# finance-committee — 24 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 : 2022-01-13-agenda-2051.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-01-13 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-01-13-agenda-2051.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132022-2051 ======================================================================================== ===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, January 13, 2022 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. Please also note that wearing face masks is currently required of all persons entering town buildings. 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 update on legislative budget priority requests 6. Discussion with legislative delegation: Senator Cronin, Representative Sena, Representative Kushmerek Topics may include: general state budget projections / revenue etc., Ch 70 funding, earmark priorities, expectations relating to the bond bill from the previous legislative session, preservation of town buildings, ARPA spending strategies, unfunded mandates including the effects of the police reform bill on training and retention of reserve police officers, public records retention requirements, municipal reporting requirements 7. Town Manager / Finance Director reports 8. Annual Town Meeting Warrant and related updates 9. New Municipal Building Design Committee charge, possible vote on appointment / re-appointment 10. Minutes 11. Committee Reports 12. Public Comment 13. Items for future meetings 14. Next meetings: Jan 27 (5-year forecast), Feb 17 (TM budget presentation), Feb 24 (COA, Library, Land Use) 15. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-01-13-minutes-2051.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-01-13 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-01-13-minutes-2051.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01132022-2051 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 13, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Chris Menard, Even Watters, Thomas Balish, Jay Simeone via Zoom, Dave Passios via Zoom (for a portion of the meeting) Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, State Senator John Cronin, State Representatives Mike Kushmerek, and Dan Sena, School Committee Chairperson Carol Archambault. 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://youtu.be/TMmBa6ueRGI 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: Mr. Beardmore informed the committee that Massachusetts Municipal Association of Finance Committees would be held remotely, and the fee to attend has been waived. 4. Public Comment: Ms. Archambault thanked Senator Cronin, and State Representatives Kushmerek and Sena for attending the meeting, and highlighted that the Student Opportunity Act has created funding challenges for towns like Lunenburg. Mr. Beardmore expressed his concern about the town’s capital plan, and pointed out that last year the town spent more available funds on capital than ever before, and none of the capital plan funded any school projects, and that this year’s plan intends to spend even more, but lists school projects as numbers 12, 14, and 27 on the list of priorities. Mr. Beardmore also drew attention to the fact that meetings of the Capital Planning Committee have not been recorded, and minutes have not been made available. 5. Town Manager Legislative Budget Priorities Requests: Ms. Lemieux explained that she and the Select Board discussed last year’s legislative budget requests on January 4, 2022. The town requested $127,000 for a fire alarm upgrade at the Lunenburg Primary School, and received $25,000, and requested $40,000 for LED lighting at the library, and received $40,000 from the state. $180,000 for firefighter turnout gear was funded by the FY22 capital plan and the fire department’s annual budget, and $355,000 was requested for hazardous material abatement at the Old Primary School. Ms. Lemieux requested the Select Board go for projects not funded by bond bills, such as $330,000 for the Flat Hill Rd culvert, $371,000 (updated cost) for hazardous material abatement at the Old Primary School, $300,000 for 955 Massachusetts Ave (former gas station), $100,000 for improvements at the senior center, $250,000 for a commercial kitchen, and $450,000 for street scape projects. Ms. Lemieux said the Select Board asked the Parks Department if they have upcoming costs to include in the FY23 capital plan, which could also be ===PAGE 2=== covered by ARPA funds. Ms. Lemieux has hired a consultant to wade through the possible stipulations concerning local ARPA funding. 6. Discussion with Legislative Delegation: Mr. Beardmore read a letter he wrote to members of the legislative delegation listing the finance committee’s major concerns including: Chapter 70 funding, ARPA funds, the cost of the Police Reform Act, reporting requirements, records retention, and municipal building projects. Senator Cronin drew attention to neighboring communities that do benefit from Chapter 70, but also acknowledged that Lunenburg faces its own challenges with the program. Senator Cronin suggested Lunenburg find a way to grow its base budget. Senator Cronin said he could advocate for the town when it comes to per pupil reimbursement. On ARPA funding, Senator Cronin said the town would have a lot of flexibility in spending the $3 million, and suggested the town appoint a committee to recommend how those funds should be spent. Senator Cronin also commented on the Police Reform Act, and said he’d be happy to advocate that the 800 hour training mandate be funded by the state. Representative Kushmerek agreed with Mr. Beardmore’s letter that the Student Opportunity Act did fall short for Lunenburg. Rep. Kushmerek informed the committee that there is a caucus of rural districts that are facing the same types of challenges, and questioned whether there would be enough of those districts to make some noise. Representative Kushmerek pointed out that ARPA funds do need to be appropriated by 2024 but don’t have to be spent until 2026, and said that it would be tough to find projects that aren’t eligible for the funds. On the Police Reform Act, Rep. Kushmerek pointed out that the police force would be phasing in their 800 hours of training over three years, but also acknowledged the challenge the department faces when it comes to retaining their officers after the training is complete. On municipal buildings, Rep. Kushmerek addressed projects happening in surrounding communities, and informed the committee that those projects are either tax-payer funded, or have been funded by private investors, which was made possible via incentives such as tax credits to those investors. Rep. Kushmerek pointed out that relying on tax credit programs can take decades before a shovel hits the ground. Representative Sena suggested that Chapter 70 has helped the state, as a whole, and that the formula for how funds are distributed needed to be updated, but that it could also be modified to assist towns like Lunenburg. Rep. Sena also said the town has to get creative when it comes to affording education, and mentioned the discussion to consider an increase in property taxes. Rep Sena said that he realizes the Police Reform Act is expensive. Rep. Sena also asked the committee what the town’s priorities are. Mr. Menard asked for a push toward electronic storage of records, and pointed out not only the amount of room storing physical documents take, but the energy expended to control the climate of the storage room as well. Mr. Menard also reminded those in attendance of Montachusett Regional Technical School and pointed out that Lunenburg pays substantially more per student than any other municipality in the region. Mr. Menard mentioned the town’s senior citizen population, and opined that where there is a discussion about education, there should also be a discussion about senior citizens, who have made it possible for the town to be where it is. Mr. Menard also talked about the challenge the town faces with 40B, and the impact it has on the town’s infrastructure and resources. ===PAGE 3=== Mr. Beardmore added that the utility companies the town has to deal with are unsatisfactory, and there are no alternate services. Rep. Kushmerek brought up the recent re-filing of the Muni-choice bill, which has been filed several times over several years, and has yet to be passed. Mr. Beardmore commented that the town needs feasibility just as much as legality when it comes to dealing with utilities. Mr. Beardmore suggested the committee make the town’s financial priorities an agenda topic to discuss at the next meeting. 7. Town Manager/Finance Director Reports: Ms. Lemieux reported that the Ritter Building and Town Hall envelope projects will be going before the Architecture Preservation District Committee, that bids for work on the Public Safety Building have come in below projected project costs, and that the electrical work that’s taken place at Town Hall brought out 200 pounds of old wiring. Ms. Lemieux also reported that the town has received 36 responses to the survey concerning 30 School St, and that two conceptual designs for the lot will be released January 18, 2022. A contract for cleaning the town’s municipal buildings has been put out for bid since the current cleaning company cannot keep up with the current scope of work. Ms. Lemieux also reported that she’s hired consulting firm Capital Strategic Solutions to navigate ARPA spending. The consultant will give a presentation at the February 1, 2022 meeting of the Select Board. 8. Annual Town Meeting Warrant and related updates: Ms. Lemieux informed the board that Town Warrant closes March 21, 2022. 9. New Municipal Building Design Committee charge: Mr. Beardmore suggested formerly revisiting who should serve as the finance committee representative as the charge of the former T.C. Passios Design Committee has changed. 10. Minutes: Mr. Watters motioned to approve the minutes of the October 28, 2021, November 4, 2021, November 16, 2021, and December 9, 2021 meetings. Mr. Menard seconded. Vote passes 4, 0, 1. 11. Committee Reports Committee members updated each other on their respective liaison assignments. 12. Public Comment Lunenburg resident David Rodgers phoned in to say that the issue of busing students needs to be addressed, and the town should be prepared to do something about it, and in regard to members of the state legislature, Mr. Rodgers opined that there is no way the town can afford to address all the issues it faces, and advised to prioritize what reasonably can be tackled. 13. Items for Future Meetings: Priority list for Rep Sena, Green Communities Committee. 14. Next Meetings: Jan. 27, Feb. 17 ===PAGE 4=== 15. Adjourn: At 9:26 p.m. Mr. Watters motioned to adjourn, Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-01-27-agenda-2052.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-01-27 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-01-27-agenda-2052.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01272022-2052 ======================================================================================== ===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, January 27, 2022 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. Please also note that wearing face masks is currently required of all persons entering town buildings. 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. Annual Town Meeting Warrant updates 7. Update on the streetlights project 8. Update on legislative priorities, follow-up discussion on 1/13 legislators visit, and 2/1 Select Board meeting 9. Fiscal Forecast presentation and discussion 10. Capital Plan presentation and discussion 11. Municipal Building Design Committee update, discussion, and appointment of finance committee representative 12. Minutes 13. Committee Reports 14. Public Comment 15. Items for future meetings 16. Upcoming meetings: Feb 17 (TM budget presentation), Feb 24 (COA, Library, Land Use), March 3 (Police & Fire), March 10 (Monty Tech, DPW), March 17 (LPS, IT, Admin, Unclassified, Debt Service), March 24 (PAC, Sewer, Other Monied Articles), March 31 (Public Hearing and Votes on Warrant Recommendations) 17. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-01-27-minutes-2052.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-01-27 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-01-27-minutes-2052.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01272022-2052 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 27, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Jay Simeone, Evan Watters, Tom Balish, Tom Gray, Dave Passios via Zoom (for first hour of meeting) Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Town Accountant Karen Brochu, School Committee Chairperson Carol Archambault 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/6E3z38z9SBI 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: A consultant from Capital Strategic Solutions will give a special presentation concerning ARPA funds at the February 1, 2022 Select Board meeting, State Legislative delegates will be in attendance. 4. Public Comment: Ms. Archambault expressed the school committee’s disappointment in the Capital Planning Committee’s capital plan for FY23, as it doesn’t list the air conditioning project for the Primary School as a high priority, and inquired whether the project could be eligible for ARPA funds. Mr. Beardmore expressed his continuing reservations about the capital plan, and his disappointment that the meetings of the Capital Planning Committee were not recorded. Mr. Beardmore pointed out that the Finance Committee and the Select Board have a right to weigh in on the plan, and should do so moving forward. 5. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Lemieux also informed the committee on Governor Baker’s proposal on the cherry sheet, which came in at $983,000 more from state aid, including an 11 percent increase in Chapter 70 funds. Ms. Lemieux also had an update on the gas station at 925 Mass Ave. She has been in contact with the EPA, and anticipates funds from a federal infrastructure bill in the summer. Though the town does not own the property, the EPA will assist in navigating through the process of cleaning up the property. Ms. Lemieux informed the committee that Townsend is withdrawing from the regional dispatch program, and has been assured that the town will not see a financial impact for FY23 or FY24. Ms. Lemieux said she spoke with the Lunenburg Central project manager, and the project should be finished in 2023, and is expected to bring at least 200 new jobs to town. The Tax Lien Auction has been rescheduled to March 17, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. ===PAGE 2=== 6. Annual Town Meeting Updates: none 7. Update on streetlights project: Ms. Lemieux informed the committee of her last discussion with the Select Board concerning the conversion of street lights to LED. Town Counsel has contacted the Department of Public Utilities, and were advised to correspond with Unitil. 8. Legislative priorities, follow up on Legislators visit: The committee agreed to include 40B on their list of priorities as well as possible state aid or grant opportunities for 30 School St. Mr. Gray suggested there should be some kind of resource on the state level to help municipalities find options when it comes to aging municipal buildings as the issue is not unique to Lunenburg. Mr. Beardmore also brought up legislation that’s been filed on fees paid by Comcast which support the town’s public access channel. With more households disconnecting their cable subscriptions, the fees being paid by Comcast will decrease, which would have a financial impact on Lunenburg’s public access cable channel. 9. Capital Plan Presentation and Discussion: Ms. Lemieux talked about how the Capital Plan is created, and what is on the plan. There were 31 capital requests. One project was removed due to not receiving a cost estimate. The remaining 30 capital requests total $4,043,049 for FY 2023 Mr. Watters pointed out that four of the twenty recommendations are vehicles and asked whether there’s any concern about the availability of those vehicles. Ms. Lemieux said she ===PAGE 3=== realizes there are challenges, but those challenges don’t mean the need goes away, and the funds need to be appropriated to order the vehicles. Mr. Watters also questioned why records retention was a higher priority than air conditioning at the Primary School. Mr. Watters also asked how ARPA funds fit into the capital plan. Ms. Lemieux responded that there will be a prioritization process to fund projects with those funds, and added that the spending is under the discretion of the Select Board, and therefore, won’t have to go before Town Meeting. Mr. Beardmore commented that the Finance Committee can request a joint meeting with the Capital Planning Committee to discuss their decision, and also pointed out that Ms. Lemieux was presenting her recommendations. Ms. Lemieux added that the Capital Planning Committee does put a lot of time and effort into developing their list of recommendations. Mr. Beardmore recognized the significant amount of money being put toward facilities maintenance, and pointed out that there have been many discussions about the town’s lack of maintaining their buildings, and suggested designating capital funds each year to keep up with the maintenance of town facilities. Ms. Lemieux suggested the committee put the conversation into context, and pointed out that there was $4 million in requests, 66 percent of which had to do with town facilities as a result of the past Vertex studies. Mr. Beardmore questioned the prioritization of replacing the HVAC at the senior center, or fixing the furnaces at Town Hall over installing air conditioning at the Primary School, which was designed with windows that cannot be opened. Mr. Simeone asked why buildings with HVAC or furnace issues have not considered the Green Communities Committee for possibilities in funding. 10. Five-Year Financial Forecast: Ms. Lemieux described the required five-year financial forecast, which is a living document, subject to change as more information becomes available. Mr. Watters inquired about the increase in health insurance costs for FY23, and whether the Health Insurance Stabilization Fund would account for that increase. Ms. Lemieux explained that the fund would serve as revenue in her preliminary budget, and would be used to supplement the cost. Mr. Balish inquired about the school’s five year staffing plan expenditures. Ms. Lemieux responded that a long-term staffing plan was developed in the past, similar to the police and fire departments. Ms. Lemieux explained that some expenses are covered via grant money, but the plan has been put in place to fund those expenses when grant funding dries up. Mr. Balish suggested using percentages to describe increases and decreases on the forecast as the information could be easier to digest when presented. Both the Five -Year Financial Forecast and the FY2023 Capital Plan Recommendation presentations can be found at Lunenburg Town Hall in the Town Manager’s Office as well as online at https://www.lunenburgma.gov/news-announcements/fy-2023-fy-2027- financial-forecast-and-fy-2023-capital-plan-presentations. ===PAGE 4=== 11. Municipal Building Design Committee update: The committee discussed the role of the representative on the Municipal Design Committee, and decided to bring a more proactive financial approach with the new charge. Mr. Balish moved to appoint Mr. Beardmore to represent the Finance Committee on the Municipal Building Design Committee, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion passes 4-1. 12. Minutes none 13. Committee Reports: Committee members updated each other on their respective liaison assignments. 14. Public Comment Lunenburg resident David Rogers phoned in to express his concern over the town projecting deficits, and the possibility of an override of Prop 2 ½. 15. Items for Future Meetings Department heads will present their budgets 16. Next Meetings Feb 17 17. Adjourn At 9:54 p.m. Mr. Watters motioned to adjourn, Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-02-17-agenda-2070.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-02-17 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-02-17-agenda-2070.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02172022-2070 ======================================================================================== ===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, February 17, 2022 7:00 PM Bilotta Meeting Room Lunenburg Town Hall Agenda Revised 2/16/2022 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://us06web.zoom.us/j/89505546098 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 895 0554 6098. 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. Annual Town Meeting Warrant updates 7. Town Manager’s Budget Recommendation Presentation 8. Discussion on ARPA presentation at 2/1 Select Board Meeting, spending priorities, community input and decision calendar 9. Committee assignments – School Committee (possible vote to appoint School Committee liaison) 10. Minutes 11. Committee Reports 12. Public Comment 13. Items for future meetings 14. Upcoming meetings: Feb 24 (COA, Library, Land Use), March 3 (Police & Fire), March 10 (Monty Tech, DPW), March 17 (LPS, IT, Admin, Unclassified, Debt Service), March 24 (PAC, Sewer, Other Monied Articles), March 31 (Public Hearing and Votes on Warrant Recommendations) 15. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-02-17-minutes-2070.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-02-17 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-02-17-minutes-2070.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02172022-2070 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 17, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Jay Simeone, Evan Watters, Tom Balish, Tom Gray, Chris Menard via Zoom, Dave Passios via Zoom (for last part of meeting) Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, School Committee Chair Carol Archambault. 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/Qx7EgjovsNE 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: none 4. Public Comment: none 5. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Lemieux gave the committee an update on what she discussed with the Select Board at their meeting earlier in the week. Electricity and natural gas contracts are to expire on November 30, 2022. The town will solicit bids in spring. Ms. Lemieux also informed the board that the Meadow Woods trailer park, which has been in receivership for many years, will begin paying back taxes at $100,000 per year until all back taxes are paid off. Close to $1 million is owed. The annual $100,000 will go to free cash. 6. Discussion on ARPA presentation at Select Board meeting on Feb 1, 2022: Ms. Lemieux explained that Lunenburg’s $3 million share of ARPA funds falls under the “lost revenue” category, and the Select Board will decide how the funds are allocated. Consultants from Capital Strategic Solutions will hold public outreach meetings to get the community’s input on how funds should be spent. Ms. Lemieux highlighted 30 School St., Marshall Park, and costs related to the latest Vertex study on town buildings as possible projects to be funded with ARPA funds. Ms. Lemieux also informed the committee that several suggested projects may also be funded by alternative sources, and that much research will be done before the decision is made to spend the money. All possible projects will be evaluated and prioritized. Mr. Beardmore expressed his concern about the T.C. Passios building project, Town Hall and Ritter building, as well as the Turkey Hill Elementary school, and opined the town must be very cautious about borrowing for those projects. Mr. Gray asked about the timeline regarding the funds. The town will have until 2024 to commit to how the funds will be spent, said funds must be spent by 2026. ===PAGE 2=== 7. Town Managers Budget Recommendation Presentation: Ms. Lemieux’s FY2023 budget presentation can be found in the Town Manager’s office at Town Hall. https://www.lunenburgma.gov/sites/default/files/field/files- docs/fy_2023_line_item_detail_budget.pdf In her presentation, Ms. Lemieux explained that the FY2023 Target Budget includes revenues for property taxes included adding 2 ½ percent to the previous year’s levy, $213,523 for New Growth, and debt exclusion amounts. State Aid was level funded based on FY22 State Aid figures approved in July of last year. Local receipts included a $50,000 increase over last fiscal year’s estimate for Motor Vehicle Excise tax, but level funded other receipts. FY2023 revenue estimates come out to $47,488,938, built by 65 percent property tax, 22 percent State Aid, 6 percent local receipts, and 7 percent from available funds. Ms. Lemieux highlighted that State Aid is much greater than indicated in FY2022, that the estimate for local receipts remains conservative, and that available funds are similar to FY2022. The Town Manager’s FY2023 Preliminary Budget will fund the town’s government, including requests for a part time tech support position, a part time clerical position for Conservation, wages for Registration Workers, additional hours for the Assistant Tax Collector and increases in software, hardware, website, and internet costs. The budget also includes spending on the police and fire departments, DPW, Veterans Service Officer, library, which will be opening on Fridays, the Council on Aging, a 10.32 percent increase for Worcester Regional Retirement, a $124,341 increase to health insurance, a 3.11 percent increase to the schools, a 21 percent increase to the Monty Tech, and a reduction by $42,000 in the Solid Waste Recycling Program. FY2023 preliminary budget expenditures total $43,202,314. Total appropriation for debt service is $4,497,723. The Town Manager’s preliminary budget includes over $1 million in free cash to spend on financial warrant articles, increase funding for FY23 Capital Plan, can be used on FY22 Snow and Ice Deficit, or deposited into stabilization. Ms. Lemieux recommends leaving a portion of these funds to fall to next year’s free cash. Mr. Beardmore asked whether the $50,000 being put toward roads every year was necessary as the town has been taking care of its roads, and opined they aren’t in bad shape. Ms. Lemieux reminded the board that an agreement was made to put away $50,000 per year until the pavement management fund reaches $1 million, and that money is being expended every year to repair the town’s roads. Mr. Watters added that more attention should also be paid to storm water runoff. Ms. Lemieux responded that the Storm Water Task Force is working toward creating its own enterprise fund. Mr. Beardmore expressed that he’d like to hear more discussion on the new Facilities Director position. Mr. Menard asked whether buildings on park properties would fall under facilities, or DPW. Mr. Passios asked about the increase in health insurance and whether the town would use the money in the health insurance stabilization fund. Ms. Lemieux said that the fund was not included in the preliminary budget, and the money would be used for future increases. 8. Annual Town Meeting Warrant Updates: Warrant Articles are due by February 21, 2022. ===PAGE 3=== Mr. Menard asked whether there would be any articles where dollar amounts would not be known by the time the committee is required to hold a public hearing. Ms. Lemieux replied that all warrant articles should have all necessary information by deadline. 9. Committee Assignments: Since the committee decided to choose Mr. Beardmore to serve on the new Municipal Building Design Committee, Mr. Watters volunteered to serve as liaison to the school committee for the rest of the fiscal year. Mr. Menard moved to appoint Mr. Watters as liaison to the school committee for the remainder of FY2022. Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 10. Minutes: Mr. Balish moved to accept the minutes from the January 13, and January 27, 2022 meetings. Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carries. 6-0-1 11. Committee Reports: Committee members updated each other on their respective liaison assignments. 12. Public Comment none 13. Items for Future Meetings Board of Health will be invited to come before the committee to talk about their requested appropriation. 14. Next Meetings Feb. 24 meeting will be all remote. 15. Adjourn Mr. Watters motioned to adjourn, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carries unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-02-24-agenda-2053.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-02-24 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-02-24-agenda-2053.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242022-2053 ======================================================================================== ===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, February 24, 2022 7:00 PM Virtual / Zoom Meeting 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 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. 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. Chair’s Report 6. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 7. Annual Town Meeting Warrant updates 8. Budget Presentations: a. Council on Aging b. Library c. Land Use 9. Minutes 10. Committee Reports 11. Public Comment 12. Items for future meetings 13. Upcoming meetings: March 3 (Police & Fire), March 10 (Monty Tech, DPW), March 17 (LPS, IT, Admin, Unclassified, Debt Service), March 24 (PAC, Sewer, Other Monied Articles), March 31 (Public Hearing and Votes on Warrant Recommendations) 14. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-02-24-minutes-2053.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-02-24 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-02-24-minutes-2053.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02242022-2053 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 24, 2022 Location: Meeting held remotely via Zoom Present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Chris Menard, Evan Watters, Dave Passios, Tom Balish, Jay Simeone, all via Zoom. Guests: Finance Director Karen Brochu, Council on Aging Director Susan Doherty, Library Director Muir Haman, Land Use Director Adam Burney, School Committee Chairperson Carol Archambault. 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/HvDze8cpyuc 2. Announcements: none 3. Public Comment: none 4. Chair’s Report: none 5. Town Manager/Finance Director’s Report: none 6. Town Meeting/Warrant Updates: none 7. Budget Presentations: Committee members have yet to receive a copy of the Town Manager’s line item budget for any department. a. Council on Aging: COA Director Ms. Doherty explained her budget plan, and has requested an $11,344.01 increase, bringing the total request to $183,629.08. She is seeking a $2,000 increase in office supplies and explained that the office supply line budget has not increased from $600 within the past twenty years. Ms. Doherty is also seeking staff changes in the kitchen at the senior center and is looking to hire a Meal Site Manager with an Assistant, which involves a change in step and grade for the current Meal Site Manager title, and creation of the assistant position. Both non- benefitted positions require a $9,344.01 increase. Committee members asked if the hourly wages for both positions were competitive. Ms. Doherty responded that she worked with Assistant Town Manager Julie Belliveau in creating the job descriptions, and also surveyed regional senior centers, and that the wages are competitive for the field. Ms. Doherty also outlined the COA income from outside sources, such as Formula Grant funding provided by the state based on Census numbers, which comes in at $25,272, and is formulated by the number of people in town age 60 and over multiplied by a dollar amount. In FY22 the amount was $12 per elder. Ms. Doherty has been informed by the Massachusetts Councils on Aging that the amount will stay at $12 per elder for FY23. The senior center is also funded by the Eagle House Supporters, which is a 501c3 fund raising group. Several other activities and projects are funded by various outside grant foundations. Ms. Doherty also highlighted capital plan requests, which include improvements to the outdoor recreation area at the senior center. A $7,500 grant to cover the cost of plans for the project has already been awarded by the ===PAGE 2=== Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts. Ms. Doherty said she is in the process of applying for additional grants to fund the project, and senior center’s 501c3 has committed to spending at least $5,000 for the project. Ms. Doherty also plans to request $100,000 in ARPA funds. DPW Director Rob Oliva put in a request for $100,000 from the FY23 Capital Plan for the senior center outdoor recreation area project. b. Library: Library Director Muir Haman originally requested $502,984 for FY23, and the Town Manager has included $492,984 in her preliminary budget, which is a $53,390 increase from FY22. Mr. Haman is looking to increase the library’s hours of operation, and will therefore need two additional non-benefitted library assistants whose salaries would amount to $30,984. Mr. Haman informed the committee that the state requires the town to contribute $428,256. Outside funding for the library comes from State Aid, The Friends of the Lunenburg Public Library, which is a 501c3, and a revolving fund made up of fines and material replacement fees. Mr. Haman explained that the library is required to spend 16 percent of its budget on library materials, which includes its full membership status with C/W Mars. Ms. Brochu discovered, by looking at ClearGov , that the Town Manager did not include Mr. Haman’s $8,000 technology request in her preliminary budget, and could not determine whether that $8,000 could come under the IT de partment budget. Mr. Menard suggested considering putting equipment on a revolving account for updating and replacing computers for public access. c. Land Use: Land Use Director Adam Burney explained that the town’s budget is mostly used for salaries of the employees who work in his department, and the supplies they need to carry out their day-to-day tasks. Mr. Burney explained the functions of each office under his charge, and informed the committee that Conservation will be seeking a new administrator as the cur rent employee is retiring. Mr. B urney is also seeking additional funds to employ a part time non-benefitted employee to handle minute taking, payment processing, and other tasks, as the new administrator will have other priorities to take on, including publicizing conservation areas and making them more accessible. Mr. Burney also talked about his Capital Plan request for $110,000 to fund the town’s Master Plan , which has not been updated for several years. Mr. Beardmore questioned whether a new Master Plan would assist in challenges the town faces with 40B development. Mr. Burney replied no. Mr. Burney did highlight the challenges the town has been facing for the past decade in dealing with municipal buildings, and suggested that since the Master Plan is built on the consen sus of the town’s citizens, knowing that consensus could guide the decision making progress, as well as identify possible grant opportunities for potential projects. 8. Committee Reports Committee members updated each other on their respective assignments. 9. Public Comment none ===PAGE 3=== 10. Items for Future Meetings Mr. Beardmore suggested inviting the Board of Health to the March 24 meeting. Mr. Watters asked if the Finance Committee has decided to meet with the Capital Planning Committee. Mr. Menard suggested discussing the option of leasing computer equipment considering the town has decided to outsource IT. 11. Next Meetings March 3, 2022 (Police and Fire Departments), March 10, 2022 (Monty Tech, DPW) 12. Adjourn At 9:52 p.m. Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-03-03-agenda-2398.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-03-03 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-03-03-agenda-2398.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03032022-2398 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Meeting1. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-03-03-minutes-2398.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-03-03 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-03-03-minutes-2398.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03032022-2398 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-03-10-agenda-2054.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-03-10 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-03-10-agenda-2054.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102022-2054 ======================================================================================== ===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, March 10, 2022 6 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 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. Chair’s Report 6. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 7. Budget Presentation: DPW 8. Annual Town Meeting Warrant updates 9. Warrant Letter Content and Timeline 10. Minutes 11. Committee Reports 12. Public Comment 13. Items for future meetings 14. Upcoming meetings: March 17 (LPS, IT, Admin, Unclassified, Debt Service), March 23 (Monty Tech (Virtual)), March 24 (PAC, Sewer, Other Monied Articles, Board of Health), March 31 (Public Hearing and Votes on Warrant Recommendations) 15. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-03-10-minutes-2054.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-03-10 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-03-10-minutes-2054.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03102022-2054 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ===PAGE 2=== ===PAGE 3=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-03-17-agenda-2055.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-03-17 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-03-17-agenda-2055.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03172022-2055 ======================================================================================== ===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, March 17, 2022 7 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 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. Chair’s Report 6. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 7. Budget Presentations a. Lunenburg Public Schools b. Administrative c. Unclassified d. Debt Service 8. Annual Town Meeting Warrant updates 9. Warrant Letter Update and Discussion 10. Minutes 11. Committee Reports 12. Public Comment 13. Items for future meetings 14. Upcoming meetings: March 23 (Monty Tech, quarterly financial report (Virtual)), March 24 (PAC, Sewer, Other Monied Articles, Board of Health), March 31 (Public Hearing and Votes on Warrant Recommendations) 15. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-03-17-minutes-2055.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-03-17 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-03-17-minutes-2055.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03172022-2055 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Chris Menard, Jay Simeone, Dave Passios, Evan Watters, Tom Balish Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Superintendent Dr. Kate Burnham, Lunenburg Public School Business Manager Michael Cassidy, School Committee Chairperson Carol Archambault, Adam Suzor and Casey Chisholm of Suzor IT 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/7yNtfe8w2ks 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: none 4. Public Comment: Lunenburg resident Dave Rodgers asked for the total number in back taxes from the Meadow Woods trailer park. Ms. Lemieux answered that the full amount owed was $733,000 and has been paid in full by new owners of the property. Mr. Rodgers also sought out clarification on how the schools will afford their costs after Covid related monies are spent. 5. Chair Report: Mr. Beardmore reported that the Finance Director will present the FY22 2nd Quarter report at the March 23, 2022 meeting. An engineering consultant for the Flat Hill Rd culvert project will present findings at the Select Board meeting scheduled for March 22, 2022. 6. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Lemieux updated the FY23 capital plan, and presented at the Select Board meeting on March 15, 2022. (New lineup of projects displayed below.) One project was removed from the plan as there is no cost estimate, and another project formerly on the plan has been pushed out to FY24. As a result two senior center projects have been moved up from FY24, a generator, which will allow the building to operate in a power outage, and possibly serve as an emergency shelter for the town’s senior citizens, as well as an improved outdoor recreation area. The HVAC system for the Primary School is also now on the FY23 plan, bringing the total for all 29 projects to $3,861,049. Ms. Lemieux also reported that the State Legislature has earmarked $50,000 to fund the School St hazardous materials abatement project. Seven bids were received for the project. Contract will be awarded to Air Quality Experts, who was the lowest, most responsive bidder at $44,650. Ms. Lemieux also reported the town has received an update from Unitil via Town Counsel on street light costs, which are now approximately $91,300. The Green Communities Committee will apply for grants to offset the cost to convert the lights to LED. ===PAGE 2=== 7. Budget Presentations: a. Lunenburg Public Schools: The schools FY23 budget totals $22,325,309 which is a 3.11 percent increase from FY22. It will cost $212,182 to keep services level with FY22, New positions will increase the budget by $193,522, salary reserve is $30,000, and expenses will cost $232,913. The $673,617 increase reflects increasing costs of health insurance, transportation, as well as year one of the implementation of a five-year staffing plan. New staffing will include, more hours for the music teacher, one teacher for Grade 4, a kindergarten teacher, kindergarten paraprofessional, a high school teacher, and an athletic trainer. Dr. Burnham pointed out that if for whatever reason these positions are not needed, the schools will employ an additional clinical social worker/adjustment counselor. Dr. Burnham also cited the uptick in low-income students, that resulted in an increase in Chapter 70 funds, which make up for 39 percent of the school’s budget. Ms. Lemieux added that she spoke with someone at the Department of Education and Secondary Education and found out that the federal poverty level has increased, due to the Student Opportunity Act, from 133 percent to 185 percent. Families that were able ===PAGE 3=== to stay on Mass Health longer because of the pandemic also added to the new Chapter 70 figures. Dr. Burnham highlighted the challenges the schools have met in dealing with the Covid- 19 pandemic such as, nursing demands, a number of students opting for home school, addressing behavioral issues, and MCAS testing, as well as state mandates. The FY23 budget proposes funding for a social worker in each school in order to deploy the Behavioral Health Curriculum Pilot. The schools were awarded several competitive grants that cover costs for summer school, after school, IT products, and curriculum materials. The schools also are seeking grant funds to employ more faculty positions, such as a teacher with both ELA certification and history, a paraprofessional to assist in an intervention classroom, a teacher who can also facilitate the community service program, and a technology teacher for the high school. b. Administrative: Ms. Lemieux presented budgets for general government and highlighted increases to budgets for the Tax Collector, Town Clerk, Land Use, IT, Health and Sanitation, Veterans Administration, Unclassified, Health Insurance, and other categories. The budget reflects a $4,200 increase for the assistant tax collector, an increase to the IT budget to address “Contracted Services,” as well as $900 for “Registration and Census Salaries, and postage lines. The Land Use budget adds a $10,116 for clerical assistance for Conservation, as well as $5,000 to cover the cost of an alternate Building Commissioner. Technology Department initiatives were presented by Ms. Chisholm of Suzor IT. The IT budget includes, a new Help Desk system for all IT requests, $12,200 for Email cloud hosting (a MIIA Risk Management grant has been received and will cover $10,000), a $52,000 network upgrade, $12,000 to upgrade phones to VOIP, and $20,000 for computer upgrades, including funding for Library IT needs. $5,697 will go toward an upgrade in internet access, $15,118 will cover contractual increases for existing software, and software for the Town Clerk’s office, and $3,400 to update the Town Website. A tech support position will also be added to the payroll at $23,545, as well as a remote meeting coordinator for $5,000. Ms. Lemieux also highlighted a 22 percent increase for both Nashoba Health and Nashoba Nursing, as well as a $5,000 increase to the Veterans Administration salary line. c. Unclassified: The actual health insurance renewal for active town employees came in at a 5.56 percent increase, which totals $43,467, and a five percent increase for retirees at $19,738. School retiree health insurance costs will rise $57,496. Unclassified categories include a 5 percent increase for Workers’ Compensation and Liability, a 6.6 percent increase ($19,925) in Medicare costs, an additional $450 for Montachusett Planning, and $1,800 for Town Band concerts. There is no increase for Public Safety personnel injured on duty, Historical Commission expenses, the reserve fund, salary reserve, town reports and physicals. ===PAGE 4=== d. Debt Service: Ms. Lemieux also highlighted that the town’s debt is decreasing, and no new borrowing has been scheduled. The Primary School and Public Safety building will be paid off, and dropped from the debt schedule in FY23, as well as DPW Renovations. Mr. Beardmore pointed out that more debt capacity will be available, and to keep inevitable improvement projects in mind. Committee members also discussed paying down debt ahead of schedule in order to lower tax rates. Ms. Lemieux added that the Select Board is also looking at ways to give property tax relief to senior citizens. 8. Annual Town Meeting Warrant Updates: Ms. Lemieux reported another financial article will be added to the warrant concerning the Salary Admin Program pay scale. 9. Warrant Letter: Tabled to next meeting. 10. Minutes: Mr. Watters motioned to approve the minutes from the March 3, and March 11, 2022 meetings. Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 11. Committee Reports: Committee members updated each other on their respective liaison assignments. 12. Public Comment: Mr. Balish asked about the financial details of the budget concerning the schools, and pointed out that there were only a few slides in the presentation that described how funds are spent. Mr. Menard agreed, and opined that some other departments also focused on how their department operates rather than a presentation of a financial analysis. Mr. Beardmore also agreed that the committee should work with the Town Manager, Finance Director, and Superintendent to lay out the Finance Committee’s expectations during budget season. Mr. Passios added that the Finance Committee does not have a say in how the school spends its budget, and only passes or denies the budget as a whole. Mr. Watters thanked the School Committee, Town Manager, and Capital Planning Committee for taking another look at the Capital Plan to get the HVAC installed at the Primary School. Mr. Passios added that he spoke with the Superintendent about reviewing the plans for the HVAC project to be sure it’s done properly. 13. Items for Future Meetings: Quarterly report will be added to March 23, 2022 agenda. 14. Next Meetings: March 23 (Remote), March 24, 2022 15. Adjourn At 10:20 p.m., Mr. Passios motioned to adjourn, Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-03-23-agenda-2056.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-03-23 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-03-23-agenda-2056.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03232022-2056 ======================================================================================== ===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 Wednesday, March 23, 2022 7 PM Virtual / Zoom Meeting Agenda Revised: 3/22/2002 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). PLEASE NOTE THIS MEETING WILL NOT BE BROADCAST LIVE IN ANY FORMAT. THE ZOOM RECORDING WILL POSTED ON THE PAAC YOUTUBE PAGE FOLLOWING THE MEETING. The following information is 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. 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. Chair’s Report 6. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 7. Budget Presentations a. Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School 8. Quarterly Fiscal Report 9. Annual Town Meeting Warrant updates 10. Warrant Letter Update and Discussion 11. Minutes 12. Committee Reports 13. Public Comment 14. Items for future meetings 15. Upcoming meetings: March 24 (PAC, Sewer, Other Monied Articles, Board of Health), March 31 (Public Hearing and Votes on Warrant Recommendations) 16. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-03-23-minutes-2056.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-03-23 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-03-23-minutes-2056.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03232022-2056 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 23, 2022 Location: Fully remote via Zoom Present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Chris Menard, Evan Watters, Jay Simeone, Dave Passios Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Finance Director Karen Brochu, Monty Tech Business Director Tammy Crockett, Monty Tech School Committee member Barbara Reynolds 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/2FyhUzpRxwU 2. Announcements: none 3. Public Comment: none 4. Town Manager and Finance Director Report: none 5. Budget Presentations: a. Montachusett Vocational Technical School (Monty Tech): Ms. Crockett updated the committee on grants Monty Tech received addressing socio-emotional programs, as well as trade programs, and adult classes. The school also used Covid funds to upgrade their HVAC units and implemented extracurricular programs, and also upgraded technology. The FY23 budget as well as Covid funds will be used to address COLA increases, and hiring new staff, along with retaining newly gained staff taken on during the pandemic. Ms. Crockett informed the committee that Preliminary FY23 Chapter 70 funds have increased to $5,988,520,366, which is a $485.3 million (8.8 percent) increase from FY22. Based on Student Opportunity Act figures regarding Chapter 70, Monty Tech will spend $19,043 per pupil, not including transportation, capital expenses, or debt service. Lunenburg’s foundation enrollment has increased from 83 to 94, which increases the town’s required minimum contribution to $1,012,282 (a $140,597 increase) for Monty Tech, which is 8.2 percent of all Lunenburg’s Chapter 70 funds. Ms. Crockett reminded the committee that 96 percent of the Monty Tech assessment is governed by the state, which determines contribution by average income and property values in town. After adding in transportation at $24,131 and capital at $17,964, Lunenburg will end up paying $11,217 per pupil. Monty Tech’s total budget is $30,796,896, which comes in barely above net school spending by about $60,000, according to Ms. Crockett. Expenses are broken down as shown in following image. ===PAGE 2=== Ms. Crockett gave the committee the opportunity to ask questions. Mr. Beardmore asked