# finance-committee — 25 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 : 2022-05-19-agenda-2059.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-05-19 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-05-19-agenda-2059.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05192022-2059 ======================================================================================== ===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, May 19, 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. Review Town Meeting (preparation, conduct of the meeting, results, lessons learned, future actions) 8. Review Finance Committee year in context of ‘FY22 goals and procedures’ 9. Discuss topics and goals for summer months 10. Minutes 11. Committee Reports 12. Public Comment 13. Items for future meetings 14. Upcoming meetings: June 9, June 23 15. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-05-19-minutes-2059.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-05-19 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-05-19-minutes-2059.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05192022-2059 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 19, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Chris Menard, Dave Passios, attended in person. Jay Simeone, and Evan Watters attended remotely. Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux attended remotely. 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. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: Mr. Beardmore announced the Memorial Day Ceremony to be held at Veterans Memorial Park on Memorial Day, May 30, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. 4. Public Comment: Mr. Beardmore informed the board and the audience that he will seek reappointment to his seat on the Finance Committee. 5. Chair Report: Mr. Beardmore asked members to think about topics for discussion and how the committee should convene over the summer. 6. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Lemieux reported that the Green Communities grant for $187,000 has been submitted, and that the town is accepting proposals for the LED streetlight project, which should be a turn-key operation. Ms. Lemieux also informed the committee that the town has received $68,000 from the state in reimbursement for Emergency Paid Sick Leave. Ms. Lemieux also reported the town has received a $18,000 grant for the high school score board, and a Winter Recovery Assistance Program grant in the amount of $262,678, which is to be spent on roadways and sidewalks by June 2023. Ms. Lemieux reported the chiller for the public safety building will not be delivered until August. The town will not receive federal funding toward the Flat Hill Rd Culvert project, according to Ms. Lemieux. 7. Town Meeting Review: The committee discussed the way Article 6 (Capital Plan) and Article 19 (30 School St) were decided, and most agreed the Salary Administration Plan article needed more time before it was presented at Town Meeting. The committee agreed that they are in favor of the new electronic voting procedure. According to Mr. Beardmore the FY23 Capital Plan is the most expensive capital plan to date, and opined that the Finance Committee should play a larger role in the development of the capital plan, and that the article should be reworded in the future to allow for line item adjustments. Mr. Passios added the Town Charter, M.G.L.s, and the town’s fiscal policies are inconsistent in regard to the capital plan. Mr. Menard suggested the Finance Committee have access to the same documents as the Capital Planning Committee, and that their meetings ===PAGE 2=== should be recorded. Mr. Menard also pointed out that projects on the plan were inadequately scoped, and that estimates were inaccurate. Mr. Simeone added that the new Facilities Director should be able to assist in getting accurate quotes for projects after he or she is hired. On Article 19, concerning 30 School St., Mr. Beardmore pointed out that with the article’s amendment, the charge of the direction of the project could be foreseen as unknown. Mr. Passios added that the original article as written should not have combined the demolition of the Old Primary School with the design plans for a park. 8. Review of FY22 Goals and Procedures: The committee agreed that they’d like to see the actual budget of the departments that come before them. Mr. Beardmore proposed formulating a sample document, on which the department presentations should be based. On quarterly reports, Mr. Beardmore suggested to improve the facilitation of discussion. On Chapter 70, the committee agreed the discussion was helpful in terms of discovering how much more money Lunenburg spends on education in general, as well as Monty Tech, in comparison to its municipal counterparts. The committee agreed to hold workshops over the summer to develop their goals and procedures for FY23. 9. Topics and Goals for Summer: • Role of Finance Committee in Capital Planning process • Policies and Procedures • Budget Presentations • Debt and Debt Capacity 10. Minutes: Mr. Menard motioned to approve the minutes from the March 31, April 14, and April 28, 2022 meetings. Mr. Watters seconded. On vote, motion carried. (4-0-1) 11. Committee Reports: Committee members updated each other on their respective liaison assignments. 12. Public Comment: none 13. Items for Future Meetings: Mr. Passios expressed his concern over the Primary School and Turkey Hill Elementary School, and suggested that if the town is neglecting these buildings because they are being replaced, they need to be honest about that. 14. Next Meetings: June 9 –remote, June 23 (maybe) 15. Adjourn At 8:44 p.m., Mr. Passios motioned to adjourn, Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-06-09-agenda-2060.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-06-09 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-06-09-agenda-2060.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092022-2060 ======================================================================================== ===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, June 9, 2022 7 PM Remote 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/7663167607 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499 and enter Webinar ID: 766 316 7607. 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. Discuss summer calendar and topics for discussion 8. Minutes 9. Committee Reports 10. Public Comment 11. Items for future meetings 12. Upcoming meetings: June 23, July 14 13. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-06-09-minutes-2060.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-06-09 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-06-09-minutes-2060.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06092022-2060 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 9, 2022 Location: This meeting was held remotely via Zoom Members present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Chris Menard, Dave Passios, Tom Balish, Evan Watters Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Karen Brochu 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 2. Announcements: Mr. Beardmore announced a tentative Finance Committee Appointments Committee June 21. There is one vacancy on the Finance Committee. Candlelight vigil to “Stop the Violence” on Friday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m., after another mass shooting took place at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Volunteer Reception June 16, at 5:30 p.m. at the Eagle House. 3. Public Comment: 4. Chair Report: Mr. Beardmore said he would like to schedule topics of discussion by quarter after several conversations with Select Board Chairperson Michael Ray Jeffries. 5. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Lemieux reported that the state will be closing FY22 with a $7 billion surplus. The state senate proposals include a 5.4 percent increase in general government aid, which means $60 minimum per pupil in student aid. There is pending legislation to extend remote meetings into December 2023. There is a bill on the floor that seeks to add up to a 5 percent COLA increase annually to retirement funds. Ms. Lemieux will contact legislators to oppose the increase as the town would have no control over the annual unfunded liability assessment. Another bill on the floor entails community host agreements with cannabis related businesses and the amount of control the state’s Cannabis Control Commission has over those agreements. The MBTA Housing Choice Act could face litigation regarding affordable housing. Ms. Lemieux also reported that the installation of the new IT network equipment has been installed, and all town email has migrated to Microsoft 360, except for the library. Ms. Lemieux also updated the committee on the FY21 capital plan. Monty Tech students were originally scheduled to work on an employee break room in the Ritter Building, but the work was postponed due to staffing vacancies at the school. The project is now slated to start in the fall of 2022. Due to supply chain issues, the DPW has still not received its FY21 requested equipment (6-wheel dump truck, ¾ ton pickup with plow). The Police Department is still waiting on parts for consoles in the police cruisers. Mr. Beardmore inquired how current inflated prices will affect ===PAGE 2=== funds appropriated for FY21. The Architectural Preservation District Committee had to postpone the hearing for the Ritter Building and Town Hall envelope projects because there was no quorum. The hearing is now scheduled for June 26, 2022. The 925 Massachusetts Ave. property will face foreclosure if property owners do not respond to a previously sent notice. Asbestos abatement has been completed on the Town Beach building. End of year funds will contribute to the Town Beach building project. The construction portion of the project is out to bid. Mr. Passios asked for an update on the purchase of streetlights from Unitil. Ms. Lemieux responded that the attorneys are still discussing the terms of the purchase. Unitil has been informed of the non-working streetlights on Lancaster Ave. Mr. Passios also asked about the maintenance plan for the lights after they’re purchased. Ms. Lemieux said that plan is in the queue. Mr. Watters asked why the town would go against the COLA increase for retirees. Mr. Beardmore opined a $7 billion surplus in the state budget should be able to absorb the cost of the increase, noting the relation to the rise in inflation, and pondered whether the town or state should be financially responsible for the increase. 6. Summer Calendar/Topics of discussion: The committee agreed they’d attempt to discuss seven topics over the summer. a. goals regarding procedures and budget presentation recommendations b. fiscal policies (being discussed by Select Board in August 2022) c. debt planning regarding the role of the Finance Committee weighing in on new building projects d. senior tax relief e. document management and migration, along with Open Meeting Law compliance in regard to document accessibility and transparency – Mr. Menard and Mr. Beardmore agreed that the migration to Microsoft 360 will make sharing documents easier than using the former town email system. f. onboarding of new members –Mr. Balish volunteered to work on a “FinCom 101” deck g. Finance Committee role in the Capital Planning process Committee members also discussed inviting state delegation members to another meeting in the 2nd or 3rd quarter. Mr. Menard asked about Mr. Passios’s responsibilities, and how to take care of those moving forward as he will not seek reappointment to the Finance Committee, and his term is finished as of June 30, 2022. Mr. Passios is the vice chair and Finance Committee representative of the Capital Planning Committee, the Green Communities Committee, and the Parks Commission, all through 2023, and has acted as liaison for the Finance Committee. New committee liaisons will be assigned, and a new Finance Committee member will be appointed as of the next meeting July 14. Mr. Beardmore expects to discuss members’ new roles at that first meeting of FY23. The committee agreed not to meet June 23, which made this meeting the last Finance Committee meeting for Mr. Passios. Mr. Passios advised committee members to express their opinions, especially if those opinions oppose the general consensus. ===PAGE 3=== 7. Minutes Mr. Menard motioned to approve the minutes from the May 19, 2022 meeting, Mr. Watters seconded. On vote, motion carried. 4-0-1. 8. Committee Reports Committee members updated each other on their respective liaison assignments. 9. Public Comment Mr. Passios cited the shallow administrative level for the town’s facilities and grounds, as well as DPW, and urged committee members, and members of the public, to be aware of what’s supposed to be being done, and to report any issues or problems until the town can get the depth they need on that administrative level in those departments. Mr. Balish thanked Mr. Passios for his service to the committee and to the town. Mr. Beardmore admitted that his first impression of Mr. Passios was wrong, and that he will miss him on the committee. The conversations, though they disagreed on many issues, were constructive and fair. Mr. Beardmore recognized Mr. Passios for putting in the most time, and work into the committee, and thanked him for serving. Mr. Passios reminded committee members that expressing a dissenting opinion on any board has a very important role in coming to a consensus, and bringing all the possible information to the surface, and to the public. Mr. Passios thanked committee members for their work on the committee. 10. Items for Future Meetings refer to items a-g 11. Next Meetings July 14 12. Adjourn At 8:39 p.m. Mr. Passios motioned to adjourn. Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-07-21-agenda-2062.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-07-21 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-07-21-agenda-2062.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07212022-2062 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Peter Beardmore, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Gray, Co-Clerk Thomas Balish, Co-Clerk Jay Simeone Evan Watters Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, July 21, 2022 7 PM Remote 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. General pertaining to board reorganization and upcoming calendar 7. Reorganization a. Chair b. Vice Chair c. Clerk d. Capital Planning Committee, finance committee appointee e. Municipal Building Design Committee, finance committee appointee f. Liaisons: School Committee, Police, Fire, DPW, COA, Library, Parks, Land Use, BOH, Green Communities 8. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 9. Discuss FY 23 goals and operating principals 10. Discuss timing and plan for review of fiscal policy / debt planning 11. Discuss plan and timing for addressing town meeting amendments to capital plan articles 12. Discuss new-member onboarding plan 13. Discuss summer calendar and topics for discussion 14. Minutes 15. Committee Reports 16. Public Comment 17. Items for future meetings 18. Upcoming meetings: July 28th, August 11th, August 25th 19. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-07-21-minutes-2062.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-07-21 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-07-21-minutes-2062.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07212022-2062 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 21, 2022 Location: In-person and remote at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Peter Beardmore, Chris Menard, in person. Attending remotely: Tom Gray, Tom Balish, Evan Watters Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Finance Director Karen Brochu, Dave Passios 1. Call to Order Mr. Beardmore called the meeting to order at 7:06 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/8jvBlfar6ZI 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: 4. Public Comment: Mr. Passios, commenting as a member of the public, informed the committee that though his term as a member of the Finance Committee was up at the end of June 2022, his term on the Capital Planning Committee as a member of the Finance Committee still has one year left, and he does not intend to resign from that position. 5. Chair Report: Mr. Beardmore was recently appointed to the School Committee and will have to resign from the Finance Committee at the end of September. Mr. Beardmore expressed his hope for a smooth transition. 6. Board Reorganization and Upcoming Calendar: Mr. Beardmore pointed out that with his resignation in September, the committee could be operating with only five members, and that choosing who will serve as liaison on other boards and committees could wait, but they should focus on who from the Finance Committee will serve on the Municipal Building Design Committee, and the Capital Planning Committee. 7. Reorganization: Mr. Watters contacted Mr. Simeone via text during the meeting to inform him the committee was working on reorganization. Mr. Simeone informed Mr. Watters he had no intention to seek a higher position on the committee. a. Chair: Mr. Menard moved to nominate Mr. Watters as Chairperson, Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. b. Vice Chair: Mr. Balish moved to nominate Mr. Menard as Vice Chair, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. c. Clerk: Mr. Menard motioned to nominate Mr. Balish as Clerk, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Approved by Lunenburg Finance Committee at July 28, 2022 meeting. ===PAGE 2=== d. Capital Planning Committee, finance committee appointee: Mr. Passios will continue to serve out his term as the finance committee appointee to the Capital Planning Committee. Mr. Menard and Mr. Watters agreed that the capital planning process needs to be more transparent, and that meetings should be recorded. Mr. Menard added that the committee will need to find a way to communicate with Mr. Passios as he won’t necessarily be in regular attendance at Finance Committee meetings. e. Municipal Building Design Committee, finance committee appointee: Mr. Watters motioned to appoint Mr. Gray to serve as finance committee appointee to the Municipal Building Design Committee, Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. f. Liaisons: The committee did not formally decide on who would serve as liaison to the following committees, but did discuss who served in the past. Mr. Balish said he is willing to continue to serve as liaison to police and fire, and the library. Mr. Gray said he is willing to continue to serve as liaison to the land use departments. Mr. Watters, being a member of the Board of Health will continue to serve as finance committee liaison. Mr. Menard is willing to serve as liaison to the Parks Commission. The committee did realize that Mr. Simeone has served as liaison to the DPW, but he was not in attendance to accept the role. School Committee, Council on Aging, and Green Communities Committee currently have no liaison assigned, and no committee member expressed interest in serving. 8. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Lemieux reported that the EPA will fund the safe removal of underground gas tanks, and hazardous soil from 925 Massachusetts Ave. The previous property owners still have one year from July 6, 2022 to take ownership and pay back taxes. Ms. Lemieux also reported that remote meeting participation options have been extended to March 31, 2023. The town has been awarded a $500,000 small bridge grant to fund the Flat Hill Rd culvert project. The project will go out to bid in January 2023, with hopes the project will be completed December 2023. Ms. Lemieux also reported that the financial management letter comment on fraud risk assessment will be addressed in FY23 as there is funding available through a rewards program with MIIA to fund an assessment. The town has received a Notice of Intent from Loofah Farms to do agricultural business at 361 Massachusetts Ave. The farm will seek tax incentives from the town. Mr. Menard commented that the parks department does own land adjacent to the farm property, and it would be good to consider granting access from Mass Ave. as opposed to Northfield Rd. ===PAGE 3=== Potential warrant articles for fall Special Town Meeting (date TBD): adding Salary Administration Plan (SAP) positions to the compensation classification grid, funding for an outside consultant to perform a compensation study for SAP positions; additional funding for assessor’s budget for cyclical data inspections estimated at $35,000, and a prior year invoice from FY21. FY22 Q4 report will be presented to the Select Board on August 23, 2022. Ms. Lemieux has met with the DPW director to update the Pavement Management Plan as several roads have been addressed. A purchase and sales agreement on the street lights should be ready by the August 2, 2022 Select Board meeting. The town has received one bid on the town beach building project, and it was much higher than expected. The plan for the town beach building may change. Ms. Lemieux will be meeting with DPW Director and Parks Commission for feedback. Road materials for FY23 has increased between 20-40 percent from the FY20 contract. Ms. Lemieux informed the committee that the state has passed their budget, and the town will receive $54,417 more in state aid than originally anticipated. 9. FY23 Goals and Operating Principles: The committee agreed they’d request an overview of department heads’ FY24 budget presentations to include an overview of current fiscal year operations to date –successes, gaps, and priorities that influence budget requests. As well as budget requests, including details regarding line items included in the Town Manager’s budget recommendations, as well as a summary of spending for the first half of FY23, and expected transfers or lines that will be underspent. Mr. Menard added that when the committee meets with department heads before the budget presentations would be a good time highlight how each department operates, and during the actual budget presentations the committee can discuss the numbers. 10. Discuss timing and plan of Fiscal Policy and Debt Planning: The Select Board will discuss fiscal policies on August 23, 2022. The committee agrees that there should be budgeting guidelines established when it comes municipal building design projects. Mr. Beardmore inquired whether there is a way to determine how much money the town could borrow while following the current fiscal policy in order to decide on a project based on cost. Ms. Brochu suggested the town would need to know how much money a project would cost in order to determine how much money could be borrowed. 