Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
ATM 2015 WARRANT
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Source page 1
Recommendations of the Finance Committee
to the Voters of Canton, Massachusetts
2015
TOWN OF CANTON
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 11, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
Within the Annual Town Meeting
(Plymouth Rubber Redevelopment)
MONDAY, MAY 11, 2015 at 7:05 p.m.
Morse Auditorium
Canton High School
900 Washington Street, Canton
Study this report and come to Annual Town Meeting.
Bring this report with you.
__________________________________________
$95 million will be appropriated by Canton YOUR VOTE at Town Meeting is important
Town Meeting Voters for because it establishes the priorities for our schools,
Next Year’s expenditures. public works, public safety, town government and
future direction for our environment.
For Emergency Preparedness Information, log The Town, upon request, will endeavor, to the
onto www.town.canton.ma.us and click on greatest extent possible, to make available any
“Emergency Planning Guide” or Call and all visual and audio devices and assistance for
1-800-480-2520 for a free FEMA Emergency the disabled. For more information, please call
Preparedness Handbook. 781-821-5000.
Reminder: The deadline for dog registrations is
May 30, 2015.Source page 2
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page #
Reports
Finance Committee Report ……………………………………………………………….… 4
Charts and Exhibits
Figure 1 – Historical Summary of Expenses – FY01-FY14 Estimated ………. 6
Figure 2 – Reserve Accounts & Bond Rating Agency Expectation ……….…… 7
Additional Fund Sources …………………………………………………………………… 8
Town Finance Terminology …………………………………………………………………. 12
A Guide to Participating at Town Meeting …………………………………………….. 13
Note to All Voters Concerning Town Meeting Procedures ……………………….. 14
Summary of Revenue and Expenditures ……………………………………………….. 15
Revolving Funds ………………………………………………………………………………… 25
Votes to Transfer Available Funds ……………………………………………………….. 79
Operating Budget by Voting Category FY 2016 ……………………………………… 80
Operating Budget by Department – Detail FY 2016 …………..…………………… 82
Five Year Municipal Capital Plan for FY 2016-2020 ……………………….………. 90
Five Year School Committee Capital Plan for FY 2016-2020 …………………… 91
Five Year Self-Supporting Capital Plan for FY 2016-2020 ……………………….. 91
Annual Town Meeting Articles
Art. Page #
1 Elect a Moderator ………………………………………………………………………………. 16
2 Adopt Rules to Govern Town Meeting …………………………………………………… 16
3 Hear Reports of Committees Appointed at Prior Town Meetings ……………… 19
4 Act on “Consent Agenda” ……………………………………………………………………. 19
5 Collective Bargaining Agreements under the Board of Selectmen …………… 20
6 Personal Service Contracts under the Board of Selectmen …………………….. 21
7 Set Salaries of Elected Officers ……………………………………………………………. 21
8 Pay Bills of Prior Fiscal Year ……………………………………………………………….. 22
9 Adjust Fiscal 2015 Accounts …………………………………………………………….. 23
10 Transfer Unexpended Prior Year Appropriations …………………………………… 24
11 Authorize Certain Revolving Funds ……………………………………………………… 24
12 “Omnibus” Capital Outlay Program …………………………………………………….. 27
13 Accept General or Session Laws Enacted by the General Court ………………. 38
th
14 Approval of Funding for the Annual 4 of July Community Celebration …… 38
15 Insurance Proceeds ………………………………………………………………………….. 39
16 Vote to Rescind Unused Borrowing Authorizations ……………………………….. 39
17 Increase Stabilization Fund ………………………………………………………………… 40
18 Local Funding Match – Chapter 90 Roads ……………………………………………. 41
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
Art. Page #
19 Recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee …..…….….. 42
20 Special Education Stabilization Fund Transfer ………………………………………. 47
21 Amend Zoning By-Law – Flexible Residential Lot Number Determination .. 47
22 Amend Zoning By-Law – Hotel Overlay District Height ………………………….. 48
23 Amend Zoning By-Law – to Add “Priority Revitalization Area C” ……………… 49
24 Amend Zoning Map by Placing Parcels along Revere Street and Neponset
Street within CCEOD …………………………………………………………………………. 58
25 Amend Zoning By-Law Section 9.5 of Hotel Overlay District ….………………. 59
26 Amend Zoning Map by Placing Limited Industrial Parcels along Royall
Street & Royall Lane within the Hotel Overlay District (HOD) ………………… 60
27 Amend Zoning By-Law Section 9.5.3 to Permit Other Locations to be
Eligible for Hotel Overlay District (HOD) …………………………………………….. 61
28 Amend Zoning Map to Create an Area for Hotel Overlay District (HOD) ……. 62
29 Amend Zoning By-Laws to Allow Restaurants in Hotel Overlay District ……. 62
30 Amend Zoning Map to Establish Overlay Zoning District Entitled “Canton
Large Scale Ground Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Installation Overlay
District (SPOD) ………………………………………………………………………………… 63
31 Amend Zoning Board’s Table of Use Regulations (Restaurants) …………….. 64
32 Amend Zoning Board’s Table of Use Regulations (Motor Vehicle Repair
Garage) ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 65
33 Amend Zoning Board’s Table of Use Regulations (Restaurant, Office and
Commercial and Retail Uses) ……………………………………………………………… 66
34 Vote to Approve Full-Time Kindergarten …………………………………………….. 69
35 Improvements to the Lt. Peter M. Hansen Elementary School ……………… 70
36 Amend Additional 43D Priority Development Site(s) .………………………..…. 71
37 Home Rule Petition - Increase the Number of Alcohol Licenses …………….. 73
38 Vote to Approve Funding for Assessment of Town Buildings & Facilities ….. 75
39 Vote to Approve Title Change for Human Resources Administrator …………. 76
40 Municipal Compensation/Job Description Study ………………………………….. 77
41 Consolidation of Department of Public Works and Property Maintenance
Department …………………………………………………………………………………….. 78
42 Appropriate Funds to Meet Expenses for Next Fiscal year (FY16) …………… 79
NOTES
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
Overview of the Issues to Consider in this Year's Warrant
First, please visit http://town.canton.ma.us/Canton%20Fincom/Fincom%20Home.htm to access
more comprehensive documents that were reviewed by the Finance Committee and other Town
Officials in coming to the conclusions
2015 Residential Tax Rate: $12.82 Per Thousand found in this warrant. Special thanks
$5.65 School Operating and Capital to Jim Sims and Louis Jutras for
$2.91 Municipal Operating and Capital building the website and keeping it
$4.11 Fixed Costs up to date.
$0.15 State & County Charges
As the economy continues to
improve, Canton’s sound fiscal
management has put us in a position to enhance services and increase our reserves without
taking the maximum tax increase allowed by Proposition 2 1/2. However, rising ‘Fixed Costs’
such as Trash Collection (13.5%), Pension Obligations (11.7%) and Town Insurance (5.3%)
meant less was available to enhance services this year than last year. It should be noted that the
increase in Trash Collection was expected as our long term contract expired last year and prices
have risen significantly. Payments to the pension system have increased as the Norfolk County
Retirement System moves towards fully funding our pension liabilities. The pension payments
required by Norfolk County are expected to continue to increase by 10% per year.
The $82.7 million FY16 budget recommended by the Finance Committee in this year’s
warrant is expected to marginally increase our current level of Town and School services
and pay contractual increases to our
public employees. The recommended Finance Committee Budget Recommendations
operating budget represents a 3.7% 3.7% Increase in Operating Budgets
increase over the FY15 budget 2.9% Increase in Fixed Cost
approved at the 2014 Annual Town 4.8% Municipal Budget Increase
Meeting (ATM) and a 4.7% increase in 4.7% School Budget Increase
School and 4.8% increase in the
Municipal Operating Budgets. The FY16 budget recommended by the Finance Committee
assumes that property taxes will be increased by less than the maximum allowed under Prop 2
½, and that revenue will be supplemented with an increase in Local Receipts (including the
Vehicle Excise Tax) and New Growth.
Often this time of year is met with guessing where our State Aid numbers will fall. At the time of
this writing, we have received the Governor’s Budget for review, but the House Ways and Means
Committee has not released their draft of the budget. As the economy continues to recover, the
Finance Committee continues to be careful not to increase the budget too rapidly for a number of
reasons. First, by not ‘taxing to the max’ the average tax payer is projected to save $61.
Second, many of our expenses, such as public employee salaries and health care will continue to
rise at a rate greater than 2.5%. Increasing spending beyond the recommended levels this year
risks budget cuts in FY17 or FY18.
The Capital Planning Committee (CPC) and the Finance Committee are recommending that
Canton continue its capital funding at 5.1% of revenue. With additional projects funded from Free
Cash, the total Capital Expenditures have grown to 5.6%. Allocating the Town's limited revenue
between the operating expenses, needed to maintain our services, and the capital expenses,
needed to maintain our buildings and infrastructure, is always a difficult decision. The School
Building Study Committee will present a report to Town Meeting this year to discuss their long
term solution to our space needs which includes this year’s Hansen addition. If the Hansen
addition moves forward, the amount of funding dedicated to capital will increase beyond 5.6%.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
1
Standard & Poor’s, in a recent report , assigned its AAA long-term rating to Canton’s
general obligation (GO) municipal purpose loan of 2015 bonds and affirmed the same
rating on Canton’s GO bonds outstanding, reflecting the Town’s sound fiscal policies. This
is the highest bond rating afforded to municipalities in the United States given only to towns that
consistently demonstrate sound fiscal policies. This rating allows the Town to borrow money for
capital projects at the lowest available interest rates, currently less than 2%.
To qualify for this low borrowing rate, Canton is expected to maintain a ‘target’ level of reserves,
protecting the Town from unexpected expenses. Currently, Canton’s reserves are projected to be
at $11.6 million as of June 30, 2015 which is approaching the target for AAA municipalities (see
the Status in Town’s Reserves Section Below).
To continue addressing our Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) liability, the Finance
Committee, as part of Fixed Costs, has recommended a $750,000 transfer to the fund.
The voters should read the Finance Committee discussions on each Article and note that a vote
to "postpone indefinitely" may have varied meanings. In some cases the Finance Committee had
to “postpone indefinitely” the subject matter of an Article due to the time frame for taking the vote
and the lack of available information. This should not be construed to mean that we were against
the Article – only that we did not have enough time or information to weigh the merits prior to our
voting deadline for the Warrant. In other cases, the Finance Committee weighed the information
presented and a vote to "postpone indefinitely" implies that we do not support the
recommendations in the Article. The discussions that follow each motion are intended to give
insight into the Committee's decisions and the considerations inherent in each motion.
Historical Perspective on Canton's Finances
As the economy continues to improve, the Finance Committee has attempted to balance
enhancing services at a sustainable rate, continuing to address our OPEB Liability, maintaining
our infrastructure and setting aside funds for the next rainy (snowy) day.
Fiscal Year 2014 – (7/1/13 – 6/30/14) – At the 2013 ATM voters approved an FY14 budget based
on $76.6 million in forecasted revenue and $76.6 million in forecasted expenses. No assessor’s
overlay surplus was budgeted.
Actual Revenue for FY14 was $80.3 million, approximately $3.7 million higher than budgeted as
Canton collected more Local Receipts and Property Taxes. FY14 expenses were $78.3 million,
$1.7 million more than budgeted. This increase was primarily due to funds spent to repair the
Shepard’s Pond Dam ($900,000) and to supplement the snow and ice budget ($500,000),
spending decisions recommended by the Finance Committee ONLY when it appeared likely our
revenues would come in much higher than budgeted. Overall, the Town still increased its
reserves in fiscal year 2014 as shown in Figure 2 Below.
Fiscal Year 2015 – (7/1/2014 – 6/30/2015)
At the 2014 ATM voters approved a FY15 Budget based on $78.9 million in forecasted revenue
and $79.7 million in forecasted expenses. The expenses were budgeted higher than revenue to
pay one-time expenses from Free Cash as opposed to borrowing.
At the time of this writing, the Town's FY15 finances are more favorable than budgeted. The
current estimate of the Town's FY15 revenue is approximately $2.4 million greater than budget
primarily because of increased motor vehicle excise taxes, increased building permit revenues,
new tax growth, and bond premiums received. Because of this unanticipated increase in revenue,
1
Standard and Poor’s Ratings Direct® report dated February 27th, 2015.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
the Town did not have to ‘tax to the max’ to balance the voted FY15 budget. The snowy winter of
2015 did add some stress to the Town's finances. All of the budgeted appropriations for snow
and ice removal were spent in FY15. The account is over drawn by approximately $900k. The
Finance Committee recommends addressing this shortfall through Free Cash. Overall, if these
trends continue at the end of FY15, even with the cost associated with snow and ice, we
anticipate our cash reserves, which are Free Cash, Stabilization Fund, and the Assessors Overlay
Reserve, to grow to 14.2% of FY16’s budget, approaching the target of the bond rating agencies.
Figure 1 provides a historical view of the expenses between the School Department, the
municipal side of government, and the fixed costs (i.e. health care, retirement, etc.). Fixed costs
have increased dramatically since 2003 largely due to increases in health insurance. In
previous years, the Finance Committee noted that bringing health care and employee benefit
costs under control is a critical component in alleviating the Town’s financial stress. It is also
important to note, that increasing the number of employees has a direct impact on the Fixed Cost
budget. The town continues to work with our municipal and school employees to mitigate the
rising cost of healthcare, which now comprises over 13% of our overall budget.
The accelerated increases in the school department expenses can be attributed to an increase in
special education costs and the steps, lanes and longevity increases built into the teacher
contracts. Both municipal and school employee contracts include increases given to some
employees for longevity, steps (number of years served) and lanes (promotions or the amount of
post-graduate education for teachers), even when there is no cost of living adjustment (COLA).
When there is a COLA, employees can receive both. The School department contracts include
more steps than the municipal contracts, and have more lanes with no restrictions on the number
of employees that can receive the promotional increases. As a result, the $501,474 in steps,
lanes and longevity inherent in school contracts for FY16 represented an average salary increase
of 1.8% compared to the $133,026 (1.1%) in steps and longevity increases provided to municipal
employees. All employees are likely to receive a COLA for FY16 as well, however the contracts
have not been finalized at the time of this writing.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
Status of the Town's Reserves
Budget variances are inevitable. The Town's reserves protect against unexpected costs
exceeding the budgets approved at ATM. The operating budget also includes a Finance
Committee Reserve account, which can cover extraordinary or unforeseen expenditures in the
operating budgets. In most years, a sizable portion of the Finance Committee Reserve (currently
set at $500,000) appropriation is used to supplement the snow and ice removal budget because
the budget is intentionally left low for flexibility purposes. This year, these budget overages will
be covered by Free Cash Reserves, leaving the Finance Committee Reserve for any issues that
arise before 6/30/2015. Any remaining balance in this fund will be transferred to the Free Cash
Reserve as in previous years.
The Town also maintains three sources of
"Reserves" (savings accounts) that serve as Free Cash Reserve - This is a poorly
potential sources to fund unplanned expenses. named reserve that the Town maintains
Figure 2 shows the Town's reserve balances for unexpected emergencies. "Free
including the estimated balances as of June 30, Cash" should not be used to supplement
2015. The Free Cash Reserve requires a majority operational budget deficits!
vote at ATM to be appropriated. The Stabilization
Fund requires a 2/3 vote at ATM to be appropriated
and the Assessors Overlay Reserve Fund can only be used if an Overlay Surplus is approved by
the Town’s assessors.
Figure 2: Reserve Accounts & Bond Rating Agency Expectation (in millions)
14
12
10 3.0
2.3
8 1.3
0.7
millions
6 2.0 12.4
1.5 0.4 5.1 5.7
1.2 4.2 4.6
4 3.5
3.0 3.2
3.4
2
3.2 2.9 3.3 2.9
2.0 1.7 2.2
1.0
0
7/1/2008 7/1/2009 7/1/2010 7/1/2011 7/1/2012 7/1/2013 7/1/2014 Bond 6/30/2015
Rating (estimate)
Agency
Target
Free Cash Reserves Stabilization Fund Overlay Reserves
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
In addition to providing a source of funding for unforeseen one-time emergency situations, the
reserve funds are viewed as a collateral source when rating agencies determine the Town's Bond
Rating. Canton's prudent fiscal management has
Assessor’s Overlay - This account sets allowed the Town to earn the highest long-term bond
aside funds for abatements. However, if rating (Standard & Poor's AAA) offered to
the Assessors declare a surplus, funds municipalities in the United States. This allows
can be released for appropriation by Canton to issue bonds for debt capital projects at the
Town Meeting. most favorable interest rates.
There would be a substantial increase in cost to the Town if a downgrade in Canton's bond rating
were to occur. A downgrade in the Town's bond rating results in higher interest rate for new
borrowing. Each downgrade represents an increase of approximately 25 basis points or ¼%.
Each year, ATM approves between $2.0 million and $3.0 million of additional debt for capital
projects. A ¼% increase in interest rate equates to approximately $30,000 increase in the cost to
borrow $1 million over the life of a 20 year bond.
The Finance Committee recommended that the Town strengthen its reserve position during the
years following the 2008 override. Figure 2 shows that Canton’s Reserves have grown from $7
million at the end of FY08 to an estimated $11.6 million at the end of FY15. Reserves were used
during the economic downturn to reduce the impacts to operating budgets as well as to cover
shortfalls in the snow and ice budget. As the economy has turned around, the Town has taken
steps to grow these reserves.
Bond Rating Agencies recommend a reserve between 10% and 15% of expenses for AAA rated
communities. Last year, the Finance Committee adopted a policy that, in a year of surplus,
recommends increasing our reserves by 1% (of expenses) per year until we reach 15% and
reinvesting additional surplus into the town in items such as needed capital projects (such as
roads and buildings), funding our OPEB liability, and adding to the SPED stabilization fund.
Since our FY15 surplus is projected to be significant, in addition to increasing our reserves from
th
13.2% to 14.2%, the Finance Committee recommends funds be used to fund Snow & Ice, the 4
of July Celebration (Article 14), the Municipal Building Assessment (38), the Municipal
Compensation Assessment (40), a Chapter 90 Supplement (18) and transfers to the OPEB and
SPED funds.
Additional Fund Sources
In addition to our reserves, the Town also has at its disposal several other sources of funds.
These funds may be controlled by Town Meeting, by a Board or by a Committee. Often, the use
of these funds is restricted by State Law. In some cases, the funds can be spent for ‘Any Lawful
Purpose’ but the Town has earmarked them for certain expenses. These funds are denoted by a
*. Finally, due to the timing of inflows and outflows from the fund, the balance can vary greatly
throughout the year. This is not an exhaustive list of funds and does not include encumbrances.
Balance as of Date
Fund Name Control 7/2013 7/2014 2/2015 Source Use
Ambulance TM $1.2M $1.1M $950k Ambulance Receipts Fire and Ambulance Expenses*
Cemetery Perpetual Care TM $385k $399k $408k Payments for Care Cemetery Improvements
University Station Mitigat BOS $0 $1.35M $1.33M Mitigation Payment Defray costs assoc w project
NSTAR Mitigation BOS $605k $500k $114k Mitigation Payment 138 Road Improvements*
Stoughton Mitigation BOS $199k $199k $199k Mitigation Payment Dedham & Pleasant St Repairs*
Town Donations BOS $546k $760k $1.67M Donations Any purpose if not specified
Muni Building Insurance BOS $466k $440k $444k Town Meeting Appro. Muni Building Repairs
Conservation Land ConCom $144k $145k $146k Town Meeting Appro. Purchase Conservation Land
Police Drug Forfeiture Police $1M $1M $945k Federal Program Police Investigations
Animal Shelter Ani Cont $101k $98k $92k Donations Costs of Animal Shelter
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
Balance as of Date
Fund Name Control 7/2013 7/2014 2/2015 Source Use
OPEB Trust Finance $155k $580k $1.2M Town Meeting Appro. Future OPEB Costs
School Rentals School $217k $334k $328k Rental Fees Annual Budget offset of $138k
School Athletics School $107k $152k $288k Sports Fees Annual Budget offset of $204k
School Food Service School $259k $239k $272k Cafeteria Receipts Operate Cafeteria
School Kindergarten School $116k $146k $308k User Fees Operate Full Kindergarten
School Donations School $146k $141k $181k Donations Any purpose if not specified
School Tuition School $98k $135k $216k User Fees Operate Programs
School Transportation School $287k $320k $103k Bus Fees Transportation Costs
Ins. Reimbursement Various $121k $113k $118k Insurance < $20k Repair / Replace Damage
Capital Budget
For the last six years, the Capital Planning Committee (CPC) has recommended that the Town
set aside from 5% to 6% of the recurring revenues for the Capital Budget. The Town first pays
debt service on all existing debt within the levy from this amount. The remaining amount is used
to fund capital projects identified in the CPC 5-year plan. While the prior target was 6.0% of
revenue to fund Capital projects, the CPC has selected 5.5% or less in recent years so that
additional money could be allocated to the operating budgets. This has allowed Canton to avoid
operational cuts in services during the economic downturn, but it has also resulted in some
difficult decisions to postpone important capital projects. Deferring maintenance and other capital
improvements runs the risk of low-cost projects becoming expensive ones and continued
deterioration of the Town’s infrastructure. As the economy recovers, the Town should consider
increasing the Capital Planning funding to the 6% figure to better fund the capital needs of the
Town.
The Finance Committee concurs with all of the recommendations made by the CPC as presented
in Article 12. The municipal requests include $550,000 in cash capital projects and $491,000 in
capital projects to be funded with debt. In addition, the CPC recommended infrastructure capital
improvement projects for the Water Enterprise Fund and Sewer Enterprise Fund, totaling
$372,000 in cash capital and $3.2 million in debt capital. The debt service for these projects will
be included in our water and sewer bills. The Schools allocated $550,000 for cash capital
projects and $300,000 in debt capital projects recommended by the CPC for the schools in FY16
(excluding the Hansen addition, discussed below). At the time of this printing, it was unclear
as to whether the School Committee would be seeking capital to purchase school buses to
facilitate changing the start times at Canton High School.
One of the major capital items recommended this year is the Hansen Addition. This project
represents the first step in the School Building Study Committee’s plan to address classroom
space needs without building an additional Elementary school. This was mentioned in the ‘On
the Horizon’ section last year and will be discussed by the School Building Study Committee
during Article 3.
The Finance Committee also recommends funding $155k for a comprehensive review of the
physical plant and structure of our buildings to assist in revising and improving our capital
planning process.
For the second time in Canton, we will
Community Preservation Act Surcharge also have the opportunity to vote uses
The CPA surcharge is calculated as 1% of your of the Community Preservation Act
real estate bill after an exemption amount is (CPA) funds, which are generated by a
applied. Abatements are available for Seniors and 1% surcharge on our property tax bills,
Low Income Households. as well as with State matching in FY16.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
Article 19 addresses the administrative votes as well as 7 projects brought forth by the Canton
Community Preservation Committee (CCPC). While the Finance Committee supported all of the
projects, several of the votes were not unanimous. Our concerns are listed in the discussions of
each project. The CCPC will also present a recommendation to purchase Open Space during the
Special Town Meeting (Article 6).