about school choice, and whether Monty Tech is accepting school choice students, and also asked about the per pupil assessment for outbound school choice students. Ms. Crockett answered that the school only accepts school choice students in grades 10-12, but not as freshmen as there is already a waiting list for the school’s regional communities. She explained that the grade 10-12 spots are saved for students who enrolled as freshmen, then moved out of the district so they may remain students at Monty Tech. Ms. Crockett also explained that the four Lunenburg students who have chosen to attend Leominster and Nashoba trade programs become part of the Monty Tech assessment, which in turn gets reimbursed to the state from Monty Tech, and is distributed to the respective schools from the state. Mr. Beardmore expressed his appreciation for Ms. Crockett’s thorough budget presentation, and acknowledged the disparity among community contributions, calling the state’s assessment of Lunenburg unfair, while recognizing the importance of helping lower income students beyond the town’s borders. Mr. Beardmore opined that the state legislature has done the town a disservice. (FY23 assessment for each town and city in the Monty Tech region shown on following page.) ===PAGE 3=== Mr. Menard asked whether the town’s increase in Chapter 70 funds was shown in the Monty Tech assessment. Ms. Crockett replied that the state determines the amount of Chapter 70 funds that will be applied to the assessment based on the amount of low income students at Monty Tech, regardless of which town they’re from. Ms. Crockett pointed out that communities will pay a share of cost per pupil based on what the state determines each community can afford. Mr. Menard also expressed concerns about grant funds running out and asked what the expectation is of affording those expenditures without those funds. Ms. Crockett assured the committee that the budget presented is the ceiling when it comes to funds expected from the town, and that if any more outside funding comes in, the town’s assessment will reflect that. Ms. Crockett also pointed out that the Student Opportunity Act foundation number will incrementally increase over seven years, and hopes the legislature will look at how to fund that increase. Mr. Menard added that vocational school is very important for a great amount of students, and he is supportive of it, but also acknowledged that town’s like Lunenburg are at a disadvantage when it comes to funding. Mr. Passios added that the town needs to be vocal about unfairness when it comes to calculating the determination of what towns are expected to afford. Mr. Menard asked whether any services would be diminished. Ms. Crockett replied that with Covid grant monies, the school plans to focus more on social and psychological aspects of students, and that no services will be diminished. 6. Quarterly Fiscal Report: Ms. Brochu reported FY22 second quarter revenues and expenditures, which covers November 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. $23,422,547 has been collected, which is 51.9 percent of what was projected. The local receipt estimate for FY22 is $3,114,990.50. The town has so far collected $979,389.85, or 31 percent of that estimate. Ms. Brochu reported that the biggest source of that revenue is from motor vehicle excise tax at $241,715, followed by licenses and permits coming in at $144,977. Ms. Brochu reported that 49 percent of taxes have been collected, which is $14,642,695.78 out of $29,833,387.33. The town has received 51 percent of anticipated state aid or $4,700,511.87 out of $9,242,812.00. As far as expenditures ===PAGE 4=== are concerned, total budgeted expenditures for FY22 are $45,098,551.93. The town has expended/encumbered $22,918,610.79 (50.8 percent) of the budget, and all expenditures appear to be at the level projected. 7. Annual Town Meeting Warrant Updates: There are 30 articles on the warrant to be voted on at Annual Town Meeting. An article from the Personnel Committee regarding the Salary Administration Plan has recently been added and will be discussed at the March 31, 2022 meeting. Ms. Lemieux said there are also some citizen petitions as well as three articles from the Planning Board. 8. Warrant Letter update and discussion: Mr. Beardmore has drafted the letter from the finance committee for the Town Warrant. Mr. Menard commented that he read the draft of the letter, and suggested adding kudos to outsourcing IT, as well as encouraging more collaboration among town departments and the schools. Mr. Beardmore added that he’s considering mentioning big projects that would add to debt service in the future as there is an article requesting to spend $450,000 to demolish the old primary school. Mr. Passios commented on the town’s debt ratio standard, and asked what the town’s rating actually is. Ms. Lemieux added that the current rating could be holding the town back from borrowing for future projects. 9. Minutes none 10. Committee Reports Committee members reported on their respective liaison assignments. Mr. Menard said he watched the Select Board discuss the Flat Hill Rd drainage issues. The board agreed that something needs to be done to solve the problem. 11. Public Comment none 12. Items for Future Meetings Capital Plan 13. Next Meetings March 24, 2022, March 31, 2022 14. Adjourn: At 8:47 p.m. Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-03-24-agenda-2057.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-03-24 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-03-24-agenda-2057.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242022-2057 ======================================================================================== ===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, March 24, 2022 7 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 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. Chair’s Report 6. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 7. Budget Presentations a. Lunenburg Public Access Cable b. Sewer c. Other Monied Articles d. Board of Health 8. Annual Town Meeting Warrant updates 9. Warrant Letter Update and Discussion 10. Minutes 11. Committee Reports 12. Public Comment 13. Items for future meetings 14. Upcoming meetings March 31 (Public Hearing and Votes on Warrant Recommendations), April 14 (tentative 2nd Public Hearing) 15. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-03-24-minutes-2057.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-03-24 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-03-24-minutes-2057.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03242022-2057 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 24, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Dave Passios, Tom Gray, Evan Watters, Tom Balish, Jay Simeone via Zoom Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Finance Director Karen Brochu, Chairperson Lunenburg Public Access Cable (PAC) Steven Walker, PAC Director Jo McLaughlin, Sewer Business Manager Barb Lefebvre, Chairperson Sewer Commission Dave MacDonald, Sewer Commissioner John Reynolds, School Committee Chairperson Carol Archambault via Zoom, Chairman of Lunenburg Board of Health George Emond, Director of Nashoba Associated Boards of Health Jim Garreffi. 1. Call to Order Mr. 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/6FyKc47eHz4 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: none 4. Public Comment: none 5. Chair Report: Mr. Beardmore distributed power point presentations for Lunenburg Public Access Cable, and Sewer. Mr. Simeone submitted edits concerning the warrant letter. Mr. Beardmore will work the edits into the next draft and distribute accordingly. 6. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Lemieux reported that the Tax Lien auction was held on March 17, 2022. In the beginning of the process, the town was owed $1,058,077 on 50 properties. The tax collector has collected $323,312 on 26 of those properties, 7 properties have entered into payment agreements, 10 properties have moved into foreclosure, and 7 tax liens were purchased for $50,728. The Select Board voted to remove 4 properties from the list, and 1 of those 4 did pay their back taxes, so the town will move forward with 3 properties. Ms. Lemieux also reported that the town has received a $128,000 asset management grant for storm water. 7. Budget Presentations: Lunenburg Public Access Cable: Mr. Walker started his presentation by saying that PAC revenue does not affect the town’s budget. The franchise fee, paid by Comcast customers, is the principal source of income. PAC also collects interest on a savings account reserved for a new studio. Anticipated income from Comcast fees and interest for FY23 is $200,285. Mr. Walker added that “cable cutting” has caused a reduction in fees, and the committee does not receive any money for customers who stream media from the internet. PAC expects to spend $211,515 in FY23, and can cover their overage with retained earnings. Mr. Beardmore acknowledged the importance and significance of PAC when it comes to publicizing and broadcasting meetings in town. Mr. Beardmore asked about the image quality, and whether the equipment PAC has is standard definition. Mr. Walker informed the committee that the channels themselves are standard definition, and PAC’s equipment is all high definition. Upgrading the channels will cost more money, and incoming Comcast fees are decreasing. ===PAGE 2=== Sewer Commission: Mr. MacDonald informed the committee that the commission is planning to implement an 8 percent rate increase to cover increasing costs. The last increase since 2013 was in 2020. Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) is a problem especially in the Whalom area. Mr. MacDonald explained that the sewer entity has entered into an Inter-Municipal agreement (IMA) with the cities of Fitchburg and Leominster in FY20 and FY21 respectively, and that payments are now based on flow meter readings, which come in higher than water usage due to I/I. In FY23 an estimated $38,185 is owed. The following images explain the sewer enterprise fund operating budget. Mr. Reynolds commended Mr. MacDonald and Ms. Lefebvre, and encouraged residents to get involved with town government. Other Monied Articles: Ms. Lemieux explained that Articles A and B are annual articles addressing the revolving fund and re-invoking the spending limit. ===PAGE 3=== Article C addresses prior year expense, which is $500.00. Article D amends the FY22 snow and ice budget by around $180,000, as well as transferring money from salary reserve for the collective bargaining agreement. Article E $15,303.51 will come out salary reserve to cover the cost of living increase in the first year of the collective bargaining agreement for the clerical union, which started in FY22. Article F entails the Capital Plan. Ms. Lemieux hopes to have a more definitive number by the next meeting. Article G addresses the omnibus budget, following recommendation of the Finance Committee to increase the snow and ice budget to $350,000 Article H: to put $100,000 from free cash into the stabilization fund. Ms. Lemieux and Ms. Brochu will also be looking into the Special Purpose Stabilization fund given the $500,000 in free cash this year. Article I: Special Purpose Stabilization Fund Article J: $266,662 for OPEB Article K: Solid Waste Disposal $302,000 Article L: Water Enterprise Fund $25,000 Article M: PAC Enterprise fund $211,515 Article N: Transfer sale of cemetery lots, $10,000 to go toward capital improvements Article P: $100,000 for cleanup of Woodruff property, including environmental consultants, permitting process, and construction. Article Q: Currently undetermined dollar amount for town’s 300th anniversary celebration, along with forming a committee Article R: Demolition of Old Primary School $450,000 from free cash, which entails engineering of demolition Article X: Salary Administration Plan adjustment to salary schedule. Personnel Committee to brief the Finance Committee on March 31, 2022. Article Z: Sewer Enterprise Fund Article AA: Sewer Capital Reserve Stabilization Fund Article BB: Transfer from Sewer to OPEB Board of Health: Mr. Beardmore acknowledged that the finance committee having the Board of Health before them is unprecedented, and described the committee’s role in the budget process. Mr. Emond also acknowledged this being the first time the Board of Health was asked for representation at a Finance Committee meeting. Mr. Beardmore recognized that this year the BOH budget showed a significant increase. Mr. Emond informed the finance committee that the increase in the town’s population by 16 percent caused the increase in the FY23 budget. Mr. Emond added that the Town and the Finance Committee are powerless when it comes to paying for the per capita portion of the BOH budget under a law established in 1931. Mr. Beardmore asked whether the board has domain over Nashoba Nursing. Mr. Emond responded that it does oversee the nursing service as well as hospice, and explained that the board also oversees an environmental group which is responsible for septic systems, food establishment inspections, etc. Mr. Beardmore added that the BOH budget is up 22.4 percent from last year at $36,759.84, and Nashoba Nursing is up 22.9 percent at $16,848.26. Mr. Beardmore asked if any funds are spent on the local office. Mr. Emond explained that all funds go to the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health. Mr. Beardmore asked about the impact of the pandemic. Mr. Emond explained that the local office does respond to local complaints. The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health have dealt with contract tracing, numbers of people infected with Covid, and handed out a 21-page document listing the several responsibilities of the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health. 8. Warrant Letter Updates: Mr. Beardmore read a paragraph of the letter to the board based on Mr. Menard’s suggestions last meeting. ===PAGE 4=== 9. Minutes none 10. Committee Reports members updated each other on respective liaison assignments 11. Public Comment none 12. Items for Future Meetings Mr. Passios inquired about posting deadlines for the second public hearing slated for April 14, 2022. 13. Next Meetings March 31, April 14 14. Adjourn At 8:59 p.m. Mr. Passios motioned to adjourn, Mr. Watters seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-03-31-agenda-2071.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-03-31 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-03-31-agenda-2071.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03312022-2071 ======================================================================================== ===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, March 31, 2022 7 PM Bilotta Meeting Room Lunenburg Town Hall Agenda – Revised, March 31, 2022 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 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. Chair’s Report 6. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 7. Proposed Fiscal 2023 Wage Schedule and Proposed Salary Administration Bylaw Change 8. Public Hearing on FY23 Budget, Capital Plan, and all financially relevant Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles 9. Discuss and Vote on Recommendations for Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles 10. Warrant Letter Update and Discussion 11. Minutes 12. Committee Reports 13. Public Comment 14. Items for future meetings 15. Upcoming meetings March 14 (tentative 2nd Public Hearing), March 28, Annual Town Meeting – May 7 16. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-03-31-minutes-2071.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-03-31 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-03-31-minutes-2071.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03312022-2071 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 31, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Chris Menard, Jay Simeone, Dave Passios, Tom Gray. Attending remotely, Tom Balish, Evan Watters, Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Chairperson Personnel Committee Eric Arnold, Joanna Bilotta- Simeone, Lunenburg Police Chief Thomas Gammel, 1. Call to Order Mr. Beardmore called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and read a statement regarding 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/VeWlx3soIIM 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: none 4. Public Comment: Mr. Beardmore informed those in attendance that regarding the Capital Plan, his opinion has changed from voting with the majority of the Finance Committee to voting with his conscience, after reading the charter, citing the responsibility of the committee, and his role as a finance committee member to the voters of Lunenburg. 5. Chair Report: Mr. Beardmore reported that a second public hearing has been advertised for April 14, 2022, as articles on the warrant may need further discussion, including changes to the Salary Administration Plan as well as a potential financial impact regarding a change to the sewer bylaw. 6. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: No report 7. Proposed Fiscal 2023 Wage Schedule and Proposed Salary Administration Bylaw Change: Mr. Arnold informed the committee that the Personnel Committee has met with town counsel in regard to the Salary Administration Plan (SAP), and upon recommendation from the attorney, the plan does need to be updated. Those updates include: removing the layoff procedure from the SAP as it is already covered in the Town Charter; adding Human Resources to the grievance procedure; changing language regarding what constitutes a full-time employee; changing personal time from hours to days; removal of Family Medical Leave Act language as it was conflicting with what’s stated in the Charter; upgrading the salary grid to reflect minimum wage, which means a 28 percent increase for Grade 1, a 22 percent increase for Grade 2, and an 18 percent increase for Grade 3. The remaining 17 grades will be increased by 2 percent. The increase on the grid will cost the town $44,250.77 annually. There are approximately 25 employees on the SAP, and about 15 are on-call personnel. Ms. Bilotta-Simeone added that those on the upper portion of the grid would only be getting cost of living increases after they ===PAGE 2=== reached the highest grade and step, and upgrading the grid addresses that issue. Mr. Passios commented that increasing pay on the lower end will help bring in new talent, and keeping increases, and longevity pay will help with retention. Mr. Simeone asked if there were plans for a professional town-wide wage study, and also suggested the Personnel Committee consider separating wage schedules for hourly, salaried, and seasonal employees. Mr. Gray agreed that keeping track of wages for comparable positions is important. The Finance Committee agreed that wages will be a major topic of discussion in FY23. Mr. Passios thanked the current and past members of the Personnel Committee for bringing the SAP to its current status. 8. Public Hearing on FY23 Budget, Capital Plan, and all financially relevant Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles: Mr. Beardmore opened the public hearing. Ms. Lemieux presented the Town Manager’s FY2023 Recommended Budget. The town is projected to receive $30,854,794 in property taxes, $10,390,105 in State Aid, $3,110,153 in local receipts, and $2,350,230 in other available funds, totaling $5,789,417. Financial articles include: funding the first year of the collective bargaining agreement with the Clerical union, which involves transferring $15,303 from the FY22 Salary Reserve Account; $100,000 from free cash to cover expenses regarding consultant fees, removal and disposal of solid waste materials from the Woodruff property; $450,000 from free cash to demolish 30 School Street, and create a green space design; An amount to be determined to establish a committee to commemorate the town’s 300th anniversary; $44,250 from the FY23 Salary Reserve Account to fund Salary Administration Plan wage increases; and $2,162,849 for the Capital Plan funded by free cash, appropriated funds, and unexpended capital. Mr. Beardmore recollected a past meeting where Mr. Passios expressed concern over whether the cost of installing HVAC at the Primary School was accurate, as it was made aware that the electricity at the school may not be appropriate for the originally intended HVAC. Mr. Passios said he asked for more information but could not get an answer. Mr. Balish asked where the School St project would be in terms of progress after spending the requested $371,000. Ms. Lemieux answered that the building will be razed, grading will be complete, and design details will go to another Town Meeting for funds for new construction of the property. Mr. Simeone asked for justification of a part time IT employee. Ms. Lemieux answered that the new employee would be responsible for administrative duties and website content. Public Hearing public comment: Lunenburg resident Dave Rodgers phoned in to share his opinion on items in the capital plan, and the amount of money proposed to be spent on equipment, vehicles, and projects. Committee members went on to discuss the issues Mr. Rodgers raised: DPW request for utility tractor/mower to handle roadside brush, which is a top resident concern, a Ford F-150 pickup truck for the police department to handle towing, community outreach, and transporting personnel, and the Flat Hill Road drainage design project. Chief Gammel commented that the police department’s current fleet of vehicles does not have the proper braking system for the trailers currently in use, and that the police department needs a four-wheel drive utility vehicle. Mr. Passios added that the Capital Planning Committee had several meetings and determined which items were affordable. Mr. Gray added that he will always look to the department heads to best determine their needs. Mr. Menard expressed his concern over finding the source of the water problem on Flat Hill Rd, and wants to be sure the problem is fixed so as not to cause another drainage problem on surrounding roads. Mr. ===PAGE 3=== Beardmore suggested outsourcing some of the brush clearing from roadsides. Ms. Lemieux pointed out there is no appropriation for outsourcing. Mr. Beardmore suggested the committee has the right to make amendments to articles, and raised a scenario where the committee could vote to recommend disapproval of the capital plan article and then make an amendment that would garner the recommendation to approve. Mr. Passios commented that the committee could recommend to reduce the amount of the capital plan, but could not remove specific items from it. Committee members went on to discuss how the town handled the capital plan in 2020 in the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr. Passios moved to close the public hearing, Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 9. Discuss and Vote on Recommendations for Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles: Article A: Written reports of Town Officers and Committees. Mr. Passios moved that the article has no financial impact, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote motion carried unanimously. Article B: Reauthorizing revolving funds. Mr. Passios moved to recommend approval, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article C: Prior year expenses. Mr. Simeone motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Passios seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Article D: FY22 Budget adjustment. Mr. Passios moved to defer to Annual Town Meeting, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article E: Collective Bargaining Clerical Union first year of FY22 and into FY23. Mr. Gray moved to recommend approval, Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article F: FY23 Capital Plan. Mr. Gray motioned to defer to Annual Town Meeting, Mr. Simeone seconded. Motion carried 6-0-1. (Mr. Passios abstained) Committee members agreed they’d like to hear from town counsel on what their options might be, as well as the opinion of the newly hired DPW director. Article G: New department/Facilities Director. Mr. Simeone motioned to defer, Mr. Menard seconded, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Passios added that he’d like to go into Town Meeting with the committee supporting the new position. Article H: Omnibus Budget, $41,568,744.92. Mr. Passios moved to recommend approval, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Beardmore commented that the committee did a very thorough job this year of vetting the budget. Article I: Stabilization Fund, $100,000. Mr. Passios motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article J: Special Purpose Stabilization Fund, $450,000. Mr. Gray motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article K: OPEB $266,696 transfer from free cash, and $656.00 transfer from sewer retained earnings. Mr. Passios motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article L: Sewer Enterprise budget, $1,213,182. Mr. Gray moved to recommend approval, Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article M: Sewer Capital Reserve Stabilization fund, $35,545.86. Mr. Passios motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ===PAGE 4=== Article N: Solid Waste Disposal Enterprise Fund, $302,000. Mr. Watters motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Simeone seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Article O: Water Enterprise budget, $20,000. Mr. Passios moved to recommend approval, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article P: PEG Access budget. Mr. Passios motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article Q: Sale of lots for care of cemetery, $10,000. Mr. Gray motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article R: Woodruff property, $100,000 from free cash. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article S: 30 School St (old Primary School), $450,000 from free cash. Mr. Passios motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried (6-1 Mr. Simeone dissented) Article T: Salary Administration Plan, amend code to add positions to salary grid Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article U: Salary Administration Plan wage increase, $44,000. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article V: Salary Administration Plan, Amendment to the Salary Administration Plan Bylaw. Mr. Passios motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Simeone seconded. Committee members agreed they needed more time to make a decision. Mr. Passios withdrew his motion, Mr. Simeone did not withdraw his second. On vote, motion failed (2-5 Mr. Passios and Mr. Simeone supported the motion) Mr. Menard motioned to defer the article to Annual Town Meeting, Mr. Passios seconded. Motion carried. (6-1 Mr. Simeone dissented) Article W: 300th Anniversary committee, dollar amount to be determined. Mr. Passios motioned to defer to Annual Town Meeting, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article X: Amend General Bylaws. Mr. Gray motioned to defer, Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article Y: Amend Sewer Bylaw. Mr. Passios motioned to defer, Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article Z: Amend Protective Bylaw –Non-medical marijuana establishments. Mr. Passios motioned to find no financial impact, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article AA: Amend Protective Bylaw -Water Supply Protection District. Mr. Passios motioned to find no financial impact, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article BB: Amend Protective Bylaw -Location of Districts. Mr. Passios motioned to find no financial impact, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article CC: Amend sewer service area map. Mr. Passios motioned to find no financial impact, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article DD: Resolution in Support of Changing State Flag and Seal of Massachusetts. ===PAGE 5=== Mr. Passios motioned to find no financial impact, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried. (6-0-1 Mr. Passios abstained.) 10. Warrant Letter Update and Discussion: Mr. Beardmore will include committee member feedback, and redistribute the draft. Mr. Menard suggested adding the reasoning behind the committee’s decisions on the articles regarding deferral, namely the capital plan. 11. Minutes Mr. Menard motioned to accept the minutes from the March 17, 2022 meeting, Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried (6-0-1 Mr. Simeone abstained) 12. Committee Reports Committee members updated each other on respective liaison assignments. 13. Public Comment none 14. Next Meetings April 14, April 28 15. Adjourn At 10:28 p.m. Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn, Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-04-14-agenda-2072.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-04-14 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-04-14-agenda-2072.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04142022-2072 ======================================================================================== ===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, April 14, 2022 7 PM Bilotta Meeting Room Lunenburg Town Hall Agenda Revised – 4/14/2022 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 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. Chair’s Report 6. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 7. Discussion on Capital Plan process and procedures (role of Finance Committee and scope of acceptable amendments at Town Meeting) 8. Public Hearing on FY23 Budget, Capital Plan, and all financially relevant Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles 9. Discuss and Vote (or reconsider and re-vote as applicable) on Recommendations for Annual Town Meeting Articles 10. Annual Town Meeting Consent Calendar 11. Minutes 12. Committee Reports 13. Public Comment 14. Items for future meetings 15. Upcoming meetings April 28, Annual Town Meeting – May 7, May 12, May 26 16. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-04-14-minutes-2072.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-04-14 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-04-14-minutes-2072.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04142022-2072 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 14, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Jay Simeone, Dave Passios, Tom Gray, Evan Watters (arrived late), Tom Balish (arrived late) Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux 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/ktOKlrZIyCE 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: Mr. Beardmore informed the committee that the Association of Town Finance Committees is holding a seminar regarding ARPA funding on April 30, 2022 4. Public Comment: Lunenburg resident Dave Rodgers commented on the capital planning process as the discussion took place. Mr. Rodgers pointed out that town government is the purest form of democracy, and that the current $2.1 million capital plan process of voting on the plan, in its entirety, does not follow that. 5. Chair Report: Mr. Beardmore prefers to have more committee members present before voting on previously deferred warrant articles. 6. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Lemieux met with Congresswoman Lori Trahan’s office virtually to talk about the Community Funding Project Report. The town has two eligible projects: the Flat Hill Drainage project, and the School St. project. Also the Fire Chief was awarded a grant for $2,116 for an Automated External Defibrillator that will replace an obsolete unit in one of the trucks, and the Police Chief was awarded a $7,900 grant for exercise equipment at the police station funded by MIIA. 7. Discussion on Capital Plan Process and Procedures (Role of Finance Committee): Mr. Beardmore recalled the committee’s past discussions on a potential amendment to the capital plan. Mr. Beardmore read an email exchange on the roles of the Town Manager, Capital Planning Committee, and the Finance Committee on the town’s capital plan. (See appendix) Town Counsel’s email explained that amending the capital plan is allowable, but complicated. Mr. Beardmore said he both agreed and disagreed with town counsel’s response to his question, and wanted to open the discussion to committee members before he sent his response. Mr. Passios pointed out that the town’s bylaws and Mass. General Law are conflicting, and maybe should be adjusted. Mr. Passios opined that the committee should continue voting on the whole ===PAGE 2=== dollar amount in the capital plan, that they can make a suggestion to reduce the amount, but cannot dictate how to spend the amount, or increase that amount, which is how the bylaw is written. Mr. Passios also pointed out that the town has been using the current process for over 20 years. Mr. Gray commented that he agrees with the notion that the committee can reduce the whole dollar amount of the capital plan, and that he trusts town counsel’s opinion. Mr. Simeone pointed out that the situation with the capital plan is similar to that of the school committee’s budget, and that if there are changes to be made, suggestions must be made early in the budget forming process. Mr. Simeone added that Capital Planning Committee meetings could be better advertised. Mr. Beardmore added that there are some items in the capital plan that are absolutely needed, and some that are discretionary, and that it is unfair to voters to present the plan as all or nothing. The present committee members agreed to invite town counsel to a future meeting to further discuss the matter. 8. Public Hearing on FY23 Budget, Capital Plan, and all financially relevant Annual Town Meeting Articles: Mr. Beardmore opened the hearing and informed the committee that six articles have so far been deferred to Annual Town Meeting. Ms. Lemieux was invited to update the committee on the deferred articles. (Mr. Watters joined the meeting in person.) Article 4: FY22 budget adjustment. Ms. Lemieux forwarded information regarding snow and ice, and the collective bargaining agreement involving Article 5 to the committee. Article 6: Capital Improvement Plan. Still need more information on the HVAC at the Primary School. Ms. Lemieux suggested the committee go forward with recommending approval of the article as the money is still needed for the initial project, regardless of peer review. Otherwise, the project could be delayed. Mr. Beardmore suggested inviting newly hired DPW Director to a meeting to talk about the utility tractor mower. Ms. Lemieux opined it would be too soon for that. Article 7: Facilities Director: Mr. Beardmore informed the committee that there is a document on the town website that describes the proposed position. Mr. Passios commented that he does support the position, but would also support “more boots on the ground,” to get daily tasks done. Mr. Passios also opined that the part-time Recreation Director should remain under the direction of DPW instead of the new department. Mr. Beardmore asked when the budget for the new department would separate from the DPW. Ms. Lemieux replied that when the position is filled, the department will get its own departmental budget. Article 22: Salary Administration Plan. Committee members received an updated plan with marked changes, and had no comments. Article 23: 300th Anniversary Committee. $5,000 to establish the committee has been proposed. Committee members had no comment. Article 24: Bylaw Review Committee. Mr. Beardmore commented that most changes regard changing “Board of Selectmen” to “Select Board.” Mr. Passios said he is thinking of abstaining because there was a lot less interaction with the public and individual boards that are covered under the bylaws. (Mr. Balish joined the meeting in person.) ===PAGE 3=== Public Hearing Public Comment: Mr. Rodgers expressed his frustration about the committee not having pertinent information on articles to be heard at Annual Town Meeting, which is three weeks away. Namely the articles on the facilities director and funding the Primary School HVAC on the capital plan, are confusing and need to be vetted. Mr. Beardmore acknowledged and agreed with Mr. Rodger’s frustration, and explained that information on the Primary School only was discovered because Mr. Passios asked why the cost of the project decreased in the past year, and did not receive an answer. Mr. Balish also empathized with Mr. Rodger’s frustration, but added that everyone on town boards and committees are volunteers, and working hard to do what they think is best for the town. Mr. Rodgers emphasized that he did not intend to criticize the town’s volunteers, but did wish to express his frustration with the capital planning process. Mr. Passios motioned to close the public hearing, Mr. Watters seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 9. Discuss and Vote/Re-vote on Recommendations on Annual Town Meeting Articles: Mr. Beardmore commented that the warrant has been printed, and voting on the currently deferred articles is not necessary. Mr. Passios pointed out that if any deferred articles in the consent calendar, they’d have to be pulled out. Mr. Beardmore acknowledged Mr. Passios comment, and determined that no deferred articles were included in the consent calendar. The committee agreed to table the topic. 10. Annual Town Meeting Consent Calendar: Ms. Lemieux explained the time-saving concept of the consent calendar. Mr. Beardmore brought up that articles 9 and 10 have to do with stabilization funds, and if anything gets cut from the omnibus budget, it may be better for those monies to go into a stabilization fund. Therefore, those articles would need to be reopened. Mr. Beardmore suggested removing the two articles from the consent calendar to avoid the need to reopen an article during Annual Town Meeting. The committee decided to table the topic until discussed with the Town Moderator. 11. Minutes The committee will vote on meeting minutes at their next meeting. 12. Committee Reports Committee members updated each other on their respective liaison assignments. 13. Public Comment Mr. Rodgers asked about property on West St and Leominster Rd., and added that he has great trepidations on the financial future for everybody, and asked the committee to do an analysis on when they would think a need for an override would be brought up, and warned the committee to be ready. 14. Items for Future Meetings Re-appointment forms. Mr. Passios informed the committee that he would not be seeking reappointment. ===PAGE 4=== 15. Next Meetings April 28, ATM May 7, May 12. 