Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
ATM 2014 WARRANT
Saved text from 76 source pages. Transcription and OCR may contain errors; verify figures and wording against the original. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
Source page 1
Recommendations of the Finance Committee
to the Voters of Canton, Massachusetts
2014
TOWN OF CANTON
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014 @ 7:00 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.
__________________________________________
$92 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, 2014.Source page 2
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
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 …………………………………………….. 12
Note to All Voters Concerning Town Meeting Procedures ……………………….. 13
Summary of Revenue and Expenditures ……………………………………………….. 14
Revolving Funds ………………………………………………………………………………… 22
Votes to Transfer Available Funds ……………………………………………………….. 62
Operating Budget by Voting Category FY 2015 ……………………………………… 64
Operating Budget by Department – Detail FY 2015 …………..…………………… 66
Five Year Municipal Capital Plan for FY 2015-2019 ……………………….………. 74
Five Year School Committee Capital Plan for FY 2015-2019 …………………… 75
Five Year Self-Supporting Capital Plan for FY 2015-2019 ……………………….. 75
Annual Town Meeting Articles
Art. Page #
1 Elect a Moderator ………………………………………………………………………………. 15
2 Adopt Rules to Govern Town Meeting …………………………………………………… 15
3 Hear Reports of Committees Appointed at Prior Town Meetings ……………… 17
4 Act on “Consent Agenda” ……………………………………………………………………. 17
5 Set Salaries of Elected Officers ……………………………………………………………. 18
6 Pay Bills of Prior Fiscal Year ……………………………………………………………….. 19
7 Adjust Fiscal 2014 Accounts …………………………………………………………….. 19
8 Transfer Unexpended Prior Year Appropriations …………………………………… 21
9 Authorize Contracts of More Than Three Years Duration ……………………….. 21
10 Authorize Certain Revolving Funds ……………………………………………………… 22
11 “Omnibus” Capital Outlay Program …………………………………………………….. 24
12 Inclusionary Zoning Article …….……………………………………………….……. 34
13 Medical Marijuana Facilities …………………….……………………………………… 38
14 Amend Zoning By-Law by Deleting Section 4.2.1 – Build Factor …….……… 41
15 Amend Zoning By-Law Section 4.1.6 by Inserting New Paragraph
“Lot Shape” ………………………………………………………………………………..……. 42
16 Amend Zoning Map by Revising Boundaries of the Overlay District
Entitled “Canton Center Economic Opportunity District (CCEOD)” ………..…. 43
-2–Source page 3
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
Art. Page #
17 Designation of Hemenway Drive as a Scenic Road Pursuant to
M.G.L. C. 40, Section 15C ………………………………………………………………..…. 43
18 Local Funding Match – Chapter 90 Roads ……………………………………………. 44
19 Street Opening By-Law Proposal …………………………………………………..….. 45
20 Chapman Street Curb Improvements …………………………………………………… 47
21 Recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee …..…….….. 47
22 Establish a Canton Housing Trust Fund ………………………………………….…… 51
23 Home Rule Petition – To Allow Canton to Hold Municipal Elections on the
First Tuesday after the First Monday in November ………………………….….... 54
24 Transfer of a Portion of Special Education Stabilization Fund to
Supplement Special Education Budget Deficit …….……………………………… 54
25 Approve Debt Authorization for Improvements to Shepard Pond Dam …….. 55
26 Tax Increment Financing Plan – 130 Royall Street ……………..……………..….. 56
27 Amend Additional 43D Priority Development Site(s) .………………………..…. 57
28 Accept General or Session Laws Enacted by the General Court ……….……… 58
th
29 Approval of Funding for the Annual 4 of July Community Celebration ..… 59
30 Insurance Proceeds …………………………………………………………………...…….. 59
31 Rescind Unused Borrowing Authorizations …………………….……………………. 60
32 Increase Stabilization Fund .…………………………………..……………….……… 61
33 Appropriate Funds to Meet Expenses for Next Fiscal Year (FY15) …………… 62
NOTES
-3–Source page 4
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
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 found in this warrant. Special thanks to Jim Sims and Louis Jutras for building
the website and keeping it up to date.
As the economy continues to improve, Canton’s sound fiscal management has put us in a position to
continue to restore services and increase our reserves without the traditional maximum increase to the
levy. However, rising ‘Fixed Costs’ such as Health Insurance (7.4%), Trash Collection (7.1%), Pension
Obligations (12.6%) and Town Insurance (6.5%) meant less was available to restore services this year
than last year.
The $78.9 million FY15 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 budget Finance Committee Budget Recommendations
represents a 3.0% increase over the FY14 3.0% Average Increase in Operating Budgets
budget approved at the 2013 ATM and a 1.9% Increase in Fixed Cost
3.6% increase in School and Municipal 3.6% Municipal Budget Increase
Operating Budgets. The FY15 budget 3.6% School Budget Increase
recommended by the Finance Committee
assumes that property taxes will be increased by less than the maximum 2.5% allowed under Prop 2 ½,
and that revenue will be supplemented with an increase in Local Receipts (including the Solar Farm,
Meals and Hotel Taxes) and New Growth.
While this time of year is often met with guessing where our State Aid numbers will fall, this year the
budgets presented by the Governor and House Ways and Means Committee offer similar numbers for
Canton so there is more certainty as to what Canton may receive. 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 impact of the Community Preservation Act tax, recently
passed by the voters will be lessened. 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 FY16 or FY17.
The Capital Planning Committee (CPC) and
2014 Residential Tax Rate: $12.87 Per Thousand
the Finance Committee are recommending that
$5.71 School Operating and Capital
Canton continue its capital funding at 5.1% of
$2.90 Municipal Operating and Capital revenue. With additional projects funded from
$4.11 Fixed Costs Free Cash, the total Capital Expenditures have
$0.15 State & County Charges grown to 6.6%. 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. Our School system has begun to address the issue of space
needs through last year’s formation of the School Building Study Committee and this year’s request for
funds for engineering services to add onto the Hansen.
1
Standard & Poor’s, in a recent report , assigned its AAA long-term rating to Canton’s general
obligation (GO) municipal purpose loan of 2014 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%.
1
Standard and Poor’s Ratings Direct® report dated February 20th, 2014.
-4–Source page 5
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
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 $9.9
million as of June 30, 2014 which is in the middle of the target range 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 $551,000
contribution 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
"indefinitely postpone" 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 restoring
services at a sustainable rate, beginning to address our OPEB Liability, maintaining our infrastructure and
setting aside funds for the next rainy day.
Fiscal Year 2013 – (7/1/12 – 6/30/13) – At the 2012 ATM voters approved an FY 13 Budget based on
$73.9 million in forecasted revenue and $73.9 million in forecasted expenses. No assessor’s overlay
surplus was budgeted.
Actual Revenue for FY13 was $76.2 million, approximately $2.3 million higher than budgeted as Canton
collected more Local Receipts and State Aid. FY13 Expenses were $75.5 million, $1.6 million more than
budgeted. This increase was primarily due to funds spent to purchase and renovate the Senior Center
$1.3 million), a spending decision 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 2013 as shown in Figure 2 Below.
Fiscal Year 2014 – (7/1/2013 – 6/30/2014)
At the 2013 ATM voters approved a FY14 Budget based on $76.5 million in forecasted revenue and $76.5
million in forecasted expenses.
At the time of this writing, the Town's FY14 finances are more favorable than budgeted. The current
estimate of the Town's FY14 revenue is approximately $2.3 million greater than budget primarily because
of new tax growth, revenue collected from pursuing delinquent taxes owed, Solar Facility and a FEMA
reimbursement. Because of this unanticipated increase in revenue, the Town did not have to ‘tax to the
max’ to balance the voted FY 14 budget. The snowy winter of 2014 did add some stress to the Town's
finances. All of budgeted appropriations for snow and ice removal budget will be spent in FY14, and the
account is over drawn by approximately $485k. The Finance Committee recommends addressing this
shortfall through Free Cash. Over all, if these trends continue, even with the cost associated with Snow
and Ice, Shepard’s Pond Dam and the Hansen Design, we anticipate our cash reserves, which are the
Free Cash, Stabilization Fund, and the Assessors Overlay Reserve, to grow to 12.5% of FY15’s budget,
well within the recommended range 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 year's annual
-5–Source page 6
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
reports the Finance Committee report noted that bringing health care and employee benefit costs under
control is a critical component in alleviating Town’s financial stress. The Municipal Departments and
School Department have made progress towards this elusive goal through FY13 – FY15 contracts
coupled with the State’s healthcare reform. This reform facilitated the Town's effort to mitigate rising
health care costs. This will provided us with a temporary reprieve from rising healthcare costs for FY14
but the costs have begun to rise significantly again in FY15.
The accelerated increases in the school department expenses can be attributed to an increase in
special education costs and the steps, lane 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, as with the current contract, 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 $450,518 in Steps, Lanes and
Longevity inherent in school contracts for FY15 represented an average salary increase of 1.6%
compared to the $111,899 (1.0%) in Steps and Longevity increases provided to municipal employees. All
employees received a 2% COLA for FY15 as well, which brings total average salary increase to 3.6% for
the schools and 3.0% for the municipal.
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 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, leaving the Finance Committee Reserve for any issues
that arise before 6/30/2014. Any remaining balance in this fund will be transferred to the Free Cash
Reserve as in previous years.
-6–Source page 7
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
The Town also maintains three sources of "Reserves"
Free Cash Reserve - This is a poorly
(savings accounts) that serve as potential sources to fund
named reserve that the Town maintains
unplanned expenses. Figure 2 shows the Town's reserve
for unexpected emergencies. "Free
balances including the estimated balances as of June 30,
Cash" should not be used to supplement
2014. The Free Cash Reserve requires a majority vote at
operational budget deficits!
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.
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 allowed the Town to
Assessor’s Overlay - This account sets earn the highest long-term bond rating (Standard & Poor's AAA)
aside funds for abatements. However, if offered to municipalities in the United States. This allows
the Assessors declare a surplus, funds Canton to issue bonds for debt capital projects at the most
can be released for appropriation by favorable interest rates.
Town Meeting.
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 $300,000 increase in the
cost to borrow $10.0 million over the life of a 20 year bond. This year, the Town was able to take
advantage of its AAA Bond rating to ‘refinance’ old debt, generating a long term savings to the town of
over $8 million.
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 $9.9 million at the end of FY14. Reserves were used during the economic
-7–Source page 8
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
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 restore these reserves.
Bond Rating Agencies recommend a reserve between 10% and 15% of expenses. This year, the
Finance Committee adopted a policy that, in a year of surplus, recommends increasing our reserves by
1% 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 FY14 surplus is projected to be significant, in addition to increasing our
reserves from 11.5% to 12.5%, the Finance Committee recommends funds be used for the Hansen
th
Design, Road Improvements, SPED Stabilization, Shepard’s Pond Dam and the 4 of July Celebration.
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.
Fund Name Control 7/2012 7/2013 2/2014 Source Use
Ambulance TM $1.1M $1.2M $971k Ambulance Receipts Fire and Ambulance Expenses*
Cemetery Perpetual Care TM $371k $385k $393k Payments for Care Cemetery Improvements
University Station Mitigat BOS $0 $0 $1.35M Mitigation Payment Defray costs assoc w project
NSTAR Mitigation BOS $755k $605k $513k Mitigation Payment 138 Road Improvements*
Stoughton Mitigation BOS $222k $199k $199k Mitigation Payment Dedham & Pleasant St Repairs*
Town Donations BOS $531k $546k $942k Donations Any purpose if not specified
Muni Building Insurance BOS $443k $466k $442k Town Meeting Appro. Muni Building Repairs
Conservation Land ConCom $137k $144k $144k Town Meeting Appro. Purchase Conservation Land
Police Drug Forfeiture Police $1M $1M $1M Federal Program Police Investigations
Animal Shelter Ani Cont $94k $100k $100k Donations Costs of Animal Shelter
OPEB Trust Finance $100k $155k $569k Town Meeting Appro. Future OPEB Costs
School Rentals School $202k $217k $280k Rental Fees Annual Budget offset of $138k
School Athletics School $83k $107k $261k Sports Fees Annual Budget offset of $204k
School Food Service School $306k $259k $246k Cafeteria Receipts Operate Cafeteria
School Kindergarten School $150k $116k $221k User Fees Operate Full Kindergarten
School Donations School $126k $146k $192k Donations Any purpose if not specified
School Tuition School $58k $98k $145k User Fees Operate Programs
School Transportation School $287k $287k $128k Bus Fees Transportation Costs
Ins. Reimbursement Various $119k $121k $124k Insurance < $20k Repair / Replace Damage
Capital Budget
For the last six years, the Capital Planning Committee (CPC) has recommended that the Town set aside
about 5.1% 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.
-8–Source page 9
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
The Finance Committee concurs with all of the recommendations made by the CPC as presented in
Article 11. The municipal requests include $500,000 in cash capital projects and $586,000 in capital
projects to be funded with debt (No including projects funded with Free Cash or the Shepherd’s Pond
Dam). In addition, the CPC recommended infrastructure capital improvement projects for the Water
Enterprise Fund and Sewer Enterprise Fund, totaling $678,000 in cash capital. The debt service for
these projects will be included in our water and sewer bills. The Schools allocated $500,000 for cash
capital projects and $243,200 in debt capital projects recommended by the CPC for the schools in FY15
(excluding the Hansen Design Project, discussed below).
One of the major capital items recommended this year is $2.1 million for the renovations needed for the
Shepherd Pond Dam. This is a project required by the State and mentioned in the ‘On the Horizon’
section last year. We wish to recognize DPW Head Mike Trotta, for securing the largest ever Dam grant
from the State ($665k Grant / $335k Low Interest Loan) to defray this cost. Given our projected FY14
surplus, we agreed that we could use Free Cash reserves for a portion of this project. Further, paying
cash will reduce our interest and debt service costs moving forward.
The Finance Committee also recommends funding $250k for a Design Project to add classrooms to the
Hansen School. As mentioned in the ‘On the Horizon’ section last year, the Schools face a space crunch
which will continue to be exacerbated by new development in the town. The School Building Study
Committee was formed last year and will present their initial findings at Town Meeting. While this is not
the end of this issue, the Finance Committee agrees this is an important first step to addressing it.
For the first time in Canton, we will also have
Community Preservation Act Surcharge the opportunity to vote uses of the Community
The CPA surcharge is calculated as 1% of your real Preservation Act (CPA) funds, which are
estate bill after an exemption amount is applied. generated by a 1% surcharge on our property
Abatements are available for Seniors and Low Income tax bills, as well as with State matching in
Households. FY15. Article 21 addresses the administrative
votes as well as 5 projects brought forth by the
Canton Community Preservation Committee (CCPC). While the Finance Committee supported all of the
projects, two of the votes were not unanimous. There was a concern that two of the projects funded
upgrades of State owned buildings for which the State should bear the financial burden for these projects.
Contract Obligations
The School Committee and Board of Selectmen completed negotiations with all unions in Town during
FY13. 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 $111,899
for automatic salary increases for the municipal departments and $450,518 for automatic salary increases
for the school employees related to steps, lanes and longevity. Additionally, there has been $226,206 set
aside for municipal Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) and $549,233 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. With the most recent contract they
took significant steps towards addressing this issue. It should be noted that a majority of the School and
st
Municipal contracts are in effect until August 31 , 2015 so the negotiation of the next contracts will likely
begin shortly.
-9–Source page 10
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
On the Horizon
Schools Space 1: The Hansen modular classrooms have aged past their useful lives and must
be replaced. When four classrooms were added at the JFK in FY12, the cost was approximately
$1.2 million and included required sprinkler upgrades for the rest of the building. The School
Building Study Committee and the Finance Committee have recommended the funding of a
Design Study this year. The construction is not currently part of the school’s capital plan but will
likely need to be addressed in FY16 or FY17 via a debt exclusion override.
Schools Space 2: New residential developments have and will continue to create a space
crunch in our current elementary schools. To address this issue, the School Building Study
Committee was formed at the 2013 Town Meeting. The purpose of the School Building Study
Committee is to assess the current school building facilities and to determine the extent to which
they meet the educational needs of the district and whether they will be sufficient in future years.
If the committee’s finding is that they will not, this Committee is asked to make a specific
recommendation as to how the future educational space needs of the district might be met. This
could include 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 FY16’s revenue materialize, the projected increase to the School budget for FY16
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 also various types of 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 $551,000 into this fund for FY15. 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 communities, the annual cost will likely be substantial.
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.
- 10 –Source page 11
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
FY 2015 Budget
In Article 33, the Finance Committee is recommending a FY15 operating budget of $78.9 million for the
General Fund, which is a 3.0% increase over the FY14 budget approved at ATM. The increase in
revenue was partially driven by revenues from the Solar Farm, New Growth, and the Hotel and Meals Tax
revenue. These sources of funds have allowed Canton to restore services and rebuild 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 FY15. 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 Patrick's proposed budget and House Ways and Means Budget.
The Finance Committee is recommending a 3.6% increase in the operating budgets for the municipal
departments and a 3.6% increase in the operating budget for the Schools. Overall, the School
Department received an additional $200,249 and the Municipal an additional $261,895 to enhance
services. The Finance Committee's recommended budget also includes a 1.9% increase in fixed costs.
The Water Enterprise Fund operating budget decreased 5% due to reduced MWRA charges associated
with utilizing our new water treatment facilities. The recommended budget for the Sewer Enterprise Fund
was increased 3.1% due to increased charges by the MWRA. The recommended budget for the Rink
Enterprise Fund has increased 1.8% from FY14 budget due increased indirect charges by the general
fund.
The Finance Committee believes that the recommended FY15 budget will be adequately funded with
expected revenues. In addition, the Finance Committee is confident that the recommended FY15 budget
will provide fair compensation to our Town employees, while allowing Canton residents to enjoy the high
quality of services they are accustomed to. 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
Jerry Dorfman
Dianne Gustafson
Tim McKenna
Jim Sims
- 11 –Source page 12
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
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.
FY14: July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014
FY15: July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015
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.)
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.
- 12 –Source page 13
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
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.
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.
- 13 –Source page 14
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
SUMMARY OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES
FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015
ACTUAL BUDGET PROPOSED
GENERAL FUND REVENUES:
PROPERTY TAX REVENUE 58,943,238 60,602,472 63,145,700
STATE AID 7,767,007 8,151,749 7,599,730
LOCAL RECEIPTS 6,594,642 5,574,543 5,834,907
TRANSFERS FROM OTHER FUNDS 2,664,482 2,223,581 2,270,348
TAX TITLE / FORECLOSURE REVENUE 219,963 0 0
TOTAL REVENUES 76,189,331 76,552,344 78,850,685
GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES:
SCHOOL EXPENSES 32,011,496 33,320,505 34,520,505
MUNICIPAL EXPENSES 16,079,678 16,674,371 17,274,371
FIXED COSTS 23,857,242 24,679,189 25,158,277
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 71,948,416 74,674,065 76,953,153
CASH CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 2,207,710 966,000 1,035,000
TRANSFERS TO STABILIZATION FUNDS 400,000 0 0
STATE & COUNTY CHARGES 959,538 947,279 948,532
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 75,515,665 76,587,344 78,936,685
OPERATING SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) - GENERAL FUND 673,666 (35,000) (86,000)
ONE-TIME SOURCES OF FUNDS:
FREE CASH RESERVE 1,880,000 35,000 86,000
OVERLAY SURPLUS 0 0 0
TOTAL NON-RECURRING SOURCES 1,880,000 35,000 86,000
ADJUSTED SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) - GENERAL FUND 2,553,666 (0) (0)
ENTERPRISE FUNDS:
WATER REVENUE 7,020,036 6,178,655 5,873,373
SEWER REVENUE 5,403,919 5,618,111 5,795,392
RINK REVENUE 454,682 380,907 387,833
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS' REVENUE 12,878,637 12,177,673 12,056,598
ENTERPRISE FUNDS' SURPLUS USED 0 171,000 678,000
WATER EXPENSES 6,683,524 6,178,655 5,873,373
SEWER EXPENSES 5,496,704 5,618,111 5,795,392
RINK EXPENSES 413,114 380,907 387,833
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS EXPENSES 12,593,342 12,177,673 12,056,598
ENTERPRISE FUNDS' CASH CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 0 171,000 678,000
ENTERPRISE FUNDS' SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) 285,295 0 0
GRAND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS 88,109,007 88,936,017 91,671,283
- 14 –Source page 15
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
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 TWELFTH DAY
OF MAY 2014
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 2015 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 2014 Annual
Town Meeting, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOTION 1
MOVED: That this 2014 Annual Town Meeting shall meet on consecutive Monday and
Wednesday evenings (but not including Monday, May 26th) 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: 7-0-0
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__________
- 15 –Source page 16
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
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:
Debra Bromfield, Director of Student Services
John Ciccotelli, Director of Public Health
Paul R. DeRensis, Town Counsel
James Donovan, Town Engineer
William T. Friel, Town Administrator
Jeffrey Granatino, Superintendent of Schools
Jennifer Henderson, Director for Curriculum, Instruction & Technology
Tom Houston, Professional Services Corporation, PC
Rod Jané, NE Expansion Strategies (Consultant to Dunkin Brands) (Article 26)
Brian Joyce, Senator
Louis Jutras, Information Systems Manager
Mark Lague, Library Director
Karen Lawlor, Administrative Assistant, Canton Planning Board
Kenneth Leon, Business Administrator, School Department
Jason Maceda, Vice President, Dunkin Brands (Article 26)
James Murgia, Finance Director
Cynthia O’Connell, Conservation Commission Agent
David Proule, Business Manager, Blue Hills Regional Technical School
Helena Rafferty, Police Department Lieutenant
James Quaglia, Superintendent-Director, Blue Hills Regional Technical School
Mark Roy, Executive Director, Canton Housing Authority
Michael Trotta, Superintendent of Public Works
Diane Tynan, Director of Council on Aging
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
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: 7-0-0
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__________
- 16 –Source page 17
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
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 and accepted and that the ADA Transition Plan Implementation Committee shall complete the
charges of the committee prior to the convening of Annual Town Meeting 2015:
ADA Transition Plan Implementation Committee (ATM 1999, Article 10)
Economic Development Committee (ATM 2004, Article 14)
School Building Study Committee (ATM 2013, Article 11, Motion 14)
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee supports adoption of this motion to hear the reports of standing
committees appointed at prior Town Meetings. Under Canton General By-Laws, Article VI, Section 5, reports are to
be submitted to the Finance Committee before being presented at Town Meeting.
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 or Planning Board motions as printed in the report of the
Finance Committee: Articles 6, 10, 12, 22, 28 and 30.
FINCOM
Article Description Motion VOTE Reason
Postpone
6 Unpaid Bills of Prior Years 8-0-0 There are none.
Indefinitely
Authorize Certain Revolving
10 Adopt this article 7-0-0 Non-controversial.
Funds
Withdrawn
without
consideration, Article withdrawn by
12 Inclusionary Zoning Article 7-0-0
without prejudice Planning Board.
& without
unfavorable action
Withdrawn
without
Establish a Canton Housing consideration, Article withdrawn by
22 7-0-0
Trust Fund without prejudice Planning Board.
& without
unfavorable action
- 17 –Source page 18
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
Accept General or Session
Postpone
28 Laws enacted by General 6-0-0 There are none.
Indefinitely
Court
Postpone
30 Insurance Proceeds 7-0-0 There are none.
Indefinitely
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee recommends that articles 6, 12, 22, 28 and 30 be placed into the
consent agenda as there are no actions to be taken on any of them. Article 10 is authorized every year and there
have been no changes.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 5
SET SALARIES OF ELECTED OFFICERS
Article 5 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 $78,420.00 for the
2015 fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-1-0
MAJORITY DISCUSSION: The Town Clerk presented the Finance Committee with information showing
that the position is undercompensated based upon comparable salaries in other area towns. The Finance
Committee recognized in 2011 that the Town Clerk’s salary was low in comparison to other towns and
recommended that it be brought up to a more equitable level over a period of time rather than all at once. This
year’s increase continues that process.
MINORITY DISCUSSION: The process for recommending a salary for the Town Clerk started with the
incumbent providing a list of Town Clerk Salaries for FY14 for 9 nearby communities. A different set of comparable
Towns would produce different results. This arbitrary process produced a salary increase of 3.1% where most of
Canton’s employees received a 2% raise.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 18 –Source page 19
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
MOTION 2
MOVED: That the salary and compensation for all part-time elected officials of the Town be fixed
for the 2015 fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, as follows:
Board of Assessors $2,400.00, for each member
Board of Health $600.00, for each member
Board of Selectmen $1,400.00, for each member, with an additional
$200.00 to chairperson
Planning Board $0.00
School Committee $0.00
Library Trustees $0.00
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee recommends the salaries of elected officials remain at the same levels as
voted last year.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 6
PAY BILLS OF PRIOR FISCAL YEAR
Article 6 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 6 be indefinitely postponed.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously to postpone the article indefinitely, as there are no
bills from prior years that require payment.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 7
ADJUST FISCAL ‘14 ACCOUNTS
Article 7 To see if the town will vote to increase or decrease or otherwise adjust the appropriations heretofore
made for the Fiscal Year 2014 beginning on July 1, 2013 and ending on June 30, 2014 and the revenues sources to
meet those appropriations, as voted pursuant to Article 41 of the warrant for the 2013 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
- 19 –Source page 20
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
MOVED: That the appropriations voted for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2013 and ending
on June 30, 2014 pursuant to Article 41 of the warrant for the 2013 Annual Town Meeting be
supplemented as follows:
BUDGET TO BE
MOTION SUPPLEMENTED ACCOUNT # AMOUNT SOURCE OF FUNDS
1 SNOW & ICE 14232-5530C $485,594 FREE CASH
2 TRASH COLLECTION 14332-52901 $35,672 FREE CASH
3 DEBT SERVICE 17512-59182 $92,284 FREE CASH
4 VETERANS' SERVICES 15432-57700 $22,326 FREE CASH
5 FIRE DEPARTMENT 12201-51300 $153,476 AMBULANCE FUND
MOTION 1 (Snow & Ice)
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: After an exceptionally snowy winter, expenditures for snow and ice removal exceeded the
amount budgeted. To ensure balancing the books at the end of FY14, the Finance Committee unanimously
supports transferring $485,594 from Free Cash to pay this bill.
MOTION 2 (Trash Collection)
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: While the contract with Allied Waste (who collects trash at the curbside) is fixed, SEMASS (the
waste processor) charges the Town on a per-ton basis. This year there was an increase in the number of tons of
trash delivered to SEMASS relative to the amount in previous years. Motion 2 secures payment for that difference.
MOTION 3 (Debt Service)
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The purpose of this motion is to pay to refinance approximately $7 million of the Town’s debt at a
substantial savings. Due to a timing issue, an extra interest payment is due in FY14. This transfer addresses this
payment.
MOTION 4 (Veterans’ Services)
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Veterans’ Agent actively seeks to identify and enroll veterans in the Town who are entitled to
benefits. Addition of eligible veterans therefore increases the costs to the Veterans’ Services budget. The Finance
Committee unanimously supports transferring $22,326 from Free Cash to support these services.
- 20 –Source page 21
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
MOTION 5 (Fire Department)
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Fire Department was $153,476 over budget, primarily due to overtime required to cover for
Canton Firefighters who had been injured. The Finance Committee unanimously supports transferring money from
the Ambulance Fund to cover this overage.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 8
TRANSFER UNEXPENDED PRIOR YEAR APPROPRIATIONS
Article 8 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 Fifty Nine Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($59,800) be appropriated to be spent
by the Finance Director (in his capacity as Chief Procurement Officer) with the approval of the Police
Chief and the Board of Selectmen for the purpose of painting and mold remediation at the Police
Station and to meet this appropriation the sum of Fifty Nine Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars
($59,800.) be transferred from the appropriation voted pursuant to Article 16 Motion 10 of the 2002
Annual Town Meeting with the intent that these funds be available in fiscal year 2014.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 6-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of this transfer of prior year
available appropriations to cover necessary FY 2014 expenses related to the Canton Police Station. The Finance
Committee deliberated on this matter after discussions with the Police Chief and the Capital Planning Committee.
The Canton Police Station requires repairs and work to include new gutters, painting and mold remediation. This
will be funded from an unspent capital project from a previous year along with mitigation funds released by the
Selectmen.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 9
AUTHORIZE CONTRACTS OF MORE THAN THREE YEARS DURATION
Article 9 To see if the town will vote, in accordance with the provisions of section twelve (b) of chapter thirty B, of
the General Laws of the Commonwealth, to establish standing authority going forward to authorize the finance
director (in his capacity as chief procurement officer) to solicit and award contracts for terms of more than three
years, provided in each such instance the longer term is specified and is determined, prior to the solicitation, to be
in the best interest of the town by a vote of the Board of Selectmen, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
- 21 –Source page 22
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
MOVED: That in accordance with the provisions of section twelve (b) of chapter thirty B, of the
General Laws of the Commonwealth, the Finance Director (in his capacity as Chief Procurement Officer)
is hereby authorized to solicit and award contracts for terms of more than three years and that such
authority hereby established be not limited to this year but instead be standing authority going
forward; provided that in each such instance the longer term is specified and determined to be in the
best interest of the Town by a vote of the Board of Selectmen prior to the solicitation.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this Article authorizing the Chief Procurement
Officer to solicit and award contracts for supplies or services for a duration in excess of three years, with a prior
supporting vote of the Board of Selectmen. The Finance Committee Members believe that extending the period of
time for certain supplies or services contracts could serve the best interests of the Town from a fiscal, operational,
or planning standpoint.
This year, the language of Article 9 in the motion has been changed to make this a standing authorization under
G.L. Chapter 30B; therefore it will no longer need to be voted at Town Meeting annually.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 10
AUTHORIZE CERTAIN REVOLVING FUNDS
Article 10 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, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015, or to take any other action related
thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the following revolving funds are hereby established pursuant to the provisions of
MGL chapter 44, section 53 E ½ for the 2015 Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.
Name of FY 15
Revolving Revolving Spending Spending
Fund # Fund Authority Revenue Sources Use of Funds Limit
Pequitside Farm Conservation Rental of Pequitside Farm, Rental of Maintaining, improving & renovation $40,000
Rentals Commission Little Red House, Rental of Rooms in of property, payment of salaries for annually
1 Main Building, Rental of Rooms in time spent arranging rentals.
Tavern or any other portion of building
or grounds.
Veteran's Veterans' Contributions, Donations, Gifts, Providing services to veterans not $60,000
Services Special Services Grants. funded under established program, annually
Revenues Director including but not limited to
newsletter publication, monthly
2 breakfasts, funeral 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 behalf Payment of bills and charges $20,000
Relocation of Commonwealth, any public utility, incurred in connection with annually
3
any other business entity, or any relocation of fire alarm signal wires,
individual person. devices & other appurtenances.
- 22 –Source page 23
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
Name of FY 15
Revolving Revolving Spending Spending
Fund # Fund Authority Revenue Sources Use of Funds Limit
COA Council on Donations received for providing Payment of bills and charges in $25,000
4 Transportation Aging transportation services. connection with transportation of annually
Fund elderly.
Board of Health Board of Contributions, donations, gifts, grants, Providing services to Canton citizens $15,000
Special Health reimbursements. not otherwise funded under annually
Revenues established program, including but
5 not limited to flu vaccinations, child
and teenage health education &
development programs and elderly
health programs.
Animal Control Animal Adoption and boarding fees. Payment for veterinary services and $40,000
6 Special Control Officer payments to Animal Control Officer. annually
Revenues
Library Building Board of Fees for rental and use of Community Paying bills, connected with the $30,000
Rentals Library or other assembly rooms used for providing of maintenance and supply annually
Trustees meetings, programs or other events, of facilities and for the support and
7 including payments for use of facilities safe conduct of said programs and
and conveniences in conjunction with events.
use of spaces, as may be established
by the Board of Library Trustees.
Student Parking School Fees paid by students to park their Payment of bills and charges to $75,000
8 Fees Committee vehicles at Canton High School. maintain the high school parking lots annually
and grounds.
Greenlodge Board of Fees paid by residents and non- Payment of bills and charges to $75,000
Street Parking Selectmen residents to park their vehicles along maintain the program, provided annually
9 Fees 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 bricks. Payment of services required to $10,000
10 Fund Committee install bricks and for other annually
beautification projects.
Library Board of Fees received for processing passport Payment of bills and charges for $40,000
Revolving Fund Library applications, loss, damage or late processing passport applications, annually
Trustees return of borrowed materials, purchasing books and other library
replacement of borrower cards, or any materials for public loan.
11 other such 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.
Soil Erosion and Conservation Fees received for permits and Payment of bills and charges to $30,000
Sediment Commission certificates of compliance under Article process permits and certificates of annually
12
Control Fund XX (20) of the Town General By-Laws. compliance under Article XX (20) of
the Town General By-Laws.
Youth Youth Donations. Payment of scholarships and other $10,000
13 Commission Commission expenses related to youth activities. annually
Fund
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously to continue the thirteen revolving funds that were
approved at last year’s annual town meeting. Revenue sources include the balance at prior year end for all of the
funds.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 23 –Source page 24
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
ARTICLE 11
“OMNIBUS” CAPITAL OUTLAY PROGRAM
Article 11 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
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: 8-0-0
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__________
- 24 –Source page 25
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
MOTION 2
MOVED: That Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) be appropriated from the Fiscal Year
2015 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 $113,000 8-0-0
Bullet Resistant Vests 13,000 8-0-0
Fire Department
Thermal Imaging Cameras 48,000 8-0-0
Fire Prevention Vehicle Replacement 38,000 8-0-0
DPW
Replace 2003 Ford F250 Truck #5 56,000 8-0-0
Purchase & Install Fleet Electronic Interface Devices 19,000 8-0-0
Replace Mobile Radios 32,000 8-0-0
Replace Tire Changing Equipment 13,400 8-0-0
Replace Tire Balancing Equipment 13,400 8-0-0
Purchase Brush Chipper Attachment 8,000 8-0-0
Finance
Computer Upgrades 31,000 8-0-0
Dispatch Server Replacement 20,000 8-0-0
Firewall/VPN Equipment Replacement 7,800 8-0-0
Purchase Desktop Server 9,700 8-0-0
Replace Network Switches 6,700 8-0-0
Recreation
Purchase new Ford F-350 Truck with Plow 41,000 8-0-0
Sod Replacement & Playing Surface Rehabilitation 10,000 8-0-0
Library
Computers & Operating Systems Upgrades 10,000 8-0-0
Interior Painting 10,000 8-0-0
_________
GRAND TOTAL $500,000
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 Thousand Dollars ($500,000). 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.
- 25 –Source page 26
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
MOTION 2
DISCUSSION:
Police Department
Police Cruiser Replacement ($113,000)
The Canton Police utilizes it vehicles on a 24 X 7 basis for the safety and security of the Town. This is a scheduled
replacement for high mileage vehicles.
Bullet Resistant Vests ($13,000)
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.
Fire Department
Thermal Imaging Cameras ($48,000)
This is for the replacement of four thermal imaging cameras, one for each engine and ladder truck. The thermal
imaging camera allows firefighters to see through smoke and darkness using infrared.
Fire Prevention Vehicle Replacement ($38,000)
This is for the replacement of a 2003 Ford Explorer that is currently costing the department excess maintenance
costs. The vehicle is used for fire inspection and a command vehicle as needed.
DPW
Replace 2003 Ford F250 Truck #5 ($56,000)
Truck # 5 has over 156,000 miles and annual maintenance is exceeding $5000. This is the DPW Supervisor vehicle
that is also used for snow plowing.
Purchase & Install Fleet Electronic Interface Devices ($19,000)
This purchase will provide DPW vehicles with an Electronic Interface Device that will alert the DPW Supervisor of
potential vehicle problems.
Replace Mobile Radios ($32,000)
This is for the ongoing replacement of mobile radios to meet FCC requirements. This will complete a DPW program
that was started in 2012.
Replace Tire Changing Equipment ($13,400)
The current tire machine has reached its end of life service. This new model is safer and less labor intensive and
will be used for ongoing maintenance of all DPW vehicles.
Replace Tire Balancing Equipment ($13,400)
As part of the Tire changing equipment this will allow balancing and will be replacing an out of date unit currently in
place.
Purchase Brush Chipper Attachment ($8,000)
This is for the purchase of a new piece of equipment for DPW that will provide roadside removal of brush and trees
to increase visibility and roadside safety for cars.
Finance
Computer Upgrades ($31,000)
This is an ongoing replacement of all old computers by the Finance Department. This includes the purchase of 38
desktop computers and is the final replacement of all windows XP computers in Municipal Departments.
Dispatch Server Replacement ($20,000)
This includes the installation of four new servers to replace Fire and Police Dispatch and application equipment.
This upgrade is required to support dispatch as well as automated billing/collection software. The current servers
were installed in 2007 and 2008. This will finish the domain upgrade to windows server 2008.
Firewall/VPN Equipment Replacement ($7,800)
This includes replacement of 2 physical appliances for the Town's Firewall and VPN access to allow secure remote
access to the Town’s systems. The VPN device was purchased in February of 2009 and is no longer supported.
The Firewall is only supported through the beginning of 2015. The devices work in conjunction so upgrading them
at the same time is beneficial.
- 26 –Source page 27
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
Purchase Desktop Server ($9,700)
Installation of one new server to allow for Virtual Desktop Deployment for various Town departments to provide
both internal and remote access. Many users do not need a physical computer in order to accomplish their day to
day functions. This server would run the required virtual software and allow multiple people to connect to this
environment.
Replace Network Switches ($6,700)
This is part of an ongoing replacement program and is the final replacement of unsupported 3com switches. These
switches will be used at the Fire Department and Council on Aging.
Recreation
Purchase new Ford F-350 Truck with Plow ($41,000)
This will provide the Recreation Department with the ability to service town fields, buildings and will enable plowing
capacity as well.
Sod Replacement & Playing Surface Rehabilitation ($10,000)
This is for ongoing sod and field rehabilitation at town fields scheduled on a rotating basis. This allocation will be for
the Kennedy School Fields.
Library
Computers & Operating Systems Upgrades ($10,000)
Most of the computers in the library are at least four years old and still running Windows XP and Office 2003. The
XP operating system will no longer be supported by Microsoft after April 2014, and as such will become increasingly
vulnerable to malware that could create major downtime if it were to infiltrate the network. Many patrons bring
software documents and spreadsheets that were created with newer software, which cannot be handled by current
outdated programs loaded into library PCs. This request will provide an upgrade to all workstations in the library to
Windows 7 or 8.1 and replace the oldest workstations that are insufficiently configured to run Windows 7.
Interior Painting ($10,000)
The Library routinely uses in-house personnel for small paint jobs. However, the custodian’s work load does not
provide sufficient time to keep up with the painting needs of the entire facility, especially without disrupting a six-
day, morning to evening public service schedule. Neither does the library have the equipment needed to access
such areas as stairwells. Employing professional painters will best allow the library to maintain its hours of service.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 3
MOVED: That Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) be appropriated from the Fiscal Year
2015 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
Exhaust Fans – Hansen $ 27,975 8-0-0
Energy Management Upgrade – GMS 15,653 8-0-0
Security Upgrade – GMS 12,290 8-0-0
Security Upgrade – High School 36,276 8-0-0
Elementary Security Upgrades – Systemwide 16,926 8-0-0
HVAC – Systemwide 99,000 8-0-0
Technology
Infrastructure Upgrade – Systemwide 140,614 8-0-0
Wireless Build – JFK & Luce 33,264 8-0-0
Program Improvements
Textbooks – World Language, Mandarin – High School 7,036 7-1-0
Robotics Course Startup – Science – High School 4,596 8-0-0
Four Visualizers – Camera, projector, cables and carts – GMS 5,748 8-0-0
Textbooks - Year two of enVisionMath – Systemwide 100,622 7-1-0
_______
GRAND TOTAL $500,000
- 27 –Source page 28
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
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 Thousand Dollars ($500,000). The
Finance Director and the Business Manager 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
Exhaust Fans – Hansen ($27,975)
Installation of new exhaust fans on the roof. There exists a need to replace most of the exhaust fans because of
their age and to meet the requirement to change the air in the classroom space 5 times per hour while the building
is occupied. This is a planned replacement but new to the capital plan.
Energy Management Upgrade – GMS ($15,653)
Disconnecting and removing the existing pneumatic controls on three roof top units and replacing with three
Honeywell RTU controllers with return and discharge air sensors. This will reduce the energy usage for each roof
top unit by eliminating the continuous operation of the equipment.
Security Upgrade – GMS ($12,290)
Adding cameras in locations that are not currently being monitored. This requires the installation of 17 new IP
cameras throughout the school interior and exterior.
Security Upgrade – High School ($36,276)
Upgrading of the existing analog system with a new IP system. This requires the replacement of 48 current analog
cameras with IP cameras, replacing 4 analog servers with IP servers, one of which will be a hybrid unit and
installing 21 new additional IP cameras in designated areas.
Elementary Security Upgrades – Systemwide ($16,926)
Replacing the old Savoy security systems with the new Exacq which will tie them into the Rodman system for
centralized management. This is necessary due to the Savoy systems having reached Vendor end of life and
support will no longer available. Currently, each system is independent, this will also consolidate them into a
district wide solution.
HVAC – Systemwide ($99,000)
This is a continuation of ten year plan of implementing proactive preventative maintenance systems for all
locations and funding of small HVAC upgrades and a skilled technician within this allocation. This includes updating
equipment/systems; improving energy efficiency; expanding life expectancy of existing equipment.
Technology
Infrastructure Upgrade – Systemwide ($140,614)
This upgrade increases the core bandwidth for the school system and is necessary to support the ongoing wireless
and computer infrastructure upgrades within the schools. This will replace the remaining 10/100 switches and
CORE Infrastructure hardware with 10/100/1000 (1GB) switches, Add 10GB uplinks per location back to CHS. The
remaining infrastructure is 10/100 gear that is in need of replacement as it has reached vendor end-of-life. This
2015 infrastructure project is the last phase of the capital project submitted in 2014. This request has been in
previous capital request but never fully funded. In 2015 PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for
College and Careers) will utilize this infrastructure for the online testing.
Wireless Build – JFK & Luce ($33,264)
Build out Wireless Infrastructure, this project is a carry-over from FY2014 when the Galvin & HS wireless build-out
was completed. The Hansen has been 90% wireless for the past several years as it was funded through a
donation. Wireless infrastructure will enable the iPad deployments to be used building wide along with the Google
Chromebooks that were deployed this past fiscal year.
- 28 –Source page 29
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
Program Improvements
Textbooks – World Language, Mandarin – High School ($7,036)
The Mandarin program is expanding and will need textbooks for the second year of the program. There is a
possibility of adding another section of Mandarin 1, which would necessitate the purchase of additional first-year
textbooks. In order to ensure equity for students in world language programs and to have a well-articulated
curriculum, it is essential that the Mandarin students have access to the same online materials that the other
students have. Students would have access to a print and digital textbook, online practice activities, videos, audio
materials, and communicative activities at home. Teachers would have access to print, digital, and online materials
for in class and out-of-class assignments. Furthermore, teachers would be able to customize assignments for
classes and for students, according to student need and readiness level. Many instructional activities, especially the
interpersonal communicative activities, require the use of a language laboratory like the SONY Virtuoso language
laboratory.
Robotics Course Startup – Science – High School ($4,596)
This purchase would include a Classroom Bundle with software to outfit four TETRIXC) Education Base Sets, four
LEGO MINDSTORMSC) Education NXT Base Sets, one LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS Site License, and one copy
of the Engineering with NI LabVIEW: High School Robotics Activities and 4 "Resource" Kits to provide extra pieces
for building. In addition, the request for 6 laptops is included to be used exclusively for this program along with the
Robotics Club. This project would expand STEAM offerings and provide a true engineering-based course for
students to exhibit problem-solving and design skills.
Four Visualizers – Camera, projector, cables and carts – GMS ($5,748)
Many of the classrooms currently have visualizers. The purchase of the remaining twenty will allow all teachers to
have this important instructional technology in their classroom.
Textbooks - Year two of enVisionMath – Systemwide ($ 100,622)
This is the second and final year of new math implementation at the elementary level. This year will bring
enVisionMATH into grades K, 3, 4 and 5. Additionally, grade 1 and 2 consumables are included. (Grades 1 and 2
Common Core edition were purchased last year.)
FINANCE COMMITTEE MINORITY DISCUSSION (Textbooks): Canton developed a plan, 2 or 3 decades ago,
to set aside funds for purchasing, building, and maintaining the Town’s infrastructure. Infrastructure generally
refers to Town buildings, roads etc. Although Town Counsel has rendered the opinion that textbooks can be
bought under the Capital expenditure budget, the dissenting vote was based on the opinion that textbooks are
operational expenses, and do not fall under the intent of the Capital Planning program. Additionally, as indicated in
the FINCOM report in the beginning of this booklet, that in spite of the fact that many of Canton’s infrastructures
need repair, Capital spending has been reduced by nearly 1% from the originally planned 6% to accommodate
increased operational costs in a down economy. To get around this, separate articles are included in this warrant
dealing with transfers of funds and requesting additional appropriations for major infrastructure repairs.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 4
MOVED: That Five Hundred Eighty Six Thousand Dollars ($586,000) 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 Five Hundred Eight Six Thousand Dollars
($586,000).
FINCOM FINCOM
RECOMMENDATIONS AMOUNT VOTE
Fire Station 2 Repairs $139,000 7-1-0
Fire Engine 6 Refurbishment 150,000 8-0-0
Radio Master Box Replacements/Fire Alarm Upgrades 92,000 8-0-0
DPW – Replace 1991 L-8000 Sterling Truck #23 205,000 8-0-0
________
TOTAL $586,000
- 29 –Source page 30
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
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 Five Hundred Eighty Six Thousand Dollars
($586,000). 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.
DISCUSSION:
Fire Station 2 Repairs ($139,000)
Reclaim/Repave driveway and parking lot at Station 2 including repair of concrete apron. Repair and Install epoxy
apparatus floor. Replace windows, strip and repair ceiling. Repair brick support structure supporting historic bell.
Fire Engine 6 Refurbishment ($150,000)
This will be a complete refurbishment and overall of Engine 6, a 2003, E-One vehicle based at Station 1. The life
span of this engine is 20 years and this will help insure dependable and reliable usage for years to follow.
Radio Master Box Replacements/Fire Alarm Upgrades ($92,000)
This purchase will begin the replacement of the fire panel master box system from wired to wireless at town/school
buildings. CPC feels this project will provide the Town with future savings in overtime costs, future replacement of
the CFD alarm wire truck and the replacement cost of wire that the department incurs each year. The 2009
renovation of Canton Fire Department Headquarters in Revere Street, included technology to interface with this
system conversion.
DPW – Replace 1991 L-8000 Sterling Truck #23 ($205,000)
Truck 23 is 1991 model with over 100,000 miles and has required annual maintenance of over $12,000. New
model provides the flexibility for multi tasks including plowing, hauling and construction assignments.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 5
MOVED: That Two Hundred Forty Three Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($243,200) be
appropriated to be spent by the School Committee 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 Two Hundred Forty Three Thousand Two Hundred Dollars
($243,200).
FINCOM FINCOM
RECOMMENDATIONS AMOUNT VOTE
Tennis Courts $ 85,000 8-0-0
Galvin Middle School Gym Floor 158,200 8-0-0
________
TOTAL $243,200
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 Two Hundred Forty Three Thousand Two Hundred
Dollars ($243,200). The Finance Director and the Business Manager of the School Department, 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.
- 30 –Source page 31
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
DISCUSSION:
Tennis Courts ($85,000)
Reconstruction and installation of post tensioned concrete at high school tennis courts. Funded by $200,000 CPA
funding, $80,000 BOS funding, $85,000 debt capital.
The courts are in a state of disrepair and playing on them has become a challenge due to the numerous cracks that
exist on the court surface. This project would entail reconstruction of the tennis courts in Post Tensioned Concrete
creating new courts in the same space as well as removing and replacing the fencing that surrounds the tennis
courts. The tennis courts are used during the school day at various times by the physical education department
and by the interscholastic tennis teams. Additionally, the courts at CHS are used throughout the year, at all times
of the day, by the citizens of Canton. They are the only set of public courts in the community. Lastly, the
recreation department runs tennis clinics throughout the summer. While housed on the CHS campus, the tennis
courts are a public resource that provides a wonderful benefit to the citizens of Canton.
Galvin Middle School Gym Floor ($158,200)
Installation of new Aacer Scissorloc gymnasium floor to replace the original synthetic floor which is 40 years old
and only had a life expectancy of 15 years.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 6
MOVED: That One Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars ($160,000) be appropriated to be spent by
the School Committee for the purpose of replacing the High School boiler and other school HVAC
projects and to meet said appropriation the following amounts be transferred from prior Town Meeting
authorizations:
TRANSFER FROM ORIGINAL PURPOSE AMOUNT
ATM 2011 #13-10 Rodman School Heating System $105,349.41
ATM 2012 #13-8 School Systemwide HVAC $28,328.82
ATM 2011 #25 High School Roof Repairs $12,556.50
ATM 2011 #26 Rodman School Roof Repairs $9,519.50
ATM 2011 #13-6 School Systemwide HVAC $4,245.77
$160,000.00
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-1-0
High School Boiler ($160,000)
CAPITAL PLANNING COMMITTEE DISCUSSION: Replacement of defective boiler at Canton High School, that
was not the correct model or quality unit that was needed for heavy duty usage. To be funded by unspent capital
from previous School Committee projects.
FINANCE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION: The current boiler equipment includes (3) cast iron Burnham boilers
installed as part of the High School Renovation Project. During the five year warranty period two of the three
boilers failed. The manufacturer replaced the failed sections of the boilers. The remaining boiler has now failed, and
is beyond the manufacturer’s warranty period. The manufacturer has initially declined to replace it, citing the
expired warranty. The School Business Administrator is pursuing the manufacturer to obtain compensation for the
failed boiler. The Finance Committee has asked the School Committee and CPC to consult with Town Counsel to
determine whether the Town has any legal recourse against the manufacturer if a negotiated settlement cannot be
reached.
- 31 –Source page 32
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
It is the Finance Committee’s understanding that the specifications for the boilers were changed during the
planning process for the renovation project in order to stay within the planned construction budget. The Finance
Committee believes the Town should recognize that in hindsight it may not have been the best decision to
purchase older technology type boilers, so that similar problems don’t occur with future construction/renovation
projects.
The majority of the Finance Committee concurs with the CPC and School Committee that the failed boiler should be
replaced before next winter to avoid any disruption in heat for the High School.
The majority of the Finance Committee supports funding the replacement boiler by transferring the unneeded
balances from the projects listed above, which Town Meeting in 2011 and 2012 approved by 2/3 vote, as required
for projects to be funded by borrowing. The repairs which were included in the projects have been completed
according to the School Committee and Capital Planning Committee. While this vote to transfer the borrowing
authority requires only a simple majority, Town Meeting should understand that the project is being funded by
borrowing.
FINANCE COMMITTEE MINORITY DISCUSSION: The dissenting vote was based on two factors. First and
foremost, this is the third High School boiler, in this newly renovated building, to crack and need replacing. It was
reported to the Finance Committee that two of the boilers have been replaced and this is the third. It was reported
that neither the contractor nor manufacturer is being asked to fix this, because a change order for lesser boilers
was issued during construction and that this boiler is now out of warranty, less than 10 years after the High School
renovation. Some feel all avenues of remediation should be sought out before requesting this major expenditure.
Of a lesser factor, objection was made that part of this cost is to be funded by a transfer of excess 2011 ATM
appropriation for the Rodman Building roof repair. At previous Town Meetings, voters approved authorization to
borrow money for specific school projects that the schools and the voters deemed necessary. Not all the debt
authorized was needed for the projects, and what was excess authorization is listed above. In some cases it was
never needed and never borrowed. The dissenting vote was based on the opinion that funds voted on a 2/3rds
vote should not be transferred by a simple majority vote to some other project not even related to the original
project. Instead, the excess authorization should be rescinded and the money returned to the 5 year plan available
for other projects. Funding for new projects should be approved by the appropriate 2/3rds vote. Note that in
Article 31 the voters are being asked to do just this by rescinding some of the authorized excess funds for this
same Rodman Roof Project (as well as the High School roof project) approved at the of 2011 ATM.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 7
MOVED: That Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) be appropriated to be spent by
the School Committee for the purpose of architectural/engineering services for the Hansen School
addition and to meet said appropriation Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) be transferred
from Free Cash in the Treasury of the Town.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION:
Architectural/Engineering Services for Hansen Addition ($250,000)
The existing four room modular addition was constructed in 1998 with a projected useful life of 10-15 years. The
modulars are currently in their 17th year and are showing wear and tear. There are a number of maintenance
items that need to be addressed and the school is at maximum capacity for students and staffing in its current floor
plan. This will pay for architectural / engineering services to study and design for the removal/deconstructing of
the current modulars due to safety and inefficiency and building a permanent four over four room wing to replace
the four 5th grade classrooms similar to the JFK addition.
The School Committee proposes to replace the four room modular addition with 8 rooms in order to accommodate
existing overcrowding at the Hansen and to accommodate expected enrollment growth at the Hansen. Town
Meeting should be aware that the projected capital budget for the future will not be sufficient to fund the
anticipated costs of this project and that a debt exclusion override vote by the Town will be needed.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 32 –Source page 33
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
MOTION 8
MOVED: That Six Hundred Thirty Two Thousand Dollars ($632,000) 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 Six Hundred Thirty Two
Thousand Dollars ($632,000) be transferred from the water enterprise surplus (retained earnings).
FINCOM FINCOM
RECOMMENDATIONS AMOUNT VOTE
Water Meter Replacement Program $500,000 8-0-0
Water SCADA Upgrade 125,000 8-0-0
Purchase Water Valve Mechanical Exercisers 7,000 8-0-0
________
TOTAL $632,000
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 Six Hundred Thirty Two Thousand Dollars ($632,000). 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.
DISCUSSION:
Water Meter Replacement Program ($500,000)
The purpose of this meter replacement program is to (1) improve the efficiency of meter reading and billing, (2) to
eliminate the need for estimated bills, (3) provide the ability to detect a leak in ones’ plumbing and (4) to
increase customer service. The replacement of meters is required due to the fact that as they age meters lose
accuracy, which results in a financial loss to the Town. Meters should be replaced every 10 – 15 years.
The original $1,010,000 funding of this program was approved in FY13 by Article 11, Motions 9 and 11.
Unfortunately, the bids for this extensive project, which includes 7,500 meters, radio data transmitters, truck
mounted receivers and communication software, came in at $1,500,000. This request is needed to cover the
difference between what was previously funded and what is needed to complete the project. The water enterprise
cash capital account has sufficient funds to accommodate this request.
Water SCADA Upgrade ($125,000)
Currently there are 10 water sites and 1 sewer site connected to the SCADA (supervisory control and data
acquisition) radio communications system. These sites are spread throughout the Town and are located so far away
from other municipal buildings that it is not economically feasible to connect these sites with fiber connections.
Thus, these sites have been using Verizon Frame Relay circuits at a cost of $1,400 per site per month to connect to
the SCADA system.
Verizon notified the Town in September 2013 that the Frame Relay circuits being used in the current SCADA
system will no longer be available, so the Town needs to select an alternative solution for this outdated technology.
The request of $125,000 is to replace the Verizon Frame Relay circuits with town-owned components, which is
expected to save the Town approximately $17,000 per year.
At the 2008 Town Meeting approved bonding of $275,000 for upgrades to the SCADA system for the Town’s sewer
sites. The appropriation was intended for upgrades to both the water and sewer sites. Article 31 at this Town
Meeting rescinds $125,000 of the borrowing authority not needed for the sewer site project. The water SCADA
upgrade will be funded by Water Enterprise cash, rather than bonding, saving borrowing costs.
Purchase Water Valve Mechanical Exercisers ($7,000)
Canton’s water system has over 4,500 water gate valves and each one should be checked and exercised (opened
and closed) regularly so they do not seize up and become inoperable. Purchasing mechanical exercisers will
increase the ability of the Water Sewer Division Valve Exercise Program to manage these valves, which will result
in increased water quality, reduction of water loss, and improved valve reliability.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 33 –Source page 34
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
MOTION 9
MOVED: That Forty Six Thousand Dollars ($46,000) 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 for the purpose of purchasing an
excavator and to meet said appropriation Forty Six Thousand Dollars ($46,000) be transferred from the
sewer enterprise surplus (retained earnings).
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION:
Purchase Excavator - $46,000
The federal government mandates that all towns provide storm water infrastructure and stream flow maintenance.
If these mandates are not met, the federal government can apply severe financial penalties to a town. To meet
these requirements, the Canton Public Works department needs to purchase additional equipment to clear out falls
and streams and make repairs to both storm and sanitary sewers. The purchase of the track excavator, which will
be a new piece of equipment for the Town, will allow access to streams and infrastructure in wooded areas and
back lots that are inaccessible to wheeled equipment.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 12
INCLUSIONARY ZONING ARTICLE
Article 12 To see if the town will vote to amend the Town’s Zoning By-Law as most recently amended by inserting
a new Section 7.7 as follows, or to take any other action related thereto.
7.7 Inclusionary Zoning:
7.7.1 Purpose and Intent:
The purpose of this Section 7.7 is to encourage development of new housing that is affordable to low and
moderate-income households. At minimum, affordable housing produced through this Section 7.7. should be in
compliance with the applicable requirements set forth in G.L. c. 40B sect. 20-24 and other affordable housing
programs developed by state, county and local governments. It is intended that the affordable housing units that
result from this Section 7.7 be considered as Local Initiative Units, in compliance with the requirements for the
same as specified by the Department of Housing and Community Development.
7.7.2 Applicability
1. In all zoning districts, the inclusionary zoning provisions of this Section 7.7 shall apply to the following uses:
(a) Any project that results in a net increase of four (4) or more residential dwelling units, whether by new
construction or by the alteration, expansion, reconstruction, or change of existing residential or non-residential
space; and
(c) Any life care facility development that includes ten (10) or more assisted living units and accompanying
services. The term “life care development” shall be defined as a residential development designed to provide
varying levels of community or private dining, housekeeping support and medical and nursing care for senior
citizens.
7.7.3 Special Permit:
The development of any project set forth in Section 7.7.2 above shall require the grant of a Special Permit from
the Zoning Board of Appeals (or in the case of a subdivision the Planning Board) as designated Special Permit
Granting Authority (SPGA). A Special Permit shall be granted if the proposal meets the applicable requirements of
- 34 –Source page 35
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
this Zoning By-law, including without limitation the requirements of this Section 7.7 and of Section 10.4.2. The
application procedure for the Special permit shall be as defined in Section 10.4 of the Town’s Zoning By-law.
7.7.4 Mandatory Provision of Affordable Units:
1. As a condition of approval for a Special Permit, the applicant shall provide affordable housing units in accordance
with the following requirements:
(a) At least ten (10) percent of the units in a division of land or multiple unit development subject to this bylaw
shall be established as affordable housing units in any one or combination of methods provided for below:
(1) constructed or rehabilitated on the locus subject to the Special Permit (see Section 7.7.5); or
(2) constructed or rehabilitated on a locus different than the one subject to the
Special Permit (see Section 7.7.6); or
(3) an equivalent fees-in-lieu of payment may be made (see Section 7.7.7); or
(4) An applicant may provide a donation of land in fee simple, on or off-site, that the SPGA in its sole discretion
determines is suitable for the construction of affordable housing units. The value of donated land shall be equal to
or greater than the value of the construction or set-aside of the affordable units. The SPGA may require that the
applicant submit appraisals of the land in question, as well as other data relevant to the determination of
equivalent value.
(b) The applicant may provide any combination of the Section 7.7.4.1(a)(1)-(4) requirements provided that in no
event shall the total number of units or land area provided be less than the equivalent number or value of
affordable units required by this Section 7.7.
(c) As a condition for the granting of a Special Permit, all affordable housing units shall be subject to an affordable
housing restriction and a regulatory agreement in a form acceptable to the SPGA. The regulatory agreement shall
be consistent with any applicable guidelines issued by the Department of Housing and Community Development
and shall ensure that affordable units are counted toward the Town’s Subsidized Housing Inventory. The regulatory
agreement shall also address all applicable restrictions listed in Section 7.7.9 of this By-law. The Special Permit
shall not take effect until the restriction, the regulatory agreement and the special permit are recorded at the
Registry of Deeds and copies of these documents as recorded are provided to the SPGA and the Inspector of
Buildings.
2. To facilitate the objectives of this Section 7.7, the SPGA may modify the dimensional requirements in any zoning
district for any project granted a special permit under this Section 7.7, subject to the conditions below:
(a) Density Bonus. The SPGA may allow the addition of two market rate units for each affordable unit provided
pursuant to the Special Permit. The minimum lot area per dwelling unit normally required in the applicable zoning
district may be reduced by that amount necessary to permit up to two (2) additional market rate units on the lot
for each one affordable unit required in Section 7.7.4.1 (above).
(b) Voluntary Inclusionary Housing Bonus.
New housing development that is not subject to Section 7.7.2 and exceeds the requirements specified in Section
7.7.4.1(a) may receive as a waiver of dimensional requirements through issuance of a Special Permit by the SPGA.
The net increase in housing units shall not exceed [20%] of the original property yield before any density bonuses
were applied.
7.7.5 Provisions Applicable to Affordable Housing Units On- and Off-Site:
1. Siting of affordable housing units.
All affordable housing units constructed or rehabilitated under this Section 7.7 shall be situated within the
development so as not to be in less desirable locations than market-rate units in the development and shall, on
average, be no less accessible to public amenities, such as open space, as the market-rate units.
2. Minimum design and construction standards for affordable housing units.
Affordable housing units shall be integrated with the rest of the development and shall be compatible in design,
appearance, construction, and quality of materials with other units. Interior features and mechanical systems of
affordable units shall conform to the same specifications as apply to market-rate units.
3. Timing of construction or provision of affordable units or lots.
- 35 –Source page 36
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
Where feasible, affordable housing units shall be provided coincident to the development of market-rate units, but
in no event shall the development of affordable units be delayed beyond the schedule noted below.
Market Rate Unit Affordable Housing Unit
(% Complete (% Required
<30% -
30% plus 1 unit 10%
Up to 50% 30%
Up to 75% 50%
75% plus 1 unit 70%
Up to 90% 100%
Fractions of units shall not be counted.
4. Marketing Plan for Affordable Units.
Applicants under this Section 7.7 shall submit a marketing plan or other method to the SPGA for its approval,
which describes how the affordable units will be marketed to potential home buyers or tenants. This plan shall
include a description of the lottery or other process to be used for selecting buyers or tenants
7.7.6 Provision of Affordable Housing Units Off-Site:
1. As an alternative to the requirements of Section 7.7.5, an applicant may develop, construct or otherwise provide
affordable units equivalent to those required by Section 7.7.4 off-site. All requirements of this Section 7.7 that
apply to on-site provision of affordable units, shall apply to provision of off-site affordable units. In addition, the
location of the off-site units to be provided must be approved by the SPGA as an integral element of the Special
Permit review and approval process.
7.7.7 Fees-in-Lieu-of Affordable Housing Unit Provision:
1. As an alternative to the requirements of Section 7.7.5 or Section 7.7.6, an applicant may contribute to a local
housing trust fund approved by the SPGA to be used for the development of affordable housing in lieu of providing
affordable units within the locus of the proposed development or at an off-site locus.
(a) Calculation of fee-in-lieu-of units. The applicant may pay fees-in-lieu of the construction of affordable units. For
the purposes of this Section 7.7 the fee-in-lieu of the construction or provision of affordable units will be
determined as a per-unit cost as calculated from regional construction and sales reports. The SPGA will make the
final determination of acceptable value.
(b) Schedule of fees-in-lieu-of-units payments. Fees-in-lieu-of-units payments shall be made according to the
schedule set forth in Section 7.7.5.3, above.
(c) Creation of Affordable Units. Cash contributions and donations of land and/or buildings made to a local housing
trust fund in accordance with Section 7.7.7.1 shall be used only for purposes of providing affordable housing for
low or moderate income households. Using these contributions and donations, affordable housing may be provided
through a variety of means, including but not limited to the provision of favorable financing terms, subsidized
prices for purchase of sites, or affordable units within larger developments
7.7.8 Maximum Incomes and Selling Prices: Initial Sale:
1. To ensure that only eligible households purchase affordable housing units, the purchaser of a affordable unit
shall be required to submit copies of the last three years’ federal and state income tax returns and certify, in
writing and prior to transfer of title, to the developer of the housing units or his/her agent, and within thirty (30)
days following transfer of title, to the local housing trust fund as approved by the SPGA that his/her or their
family’s annual income level does not exceed the maximum level as established by the Commonwealth’s
Department of Housing and Community Development, and as may be revised from time to time.
2. The maximum housing cost for affordable units created under this bylaw is as established by the
Commonwealth’s Department of Housing and Community Development, Local Initiative Program or as revised by
the Town.
7.7.9. Preservation of Affordability; Restrictions on Resale:
1. Each affordable unit created in accordance with this bylaw shall have limitations governing its resale through the
use of a regulatory agreement (Section 7.7..4.1(c)). The purpose of these limitations is to preserve the long-term
- 36 –Source page 37
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
affordability of the unit and to ensure its continued availability for affordable income households. The resale
controls shall be established through a restriction on the property and shall be in force in perpetuity.
(a) Resale price.
Sales beyond the initial sale to a qualified affordable income purchaser shall include the initial discount rate
between the sale price and the unit’s appraised value at the time of resale. This percentage shall be recorded as
part of the restriction on the property noted in Section 7.7.9.1, above.
(b) Right of first refusal to purchase. The purchaser of an affordable housing unit developed as a result of this
Section 7.7 shall execute a deed rider approved by the SPGA, consistent with model riders prepared by Department
of Housing and Community Development, granting, among other things, the Town’s right of first refusal to
purchase the property in the event that a subsequent qualified purchaser cannot be located.
(c) The SPGA shall require, as a condition for Special Permit under this bSection 7.7, that the applicant comply with
the mandatory set-asides and accompanying restrictions on affordability, including the execution of the deed rider
noted in Section 7.7.9.1(b), above. The Building Commissioner/Inspector shall not issue an occupancy permit for
any affordable unit until the deed restriction is recorded.
7.7.9 Conflict with Other Bylaws/Ordinances:
The provisions of this Section 7.7 shall be considered supplemental of the Zoning By-law. To the extent that a
conflict exists between this and Section 7.7 another section of the Zoning By-law, the more restrictive provisions
shall apply.
7.7.10 Severability:
If any provision of this Section 7.7 is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of Section 7.7
shall not be affected thereby. The invalidity of any section or sections or parts of any section or sections of this
Section 7.7 shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the Zoning By-law.
Planning Board
FINANCE COMMITTEE MOTION:
MOVED: That the Finance Committee recommends that the motion presented by the Planning
Board to Town Meeting for Article 12 as written in the warrant be adopted.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
PLANNING BOARD MOTION:
MOVED: That the Article be withdrawn by the proponents without consideration, without
prejudice and without unfavorable action thereon pursuant to M.G.L. c.40A, Section 5.
PLANNING BOARD VOTE: 3-0-0
FINANCE COMMITTEE DISCUSSION: At the time of this writing, the Planning Board, who sponsored this
article, had voted to withdraw this article. Given their initial vote to withdraw was done early in the Town Meeting
cycle, the Finance Committee did not have any substantial discussions regarding this article. The Finance
Committee supports the Planning Board’s motion to withdraw their article.
PLANNING BOARD DISCUSSION: The Planning Board respectfully withdraws the above article in order to solicit
additional information from other boards and to address certain issues raised at hearings.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 37 –Source page 38
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
ARTICLE 13
MEDICAL MARIJUANA FACILITIES
Article 13 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Law by inserting the following new Section 7.7,
Special Requirements for Registered Marijuana Dispensaries, or to take any other action related thereto:
7.7 Special Requirements for Registered Marijuana Dispensaries
7.7.1 Purposes
1. To provide for the establishment of Registered Marijuana Dispensaries (“RMDs” in appropriate places and under
strict conditions in accordance with Chapter 369 of the Acts of 2012, An Act For The Humanitarian Medical Use Of
Marijuana (the “Act”) and 105 CMR 725.00 et seq. (the “Regulations”).
2. To minimize the adverse impacts of RMDs on adjacent properties, residential neighborhoods, schools and other
places where children congregate, local historic districts, and other land uses potentially incompatible with said
Facilities.
3. To regulate the siting, design, placement, security, safety, monitoring, modification, and removal of RMDs.
7.7.2 Applicability
1. The commercial cultivation, production, processing, assembly, packaging, retail or wholesale sale, trade,
distribution or dispensing of Marijuana for Medical Use is prohibited unless permitted as a RMD under this Section
7.7.
2. No RMD shall be established except in compliance with the provisions of this Section 7.7.
3. Nothing in this Section 7.7 shall be construed to supersede federal and/or state laws governing the sale and/or
distribution of marijuana.
4. If any provision of this Section 7.7 or the application of any such provision to any person or circumstance shall
be held invalid, the remainder of this Section 7.7, to the extent it can be given effect, or the application of those
provisions to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby,
and to this end the provisions of this Section 7.7 are severable.
7.7.3 Definitions
Registered Marijuana Dispensary shall mean a “Medical marijuana treatment center” to mean a not-for-profit
entity, as defined by Massachusetts law only, registered under the Act and Regulations, that acquires, cultivates,
possesses, processes (including development of related products such as food, tinctures, aerosols, oils, or
ointments), transfers, transports, sells, distributes, dispenses, or administers marijuana, products containing
marijuana, related supplies, or educational materials to qualifying patients or their personal caregivers. Marijuana
for Medical Use shall mean Marijuana that is designated and restricted for use by, and for the benefit of, Qualifying
Patients in the treatment of Debilitating Medical Conditions as set forth in the Act and Regulations.
Marijuana is the substance defined as “marihuana” under Chapter 94C of the Massachusetts General Laws.
7.7.4 Eligible Locations for Medical Marijuana Facilities.
1. Registered Marijuana Dispensaries may be allowed by Special Permit from the Canton Zoning Board of Appeals
as Special Permit Granting Authority (“SPGA”) in the Industrial Zoning District provided the facility meets the
requirements of this Section 7.7.
7.7.5 General Requirements and Conditions for all Registered Marijuana Dispensaries.
1. All RMDs shall be contained within a building or structure.
2. No RMD shall have a gross floor area of less than 2,500 square feet or in excess of 20,000 square feet.
3. An RMD shall not be located in a building that contains any medical doctors offices or the offices of any other
professional practitioner authorized to prescribe the use of medical marijuana.
4. The hours of operation of an RMD shall be set by the Special Permit Granting Authority, but in no event shall said
- 38 –Source page 39
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
RMD be open and/or operating between the hours of 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM.
5. No RMD shall be located on a lot which abuts a residential zoning district or within 500 feet from any residential
zone or district, or residential development. No RMD may be located 500 feet from any public or private school;
house of worship; day care center; or park, playground, playfield or recreation facility or other facility in which
children commonly congregate.
6. No smoking, burning or consumption of any product containing marijuana or marijuana-related products shall be
permitted on the premises of an RMD.
7. No RMD shall be located inside a building containing residential units, including without limitation transient
housing such as motels and dormitories, or inside a movable or mobile structure such as a van or truck.
8. Signage for the RMD shall include the following language: “Registration card issued by the MA Department of
Public Health required.” The required text shall be a minimum of two inches in height.
9. RMDs shall provide the Canton Police Department, Fire Department, Building Commissioner and the Special
Permit Granting Authority with the names, phone numbers and email addresses of all management staff and key
holders who can be contacted if there are operating problems associated with the establishment.
7.7.6 Special Permit Requirements
1. An RMD shall only be allowed by special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals as Special Permit Granting
Authority in accordance with G.L. c. 40A, §9, subject to the following requirements, conditions and limitations.
2. A special permit for an RMD shall be limited to one or more of the following uses that shall be prescribed by the
Special Permit Granting Authority: cultivation of Marijuana for Medical Use (horticulture) processing and packaging
of Marijuana for Medical Use, including Marijuana that is in the form of smoking materials, food products, oils,
aerosols, ointments, and other products; retail sale or distribution of Marijuana for Medical Use to Qualifying
Patients;
3. In addition to the application requirements set forth in this Section 7.7 a special permit application for an RMD
shall include the following:
1) The name and address of each owner of the RMD;
2) Copies of all required licenses and permits issued to the applicant by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and
any of its agencies for the RMD;
3) Evidence of the Applicant’s right to use the site for the RMD, such as a deed, or lease;
4) if the Applicant is a business organization, a statement under oath disclosing all of its owners, shareholders,
partners, members, managers, directors, officers, or other similarly-situated individuals and entities and their
addresses. If any of the above are entities rather than persons, the Applicant must disclose the identity of the
owners of such entities until the disclosure contains the names of individuals;
5) A certified list of all parties in interest entitled to notice of the hearing for the special permit application, taken
from the most recent tax list of the Town and certified by the Town Assessor;
6) Proposed security measures for the RMD, including lighting, fencing, gates and alarms, etc., to ensure the safety
of persons and to protect the premises from theft.
4. Mandatory Findings. The Special Permit Authority shall not issue a special permit for An RMD unless it finds that:
the Facility is designed to minimize any adverse visual or economic impacts on abutters and other parties in
interest, as defined in G.L. c. 40A, §11; the Facility demonstrates that it will meet all the permitting requirements
of all applicable agencies within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and will be in compliance with all applicable
state laws and regulations; and the applicant has satisfied all of the conditions and requirements of this Section
7.7;
5. Annual Reporting. Each RMD permitted under this Bylaw shall as a condition of its special permit file an annual
report with the Special Permit Granting Authority and the Town Clerk no later than January 31st, providing a copy
of all current applicable state licenses for the Facility and/or its owners and demonstrate continued compliance with
the conditions of the Special Permit and appear before the SPGA if requested by the SPGA..
6. A special permit granted under this Section shall have a term limited to the duration of the applicant’s ownership
of the premises as an RMD. A special permit may be transferred only with the approval of the Special Permit
- 39 –Source page 40
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 12, 2014
Granting Authority in the form of an amendment to the special permit with all information required in this Section
7.7.
7. The applicant shall post a bond before issuance of a building permit to cover costs for the removal of the RMD in
the event the Town must remove the RMD. The value of the bond shall be based upon the ability to completely
remove all the items associated with the RMD and properly clean the facility at prevailing wages. The value of the
bond shall be developed based upon the applicant providing the SPGA with three (3) written bids to meet the noted
requirements. An incentive factor of 1.5 shall be applied to all bonds to ensure compliance and adequate funds for
the Town to remove the RMD at prevailing wages.
7.7.7 Abandonment or Discontinuance of Use
1. A Special Permit shall lapse if not exercised within one year of issuance.
2. An RMD shall be required to remove all material, plants equipment and other paraphernalia: prior to
surrendering its state issued licenses or permits; or within six months of ceasing operations; whichever comes first.
7.7.8 Hardship Cultivation of Marijuana
1. The hardship cultivation of marijuana under a hardship registration in any
zoning district shall occur only in compliance with all of the requirements of 105 CMR 725.035.
2. Cultivation and storage of marijuana under a hardship registration shall occur only in the primary residence of
the registered qualifying patient or personal caregiver;
3. Cultivation and storage of marijuana under a hardship registration shall not occur in any accessory building or
in the yard or other area outside the primary residence of the registered qualifying patient or personal caregiver;
4. Cultivation and storage of marijuana under a hardship registration shall be in an enclosed, locked, indoor area
accessible only to the registered qualifying patient or his or her personal caregiver(s).
5. The hardship cultivation and storage of marijuana shall not be visible or otherwise perceptible from the street or
other public areas, including without limitation:
(1) visual observation;
(2) noise in excess of the maximum noise level permissible pursuant to applicable law;
(3) smell or odor.
6. The hardship cultivation of marijuana under a hardship registration
in any zoning district shall occur only in compliance with all applicable building, sanitary and safety codes and
shall be conducted in a safe manner that does not endanger the public health, safety or welfare or create a risk of
fire or public nuisance.
7. The hardship cultivation of marijuana under a hardship registration in any zoning district shall not occur within
the common area of any multifamily residential use.
8. The Building Inspector as Zoning Enforcement Officer may inspect the cultivation and/or storage site of a
registered qualifying patient with a hardship cultivation registration, or the cultivation site of his or her personal
caregiver(s), at any time. Acceptance of a hardship cultivation registration by a registered qualifying patient
constitutes consent for such inspection of the cultivation and/or storage site.
9. All registered qualifying patients or their personal caregivers shall provide annual written notice to the Building
Inspector that they are engaged in the hardship cultivation of marijuana. Such written notice shall state the
address at which the hardship cultivation or storage of marijuana is occurring and the specific enclosed, locked
area accessible only to the registered qualifying patient or his or her personal caregiver(s) in which the hardship
cultivation or storage of marijuana is occurring.
Planning Board
FINANCE COMMITTEE MOTION:
MOVED: That the Finance Committee recommends that the motion presented by the Planning
Board to Town Meeting for Article 13 as written in the warrant be adopted.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
- 40 –