Contract Obligations
The School Committee and Board of Selectmen continue to negotiate with all unions in Town
however at the time of this writing, no contracts were settled. The tools provided by Municipal
Healthcare Reform allowed the Town to take steps to control rising health insurance costs.
Canton is fortunate to have many dedicated employees that work hard to serve our residents.
The Finance Committee continues to recommend, along with the Board of Selectman and School
Committee, that these employees be compensated and receive benefits commensurate with that
offered by our benchmark towns. We also believe that our Town employees should receive
annual increases that reflect the current economic conditions and the spending limits mandated
by Proposition 2 1/2.
Canton residents should be aware that the recommended budget in this year's warrant includes
$133,026 for automatic salary increases for the municipal departments and $501,474 for
automatic salary increases for the school employees related to steps, lanes and longevity.
Additionally, there has been $275,539 set aside for municipal Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)
and $559,541 for School COLAs.
The School Committee is aware of the fact that the current automatic salary increases inherent in
their salary structure are not sustainable under the restrictions of Prop 2 ½.
On the Horizon
School Space Needs: New residential developments have and will continue to create a
space crunch in our current elementary and middle school. The Committee is expected
to deliver its report at this year’s Town Meeting which should outline a multi-year plan to
address our space needs without the need for building an additional elementary school.
School Budget: Each year the Schools face many challenges from a budgetary
standpoint. Their contract costs often rise at a rate greater than 2.5%. They also face
many State mandated expenses which increase their operating needs, the most
significant and volatile of which is Special Education which can run as much as $250,000
per student per year. If our conservative projections for FY18’s revenue materialize, the
projected increase to the School budget for FY18 may not be enough to cover their
increased contract costs, let alone any new State mandates or educational
enhancements.
OPEB: Canton has made promises to its employees to not only provide pensions upon
retirement, but health, dental and life insurance. While the Town has been setting aside
money to pay pension benefits for many years, we only started setting aside money for
these Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) at 2012’s town meeting with the
establishment of the OPEB Trust fund. The unfunded liability for these benefits is
currently over $100,000,000 and the Finance Committee recommended placing only
$750,000 into this fund for FY16. At this time, the State has not taken steps to address
this issue. At some point in the future, the State may change the rules around OPEB,
reducing our liability, but at the same time, requiring us to fully fund the liability. While
putting aside some money now will put us in a better financial situation than surrounding
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
communities, the annual cost will likely be substantial. At the end of FY15, the OPEB
trust balance is projected to be $1.2M.
Storm Water Management: The Town of Canton has an investment of over
$100,000,000 in the municipal separate storm water system [MS4]. As owners and
operators of the MS4 system, the Town is subject to the current [2003 – 2008] and
expected [Summer 2013] EPA General Permit. Compliance with the permit is predicated
on water quality and not just hydraulic flow. The new MS4 permit is expected to require
significant new funding needs to achieve water quality stipulations. For Canton, EPA
estimates the administrative costs alone at $100,000 per year. The new MS4 permit will
require Canton to identify the means through which the storm water management
program will be funded on an adequate and sustainable basis.
Roads: Canton has traditionally relied on Chapter 90 grants (about $1 million per year)
from the State in order to repair our road system. Unfortunately, this funding has been
insufficient and our roads have deteriorated. Our last road study suggested that $24
million was needed simply to bring our roads up to a C+ grade. Unless there is a
significant increase in Chapter 90 funding, Canton will need to begin investing our dollars
into maintaining our roadways by including it in our Capital Plan. The past 2 years, the
Finance Committee has voted to recommend a Chapter 90 supplement brought forth by
the Board of Selectmen. This year that amount is $250,000.
FY 2016 Budget
In Article 42, the Finance Committee is recommending a FY16 operating budget of $82.7 million
for the General Fund, which is a 3.7% increase over the FY15 budget approved at ATM. The
increase in revenue is partially driven by revenues from New Growth & Excise Taxes. These
sources of funds have allowed Canton to enhance services and build reserves without levying a
full property tax increase, as has been necessary in past years. The Finance Committee has
used all of the available information to develop budget recommendations that represented a fair
estimate of the revenue and expenses for Canton in FY16. It is always possible that new
information will become available after the printing of this Warrant at which time the Finance
Committee may modify its recommendations on Town Meeting floor.
The revenue estimate built into the Finance Committee's budget includes a provision for state aid
based on Governor Baker's proposed budget.
The Finance Committee is recommending a 4.8% increase in the operating budgets for the
municipal departments and a 4.7% increase in the operating budget for the Schools. Overall, the
School Department received an additional $559,674 and the Municipal an additional $442,289 to
enhance services beyond a level service budget. The Finance Committee's recommended
budget also includes a 2.9% increase in fixed costs. At the time of this writing, the School
Department was considering requesting a larger appropriation than recommended by the Finance
Committee. While the Finance Committee does not doubt the educational value of the request,
increasing the budget beyond what is recommended is not fiscally prudent and may lead to
difficult budget cuts in future years.
The Water Enterprise Fund operating budget increased 5.6% due to increased MWRA charges
due to the drought conditions last summer which prevented us from using our wells as much as
before. The recommended budget for the Sewer Enterprise Fund was increased 8.2% due to
increased charges by the MWRA. The recommended budget for the Rink Enterprise Fund has
decreased 52%, reflecting that the Finance Committee does not expect the rink to be fully
functional through all of FY16.
- 11 -Source page 12
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
The Finance Committee believes that the recommended FY16 budget will be adequately funded
with expected revenues. In addition, the Finance Committee is confident that the recommended
FY16 budget will provide fair compensation to our Town employees, while allowing Canton
residents to enjoy the high quality of services to which they are accustomed. While the Finance
Committee supports a one-time use of reserves to fund one-time needs, we must remain vigilant
to build our reserves.
Respectfully submitted,
Town of Canton Finance Committee:
Mark Porter, Chairman
Barbara Saint André, Vice Chairman
Robert Barker
Sepp Bergschneider
Jim Casamento
Jerry Dorfman
Nichola Gallagher
Dianne Gustafson
Stephanie Leach
Tim McKenna
Jim Sims
Diane Wolff
TOWN FINANCE TERMINOLOGY
The terms below are frequently used in the annual Town report and at Town Meetings. In order to provide
everyone with a better understanding of their meanings, the following definitions are provided:
APPROPRIATE: To authorize spending. Once an appropriation for a budget or article has been made by
Town Meeting, the appropriation can only be changed by another Town Meeting. There is one exception-a
transfer from the Reserve Fund.
BONDS: The money Canton borrows to pay for capital building projects such as the High School and
police station.
CAPITAL EXPENSES: Expenses associated with the purchase of long term assets, or projects. Paying
for these expenses can come from either cash (Cash Capital) or from long term bonding.
CHERRY SHEET: A financial statement from the State, printed on cherry-colored paper which itemizes
State disbursements due the Town, and the State and County charge to the Town, usually resulting in a
net receipt of funds. It is the basis for the amounts which appear in the Finance Committee forecast of
Revenue and Expenditure.
DEBT EXCLUSION: Taxes raised through a prop 2.5 override to pay for capital projects such as building
the high school or library.
ENTERPRISE SURPLUS: (Retained Earnings) This fund balance represents the amount to be used, by a
vote of Town Meeting, for operating cost offsets, funding capital improvements and reimbursing the
General Fund for prior year funding.
FIXED COSTS: Costs primarily associated with employee benefits, such as health insurance and
retirement costs.
FREE CASH RESERVE: An accumulation of surpluses left at the end of the fiscal year. This funding is
available to be allocated at Town Meeting through a simple majority vote. It is akin to a savings account.
FY15: July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015
FY15: July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016
LEVEL FUNDING: The budget amount for this year will be identical to the budget amount last year (i.e.,
no additional money will be available to cover increased costs in salaries or supplies.)
- 12 -Source page 13
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
LEVY LIMIT: The maximum amount of tax levy in any given year. The levy limit is based on the previous
year’s levy limit plus 2 1/2% plus new growth, and not the previous year’s actual levy.
LOCAL RECEIPTS: Money the town collects from local sources such as excise tax, licenses and permits,
investment income, and penalties
NEW GROWTH: Additional tax revenue the Town receives from new construction, such as new homes or
additions to existing buildings.
OPERATIONAL OVERRIDE: An increase above the standard 2.5% yearly increase in taxes. This
increase is unlike a debt exclusion override, in that it is permanent.
OVERLAY: The amount raised by the Assessors primarily for the purpose of creating a fund to cover
abatements.
OVERLAY RESERVE: This is the accumulated amount of the Overlay for various years not used or
required to be held in the specific Overlay accounts for a given year. The Assessors control release of
funds in the Overlay reserve that exceed pending tax liability.
RAISE: To tax. The tax rate is set by the Assessors after the Annual Town Meeting and after receipt of
the “Cherry Sheet.”
RESERVE FUND: This fund is established by the voters at an Annual Town Meeting, and may be
composed of an appropriation, money transferred from the Overlay Reserve, or both. Transfers from the
Reserve Fund are within the control of the Finance Committee, and are for “extraordinary and unforeseen
expenditures.”
REVENUES: Amount of money the town receives to cover expenses. The majority of this money comes
from property taxes. The remainder comes from local receipts, State Aid and transfers from other funds.
STABILIZATION FUND: The fund is established by the voters for future uses. A Town Meeting vote is
required for its use towards a “borrowing article” and/or for “any lawful purpose.”
STATE AID: The amount of money that the state of Massachusetts gives to the Town of Canton.
STEP AND LANE INCREASES: Automatic increases in salary for town workers, negotiated in the union
contracts.
STRUCTURAL DEFICIT: Town’s recurring expenses are greater than its recurring revenues.
TAX LEVY: (LEVY): The revenue a community can raise through real estate and personal property taxes.
A GUIDE TO PARTICIPATING AT TOWN MEETING
If town meeting is to run smoothly a few simple rules must be followed…….
No person should speak unless standing at a microphone and then only after having been ‘recognized’ by
the moderator.
It is both impolite and contrary to the rules of procedure to shout out “Question”, or “Move the Question”
while seated, while someone else is speaking, or without being ‘recognized’.
When recognized, a voter should first state his or her name and address clearly and distinctly before
making any statement.
Voters should be brief. It is a good idea to state at the outset why you have risen to speak: e.g. I rise to
speak in favor (or against) the motion to Voters may wish to summarize at the close of their remarks:
I hope the motion now pending is (not) adopted
Rather than repeat arguments already made, consider saying: I concur with the statements made by the
previous speaker(s) and for the same reasons urge you to vote (in support of) or (against) the main
motion when it is put.
A town by-law restricts any one speaker to not more than ten minutes at any one time. The patience of
other voters is often not as long.
A town by-law restricts any one speaker from speaking more than twice on the same matter except to
correct an error or a misstatement.
A person who is speaking on behalf of another (such as an attorney) is required to disclose that fact
before making any statement.
A motion to reconsider is quite technical in nature. A person who intends to move reconsideration should
discuss it in advance with the moderator. Generally the motion may be made at any time so long as a
sufficient interval has elapsed since the last vote on the matter was taken, and/or additional information
has become available, so as to give a reasonable basis to believe the meeting might vote differently.
When the motion to reconsider is pending debate is limited to why reconsideration should prevail and not
to the merits of the underlying motion.
- 13 -Source page 14
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
When one voter is speaking every other voter in the hall should pay attention to what is being said. No
person should interrupt a speaker unless some ‘rule’ is being violated. If a voter believes a rule is being
violated they should rise in place, wait to be recognized by the moderator (For what purpose does the lady
rise?) Voter: I rise to a point of order. Moderator: State your point of Order. Voter: …The speaker is
dealing in personalities, (or) the remarks of the speaker are not germane to the subject at hand, etc.
Rather than read every warrant article the moderator may say “The chair asks unanimous consent that
the reading of the article be waived (Pause) Seeing no objection it is so ordered.”
Voters should refrain from displaying their approval or disfavor towards a speaker by applauding or by any
other means.
NOTE TO ALL VOTERS CONCERNING
TOWN MEETING PROCEDURES
At previous Annual Town Meetings a by-law was adopted which requires that almost all warrant articles be
acted upon in the order they are drawn by a lottery, not the order they appear in the warrant. There are
certain exceptions, however, to the lottery system. The following should help you understand how the
Town Meeting works:
Town Meeting will be opened by the Town Clerk. A Moderator will be elected (Article 1); procedures to
govern Town Meeting will be adopted (Article 2); and reports of all outstanding committees will be
received (Article 3).
After these three articles have been acted upon, all subsequent articles, except next year’s proposed
annual operating budget, will be voted on in the order in which they are drawn by the Town Clerk. There
are instances, however, where the Moderator may declare that for some legal or technical reason a
particular article or articles must be considered in some other sequence.
The proposed annual operating budget cannot be acted upon until all matters which affect it have been
acted upon, specifically, all collective bargaining agreements, and any warrant article that calls for an
expenditure. This may mean that the proposed annual operating budget may, in fact, be the last article
acted upon at the Annual Town Meeting.
It is hoped that this brief explanation will be helpful to you in understanding the lottery system under
which the Town Meeting is currently operated.
NOTES
- 14 -Source page 15
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
SUMMARY OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES
FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016
ACTUAL BUDGET RECOMMENDED
GENERAL FUND REVENUES:
PROPERTY TAX REVENUE 61,389,516 63,173,500 66,219,139
STATE AID 8,166,757 7,599,730 7,718,728
LOCAL RECEIPTS 6,982,273 5,834,907 5,907,405
TRANSFERS FROM OTHER FUNDS 3,004,822 2,270,348 2,257,119
TAX TITLE / FORECLOSURE REVENUE 782,539 0 0
TOTAL REVENUES 80,325,907 78,878,485 82,102,391
GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES:
SCHOOL EXPENSES 33,395,505 34,548,305 36,168,994
MUNICIPAL EXPENSES 16,918,738 17,274,371 18,101,726
FIXED COSTS 24,674,243 25,158,277 25,890,514
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 74,988,486 76,980,953 80,161,234
CASH CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 1,821,917 1,750,000 1,350,000
TRANSFERS TO STABILIZATION FUNDS 485,000 0 0
SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS 70,000 0 155,000
STATE & COUNTY CHARGES 959,868 948,532 941,157
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 78,325,271 79,679,485 82,607,391
OPERATING SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) - GENERAL FUND 2,000,636 (801,000) (505,000)
ONE-TIME SOURCES OF FUNDS:
FREE CASH RESERVE 2,085,978 801,000 505,000
OVERLAY SURPLUS 0 0 0
TOTAL NON-RECURRING SOURCES 2,085,978 801,000 505,000
ADJUSTED SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) - GENERAL FUND 4,086,614 0 0
ENTERPRISE FUNDS:
WATER REVENUE 7,092,091 5,873,373 6,204,399
SEWER REVENUE 5,814,387 5,795,392 6,269,381
RINK REVENUE 427,027 387,833 186,214
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS' REVENUE 13,333,505 12,056,598 12,659,994
ENTERPRISE FUNDS' SURPLUS USED 0 678,000 372,000
WATER EXPENSES 6,296,518 5,873,373 6,204,399
SEWER EXPENSES 5,608,329 5,795,392 6,269,381
RINK EXPENSES 378,177 387,833 186,214
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS EXPENSES 12,283,023 12,056,598 12,659,994
ENTERPRISE FUNDS' CASH CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 0 678,000 372,000
ENTERPRISE FUNDS' SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) 1,050,482 0 0
GRAND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS 90,608,294 92,414,083 95,639,385
- 15 -Source page 16
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
Town of Canton
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk, ss
To the Constables of the Town of Canton,
Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby required to notify and
warn the inhabitants of the Town of Canton to meet at Morse Auditorium, on the grounds of
the Canton High School, 900 Washington Street in said town on;
MONDAY, THE ELEVENTH DAY
OF MAY 2015
At seven o'clock (7:00 P.M.) in the evening for the annual town meeting at which time and
place the following articles are to be acted upon:
ARTICLE 1
ELECT A MODERATOR
Article 1 To elect a Moderator to preside at this Town Meeting, to serve until the commencement
of Annual Town Meeting in 2016 or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
DISCUSSION: Nominations will be accepted and a moderator elected at Town Meeting during the
discussion of this article.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 2
ADOPT RULES TO GOVERN TOWN MEETING
Article 2 To see if the town will vote to adopt certain procedures to govern the conduct of the
2015 Annual Town Meeting, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOTION 1
MOVED: That this 2015 Annual Town Meeting shall meet on consecutive Monday and
Wednesday evenings (but not including Monday, May 25th) in the Morse Auditorium, on the
grounds of the Canton High School until the business of this Annual Town Meeting has been
concluded, each such session to begin at 7:00 o’clock P.M. and to adjourn at 11:00 o’clock P.M.,
or as near that hour as may be feasible, according to the nature of the business pending at the
said hour.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 10-0-0
- 16 -Source page 17
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of this motion as it formalizes procedures
that have been followed by Town Meetings in the past.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 2
MOVED: That the following individuals be granted all of the rights and privileges of
participation in this Annual Town Meeting, except the right to vote, under any article of this
warrant which affects matters within their jurisdiction:
Christine Beard, Historic Preservationist, Tremont Preservation Associates
Richard Brandstatter, Director of Real Estate, The Napleton Group
Russell J. Bousquet, PLS, Survey Manager, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB)
Paul Brodmerkle, PE, Managing Partner, Site Design Professionals, LLC
Debra Bromfield, Director of Student Services
John Ciccotelli, Director of Public Health
John Connery, Fiscal Impact Specialist, Connery Associates
Charles Crealese, Principal, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
Paul R. DeRensis, Town Counsel
Lisa Dickinson, Senior Vice President, UniBank Fiscal Advisory Services, Inc.
James Donovan, Town Engineer
Patrick Dunford, P.E., Project Manager, Vanasse Hangen, Brustlin (VHB)
Rob Festa, Project Manager, Group One Partners, Inc.
Lawrence Feldman, Principal, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
William T. Friel, Town Administrator
Jeffrey Granatino, Superintendent of Schools
Ted Heilbron, Development Manager, Topgolf International, Inc.
Jennifer Henderson, Director for Curriculum, Instruction & Technology
Frank Holmes, Principal, Stantec Planning and Landscape Architecture
Tom Houston, Professional Services Corporation, PC
Scott C. Hutchinson, Vice President, Investment Properties/Hotel Group
Brian Joyce, State Senator
Louis Jutras, Information Systems Manager
Vinod K. Kalikiri, PE, PTOE, Project Manager, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin,Iinc. (VHB)
Mark Lague, Library Director
Karen Lawlor, Administrative Assistant, Canton Planning Board
Stephen Lynch, Representative in Congress
Richard A. Manley, Jr., Esq., Partner, Locke Lord LLP
Richard Mann, Esq., Richard Mann Law
Christie Lombard Martin, Esq., Partner, Locke Lord LLP
David M. McElroy, Sr. Vice President, CBRE/New England Capital Markets
Kimberly Mooers, Vice President, UniBank Fiscal Advisory Services, Inc.
Steven Moore, Assistant Supt. for Business & Personnel, Blue Hills Reg. Technical H.S.
Jeffrey Mucciarone, Montagne Communications of Manchester
James Murgia, Finance Director
Edward Napleton, Manager, Canton Holdings, LLC
Katherine Napleton, Officer, The Napleton Group
Barry Nectow, School Business Administrator
Howard Neff, Jr., Senior V.P. – Chief Investment Officer, Boston Mutual Life Ins. Co.
Cynthia O’Connell, Conservation Commission Agent
Kristen Phelps, Canton Community Preservation Committee Administrator
Bernard N. Plante, Project Manager, Melton Associates, LLC
Edward J. Powers, Montagne Communications of Manchester
James Quaglia, Superintendent-Director, Blue Hills Regional Technical H.S.
Helena Rafferty, Deputy Police Chief
Timothy Richard, Town Planner
Louis M. Ross, Esq., Deutsch Williams Brooks DeRensis & Holland, P.C.
Mark Roy, Executive Director, Canton Housing Authority
Darrin Santos, P.G., Environmental Engineer, GeoInsight, Inc.
Ashley Smith, Montagne Communications of Manchester
Zach Shor, Vice President of Real Estate, Topgolf International, Inc.
Kenneth Staffier, P.E., Vanasse Hangen, Brustlin (VHB)
- 17 -Source page 18
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
Brianne Susel, Fiscal Advisory Officer, UniBank Fiscal Advisory Services, Inc.
Steven Tierney, RLA, Associate, Stantec Planning and Landscape Architecture
Michael Trotta, Superintendent of Public Works
Diane Tynan, Director of Council on Aging
Olivia Viens, Student, Revere Street Resident
Harry Wheeler, AIA, Principal, Group One Partners, Inc.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 11-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of this motion as it allows key non-
resident officials and consultants to legally participate in the Town Meeting and it formalizes procedures
that have been followed by Town Meetings in the past.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 3
MOVED: That whenever during discussion under any article in this warrant during this
year’s annual town meeting, irrespective of which session such discussion is reached during
the progress of the annual town meeting, a motion is made, the effect of which is to increase
the total amount to be appropriated beyond that which is recommended by the Finance
Committee or which changes the method of obtaining funds to meet that appropriation, the
moderator shall not accept such motion unless said motion also contains a corresponding
decrease in another appropriation as contained in an appropriation article on this specific
warrant or a corresponding transfer from any other available funding source or borrowing as
an alternative funding source, so that the total amount to be appropriated by the town, at this
town meeting, and to be expended thereafter, for all the appropriation articles contained in this
warrant, shall not in any event exceed the total dollar amount recommended by the Finance
Committee as set forth in the published Report of the Finance Committee Recommendations as
may be increased by any transfer from available funds provided, however that nothing in this
motion shall prevent an increase in appropriation funding contingent upon the passage of a
Proposition 2½ override.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of this motion as it formalizes procedures
that have been followed by Town Meeting in the past to insure that Town Meeting ends with the adoption
of a balanced budget.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 4
MOVED: That this Annual Town Meeting be adjourned to reconvene at this auditorium
upon the adjournment or dissolution of the Special Town Meeting within the Annual Town
Meeting of May 11, 2015.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee recommends adoption of this motion in order for the seven
articles listed in the Special Town Meeting warrant pertaining to the Plymouth Rubber redevelopment to be
acted upon before resuming with the remaining annual town meeting articles. This approach will result in
discussion of the Plymouth Rubber redevelopment articles with optimum voter attention.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 18 -Source page 19
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
ARTICLE 3
HEAR REPORTS OF COMMITTEES APPOINTED AT PRIOR TOWN MEETINGS
Article 3 To hear the reports of all committees, appointed at previous town meetings, which have
not yet been discharged, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That reports of the following committees appointed at previous Town Meetings
be heard:
Economic Development Committee (ATM 2004, Article 14)
School Building Study Committee (ATM 2013, Article 11, Motion 14)
Community Preservation Committee (ATM 2011, Article 39)
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee supports adoption of this motion to hear the reports of standing
committees appointed at prior Town Meetings.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 4
ACT ON “CONSENT AGENDA”
Article 4 To see if the town will vote to dispose of certain articles in this warrant by a single vote,
in accordance with a so-called, consent agenda, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the following articles be disposed of by a single vote, in accordance with
the Finance Committee motions as printed in the report of the Finance Committee: Articles 8,
10, 13, 15, 16, 39 and 41.
FINCOM
Article Description Motion VOTE Reason
Postpone
8 Unpaid Bills of Prior Year 10-0-0 There are none.
Indefinitely
Transfer Unexpended Prior
10 Adopt this article 10-0-0 Non-controversial.
Year Appropriations
Accept Laws Enacted by the Postpone
13 11-0-0 There are none.
General Court Indefinitely
15 Insurance Proceeds Adopt this article 10-0-0 Non-controversial.
Rescind Unused Borrowing
16 Adopt this article 8-0-0 Non-controversial.
Authorizations
- 19 -Source page 20
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
FINCOM
Article Description Motion Reason
VOTE
Title Change for Human
39 Adopt this article 11-0-0 Non-controversial.
Resource Administrator
Consolidate Department of
41 Public Works & Property Adopt this article 11-0-0 Non-controversial.
Maintenance
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 11-0-0
DISCUSSION: Articles placed on the consent agenda are considered non-controversial and can be
voted in one block. Further discussion on each can be found under the individual article.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 5
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS UNDER THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Article 5 To see if the town will vote, in accordance with the provisions of section seven of chapter one
hundred fifty E (G.L. Ch. 150E, s7) to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or borrow
pursuant to any applicable statute, a sum of money for the purpose of funding any new cost items
contained in any collective bargaining agreements entered into by the Board of Selectmen, on behalf of
the town, with any group of employees, or, groups of employees, serving under its jurisdiction, or to take
any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the sum of Two Hundred Five Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Five Dollars
($205,755) be raised and appropriated from the fiscal year 2016 tax levy and other general
revenues of the Town in order to fund cost items, not included in departmental budgets
appropriated for fiscal year 2016, to Department #910’s budget for collective bargaining
agreements entered into by the Board of Selectmen as may be reached after the conclusion of
this town meeting between the Town of Canton and bargaining units, such sums to be allocated
to pay for the relevant departments’ payroll expenses from budget classification Department
#910 as determined by the Finance Director.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 11-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of this
appropriation of funds. The Board of Selectmen and unions representing various groups of employees are
currently engaged in ongoing negotiations to reach agreement on salary increases that are likely to take
effect in FY 2016. The amount of $205,755 is a prudent estimate developed by the Finance Department.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 20 -Source page 21
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
ARTICLE 6
PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS UNDER THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Article 6 To see if the town will vote, in accordance with Article IV, Section 16 of the Canton General By-
Laws, to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or borrow pursuant to any applicable
statute, such sums of money as may be necessary to fund new cost items contained in contracts for
personal services with any individual employee, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the sum of Sixty Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty Four Dollars
($69,784) be raised and appropriated from the fiscal year 2016 tax levy and other general
revenues of the Town in order to fund cost items, not included in departmental budgets
appropriated for fiscal year 2016, to Department #910’s budget for agreements with individual
employees or groups of employees entered into by the Board of Selectmen as may be reached
after the conclusion of this town meeting between the Town of Canton and with individual
employees or groups of employees serving under its jurisdiction, such sums to be allocated to
pay for the relevant departments’ payroll expenses from budget classification Department
#910 as determined by the Finance Director.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 11-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance committee recommends that the sum of $69,784 be available for the
purpose of fulfilling personal service contracts and personnel board contracts as agreed upon by the Board
of Selectmen.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 7
SET SALARIES OF ELECTED OFFICERS
Article 7 To see if the town will vote, in accordance with the provisions of section one hundred and eight
of chapter forty-one (G. L. chapter 41, §108) to fix the salary and compensation of all elected officers of
the town, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOTION 1
MOVED: That the salary and compensation for the Town Clerk be fixed at $80,998 for
the 2016 Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0-1
MAJORITY DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee was previously provided information showing
that the position is under compensated based upon comparable salaries in other towns. In recognition of
this, the Finance Committee recommends an increase from $78,420 to $80,998.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 21 -Source page 22
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
MOTION 2
MOVED: That the salary and compensation for all part-time elected officials of the Town
be fixed for the 2016 Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, as follows:
Board of Assessors $0.00, for each member
Board of Health $0.00, for each member
Board of Selectmen $0.00, for each member, with an additional
$0.00 to chairperson
Planning Board $0.00
School Committee $0.00
Library Trustees $0.00
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 6-1-0
MAJORITY DISCUSSION: Three of the six elected boards already have salaries set to 0. Of the
remaining boards, the maximum salary is $2,400 plus benefits. The cost of these benefits to the town
could be as much as $8,000 per board member. Once the town stops paying a salary the benefits also
stop which frees up cash for more pressing needs.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 8
PAY BILLS OF PRIOR FISCAL YEAR
Article 8 To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds or borrow
pursuant to any applicable statute a sum or sums of money to pay any unpaid bills of any prior fiscal year,
or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the subject matter of Article 8 be indefinitely postponed.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously to postpone the article indefinitely, as there
are no bills from prior years that require payment.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 22 -Source page 23
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
ARTICLE 9
ADJUST FISCAL ’15 ACCOUNTS
Article 9 To see if the town will vote to increase or otherwise adjust the appropriations heretofore made
for the Fiscal Year 2015 beginning on July 1, 2014 and ending on June 30, 2015 and the revenues sources
to meet those appropriations, as voted pursuant to Article 33 of the warrant for the 2014 Annual Town
Meeting, and to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds or borrow pursuant to any applicable
statute to meet any such increases or adjustments, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOTION 1
MOVED: That the sum of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) be appropriated to the
Historical Commission Budget (Dept. #691) by transfer from the Capital Planning Committee
Budget (Dept. #182) thereby increasing the appropriation as voted in Article 33 of the 2014
Annual Town Meeting from Three Thousand Six Hundred Sixty Nine Dollars ($3,669) to Five
Thousand Six Hundred Sixty Nine Dollars ($5,669).
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-1-0
MOTION 1
MAJORITY DISCUSSION: Last year Town Meeting approved expenditures of $26,049 in total
spending for seven committees and commissions including the Historical Commission and Capital Planning
Committee. The Historical Commission exceeded their allocated budget by $2,000 to fund a study related
to their request for funding a Community Preservation Act project. The Capital Planning Committee will
underspend its allotted budget by the same amount.
MINORITY DISCUSSION: The vote against this transfer is a caution flag. Prior to 2012, yearly
budgets for departments, boards and committees were individually voted at Town Meeting. In the past,
voters could ask questions and vote specific amounts for each board and committee. At the 2012 Town
Meeting, the budget for several boards and committees were lumped together and the aggregate amount
of the budget for those boards and committees was voted as a “bottom line” for the group. If one board
overspends their budget, by right, money can be simply transferred from one board or committee within
that group to the board or committee with the deficit. Thousands of dollars can be involved, which is why
this motion is in this warrant for transparency. However the cautionary flag for voters to be aware of
future spending and deficits that Departments, Boards and Committees may have.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 2
MOVED: That the sum of Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($900,000) be appropriated to
the Snow and Ice Budget (Dept. #423) by transfer from Free Cash in the Treasury of the Town
thereby increasing the appropriation voted in Article 33 of the 2014 Annual Town Meeting from
Four Hundred Fourteen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($414,500) to One Million Three
Hundred Fourteen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,314,500).
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 9-0-0
MOTION 2
DISCUSSION: During a winter with an historic level of snow, expenditures for snow and ice removal
exceeded the amount budgeted. To ensure balancing the books at the end of FY15, the Finance
Committee unanimously supports transferring $900,000 from Free Cash to pay this bill.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 23 -Source page 24
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
ARTICLE 10
TRANSFER UNEXPENDED PRIOR YEAR APPROPRIATIONS
Article 10 To see if the town will vote to transfer the unexpended balance of certain appropriations made
under various articles in the warrants applicable to prior town meetings, to new purposes and uses, or to
take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That Twenty Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty One Dollars and Ninety Five
Cents ($27,751.95) be appropriated to be spent by the Library Director with the approval of the
Board of Selectmen for the purpose of renovations in the main level meeting/study rooms at
the Canton Public Library thereby increasing such appropriation already voted pursuant to
Article 13 Motion 2 of the 2012 Annual Town Meeting from Thirty Six Thousand Dollars
($36,000) to Sixty Three Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty One Dollars and Ninety Five Cents
($63,751.95) and to meet this appropriation the sum of Twenty Seven Thousand Seven
Hundred Fifty One Dollars and Ninety Five Cents ($27,751.95) be transferred from Fund #303.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of this transfer of
prior year available appropriations to cover necessary FY 2016 expenses related to the Canton Public
Library. The Finance Committee deliberated on this matter after discussions with the Library Director, the
Capital Planning Committee, and the Town Finance Director.
The Canton Public Library requires various upgrades and renovations to maintain and improve the
experience of the public. This will be funded from an unspent capital project from a previous year along
with additional funds already appropriated under prior year Town Meeting actions.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 11
AUTHORIZE CERTAIN REVOLVING FUNDS
Article 11 To see what revolving funds pursuant to c. 44, section 53E ½ of the General Laws of the
Commonwealth the town will authorize or reauthorize, for various boards, commissions or departments of
the town, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016, or to take any other action
related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOTION 1
MOVED: That the following revolving funds are hereby established pursuant to the
provisions of MGL chapter 44, section 53 E ½ for the 2016 Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015
through June 30, 2016 and that each Revolving Fund shall be credited with the balance
remaining in such fund at the end of FY 2015.
- 24 -Source page 25
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
Name of FY 16
Revolving Revolving Spending Spending
Fund # Fund Authority Revenue Sources Use of Funds Limit
Pequitside Conservation Rental of Pequitside Farm, Rental Maintaining, improving & $50,000
Farm Rentals Commission of Little Red House, Rental of renovation of property, payment annually
1 Rooms in Main Building, Rental of of salaries for time spent
Rooms in Tavern or any other arranging rentals.
portion of building or grounds.
Veteran's Veterans' Contributions, Donations, Gifts, Providing services to veterans $100,000
Services Services Grants. not funded under established annually
Special Director program, including but not
Revenues limited to newsletter publication,
monthly breakfasts, funeral
2
services, other commemorative
programs and other purposes in
the opinion of the Veterans'
Director in the best interests of
Canton Veterans.
Fire Alarm Fire Chief Fees received by it from, or on Payment of bills and charges $10,000
Relocation behalf of Commonwealth, any incurred in connection with annually
3 public utility, any other business relocation of fire alarm signal
entity, or any individual person. wires, devices & other
appurtenances.
COA Revolving Council on Donations and other fees received Payment of bills and charges in $50,000
Fund Aging for various programs sponsored connection with various annually
4
by the Council on Aging. programs sponsored by the
Council on Aging.
Board of Board of Contributions, donations, gifts, Providing services to Canton $50,000
Health Special Health grants, reimbursements. citizens not otherwise funded annually
Revenues under established program,
including but not limited to flu
5
vaccinations, child and teenage
health education & development
programs and elderly health
programs.
Animal Control Animal Adoption and boarding fees. Payment for veterinary services $50,000
6 Special Control and payments to Animal Control annually
Revenues Officer Officer.
Library Board of Fees for rental and use of Paying bills, connected with the $50,000
Building Library Community or other assembly providing of maintenance and annually
Rentals Trustees rooms used for meetings, supply of facilities and for the
programs or other events, support and safe conduct of said
7 including payments for use of programs and events.
facilities and conveniences in
conjunction with use of spaces, as
may be established by the Board
of Library Trustees.
Student School Fees paid by students to park Payment of bills and charges to $100,000
8 Parking Fees Committee their vehicles at Canton High maintain the high school parking annually
School. lots and grounds.
Greenlodge Board of Fees paid by residents and non- Payment of bills and charges to $100,000
Street Parking Selectmen residents to park their vehicles maintain the program, provided annually
9 Fees along Greenlodge Street. however the first $35,000 of
receipts is to be transferred to
the General Fund.
Beautification Beautification Fees received from the sale of Payment of services required to $10,000
10 Fund Committee bricks. install bricks and for other annually
beautification projects.
Library Board of Fees received for processing Payment of bills and charges for $50,000
Revolving Library passport applications, loss, processing passport applications, annually
Fund Trustees damage or late return of borrowed purchasing books and other
materials, replacement of library materials for public loan.
borrower cards, or any other such
11
fees as may be established by the
Board of Library Trustees, for the
purpose of and consistent with
maintaining a fair and efficient
library loan system.
Youth Youth Donations. Payment of scholarships and $10,000
12 Commission Commission other expenses related to youth annually
Fund activities.
- 25 -Source page 26
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
MOTION 1
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously to continue twelve revolving funds with the
following changes. The COA Revolving Fund limit was increased from $25,000 to $50,000 in order to
eliminate the Board of Selectmen having to publicly accept donations over the $25,000 limit.
Furthermore, the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Fund from fiscal year ending 2015 is eliminated as a
revolving fund. Fees collected in this fund will be included in general revenue and will be used to fund
additional work hours of the Conservation Agent if approved at this year’s Annual Town Meeting.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 2
MOVED: That the following revolving fund is hereby established pursuant to the
provisions of MGL chapter 44, section 53 E ½ for the 2016 Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015
through June 30, 2016 and that by establishing this revolving fund General By-Law Article VIII
Section 11 is hereby deleted in its entirety and that said Revolving Fund shall be credited with
the balance remaining in such fund at the end of FY 2015:
Name of FY 16
Revolving Revolving Spending Spending
Fund # Fund Authority Revenue Sources Use of Funds Limit
Recreation Recreation Fees received for various Payment of bills and charges in $300,000
13 Revolving Fund Director programs sponsored by connection with programs annually
Parks & Recreation. sponsored by Parks & Recreation.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
MOTION 2
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously voted to establish the Recreation Revolving Fund
under the authority of the Recreation Director. The account was previously set up under a by-law in 1971
and was limited to $10,000 of program revenue to be carried over from one fiscal year to the next. The
newly increased carryover limit replaces the prior limit and allows $300,000 to be carried over from one
fiscal year to another.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 26 -Source page 27
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
Revolving Funds Authorized by ATM
Revolving 7/1/2013 FY 2014 FY 2014 6/30/2014
Fund # Fund Nam e Balance Revenues Expenses Balance
1 Pequitside Farm Rentals (#134) $37,215 $11,705 $1,903 $47,017
2 Veterans' Services Donations (#110) $19,534 $45,287 $49,205 $15,616
3 Fire Alarm Relocation (#153) $0 $0 $0 $0
4 COA Revolving Fund (#140) $28,050 $10,499 $0 $38,549
5 Board of Health (#141) $566 $13,187 $8,070 $5,683
6 Anim al Control (#137) $100,885 $6,217 $8,779 $98,324
7 Library Building Rentals (#138) $11,868 $4,335 $6,918 $9,285
8 Student Parking (#132) $3,535 $34,575 $29,000 $9,110
9 Greenlodge Parking (#135) $48,317 $78,599 $35,000 $91,916
10 Beautification (#136) $3,005 $0 $0 $3,005
11 Library Revolving (#119) $37,534 $36,320 $25,511 $48,342
12 Youth Com m ission (#155Y) $700 $0 $0 $700
13 Recreation (#130) $90,752 $286,185 $247,601 $129,337
Totals $381,962 $526,909 $411,987 $496,883
ARTICLE 12
“OMNIBUS” CAPITAL OUTLAY PROGRAM
Article 12 To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate, or to transfer from available funds,
or to authorize the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow (and to issue
bonds or notes therefore) any sum or sums of money, or by any combination of these methods of
financing as may be necessary or desirable, make available funds for the purpose of purchasing, leasing,
re-conditioning, improving or replacing any motor vehicles or other items of equipment or machinery or
other items of personal property for any town agency, or for the purpose of contracting for any service, or
for the design, repair, acquisition, construction, replacement or relocation or improvement to any town
building or other structure, public works facility (including highway needs and traffic safety items), any
other town owned facility or real property, or for any other purposes for which borrowing may be
authorized, to purchase, or to take by eminent domain, any land or easements necessary for any such
purposes and, where applicable, to authorize the trade-in of any presently owned motor vehicles,
equipment or machinery to reduce the purchase or acquisition cost of any item to be acquired, or to take
any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen for Capital Planning Committee
- 27 -Source page 28
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
MOTION 1
MOVED: (a) The acquisition of all vehicles and other motorized equipment that is
authorized to be purchased or otherwise acquired by any motion made under this warrant
article shall be under the responsibility of the Finance Director/Chief Procurement Officer. In
addition to the procurement, the “trade-in” or other disposition of all vehicles and other
motorized equipment being replaced is also authorized and shall be under the responsibility of
the Finance Director/Chief Procurement Officer. In all cases where by a motion made under
this warrant article, a vehicle or other piece of motorized equipment is to be acquired by a
town agency such purchase or acquisition shall be subject to and bound by the detailed
specifications regarding such purchase or acquisition on file in the office of the Town Clerk;
provided, however, the Finance Director/Chief Procurement Officer, may, in appropriate
circumstances, waive or modify the said detailed specifications, subject to a vote of the Finance
Committee, taken within 30 (thirty) days following a decision to waive or to modify the
foregoing provision requiring full compliance with the specifications on file.
(b) All building related projects which are approved and or funded by any motion made
under this article shall be under the responsibility of the Building Renovations Committee
appointed pursuant to Canton By-law, Article X, section 4, except as may be provided by any
specific motion made pursuant to this article.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 10-0-0
MOTION 1
DISCUSSION: This motion authorizes the Finance Director to supervise the acquisition, trade-ins, or
other disposition of vehicles and other motorized equipment. This motion also authorizes the Building
Renovations Committee to oversee all building/land projects.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
- 28 -Source page 29
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
MOTION 2
MOVED: That Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($550,000) be appropriated from the
Fiscal Year 2016 tax levy and other general revenues of the Town to be spent by the Finance
Director (in his capacity as Chief Procurement Officer) with the approval of various Municipal
Departments designated below and with the approval of the Board of Selectmen for the
purposes set forth below as follows:
FINCOM FINCOM
RECOMMENDATIONS AMOUNT VOTE
Police Department
Police Cruiser Replacement $120,000 10-0-0
Bullet Resistant Vests 14,000 10-0-0
Tasers 7,000 10-0-0
Dashboard Cameras 36,000 10-0-0
DPW
Bolivar Pond Dam Inspection 8,000 10-0-0
Side Dump Loader Bucket 20,000 10-0-0
Replace 2003 Ford F-350 (#25) w/Ford F-550 one ton/plow 72,000 10-0-0
Replace 2004 Ford 500 Sedan (#1) w/Ford 4WD Explorer 29,000 10-0-0
Mobile Radio System 18,000 10-0-0
Finance
Copiers for Police & Fire Stations 13,000 10-0-0
Cemetery Management Software 25,000 10-0-0
Network Back-up Device 15,000 10-0-0
Video Recorder /Door Access 12,000 10-0-0
Laserfiche Upgrade 9,000 10-0-0
Replace Engineering Computers 6,000 10-0-0
Council on Aging
Replace 2003 Van 63,000 10-0-0
Building Department
Replace 2008 Ford Ranger (trade in) w/Ford 4WD Explorer 25,000 10-0-0
Parks & Recreation
Purchase Ballfield Groomer 18,000 10-0-0
Irrigation & Sod Replacement at Tilden Field 17,000
Library
Carpeting & Tile Replacement 13,000 10-0-0
Interior Painting 10,000 10-0-0
_________
GRAND TOTAL $550,000
The amounts listed above for particular acquisitions are not to be construed as individual
appropriations. The sums shown are intended to be estimates of individual items but the
amount appropriated is one line item in the total sum of Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars
($550,000). The Finance Director and Town Administrator, acting jointly, are hereby
authorized to distribute such funds in such a manner as may be needed to accomplish the
forgoing list of purchases; provided, however, that each item contained in the list is procured
and that the excess funds are available because one or more items cost less than estimated
and not because an item intended to be procured is not so procured.
MOTION 2
DISCUSSION:
Police Department
Replace four patrol cars ($120,000)
The Canton Police utilizes it vehicles on 24 X 7 basis for the safety and security of the town. This is a
scheduled replacement for high mileage vehicle.
- 29 -Source page 30
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
Replace Bullet Resistant Vests ($14,000)
This is a scheduled replacement of bullet resistant vests for the Canton Police. This is a replacement only
of vests that have reached their five (5) year warranty.
Tasers ($7,000)
The Canton Police Department will purchase 6 tasers. These are used to de-escalate situations and
prevent injuries to officers and/or suspects.
Purchase of Dashboard Cameras ($36,000)
This will fund eight (8) video recording systems for department cruisers, providing vital digital records of
situations as they occur.
DPW
Bolivar Pond Dam Inspection ($8,000)
This funding Phase I visual inspection of Bolivar Street Dam and review of MA Office of Dam Safety. By
MA state law this is required every 5 years, last inspection in 2010.
Side Dump Loader Bucker ($20,000)
Purchase of a new side dump loader for existing Cat loader. This will allow material to loaded in tight areas
and provide a safer work environment.
Replace 2003 Ford F-350 (#25) w/Ford F-550 one ton/plow ($72,000)
Replace and upgrade truck #25 a 2003 Ford with 81,000 miles, – F-350 with a new Ford F-550, dump
truck, plow and general utility usage by DPW.
Replace 2004 Ford 500 Sedan (#1) w/Ford 4WD Explorer ($29,000)
This will replace the DPW Director’s car, a 2004 Ford 500 sedan with a 2015 Ford Explorer with 4WD.
Mobile Radio System ($18,000)
Purchase and install a Motorola Digital 40 Watt Repeater at the Ponkapoag Water Tank on Washington
Street. This area currently has poor radio coverage for DPW,
Recreation
Irrigation and Sod Project – Tilden Field ($17,000)
Ongoing sod and field rehabilitation at town fields scheduled on a rotating basis. This allocation will be for
the Tilden Field.
Ballfield Groomer ($18,000)
Replacement of a 10 year old machine, this new ballfield groomer will be used to maintain the 12 baseball
and softball fields throughout the town.
Building Department
Purchase Building Inspector Vehicle ($25,000)
Replacement of 2008 Ford Ranger with over 80,000 miles. This vehicle is used by the town building
inspector to review new projects and meet with residential and business owners.
Council on Aging
Purchase new 21 passenger bus with wheelchair life capacity ($63,000)
This will replace a 2003 bus with over 140,000 miles and provide wheelchair lift capacity for handicapped
seniors in our community.
Finance
Copiers for Police and Fire Stations ($13,000)
This will replace 10 year old units at both the police and fire stations with new network enabled copiers
that are used for required business operations.
Cemetery Management Software ($25,000)
Purchase of new cemetery software that that will be used to maintain all cemetery plots, documents,
history and life cycle of a burial site. Currently all processes are manually processed and on paper. Access
will be for multiple departments and eventually public access through website.
Network Backup Device ($15,000)
Consolidation of multiple backup tapes and disk based backup to one purpose built appliance. This will
insure reliable town technology updates with increased capacity and longer retention time for data.
- 30 -Source page 31
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
Video Recorder/ Door Access ($12,000)
Replacement of existing hardware and software for Memorial Hall monitoring access. Current system is 12
years and this will provide enhanced technology and reliability.
Laserfiche Upgrade ($9,000)
This will provide additional function and features to existing product as well as a mobile application for
remote access.
Replace Engineering Computers ($6,000)
This is for the replacement of four engineering computers with enhanced AutoCad and GIS software
requirements.
Library
Carpeting and Tile Replacement ($13,000)
Replacement of carpet in entryway, main stairs, meeting room and lower lobby at library. Install new tile
in high traffic areas of 1st floor areas.
Interior Painting: ($10,000)
Painting of windows of Washington Street side of building, and main front rooms, updating original work
performed in 2004.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 3
MOVED: That Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($550,000) be appropriated from the
Fiscal Year 2016 tax levy and other general revenues of the Town, for the Canton School
Committee to expend for the purpose of purchasing certain items of property set forth below
for the School Department as follows:
FINCOM FINCOM
AMOUNT VOTE
Building Repairs/Improvements
HVAC – Systemwide $ 99,000 10-0-0
Custodial Equipment 10,000 10-0-0
Security Upgrades – Hansen, JFK, Luce 50,835 10-0-0
Repair Brick Wall Adjacent to School Library - Luce 5,050 10-0-0
Fire Alarm Panel Upgrade (Building A & B) - CHS 28,675 10-0-0
Refinish Gym Ceiling - JFK 34,484 10-0-0
Lighting Improvements at Upper Memorial Field 6,500 10-0-0
Technology
Teacher/PC Laptop Replacement - Systemwide 73,401 10-0-0
Printer Replacement - Systemwide 5,379 10-0-0
Replace CRT Monitors with LCD displays – Systemwide 14,336 10-0-0
Program Improvements
Textbooks – CHS 96,876 10-0-0
Textbooks – GMS 31,537 10-0-0
Computer Science Course Startup – CHS 2,625 10-0-0
Language Laboratory Maintenance/Computers (30) 21,476 10-0-0
Projector, Speakers, Bracket & Cabling for Library – GMS, Luce 5,346 10-0-0
Wenger Chairs & Cart – CHS/GMS 12,655 10-0-0
Mobile Announcement System – Hansen 3,867 10-0-0
Furniture & Fixtures
Classroom Desks & Chairs – Luce and GMS 17,019 10-0-0
Kitchen Equipment – JFK & GMS 13,624 10-0-0
Window Shade Replacement (14 classrooms) – Luce 7,315 10-0-0
Extraordinary Maintenance
Painting – Systemwide $10,000 10-0-0
_______
GRAND TOTAL $550,000
- 31 -Source page 32
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
The amounts listed above for particular acquisitions are not to be construed as individual
appropriations. The sums shown are intended to be estimates of individual items but the
amount appropriated is one line item in the total sum of Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars
($550,000). The Finance Director and the Business Administrator of the School Department,
acting jointly, are hereby authorized to distribute such funds in such a manner as may be
needed to accomplish the forgoing list of purchases; provided, however, that each item
contained in the list is procured and that the excess funds are available because one or more
items cost less than estimated and not because an item intended to be procured is not so
procured.
MOTION 3
DISCUSSION:
Building Repairs/Improvements (Total of $234,544)
HVAC Improvements ($99,000)
This is the continuing implementation of a proactive preventative maintenance system for all school
locations and to fund small HVAC upgrades per the Towns’ 10-year plan. This will update
equipment/systems improve energy efficiency and expand the life expectancy of existing equipment.
Custodial Equipment ($10,000)
Much of the current custodial equipment is outdated and repairs are no longer cost effective. This request
is to purchase one new auto scrubber floor machine and five floor buffers
Security Upgrades at Hansen, JFK and Luce ($50,835)
In the wake of recent high-profile school tragedies with multiple homicides, schools are urged to
incorporate security technology into their safety programs. Adding additional cameras to areas not
currently under surveillance can reduce vandalism, monitor activity and provide critical real-time
information during an emergency.
Hansen: Install five addition exterior cameras in the playground area, parent drop-off and outdoor
classroom/staff parking lot. ($23,945)
Luce: Install five additional exterior cameras in the main playground, dumpster area and smaller
playground where people climb on the roof. ($16,795)
Kennedy: Install four additional exterior cameras in the “quad” area, between new building and 1 st grade
hallway, back corner of the garage and the playground near the loading dock. ($10,095)
Luce - Repair Brick Wall ($5,050)
The brick wall next to the Library was damaged from a plow and needs to be repaired.
CHS – Fire Alarm Panel Upgrade; Blgs. A & B ($28,675)
It is becoming very difficult to find parts for the outdated panels and Fire Chief Doody has requested that
the current panels be replaced.
JFK – Refinish Gym Ceiling ($34,484)
The current ceiling is peeling and is dropping paint chips on the gym floor. This request is to sand blast,
prime and paint the entire ceiling.
Lighting Improvements at Upper Memorial Field ($6,500)
Current lighting at Memorial Field leaves many areas in shadows, which is a safety hazard. This request is
to add seven new light fixtures at and around Memorial Field.
Teacher/PC Laptop Replacement – Systemwide ($73,401)
Replace 10 year old teacher PC’s with new HP laptops with Windows 7 software. Current units are
breaking down and not compatible with new requirements.
Printer Replacement – Systemwide ($5,379)
Replacement of 10+ year old printers with new standardized HP Desk Jets. This will save on maintenance,
ink cost and upgrade network capacity.
- 32 -Source page 33
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
Replace CRT Monitors with LCD displays – Systemwide ($14,336)
Purchase 80 new CRT monitors that are cost efficient and provide energy savings. The schools moved to a
virtual network over the last 5 years and no longer require full PC units.
Program Improvements ($174,382)
CHS – Calculus Text Books ($24,418)
Textbooks for the Honors and AP calculus classes are at least 8 years old and inappropriate for the current
course standards, resulting in no text books being uses in these classes. This request will purchase 100
new calculus test books along with a multiple year student license for the online version of the book.
CHS – Pre-calculus Text Books ($39,039)
Textbooks for the Honors and CP Pre-calculus classes are at least 8 years old and do not address many of
the current Common Core Standards. This request will purchase 210 new calculus test books along with a
multiple year student license for the online version of the book.
CHS – Chemistry Text Books ($3,088)
Due to the increase in number of students projected to enroll at CHS in 2015, there is a shortage of
Chemistry text books. This request will purchase 50 additional Chemistry text books to meet the
enrollment needs.
CHS – Biology Text Books ($2,306)
Due to the increase in number of students projected to enroll at CHS in 2015, there is a shortage of CP
Biology text books. This request will purchase 35 additional Biology text books to meet the enrollment
needs.
CHS – Physics Text Books ($1,453)
Due to the increase in number of students projected to enroll at CHS in 2015, there is a shortage of CP
Physics text books. This request will purchase 20 additional Biology text books to meet the enrollment
needs.
CHS – World History Text Books ($26,572)
The current 9th grade textbook is from 1999 and there is no online access to this text. In the ever-
changing global age, and in a world history curriculum that includes contemporary history, an update is
needed. For example, the 199o version predates the 9-11 attacks and therefor e predates all the
fundamental changes undergone sine then. This request will purchase 300 hard copies along with a 6-year
online subscription for each book. The request also includes online subscriptions for 4 teachers and 4
printed sets of teacher materials.
GMS – Algebra Text Books ($9,923)
New mathematics texts were purchased last year for the Canton High School math courses, including
Algebra I. Algebra I is also taught at the Galvin Middle School in grade 8. Galvin Middle School Algebra
classes are currently borrowing classroom sets from CHS in order to be using the same book for the same
course. This request will purchase 130 Algebra I Common Core text books for students and 3 teacher
packages that include text and teacher materials.
GMS – World Geography Text Books ($21,614)
The current 7th grade geography texts, purchased in 2000, has a reading level of 10th grade and are
simply too difficult for 6tha and 7th grade students to read. Desks sets of My World Geography books have
been purchased and are being used as student desk sets. This request will purchase 200 Geography text
books along with a 6-year online subscriptions.
Furniture & Fixtures (Total of $37,958)
Luce – Classroom Desk and Chairs ($3,187)
Twenty-four broken desk-chair combination units need to be replaced
Galvin Middle School – Desk and Chairs ($13,832)
Many classrooms have the desk/chair combination units that are broken beyond repair and need to be
replaced. This request will purchase 85 new desk-chair units, 15 desk-chair units with extended desk
surface, and 50 chairs.
JKF and Galvin Middle School - Kitchen Equipment ($13,624)
The existing oven at the Kennedy is more than 25 years old and is the primary source for cooking ~200
lunches daily. The three ovens at the Galvin Middle school cook ~500 lunches daily and are over 44 years
old. These ovens are falling apart to the point that repair is no longer cost effective. This request will
replace the oven at the Kennedy and one of the ovens at the Galvin.
- 33 -Source page 34
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
Luce - Window Shade Replacement in 14 classrooms ($7,315)
The shades in many classrooms are either damaged or missing altogether. On sunny days, the glare
coming in through the windows onto whiteboards and text books interferes with the ability of students to
clearly see what is written on these things. The shades need to be replaced.
Extraordinary Maintenance (Total of $10,000)
Painting ($10,000)
Ongoing upkeep of the schools includes repainting surfaces as needed. This request is to paint some
classrooms, halls and the gymnasium at the Hansen, plus some corridors at the High School
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 4
MOVED: That Four Hundred Ninety One Thousand Dollars ($491,000) be appropriated to
be spent by the Finance Director (in his capacity as Chief Procurement Officer) with the
approval of the Department of Public Works Superintendent, Fire Chief and Board of Selectmen
to pay costs of various capital projects and equipment as set forth below and to meet said
appropriation the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, be authorized
to borrow, pursuant to any applicable statute or any other enabling authority as may be, the
sum of Four Hundred Ninety One Thousand Dollars ($491,000).
FINCOM FINCOM
RECOMMENDATIONS AMOUNT VOTE
Fire Protective Equipment – Turnout Gear $156,000 10-0-0
DPW – Garage Security System 60,000 10-0-0
DPW – Old Shepard Street Dam Repair Design 75,000 10-0-0
DPW – Replace Sidewalk Tractor (#47) w/Trackless Series MT6 200,000 10-0-0
________
TOTAL $491,000
The sums listed above are intended to be estimates of individual items but the amount to be
appropriated is one line item in the total amount of Four Hundred Ninety One Thousand Dollars
($491,000). The Finance Director and the Town Administrator, acting jointly, are hereby
authorized to distribute such funds in such manner as may be needed to accomplish the
foregoing list of projects; provided, however, that each project contained in the list set forth
above is undertaken and that any excess funds are available because one or more of the listed
projects cost less than was estimated and not because a project intended to be undertaken is
not so undertaken.
MOTION 4
DISCUSSION:
Fire Department
Protective Equipment – Turnout Gear ($156,000)
The current gear was purchased and NPFA recommends that it be replaced every 10 years. Firefighters
use this equipment responding to calls and the new technologies will provide improved safety and
protection in responding to fires, rescues, HazMat and highway rescue situations.
Department of Public Works
Garage Security System ($60,000)
New IP CCTV security system for DPW garage including cameras, wiring, programming and 3 year
maintenance contact. This area has experienced recent theft and loss/damage to town assets.
Old Shepard Street Dam Repair Design ($75,000)
This will fund detailed design report for upcoming repairs to the Old Shepard Street Dam, estimated to be
$450,000. This detailed report is required by the MA Office of Dam Safety and the EPA.
- 34 -Source page 35
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
Replace Sidewalk Tractor (#47) w/Trackless Series MT6 ($200,000)
This will replace existing 1979 sidewalk tractor that has experienced numerous problems with a new
model to handle snow removal throughout for the town.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 5
MOVED: That Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000) be appropriated to be spent
by the School Committee to pay for a Classroom Interactive Whiteboard/Curriculum Project
and to meet said appropriation the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of
Selectmen, be authorized to borrow, pursuant to any applicable statute or any other enabling
authority as may be, the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000).
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 10-0-0
MOTION 5
DISCUSSION: This will provide funding for the purchase of 117 classroom setups for the new
Interactive Whiteboard project and provide teachers to be efficient and productive in presenting classroom
material. The units are attached to a laptop/desktop of document camera and will provide our Canton
students with an interactive learning experience.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 6
MOVED: That Three Hundred Twenty Six Thousand Dollars ($326,000) be appropriated
to be spent by the Fire Chief with the approval of the Board of Selectmen for the purpose of
various capital equipment as set forth below and to meet this appropriation Three Hundred
Twenty Six Thousand Dollars ($326,000) be transferred from Ambulance Receipts Reserved for
Appropriation Account.
CPC & FINCOM
RECOMMENDATIONS FINCOM VOTE
Replace 2009 Ambulance $260,000 10-0-0
Chest Compression System 14,000 10-0-0
Purchase Defibrillators 20,000 10-0-0
Purchase Lifepak 15 V2 Defibrillator 32,000 10-0-0
_______
TOTAL $326,000
MOTION 6
DISCUSSION:
Replace 2009 Ambulance ($260,000)
Replace 2009 unit with over 100,000 miles that has seen heavy duty usage, housed at Station 2/
Chest Compression System ($14,000)
As part of the Ambulance replace all internal is replaced with new technology including the Chest
Compression System.
Defibrillators ($20,000)
This will replace existing units and be installed on new unit.
- 35 -Source page 36
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
Lifepak 15 V2 Defibrillator ($32,000)
Purchase of new unit as part of new ambulance.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 7
MOTION: That Two Million Six Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars ($2,630,000) be
appropriated to be spent by the Department of Public Works Superintendent with the approval
of the Board of Selectmen to pay for a water main replacement in the Mechanic Street area and
to meet said appropriation the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen be
authorized to borrow pursuant to any applicable statute or any other enabling authority as may
be, the sum of Two Million Six Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars ($2,630,000). It is the intent
that the bonds and notes issued pursuant to this authority be general obligations of the Town
but are to be repaid in the first instance from water revenues.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 10-0-0
MOTION 7
DISCUSSION:
Water Main Replacement – Mechanic Street Area ($2,630,000)
Replacement of 12,400 feet of existing 6” water main on Mechanic, Rockland, Howard, Belcher, Walnut,
Messinger, Beverly Hill and Walnut Knoll with new 8” pipe. This will include water main, hydrants and
improve water pressure for residents, while reducing losses from leaks.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 8
MOVED: That Three Hundred Seventy Two Thousand Dollars ($372,000) be appropriated
to be spent by the Finance Director (in his capacity as Chief Procurement Officer) with the
approval of the Department of Public Works Superintendent and the Board of Selectmen to pay
costs of various capital projects and equipment as set forth below and to meet said
appropriation Three Hundred Seventy Two Thousand Dollars ($372,000) be transferred from
the water enterprise surplus (retained earnings).
FINCOM FINCOM
RECOMMENDATIONS AMOUNT VOTE
Replace 2000 Ford F-250 (#91) w/International 4300 $142,000 10-0-0
Repairs to Pine Street Garage 230,000 10-0-0
________
TOTAL $372,000
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
The sums shown are intended to be estimates of individual items but the amount to be
appropriated is one line item in the total amount of Three Hundred Seventy Two Thousand
Dollars ($372,000). The Finance Director and the Town Administrator, acting jointly, are
hereby authorized to distribute such funds in such manner as may be needed to accomplish the
foregoing list of projects; provided, however, that each project contained in the list set forth
above is undertaken and that any excess funds are available because one or more of the listed
projects cost less than was estimated and not because a project intended to be undertaken is
not so undertaken.
MOTION 8
DISCUSSION:
Replace 2000 Ford F-250 (#91) w/International 4300 ($142,000)
Current vehicle is 14 years old and has over 180,000 miles. This is the primary unit that responds to
water emergencies in the town. New unit will be NaviStar/International unit equipped with a welder, air
compressor, lift and generator.
Repairs to Pine Street Garage ($230,000)
Engineering and construction to Pine Street Water & Sewer garage, including HVAC, Plumbing and
Electrical, along with addressing ADA compliance issues. This will provide staff with proper rest rooms,
locker rooms, offices, and upgrade 1997 town facility.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 9
MOTION: That Five Hundred Sixty One Thousand Dollars ($561,000) be appropriated to
be spent by the Finance Director (in his capacity as Chief Procurement Officer) with the
approval of the Department of Public Works Superintendent and the Board of Selectmen to pay
costs of various capital projects and equipment as set forth below and to meet said
appropriation the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen be authorized to
borrow pursuant to any applicable statute or any other enabling authority as may be, the sum
of Five Hundred Sixty One Thousand Dollars ($561,000). It is the intent that the bonds and
notes issued pursuant to this authority be general obligations of the Town but are to be repaid
in the first instance from sewer revenues.
FINCOM FINCOM
RECOMMENDATIONS AMOUNT VOTE
Estey Way Sewer Replacement $250,000 10-0-0
Water Resources Management Program 311,000 10-0-0
________
TOTAL $561,000
The sums shown are intended to be estimates of individual items but the amount to be
appropriated is one line item in the total amount of Five Hundred Sixty One Thousand Dollars
($561,000). The Finance Director and the Town Administrator, acting jointly, are hereby
authorized to distribute such funds in such manner as may be needed to accomplish the
foregoing list of projects; provided, however, that each project contained in the list set forth
above is undertaken and that any excess funds are available because one or more of the listed
projects cost less than was estimated and not because a project intended to be undertaken is
not so undertaken.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
MOTION 9
DISCUSSION:
Estey Way Sewer Replacement ($250,000)
Replacement of 8” line, that is currently in poor condition, cracked and in substandard condition.
Replacement will eliminate current groundwater leakage issues and lessen maintenance.
Water Resources Management Program ($311,000)
Provides funding and research for the development of a 5 year plan to manage the Town’s water,
wastewater, storm water infrastructure. This will provide the Town with a defined plan for future capital
investments and keep the Town in compliance with EPA protocol.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 13
ACCEPT GENERAL OR SESSION LAWS ENACTED BY THE GENERAL COURT
Article 13 To see if the town will vote to accept any general or session laws enacted by the General
Court for the benefit of cities or towns or of benefit to the Town of Canton, or to take any other action
related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the subject matter of Article 13 be indefinitely postponed.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 11-0-0
DISCUSSION: As has been the practice at previous Town Meetings, this article was placed on the
warrant in anticipation of any legislation to be passed by the General Court (Legislature on Beacon Hill)
that could be of benefit to the Town of Canton. This allows the Town, at Town Meeting, to accept or reject
any legislation that is passed prior to Town Meeting. Since no such legislation exists this year, the Finance
Committee voted that the subject matter of this article be postponed indefinitely.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 14
APPROVAL OF FUNDING FOR THE ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Article 14 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow pursuant to any applicable
statute or transfer from available funds a sum of money to be expended by the Canton Recreation Director
for the purpose of funding the annual July 4th community celebration in 2015, or to take any other action
related thereto with the intent these funds be available in FY15 in anticipation of July 4, 2015.
Board of Selectmen for the Canton Recreation Commission
- 38 -Source page 39
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
MOVED: That the sum of Thirty Five Thousand Dollars ($35,000) be transferred from
Free Cash in the Treasury of the Town to be expended by the Finance Director as Chief
Procurement Officer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, for the July 4th community
celebration in 2015 with the intent that said funds shall be available in FY15 in anticipation of
July 4, 2015.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee supports use of Town monies to pay for the expense of the 4 th
of July celebration.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 15
INSURANCE PROCEEDS
Article 15 To see whether the Town will vote to appropriate all sums over $20,000 recovered under the
terms of any insurance policy and any other insurance proceeds paid to the Town in connection with any
losses suffered by the Town, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the sum of Twenty Three Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Nine Dollars
($23,999) be appropriated to be spent by the Police Chief with the approval of the Board of
Selectmen in connection with losses suffered by the Town from a patrol vehicle accident and
that Twenty Three Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Nine Dollars ($23,999) be transferred from
Insurance Reimbursement Fund #173 to Police Cash Capital Cruiser Replacement thereby
increasing such appropriation already voted pursuant to Article 11 Motion 2 of the 2014 Annual
Town Meeting from One Hundred Thirteen Thousand Dollars ($113,000) to One Hundred Thirty
Six Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Nine Dollars ($136,999) and to meet this appropriation the
sum of $23,999 be transferred from Fund 173.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Town received an insurance settlement of $23,999 to cover damage to a police
cruiser. This article allows the Town to spend that money to replace the damaged cruiser.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 16
VOTE TO RESCIND UNUSED BORROWING AUTHORIZATIONS
Article 16 To see if the town will vote to rescind unused borrowing authorizations previously voted by
the Town, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
- 39 -Source page 40
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 11, 2015
MOVED: That the following unused borrowing authorizations previously voted by the
Town be hereby rescinded:
AUTHORIZED AUTHORIZED AMOUNT TO BE
DATE ARTICLE PURPOSE AMOUNT RESCINDED
4/25/11 13 Mot 10 Rodman Heating System $1,500,000 $150,000
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: This is a housekeeping article designed to reduce the Town’s unissued debt. In 2011
(Article 13 motion 10), the Town authorized bonding authority for $1,500,000 to pay for the Rodman
building boiler system, the final cost of which came in at $150,000 under the estimate. By rescinding this
residual borrowing authority, the Town reduces its unissued debt, thereby contributing to a high bond
rating.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 17
INCREASE STABILIZATION FUND
Article 17 To see what sums of money the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from any
available funds or borrow pursuant to any applicable statute, in order to increase any Stabilization Fund of
the Town established pursuant to MGL Chapter 40, section 5B, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen for the Finance Director
MOTION 1
MOVED: That the sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) be transferred for
the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2015 from Free Cash in the Treasury of the Town to the Special
Education Stabilization Fund.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 11-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee supports this article to transfer $100,000 of Free Cash into the
Special Education (aka SPED) stabilization fund. Due to the uncertainties of the SPED budget, the majority
felt it was important to continue to fund this account for FY16.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 2
MOVED: That the sum of Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($600,000) be transferred for
the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2015 from Free Cash of the Town to the Town Stabilization
Fund.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 11-0-0
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