16. Adjourn At 8:53 p.m. Mr. Passios motioned to adjourn, Mr. Watters seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Appendix Hi Heather, I'd like to formally request an opinion from Town Counsel as to the role of the Finance Committee and Town Meeting with respect to capital plan articles. At Annual Town Meeting in June of 2020, I made a motion to amend the proposed capital plan by striking several items. I believe the motion was seconded by Mr. Passios. I don't recall any interjection from Town Counsel. The proposed amendment was ultimately defeated and the capital plan passed as proposed. During this year's budget season, Mr. Passios has contended (I'm paraphrasing) that it is not the Finance Committee's role to scrutinize specific items in the capital plan, but merely to look at the article on the whole. I completely disagree. During last week's Finance Committee Meeting, Mr. Passios outlined his intent to inquire of new guidance from Town Counsel. Apparently inspired by previous conversations or statements involving Town Counsel, Mr. Passios (again, I'm paraphrasing) inferred that the Finance Committee may not be empowered to propose amendments to specific lines in the capital plan. I think this is preposterous, and runs counter to Town Meeting's power to appropriate funds as it sees fit, and for the Finance Committee to advise Town Meeting. The Finance Committee, or individual members, may be on a path to propose amendments to your proposed capital plan. These matters will likely be discussed at public meetings over the next few weeks. Therefore I think that it is imperative that we receive advice from Town Counsel as soon as possible. Thank you, Peter Beardmore Heather: I am in receipt of your e-mail below. I am providing advice and an opinion regarding the same, at your request. The roles of the Capital Planning Committee, the Finance Committee and the Town Manager, with respect to the Town’s capital plan and, specifically, the annual Town Meeting article funding the same, are generally defined by Town Charter, state statute and, to a degree, the Town’s Bylaws. For example, Section 6-7 of the Charter, entitled “Capital Improvements Program,” empowers the Town Manager to “submit a capital improvement program to the select board and the finance committee” annually, which program “shall be based on material prepared by the capital planning committee established by by-law…” Article VI, Sections 12-17 and 12-18, of the Bylaws establish said Capital Planning Committee, and vest it with authority to “establish and update a comprehensive capital plan,” with its materials once again “provide[d]… to the Town Manager” to allow him or her to satisfy the requirements of Section 6-7 of the Charter, just quoted. The Finance Committee is established by Section 2-3 of the Charter and given “the primary responsibility to report to town meeting” not only on the budget, but on “all warrant articles having a fiscal impact on the town” which, I would say, includes the funding of capital expenditures. (The Charter also vests the Finance Committee with “all other powers conferred on finance committees by the General Laws, which include, per ===PAGE 5=== G.L. c. 39, § 16, “consider[ing] any or all municipal questions for the purpose of making reports or recommendations to the town…”) Regarding the specific issue(s) referenced in the e-mail below – namely, the Finance Committee scrutinizing specific items, e.g. proposed expenditures, within the capital plan, as well as the ability of the Finance Committee (or any other qualified voter) to seek to amend the capital plan at Town Meeting – I offer the following guidance: First, the Finance Committee is certainly free to “scrutinize specific items in the capital plan,” if it so chooses. Of course, creating the plan, in the first instance, is the role of the Capital Planning Committee. But reviewing it is absolutely within the purview of the Finance Committee, which, by Charter and Bylaw, is one of two intended recipients of the capital plan (the other being the Town Manager). And, as stated above, the Finance Committee has “the primary responsibility” to report on Town Meeting warrant articles with fiscal impact. Second, having stated the above, I will further say that amending the capital plan at Town Meeting, e.g. on the floor, whether by the Finance Committee or by another, if and to the extent permissible, can be a complicated undertaking, both procedurally and substantively. For any amendment to a warrant article to be proper, it must generally be within the scope of the article as presented in the warrant (so as to avoid insufficiency of notice and running afoul of due process). Lunenburg’s capital plan is typically presented to Town Meeting in the following manner: “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds a sum of money for the FY _____ Capital Plan, as appearing in the Capital Planning Committee Report; or take any other action relative thereto.” Additionally, under Section 2-3 of the Charter, the Finance Committee is required to “hold 1 or more public hearings to permit public discussion on the subject matter of the articles contained in the warrant.” An amendment to increase the funding of the capital plan, if intended to fund items not referenced in said plan, or on which public hearing(s) were held, could be procedurally deficient. Regarding substance, and based partly on the language of the warrant article and partly on Lunenburg’s tradition (with respect to other financial articles as well, e.g. the omnibus budget), it would be improper, in my opinion, for a floor amendment to dictate the use of funds for capital projects. Thus, while an amendment could, for example, reduce the overall funding for the capital plan, it cannot bind the Committee or Town Manager with respect to the designated uses of those funds. Although I don’t recall, specifically, stating to Mr. Passios that “the Finance Committee may not be empowered to propose amendments to specific lines in the capital plan,” if I did make such a comment, I suspect that it was made in the context of the explanation above. I do remember that the 2020 Annual Town Meeting, also referenced below, was unusual, inasmuch as it was delayed and conducted in the midst of a pandemic; and, consequently, I believe, the capital plan referenced in the warrant was reduced in scope by providing sufficient funding for some items while delaying the appropriation of funds for others. (I have a further recollection, albeit faint, of an effort to further postpone some funding given the uncertainty of COVID-19 fiscal impacts; and to instead move these monies into a stabilization fund. I remember opining that postponing the funding was within the scope; moving the monies into a stabilization fund was not.) I hope that is helpful to you. Adam J. Costa ===PAGE 6=== Mead, Talerman & Costa, LLC 30 Green Street · Newburyport, Massachusetts · 01950 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-04-28-agenda-2058.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-04-28 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-04-28-agenda-2058.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04282022-2058 ======================================================================================== ===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, April 28, 2022 7 PM Bilotta Meeting Room Lunenburg Town Hall Agenda Revised: 4/28/2022 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 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. Chair’s Report 6. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 7. Discussion on Capital Plan process and procedures (role of Finance Committee and scope of acceptable amendments at Town Meeting) 8. Discuss and Vote (or reconsider and re-vote as applicable) on Recommendations for Annual Town Meeting Articles, Consent Calendar 9. Minutes 10. Committee Reports 11. Public Comment 12. Items for future meetings 13. Upcoming meetings Annual Town Meeting – May 7, May 12, May 26 14. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-04-28-minutes-2058.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-04-28 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-04-28-minutes-2058.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04282022-2058 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 28, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Chris Menard, Jay Simeone, Dave Passios, Evan Watters, Tom Balish, Tom Gray Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux 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/w5L-N6S0nEk 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: Mr. Passios announced that Little League Opening Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, at Marshall Park. Mr. Beardmore announced there will be a Memorial Day ceremony on May 31, 2022 at Veteran’s Memorial Park at 10:00 a.m. 4. Public Comment: none 5. Chair Report: Mr. Beardmore reported that there’s been a lot of communication pertaining to the capital plan, and that he will be attending a meeting at the high school to test out the new handheld voting devices to be used at Annual Town Meeting. 6. Town Manager/Finance Director’s Report: none 7. Capital Plan Process: Mr. Beardmore met with Town Counsel, and Mr. Passios and Select Board Chairperson Tom Alonzo were in attendance. Mr. Beardmore reported that town counsel says the pertinent matter, the way the capital plan article is written, is to see if the town will appropriate the money, not to see if they’ll change the plan, regardless of the scenario that took place in 2020 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when a precedent was set, and voters at Town Meeting did debate items the capital plan. According to Mr. Beardmore, town counsel opined the effect of the precedent that set would be minimal. The discussion lead to how power is implied when the words of law are ambiguous. Interpretation is left up to the Town Moderator. Mr. Beardmore pointed out that the Town Moderator is obligated to defer to town counsel. Mr. Beardmore stated that his opinion on the capital plan article has not changed. Mr. Menard opined that suggesting to remove items from the plan should be allowed. Mr. Watters commented that the language of the bylaw is exceptionally vague, and can be easily be interpreted to make an amendment. Mr. Passios added that he does not like to blame Covid-19, but two years ago was the only time that Town Meeting has deviated from the process in over 20 years, and was ultimately defeated. Mr. Passios agreed that there are inconsistencies between the Town Charter and Mass General Law. Mr. Beardmore does intend to discuss the situation with the Town Moderator. Mr. Beardmore also pondered why the committee is charged with scrutinizing the capital plan, if not allowed to make suggestions to change it. Committee members discussed the possibility of writing a new bylaw, amending the Town Charter, and discussing that in the off-season. Mr. Passios said he stands behind the process, and the people who make the decisions to put items on the capital plan. Mr. Menard added that all committee meetings should be recorded, and pointed out that the Capital Planning Committee meets at 5:30 p.m. ===PAGE 2=== 8. Discuss and Vote/Re-vote on Annual Town Meeting Articles: At their last meeting the committee deferred on Articles 4, 6, 7, 22, 23, 24, and 25. After learning more information on each article, committee members deliberated, and voted as follows. Article 4: Budget amendment. Mr. Passios motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 6: Capital Plan: Mr. Passios motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Balish seconded. On vote motion carried. (6-1 Mr. Beardmore dissented) Article 7: Administrative Organization Plan: Mr. Watters motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 22: Salary Administration Plan. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 23: 300th Anniversary Committee, $5,000. Mr. Passios motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 24: Bylaw Review. Mr. Menard motioned no financial impact, Mr. Passios seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 25: Sewer Bylaw. Committee members agreed there is still more information to be learned at Town Meeting, and decided to keep their original stance to defer this article. 9. Annual Town Meeting Consent Calendar: Mr. Beardmore raised his concern regarding voting on financial articles outside of the consent calendar having a potential effect on the stabilization fund articles that are included in the consent calendar. Mr. Beardmore proposed removing the stabilization fund articles from the consent calendar. Mr. Passios opined he does not agree with the consent calendar concept in general. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval on the consent calendar, Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 10. Minutes none 11. Committee Reports Committee members updated each other on their respective liaison assignments. 12. Public Comment none 13. Items for Future Meetings Town Meeting recap, agenda topics for off season 14. Next Meetings Annual Town Meeting May 7, May, 12, May 26 15. Adjourn At 8:35 p.m. Mr. Passios motioned to adjourn, Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously.