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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2028-02-15 Finance Committee Minutes TOWN OF NORTH ANDOVER FINANCE COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes Meeting Date February 15, 2017 Meeting Location: Board of Selectmen Meeting Room, 120 Main Street Bill Callahan, BC, Chairman X Sasha Weinreich, SW X Jennifer Goldman, JG, Vice Chair Divya Bhatnagar, DB Karin Blake, KB X Angela Ciofolo, AC X Thomas Ringler, TR X Chris Nobile, CN X Timothy Tschirhart, TT X Liz Gerron, LG X Note: All FINCOM votes are subject to change upon receipt of new information. Note: Documents used in this meeting are listed in Document Table, herein. Non Finance Committee Members in attendance - Andrew Maylor(Maylor), Town Manager -Cathy Darby(Darby), filling in for Gerry McGuire, Director of Veterans' Services -Irene O'Brien (O'Brien), Director of Elder Services -Cahla Ahlstrom (Ahlstrom), Assistant Director and Outreach Coordinator (Elder Services) -Kathleen Keenan (Keenan), Director at Library Call to order 6:47 Budget Presentation Overview with Andrew Maylor Discussion starts on or about 6:47um/00:15 on video time (Pages 1-9 in Town Manager's Recommended Budget FY2018) BC: Tonight we will kick off the operating budget segment of our calendar, starting with Andrew Maylor and then we will hear from Community Services. Maylor: I appreciate the opportunity to come and speak to the Finance Committee as I do every year, to unveil the budget. The Revenue and Fixed Cost Review Committee came to the conclusion this year that 4% is the target as it relates to revenue growth. It does not mean 4% across the board for every department, it is a benchmark. The budget book in front of you is requesting 4.1%. Larger departments such as Police, School and the Fire Department get very close to that 4%target, and other departments 1 February 15,2017 percentages go up and/or down depending on circumstances or events for that year. Maylor: It is important to note that the goal in establishing a milestone for budget growth provides each department with a framework for making annual request for funding, but does not guarantee funding will be approved if not justified or necessary. This is why you can see large differences in the percentages increases or decreases from department to department. Maylor: Went on to say that Departments are asked for what they need. Maylor: Calendar 2016 was an extraordinary year from a financial perspective, the Town was upgraded to a AAA bond rating. This marked the second rating increase in the last 5 years and it really is a tribute to all the work of all the departments as well as appointed and elected boards throughout the community. Maylor: It is important to note that Sustainability is a primary function of our government and we look forward to building reserves, in fact over the last several years with your support we funded reserves for new programs. Since 2012 we have created an OPEB Stabilization Fund, a Capital Stabilization Fund, a SPED Stabilization Fund and an OPEB Trust Fund. As a result we have grown from $851,000 in 2008 to $18,875,875 today. Maylor: Went on to speak of future projects for investing in our brick and mortar infrastructure and also spoke of the renovation and expansion of completed projects, such as Town Hall. Maylor: Also spoke on a Variety of subjects such as the available services for the Town. Maylor Commented on the GPS devices to be placed in our contracted plows equipment, this will increase efficiency and accountability. Maylor: Reminded the Committee that water and sewer rates have remained unchanged for 6 straight years. Maylor: spoke of open space and conservation land, today we have more than 5,500 acres of town land and more than 70 miles of public trails. Maylor: Spoke of Economic Development going on in Town, also commented on the West Mill and changes that have taken place along with the various new businesses in town, and the already successful companies that have expanded into our Town. Maylor: spoke of revenues that are estimated to increase by $3.8 million year over year and are based on recommendations of the Revenue and Fixed Cost Review Committee, with the exception of the Free Cash for Capital and Reserves, which are recommended by the Town Manager. Maylor: spoke of expenses and stated that the total recommended General Fund Spending for FYI is $97,876,069 or a 4.1% increase. Maylor: Also spoke of another anticipated increase in the number of students attending Essex Agricultural Technical High School, has resulted in a recommendation that this expense be increased by $83k. Maylor: Went on to speak of Capitals and Reserves and stated that he is recommending the continued funding of OPEB Trust Fund with a transfer of$200k into this account from Free Cash in FYI 8. Maylor: Continued to speak of the various recommendations that he had outlined in the Town 2 February 15,2017 Manager's Recommended Budget Book and also spoke of Stevens Estate and its future plans. Maylor: We have Kathy Darby here and she is the Director of Community Services. Community Service Budget Hearing (Veterans' Services) Discussion starts on or about 7:19pm/031:08 on video time (Pages 171-173 in Town Manager's Recommended Budget FY2018) The Finance Committee went around the table and introduced themselves to Cathy Darby who was speaking on behalf of Gerry McGuire, Director of Veterans Services. Darby: The only change is that we asked for an