11. Discuss plan and timing for addressing Town Meeting amendments to capital plan articles: Mr. Beardmore would like to see the capital planning article written in a way that permits changes to be made within the town’s capital plan at Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Beardmore then pointed out that one elected Select Board may change the language in the article, but as the ===PAGE 4=== board’s composition changes, so might the language. Mr. Beardmore then suggested writing a bylaw would permanently change the way the article is written. Mr. Beardmore will seek town counsel’s guidance, and hopes to get the item on the Select Board’s agenda in September 2022, in order to put the bylaw in effect at Special Town Meeting. 12. Discuss new member on-boarding plan: Mr. Balish plans to meet with the Town Manager, and consult the Massachusetts Association of Finance Committees, and will be ready to report at the August 18, 2022 meeting. 13. Minutes: Mr. Gray moved to approve the minutes from the May 19, and June 9, 2022 meetings. Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried. (4-0-1) 14. Committee Reports no reports 15. Public Comment 16. Items for Future Meetings 17. Next Meetings July 28, August 18, August 25 18. Adjourn At 9:07 Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn. Mr. Gray seconded. On vote motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-07-28-agenda-2061.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-07-28 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-07-28-agenda-2061.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07282022-2061 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Peter Beardmore Thomas Gray Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, July 28, 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. 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. Reorganization – Liaison Assignments a. School Committee, Police, Fire, DPW, COA, Library, Parks, Land Use, BOH, Green Communities 7. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 8. Discuss FY 23 goals and operating principals, vote to approve 9. Discuss ARPA planning 10. Discuss timing and progress for fiscal policy review 11. Discuss plan and timing for addressing town meeting amendments to capital plan articles 12. Minutes 13. Committee Reports 14. Public Comment 15. Items for future meetings 16. Upcoming meetings: August 18th, August 25th 17. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-07-28-minutes-2061.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-07-28 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-07-28-minutes-2061.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07282022-2061 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, July 28, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: In person: Acting Chairperson Chris Menard, Peter Beardmore, Tom Gray. Attending Remotely: Tom Balish, Jay Simeone Guests: School Committee Chairperson Carol Archambault 1. Call to Order Mr. Menard called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and read a statement concerning the Open Meeting Law, and how all public meetings are legally being held remotely. This meeting was recorded and is viewable on YouTube at https://youtu.be/y0HomxCWWZY 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: none 4. Public Comment: none 5. Chair Report: none 6. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: none 7. Reorganization/Liaison Assignments: The committee agreed on the positions discussed at the last meeting, and also decided to leave the liaison position for the School Committee open. Ms. Archambault said she would update the committee from time to time on pertinent matters, as well as send an agenda out to the Finance Committee Chairperson, who could then ask questions via email, and she would find answers to those questions. Ms. Archambault informed the committee that all documents discussed at School Committee meetings can be found on the schools’ website. Mr. Balish will continue to serve as liaison to police and fire, and the library. Mr. Gray will continue to serve as liaison to the land use departments, and added Green Communities Committee to his assignments. Mr. Watters, being a member of the Board of Health will continue to serve as finance committee liaison. Mr. Menard will serve as liaison to the Parks Commission. Council on Aging liaison remains open. 8. FY23 Goals and Operating Principles: Mr. Balish made a few edits to the document, and the committee approved of the edits. Mr. Beardmore moved to approve the FY23 Goals and Operating Principles document. Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 9. Discuss ARPA Planning: The Select Board are slated to meet August 16, 2022 to discuss the town’s fiscal policies along with ARPA spending. According to Mr. Beardmore, members of the Capital Planning Committee have been invited to the meeting. Mr. Beardmore pointed out that finding contractors to do the work, regardless of what’s decided, will be challenging as all municipalities will be going out to bid for their ARPA projects. Mr. Beardmore opined that having a directional decision regarding the funds, and choosing shovel-ready projects may make the process more efficient. Mr. ===PAGE 2=== Beardmore expressed his thoughts on spending the money on parks as it will serve the entire town. Mr. Menard added that other people have expressed interest in spending the money on sidewalks around the schools. Mr. Simeone agreed that infrastructure is a worthy expenditure, along with broadband access, and tree trimming along roadsides. Mr. Gray asked if there was any input from department heads in town. Mr. Beardmore added that the Town Manager has hired a consultant to conduct public outreach. Mr. Gray also suggested funds could be just as well spent on town buildings. ARPA fund expenses must be dedicated by December 31, 2024, and performance must be complete by December 31, 2026. 10. Fiscal Policy Review: From a meeting with Select Board Chairperson Michael Ray Jeffries, Mr. Beardmore learned that the Select Board is looking for anticipated capital needs while reviewing the fiscal policy, and has invited the Capital Planning Committee to their workshop discussion. The finance committee will be asked for analysis after that discussion takes place. Mr. Menard added that wants and needs of the Municipal Design Committee should have an effect on fiscal policy review. Mr. Beardmore suggested Finance Committee members attend the Select Board workshop slated for August 16, 2022. 11. Town Meeting Amendments to Capital Plan Article: The committee agreed write a bylaw that would allow removal of items on the capital plan on Annual Town Meeting floor. Mr. Menard opined the current process gives too much power to too few people for the amount of money being spent. Mr. Beardmore has requested Town Counsel to weigh in on changing the Town Meeting approach to the Capital Plan. Mr. Gray asked about the history of how the town got to the current process, and wished to avoid the same mistakes that were made in the past. 12. Minutes: Mr. Beardmore motioned to approve the minutes from the July 21, 2022 meeting. Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried. (4-0-1) 13. Committee Reports: Capital Planning Committee will meet August 3, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Passios will update the Finance Committee in person, or will contact Mr. Watters with updates from time to time. Parks Commission will hold a joint meeting with the Select Board August 2, 2022. Municipal Building Design to meet August 1, 2022. 14. Public Comment: None 15. Items for Future Meetings: New board member orientation 16. Next Meetings August 18, August 25, 2022. 17. Adjourn: At 7:55 p.m. Mr. Beardmore motioned to adjourn, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-08-18-agenda-2397.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-08-18 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-08-18-agenda-2397.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08182022-2397 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Meeting1. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-08-18-minutes-2397.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-08-18 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-08-18-minutes-2397.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08182022-2397 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, August 18, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Chris Menard, Tom Gray, Jay Simeone, Peter Beardmore Guests: School Committee Chairperson Carol Archambault 1. Call to Order Mr. Watters 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/znFqu0KxKF4 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: 4. Public Comment: none 5. Chair Report: Mr. Watters informed the committee that Special Town Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. The Town Warrant will open Tuesday, August 23, 2022, and close on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. Mr. Watters also reported that the Select Board has invited the Finance Committee to a meeting to discuss ARPA funding. The meeting is slated for September 20, 2022. Mr. Beardmore added that the Select Board has moved up their planned discussion on fiscal policy, and is concerned about the debt limit regarding upcoming building projects. The committee agreed they’d prefer to know the amount of money the town could afford to spend on upcoming projects in order to determine the methods necessary to accomplish the town’s goals regarding municipal offices, another new school building, after school programming, community amenities, etc. 6. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: none 7. End of Year Departmental Transfers: Mr. Watters had FY22 budget transfers to be approved. The committee decided to wait until their next meeting to discuss the transfers while the Town Manager or Finance Director was present. 8. New Finance Committee Member Orientation and Onboarding: Tabled until August 25, 2022 meeting. 9. Bylaw Proposal –Amending Capital Plan and Monetary Appropriation: Mr. Beardmore heard the Select Board discuss an email he sent to the Town Manager about the bylaw proposal at their August 2, 2022 meeting, and pointed out that it was not an item on the Select Board’s agenda, but was discussed under “Communications From Other Boards.” Mr. Beardmore opined that their discussion was out of order, and disrespectful to the Finance Committee for not Approved by Lunenburg Finance Committee at August 25, 2022 meeting ===PAGE 2=== informing them that the topic would be up for discussion. Mr. Beardmore also opined that the intent of the email requesting assistance from Town Counsel which was sent to the Town Manager, and the finance committee were misrepresented. On Aug 9 the Select Board granted that Town Counsel could work on the proposed bylaw after the finance committee wrote it. Mr. Beardmore explained that he thought Town Counsel would assist the finance committee in writing the bylaw, not that they would comment on a draft written by the finance committee. Mr. Beardmore further explained that his intent was to present a bylaw at Town Meeting that would be agreeable with the Town Charter and Town Meeting rules to avoid hashing out possible conflicting bylaws on Town Meeting floor, and he was seeking out assistance from Town Counsel to do so. However, as a result of the Select Board’s recommendation on August 9, 2022, Mr. Beardmore drafted a bylaw, and figured it should go under Section 81 of the Town Bylaws that deal with Town Meeting. “Section 81-11 Amending Financial Appropriation Articles For capital appropriation articles, Town Meeting may remove or amend in scope or monetary appropriation any individual project or capital acquisition referred to by or contained within the warrant articles or corresponding motions. Presiding officials shall not permit language in warrant articles or motions intended to limit debate or amendments pertaining to capital appropriations.” Mr. Menard opined that one sentence for the article would be enough, and said that Town needs to get back to fundamentals, that too few people are in charge, and the people of the town need more power. Mr. Menard explained that legislative committees are the power of the purse, and it’s the executive committees’ job to execute the will of the people. Mr. Menard also opined that the Capital Plan should not be viewed as an all or nothing scenario. Mr. Beardmore explained that the proposed bylaw’s intent is not to change the process of how the Capital Plan is developed, or presented. The proposed bylaw is to clarify that Town Meeting, which has the authority to appropriate funds, has the ability to make changes to the Capital Plan as they see fit at the end of the process. Mr. Beardmore added that if the finance committee decided not to go through the Select Board to put the proposed bylaw in the Town Warrant, a member of the public could, without any discussion with the Select Board, or any public hearings. Mr. Beardmore pointed out that the Select Board has already revealed their prejudice against the proposed bylaw at their August 2 meeting. Mr. Watters suggested adding that recommendations on the Capital Plan at town meeting cannot exceed the original amount of the capital plan. Mr. Watters also suggested including the word capital in the title of the bylaw. 10. Minutes Mr. Beardmore motioned to approve the minutes from the July 28, 2022 meeting as amended, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 11. Committee Reports Committee members updated each other on their respective liaison assignments. ===PAGE 3=== 12. Public Comment none 13. Items for Future Meetings FY22 budget transfers, new member onboarding orientation, fiscal policy 14. Next Meetings August 25, 2022, September 8, 2022 15. Adjourn At 819 p.m. Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-08-25-agenda-2063.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-08-25 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-08-25-agenda-2063.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08252022-2063 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Peter Beardmore Thomas Gray Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, August 25th, 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. 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. End of Year Departmental Transfers 8. New Finance Committee member orientation & onboarding 9. Bylaw proposal – Amending capital plan & monetary appropriation 10. Town fiscal policy – Debt capacity & ARPA spending 11. Minutes a. 8/18/22 meeting 12. Committee Reports a. Board of Health – Evan W b. Capital Planning – Mr. Passios/Evan W c. Council on Aging – TBD d. DPW – Jay S e. Green Communities – Tom G f. Land Use – Tom G g. Library – Tom B h. Municipal Building Design – Tom G i. Parks – Chris M j. Police & Fire – Tom B k. Sewer – TBD l. School – Ms. Archambault/Evan W 13. Public Comment 14. Items for future meetings 15. Upcoming meetings: September 8th, September 20th (Joint meeting with Select Board), September 22nd 16. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-08-25-minutes-2063.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-08-25 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-08-25-minutes-2063.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08252022-2063 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, August 25, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Chris Menard, Jay Simeone, Tom Gray, Tom Balish, Peter Beardmore Guests: School Committee Chairperson Carol Archambault 1. Call to Order Mr. Watters called the meeting to order at 7:02 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/RO3mZ0V8uk8 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: none 4. Public Comment: none 5. Chair Report: none 6. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Town Manager Heather Lemieux briefed Mr. Watters via email. Loofah Farms submitted their application to the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, and will be considered for State credits in addition to the T.I.F. The Town Manager and Assessor are working on finding the estimated value of the project. FY23 Earmarks and Funding include $100,000 toward the senior center ADA patio project. A bill regarding hazardous material abatement, which could’ve funded some of the 30 School Street project was hung up on legal issues regarding a 1986 tax law. The 30 School St. project has begun, and the existing conditions survey has been completed. A report on asbestos will be provided in December. Bidding for the demolition of 30 School Street will begin in January 2023. Special Town Meeting Warrant is open, and will close September 20, 2022. Special Town Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lunenburg Middle High School auditorium. The Town Manager will be sending out inquiries regarding department heads’ requests for ARPA funding. Pond View Commons has filed their comprehensive permit with the ZBA. The first hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall. 7. End of Year Departmental Transfers: Mr. Beardmore motioned to authorize the chairperson to sign the FY22 departmental transfers, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ===PAGE 2=== 8. New Finance Committee Member Orientation and Onboarding: Mr. Balish presented a draft of a document he created to assist new committee members in getting acquainted with the Finance Committee’s roles and responsibilities. The committee agreed the booklet should be treated as a living document. Mr. Beardmore suggested adding that the town’s fiscal policies, and the state often mandate a lot of rules and regulations regarding town finances. Mr. Watters suggested adding a general calendar of how the committee meets regarding budget season, the capital planning calendar, and off-season. Mr. Menard suggested defining Proposition 21/2, overrides, and the levy. Mr. Balish plans to meet with the Town Manager and Finance Director a few more times before presenting another draft of the document. 9. Bylaw Proposal – Amending Capital Plan and Monetary Appropriation: Mr. Beardmore consulted Town Moderator Tim Murphy, and has submitted a draft of the bylaw to Town Counsel. Mr. Beardmore hopes to be able to discuss the bylaw, and get it on the Warrant for Special Town Meeting. Mr. Watters acknowledged that in order to get the bylaw on the Warrant in time, the committee would have to discuss and vote on the bylaw at the next meeting on September 8, 2022, and also considered the possibility of a special meeting on September 15, 2022 to let the committee consider the discussion in order to vote. 10. Town Fiscal Policy – Debt Capacity and ARPA spending: Mr. Beardmore opined that the language of the town’s current fiscal policies is not controversial, but debt capacity in regard to those polices is unpredictable. As debt service decreases, capacity increases, and the town has several costly projects in its future. The committee agreed the town needs to seek the assistance of professional external financial consultants in order to narrow down the amount of money the town can afford to spend it comes to those upcoming projects. Mr. Menard suggested the town develop a Vision Document. Mr. Menard explained that the Master Plan, and the current plans for parks would need to align to the Vision Document, which the Select Board should probably be charged with developing. Mr. Watters said he has started to work on spreadsheets regarding the town’s debt capacity, and will reach out to the Town Manager and Finance Director for guidance. The committee also discussed the town’s $3.4 million in ARPA funds. Mr. Gray suggested the funds could be spent something less politically pleasing than parks as spending is under the Select Board’s discretion, and a vote at Annual or Special Town Meeting is not required. Department heads will submit their ARPA funding requests for review by September 30, 2022. 11. Minutes: Mr. Beardmore motioned to approve the August 18, 2022 meeting minutes, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 12. Committee Reports: Mr. Simeone reported that the DPW director has submitted purchase orders for two trucks, one from FY22 and one from FY23, and that he’s looking into quotes for other equipment, and has found that the prices have gone up substantially since budget and capital plan requests were made. For instance, the requested tractor mower has gone up $20,000 since the capital plan was passed in May of 2022. Committee members were then led ===PAGE 3=== to discuss how underfunded capital plan items are addressed, and agreed to ask the Town Manager how such issues are handled. 13. Public Comment none 14. Items for Future Meetings: Fiscal Policy, ARPA Spending, Capital Plan bylaw, informal meetings with various department heads regarding upcoming budget season. 15. Next Meetings September 8, 2022, September 20, 2022 (with Select Board) 16. Adjourn At 8:28 p.m. Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn, Mr. Simeone seconded. On Vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-09-15-agenda-2064.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-09-15 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-09-15-agenda-2064.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09152022-2064 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Peter Beardmore Thomas Gray Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, September 15th, 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. 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. Joint BoS Meeting Planning a. Debt Capacity b. Financial Policies 8. Capital Plan Process a. Bylaw proposal 9. Public Comment 10. Upcoming meetings: September 20th (Joint meeting with Select Board), September 22nd, October 13th 11. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-09-15-minutes-2064.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-09-15 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-09-15-minutes-2064.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09152022-2064 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 15, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Chris Menard, Tom Gray, Tom Balish, Jay Simeone (remote) Guests: Town Accountant Karen Brochu 1. Call to Order Mr. Watters 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/DUq6UA_WMt8 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: none 4. Public Comment: none 5. Chair Report: none 6. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Mr. Watters read an email from the Town Manager reporting that the DPW has ordered a 6-wheel truck funded from the FY22 Capital Plan, as well as a 10-wheel truck, and the tractor mower from the FY23 Capital Plan. The three purchases cost $1,140 over the capital appropriations, and funds will come from the current year’s operating budget. The police department’s FY22 capital plan requested cruiser is now on the road, and another will be on the road shortly. The police chief will be ordering the hybrid cruiser, and pickup truck listed in the FY23 capital plan soon. The COA will receive $12 per elder in the FY23 Formula Grant fund. The number of elders is based on a UMass population count of 3,155 people over the age of 60 in Lunenburg. The COA director and new facilities director have discovered that the $100,000 FY23 capital plan request for the ADA patio at the senior center will not be enough money to fund the project. The public safety building chiller project from the FY22 capital plan will begin at the end of September. Monty Tech has begun the Ritter break room project from the FY21 capital plan. The Woodruff property cleanup project will go out to bid September 19, 2022, which is part of the FY23 Capital Plan. The new facilities director is working on putting projects out to bid regarding various municipal building repairs from capital plans’ past. 7. Joint Select Board Meeting Planning: a. Debt Capacity: Committee members agreed they’d like to see a range of scenarios for borrowing for future projects in order to settle on a plan for municipal building projects, and school building projects that the town can afford. Mr. Gray commented that knowing the timing of debt capacity can change when certain projects could start. ===PAGE 2=== Committee members also agreed that they have no desire to change the current fiscal policy regarding debt capacity. b. Financial Policy: Ms. Brochu explained that the policy is written so excludable debt is 11 percent, while regular debt is 4 percent, but the total allowable debt is 14 percent of the total tax levy. Mr. Balish opined it would be helpful to know what borrowing at 11 percent would look like over a long period of time. Mr. Simeone added that the town shouldn’t be maxed out at 11 or 14 percent, and that the town should reserve a cushion for unpredictable circumstances. 8. Capital Plan Process a. Bylaw proposal: Mr. Watters read Mr. Beardmore’s proposed bylaw regarding Town Meeting and the Capital Plan. "§ 81-11 Amending capital appropriations. Warrant articles and floor motions shall not restrict Town Meeting voters’ ability to propose and approve amendments in totality, description, and/or scope to individual items or projects in capital appropriation articles and motions. Notwithstanding the above, amendments shall not limit the Town Manager’s authority to reapply capital funds among the individual items and projects in the capital plan, nor shall Town Meeting be authorized to increase the total capital plan appropriation printed in the warrant.” Mr. Menard motioned to submit the bylaw proposal to the Town Manager to go on the Special Town Meeting Warrant, Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Watters added that Mr. Beardmore is preparing a statement to go along with the proposed bylaw. Special Town Meeting is scheduled for November 15, 2022. 9. Committee Reports none 10. Public Comment Mr. Menard commented that he watched the ZBA meeting/public hearing on the proposed 40B project, and anticipates legal fees regarding the matter. 11. Items for Future Meetings School Committee pre-budget meetup, ESSER funding update 12. Next Meetings 9/20 joint meeting with Select Board, 9/22, 10/13 Board of Assessors, 10/27 public hearing regarding Town Warrant. 13. Adjourn At 7:53 p.m. Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-09-20-agenda-2065.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-09-20 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-09-20-agenda-2065.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09202022-2065 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-09-20-agenda-2074.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-09-20 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-09-20-agenda-2074.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09202022-2074 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Peter Beardmore Thomas Gray Lunenburg Finance Committee Joint Meeting with Select Board Thursday, September 20th, 2022 7:10 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. 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. Debt Capacity 3. Select Board Policies and Procedures 4. Article III Financial 5. Special Town Meeting Proposed Bylaw on Capital Planning 6. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-09-20-minutes-2074.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-09-20 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-09-20-minutes-2074.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09202022-2074 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee joint meeting with Select Board Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Finance Committee members: Chairperson Evan Watters, Chris Menard, Peter Beardmore, Tom Gray, Tom Balish, Jay Simeone. Select Board members: Chairperson Michael-Ray Jeffreys, Louis Franco, Heather Sroka, Todd Dwyer Guests: 1. Call to Order Mr. Watters called the finance committee meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. This meeting was recorded and is viewable on YouTube at https://youtu.be/tQdRbe4YLUc 2. Special Town Meeting Bylaw Proposed on Capital Planning: Mr. Watters explained that Mr. Beardmore worked with Town Counsel to develop the language in the following proposed bylaw. Mr. Watters read the bylaw for the record. "§ 81-11 Amending capital appropriations. Warrant articles and floor motions shall not restrict Town Meeting voters’ ability to propose and approve amendments in totality, description, and/or scope to individual items or projects in capital appropriation articles and motions. Notwithstanding the above, amendments shall not limit the Town Manager’s authority to reapply capital funds among the individual items and projects in the capital plan, nor shall Town Meeting be authorized to increase the total capital plan appropriation printed in the warrant.” Mr. Watters explained that at the last Annual Town Meeting, some finance committee members felt they needed more information on some items on the capital plan before they could support the plan in its entirety. It was learned that because of the way the warrant article regarding the capital plan was written, residents that attend Town Meeting can only support or deny the plan as a whole, regardless of the amount of information available on each item. Mr. Beardmore explained that the proposed bylaw does not change the process of how the capital plan is developed, but it does seek to restore legislative authority to Town Meeting. Mr. Beardmore also pointed out that the capital plan has increased at about 15 percent per year since the current capital planning process began 20 years ago. Mr. Beardmore opined that the capital plan used to serve as a list of needs for the town, but has recently shifted toward a list of wants that lack proper vetting and oversight. Ultimately, Select Board members agreed that the proposed bylaw should be allowed to be heard by those who attend Town Meeting, but Mr. Jeffreys, Ms. Sroka, Mr. Dwyer, and Mr. Franco all opined they’d prefer the current capital plan warrant language remain the same, and fret that the approval of the proposed bylaw will cause a Town Meeting debate of the capital plan line by line, which will then lead to a longer Town Meeting, and therefore eventually, even less participation. Mr. Jeffreys opined that as it stands, those who regularly attend Annual Town Meeting do not fully represent the whole town. Mr. Jeffreys also pointed out that the school’s budget is accepted as a whole, and is not debated. Mr. Jeffreys expressed that he believes in the current process of how the capital plan is developed - Approved by Finance Committee at November 10, 2022 meeting. ===PAGE 2=== through proper vetting of department heads, the capital planning committee, and the Town Manager -and that Town Meeting participants should be able to trust the current process. Mr. Beardmore reminded the Select Board that if the finance committee thought the Select Board would not put the bylaw proposal on the warrant, that it would be put through via a citizen’s petition. Mr. Beardmore iterated that the bylaw does not propose to separate the capital plan into individual warrant articles. Mr. Beardmore pointed out that Town Meeting is allowed to amend the omnibus budget, minus the schools’ budget, and that there hasn’t been an amendment proposed to the omnibus budget since 2019. Mr. Beardmore also pointed out that in 2020, the “COVID year,” Mr. Passios and Mr. Beardmore motioned to reduce the amount of the capital plan, and remove items, given the financial uncertainty during the pandemic. Their motion was heard, debated, and failed in about fifteen minutes, but that same language of the capital plan article is what prevented Mr. Beardmore from proposing an amendment in 2022. Mr. Beardmore opined that the Select Board mischaracterized the proposed bylaw, and thinks that most people agree that the current capital planning process is sufficient, however, if there are particular items that deserve more scrutiny, and it’s determined that Town Meeting wants more information, they should be able to request that information on Town Meeting floor, and debate the item. Mr. Jeffreys opined that there is a lot of potential for the proposed bylaw to be abused, and he is personally against it, but he would support the bylaw article to be placed on the warrant for Special Town Meeting. 3. Debt Capacity: Mr. Watters explained that the finance committee has observed the tremendous effort put forth to develop concepts and ideas to remedy issues regarding municipal buildings, and all things related, only to find projects denied at Town Meeting because the cost is too expensive. The finance committee is satisfied with the town’s current debt capacity, but would like to see a financial forecast involving various scenarios to see how much money the town could feasibly borrow in order to form an affordable and obtainable vision. Mr. Jeffreys opined that the town is aware of what they can spend, but that the debt capacity is weighed down because of school building projects. Mr. Jeffries entertained the idea of relooking at the 11 percent excludable debt policy, and suggested the possibility of putting limits on school projects in order to address municipal building issues, and other financial issues due to face the town. Ms. Lemieux pointed out that her annual five-year financial forecast does illustrate the town’s debt capacity. Mr. Beardmore suggested that the five-year forecast does not account for projects that need to be done, and the forecast they’re proposing could. Mr. Balish pointed out that a professional financial planner could form an analysis in a few weeks, and that the proposed forecast is not an exhaustive process. Ms. Sroka opined that she, and many people in town, would like to see any project get done, and understands the value in having a financial planner map out different scenarios in order to define and execute affordable projects. Mr. Jeffreys suggested a follow-up discussion on the finance committee’s idea. Mr. Jeffreys asked members of the finance committee what the Select Board could do to make them feel more supported. Committee members agreed that they’ve never felt not supported by the Select Board, and suggested that board members continue to attend, and watch finance committee meetings on pertinent issues. Select Board members agreed they’re favorable to more joint meetings with the finance committee, and are looking forward to collaborating more in the future. ===PAGE 3=== 4. Adjourn At 8:38 p.m., Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn the finance committee meeting. Mr. Beardmore seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-09-29-agenda-2066.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-09-29 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-09-29-agenda-2066.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09292022-2066 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Peter Beardmore Thomas Gray Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, September 29th, 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. 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. Review draft of warrant articles 8. Budget season/pre-budget season workshopping 9. Minutes a. 9/8/22 meeting 10. Committee Reports a. Board of Health – Evan W b. Capital Planning – Mr. Passios/Evan W c. Council on Aging – TBD d. DPW – Jay S e. Green Communities – Tom G f. Land Use – Tom G g. Library – Tom B h. Municipal Building Design – Tom G i. Parks – Chris M j. Police & Fire – Tom B k. Sewer – TBD l. School – Ms. Archambault/Evan W 11. 12. Public Comment 13. Upcoming meetings: October 13th (Public Hearing), October 27th, November 10th, November 15th (STM) 14. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-09-29-minutes-2066.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-09-29 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-09-29-minutes-2066.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09292022-2066 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 29, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Chris Menard, Jay Simeone, Peter Beardmore, Tom Gray Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Town Accountant Karen Brochu, School Committee Chairperson Carol Archambault 1. Call to Order Mr. Watters called the meeting to order at 7:02 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/7BREOgf6gBI 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: The annual Association of Town Finance Committees (ATFC) will take place November 5, 2022 in Sharon, Mass. 4. Public Comment: 5. Chair Report: Mr. Watters is planning to attend the annual meeting of the ATFC. 6. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Brochu reported that she met with David Eisenthal the Town’s financial advisor, and he will draw up some scenarios requested by the Finance Committee, and is willing to attend a future meeting to discuss any questions the committee may have. Ms. Lemieux reported that the streetlights are now owned by the town, and the DPW should be contacted if there are any issues with the lights. The Select Board will discuss ARPA requests at their October 4, 2022 meeting. The Capital Planning Committee will meet October 17, 2022 to discuss department head requests. The town will begin to address the fraud risk assessment pointed out in the last audit. Department heads will be filling out forms distributed by the fraud risk assessment team. A report will be compiled based on the answers, risks will be identified, and strategies will then be implemented. 7. Review Draft of Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles A. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, or transfer from available funds, all sums of money necessary to amend the amounts voted for the Town’s FY 2023 Budget, under Article 8 of the May 7, 2022 Town Meeting; or take any other action relative thereto.  Ms. Lemieux does not have a full assessment of amendments. The APDC has requested funds for an operational budget, and funds will be needed for the cyclical inspections for the assessor’s office. Ms. Lemieux is waiting for new growth numbers to come in before she makes an assessment. Mr. Beardmore added that the way the calendar is set up, the Finance Committee will need to make a recommendation on the articles at the next Finance Committee meeting, which will be a public hearing. Approved by Finance Committee at November 10, 2022 meeting. ===PAGE 2=== B. Prior year expenses  Ms. Lemieux reported there are two outstanding bills of nominal amounts. C. FY 23, FY 24, and FY 25 Lunenburg Police Officers Collective Bargaining Agreement dated July 1, 2022–June 30, 2025 with the New England Police Benevolent Association Local 353.  Ms. Lemieux reported that a Memorandum of Agreement has been signed with the police union, and there is no dollar amount known at this time. She hopes Select Board will discuss the matter at their Oct. 11, 2022 meeting. D. Special Stabilization Fund  Mr. Beardmore opined that the stabilization article should come after other monied articles. Ms. Lemieux said the order is not final as this is only a draft. E. Retirement credit for reserve and on-call police officers and firefighters after five years of working for the Town of Lunenburg.  Ms. Lemieux commented that it is unknown whether this article will have a financial impact. More information will be available at a future meeting. Mr. Menard asked for an easier to read version of the law being quoted in the article. Mr. Beardmore asked whether the town has an option to opt out, considering it’s Mass. General Law. Ms. Lemieux responded the Firefighter Lt. Christos Lekaditis would have more information at an upcoming meeting of the Select Board. F. Final engineering for Marshall Park  Dollar amount still unknown  ARPA funds for engineering is slated for request G. Sewer Reserve Capacity Stabilization Fund  Standard sewer article (money rec’d in prior fiscal year to be deposited in the stabilization fund H. Sewer Inflow/Infiltration Stabilization Fund  Monies received from prior year to go to I/I stabilization fund I. Primary School HVAC project  Unknown dollar amount (with less than two weeks to find the number) Free Cash could be a funding source, but has not been certified, and is typically not appropriated at a Fall Town Meeting, according to Ms. Brochu. Ms. Lemieux pointed out that articles are on the warrant, but could come off the warrant, or not need a vote at Town Meeting.  Timing of project could affect the timing of the funding J. Salary Admin Plan positions  Positions already funded K. Planning Board Article regarding use table – no financial impact L. Override APDC repair/alteration for Ritter Building  Denial of certificate based on windows at Ritter Building. APDC says to repair and maintain storm windows, position of Select Board is that energy efficiencies are a cost to the town. A lot more to be discussed between now and Town Meeting. Mr. Beardmore asked if the town knows the cost of new windows, or what heating costs are, or what could be saved with new windows. M. Changing code for APDC dealing with process and review –no financial impact  Committee members commented on amount of text in article, and whether it could be edited to highlight just the changes. ===PAGE 3=== N. Fin Com bylaw on amending capital appropriations – Mr. Beardmore opined this article should be moved up in order on the warrant, and should be placed before zoning issues. Mr. Beardmore suggested Mr. Watters make the motion to approve on Town Meeting floor. Ms. Lemieux expects the Select Board to read the motion and turn it over to the Finance Committee. O. Zoning map amendment for 199 Massachusetts Ave. – no financial impact  Public hearing by Planning Board October 24, 2022 P. Change of Town Meeting and Town Elections from May to April (citizen’s petition) – no financial impact, though will make budget process challenging if approved. Unknown whether date of Town Meeting would change with next scheduled Annual Town Meeting. Public Hearing for Warrant scheduled for October 13, 2022. Mr. Watters suggested committee members tune in to upcoming Select Board meetings as they review the warrant articles. 7. Pre-budget season workshop: Mr. Watters has scheduled the Board of Assessors, new DPW Director, and the Superintendent of Schools to come before the committee to discuss their ideas and plans, so the department heads can focus on their actual budgets during their allotted presentation time. Mr. Watters also suggested cutting some department presentations. Mr. Menard added that presentations should identify changes, and describe the financial impact of those changes, and also suggested making information available prior to presentations if possible. 8. Minutes none to review 9. Committee Reports Committee members updated each other on respective liaison assignments. 10. Public Comment: Mr. Beardmore expressed that serving on the Finance Committee has been a rewarding experience, and pointed out that it has brought him closer to people. Mr. Beardmore thanked everyone who supported him as a Finance Committee member, from past members, to current members, department heads, the Town Manager, Finance Director, the Town Clerk’s office who helped him get agendas and minutes posted, as well as those who work and volunteer on Lunenburg’s public access channel, as well as the Select Board, and School Committee members who have welcomed him as a new member on the School Committee. Mr. Watters and Mr. Menard thanked Mr. Beardmore for his service to the town, and both agreed he’ll make a great addition to the school committee. Mr. Simeone and Mr. Gray also thanked Mr. Beardmore for his service, and said they enjoyed working with him. 11. Items for Future Meetings Financial Advisor’s scenarios 12. Next Meetings 10/13 public hearing, 10/27, 11/10, 11/15 (Special Town Meeting) 13. Adjourn At 8:51 p.m. Mr. Beardmore motioned to adjourn, Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-10-13-agenda-2073.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-10-13 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-10-13-agenda-2073.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132022-2073 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Thomas Gray **Vacancy** **Vacancy** *** Amended (10/13/2022) *** Lunenburg Finance Committee ** Public Hearing ** Thursday, October 13th, 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/7663167607 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. Public Hearing – STM Warrant Articles 7. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 8. Conversation with Assessor’s Office – CJ Carroll (Principal Assessor) 9. Debt capacity forecasting review 10. Minutes a. 8/28/22, 9/15/22, 9/20/22 11. Committee Reports a. Board of Health – Evan W b. Capital Planning – Evan W c. Council on Aging – Evan W d. DPW – Jay S e. Green Communities – Tom G f. Land Use – Tom G g. Library – Tom B h. Municipal Building Design – Tom G i. Parks – Chris M j. Police & Fire – Tom B k. Sewer – TBD l. School – Ms. Archambault/Evan W 12. Future Meetings 13. Public Comment 14. Upcoming meetings: October 27th, November 10th, November 15th (STM) 15. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-10-13-minutes-2073.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-10-13 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-10-13-minutes-2073.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10132022-2073 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 13, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Jay Simeone, Tom Gray, Tom Balish (via Zoom and in person), Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Finance Director Karen Brochu (via Zoom), Principal Assessor CJ Caroll (via Zoom), Capital Planning Committee member Dave Passios (via Zoom) 1. Call to Order Mr. Watters called the meeting to order at 7:07 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/HC6Fplo95Q0 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: none 4. Public Comment: Mr. Passios reported on Capital Planning Committee actions 5. Chair Report: Mr. Watters suggested other committee members watch the Select Board meetings to learn more details on Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles. 6. Public Hearing Special Town Meeting Warrant: At 7:11 p.m. Mr. Watters opened the public hearing. Ms. Lemieux reminded those in attendance that the Warrant is still in draft form, but is in the recommended order. Article 1: FY23 budget adjustments Mr. Simeone motioned to defer to Town Meeting, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 2: Prior Year Expenses Mr. Simeone motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 3: Police collective bargaining agreement Mr. Simeone motioned to defer to Town Meeting, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 4: Special Purpose Stabilization Fund Ms. Lemieux explained that she is still waiting on the new growth number from the state, and that articles 1, 4, and 5 are interconnected. Mr. Simeone motioned to defer to Town Meeting, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 5: Marshall Park final engineering funding Unanimously approved by Finance Committee at their 1/12/2023 meeting. ===PAGE 2=== Mr. Simeone motioned to defer to Town Meeting, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 6: Sewer Reserve Stabilization Fund Mr. Simeone motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 7: Sewer Stabilization Fund regarding Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Mr. Simeone motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 8: On-call/reserve firefighters and police officer retirement fund Mr. Simeone motioned to defer to Town Meeting, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 9: Salary Administration Plan Ms. Lemieux explained positions on the plan have already been funded. Mr. Simeone motioned the article would have no direct financial impact, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 10: Amending Capital Appropriations Mr. Simeone motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Gray commented he would entertain hearing a better alternative to the proposed bylaw. Mr. Simeone added the tax payers should have rights to make changes to the capital plan considering the number of items, and financial amount of the plan. Mr. Balish added he understands the pros and cons of the article, and is anticipating feedback received at Special Town Meeting. Mr. Watters pointed out that the Select Board is split in their support of the article, and that it is important the Finance Committee have a stance on the article prior to Special Town Meeting. Article 11: Use Table; special permit for motels –Planning Board Mr. Simeone motioned the article would have no direct financial impact. Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 12: Override denial of certificate to alter Ritter Building (New windows vs. restoration of original windows) Committee members discussed whether there was a financial impact of this article. Mr. Simone figured that since the FY22 capital plan funded alterations of the building the article would not have a financial impact. Mr. Gray pointed out that if the current windows aren’t replaced with new windows, there could be a financial impact on future budgets when it comes to heating the building. Mr. Balish agreed the article does have a potential financial impact. Mr. Balish motioned to defer to Town Meeting, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 13: Amend Code of Lunenburg Architectural Preservation District Certificate to Alter Application procedure Mr. Simeone motioned the article would have no financial impact. Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 14: Amend Zoning Map at 199 Mass Ave Mr. Simeone motioned the article would have no direct financial impact. Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ===PAGE 3=== Article 15: Change Annual Town Meeting and Elections from May to April Mr. Balish motioned to recommend to not approve the article, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 7. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Lemieux reported that the DPW is applying for a Work Safety Grant. The Facilities Director is working with COA Director on the ADA Patio design. Engineers are coming back with an updated cost after soil testing. The chiller project at the Public Safety Building will be complete after final testing is done. Asbestos removal at the McNally Park building is complete, demolition will start soon. The Facilities Director is also working with the COA director to find costs on a back-up generator, as well as roof work at the Eagle House. The 30 School Street project is being looked at by an architect and environmental consultant. The Page Street culvert design is 90 percent done with bid documents. The Flat Hill bridge replacement project is undergoing easement establishment. Ms. Lemieux has been informed that local funds will not be available in the state’s supplemental budget bill, and the Economic Development bill that contained the 30 School Street project has been put on hold. The FY23 capital plan will fund the project if the Economic Development bill does not pass. 8. Conversation with Assessor’s Office: Principal Assessor CJ Carroll explained the roles and responsibilities of the Assessor’s office. 9. Debt Capacity Forecasting Review: Ms. Brochu met with David Eisenthal, the town’s financial advisor, and a few scenarios were run regarding excludable debt, and what the town could afford to borrow while staying within the parameters of the financial policies over the next 40 years. According to the report, the town should be able to borrow up to $42 million for upcoming projects. Committee members agreed that the information, which demonstrates different ways the money could be repaid, should be shared with department heads, and other boards and committees, as well as Lunenburg voters. 10. Minutes Mr. Gray motioned to approve the August 28, 2022, and September 15, 2022 minutes, Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 11. Committee Reports Committee members updated each other on their liaison assignments. 12. Public Comment: Mr. Gray informed those who may not have known that John Male’s memorial service was scheduled for October 15 at 11:00 a.m. at United Parish. 13. Items for Future Meetings Meet DPW Director, Meet with School Department to learn about functionality portion of their budget presentation. 14. Next Meetings October 27, November 10, November 15 (STM) 15. Adjourn At 9:36 p.m. Mr. Simeone motioned to adjourn, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-10-27-agenda-2067.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-10-27 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-10-27-agenda-2067.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10272022-2067 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Thomas Gray **Vacancy** **Vacancy** Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, October 27th, 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/7663167607 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. 7:30p: Conversation with the DPW Director – Bill Bernard 8. 8:00p: Conversation with the School Department – Dr. Kate Burnham & Michael Cassidy a. FY23 Capital Projects Update b. FY24 Capital Project Requests c. 10-Year Capital Projects Plan d. 5-Year Staffing Plan e. ESSER Funded Positions f. ARPA Funding g. Strategy for Continuous Improvement h. Budget Presentation Workshop 9. Minutes a. 9/29/22 10. Committee Reports a. Board of Health – Evan W b. Capital Planning – Evan W c. Council on Aging – Evan W d. DPW – Jay S e. Green Communities – Tom G f. Land Use – Tom G g. Library – Tom B h. Municipal Building Design – Tom G i. Parks – Chris M j. Police & Fire – Tom B k. Sewer – Jay S l. School – Ms. Archambault/Evan W 11. Future Meetings 12. Public Comment 13. Upcoming meetings: November 10th, November 15th (STM) 14. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-10-27-minutes-2067.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-10-27 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-10-27-minutes-2067.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10272022-2067 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, October 27, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Jay Simeone, Tom Gray, Tom Balish Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux (remote), Town Accountant Karen Brochu (remote), Superintendent of Lunenburg Public Schools Dr. Kate Burnham, LPS Business Manager Michael Cassidy, School Committee Chairperson Carol Archambault, School Committee member Peter Beardmore, DPW Director Bill Bernard, Capital Plan Committee member Dave Passios 1. Call to Order: Mr. Watters 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/mlz6ac_xOY8 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: 4. Public Comment: 5. Chair Report: Mr. Watters reminded all in attendance that Special Town Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the Lunenburg Middle/High School. 6. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Brochu informed the board that free cash and retained earnings have been certified by the Department of Revenue. a. General free cash: $2,838,550 b. Water enterprise retained earnings: $57,539 c. Rubbish enterprise account: $134,318 d. Sewer retained earnings: $2,322,978 Ms. Brochu also reported her team is in the process of getting all the information necessary to certify the tax rate. Ms. Lemieux reported no figures have changed since her last briefing on the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Budget adjustments include: • Employee engagement survey: $10,000 • Assessor’s administration: $45,000 • APDC budget expense line: $5,000 • DPW backfill for medical leave: $13,000 • Total budget adjustment: $73,000 ===PAGE 2=== Ms. Lemieux reported she is waiting on New Growth numbers, and anticipates a surplus which could be used for Marshall Park, or the Special Purpose Stabilization account. 7. Conversation with DPW Director Bill Bernard: Mr. Bernard informed the committee that the biggest issue the DPW currently faces is their fleet of trucks. There are four trucks used for snow removal currently out of service, and the department is still waiting on trucks ordered in FY22, and FY23, and doesn’t expect to see them for at least a year. Mr. Bernard will continue to seek funding from the capital plan to complete the fleet at about $525,000 per year to fund those trucks and other equipment. Mr. Bernard will continue on with the pavement management plan, which is currently being updated. The town’s roads appear to be in good shape, and the new plan should focus on crack sealing. As far as sidewalks are concerned, Mr. Bernard reported that the town currently has ten miles of sidewalk, and he is working on a five-year plan to address sidewalk repairs to bring those up to date. Mr. Bernard estimates sidewalk repair will cost $400,000. Mr. Bernard also reported that the town’s sewer pump stations are nearing the end of their lives at 25 years. He estimates $300,000 to replace the stations and incorporate SCADA to monitor the new stations. Mr. Bernard also reported the DPW is keeping up with storm water regulations despite not having a full crew. The storm water task force is looking to form a storm water utility in order to address mandates. The DPW will be expanding the North Cemetery, which will need to be surveyed and plotted. Mr. Bernard also reported he’s received several calls from residents regarding tree trimming and removal. DPW ten-year planning includes addressing the 25 bridges and culverts in town regarding inspection and repairs. Mr. Bernard will seek grant funding for repairs. Drainage pipes will also need replacing. Mr. Balish asked about staffing at the DPW. Mr. Bernard said the heavy equipment operator position has been open since before he started working for the town. Several applicants either don’t have the licensure required, or are seeking a higher wage than what the town currently offers. 8. Conversation with School Department: a. FY23 Capital Projects Update: Dr. Burnham reported that the cost of the AC project at the primary school for which $230,000 was appropriated was largely underestimated. The school department is looking at alternative ways to cool the school in the warmer months. b. FY24 Capital Projects Requests: ===PAGE 3=== 1. Safety Window Film Districtwide $160,000 2. Exterior Door Replacement at Turkey Hill Elementary School (THES) $160,000 3. Access and Security upgrades at the primary school and THES $83,500, $131,000 4. Upgrade Fire Alarm system at THES $287,000 5. Athletic Complex feasibility study $50,000 6. New pickup truck $68,000 c. 10-Year Capital Projects Plan: Over the next ten years, the primary school seeks $618,500 in capital spending. Turkey Hill Elementary School needs include $15,056,822 in capital requests, which assumes contributions from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), and possibly $2,200,000 for the MS/HS to upgrade the turf field, walls, and concession stand. Over the next ten years district-wide, the schools plan to spend $343,923 on safety film for windows, as well as a replacement mower, 2 pickup trucks, plows, and a passenger van. d. 5-Year Staffing Plan: Dr. Burnham reported that the school department needs are constantly changing depending on the student body. Not all needs can be addressed due to lack of funding, but the school department prioritizes, and presents the staffing plan knowing there is some grant funding available to certain departments within the schools. e. ESSER Funded Positions: The school department is tracking data to see which positions will need to be eliminated as Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding runs out in 2024. Dr. Burnham assured the committee that the school department is well aware that municipal funding is not available to cover the positions made possible by ESSER funding. f. ARPA Funding: Dr. Burnham reported the school department requested funding for sidewalks leading toward the elementary and middle/high schools. g. Strategy for Continuous Improvement: Implemented in 2019, a living document that focuses on teaching and learning, climate and culture, equity, access, and achievement, and communications and operations. h. Budget Presentation Workshop: The school department presents their budget at the second January meeting of the School Committee. There is then a question and answer period on the budget at the first School Committee meeting in February. Dr. Burnham reported that oftentimes health insurance information becomes available in February, which tends to impact the budget plan, and another question and answer period is offered at the first March meeting of the School Committee. A public hearing on the final budget is slated for the second March meeting of the School Committee, where the School Committee usually approves the budget, which is then presented to the Finance Committee. Dr. Burnham plans to produce a recorded presentation of informational material for people to view on their own time. Mr. Beardmore added that he has discussed the Finance Committee’s preferences when it comes to the school department’s budget presentation, and that though focusing on the numbers is a good goal, there are challenges up ahead that will demand more qualitative discussion over quantitative. ===PAGE 4=== 9. Minutes: To be reviewed at next meeting. 10. Committee Reports: Committee members updated each other on their liaison assignments. 11. Public Comment: Mr. Simeone reminded those in attendance that real estate taxes are due November 1. Mr. Beardmore informed the committee that the Select Board voted to not recommend approval of the Finance Committee’s warrant article regarding the town’s capital plan. Mr. Beardmore, who wrote the bylaw, is planning to give a five to ten minute presentation explaining the ideas behind the proposed bylaw at Special Town Meeting. Mr. Watters announced that there are two vacancies on the Finance Committee. 12. Items for Future Meetings: No particular topics at this time 13. Next Meetings: November 10, 2022 14. Adjourn: At 8:55 p.m., Mr. Simeone motioned to adjourn, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-11-10-agenda-2068.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-11-10 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-11-10-agenda-2068.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11102022-2068 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Thomas Gray **Vacancy** **Vacancy** Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, November 10th, 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/7663167607 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. FY23 Budget Adjustments 8. Projected Revenues/Expenditures FY2023 9. Special Town Meeting a. Consent Calendar Articles (2, 6, 7, & 9) b. STM Article revisit 10. Office 360 Migration 11. Minutes a. 9/20/22, 9/29/22, & 10/13/22 12. Committee Reports a. Library – Tom B b. Police & Fire – Tom B c. Green Communities – Tom G d. Land Use – Tom G e. Municipal Building Design – Tom G f. Parks – Chris M g. DPW – Jay S h. Sewer – Jay S i. Board of Health – Evan W j. Capital Planning – Evan W k. Council on Aging – Evan W l. School – Ms. Archambault/Evan W 13. Future Meetings 14. Public Comment 15. Upcoming meetings: November 24th (Thanksgiving), December 8th, December 22nd (Christmas Week), MMA Trade Show 1/20/23-1/21/23 16. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2022-11-10-minutes-2068.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2022-11-10 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2022-11-10-minutes-2068.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11102022-2068 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 10, 2022 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Chris Menard, Jay Simeone, Tom Gray, Tom Balish (remote) Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux 1. Call to Order Mr. Watters called the meeting to order at 7p.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/qwq3dSK768w 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: none 4. Public Comment: none 5. Chair Report: none 6. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Lemieux reported the town has received two bids for real property data collection at $45,000, which will be voted on under the budget adjustment article. A $17,700 bid was awarded for Marshall Park survey work, $25,000 was appropriated in FY23 Capital Plan, so left over funds will be made available for other projects in that plan. One proposal has been submitted by T Mobile, who currently leases the spot, for the RFP for Town Hall. Solid waste cleanup at the Woodruff property received no responses. Town is reviewing scope of work on that project. Facilities is working on a variety of capital projects, bidding process to start in January. Talks are underway with McCarty Engineering on the senior center ADA Patio project. Soil at Eagle House has tested clean. Town is waiting on updated cost of project. New growth certified: $234,383 $20,860 more than estimated at Annual Town Meeting. The library has been awarded an LSTA Grant which will fund STEM programming. Library now open of Fridays. The town has received $28,706 for opioid settlement funds, more funding anticipated. There are no restrictions on usage of funds. Free cash was certified. Dollar amount circulated to the finance committee ===PAGE 2=== 30 street lights are considered “phantom” lights. 19 of those lights will be added to the town’s inventory. Green Communities Committee will work on an RFP with a consultant to maintain the streetlights moving forward. Economic Development bill has passed, and $100,000 was earmarked to go toward the 30 School Street abatement project. 7. FY23 Budget Adjustments The Town Manager is seeking to change four line items in the FY23 operating budget totaling $73,000. Town Manager Expenses: Employee Engagement Survey (services cost) $10,000 Assessor’s Administration: Unanticipated data collection $45,000 Planning Board (APDC): APDC administrative expenses $5,000 Facilities and Grounds: Backfill a position due to personnel being out on medical leave $13,000 8. Projected revenues/expenditures The committee reviewed the projected revenues/expenditures sheet for FY2023 which reflect proposed budget adjustments. Revenues were highlighted as follows: New Growth: $234,383 State Aid: 10,500,128 Projected receipts: 3,110,153 9. Special Town Meeting a. Consent Calendar: Articles 2,6,7,9 are considered noncontroversial. Article 2: Payment of prior year invoices Article 6: Sewer reserve capacity stabilization fund Article 7: Sewer Inflow/Infiltration stabilization fund Article 9: Amendment of Salary Administration Plan –adding positions to the grid, no financial impact. Both Select Board and Finance Committee have already recommended approval of all four articles. b. STM Article revisit: Mr. Watters reminded those in attendance that Articles 4 and 5 are related, and that if Article 4 is passed, then Article 5 can be passed over, and if Article 4 is defeated, then Article 5 will suggest putting the funds from Article 4 into a special stabilization fund. 10. Office 365 Migration: All town board and committee member email address have been migrated to Outlook. Committee members discussed the ways they can take advantage of the features Outlook has to offer. 11. Minutes Mr. Menard motioned to approve the minutes from the September 20, 2022, and September 29, 2022 meetings. Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ===PAGE 3=== 12. Committee Reports Committee members reported each other on their respective assignments. 13. Public Comment none 14. Items for Future Meetings Budget review 15. Next Meetings no meetings until January 16. Adjourn At 7:48 p.m. Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously.