# finance-committee — 26 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 : 2023-01-26-agenda-85.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-01-26 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-01-26-agenda-85.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01262023-85 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Thomas Gray Caesar Nuzzolo **Vacancy** Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, January 26th, 2023 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. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 6. TM Capital Plan Presentation 7. Tax Assessment/Abatement Discussion 8. MMA Trade Show re-cap 9. Minutes a. 1/12/2023 10. 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 – Caesar N 11. Future Meetings 12. Public Comment 13. Upcoming meetings: February 9th, February 16th (TM Budget Presentation), February 23rd (COA, Land Use, & Library) 14. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-01-26-minutes-85.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-01-26 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-01-26-minutes-85.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01262023-85 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, January 26, 2023 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Tom Balish, Tom Gray, Caesar Nuzzolo, Jay Simeone (remote) Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Chairperson of the Lunenburg School Committee Carol Archambault, School Committee and Capital Planning Committee member Peter Beardmore 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/f3mPfSY148c 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: none 4. Public Comment: none 5. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: none 6. Capital Plan Presentation: Ms. Lemieux explained the Capital Planning Process, and also explained that without knowing the amount of money needed to fund abatements, she has reduced FY24 Capital Plan requests from 29 items to 6. The $2,860,000 in free cash, which would normally fund capital plan requests, will be reserved to fund abatements. The Capital Plan will use $986,000 out of the Special Purpose Stabilization Fund to purchase the very much needed ambulance for the fire department, and a pair of dump trucks for the DPW. Also included on the Capital Plan are security upgrades for the schools, which will be funded by unexpended capital and tax revenue. Ms. Lemieux also explained that the capital plan amount can be amended as more information regarding abatements is learned. Ms. Lemieux will continue to re-evaluate the FY24 Capital Plan from now until Town Meeting, and will look to appropriate funds as they become available. Ms. Lemieux also pointed out that decisions made on municipal buildings moving forward will have critical impact on items included on the plan in the future. Ms. Lemieux also listed 10-year capital plan requests. Mr. Watters expressed his concern over the fire alarm system at the elementary school not being on the FY24 Capital Plan. Mr. Gray agreed there should at least be a contingency plan if the system does fail at the school. 7. Tax Abatement/Assessment Discussion: Mr. Watters explained that several Lunenburg residents owning waterfront property received real estate tax bills that are much higher than anticipated. The Select Board has opened an investigation to find how waterfront property taxes could suddenly rise so high. Mr. Watters explained that the Finance Committee does not play a Unanimously approved by Finance Committee at February 16, 2023 meeting. ===PAGE 2=== role in property taxes, however their duties will be impacted nonetheless. The town’s overlay account will probably need to be increased at Town Meeting in order to cover abatements. Without knowing the amount needed for the overlay, how to decide on other financial articles could pose a challenge. Mr. Watters suggested members of the committee, and the public to go to the Mass.gov website and look at Division of Local Services (DLS) data, to learn more about property values and assessments. 8. MMA Trade Show Re-Cap: Mr. Watters attended the tradeshow, and learned about economic and fiscal outlook, and heard recently elected Governor Maura Healy talk about Chapter 70 funding, Chapter 90 funding, housing, and economic development priorities. Governor Healy aims to fully fund the circuit breaker, and take a closer look at how small towns are treated regarding Chapter 70 funds. Mr. Watters will write up a report on the show and distribute it amongst committee members. 9. Minutes: Mr. Balish motioned to approve the minutes from the January 12, 2023 meeting, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried 4-0-1 (Mr. Simeone abstained). 10. Committee Reports Committee members updated each other on their respective liaison assignments. 11. Public Comment: Mr. Beardmore made clear he was commenting as a resident and not representing any board. Mr. Beardmore expressed his concern over how the latest property value assessments will affect the town in its entirety. Mr. Beardmore is also concerned that there won’t be enough time to process all the information in order to have an effective discussion to make the right decisions at Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Beardmore advised the committee to ask the Town Manager for varying scenarios regarding the budget. Mr. Beardmore also asked the committee to give a presentation on Proposition 2 ½, and its effect on total levy, and how that involves the current assessment/abatement situation. 12. Next Meetings: February 9, February 16 –Preliminary Budget Presentation, February 23 –COA, Land Use, Library presentations. 13. Adjourn At 8:20 p.m. Mr. Simeone motioned to adjourn, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-02-09-agenda-86.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-02-09 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-02-09-agenda-86.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02092023-86 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Thomas Gray Caesar Nuzzolo **Vacancy** Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, February 9th, 2023 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/87081729841 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499, enter Webinar ID: 870 8172 9841 and Passcode ID: 289141. 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. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 6. Capital Plan a. Possible use of ARPA funding for DPW vehicles & ambulance b. General discussion 7. Tax Assessment/Abatement Discussion 8. Minutes 9. Committee Reports 10. Future Meetings 11. Public Comment 12. Upcoming meetings: February 16th (TM Budget Presentation), February 23rd (COA, Land Use, & Library), March 2nd (Fire & Police) 13. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-02-09-minutes-86.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-02-09 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-02-09-minutes-86.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02092023-86 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 9, 2023 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Vice-chair Chris Menard, Jay Simeone, Tom Balish, Caesar Nuzzolo Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Town Accountant Karen Brochu, School Committee and Capital Planning Committee member Peter Beardmore 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/olcG99iRSew 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: Mr. Watters informed the committee they have been invited by the Select Board to attend their March 7, 2023 meeting with the town’s state delegation. 4. Public Comment: Mr. Beardmore corrected a statement he made about the FY24 Capital Plan requests for two dump trucks for the DPW at the last Finance Committee meeting. Mr. Beardmore also pointed out that the Town Manager has reprioritized several of the original requests that fell in the middle of the FY24 Capital Plan. 5. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Lemieux reported the Town Accountant discovered a projected deficit regarding health insurance, but they’ve found surpluses in other areas of the budget to cover the deficit. Snow and ice has gone over budget by $170,000 due to the increase in cost of salt, as well as the cost of hiring contractors to clean up after storms. Money to cover the increased cost of the snow and ice line will come from the pavement management line in the DPW’s budget. Ms. Lemieux made clear that the money would not come from the excluded debt that funds the pavement management plan. There also appears to be a $60,000 surplus in the salary line for the DPW that could also go toward snow and ice. 6. Capital Plan a. Possible use of ARPA funding for DPW and Public Safety requests: If ARPA funds are used to fund the two dump trucks, and the ambulance listed on the FY24 Capital Plan, it will reduce the number of items on the plan from six to three. More items couldn’t be moved up in priority in the plan because the purchases of those vehicles are slated to be funded from the Special Purpose Stabilization Fund. No other items on the capital plan are eligible for that funding source, according to Ms. Lemieux. Unanimously Approved by Finance Committee at February 23, 2023 meeting. ===PAGE 2=== 7. Tax Abatement/Assessment Discussion: Ms. Lemieux has recommended to reserve all free cash in order to fund the overlay account which covers abatements. About 427 abatements have been filed. Whatever surplus is left from funding the abatements should be voted on by the Board of Assessors to turn over to the town to be appropriated. The Town Warrant closes March 20, 2023. The Board of Assessors has 90 days (until May 1) to approve or deny abatement applications, and then if denied, the people can appeal. Mr. Watters expressed concern over the amount of time needed to make the decisions regarding the budget at Town Meeting. Mr. Watters created and presented a presentation describing Proposition 2 ½ , and explained that the levy limit is based on the total value of all property in town. Mr. Watters suggested people go to the mass.gov Proposition 2 ½ Primer, as well as mass.gov Division of Local Services to learn more. 8. Public Comment Rhonda Lissio informed the committee that she is against using money from the pavement management line to fund the snow and ice deficit. 9. Upcoming Meetings Preliminary Budget Presentation 2/16, Department Budget Presentations – COA, Land Use, Library 2/23, Police and Fire departments 3/2, joint meeting with Select Board and state delegation 3/7 10. Adjourn At 8:13 p.m. Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded, on vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-02-16-agenda-87.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-02-16 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-02-16-agenda-87.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02162023-87 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Thomas Gray Caesar Nuzzolo **Vacancy** Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, February 16th, 2023 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/87081729841 (Passcode ID: 289141) or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499, enter Webinar ID: 870 8172 9841 and Passcode ID: 289141. 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. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 6. Town Manager’s Budget Presentation 7. Capital Plan 8. Tax Assessment/Abatement Discussion 9. State Representative Meeting Preparation 10. Minutes a. 1/26/23 11. Committee Reports 12. Future Meetings 13. Public Comment 14. Upcoming meetings: February 23rd (COA, Land Use, & Library), March 2nd (Fire & Police), March 7th (State Rep. with ScoCom & SB) 15. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-02-16-minutes-87.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-02-16 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-02-16-minutes-87.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02162023-87 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 16, 2023 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters (arrived late), Vice-Chair Chris Menard, Jay Simeone, Tom Gray, Tom Balish, Caesar Nuzzolo Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Lunenburg residents John Fortune, and Joanna Bilotta 1. Call to Order Mr. Menard 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/G_gNfRE8my4 2. Public Comment: none 3. Town Manager Preliminary Budget Presentation: In her presentation, Ms. Lemieux explained that the FY2024 Target Budget includes revenues for property taxes included adding 2 ½ percent to the previous year’s levy, $200,000 for New Growth, and debt exclusion amounts. State Aid was level funded based on FY23 State Aid figures approved in July of last year. Local receipts included a $50,000 increase over last fiscal year’s estimate for Motor Vehicle Excise tax, but level funded other receipts. Projected Revenues totaling $47,321,389 for FY24 include: $31,422,519 in property tax (66%), $10, 500,128 in State Aid (22%), $3,160,153 in Local Receipts (7%), and $2,238,588 in other available funds (5%). For Expenditures, Ms. Lemieux used FY23 amounts regarding cherry sheet offsets, state and county charges, and choice/charter assessments. FY24 will use stabilization funds to offset the 8.5 percent increase in health insurance, as well as a 5 percent rate increase for retirees. Expenditures also include an additional $50,000 for pavement management, known principal and interest debt payments for FY24, a 5 percent increase for general insurances for the police and fire departments, a 13.55 percent increase for Worcester County Retirement, and a 2.5 percent increase for Lunenburg Public Schools and Monty Tech. Unknown expenditures for the Overlay Account, which covers abatements, will affect how certified free cash is spent for FY24. More information on expenditures as follows: Unanimously Approved by Finance Committee at February 23, 2023 meeting. ===PAGE 2=== ===PAGE 3=== 4. Tax Abatement/Assessment Discussion: Mr. Menard explained that the finance committee is the only legislative body in town, and its job is to advise Town Meeting on the budget. Mr. Fortune informed the committee that those with waterfront property have formed the Lunenburg Lakes Action Committee, and around 420 people have filed abatements after the real estate tax bills went out. Mr. Fortune opined that if no mistake has been made by the assessor’s office, then the people with waterfront property have been singled out as their property values have gone up 77 percent on average, while other properties in town have gone down, or only risen incrementally. Mr. Fortune explained that no one foresees the tax rate going down in FY24, and property owners will have to file for abatements again. Mr. Fortune added that if a clerical error has been made by the Board of Assessors, they can admit the error, and go to the Department of Revenue to have that error corrected. Ms. Bilotta added that she has spoken with four other assessors in the area, and all explained that when property values increase, taxes should increase incrementall. Ms. Bilotta talked about the people who have been living in town for several years, and are now on a fixed income, and asked how they’re supposed to afford a 135 percent increase. Ms. Bilotta also added that all who’ve filed abatements could attend Town Meeting and vote no on all the articles. Mr. Menard urged the Lakes Action Committee to send any ideas or questions to the Finance Committee and Select Board to discuss with the state delegation at the March 7 meeting. 5. State Representative Meeting Preparation: Topics raised include: funding formulas, such as Chapter 70, and vocational schools, and real estate appraisal. Mr. Watters suggested sending questions out to the delegation before the meeting so they can prepare responses. 6. Minutes: Mr. Watters motioned to approve the minutes from the January 26, 2023 meeting. Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 7. Future Meetings: March 30 Public Hearing on FY2024 budget. 8. Public Comment: a. Board Comment: Mr. Gray commented that he hopes 420 people don’t show up to Town Meeting to vote everything down, and suggested that taking that kind of action won’t solve any problems. ===PAGE 4=== 9. Upcoming Meetings: 2/23: COA, Land Use, and Library budget presentations. 3/2 IT, and Police Department, 3/7 Joint meeting with Select Board and School Committee with state delegation, 3/9 DPW and Facilities Department. 10. Adjourn At 8:24 p.m., Mr. Balish motioned to adjourn, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-02-23-agenda-88.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-02-23 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-02-23-agenda-88.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02232023-88 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Thomas Gray Caesar Nuzzolo **Vacancy** Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 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/87081729841 (Passcode ID: 289141) or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499, enter Webinar ID: 870 8172 9841 and Passcode ID: 289141. 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. New Business a. 7:05pm – Council on Aging Budget Presentation b. 7:30pm – Land Use Budget Presentation c. 8:00pm – Library Budget Presentation d. Town Meeting Finance Committee Report 5. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 6. Old Business a. Capital Plan b. Tax Assessment/Abatement Discussion c. State Representative Meeting Preparation 7. Minutes a. 2/9/23 & 2/16/23 8. Committee Reports 9. Future Meetings 10. Public Comment 11. Upcoming meetings: a. March 2nd – IT (7:05) & Police (8:00) b. March 7th – State Rep. with ScoCom & SB c. March 9th – DPW (7:05) & Facilities (8:00) d. March 16th – Fire (7:05) & LPS (7:30) e. March 22nd – Administration, Unclassified, Debt Service (7:05) & Monty Tech (7:30) f. March 23rd – PACC (7:05), Sewer (7:30), & Other Moneyed Articles (8:00) g. March 30th – Public Hearing (7:05) 12. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-02-23-minutes-88.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-02-23 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-02-23-minutes-88.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02232023-88 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 23, 2023 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: In person: Vice-Chairperson Chris Menard, Tom Gray, Tom Balish, and Caesar Nuzzolo. Attending remotely: Chairperson Evan Watters, and Jay Simeone. Guests: Council on Aging Director Susan Doherty, Land Use Director Adam Burney, Library Director Muir Haman 1. Call to Order Mr. Menard 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/mA3U0wo2SPw 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: 4. New Business: a. COA Budget Presentation: Ms. Doherty is requesting $29, 338.53 more than last year in order to hire a part time outreach assistant (10 hours per week), an additional 9 hours for the outreach coordinator, and to shift the funding source of the assistant meal site manager from the Formula Grant to the municipal budget. The entire FY24 budget request amounts to $224,306.85. Ms. Doherty explained that there is much more demand for the services that outreach offers, and an additional person on staff will help keep the doors open later in the evening for those who are still in the workforce, and need outreach assistance. b. Land Use Department: Mr. Burney explained that the Land Use Department budget is mostly comprised of people’s salaries. The Land Use Department entails the Planning Board Office, Building Department, Conservation Commission Office, and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Land Use Department is also responsible for the development of the town’s Master Plan. Mr. Burney informed the committee that the Planning Board is in the process of interviewing those who’ve responded to RFPs (Request for Proposals). Mr. Burney pointed out his budget changes from FY23 to FY24 as follows: Unanimously approved by Finance Committee at March 2, 2023 meeting. ===PAGE 2=== Mr. Burney also drew attention to the advertising line in the FY23 Conservation Commission budget, and explained that with the change of administrators in the past year there has been some apparent confusion as to how to pay for advertising. Mr. Burney will use other underspent line items to cover the cost. Mr. Menard asked how storm water would affect the budget. Mr. Burney replied that in the future, it may require hiring a part-time planner to monitor storm water drainage systems, which could come from the planning budget, or possibly DPW, as people with those skills could also be employed there, or if a storm water fund is developed in the future that employee could be covered under that fund. c. Library: Mr. Haman has requested $561,626 for FY24. The Town Manager has recommended $539,126 ($35,171 more than FY23) for the library in FY24. Mr. Haman explained that the library relies heavily on outside funds to succeed. Currently the Friends of the Lunenburg Public Library pay for the cost associated with owning and operating the copy machine, along with other office supplies, furniture, collections, and other library materials. Mr. Haman’s requests for FY24 entail creating a new Assistant Director position at the library, which accounts for $8,000. Mr. Haman is also requesting the copy machine be funded by the municipal budget, as well as updating the security cameras, and other technology upgrades, along with increasing the dollar amount on the program and supply line. Postage, library materials, such as certification, and money for training and mileage are also included in the FY24 request. d. Town Meeting Finance Committee Report: Deadline for the letter is April 4, 2023. Mr. Watters expressed that he prefers to demonstrate the general position from a finance standpoint regarding the latest tax assessment/abatement issue. Excludable debt, as well as the actual debt ceiling and how that money can be spent, should also be included in the report. Mr. Menard added that the committee should also include a look into the future. Mr. Menard suggested creating an updated document to be handed out at Town Meeting, as information regarding the tax assessment/abatement issue will still be unfolding. 5. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: none 6. Old Business: a. Capital Planning: The Select Board approved the request to spend ARPA funds on the ambulance and 2 dump trucks that were in the FY24 Capital Plan requests. This decision will give the departments a head start in ordering the vehicles they need. b. Tax Abatement/Assessment: Mr. Menard expressed concern over the timeline regarding the use of free cash as it’s being reserved to process at least 420 abatements, which need to be approved or denied by the Board of Assessors that only consists of three people. The BOA has 90 days from February 1 to process the abatements. Town Meeting is May 6. c. State Representative Meeting Preparation: Mr. Menard prefers the committee discuss the formulas regarding funding for this portion of the Commonwealth. Mr. Balish recalled the last time the delegation met with the committee they recommended similar towns band together to form a coalition to make their voices heard. Mr. Watters intends to send topics of discussion to the State Reps before the meeting on March 7. 7. Minutes: Mr. Nuzzolo motioned to approve the minutes from the February 9, 2023 and February 16, 2023 meetings. Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion passed unanimously. 8. Committee Reports Committee members updated each other on their respective liaison assignments. ===PAGE 3=== 9. Future Meetings: 3/2 IT, and Police Department, 3/7 Joint meeting with Select Board and School Committee with state delegation, 3/9 DPW and Facilities Department. 10. Public Comment: none 11. Adjourn At 9:32 p.m. Mr. Balish motioned to adjourn, Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-03-02-agenda-89.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-03-02 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-03-02-agenda-89.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03022023-89 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Thomas Gray Caesar Nuzzolo **Vacancy** Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, March 2nd, 2023 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/87081729841 (Passcode ID: 289141) or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499, enter Webinar ID: 870 8172 9841 and Passcode ID: 289141. 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. New Business a. 7:05pm – IT Budget Presentation b. 8:00pm – Police Budget Presentation 5. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 6. Old Business a. Town Meeting Finance Committee Report b. Capital Plan c. Tax Assessment/Abatement Discussion d. State Representative Meeting Preparation 7. Minutes a. 2/23/23 8. Committee Reports 9. Future Meetings 10. Public Comment 11. Upcoming meetings: a. March 7th – State Rep. with ScoCom & SB b. March 9th – DPW (7:05) & Facilities (8:00) c. March 16th – Fire (7:05) & LPS (7:30) d. March 22nd – Administration, Unclassified, Debt Service (7:05) & Monty Tech (7:30) e. March 23rd – PACC (7:05), Sewer (7:30), & Other Moneyed Articles (8:00) f. March 30th – Public Hearing (7:05) 12. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-03-02-minutes-89.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-03-02 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-03-02-minutes-89.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03022023-89 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 2, 2023 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on YouTube. Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Vice Chairperson Chris Menard, Tom Gray, Tom Balish, Caesar Nuzzolo, Jay Simeone (Remote) Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Town Accountant Karen Brochu (remote), Suzor IT Casey Chisholm, Lunenburg Chief of Police Thomas Gammel, Public Safety Coordinator Amanda Moore 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/52iZmZ8WSsk 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: Mr. Watters announced that it is the last day SNAP Emergency Allotments, which included an additional $177 per month, were dispersed. According to Mr. Watters, there are 590 households in Lunenburg that receive SNAP benefits. Mr. Watters drew attention to the Lions Club food pantry located at the T.C. Passios, who have collaborated with the Worcester County Food Bank to feed those in need. 4. New Business: a. IT Budget Presentation: Ms. Chisholm presented the FY24 IT Budget requests. The IT department is seeking a $83,545 increase, which entails $23,545 for a non-benefited administrative assistant, and a remote meeting coordinator for $5,000. Hardware maintenance upgrades include $12,000 to upgrade the current phone system, $30,000 to upgrade computers, and $13,000 for an updated camera system at the library. Internet access will be upgraded from copper connections to fiber at Town Hall, the Ritter Building, and DPW, which will cost $17,172, and $7,526 for Email cloud hosting. Software maintenance increased 2 percent (totaling approximately $15,000) from last year Mr. Menard asked whether broadcasting board and committee meetings will be improved. Ms. Chisholm explained improvement would be a collaborative effort between IT and public access cable. b. Police Department Budget Presentation: Chief Gammel informed the committee that police services have increased as the town has grown. For FY24 the police department is requesting $2,843,973. The Town Manager has requested $2,757,597 for the department. Approved by Finance Committee at March 9, 2023 Finance Committee meeting. ===PAGE 2=== Chief Gammel explained that his 10-year hiring plan has been put on hold for FY24, and his request for another detective was not included in the Town Manager’s recommendation, which trimmed the budget regarding uniform allowance, education incentive, overtime, and holiday pay as well as firearms training and less lethal training. Chief Gammel’s goals for FY24 include developing a response team for mental health calls, and maintaining department training to comply with state mandates. Chief Gammel also wants to develop and implement an evaluation process, and maintain standards to achieve accreditation by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission. 5. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: Ms. Lemieux reported the town has received five bids for the 30 School Street hazardous materials/demolition project, and went with the lowest bid at $216,649 from Costello Dismantling Company. The Town Hall building envelope project only received one bid in the amount of $258,800, which far exceeded the $75,000 that was appropriated. Budget Adjustments: Cherry Sheet/Local Aid numbers have been released, the town will receive an additional $40,659 in revenue. A decrease in assessments regarding school choice and charter at $194,537 (expenditure). The Select Board took action to spend $986,000 in ARPA funds on two dump trucks and an ambulance, which calculates as revenue as special purpose stabilization funds are not being used. Heath insurance is coming in at a 6.2 percent increase as opposed to the previously anticipated 8.5 percent increase, which comes out to $39,214 in revenue. Ms. Lemieux added that as a result of the decreased percentage, the school committee will be voting on adjusting their budget. A $2,971 difference in the patrolmen line for the police budget has now been accounted for. The change in Capital Plan figures reflect an expenditure of $986,000 from the usage of ARPA funds for the ambulance and two dump trucks. Monty Tech Chapter 70 came in at $100,654, which is a 12 percent increase as opposed to the anticipated 2 percent increase, which accounts for enrollment, and the state’s mandate. Ms. Lemieux will request $1.5 million in free cash be reserved for the overlay account in order to be prepared to fund all filed abatements at Annual Town Meeting. Ms. Lemieux will revise her recommendation for the rest of certified free cash, and inform the committee at their next meeting. Snow and Ice is operating in a deficit of $291,493. 6. Old Business: ===PAGE 3=== a. Town Meeting Finance Committee Report: Mr. Watters reported that the Town Manager has put out the first draft of warrant articles, and the committee can discuss their report at their next regular meeting. b. Capital Plan: No new report c. Tax Assessment and Abatement: No update d. State Representative Meeting Preparation: The committee will only have ten minutes with the representatives during their joint meeting with the Select Board and School Committee. The committee will focus on how the financial formulas are developed on the state level, and how those formulas affect the town. 7. Minutes: Mr. Menard motioned to approve the minutes from the February 23, 2023 meeting. Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 8. Committee Reports: Committee members updated each other on their respective liaison assignments. 9. Future Meetings: 10. Public Comment: none 11. Upcoming meetings: a. March 7 –Joint Meeting with Select Board and School Committee b. March 9 –Budget Presentations: DPW, Facilities c. March 16 –Fire, Lunenburg Public Schools d. March 22 –Administration, Unclassified, Debt Service, Monty Tech e. March 23 –PACC, Sewer, Other Moneyed Articles f. March 30 –Public Hearing 12. Adjourn At 9:33 p.m. Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-03-07-agenda-90.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-03-07 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-03-07-agenda-90.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03072023-90 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Thomas Gray Caesar Nuzzolo **Vacancy** Lunenburg Finance Committee Tuesday, March 7th, 2023 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/87111398433 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499, enter Webinar ID: 8711139 8433. 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. 7:00 pm – Join meeting with the Select Board and School Committee to meet with Senator John Cronin, Representative Michael Kushmerek, and Representative Margaret Scarsdale 3. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-03-09-agenda-91.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-03-09 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-03-09-agenda-91.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03092023-91 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Thomas Gray Caesar Nuzzolo **Vacancy** Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, March 9th, 2023 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/87081729841 (Passcode ID: 289141) or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499, enter Webinar ID: 870 8172 9841 and Passcode ID: 289141. 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. New Business a. 7:05pm – DPW Budget Presentation b. 8:00pm – Facilities Budget Presentation 5. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 6. Old Business a. Town Meeting Finance Committee Report b. Capital Plan c. Tax Assessment/Abatement Discussion 7. Minutes 8. Committee Reports 9. Future Meetings 10. Public Comment 11. Upcoming meetings: a. March 16th – Fire (7:05) & LPS (7:30) b. March 22nd – Administration, Unclassified, Debt Service (7:05) & Monty Tech (7:30) c. March 23rd – PACC (7:05), Sewer (7:30), & Other Moneyed Articles (8:00) d. March 30th – Public Hearing (7:05) 12. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-03-09-minutes-91.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-03-09 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-03-09-minutes-91.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03092023-91 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 9, 2023 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Vice-Chairperson Chris Menard, Jay Simeone, Tom Gray, Tom Balish, Caesar Nuzzolo Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, DPW Director Bill Bernard, Facilities Director Christopher Ruth 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/JfIbPstvpPU 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Budget Presentations: a. FY24 DPW Budget Request: The DPW is requesting $2,168,287.64, which is $158,138 more (7.8 percent) than FY23. A new line item for streetlights has been added, Mr. Bernard has estimated the electricity will cost the town $30,000. Mr. Bernard has already had to spend almost twice the budget amount for snow and ice in FY23, and is up to $684,650. Though this winter has seemed mild, road crews have had to use a lot of salt to combat ice, on top of that, contractors needed to be hired for shoveling and plowing as the DPW is still waiting on much needed snow removal equipment to be delivered. A $12,911 increase is sought to purchase shrubs, and services for the cemetery department. Tree removal is estimated to cost $33,500 in FY24, which is up $4,357 from FY23. Mr. Bernard is also seeking grants for preventative maintenance for bridges and culverts, as well as for safety training for the department. Approved by Finance Committee at the 3/22/2023 Finance Committee meeting. ===PAGE 2=== b. FY24 Facilities Budget Request: New Facilities Director Christopher Ruth, who has been on the job for about five weeks, presented his budget requests. The newly created facilities department will seek a $15,000 increase for contracted services, $5,000 for salaries for parks, and another $8,500 for contracted services exclusively for parks. Mr. Ruth outlined what’s been spent out of the FY23 budget so far: ===PAGE 3=== 4. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: 5. Old Business: a. Finance Committee Report: Committee will address ESSER funds and free cash in relation to the overlay account in their report this year. Mr. Gray suggested addressing property value assessments, and how to be better prepared for next year, as well as how the town’s budget may be impacted by the new “millionaires’ tax” imposed by the state. b. Capital Plan: Town Manager will update when more information is available. It’s possible $500,000 may be added to the plan. c. Tax Assessment/Abatement: Mr. Watters urged members of the public to work civilly with town government to come to a reasonable solution to the recent property tax hikes. 6. Minutes: Mr. Nuzzolo motioned to approve the minutes of the March 2, 2023 meeting, Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 7. Public Comment: a. Board Comment: Mr. Menard addressed the recent anonymous letter brought up at a Select Board meeting, and urged members of the public who may be afraid to share their thoughts publicly, to come to him. Mr. Menard added that everyone should have a voice. b. Public comment: Former Finance Committee member Dave Passios first agreed with Mr. Menard, and also opined that oftentimes opinions of members of the public are often better heard when they’re voiced by appointed and elected officials. Mr. Passios also asked why the Turkey Hill Elementary School is not being used as a shelter for people in town in emergency situations. Mr. Passios also informed the committee that no public discussion of the parks budget ever took place before tonight’s Finance Committee meeting. 8. Items for Future Meetings: Emergency Shelter –Turkey Hill Elementary 9. Next Meetings a. March 16 –Fire, Lunenburg Public Schools ===PAGE 4=== b. March 22 –Administration, Unclassified, Debt Service, Monty Tech c. March 23 –PACC, Sewer, Other Moneyed Articles d. March 30 –Public Hearing 10. Adjourn At 8:43 p.m. Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn. Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-03-22-agenda-92.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-03-22 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-03-22-agenda-92.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03222023-92 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Thomas Gray Caesar Nuzzolo **Vacancy** Lunenburg Finance Committee Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 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/9091740347 or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499, enter Webinar ID: 909 174 0347. 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. New Business a. 7:05pm – Administration, Unclassified, & Debt Service Presentation b. 7:30pm – Monty Tech Budget Presentation c. 8:30pm – Lunenburg Public Schools Budget Presentation 5. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 6. Old Business a. Town Meeting Finance Committee Report (Due 4/4/23) b. Capital Plan c. Tax Assessment/Abatement Discussion 7. Minutes 8. Committee Reports 9. Future Meetings 10. Public Comment 11. Upcoming meetings: a. March 23rd – PACC (7:05), Sewer (7:30), Fire (8:00), & Other Moneyed Articles (8:30) b. March 30th – Public Hearing (7:05) & Vote on Recommendations c. April 6th – Public Hearing (7:05) *if needed* d. April 13th – Public Hearing (7:05) *if needed* 12. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-03-22-minutes-92.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-03-22 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-03-22-minutes-92.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03222023-92 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 22, 2023 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Vice-chair Chris Menard, Jay Simeone, Tom Balish, Caesar Nuzzolo Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Finance Director Karen Brochu, Monty Tech Superintendent Todd Brown, Monty Tech Business Director Tammy Crockett, Monty Tech School Committee member Barbara Reynolds, Lunenburg Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Katherine Burnham, Lunenburg Public Schools Business manager Michael Cassidy, Lunenburg School Committee Chairperson Carol Archambault, School Committee member Peter Beardmore 1. Call to Order Mr. Watters called the meeting to order at 7:03 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/jEXTOz3-UvY 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: Mr. Watters announced that the Association of Town Finance Committees would meet April 29, 2023, and that registration for the event costs $25.00. Mr. Watters also announced that the Boys and Girls Club is holding their annual “Are You Smarter Than a Sixth Grader” fundraiser, and the Finance Committee has been invited to compete. 4. New Business: a. Admin, Unclassified, and Debt Service Presentation: Ms. Lemieux presented her budget requests for Select Board Admin, Town Manager Admin, Finance Admin, Town Accountant Admin, Annual Town Audit, Legal Admin, Assessors, Treasurer/Collector, Town Clerk Admin (including Elections and Registration, and Census), Information Tech Admin, and Land Use Admin (Planning, ZBA, Conservation) Under Select Board Admin, Ms. Lemieux seeks to increase the Assistant Town Manager’s hours from 28 to 32, which will cost about $10,000 more than her FY24 target, but also will decrease the board/clerk line by $4,432. The Town Manager Admin budget seeks no changes, with total request coming in at $181,043. A $500 increase to the Finance Committee budget is requested to cover admission to conferences, and training. The Town Accountant Budget seeks a $400 increase for supplies. Annual Town Audit estimate is $2,000 higher than originally anticipated, total: $40,000. No change in budget for legal expenses at $110,000. Assessor’s Office seeks a $2,000 increase to cover contracted services, as well as dues and memberships for the board. Treasurer’s Administration seeks an increase in salary for the Treasurer/Tax Collector’s increase in hours from 36 to 40. An increase in contracted services is up $4,500 to address a fiscal advisory fee regarding unclaimed property. The Town Clerk Administration budget request comes in at $54,525. Elections request is $16,735, which includes a $400 increase in the salary line for election workers. Health and Sanitation includes a 7.5 percent increase to the regional board of health and nursing lines. Total FY24 request is $104,961.15. Veterans Admin and Benefits budget is level-funded, coming in at $110,775. Approved by Finance Committee at April 20, 2023 meeting. ===PAGE 2=== Health Insurance for active employees and retirees will cost $2,856,753.60, which reflects a 5 percent increase for retirees, and a 6.2 percent increase for active employees, as well as vacant benefit eligible positions. FY24 Unclassified, Other Categories:  Workers Compensation and Liability Insurances are estimated at a 5 percent increase ($15,137)  Police/Fire Injured on Duty insurance is estimated at a 5 percent increase ($3,093)  Medicare Costs estimated at a 6.4 percent increase($20,510 increase)  Montachusett Planning Assessment: $104 increase  Salary Reserve estimate increased from $64,000 to $100,000  Training Line increased from $2,800 to $15,000  Band Concerts, Life Insurance, Insurance Cost Control, Historical Commission, Unemployment, the Reserve Fund, Town Reports and Physicals are level funded. FY24 Expenditures; Non-Discretionary – Debt Service ===PAGE 3=== b. Monty Tech Budget Presentation: Superintendent Brown gave the committee an overview on how Monty Tech has used funds outside Chapter 70 money to make improvements to the school. Ms. Crockett explained how Chapter 70 funds are formulated, and the effect the funds have on Lunenburg’s budget. For FY24, Chapter 70 funds, which are decided by the state legislature, will rise 9.8 percent, which will reflect a $114,831 increase from FY23, totaling $1,127,113 going to Monty Tech, which amounts to 6.62 percent of Monty Tech’s operating budget. The financial responsibilities among the municipalities in the region’s district are unevenly divided. Lunenburg has an allotment of 97 spaces at the school for their students. The town will fund $12,179 per pupil. Members of the committee expressed their concern over how the town has no control over the amount of money determined to be spent on the vocational school. Below is a breakdown of how other municipalities contribute to Monty Tech. c. Lunenburg Public Schools Budget Presentation: Dr. Burnham informed the committee that the school committee has approved the budget for FY24, and that the budget has been presented at the January 4, 2023 and March 14, 2023 meetings of the school committee. The total budget for the schools for FY24 is $22,883,442, which reflects a 2.5 percent increase from FY23. Dr. Burnham pointed out that 38.32 percent of the budget is built of Chapter 70 funds. Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds will run out in FY23. The FY24 budget will cover contractual agreements, a 6.2 percent health insurance increase, an increase in transportation costs, and two new positions: Humanities teacher at the high school, and a district secretary. In year 1 of their 5-year staffing plan, the school will rely on grant funding for a high school math teacher, psychologist, counselor, and nurse. Withdrawn from year one is a dean for the high school. The schools are also dealing with negotiating contractual bargaining agreements, and anticipating more information on federal and state grants, as well as the circuit breaker. 5. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: The DPW applied for a grant regarding school zone speed signs, and it has been awarded to the town. The signs will be used for the Oak Ave school zone. ===PAGE 4=== The LED Streetlight Green Communities Project is in progress. Estimated energy incentive is estimated at $33,500, which will be deposited into the general fund. RFP has gone out for the town beach building. Project should be complete by beach season. One floor of the McNally Park building is salvageable. The second floor will be demolished. Ritter ADA Ramp and Building Envelope project: drawings are being updated by new architect. New Certificate to Alter to be submitted to Architectural Preservation District Committee (APDC). Lunenburg Central (Large warehouse on Leominster Shirley Rd) Certificate of Occupancy will trigger new growth numbers for the fall. Mr. Simeone added that the road should be paved before the certificate is issued. Master Plan: bid has been awarded to Boston company Over Under for $153,000, which will account for two capital plan items. The Police Department security system has been experiencing critical failures. Select Board will vote on ARPA funds to address the problem. Project estimated to cost $83,000. Municibid Surplus: The Council on Aging auctioned off a used steam table on Municibid, and got $525.00, which will be deposited into the general fund. The police department is auctioning off their last gas-powered cruiser (2016 Ford Explorer). Mass Development One Stop For Growth: Ms. Lemieux has submitted Expression of Interest applications for the Leominster-Shirley Rd corridor in order to ease traffic congestion and mitigate safety concerns at intersections of Leominster–Shirley Rd. with Reservoir and Fort Pond Roads. Ms. Lemieux also submitted an Expression of Interest application for Mass Development’s Real Estate Services Technical Assistance program to put together an RFP for when the town is ready to sell 925 Massachusetts Ave. Public Employee Committee Agreement update: Ms. Lemieux will meet with the PEC to investigate a health insurance opt out plan. Employees who have been on the town’s health insurance would be able to opt for a minimum period of time, and receive a payment for doing so, which would result in an overall savings for the town when it comes to the employer’s share of health insurance plans. 30 School Street Hazardous Abatement and Demolition: A project schedule has been set. Abatement should begin in April, and completed by May 8, 2023. Tax Assessment Services: The Select Board has authorized spending $10,000 on property inspections regarding abatement applications. Municipal Finance Services LLC out of Stoneham is inspection properties on weekends. 6. Old Business: a. Town Meeting Finance Committee Meeting Report: Mr. Menard reiterated he’d like to address how the state demands money from the town for Chapter 70 funds. b. Capital Plan: After putting aside half the free cash to address all potential abatement applications, Ms. Lemieux has determined that more money can go toward the capital plan. The amount has not been determined. 7. Minutes: Mr. Nuzzolo motioned to approve the minutes from the March 9, 2023 meeting. Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 8. Committee Reports no reports 9. Public Comment none 10. Items for Future Meetings Second public hearing in April. 11. Next Meetings April 6, April 20 (potential public hearing), April 27 ===PAGE 5=== 12. Adjourn: At 10:00 p.m. Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-03-23-agenda-93.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-03-23 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-03-23-agenda-93.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03232023-93 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Thomas Gray Caesar Nuzzolo **Vacancy** Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 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/87081729841 (Passcode ID: 289141) or from a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499, enter Webinar ID: 870 8172 9841 and Passcode ID: 289141. 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. New Business a. 7:05pm – Public Access Budget Presentation b. 7:30pm – Sewer Department Budget Presentation c. 8:00pm – Fire Department Budget Presentation d. 8:30pm – Other Monied Articles 5. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 6. Old Business a. Town Meeting Finance Committee Report (due 4/4/23) b. Capital Plan c. Tax Assessment/Abatement Discussion 7. Minutes 8. Committee Reports 9. Future Meetings 10. Public Comment 11. Upcoming meetings: a. March 30th – Public Hearing (7:05) & Vote on Recommendations b. April 6th – Public Hearing (7:05) *if needed* c. April 13th – Public Hearing (7:05) *if needed* 12. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-03-23-minutes-93.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-03-23 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-03-23-minutes-93.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03232023-93 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 23, 2023 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and remote via Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Vice-Chairperson Chris Menard, Jay Simeone, Tom Balish, Caesar Nuzzolo Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Finance Director Karen Brochu, DPW Director Bill Bernard, Fire Department Chief Patrick Sullivan, PACC Chairperson Steve Walker, PACC Director Jo McLaughlin 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/t9Tp3u7OWqk 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: none 4. New Business: a. Public Access Budget Presentation: PACC anticipates $211,670 of income from Comcast, and annual operations will not exceed that income. Money from Comcast can only be spent on the PACC. Any surplus is put into the PACC’s enterprise fund, which will be built up to $1,009,205.91 by the end of FY23. The committee is planning to purchase new equipment, and build a proper studio with that money. Mr. Walker explained that there is currently a bill proposed (HD.74, S.34) on the state level to address the issue of people using streaming services over cable. b. Sewer Department Budget: Mr. Bernard explained that the sewer commission would need to transfer $427,718 out of retained earnings for the FY24 operating budget due to the cost of upgrading pump stations, debt service to Fitchburg and Leominster, and capital expenses. Mr. Menard asked about the assistant to the sewer business manager who was added onto the payroll last year. Mr. Bernard explained that the sewer business manager had requested an assistant for years, and it’s been determined the position is still needed. Approved by Finance Committee at April 20, 2023 meeting. ===PAGE 2=== $590,000 in ARPA funds have been requested for manholes, sewer pump station upgrades, and a sewer mobile generator. The sewer commission is also committed to reducing storm water inflow and infiltration into the sewer system in order to reduce costs. c. Fire Department Budget: Chief Sullivan highlighted increases in hydrant rental, IT support, software and hardware, vehicle maintenance, fuel, contractual raises, and EMS supplies for the FY24 budget. The department will receive grant funding for hoses and nozzles, as well as a grant to replace helmets, and to supply senior citizens with sand for their walkways in winter, and check or replace smoke detectors. Chief Sullivan also mentioned increasing billing rates for paramedic care. Estimated costs as follows:  EMS Maintenance: $9,000  IT Software: $9,000  IT Hardware: $10,000  EMS Supplies: $3,000  Hydrant Maintenance: $1,806 ===PAGE 3===  Vehicle Maintenance: $3,000 d. Other Monied Articles: Ms. Lemieux briefly went over the draft of warrant articles for Annual Town Meeting. Those sponsoring the articles will attend the next meeting to give further explanation. 5. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: none 6. Old Business: a. Town Meeting Finance Committee Report: Mr. Watters is working on the report. b. Capital Plan: No discussion c. Tax Assessment/Abatement Discussion: No discussion 7. Committee Reports No reports 8. Public Comment None 9. Items for Future Meetings: Trust funds, investment 10. Next Meetings a. March 30 –Public Hearing b. April 6 – Public Hearing (if needed) c. April 13 –Public Hearing (if needed) 11. Adjourn At 9:28 p.m. Mr. Menard motioned to Adjourn. Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-03-30-agenda-94.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-03-30 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-03-30-agenda-94.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03302023-94 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Thomas Gray Caesar Nuzzolo **Vacancy** Lunenburg Finance Committee **Public Hearing** Thursday, March 30th, 2023 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. From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499, 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. This 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. New Business a. 7:05pm – Public Hearing on Warrant Articles b. Vote on Recommendations 5. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 6. Old Business a. Town Meeting Finance Committee Report (due 4/4/23) b. Capital Plan c. Tax Assessment/Abatement Discussion 7. Minutes 8. Committee Reports 9. Future Meetings 10. Public Comment 11. Upcoming meetings: a. April 6th b. April 20th – Public Hearing (7:05) c. May 6th – Annual Town Meeting (9:00am) 12. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-03-30-minutes-94.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-03-30 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-03-30-minutes-94.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03302023-94 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 30, 2023 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and remotely via Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Vice Chairperson Chris Menard, Jay Simeone, Tom Gray, Caesar Nuzzolo Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux, Finance Director Karen Brochu, Land Use Director Adam Burney (remote) Select Board and Capital Planning Committee member Tom Alonzo, Select Board Member Lou Franco, Historical Commission representative Bill Laakso, Personnel Committee representative Joanna Bilotta-Simeone. 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/Ow-nI3eipPU 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: none 4. New Business: a. Public Hearing on Warrant Articles: At 7:03 p.m. Mr. Nuzzolo motioned to open the public hearing, Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried. Ms. Lemieux presented the town’s FY24 Town Manager recommended budget, which is a balanced budget proposal, and will use funds from the Health Insurance Stabilization account to offset insurance costs. Projected revenues for FY2024 sum up to $48,040,906. FY24 Preliminary Cherry Sheet estimates project a .38 percent increase for a total of $10,540.787. FY24 Local Receipts reflects a 1.6 percent increase ($50,000) from last year’s estimate due to motor vehicle excise tax. Available Funds total $3,871,824.97. After setting aside $1.5 million for the overlay account to fund abatements, $467,268 will go toward the FY24 Capital Plan, $282,855 will go toward Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB), $100,000 will go toward regular stabilization, $250,000 will go toward the Special Purpose Stabilization Fund, and $25,000 will go toward the Historical Homes Survey Article. The remaining balance, $213,426, will most likely be used for snow and ice. FY24 Expenditures include an increase in hours for employees of various departments, as well as additional part-time help. Ms. Lemieux added that expenditures do not include funding for an additional police officer, citing impact of the current Police Collective Bargaining Agreement. Ms. Lemieux also explained the schools will see a 2.5 percent increase, and the Monty Tech Assessment has risen 12 percent. The retirement assessment reflects a 13.5 percent increase. Health insurance reflects a 6.2 percent increase for active employees, and a 5 percent rate increase for retirees. The overall increase comes to 20 percent for all active, retired, and school retiree health Unanimously approved on 6/8/2023 ===PAGE 2=== insurance. Ms. Lemieux explained that with several employees retiring, and new hires coming onto the town’s payroll, adjustments would need to be made regarding health insurance. The solid waste/recycling program reflects a 12.8 percent increase. Debt Service reflects a 21.7 percent decrease. Cherry Sheet Offsets reflects a 14.7 percent decrease Allowance for abatements reflects a 3.41 percent increase. Debt Service is slated to decrease in FY24 of $979,711 Other Money Articles include funding the first year of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Firefighters Union which is still in negotiations. Wage increases for the Salary Administration Plan (non-union town employees) will come out of the FY24 Salary Reserve Account (2.5 percent cost of living increase $38,095.13) Historical Commission Survey funding to come from Free Cash ($25,000). Capital Plan Ms. Lemieux has added six additional projects to the FY24 Capital Plan. • THES Fire Alarm upgrade: $287,000 • Public Safety Radio System (Phase 1) $242, 510 • Northfield Rd Culvert (Kelly’s Pond) $25,000 • DPW ½ Ton Pickup Crew Cab $55,000 • T.C. Passios sidewalk (1,700 sq.ft) $25,000 • Whalom Lake and Marshall Pond treatment $30,000 Public Hearing Public Comment: Mr. Beardmore asked whether the committee had the opportunity to discuss free cash, and where it would be spent. Mr. Beardmore asked how the money in stabilization accounts relates to amounts recommended by the Department of Revenue. Mr. Beardmore commented on ARPA funds that were spent on capital plan items, and inquired what projects the special purpose stabilization account would fund. Ms. Lemieux commented that there are several future capital projects that will require a significant amount of money, which will be partly funded by the special purpose stabilization fund. Mr. Beardmore also questioned when OPEB funds would be spent. Ms. Lemieux responded that a presentation is being prepared by the actuary, and will be given in the future. Lunenburg resident Rhonda Lissio, who has attended several Capital Planning Committee meetings, added that the Fire Chief has commented that ambulances are being heavily used, and therefore, funds need to be reserved to purchase ambulances in the future. Warrant Articles Mr. Nuzzolo motioned that Article A has no financial impact, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Menard motioned to approve recommendation of Article B. Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ===PAGE 3=== Having no definitive dollar amount on Article C, Mr. Menard motioned to defer recommendation to Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Ms. Lemieux presented a chart depicting budget transfers in the amount of $4,127,165.91. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval of Article D. Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Ms. Lemieux has suggested that $1.5 million out of free cash will prepare the town for the worst case scenario involving the latest tax abatement applications. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval of Article E. Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried 4-0-1. Mr. Simeone abstained. Mr. Nuzzolo motioned to defer Article F to a future Finance Committee meeting. Mr. Gray seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval of Article G. Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article H will be removed from the warrant, as it involves the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Municipal Employees Union, which is still being negotiated. Mr. Menard motioned to defer recommendation on Article H to Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article I, which has to do with the Firefighters Union Collective Bargaining Agreement currently in negotiations with the Town was also deferred. Mr. Menard motioned to defer recommendation on Article I to Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ===PAGE 4=== Ms. Lemieux is recommending $100,000 from free cash be deposited into the Stabilization Fund, and added that having strong reserves in stabilization is good for bond rating when thinking about future borrowing. Currently there is $2,702,062 in the Stabilization Fund. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval of Article J to transfer $100,000 from free cash to the Stabilization Fund, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Ms. Lemieux is recommending $250,000 of free cash be deposited into the Special Purpose Stabilization Fund. Ms. Lemieux pointed out that the fire department will need to purchase equipment estimated to cost $2,996,847 in the near future, and adding in DPW equipment, the town will need to spend $4 million by FY32. The $250,000, if appropriated, will bring the total fund up to $2,262,808. Mr. Menard recommended approval of Article K, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Ms. Lemieux recommends putting $282,855 (10 percent of certified free cash) from free cash into the OPEB Trust Fund. The fund currently has $985,291. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval of Article L. Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval of Article M to appropriate $2,094,850 to the Sewer Enterprise Fund, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval of Article N to transfer $36,621 from retained earnings into the Sewer Reserve Stabilization Fund Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article O will be removed from the warrant, and combined with Article L regarding OPEB. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval to transfer $1,000 from Sewer Retained Earnings to the OPEB Sewer Trust Fund, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Menard motioned recommend approval of Article P to transfer $302,000 from solid waste revenues to the Solid Waste Disposal Program Enterprise Fund, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ===PAGE 5=== Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval of Article Q to transfer $25,000 from Water Enterprise Revenues to the Water Enterprise Fund, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval of Article R to transfer $210,764, which includes indirect costs, to the PEG Access Enterprise operating and capital budgets, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article S requests $25,000 for consultant services to survey historic sites, homes, and buildings in town. The survey will focus on homes built in 1833. Mr. Laakso explained that half the funds will be reimbursed by the federal government upon completion of the survey. If passed, the commission will send a letter of intent to initiate the process, which should be completed by 2025. The article read that only homes within the Historic District would be surveyed, which was an error. The article will be edited to read town-wide. Mr. Menard motioned to defer Article S to Annual Town Meeting, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article T requests $38,095 to be transferred from the Salary Reserve Fund to account for a 2.5 percent Cost of Living Increase for employees on the Salary Administration Plan (S.A.P.) Ms. Bilotta-Simeone explained that the Personnel Committee is continuing to work on updating job descriptions for the 34 job titles, and 85 employees on the S.A.P. Mr. Menard recommended approval of Article T to transfer $38,095.13 from the Salary Reserve Fund for S.A.P. employee wage increases. Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article U will be removed from the Warrant, but was read into the record. Mr. Menard motioned to defer Article U to Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. The Article will be removed as a result of lack of communication from Lufa Farms. Article V regarding the Public Safety Building will be removed from the warrant because repairs to the building will be paid for by ARPA funds. Mr. Menard motioned to defer Article V to Annual Town Meeting, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ===PAGE 6=== Petition language subject to change before Annual Town Meeting. Article W requests power be given to the Select Board to submit a Home Rule Petition to the Massachusetts General Court regarding tax relief for senior citizens in town. Mr. Franco explained that the relief would be provided to longtime property owners who have lived in town for fifteen consecutive years leading up to applying, who have no excessive assets, and have real demonstrated need for relief. Relief will only be considered on the domicile of the senior applicant. To be eligible one must be at least 65 years old, and have applied for, and granted the circuit breaker tax credit. If 70 years old, the applicant must also demonstrate they are eligible for the current exemption already in available. Mr. Franco added that the average tax bill would see a 1 percent increase if the program is implemented. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend deferral on Article W to Annual Town Meeting, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval of Article X, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend Article Y has no financial impact, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Ms. Lemieux informed the committee that the town has received $84,000 in opioid litigation settlement funds. The money is to be used toward outreach, education, and resources regarding opioid use. ===PAGE 7=== Mr. Menard recommended approval of Article Z, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. At 10:27 p.m. Mr. Nuzzolo motioned to close the public hearing, Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 5. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: none 6. Old Business: a. Town Meeting Finance Committee Report: Mr. Watters is working on a draft of the report. b. Capital Plan: See above c. Tax Assessment/Abatement Discussion: Inspections are in progress regarding abatement applications. 7. Minutes none 8. Committee Reports none 9. Public Comment Mr. Watters thanked the committee for their efforts this budget season. Dave Passios expressed his appreciation for the committee as well. 10. Items for Future Meetings: 11. Next Meetings: April 6, April 20 Public Hearing, May 6 Annual Town Meeting 12. Adjourn: At 10:33 p.m. Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-04-06-agenda-95.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-04-06 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-04-06-agenda-95.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04062023-95 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-04-06-minutes-95.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-04-06 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-04-06-minutes-95.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04062023-95 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 6, 2023 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Vice-Chairperson Chris Menard, Jay Simeone, Tom Gray, Tom Balish (arrived later), Caesar Nuzzolo Guests: Town Manager Heather Lemieux (Remote) 1. Call to Order Mr. Menard 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/ckCnO-5t0t8 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: Mr. Watters announced that the annual fundraiser for the Boys and Girls, “Club Are You Smarter Than Our Sixth Graders?” is on Friday April 28, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Menard turned the meeting over to Mr. Watters. 4. Public Comment: Lunenburg resident Dave Rogers commented that he had trouble calling into the meeting from home, and came to Town Hall to inform the committee. Mr. Rogers also inquired as to when the public could comment on the Town Warrant. 5. New Business: a. Update on Budget Numbers: Drafted warrant articles have been changed from letters to numbers, and committee members voted on updated articles as they’ve learned dollar amounts that go along with some articles. Article 6 (regarding the FY24 Capital Plan) Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. There was a discussion regarding an email from a School Committee member regarding the latest items to be funded on the FY24 Capital Plan. Ms. Lemieux explained that she added the next prioritized items on the plan when funds became available, and that the prioritized list did not change since the Capital Planning Process was completed at the beginning of the calendar year. Article 8 Collective Bargaining Agreement for Firefighters has not been finalized. The vote stands to defer to Annual Town Meeting. Article 14 (Sewer Enterprises) The Sewer Commission realized that the numbers in their budget for usage fees has increased, and as a result, the dollar amount of the article has changed. The committee learned the Sewer Commission would not be meeting until April 11, 2023. Mr. Menard motioned to defer recommendation to Annual Town Meeting, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ===PAGE 2=== Article 20 (Historical Commission edits) The article was edited to include all homes in town, not just those within the Historical District. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval. Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Article 21 (Senior Tax Relief) The article was edited to add revocation of Senior Tax Relief at a future Town Meeting if needed. Committee members discussed whether the article would have financial impact. Mr. Watters commented that the budget would not be impacted, but it would have an effect on the property owners’ taxes. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried (4-1 Simeone -nay) 6. Town Manager/Finance Director Report: none 7. Old Business a. Town Meeting Finance Committee Report: Mr. Watters is still drafting the report, and pointed out that the town is facing a dilemma concerning the latest property tax bills, and using free cash to fund the overlay account for abatements, which took money away from funding the FY24 Capital Plan, and spending ARPA funds on capital items, on top of an unforeseeable future. Mr. Menard opined that the town is in good shape financially, and is weathering the storm, but municipal building projects have been sidelined. Mr. Nuzzolo added that he is optimistic, and the report can include all the ways the town is handling current obstacles. The committee agreed that focusing on factual information about the town’s finances in the report would suffice. b. Tax Abatement/Assessment: Third and Fourth Quarter taxes are due on May 1 and are being accepted with no interest charged. Abatement Applications are still being accepted. Extension forms are being mailed out by the Assessor’s Office. 8. Minutes: none 9. Committee Reports: Committee members updated each other on their respective assignments. 10. Items for Future Meetings: Invite Select Board Chairperson Michael Ray Jeffries to discuss potential issues going into next fiscal year. 11. Public Comment Lunenburg resident Rhonda Lissio thanked the committee for not deferring the FY24 Capital Plan article to Annual Town Meeting. Ms. Lissio attended several Capital Planning Committee meetings, and has followed the process extensively. According to Ms. Lissio, for three consecutive years, the School Committee has asked to change the prioritization of items after the process has ended. Ms. Lissio read all the FY24 Capital Plan requests from the School Committee. 12. Next Meetings: April 20, 2023 (Public Hearing), May 6, 2023 (ATM) 13. Adjourn: At 8:24 p.m. Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-04-20-agenda-96.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-04-20 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-04-20-agenda-96.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04202023-96 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Town of Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simeone Thomas Gray Caesar Nuzzolo **Vacancy** **PUBLIC HEARING** Lunenburg Finance Committee Thursday, April 20th, 2023 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. From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475-4499, 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. New Business a. Public Hearing Opening (7:05) b. Update on Budget Numbers i. Vote as needed c. Update on Warrant Articles i. Vote as needed d. Annual Town Meeting e. Close Public Hearing 5. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 6. Old Business a. Town Meeting Finance Committee Report b. Capital Plan c. Tax Assessment/Abatement Discussion 7. Minutes 8. Committee Reports 9. Future Meetings 10. Public Comment 11. Upcoming meetings: a. May 5th – FinCom Meeting b. May 6th – Annual Town Meeting (LMHS) 12. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-04-20-minutes-96.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-04-20 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-04-20-minutes-96.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04202023-96 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 20, 2023 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Vice-Chairperson Chris Menard, Jay Simeone, Tom Balish, Tom Gray (Intermittently remote), Caesar Nuzzolo 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/q91xlcBZgQ0 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements: Mr. Menard informed the board of the passing of former Finance Committee member John Henshaw, and offered his condolences to the Henshaw family. 4. New Business: a. Public Hearing: Mr. Menard motioned to open the public hearing, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried. Article 14 (Sewer Enterprise Fund) The Sewer Commission has met and updated the amount to account for the decrease in capital costs by $15,231.55, which covers an increase in Fitchburg sewer rates ($6,600), and an unbudgeted retiree cost of $8,631.53. Mr. Watters explained that $8,000 has been removed from the warrant article and retained earnings are now $419,718.07. Mr. Menard motioned to recommend approval, Mr. Nuzzolo seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Annual Town Meeting: The committee agreed they do not anticipate a need for a last minute meeting before Annual Town Meeting on May 6. Mr. Nuzzolo motioned to close the public hearing. Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 5. Old Business a. Finance Committee Report: Mr. Watters read the latest draft of the report. (See Appendix A) Mr. Menard suggested including a final number regarding ARPA funds. Mr. Balish volunteered to edit the style and phraseology of the report. Committee members discussed the term under-levying, and whether it accurately describes the town’s situation. Mr. Nuzzolo suggested editing a bullet point regarding one public comment made at a prior meeting referring to the recent hike in waterfront property real estate taxes. Committee members agreed to edit that bullet point. Mr. Menard mentioned the Select Board’s investigation into the assessment process. Mr. Balish inquired whether the report should include the assessment/abatement issue before the investigation ends. Mr. Menard and Mr. Simeone discussed the assessment process, and the possibility of repeating the situation next year. Mr. Menard opined that the assessment issue is only a priority for 10 percent of the town. Committee members discussed which adjective to use regarding the situation, and agreed that though procedures have been followed, no one knows the outcome of the appellate process, and what that will reveal ===PAGE 2=== moving forward. Mr. Nuzzolo opined that the way the statements are currently written in the report are factual, and informative. Mr. Nuzzolo motioned to accept the FY24 Finance Committee Annual Town Meeting report as presented, allowing for syntax and grammatical updates up until Annual Town Meeting on May 6, 2023, Mr. Balish seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. 6. Minutes Mr. Nuzzolo motioned to accept the minutes of the March 22, 2023 and March 23, 2023 meetings. Mr. Menard seconded. On vote, motion carried. 3-0-1 (Mr. Balish abstained.) 7. Committee Reports: Mr. Menard recommended committee members watch the Select Board meeting regarding ARPA funds. 8. Public Comment: Mr. Watters informed the committee that the board clerk’s last day will be May 4, 2023. 9. Next Meetings May 18, 2023 10. Adjourn At 8:03 p.m. Mr. Menard motioned to adjourn, Mr. Simeone seconded. On vote, motion carried unanimously. Appendix A: ===PAGE 3=== Lunenburg continues to operate with solid fiscal policy, allowing for the weathering of unexpected storms. Under sound management and conservative practices in prior years, the Town stands poised to fund the needs of all departments and the residents within. The process of developing and presenting a budget to the Annual Town Meeting begins in the early fall with the Town Manager meeting with department heads to discuss expenses, wants, and needs. The Town Manager then presents the proposed budget to the Finance Committee in mid-February. Over the following 90 days, the Finance Committee meets with the various department heads to discuss their individual line-item budget requests. The Finance Committee then votes on the recommendation of the finalized omnibus budget provided by the Town Manager and reports to the Annual Town Meeting. As the Legislative body acting on the Town’s behalf, the Finance Committee recommends the approval of the budget as presented at the Annual Town Meeting. Historically, the Capital Plan has been funded though free cash, taxes revenues, and unspent capital appropriation from prior years. For FY24, the available free cash is substantially lower due to the need to fill the overlay account with enough funds to offset a worst-case scenario with resident tax abatements. Without the use of ARPA funds, the proposed Capital Plan would fund $1,039,010, a 52% decrease from FY23. With the inclusion of the ARPA funds, the proposed Capital Plan funds $2,025,010, a 6.4% decrease from FY23. This conservative approach allows the Town to fund critical items in the Capital Plan while reserving enough money to cover potential abatements. Understandably, a significant issue on most resident’s minds revolves around the current assessments and subsequent tax levy. While the personal positions, understanding, and potential outcomes of the taxpayers may widely vary, there are a fair number of certainties. 1. The increases felt by some taxpayers do not indicate a windfall of cash for the Town. Lunenburg is restricted by Proposition 2½ (Mass. Gen. L. c. 59, § 21C) and, as such, is unable to raise the overall levy of the Town by anymore that 2½% of the previous year’s levy limit plus any New Growth and Excludible Debt. The table below outlines the changes in taxes, showing the modest increase from year to year.   FY22 Final FY23 Final FY24 Budgeted FY22/FY23 % Change FY23/FY24 % Change Prior Year Levy Limit $ 26,049,570.00 $ 27,131,063.00 $ 28,043,722.60 4.15% 3.36% 2½% Increase $ 651,239.25 $ 678,276.58 $ 701,093.07 4.15% 3.36% Estimated New Growth $ 430,254.00 $ 234,383.77 $ 200,000.00 -45.52% -14.67% Debt Exclusion $ 2,828,812.36 $ 2,831,932.29 $ 2,477,704.00 0.11% -12.51% Taxes: Total $ 29,959,875.61 $ 30,875,655.64 $ 31,477,704.00 3.06% 1.95% 2. Many Town residents have filled abatements, disputing the assessments made of their homes. Should all abatements be granted, the Town would under-levy approximately $1,500,000. To best cover this potential outcome, the Town Manager has recommended the transfer of $1,500,000 from Free Cash to the Overlay Account. The Town residents would not be responsible for any abatements granted. 3. The abatement process and Overlay Account are the proper methods of both addressing the issue and reversing the financial burden placed on some of the Town residents. Noteworthy topics: • The end of FY23 will see a 14.6% reduction of our Debt Service and Excludible Debt, from $3,174,257.53 (FY23) to $2,712,069.90 (FY24). This decrease is the result of the retiring of excludible debt from the Public Safety Building and the Primary School as well as a completed MSBA reimbursement for the Primary School. As a result, debt capacity is made available for future projects. An analysis, run by Unibank, projected a variety of scenarios to guide the Town in debt capacity spending over the next 30 years. In total, the Town has $42,000,000 that will be useable while remaining under debt capacity limits. With this number in mind, the Select Board, Municipal Building Design Committee, and the Town will be better prepared to plan for the future. • Federal relief, during the COVID-19 pandemic, provided Lunenburg with $3,500,000 in ARPA funds and $1,900,000 in ESSER funds. ARPA funding is to be spent at the discretion of the Select Board. In an attempt to minimize the delivery time, the Select Board voted to spend $986,000 in ARPA funds to order three items from the Capital Plan; a replacement Rescue Ambulance ($506,000) for the Fire Department and two-6 wheel dump trucks ($240,000 each) for the DPW. The remaining $2,514,000 has yet to be allocated as the Select Board considers recommendations from various department heads and Town citizens. ESSER funds allowed the School Department to hire 13 new positions across the district. Social workers, guidance counselors, subject specialists, tutors, and technicians were all brought into the school to provide much needed support to the Town’s youth. The School ===PAGE 4=== Department will need to look for additional funding or other ways to maintain the new staff as the last of the ESSER funding is required to be spent by the end of September 2024. • Cherry Sheet offsets and other State monies have historically, on average, underwhelmed the Town. While FY23 did see a larger than expected increase (11.5%) in Chapter 70 (public school funding) funds, the outlook for FY24 is the likely mandatory minimum increase resulting in a 0.6% increase. In FY23, the Ch. 70 increase was more than enough to cover the 20.4% increase in the Monty Tech assessment. For FY24, the 0.6% increase will not be enough to offset the 12% increase in the Monty Tech Assessment. The Finance Committee met with our State Delegation and pushed for a reassessment of the formulas used to determine funding for small municipalities. The Finance Committee wishes to thank the Town Manager, Finance Director, Capital Planning Committee, and all the department heads that gave their time and effort to produce the budget presented at the Annual Town Meeting. We recommend the passage of the Town Manager’s omnibus budget and the funding of Lunenburg’s FY24. Respectfully, The Lunenburg Finance Committee: Evan Watters, Chair Christopher Menard, Vice-Chair Thomas Balish, Clerk Jay Simone Thomas Gray Caesar Nuzzolo ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-06-08-agenda-98.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-06-08 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-06-08-agenda-98.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06082023-98 ======================================================================================== ===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, June 8th, 2023 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/84135736161?pwd=QkVpVlNLU216VHdhRjBhTnhVVnNYUT09. From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475- 4499, enter Webinar ID: 841 3573 6161. 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. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 5. New Business a. Primary School air conditioning project modification – Superintendent and Business Manager to answer questions b. Master Plan Steering Committee Assignment c. Capital Planning Committee assignment d. Committee liaison assignments e. Summer schedule i. Special Town Funds ii. Investment options for better returns iii. Fiscal Policy iv. Meeting Frequency v. Committee Reorganization vi. Other 6. Old Business a. Tax Assessment/Abatement Discussion 7. Minutes a. 10/27/2022, 11/10/2022, 3/30/2023 b. Being recorded: i. 3/7/23 ii. 4/6/23 iii. 4/20/23 8. Committee Reports 9. Topics for Future Meetings 10. Public Comment 11. Upcoming meetings: a. June 22nd – Quorum? 12. Adjourn ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-06-08-minutes-98.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-06-08 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-06-08-minutes-98.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06082023-98 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== Lunenburg Finance Committee MINUTES June 8, 2023 page of 17 Town of Lunenburg Evan Watters, Chair 17 Main St., P.O. Box 135 Chris Menard, Vice Chair Lunenburg, MA 01462 Thomas Balish, Clerk 978.582.4139 Jay Simeone Thomas Gray **Vacancy** **Vacancy** Lunenburg Finance Committee MINUTES June 8, 2023 Location: In-person at Lunenburg Town Hall and broadcast on Zoom Present: Chairperson Evan Watters, Chris Menard, Tom Gray, Tom Balish Guests: Dr. Kate Burnham, Superintendent, Michael Cassidy, Lunenburg Public Schools Business Manager 1.Mr. Watters called the meeting to order at 7:03pm 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Announcements and Public Comment Brian Lehtinen introduced himself as the new liaison from the School Committee to the Finance Committee. Rhonda Lizzio, 181 Reservoir Rd., said she recalled Mr. Jefferies mention there was heat damage occurring at the Primary School due to it being designed to retain heat and that she recalled problems with the fire alarms in that building a few years ago and that some investment was made to either repair or replace that she believed was also due to excessive humidity. She wanted to know if the project being put forward addresses those issues and if not, who is protecting the tax payers investment. 4. Town Manager / Finance Director Report – no update 5. New Business a.Primary School air conditioning project Dr. Burnham referenced the letter provided to the Finance Committee saying it outlines the proposed approach to accomplishing, at least to some degree, the original town ===PAGE 2=== Lunenburg Finance Committee MINUTES June 8, 2023 page of 27 meeting vote approving the AC project. She said when they did more exploration following that town meeting a year ago that the engineers gave cost estimates that were in the millions and not the hundreds of thousands so they had to reassess to work within the available funding to accomplish the goal of air conditioning in the building. The proposal outlined is to use mini split ductless systems to provide some air conditioning into the classrooms. Dr. Burnham said that in response to Selectboard Chair Jefferies suggestion that an electrical engineer be consulted to ensure that the current electrical system would support this modified plan that she and Mr. Cassidy consulted with the engineer they used last summer and that the electrical service to this building is more than sufficient to support this plan. Mr. Cassidy said their goal is to get consensus of the boards that are stakeholders in this project and support that they are maintaining the intent of the original submission. He said there was concern that these were potentially residential units but that the did meet with the vendor today and it was described to him that there is not a lot of differentiation between commercial and residential in these units. Mr. Gray asked what the average life was using it the way we plan to use it. Mr. Cassidy said the average lifespan if they are well maintained is probably 20-25 years. Mr. Menard asked if that was in the warranty from the vendor as he doesn’t know of anything that would last 20-25 years anymore. Mr. Cassidy said he didn’t know the warranty but that he can reach out to the vendor. Mr. Watters added that he believes it would just be the condensers that would need to be replaced within that time frame and not the whole system. Mr. Gray asked if the current heating system was still in place and how the two systems would interact. Dr. Burnham said there was no impact and that she didn’t intend to use these units for heating. She said the intention is to use these units for reduction in humidity and alleviating temperatures in the building in warmer months. Mr. Menard asked Dr. Burnham and Mr. Cassidy to address the public comment earlier in the evening regarding heat damage occurring in the building. Dr. Burnham said that had been addressed previously and that Mr. Jefferies had toured the building and he noted that there were areas that showed signs of heat stress. Mr. Menard said that when he read the letter it said that the intent of this project remains the same – managing classroom air comfort – and wanted to know if the purpose was only for air comfort as stated or as asked earlier by a resident to manage the heat so that we don’t get heat damage. Dr. Burnham said the primary focus is to make sure they have classrooms that are a comfortable environment for teaching and learning and that the ===PAGE 3=== Lunenburg Finance Committee MINUTES June 8, 2023 page of 37 added benefit is that by air conditioning those spaces you are reducing some of the heat stress. Mr. Gray asked if these units would be run after the school year ends during the summer to keep the heat down and the damage down. Dr. Burnham said yes that they would monitor and not allow the temperature inside to go above 78 degrees so would be looking to utilize those units even when the building wasn’t occupied. Mr. Watters asked Dr. Burnham to also address the public comment about fire alarms being damaged potentially from heat or humidity. Dr. Burnham that she wasn’t aware that any of the challenges they were experiencing with the fire alarms a few years ago was due to uncontrolled humidity but that the repairs have been made and they have had no issues since. Mr. Menard asked Mr. Passios to make a comment as he is the Finance Committee representative to Capital Planning. Mr. Passios (56 Whiting Street) said this project has been in the pipeline for upwards of 4 years. There were two iterations of it and questions started to come up as to how well vetted the project was initially. He said he is ok with what the school department has come up with as a plan. He said Capital Planning was approached for this iteration but they didn’t think they needed to reconvene as it did accomplish the original intent of the project. Mr. Lehtinen was asked if there was anything he wanted to add as the appointment member of the Capital Planning committee. Mr. Lehtinen said that the agreed with Mr. Passios that this was a climate control project. Mr. Menard asked what a vote means – if they voted yes, would it move forward, if they voted no would it not move forward. Dr. Burnham said that in talking with the town manager that because this is a fairly unique circumstance that her concern was that there be a consensus from the major boards in town to agree that this project falls within the original intent of the project proposed and approved at Town Meeting. Mr. Menard said it was his opinion this this project does not fall within the four walls of the original project which was for air conditioning in the entire school not for 2/3 of the school for climate control. He said that the question of whether or not we think this is the right approach given the fact that there was money allocated is ultimately a decision for the town to make at Town Meeting. Mr. Menard questioned what they are being asked to do with the information presented. Mr. Cassidy responded that they are looking for support from the board to move forward with the project. ===PAGE 4=== Lunenburg Finance Committee MINUTES June 8, 2023 page of 47 Mr. Menard asked if they were lined up to have the project ready to go this summer. Mr. Cassidy said yes, they could. Mr. Passios said he has the same concerns as Mr. Menard in regards to what you are supporting here and based on his knowledge thinks this may not be the right way to go and it might be just a band aid fix and that holding off another year and come up with a comprehensive project that covers the entire original intent. Mr. Watters said that although it may be a band aid fix and not entirely within the original scope of the capital plan request it is still within the spirit of the request which is to bring some relief to those classrooms. Mr. Balish said that from a process standpoint we have a whole capital planning process set up to have projects vetted and that what is being proposed is different enough from the original project that he doesn’t feel comfortable saying it should move forward. Mr. Menard agreed with that sentiment and that the process isn’t being followed. He said we need a real plan for this building and that this plan doesn’t fall within the original intent. Mr. Gray said that the issue really goes back to when this project was first proposed and that not enough leg work was done. He said one of the things we need to is have a better handle on capital projects so these errors don’t keep happening. He said he feels this will serve the purpose of providing some relief for the kids and that he would support it. Mr. Balish motioned to support the modified plan outlined in the letter from Lunenburg Public Schools. Mr. Gray seconded. Mr. Menard asked for clarification as the letter says $238,000 but at annual town meeting we voted for $232,800. Dr. Burnham apologized for the error and that they would work within the budget allocated for this project. On vote – motion defeated – 2 aye and 2 nay. b. Master Plan Steering Committee Mr. Watters said a Master Plan Steering Committee is being convened and charged by the planning board with 15 voting members including a member from the Finance Committee. Mr. Menard’s recommendation is for Mr. Watters to be the Finance Committee Representative. ===PAGE 5=== Lunenburg Finance Committee MINUTES June 8, 2023 page of 57 Mr Gray motioned to nominate Mr. Watters to the Master Plan Steering Committee. On vote – motion passes unanimously. c. Capital Planning Committee assignment Mr. Watters thanked Mr. Passios for serving as the Finance Committee representative for Capital Planning. Mr. Watters motioned to nominate Mr. Menard to the Capital Planning Committee. Mr. Balish seconded. On vote – motion passes unanimously. d. Committee liaison assignments Mr. Gray said he wasn’t sure when Municipal Building Committee would be wrapping up but wanted to stay on. Mr. Watters said that the committee need an interim liaison assignment for the School Committee, Police and Fire and Library until there were new members and the committee could be reorganized due to Mr. Balish leaving the committee at the end of the month. Mr. Gray said he would take School Committee. Mr. Menard offered to take the Police and Fire liaison assignment. Mr. Watters will take the Library. e. Summer schedule Mr. Watters went down a list of potential topics for the summer: -Special Town Funds -Fiscal Policy to review general fiscal policy – where we are spending funds, how we are spending funds and if the committee wanted to put forward a strategy or at least recommend policy that we would want to present. -Investments for better return ===PAGE 6=== Lunenburg Finance Committee MINUTES June 8, 2023 page of 67 Mr. Watters said the current meeting schedule he has is: 6/22, 7/13, 7/27, 8/10, 8/24, 9/14, 9/28 and asked if the committee had any conflicts. Committee discussed their availability. f. Committee Reorganization Mr. Watters recommended holding off until there were additional members. 6. Old Business Tax Assessment/Abatement Discussion Mr. Watters updated that the last he had heard there were going to be a decent number of abatements being granted. Mr. Menard added that his take away from the last Select Board meeting was that they were intending to wrap up in the next few weeks. 7. Minutes Mr. Gray motioned to approve the minutes of 10/27/2022, 11/10/2022, 3/30/2023. Mr. Balish seconded. On vote - motion passed unanimously Minutes from 3/7/23 and 4/20/23 are being worked on. April 6 minutes are in the drive but need to be reviewed before approval. 8. Committee Reports - none 9. Topics for Future Meetings – none other than the summer schedule. 10. Public Comment Mr. Passios (56 Whiting Street) thanked the committee for allowing him to finish off the Capital Planning season this last last budget season. He mentioned that although the Town Government has done a good job of getting a handle on equipment that we need, groundskeeping, and employee management we are still very much lacking in our infrastructure and we need to get that under control and said that we can’t keep saying we can’t afford it and sited Turkey Hill Elementary School and the much needed repairs. ===PAGE 7=== Lunenburg Finance Committee MINUTES June 8, 2023 page of 77 Mr. Menard thanked Mr. Balish for serving on the committee and hopes he returns at some point in the future. 11. Upcoming meeting June 22nd 12. Adjournment Mr. Menard motioned and Mr. Gray seconded to adjourn at 8:53pm. On vote – motion passed unanimously. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2023-06-22-agenda-412.txt BOARD : finance-committee DATE : 2023-06-22 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/finance-committee/2023-06-22-agenda-412.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06222023-412 ======================================================================================== ===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, June 22nd, 2023 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/84135736161?pwd=QkVpVlNLU216VHdhRjBhTnhVVnNYUT09. From a telephone, dial the toll free number (888) 475- 4499, enter Webinar ID: 841 3573 6161. 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. Town Manager / Finance Director Report 6. New Business a. Special Town Funds b. Investment options for better returns 7. Old Business a. Tax Assessment/Abatement Discussion b. Primary School air conditioning project modification 8. Minutes 9. Committee Reports 10. Topics for Future Meetings 11. Public Comment 12. Upcoming meetings: a. July 13th, July 27th, Aug 10th, Aug 24th, Sep 14th, Sep 28th 13. Adjourn