increase to 1.5 in hours in the Veterans' Office (from 18 hours to 19.5 hours) It makes a difference, there are always people waiting to speak to McGuire. They have seen an increase in homeless veterans and he has been able to help and place them in single room occupancy or housing. Darby: Stated that McGuire is well connected and works with the Northeast Veteran Association. McGuire also is in the middle of a fund raiser and is collecting new twin sheets for some of these veterans. They also provide motorized wheel chairs for veterans that need one, free of cost, that McGuire keeps in his garage. Darby: We have 40 participants that are receiving benefits now. McGuire also services Boxford as well. Community Service Budget Hearing (Elder Services) Discussion starts on or about 7:31pm/043:10 on video time (Pages 165-167 Town Manager's Recommended Budget FY2018) O'Brien: Good Evening everyone I am the Director of Elder Services Ahlstrom: Commented that she is the Assistant Director and Outreach Coordinator at the Senior Center. O'Brien: We are here to tell you how wonderful the Senior Center is and commented on how supportive the Town is to us. O'Brien: Spoke of the Senior Tax-Work Off Program and that it increased from 35 to 40 participants. Each participant must complete 100 hours of service for $1000 off of their real estate taxes. Ahlstrom: Stated that we just acquired through the Capital Improvement Program a 14 passenger van. This increases ridership in trips to and from the Senior Center and also trips to go grocery shopping. O'Brien: This year we received an increase in Formula Grant Funding to $53,341.28 This helps covers 5 part time folks. Ahlstrom: Stated that seniors' population has increased each year(60 and over). 3 February 15,2017 Ahlstrom: Stated entering into her position as an Outreach Manager she took a training class with the Alzheimer Association, so she could become certified and function as a facilitator for Alzheimer Support Groups. We also offer support to the caregiver as well as those with the diagnosis for Alzheimer. O'Brien and Ahlstrom spoke of all the services that are available to all the seniors and all their accomplishments. O'Brien: Stated that we are a service base agency, we give families options if they ask for it, but we do not make recommendations. It is up to the families to do their homework. O'Brien: Commented that our number went up to 920(according to the census) that have come of age (60 years old) in a year. The senior population is younger longer so building a Senior Center to fill all the wants and needs of everyone is impossible. O'Brien: Commented lastly on the diversity of the seniors that use the Senior Center. Community Service Budget Hearing (Library) Discussion starts on or about 7:57um/069:30 on video time (Page 174-178 in Town Manager's Recommended Budget FY2018) Keenan: The Library has a very large age span from birth on. Keenan spoke of the many young moms who come to the library. Keenan commented that Maylor has been very supportive to the Library. Technology has made a huge difference for us. We look to hire those who will expand new skills into the library, so they can share that knowledge. Keenan: Spoke of what is being offered at the library, it is not just all about books. Keenan: Also spoke of the changes in Children Services, starting with the addition of 3 new children's librarians to include previous library experience and also Master's education with extensive knowledge of early literacy; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (referred as STEM) and a class curriculum design. Keenan: Stated that the library has received certification from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. This certification allows the Library to be eligible to participate in statewide interlibrary resource sharing and to receive MA State Aid to Public Library funds. Libraries are the automatic sharing pool. Keenan: Spoke of the value in belonging to the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium. We have 37 libraries in it, we can share and borrow books from other libraries. Keenan: Spoke of the age of the building (1907) and how buildings don't like additions and that buildings leak where the additions match up with the roof. Keenan: Spoke of the direct funds and also the tremendous support they get from other groups such as "Friends of the Library". We rely a lot on community support. Keenan: Commented on the various programs offered at the Library. One of the Programs she 4 February 15,2017 spoke of is The Girls Who Code project. This program is available for about 19-20 girls and it gets young girls involved with technology. The library provides the space and the school provides the Chrome Books. School Department Budget Update Discussion starts on or about 8:41pm/113:30 on video time BC: Stated that TT was kind enough to send us the School Budget Status Report and it does look like there will be a need for $165,000 out of the Special Education Reserve. We will eventually hear from the School Committee (in the future). Vote on CIP Discussion starts on or about 8:47pm/118:10 on video time TT: I move that we accept the Capital Improvement Budget for FYI of the Facilities Master Plan for $6,647,500 as documented in and detailed on page 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018-2022 report. CN: Second the motion All in Favor to approve TT: I move that we accept the Capital Improvement Budget for FYI for the Playground Improvement Plan for$50,000 as documented in and detailed on page 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018-2022 report. CN: Second the motion All in Favor to approve TT: I move that we accept the Capital Improvement Budget for FYI for Municipal IT (Information Technology) Plan for $50,000 as documented in and detailed on page 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018-2022 report. CN: Second the motion All in Favor to approve TT: I move that we accept the Capital Improvement Budget for FYI for the Forestry Vehicle (for the Fire Department) for $65,000 as documented in and detailed on page 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018-2022 report. CN: Second the motion All in Favor to approve. TT: I move that we accept the Capital Improvement Budget for FYI for Roadway Improvements (for Public Works) for $1,210,000 as documented in and detailed on page 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018-2022 report. CN: Second the motion All in Favor to approve 5 February 15,2017 TT: I move that we accept the Capital Improvement Budget for FYI for sidewalks (for Public Works) for $75,000 as documented in and detailed on page 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018-2022 report. CN: Second the motion All in Favor to approve TT: I move that we accept the Capital Improvement Budget for FYI for Water and High Street Lights, Roads and Streetscape Improvements (for Public Works) for$475,000 as documented in and detailed on page 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018- 2022 report. CN: Second the motion All in Favor to approve TT: I move that we accept the Capital Improvement Budget for FYI for Building Maintenance Plan (for Facilities) for$225,000 as documented in and detailed on page 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018-2022 report. CN: Second the motion All in Favor to approve TT: I move that we accept the Capital Improvement Budget for FYI for the Sport-Turf Field Surface Replacement(for the School) for $750,000 as documented in and detailed on page 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018-2022 report. CN: Second the motion All in Favor to approve TT: I move that we accept the Capital Improvement Budget for FYI for IT (for the School) for $100,000 as documented in and detailed on page 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018-2022 report. CN: Second the motion All in Favor to approve TT: Commented that the subtotal for the Capital Improvement Plan is $9,647,500 as documented in and detailed on page 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018- 2022 report. TT: I motion that we accept the improvements to Various Pump Stations Recommended Sewer Capital Budget Projects for FYI 8, totaling $100,000 as detailed on page 83 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018-2022 report. CN: Second the motion All in favor TT: I move that we accept the Recommended Ozone System Projects for FYI totaling $2,200,000 (Water Department)as detailed on page 99 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018-2022 report. CN Second the motion All in favor 6 February 15,2017 TT: I move that we accept the Recommended Chemical Storage Tanks and Feed System Projects for FYI totaling $225,000(Water Department) as detailed on page 99 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018-2022 report. CN Second the motion All in favor TT: Commented for the record the subtotal for Water Department is $2,425,000 TT: I move that we accept the Recommended Stevens Estate Capital Budget Projects for FYI 8, for Main House Boiler and Plumbing Improvements totaling $75,000 as detailed on page 123 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018-2022 report. CN: Second the motion All in favor TT: I move that we accept the Recommended Stevens Estate Capital Budget Projects for FYI 8, Exterior Infrastructure/Grounds Improvements totaling $35,000 as detailed on page 123 of the Capital Improvement Plan General Fund Enterprise Fund 2018-2022 report. CN: Second the motion All in Favor. Public Comment Discussion starts on or about 8:53pm/125:14 on video time Stan Limpert, of 43 Stonecleave Road commented that he cannot say enough about the way the schools and town are being run, the financial budgeting process, and praised the town Manager. Approval of Minutes Discussion starts on or about 8:54pm/126:20 on video time January 10, 2017 Minutes CN: Made a motion to approve the minutes as written TR: second the motion All in Favor January 17, 2017 Minutes LG: Made a motion to approve the minutes as written TR: second the motion All in Favor January 24, 2017 Minutes CN: Made a motion to approve the minutes as written SW: second the motion All in Favor 7 February 15,2017 Ad'ournment 9:07pm TT: made a motion to adjourn CN: Second the motion All in favor to adjourn Document Table *Capital Improvement Plan FY 2018-2022 * Hand out from School Department (adoption for a new strategic plan for North Andover Public Schools). Budget Status Report as of January 24, 2017 ** Minutes from the Finance Committee Meetings January 10, 2017, January 17, 2017 and January 24, 2017 *North Andover Reads (pamphlet), Jacqueline Woodson *Overview 2017 North Andover Senior Center * Senior Center Statistics Report 2017 * Four Seasons Senior Newsletter Winter Edition 2017 *Town Manager's Recommended Budget Book Fiscal Year 2018. --------------------------------------------------------------- Hard copy ** Hard Copy and on Google Drive 8 February 15,2017