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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-26 Finance Committee Minutes Finance Committee wl Minutes of May 26, 2020 Present: Chairman Sasha Weinreich, Edward MacMillan, Jennifer Burns-Luz (7:15PM arrival), Christine Allen, Kevin Foley, Tim Tschirhart, Charles Trafton Absent: Divya Bhatnager, Thomas Ringler Non-Finance Committee Members: Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues, Finance Director Lyric Savage, Community& Economic Development Director Andrew Shapiro, Superintendent Gregg Gilligan, Assistant Superintendent James Mealey, School Committee Chairman David Torrisi Ms. Weinreich read a quick statement before the meeting started(referencing the opening statement off of the May 18, 2020 Agenda) "Pursuant to Governor Baker's March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L.c 30A, Section 18 and the Governor's March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the North Andover Finance Committee will be conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible". Ms. Weinreich called the meeting to order at 7:04PM via conference call. Ms. Weinreich did a roll call. Ms. Weinreich led the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment No public comment. Discussion with Superintendent Gilligan, Assistant Superintendent Mealey and School Committee Chairman David Torrisi regarding proposed FY21 Budget Ms. Weinreich welcomed Dr. Gilligan, Dr. Mealey and Mr. Torrisi. Dr. Gilligan discussed looking at new platforms and what will be needed to open up the schools. Dr. Gilligan stated they are being cautious and only doing necessary procedures and holding off on others. Mr. Torrisi stated there are many unknowns waiting for guidelines from the State. Ms. Weinreich asked what the time line of availability to make decision that will have budgetary impact. Mr. Torrisi stated that they are looking into process what is needed and that late June is when the State will release further information. Mr. Torrisi spoke about the development of working groups to plan for the knowns. Dr. Mealey states North Andover has been very responsible so North Andover is in a better position and they plan to keep with the transparence. Ms. Weinreich asked what the unknowns are. Ms. Rodrigues stated that she is currently working closely on the MOU with all parties involved. Ms. Rodrigues stated that following: 1)North Andover is eligible for up to $2.7 million for COVID related costs. Ms. Rodrigues stated that as of last week only $150,000 has been spent so there is a significant amount left and that buses, nurses, FEMA funding is all reimbursable. 2)North Andover has a finance reserve account at $1.6 million with MOU in place. Ms. Rodrigues stated that she feels that there will be no need to make cuts and that FY22 will be affected which is why the MOU will help. Ms. Weinreich asked if there are special education costs that can be linked to the CARES funding. Ms. Rodrigues stated it is vague at this time and that an argument will be needed to be made that it is directly related. Dr. Mealey stated CARES federal funding will give North Andover $300,000.00 that can be used mostly for special education services. Mr. Torisi stated that the School Committee received the MOU on Thursday so they are still looking into it. Mr. Torisi stated that he would like to have further conversations with the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Allen asked about staff increases concerning LPNs, custodians and staffing. Dr. Gilligan explained they are holding off on non-essential staff positions. Ms. Allen asked if it is possible to hold off on hiring until September or October. Dr. Mealey stated they are waiting to see what will happen and that since unemployment is high it should be easier to fill positions if needed immediately. Dr. Mealey stated that reducing class size is not a new initiative. Ms. Allen asked if there is a list being put together to prioritize. Dr. Gilligan stated that he has looked into the upcoming retirements and what will be needed to be covered under the law. Dr. Gilligan discussed that teachers that cannot come back will be taken on a case by case basis and that there could be a hybrid model that could be used pairing teachers with students in a similar situation. Ms. Rodrigues mentioned that the town has to pay 2/3 of salary since they are privately funded for unemployment. Ms. Allen asked how the MOU is progressing. Dr. Gilligan stated that they are working with the School Committee on it. Mr. Torrisi stated they are getting a working group together over the next couple of weeks before Town Meeting. Ms. Weinreich commented that she would like to see an MOU in order to help make recommendations for budgetary items that have not yet been voted on. Discussion with Town Manager Rodgriues , Finance Director Savage and Community & Economic Development Director Andrew Shapiro Ms. Weinreich stated that Jennifer Burns-Luz meeting arrival time was 7:15PM. Ms. Rodrigues gave a presentation of the TIF agreement with Amazon. Ms. Weinreich asked if there was a value of personal property. Ms. Rodrigues stated that have not received a value as of yet . Ms. Rodrigues mentioned that there are no individual vans but rather large trucks that will be accessing the facility. Mr. Trafton asked if the numbers in the presentation where gross or present value numbers. Town Manager stated present value numbers. Mr. Trafton asked what the discount rate was. Mr. Shapiro stated there was no discount rate. Ms. Rodrigues corrected her statement that it is gross and not present value numbers. Ms. Rodrigues discussed that there will be 1500 full time jobs once the facility is opened and if they fall under that number then North Andover can have the TIF decertified. Mr. MacMillan asked about permits. Ms. Rodrigues explained that there permits that have been already taken and the permits that will still be needed. Ms. Weinreich asked about the development agreement. Ms. Rodrigues explained there will be a study about deliveries and traffic. Ms. Weinreich asked all members of the Finance Committee to email her any questions on the TIF. Ms. Weinreich stated that she would like to have additional meeting before Town Meeting. Ms. Allen explained what to expect at this year's Town Meeting. Old Business None Approval of May 18, 2020 Minutes Ms. Allen motioned to approve minutes of May 18, 2020. Mr. MacMillan seconded. Motion approved 8-0. Mr. MacMillan made a motion to adjourn at 8:27PM, seconded by Ms. Allen. Motion approved 8-0.