================================================================== ===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 Tuesday, November 16, 2021 6:00 PM Lunenburg Middle High School Auditorium Agenda 17 Main Street, P.O. Box 135 Lunenburg, MA 01462-0135 978.582.4139 FAX 978.582.4148 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. Discussion and votes on recommendations for Special Town Meeting warrant articles 5. Public Comment 6. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-11-16-minutes-2098.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-11-16 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-11-16-minutes-2098.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11162021-2098 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 16, 2021 Location: In-person at the Lunenburg Middle-High School Multi-purpose resource room Present: Peter Beardmore, Dave Passios, Chris Menard, Thomas Gray, Evan Watters, Jay Simeone, Thomas Balish Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Town Accountant Karen Brochu, Fire Chief Patrick Sullivan 1. Call to Order Peter Beardmore called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and read a statement concerning the Open Meeting Law. The meeting was not recorded. 2. Announcements: none 3. Public Comment: none 4. Discussion and Vote on Special Town Meeting warrant article recommendations: The town manager outlined the new collective bargaining agreement with the fire fighters’ union. The effects of multiple adjustments in the pay scale and other minor language changes for the 2-year agreement result in a 3.0% blended increase in salaries for FY22 and a 7.6% increase in FY23. Motion to recommend approval to Article 3, Chris Menard. 2nd, Dave Passios. Approved unanimously Motion to reconsider Article 7, Chris Menard. 2nd Evan Watters. Approved unanimously Motion to recommend disapproval of Article 7, Chris Menard. 2nd, Thomas Gray. Approved (6-1), Evan Watters voting No. Motion to reconsider Article 8, Chris Menard. 2nd Evan Watters. Approved unanimously Motion to recommend disapproval of Article 8, Thomas Balish. 2nd Chris Menard. Approved unanimously. 5. Public Comment none 6. Adjourn Motion, Chris Menard. 2nd Evan Watters. Approved unanimously. Submitted by Peter Beardmore ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-12-09-agenda-2100.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-12-09 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-12-09-agenda-2100.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12092021-2100 ======================================================================================== ===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, December 9th, 2021 7:00 PM Bilotta Meeting Room Lunenburg Town Hall 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 Facebook Live 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/7927370353 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 792 737 0353. 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, broadcast, and recordings are for the convenience of the public. If any technical difficulties were to occur, 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 reports 6. Discussion on Budget Calendar 7. Discussion on Special Town Meeting results, fincom course of action for building projects and debt financing 8. Discussion on Ch 70 and next steps 9. Discussion on topics for communications with legislators 10. Minutes 11. Committee Reports 12. Public Comment 13. Items for future meetings 14. Next meetings: Jan 13, Jan 27 15. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2021-12-09-minutes-2100.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2021-12-09 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2021-12-09-minutes-2100.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12092021-2100 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, December 9, 2021 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Chris Menard, Thomas Gray, Ethan Watters, Jay Simeone via Zoom Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Town Accountant Karen Brochu 1. Call to Order Peter Beardmore called the meeting to order at 7:00 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=QMBbwgHWYMA&ab_channel=LunenburgAccess 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: none 4. Public Comment: Lunenburg resident Rhonda Lissio informed the committee that she attended a Capital Planning meeting, 3 days earlier, where she learned of a $755,500 hazardous abatement project requested by the DPW. Ms. Lissio expressed her concern over one Finance Committee member who serves on the Capital Planning Committee, and the T.C. Passios Building Design Committee, and suggested that member’s duties have been spread too thin, as it hadn’t been brought up to the Finance Committee. Ms. Lissio opined that delaying the demolition of the building, and including the cost of demolition in the debt exclusion to pass on to the tax payer, would cost the same as paying for the demolition outright. Members of the committee pointed out that this was the first meeting of the Finance Committee since Special Town Meeting, and they weren’t aware of items presented in the capital plan. 5. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Brochu informed the committee that the tax rate for FY22 has been certified at $17.19, down from $17.74 in FY21. Ms. Lemieux updated the committee on Select Board agenda items such as the Green Communities Committee Spring 2022 competitive grant, ARPA funding, and consulting with Capital Strategic Solutions on how to properly allocate those funds, as well as a tax lien sale to occur on February 16, 2022. Ms. Lemieux also informed the committee that the Small Bridge Grant Program is opening in the first quarter of FY23, and Flat Hill Rd Culvert project will hopefully begin construction in the Fall of 2022, as the project is an ideal candidate to be awarded the grant funds. Mr. Beardmore asked if the decision on the award would be given before town meeting. Ms. Lemieux only knew the decision would be made sometime in the Spring. About $428,000 has already been appropriated for the project. Ms. Lemieux assured the board she’d discuss the cost with the engineer in order to be prepared to fund the project going into Annual Town Meeting if the grant decision has not been made clear by then. Ms. Lemieux also updated the committee on grants, such as a recycling dividend grant in the amount of $6,000, as well as a $50,000 grant for hazardous material abatement for the Old Primary School, as well as a MIIA Risk Management grant for $10,000 to purchase licenses for Microsoft 365. File ===PAGE 2=== migration has begun at DPW. The town has been denied the community compact IT grant, and the town will have to pay $52,000 to purchase infrastructure. 6. Budget Calendar: Ms. Lemieux has a tentative schedule for department heads to meet with the Finance Committee to present their budgets. The five-year forecast is scheduled for January 20, 2022. Mr. Menard inquired whether there is an interdepartmental ledger for when monies are exchanged between departments, and provided the example of when the parks department has to pay to use the schools for town recreational programs. Ms. Brochu said she was not aware of seeing funds transferred via the warrant process, but that there is an account for custodians who need to be paid for their time in the buildings during those programs. 7. Special Town Meeting: TC Passios building: Mr. Beardmore pointed out that there was a lack of financial guardrails when it came to defining the tasks of the TC Passios Design Committee, and that reprioritizing the needs the project will serve will lead to the next proposal. Mr. Beardmore explained that the committee has a role in the project concerning the town’s borrowing capacity, credit rating, as well as considering the burden to the tax payers. 8. Chapter 70: Mr. Beardmore hopes to have state legislative representatives at the January 13, 2022 meeting to talk more about Chapter 70 funds. Mr. Beardmore said he had a follow-up meeting with the Superintendent, Business Manager and School Committee Chair, and found that looking more in depth into the calculation of how Chapter 70 funds are obtained, that there is not much the town can do to receive an increase in those funds. Mr. Menard suggested considering other charges for the town’s legislative representatives. Mr. Beardmore pointed out that as costs continue to rise, the challenge to afford those costs will also grow. Committee members agreed that discussing other topics with representatives should include: police reform training costs, prevailing wage, records management, grants for preserving historical buildings. 9. Committee Reports Committee members updated each other on their respective liaison assignments. 10. Minutes To be discussed at next meeting. 11. Public Comment none 12. Items for Future Meetings Green Communities Committee 13. Next Meetings Jan. 13, 2022, Jan. 20, 2022 (Five-Year Forecast) Jan. 27, 2022 14. Adjourn At 8:09 p.m., Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn. Mr. Watters seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously.