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ATM 2019 Finance Committee Recommendations to the Voters
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Source page 1
Recommendations of the Finance Committee
to the Voters of Canton, Massachusetts
2019
TOWN OF CANTON
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 13, 2019 at 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.
__________________________________________
$113 million will be appropriated by YOUR VOTE at Town Meeting is important
Canton 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.
Reminder: The deadline for dog The Town, upon request, will endeavor, to the
registrations is May 31, 2019. greatest extent possible, to make available any
and all visual and audio devices and assistance for
the disabled. For more information, please call
781-821-5000.
Informational meetings regarding the Bolivar Pool project
are scheduled for Thursday, April 25 & Monday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m.
at the Canton Public Library.Source page 2
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page #
Reports
Finance Committee Report ……………………………………………………………….… 5
Charts and Exhibits
Figure 1 – Historical Summary of Expenses – FY10-FY19 Estimated ………. 8
Figure 2 – Reserve Accounts & Bond Rating Agency Expectation ……….…… 10
Chart - Additional Fund Sources ………………………………………………………… 12
Town Finance Terminology …………………………………………………………………. 16
A Guide to Participating at Town Meeting …………………………………………….. 16
Note to All Voters Concerning Town Meeting Procedures ……………………….. 17
Summary of Revenue and Expenditures ……………………………………………….. 18
Revolving Funds ………………………………………………………………………………… 28
Votes to Transfer Available Funds ……………………………………………………….. 101
Operating Budget by Voting Category FY 2020 ……………………………………… 102
Operating Budget by Department – Detail FY 2020 …………..…………………… 104
Five Year Municipal Capital Plan for FY 2020-2024 (includes self-supporting) 112
Five Year School Committee Capital Plan for FY 2020-2024 …………………… 114
Annual Town Meeting Articles
Art. Page #
1 Elect a Moderator ………………………………………………………………………………. 19
2 Adopt Rules to Govern Town Meeting …………………………………………………… 19
3 Hear Reports of Committees Appointed at Prior Town Meetings ……………… 21
4 Act on “Consent Agenda” ……………………………………………………………………. 22
5 Collective Bargaining Agreements under the Board of Selectmen …………… 23
6 Personal Service Contracts under the Board of Selectmen …………………….. 23
7 Set Salaries of Elected Officers ……………………………………………………………. 24
8 Pay Bills of Prior Fiscal Year ……………………………………………………………….. 25
9 Adjust Fiscal 2019 Accounts ……………………………………………………………. 26
10 Transfer Unexpended Prior Year Appropriations …………………………………… 27
11 Authorize Certain Revolving Funds ……………………………………………………… 28
12 “Omnibus” Capital Outlay Program …………………………………………………….. 30
13 Accept General or Session Laws Enacted by the General Court ………………. 45
th
14 Approval of Funding for the Annual 4 of July Community Celebration …… 45
15 Insurance Proceeds ………………………………………………………………………….. 46
16 Rescind Unused Borrowing Authorizations ………………………………………….. 46
17 Increase Stabilization Fund ………………………………………………………………… 47
18 Increase Special Education Reserve Account (Schools) ……….………………. 47
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Art. Page #
19 Recommendations of the Community Preservation Committee ……………... 48
20 Bolivar Pool Project Funds Appropriation …....…………………………..………. 54
21 Special Tax Agreement with Spear Street Capital ………………………….…….. 55
22 Amend General By-Law Relative to the Composition of the Mapping
Commission …………….…..………………………………………………………….……….. 56
23 Authorize a 5-Year Lease for Fire Department Equipment Storage ………..… 56
24 Adopt Municipal Modernization Act Pertaining to the Establishment of
Speed Limits and Safety Zones …………………………………………………………… 57
25 Amend By-Law Regarding Fines & Penalties for Violating Dog Licensing
Regulations …………………………………………………………………………..…….……. 57
26 Granting & Accepting of Easements at the Canton Aquatic Center &
Waterfall Hills at Canton ………………………………………………………………..….. 58
27 Acceptance of Proposed New By-Law Regarding Plastic Shopping Bag
Reduction ………………………………………….…………………………………………..…. 59
28 Adopt Chapter 337 of the Acts of 2018 (The “Act”), the Short-Term
Rental Bill ……………………………………………………………………………………..…. 62
29 Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 11.0 Definitions (relative to Short-Term
Rental Bill)……………………………………………….……………………………………….. 63
30 Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 3.1.4 Table of Use Regulations (relative to
Short-Term Rental Bill) …………………………..………………………………….……… 65
31 Acceptance of Cedarcrest Road Extension as a Town Way ………………..……. 66
32 Acceptance of Beatrice Way as a Town Way ………………………………………… 67
33 Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 11.0 Definitions (relative to zoning
around medical facilities) ……………………………………………………………….….. 68
34 Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 3.1.4 Table of Use Regulations (relative to
zoning around medical facilities) …………….………………………………………….. 72
35 Amend Zoning By-Law 4.2 Special Regulations for “Hospitals, Long Term
Care Facilities, Health Care Facilities/Clinics, or Substance Abuse
Detoxification or Treatment Centers” …………………………..………….…………… 75
36 Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 8.0 Special Residential Regulations ………. 78
37 Amend Zoning By-Law Section 6.1 Off-Street Parking ………………………..…. 83
38 Amend Zoning By-Laws – Delete Senior Housing Overlay District ……..….. 85
39 Amend Zoning By-Laws – Delete Village Housing Overlay District ………….. 89
40 Amend Zoning Map by Rezoning Certain Business Parcels to Single
Residence Zones ………………………………………………………………………………. 93
41 Amend Zoning By-Law 4.1.6 Notes to Tables of Dimensional
Requirements …………………………………………………………………………………… 96
42 Amend Zoning By-Laws Section 10.4.8 Lapse Regarding Timeframe for
Special Permits to “Lapse” ……………………………………………………………...… 98
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
43 Amend Veteran’s Tax Program ……………………………………………………….... 99
44 Amend Borrowing for Pleasant Street Dam Project ……………………………... 100
45 Vote to Transfer Funds to the Solar Facility Stabilization Fund ………….….. 100
46 Appropriate Funds to Meet Expenses for FY20 ………..………………………..….. 101
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Finance Committee Report
Fiscal Year 2020 Proposed Budget and Overview
In Article 46 (the “budget Article”) combined with Articles 5 and 23, the Finance
Committee is recommending a Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) operating budget of $95.9
million. The FY20 budget proposed by the Finance Committee continues Canton’s
sound fiscal management that has put us in a position to enhance services.
2019 Residential Tax Rate: $12.40 Per Thousand
• $5.59 School Operating and Capital
• $2.85 Municipal Operating and Capital
• $3.84 Fixed Costs
• $0.12 State & County Charges
The $95.9 million FY20 budget recommended by the Finance Committee in this
year’s warrant is expected to increase our current level of services, fund
contractual increases to our public employees,
Finance Committee Budget
and address rising special education costs. Recommendations
The recommended operating budget represents a • $3.4 Million Increase in Operating
4.0% increase over the FY19 budget approved at Budgets, which includes:
the 2018 Annual Town Meeting (ATM). This • $0.9 Million Increase in Fixed Costs
includes a 4.1% increase in the School Operating • $0.8 Million Municipal Budget
Budget, a 4.3% increase to the Municipal Increase
• $1.7 Million School Budget
Operating Budget (which includes $150,000 from Increase
the Ambulance Fund to pay for contract costs
and a garage lease) and a 3.2% increase in fixed
costs. Overall, the Finance Committee recommends that the School Department
receive an additional $303,003 and the Municipal Operating Budget an additional
$421,599 to enhance services beyond a level service budget.
Each year, the Town’s Revenue Committee meets in late January or early February,
after the release of the Governor’s state budget, to forecast the expected Town
revenues for the next fiscal year, including revenues from property taxes, state aid,
motor vehicle excise taxes, fees, and other income. By intention, the Revenue
Committee forecasts predicted income conservatively, to maximize the likelihood that
actual revenue won’t fall short of the budget prediction. The Finance Committee uses
this revenue forecast, as well as information on fixed costs (such as health insurance
and pensions) that must be paid each year out of the expected revenue, to assist it in
setting targets for the Municipal Operating Budget and School Operating Budgets.
The Municipal and School Operating Budgets are aligned with the targets set by the
Finance Committee, based on the Revenue Committee forecast of $21,777,124 for
Municipal Departments and $44,114,362 for the School Department.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
The FY20 budget recommended by the Finance Committee assumes that property
taxes will be increased close to the maximum allowed under Proposition 2 ½, and that
revenue will be supplemented with an increase in local receipts (including the motor
vehicle excise tax) and new growth. A confounder is that at this time of year, the final
state aid numbers (e.g., Chapter 70 (education) and Chapter 90 (roads)) have yet to be
set by the legislature. At the time of this writing, we have received the Governor’s
budget for review, but the House Ways and Means Committee has not released its draft
of the budget.
As the economy continues to recover, the Finance Committee continues to be careful
not to increase the budget too rapidly. 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 FY21 or
beyond.
The Water Enterprise Fund operating budget increased 5.8% due to higher MWRA
charges from the Town using more water supplied by the MWRA in 2018. The
recommended budget for the Sewer Enterprise Fund was increased 1.3% due to
increased charges by the MWRA, offset by reduced debt service costs.
The recommended budget for the Rink Enterprise Fund has been set at $70,000,
reflecting that the Finance Committee does not expect the rink to be operational during
FY20, but expects the renovation of the rink to be completed prior to June 30, 2020.
Standard & Poor’s, in a recent report 1, assigned its AAA long-term rating to the
2019 Canton general obligation (GO) municipal purpose 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.
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 recommends to “postpone indefinitely” the subject matter of an
article due to the lack of available information. In other cases, the Finance Committee
weighed the information presented and a vote to "postpone indefinitely" implies that we
do not support the recommendations in the article. The discussions that follow each
motion are intended to give insight into the Committee's decisions and the
considerations inherent in each motion.
1
Standard and Poor’s Ratings Direct® report dated April 3, 2019.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Historical Perspective on Canton's Finances
As the economy continues to improve, the Finance Committee has attempted to
balance enhancing services at a sustainable rate, continuing to address our Other Post
Employment Benefits (OPEB) liability, maintaining our infrastructure and setting aside
funds for the next rainy (snowy) day.
Fiscal Year 2018 – (7/1/17 – 6/30/18) – At the 2017 ATM voters approved an FY18
budget based on $90.8 million in forecasted revenue and $91.2 million in forecasted
expenses. The FY18 budget was amended by the 2018 ATM to increase spending from
cash reserves by another $2.3 million. Cash reserves were spent to supplement the
Snow & Ice budget ($175,000) and the Health Insurance budget ($110,000), transfer to
stabilization funds ($600,000), provide a local Chapter 90 match for streets and
sidewalks ($500,000), transfer to a special education reserve account ($600,000) and to
OPEB ($200,000), master plan update ($150,000) and other one-time projects. These
were spending decisions recommended by the Finance Committee ONLY when it
appeared likely our revenues would come in much higher than budgeted and our cash
reserves were adequate. Overall, the Town still increased its reserves in fiscal year
2018 as shown in Figure 2.
Actual revenue for FY18 was $93.3 million, approximately $2.4 million higher than
budgeted as the Town collected more local receipts and property taxes. FY18
expenses were $92.8 million, $705,000 less than budgeted.
Fiscal Year 2019 – (7/1/2018 – 6/30/2019)
At the 2018 ATM voters approved an FY19 budget based on $94.9 million in forecasted
revenue and $96.0 million in forecasted expenses. The expenses were budgeted higher
than revenue by $1.2 million by paying the following expenses from Free Cash: a
transfer to a special education reserve account ($700,000) and capital projects
($454,000). In addition, at the special town meeting in December, voters approved a
$1.5 million transfer from overlay surplus to help rebuild the Town’s ice rink.
At the time of this writing, the Town's FY19 finances appear to be more favorable than
budgeted. The current estimate of the Town's FY19 revenue is approximately $1.6
million greater than budgeted primarily because of increased motor vehicle excise taxes
and increased investment income. Overall, if these trends continue at the end of FY19,
we anticipate our cash reserves, which are Free Cash, Stabilization Fund, and the
Assessors Overlay Reserve, to be maintained above 15% of FY20’s budget, which is
the target set by 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.).
School expenses have increased 4.4% annually since FY10 while municipal expenses
have increased 3.6% and fixed costs have increased 2.9%. In previous years, the
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Finance Committee noted that bringing health care and employee benefit costs under
control is a critical component in alleviating the Town’s financial stress. It should also
be obvious that increasing the number of Town employees has a direct impact on the
fixed cost budget. The town continues to work with our municipal and school
employees to mitigate the rising cost of healthcare, pension and OPEB costs, which
now comprises about 17% of our overall budget.
Figure 1: Historical Summary of Expenses
48
43
38
33
$ millions
28
23
18
13
8
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 (est)
Fiscal Year
Schools (4.4%) Municipal (3.6%) Fixed Costs (2.9%)
The accelerated increases in the School Department expenses can be attributed to an
increase in special education costs and the steps, lanes and longevity increases built
into the teacher contracts. Both municipal and school employee contracts include
increases given to some employees for longevity, steps (number of years served) and
lanes (promotions or the amount of post-graduate education for teachers), even when
there is no cost of living adjustment (COLA). When there is a COLA, employees can
receive both. The School Department contracts include more steps than the municipal
contracts, and have more lanes with no restrictions on the number of employees that
can receive the promotional increases. As a result, the $761,897 in steps, lanes and
longevity inherent in school contracts for FY20 represented an average salary increase
of 2.3% compared to the $170,521 (1.2%) in steps and longevity increases provided to
municipal employees. All employees are likely to receive a COLA for FY20 as well,
although most contracts have not been finalized at the time of this writing.
Both the Municipal and School budgets contain “wild cards”, line items that cannot be
accurately predicted in advance. In the case of the Municipal budget, the amount
required for Snow and Ice is an example. For the Schools, it is the federally-mandated
costs for students with special education (SPED) needs, particularly in cases where
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
those needs cannot be met within “regular education” classrooms and instead must be
out-placed. It simply is not possible to predict when such students will move into or out
of the District or when the needs of existing students will change, potentially causing
wide variances between the budget and the actual costs.
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 General Fund’s operating budget also
includes $700,000 ($200,000 more than customary) for the Finance Committee Reserve
account, which can cover extraordinary or unforeseen expenditures. Any remaining
balance in this fund will be transferred to Free Cash as in previous years. This year, the
largest budget overage (Water Enterprise) will be covered by a transfer from water
enterprise cash reserves (retained earnings) of $500,000 (article 9, motion 4).
The Town also maintains three sources of
"reserves" (savings accounts) that serve as Free Cash - This is a poorly named
reserve that the Town maintains for
potential sources to fund unplanned unexpected emergencies. "Free Cash"
expenses. Figure 2 shows the Town's should not be used to supplement
reserve balances including the estimated operational budgets!
balances as of June 30, 2019. Free Cash
requires a majority vote at town meeting to be appropriated. The Stabilization Fund
requires a 2/3 vote at town meeting to be appropriated. The Assessors Overlay Reserve
Fund is included in Figure 2 as a Reserve, although it is not all available for
appropriation. The Overlay Reserve is the fund used for paying tax abatements. It can
only be accessed for other purposes if an overlay surplus is declared by the Town’s
Board of Assessors, releasing money from the Overlay Reserve Fund. Accordingly, the
Town’s audited reserves are less than what is reflected in Figure 2. Currently, the
Town’s audited reserves are at approximately 17.5% of expenses.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Figure 2: Reserve Accounts & Bond Rating Agency Expectation
(in millions)
$20.0
$18.0
$16.0
$5.1 $5.2 $3.9
$14.0
$4.3
$12.0
millions
$3.0
$10.0
$2.3
$1.3 $7.0 $7.7 $8.5
$8.0 $0.7
$6.3 $14.8
$5.6
$6.0 $0.4 $5.1
$4.2 $4.6
$1.2
$4.0 $3.5
$3.2 $4.9
$2.0 $3.8 $4.2 $4.4 $4.1
$1.0 $2.9 $3.3
$2.2
$1.0
$0.0
7/1/10 7/1/11 7/1/12 7/1/13 7/1/14 7/1/15 7/1/16 7/1/17 7/1/18 Bond 6/30/19
Rating (est.)
Agency
Target
Free Cash Reserves Stabilization Fund Overlay Reserves
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
Assessor’s Overlay - This account determine the Town's bond rating. Bond rating
sets aside funds for abatements. agencies recommend a reserve of at least 15% of
However, if the Assessors declare a expenses for AAA rated communities. Canton's
surplus, funds can be released for prudent fiscal management has allowed the Town
appropriation by Town Meeting. to earn the highest long-term bond rating (Standard
While we consider the entire overlay
balance as a cash reserve, most of it
& Poor's AAA) offered to municipalities in the
may be needed for future United States. This allows Canton to issue bonds
abatements granted by the for debt capital projects at the most favorable
Assessors. interest rates.
There would be a substantial increase in cost to the Town if a downgrade in Canton's
bond rating were to occur. A downgrade in the Town's bond rating results in higher
interest rates for new borrowing. Each downgrade represents an increase of
approximately 25 basis points or 0.25%. Each year, ATM approves between $2.0
million and $3.0 million of additional debt for capital projects. A 0.25% increase in
interest rate equates to approximately $30,000 increase in the cost to borrow $1 million
over the life of a 20 year bond.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
The Finance Committee recommended that the Town strengthen its reserve position
during the years following the 2008 override. Figure 2 above shows that Canton’s
reserves have grown from $5.4 million at the end of FY10 to an estimated $16.5 million
at the end of FY19. Reserves were used during the economic downturn to reduce the
impacts to operating budgets as well as to cover shortfalls in the snow and ice budget.
As the economy has turned around, the Town has taken steps to grow these reserves.
The Finance Committee adopted a policy that, in a year of surplus, recommends
increasing our reserves by 1% (of expenses) per year until we reach 15% and
reinvesting additional surplus into the town in items such as needed capital projects
(such as roads and buildings) along with funding our OPEB liability. Since a surplus is
being projected for FY19, in addition to maintaining our reserves at 15.0%, the Finance
Committee recommends funds be used to address the School Department Special
Education (SPED) budget issue. The Finance Committee is recommending that
$700,000 of cash reserves be used for FY20 SPED by transferring that sum into the
special education reserve account. We look forward to the state Circuit Breaker
program providing additional funds for SPED down the road.
Aside from SPED, the Finance Committee recommends that cash reserves be used to
fund some FY19 budget issues totaling $48,809 (Article 9), $500,000 for the
Randolph/Washington Streets intersection (Article 12), fund the 4th of July Celebration
(Article 14) and $275,000 to supplement the Reservoir Pond dam repair project (Article
44), since the Town has received a settlement for that amount to replenish the cash
reserves.
Additional Fund Sources
In addition to our reserves, the Town also has 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. Finally,
due to the timing of inflows and outflows from the fund, the balance can vary greatly
throughout the year. The table below is not an exhaustive list of funds, and generally
includes funds with more than $100,000 and does not include encumbrances.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Name of Fund Controlled By 7/2017 7/2018 2/2019 Source of Funds Use of Funds
Ambulance TM $1.6M $1.9M $1.5M Ambulance receipts Any lawful purpose
Bond Issuance Finance $238K $234K $224K Premiums received from borrowing Reduce excluded debt service costs
Cemetery Perpetual Care TM $455K $477K $489K Payments for cemetery perpetual care Cemetery improvements
Chaisson Memorial Fund Library $385K $391K $394K Bequest Library needs
Circuit Breaker Schools $682K $245K $891K State Reimbursements Special Education Costs
Conservation Land Fund ConCom $151K $153K $154K Appropriations by town meeting Purchase of conservation land
Dental Insurance Trust Fund Finance $767K $739K $867K Dental insurance contributions Dental insurance claims & other costs
Health Insurance Trust Fund Finance $3.6M $4.6M $2.8M Health insurance contributions Health insurance claims & other costs
Insurance Proceeds Various Depts. $120K $118K $112K Insurance reimbursements under $150,000 Repair/replace damaged property
OPEB Trust Finance $2.9M $4.0M $5.0M Appropriations by town meeting OPEB costs
Police Detective Bureau Police Chief $165K $168K $170K Forfeitures Police investigative work
Police Drug Forfeiture Police Chief $436K $326K $201K Federal drug forfeiture program Police investigative work
School Athletics Schools $293K $326K $478K Sports fees, game receipts Athletic program costs
School Donations Schools $241K $238K $240K Donations to school department Any lawful purpose, if not specified by donor
School Food Service Schools $279K $300K $250K Receipts from school cafeterias Operate school cafeterias
School Rentals Schools $425K $382K $302K Rents collected from use of school facilities School facility costs
School Tuition Schools $426K $425K $481K Fees for pre-school & extracurricular programs Payment of program costs
Special Education Reserve School/BOS - $111K $811K Appropriations by town meeting Special Education Costs
Street & Sidewalk Improvements BOS $1.2M $818K $578K Chapter 90 local match Road & sidewalk repairs
Town Donations BOS $1.7M $1.8M $1.8M Donations to municipal departments Any lawful purpose, if not specified by donor
Unemployment Claims HR $235K $260K $295K Appropriations by town meeting Unemployment claims
University Station BOS $725K $914K $895K Mitigation payments Defray costs associated with project
Capital Budget
The Capital Budget is used first to pay debt service on all existing debt within the tax
levy. The remaining amount is used to fund capital projects identified in the Capital
Planning Committee (CPC) 5-year plan. The Finance Committee recommends that
Canton continue its practice of funding capital expenses at 5% to 6% of revenue. To
meet this goal for FY20, one of the recommended capital projects is funded from Free
Cash ($500,000 for the Randolph/Washington Street intersection). The total Capital
Budget recommended for FY20 represent 5.2% of expected revenue. Allocating the
Town's limited revenue between the operating expenses needed to maintain our
services and the capital expenses needed to maintain our buildings and infrastructure,
is always a difficult decision. The Finance Committee believes it is important to
continue to address capital needs to maintain the town’s infrastructure.
The Finance Committee concurs with all of the recommendations made by the CPC as
presented in Article 12. The municipal requests include $750,000 in cash capital
projects and $551,000 in capital projects to be funded with debt. In addition, the CPC
recommended infrastructure capital improvement projects for the Water Enterprise Fund
and Sewer Enterprise Fund totaling $435,000, to be funded from enterprise cash
reserves. Using cash reserves instead of borrowing eliminates the interest costs the
Town would incur from borrowing. In addition, CPC is recommending that $830,000 be
borrowed for the Water Enterprise Fund to pay for design plans and specifications for
water distribution system improvements for eleven streets.
In FY20, the Schools are allocated $750,000 for cash capital projects as recommended
by the CPC. CPC is also recommending that $290,000 be borrowed for three school
capital projects.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Article 20 asks the voters whether or not they would approve additional funds from
borrowing to replace the Bolivar pool. It is also expected that the borrowing for the pool
will require a special election to exempt this debt from Proposition 2½, tentatively
scheduled for Tuesday May 28, 2019. The Finance Committee is recommending that
$5.9 million be borrowed for the pool. For the average homeowner, the property tax
increase from paying off bonds of $5.9 million would be approximately $32 per year for
20 years. Fortunately, the current projects included in the tax rates are being paid off to
lessen the impact if the pool project is approved. The Board of Selectmen plan to hold
informational meetings regarding the pool project at the Canton Public Library on
Thursday, April 25th and Monday, April 29th at 7:00 p.m.
Community Preservation Act
We will also have the opportunity to
Community Preservation Act Surcharge vote uses of the Community
The CPA surcharge is calculated as 1% of
Preservation Act (CPA) funds, which
your real estate bill after an exemption amount
is applied. Abatements are available from the are generated by a 1% surcharge on
Assessors for Seniors and Low Income our property tax bills, as well as with
Households. state matching in FY20. Article 19
addresses the administrative costs as
well as nine projects brought forth by the Canton Community Preservation Committee
(CCPC). Included is a recommendation to spend $200,000 of CPA funds towards the
Bolivar pool project. Also included in the CPA article is a recommendation to allocate
$290,000 of CPA funds to pay estimated debt service in FY20 for the Paul Revere
Heritage site land acquisition. The Town will be issuing 10 year bonds for this project.
Contract Obligations
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 $170,521 for automatic salary increases for the municipal departments and
$761,897 for automatic salary increases for the school employees related to steps,
lanes and longevity. Additionally, there has been $308,602 set aside for municipal cost
of living adjustments (COLA) and $653,057 for School COLAs.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
On the Horizon
• Street Acceptances: At this annual town meeting there are two articles
addressing streets to be accepted as public ways. At the time this report was
being prepared, the Board of Selectmen had not voted to accept these streets so
the Finance Committee had to vote to indefinitely postpone these articles.
• School Space Needs: The Town has appropriated funds for the School
Department to study the school building needs of the town, including an
assessment of building capacities and educational visioning for the Schools, an
evaluation of present and projected needed repairs, and an analysis of the best
solution for housing the administrative offices.
• OPEB: Canton has made promises to its employees to not only provide
pensions upon retirement, but health, dental and life insurance. The Town 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 about $91 million and the Finance
Committee is recommending placing $1,030,000 million into this fund for FY20.
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 the Town to fully fund the liability. While putting
aside some money now will put the Town in a better financial situation than
surrounding communities, the subsequent annual cost will likely be substantial.
At the end of FY19, the OPEB trust balance is projected to be more than $5
million.
• 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 a five year permit that
ends in 2022. Compliance with the permit is predicated on both water quality and
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. In the future, this
may require establishment of fees and an enterprise account.
- 14 -Source page 15
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
• Roads: Canton has traditionally relied on Chapter 90 grants (about $800,000
per year) from the state in order to repair the Town’s road system. Unfortunately,
this funding has been insufficient and the Town’s roads have deteriorated. The
Town’s last road study suggested that $24 million was needed to bring the
Town’s roads up to a good condition. Unless there is a significant increase in
Chapter 90 funding, Canton will need to continue investing Town dollars into
maintaining the roadways by inclusion within the Town’s Capital Plan.
Please attend Town Meeting as your input and your vote are important!
Respectfully submitted,
Town of Canton Finance Committee:
Robert Barker, Chairman
Tim McKenna, Vice Chairman
Christos Arsondiadis
Dan Cole
Cynthia Holcombe
Emilio Mauro
Barbara J. Saint André
Cindy Thomas
Wai Wong
- 15 -Source page 16
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
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 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.
DEBT EXCLUSION: Taxes raised through a Prop. 2½ 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 (UNDESIGNATED FUND BALANCE): 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.
INDEFINITELY POSTPONE: This is the equivalent of a negative vote on an article.
FY19: July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019
FY20: July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020
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.
OPEB: Other Post-Employment Benefits are benefits provided to town retirees for such things as health, dental
and life insurance. Retirees are eligible for these benefits in addition to a town pension.
OPERATIONAL OVERRIDE: An increase above the standard Prop. 2½ 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. 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 2/3 Town Meeting vote is
required for its use.
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: When Town’s recurring expenses are greater than its recurring revenues.
TAX LEVY: (LEVY): The revenue a community can raise through real estate and personal property taxes.
A GUIDE TO PARTICIPATING AT TOWN MEETING
If town meeting is to run smoothly a few simple rules must be followed…….
No person should speak unless standing at a microphone and then only after having been ‘recognized’ by the
moderator.
It is both impolite and contrary to the rules of procedure to shout out “Question”, or “Move the Question” while
seated, while someone else is speaking, or without being ‘recognized’.
- 16 -Source page 17
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
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 a previous Annual Town Meeting 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); reports of all outstanding committees will be received (Article 3); and the
consent agenda (Article 4). The consent agenda is a list of articles that appear to be non-controversial and
therefore are voted as a group. If any voter wishes to discuss any article that is listed on the consent agenda, the
voter may simply ask for a hold on that article, and the article will be deleted from the consent agenda and acted
on separately in the normal course of the meeting.
After these four 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.
- 17 -Source page 18
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
SUMMARY OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020
ACTUAL Revised Budget ESTIMATE
GENERAL FUND REVENUES:
PROPERTY TAX REVENUE 73,016,569 76,454,654 79,110,045
STATE AID 8,975,111 9,151,607 9,368,213
LOCAL RECEIPTS 8,344,719 6,772,736 7,378,804
TRANSFERS FROM OTHER FUNDS 2,680,855 2,626,374 2,734,138
TAX TITLE / FORECLOSURE REVENUE 297,266 0 0
TOTAL REVENUES 93,314,521 95,005,371 98,591,200
GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES:
SCHOOL EXPENSES 40,221,559 42,396,405 44,114,362
MUNICIPAL EXPENSES 19,888,601 20,921,402 21,777,124
FIXED COSTS 27,903,049 28,879,843 29,966,497
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 88,013,208 92,197,650 95,857,983
CASH CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 1,974,820 2,079,000 1,500,000
TRANSFERS TO STABILIZATION FUNDS 600,000 0 0
SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS 1,173,042 2,200,000 0
STATE & COUNTY CHARGES 1,015,303 1,182,721 1,233,217
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 92,776,373 97,659,371 98,591,200
SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) - GENERAL FUND 538,148 (2,654,000) (0)
ONE-TIME SOURCES OF FUNDS:
FREE CASH RESERVE 2,558,042 1,154,000 0
OVERLAY SURPLUS 0 1,500,000 0
TOTAL NON-RECURRING SOURCES 2,558,042 2,654,000 0
ADJUSTED SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) - GENERAL FUND 3,096,190 (0) (0)
ENTERPRISE FUNDS:
WATER REVENUE 7,365,806 6,667,549 7,058,470
SEWER REVENUE 7,423,938 6,646,625 6,734,962
RINK REVENUE 29,351 0 0
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS' REVENUE 14,819,095 13,314,174 13,793,432
ENTERPRISE FUNDS' SURPLUS USED 0 579,430 505,000
WATER EXPENSES 7,565,005 6,667,549 7,058,470
SEWER EXPENSES 6,508,808 6,646,625 6,734,962
RINK EXPENSES 12,159 15,430 70,000
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS EXPENSES 14,085,972 13,329,604 13,863,432
ENTERPRISE FUNDS' CASH CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 1,135,712 564,000 435,000
ENTERPRISE FUNDS' SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) (402,589) 0 0
GRAND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS 107,998,057 111,552,975 112,889,632
- 18 -Source page 19
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
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 THIRTEENTH DAY
OF MAY 2019
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 2019 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 2019 Annual Town
Meeting, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOTION 1
MOVED: That this 2019 Annual Town Meeting shall meet on consecutive Monday and
Wednesday evenings (but not including Monday, May 27th) 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: 8-0
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__________
- 19 -Source page 20
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
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:
Charlie Aspinwall, Town Administrator
David Brauninger, Principal, Lt. Peter M. Hansen Elementary School
Debra Bromfield, Director of Student Services
Steve Choiniere, Supervisor of Facilities and Grounds
John Ciccotelli, Director of Public Health
Paul R. DeRensis, Town Counsel
Jennifer Fischer-Mueller, Superintendent of Schools
Derek Folan, Principal, Canton High School
Elizabeth Francis, Parks & Recreation Director
Tom Houston, Professional Services Corporation, PC
Louis Jutras, Information Systems Manager
Patricia Kinsella, Assistant Superintendent
Karen Lawlor, Administrative Assistant, Canton Planning Board
Brian Lynch, Facility Director
Stephen Lynch, Representative in Congress
Christine McMahon, Principal, John F. Kennedy Elementary School
M. Regen Milani, Conservation Commission Agent
Steven Moore, Assistant Supt. for Business & Personnel, Blue Hills Reg. Technical School
James Murgia, Finance Director
Barry Nectow, School Business Administrator
Robie Peter, Principal, Dean S. Luce Elementary School
Kristen Phelps, Canton Community Preservation Committee Administrator
James Quaglia, Superintendent-Director, Blue Hills Regional Technical School
Michael Rak, Vice President, Spear Street Capital
Helena Rafferty, Deputy Police Chief
Barbara Reardon, Town Engineer
Debbie Rooney, Director of Teaching and Learning PreK-8
Tammy Rose, Resident, Article 27
Mark Roy, Executive Director, Canton Housing Authority
Laura Smead, Town Planner
Walter Timilty, State Senator
Michael Trotta, Superintendent of Public Works
Diane Tynan, Director of Council on Aging
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0
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__________
- 20 -Source page 21
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
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: 8-0
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__________
ARTICLE 3
HEAR REPORTS OF COMMITTEES APPOINTED AT PRIOR TOWN MEETINGS
Article 3 To hear the reports of all committees appointed at previous town meetings, which have not yet been
discharged, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That reports of the following committees appointed at previous Town Meetings be
heard:
Economic Development Committee (ATM 2004, Article 14)
Community Preservation Committee (ATM 2011, Article 39)
Town of Canton Substance Abuse Committee (ATM 2016, Article 32)
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee supports adoption of this motion to hear the reports of standing
committees appointed at prior Town Meetings.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 21 -Source page 22
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
ARTICLE 4
ACT ON “CONSENT AGENDA”
Article 4 To see if the town will vote to dispose of certain articles in this warrant by a single vote, in accordance
with a so-called “consent agenda” or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the following articles be disposed of by a single vote, in accordance with the
Finance Committee motions as printed in the report of the Finance Committee: 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14,
15, 16, 22, 23, 24 and 43.
FINCOM
Article Description Motion VOTE Reason
Collective Bargaining 8-0
5 Adopt this article Non-controversial.
Agreements under the BOS
Personal Service Contracts Postpone
6 8-0 Non-controversial.
under the BOS indefinitely
Set Salaries of Elected Mot. 1 - 8-0
7 Adopt this article Mot. 2 - 7-1
Non-controversial.
Officials
Pay Bills of Prior Fiscal Postpone
8 8-0 There are none.
Year indefinitely
Transfer Unexpended Prior
10 Adopt this article 7-0 Non-controversial.
Year Appropriations
Accept Laws Enacted by Postpone
13 8-0 There are none.
the General Court indefinitely
Approve Funding for 4th of
14 Adopt this article 8-0 Non-controversial.
July Celebration
Postpone
15 Insurance Proceeds 8-0 There are none.
indefinitely
Rescind Unused Borrowing
16 Adopt this article 7-0 Non-controversial.
Authorizations
Amend General By-Law –
22 Composition of Mapping Adopt this article 8-0 Non-controversial.
Commission
5-Year Lease for Fire Dept.
23 Adopt this article 8-0 Non-controversial.
Equipment Storage Space
Adopt Muni. Act – Speed
24 Adopt this article 8-0 Non-controversial.
Limits & Safety Zones
Amend Veteran’s Tax
43 Adopt this article 8-0 Non-controversial.
Program
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0
- 22 -Source page 23
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
DISCUSSION: Articles placed on the consent agenda are considered non-controversial and can be voted in one
block. The consent agenda is a list of articles that appear to be non-controversial and therefore are voted as a
group. If any voter wishes to discuss any article that is listed on the consent agenda, the voter may simply ask for
a hold on that article, and the article will be deleted from the consent agenda and acted on separately in the
normal course of the meeting. Further discussion on each can be found under the individual article.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 5
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS UNDER THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Article 5 To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or transfer from Free
Cash, a sum of money for the purpose of funding any new cost items contained in any collective bargaining
agreements entered into by the Board of Selectmen, on behalf of the town, with any group of employees, serving
under its jurisdiction, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the sum of One Hundred Eleven Thousand Eighty Five Dollars ($111,085) be
raised and appropriated from the fiscal year 2020 tax levy and other revenues of the Town in order to
fund cost items, not included in departmental budgets appropriated for fiscal year 2020, to Department
#910’s budget for collective bargaining agreements entered into by the Board of Selectmen as may be
reached after the conclusion of this town meeting between the Town of Canton and bargaining units,
such sums to be allocated to pay for the relevant departments’ payroll expenses from budget
classification Department #910 as determined by the Finance Director.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of this appropriation of
funds. The Board of Selectmen and AFSCME (American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees) union
are currently engaged in ongoing negotiations to reach agreement on salary increases that are likely to take effect
in FY 2020. The amount of $111,085 is a prudent estimate developed by the Finance Department.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 6
PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS UNDER THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Article 6 To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or transfer from Free
Cash, such sums of money as may be necessary to fund new cost items contained in contracts for personal
services with any individual employee, or take any action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the subject matter of Article 6 be indefinitely postponed.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend that Article 6 be indefinitely
postponed. There are currently three pending personal service contracts which salary adjustments have been
included in the FY 2020 operating budget.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 23 -Source page 24
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
ARTICLE 7
SET SALARIES OF ELECTED OFFICERS
Article 7 To see if the town will vote, in accordance with the provisions of section one hundred and eight of
chapter forty-one (G. L. chapter 41, §108) to fix the salary and compensation of all elected officers of the town, or
to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Article 7 - MOTION 1
MOVED: That the salary and compensation for the Town Clerk be fixed at $92,780 for the 2020
Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously to support the Town Clerk's salary for FY 2010. The
Town Clerk is a full-time elected official, and the Committee feels that the salary is in line with other comparable
towns.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Article 7 - MOTION 2
MOVED: That the salary and compensation for all part-time elected officials of the Town be fixed
for the 2020 Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, 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: 7-1
MAJORITY DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted to support the elected official’s salaries by a vote
of 7-1. These officials have traditionally received these stipends, and town meeting has consistently supported
them
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 24 -Source page 25
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
ARTICLE 8
PAY BILLS OF PRIOR FISCAL YEAR
Article 8 To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, transfer from Free
Cash, or borrow pursuant to any applicable statute, a sum or sums of money to pay any unpaid bills of any prior
fiscal year, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the subject matter of Article 8 be indefinitely postponed.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously voted to recommend to postpone the article indefinitely, as
there are no bills from prior years that require payment.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 25 -Source page 26
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
ARTICLE 9
ADJUST FISCAL ’19 ACCOUNTS
Article 9 To see if the town will vote to increase/decrease or otherwise adjust the appropriations heretofore made
for the Fiscal Year 2019 beginning on July 1, 2018 and ending on June 30, 2019 and the revenues sources to meet
those appropriations, as voted pursuant to Article 64 of the warrant for the 2018 Annual Town Meeting, and to
raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds or transfer from Free Cash to meet any such increases or
adjustments, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Article 9 - MOTION 1
MOVED: That the sum of One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($1,200) be transferred from Free
Cash (Undesignated Fund Balance) in the Treasury of the Town to the Fire Department Grant (Fund
#294) with the intent that said funds shall be available in FY19.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee recommends this motion, which will transfer $1,200 to the Fire
Department grant fund to pay small deficit balances on two grants obtained by the Fire Department.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Article 9 - MOTION 2
MOVED: That the sum of Sixteen Thousand Dollars ($16,000) be appropriated to the Self-
Contained Breathing Apparatus project by transfer from Free Cash (Undesignated Fund Balance) in the
Treasury of the Town thereby increasing the appropriation voted in Article 12 Motion 5 of the 2017
Annual Town Meeting of One Hundred Eighty One Thousand Dollars ($181,000) to One Hundred Ninety
Seven Thousand Dollars ($197,000) with the intent that said funds shall be available in FY19 and the
amount authorized to be borrowed by said Article 12 Motion 5 of the 2017 Annual Town Meeting be
reduced by Twenty Six Thousand Dollars ($26,000) to a new total of One Hundred Fifty Five Thousand
Dollars ($155,000).
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0
DISCUSSION: The Town Meeting in 2017 authorized $181,000 in borrowing for the purchase of self-contained
breathing apparatus for the Fire Department. Only $155,000 was actually borrowed; the balance of the $181,000
is being paid by a bond premium of $10,000 (see Article 16) and the use of $16,000 from Free Cash under this
Article to avoid additional borrowing. The Finance Committee recommends approval.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Article 9 - MOTION 3
MOVED: That the sum of Thirty One Thousand Six Hundred Nine Dollars and Forty Five Cents
($31,609.45) be appropriated to the Lt. Peter M. Hansen Elementary School roof project by transfer
from Free Cash (Undesignated Fund Balance) in the Treasury of the Town thereby increasing the
appropriation voted in Article 30 of the 2017 Annual Town Meeting of One Million Seven Hundred Forty
Thousand Dollars ($1,740,000) to One Million Seven Hundred Seventy One Thousand Six Hundred Nine
Dollars and Forty Five Cents ($1,771,609.45) with the intent that said funds shall be available in FY19.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0
- 26 -Source page 27
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
DISCUSSION: This vote is to "balance the books" on the Hansen Elementary School roof project. First and
foremost, it should be noted that this project came in under budget. The reason that this appropriation of
$31,609.45 is needed is due to the Massachusetts School Building Assistance reimbursement program, which
reimbursed the Town slightly less than anticipated for this project. This vote will make up that small shortfall, but,
again, the overall project was completed under budget. Finance Committee recommends approval.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Article 9 - MOTION 4
MOVED: That the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) be appropriated to the Water
Enterprise Fund (#640) by transfer from water enterprise surplus (retained earnings) thereby
increasing the appropriation voted in Article 64 of the 2018 Annual Town Meeting from Six Million Six
Hundred Sixty Six Thousand Six Hundred Seventy Four Dollars ($6,666,674) to Seven Million One
Hundred Sixty Six Thousand Six Hundred Seventy Four Dollars ($7,166,674) with the intent that said
funds shall be available in FY19.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee recommends this motion, which will address a deficit in this year's water
enterprise budget. The water department has experienced additional, unforeseen costs which project to a deficit of
close to $500,000 by the end of the fiscal year. These costs include personnel costs and replacing carbon filters.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 10
TRANSFER UNEXPENDED PRIOR YEAR APPROPRIATIONS
Article 10 To see if the town will vote to transfer the unexpended balance of certain appropriations made under
various articles in the warrants applicable to prior town meetings, to new purposes and uses, or to take any other
action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the sum of Six Thousand Three Hundred Ninety One Dollars and Thirty Cents
($6,391.30) be appropriated to supplement the Complete Streets grant program (Fund #113), with the
intent that said funds shall be available in FY19, and to meet this appropriation, $6,391.30 be
transferred from Additional State Aid (Fund #176).
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted to recommend the transfer of $6,391.30 from Additional State Aid
(Fund #176) to supplement the Complete Streets Grant Program (Fund #113). These funds will be used by the
town to paint a shared lane marking or sharrow, on the section of Washington Street that starts at Canton Center
up towards Town Hall. These sharrows will be used to remind motorists and bicyclists of shared roadways.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 27 -Source page 28
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
ARTICLE 11
AUTHORIZE CERTAIN REVOLVING FUNDS
Article 11 To see what revolving funds, pursuant to c. 44, section 53E ½ of the General Laws of the
Commonwealth, the Town will establish by by-law and to determine the limit on total amount that may be
expended from said revolving accounts, for various boards, commissions or departments of the town, for the fiscal
year beginning July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2020, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Article 11 – Motion 1
MOVED: That the General By Laws Article VIII Section 16 be amended by adding a new revolving fund
for the Paul Revere Heritage Site Museum as follows:
Department Board,
Committee, Agency or Fees, Charges of Other
Officer Authorized to Receipts Credited to Program of Activity Expenses
Revolving Fund Spend from Fund Fund Payable from Fund Fiscal Years
Museum grants,
museum gifts, museum Providing additional funding
endowments, museum for museum maintenance
#152 – Paul Revere Fiscal Year 2020
Paul Revere Heritage contributions, museum expenses, operating expenses,
Heritage Site Museum and subsequent
Committee donations, museum capital expenses, repair
Fund years.
rentals, museum expenses, building expenses,
admission receipts, event expenses.
receipts from events.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee supports this motion, which would establish a revolving fund for the Paul
Revere Heritage Site Museum. Initially, the Paul Revere Heritage Committee will authorize spending from the fund.
The committee will be replaced by a non-profit organization, established by the Board of Selectmen and approved
by the Town at a future date as noted in Article 11, Motion 2.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Article 11 – Motion 2
MOVED: That the General By Laws Article VIII Section 16 be amended by adding a new
revolving fund for Paul Revere Heritage Rolling Mill and Open Space as follows:
Department Board,
Committee, Agency or Fees, Charges of Other Program of Activity
Officer Authorized to Receipts Credited to Expenses Payable from
Revolving Fund Spend from Fund Fund Fund Fiscal Years
Rolling Mill, open space
or historical grants,
Rolling Mill, open space
or historical gifts,
Providing additional
Rolling Mill, open space
funding relative to the
or historical
Rolling Mill, Grounds and
endowments, Rolling
#142 – Paul Revere Museum maintenance Fiscal Year 2020
Mill, open space or
Heritage Site Rolling Mill Board of Selectmen expenses, operating and subsequent
historical contributions,
and Open Space Fund expenses, capital years
Rolling Mill, open space
expenses, repair
or historical donations,
expenses building
Rolling Mill rentals,
expenses, event fees.
grounds rentals,
grounds use, receipts
from events.
and that the Board of Selectmen be hereby authorized to petition the General Court for a home rule
Special Act to create a municipal affiliated nonprofit corporation as a body politic and corporate
pursuant to chapter 180 of the General Laws or any other applicable statute to be known as “Revere &
Son Heritage Trust, Inc.,” whose board of trustees is to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen of the
Town of Canton and the numbers of such board members are to be determined by the Board of
Selectmen, for the purpose of the creation and operation of an open-to-the-public Paul Revere Museum
of Discovery and Innovation and the Paul Revere Heritage Site located at Lots 3A and 3B as shown on
the plan entitled “Subdivision Plan of Land in Canton Massachusetts” prepared by VHB, Inc. and dated
October 8, 2018, as determined by the board of trustees; and further to authorize the General Court
- 28 -Source page 29
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
with the approval of the Board of Selectmen to make changes in the language of the home rule petition
to accomplish the public purpose thereof.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee supports this motion which would establish a revolving fund for the Paul
Revere Heritage Site Rolling Mill and Open Space. Expenditures from this revolving fund would be controlled by
the Board of Selectmen.
Additionally, Motion 2 would authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the Massachusetts General Court to begin
the process of creating a municipally affiliated non-profit 501(c)(3) called “Revere & Son Heritage Trust, Inc.”
which would manage the Paul Revere Heritage Site Museum Revolving Fund created in Article 11, Motion 1. This
501(c)(3) would not control the Paul Revere Heritage Site Rolling Mill and Open Space Revolving Fund that would
be created under Article 11, Motion 2. A future vote of town meeting will be needed to actually create this non-
profit organization, once the home rule special act is accepted by the General Court and other necessary steps are
taken. Until that time, the revolving fund created in Motion 1 of this article would be operated by the Paul Revere
Heritage Committee while the revolving fund created by Motion 2 would always be controlled by the Board of
Selectmen.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Article 11 – Motion 3
MOVED: That the spending limits for the revolving funds established pursuant to General By-
Laws Article VIII, Section 16 pursuant to the provisions of MGL chapter 44, section 53 E ½ for the 2020
fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 and that each Revolving Fund shall be
credited with the balance remaining in such fund at the end of the FY 2019 as set forth below:
Revolving
Fund # Name of Revolving Fund FY20 Spending Limit
110 Veteran’s Services Special Revenues $100,000
119 Library Revolving Fund $75,000
130 Recreation Revolving Fund $500,000
132 Student Parking Fees $100,000
134 Pequitside Farm Rentals $50,000
135 Greenlodge Street Parking Fees $100,000
136 Beautification Fund $10,000
137 Animal Control Special Revenues $50,000
138 Library Building Rentals $50,000
140 COA Revolving Fund $50,000
141 Board of Health Special Revenue $50,000
Paul Revere Heritage Site Rolling Mill and
142 Open Space fund $120,000
145 Traffic Mitigation Fund $50,000
152 Paul Revere Heritage Site Museum Fund $100,000
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee supports this motion, which would credit each revolving fund at the
beginning of the fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2019), so that the balance reflects the fund’s spending limits listed in the
FY20 Spending Limit column
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 29 -Source page 30
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
ARTICLE 12
“OMNIBUS” CAPITAL OUTLAY PROGRAM
Article 12 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, transfer from Free
Cash, 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, and to include in any new capital project borrowing authorization and/or to amend such borrowing
authorizations from prior years town meeting to provide for the application of any bond premiums to reduce the
cost of such borrowings or to apply same to payment of project costs, or to take any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen for Capital Planning Committee
Article 12 - 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: 7-0
Article 12 - 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__________
- 30 -Source page 31
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Article 12 - MOTION 2
MOVED: That Seven Hundred Twenty Four Thousand Dollars ($724,000) be appropriated from
the Fiscal Year 2020 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
RECOMMENDATIONS AMOUNT
Council on Aging
Replace Fencing at Senior Center $48,000
Executive
Drainage & Sidewalk Improvements 115,000
Finance Department
Server Replacement 71,000
Software Upgrade 17,000
Police Video Recording System 19,000
Computers for Library Staff 10,000
Copier for Building Department 8,000
Fire Department
Fire Records & Dispatch Software 30,000
Repair Floors at Fire Stations 25,000
Turnout Gear 20,000
Library
HVAC Extraordinary Maintenance 27,000
Wireless Printing Services 7,000
Parks & Recreation
Lighting System at Duggan Baseball Field 11,000
Police Department
Replace Police Cruisers (4) 145,000
Bullet Resistant Vests 15,000
Property Maintenance
Replace Pick-up Truck with Transit Van 39,000
Interior Painting at Memorial Hall 50,000
Handicap Door Openers 20,000
Department of Public Works
Purchase Enclosed Cargo Trailer 9,000
Purchase Stump Grinding Equipment 20,000
Purchase Message Board 18,000
_________
GRAND TOTAL $724,000
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 Seven Hundred Twenty Four Thousand Dollars
($724,000). 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.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0
- 31 -Source page 32
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Article 12 - MOTION 2
CAPITAL PLANNING DISCUSSION:
Council on Aging
Replace Fencing at Senior Center ($48,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is to replace the fencing around the perimeter of the Senior Center property. The existing fencing is
over 35 years old and is in need of replacement. The new fencing will be varying heights base on its distance from
Pleasant Street as to not block sight lines for vehicle entering and exiting the property.
Executive
Drainage & Sidewalk Improvements ($115,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is for Drainage and Sidewalk improvements on Dedham Street from Devonshire to Eagle. The
modifications include: changing the elevation of the road, modifying the sidewalk, installing granite curbing,
installing traffic lines, and installing wheelchair ramps. This will correct the current issues of water collecting,
pooling and flowing on to private property. The pooling water freezes in the winter thus causing safety issues.
Finance Department
Server Replacement ($71,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is to replace the three existing hosts for the Town’s virtual environment. The current equipment is no
longer supported by the next versions of Vmware Esxi Software, and the servers are now 6 years old.
Software Upgrade ($17,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
The request is for the server migration and version upgrade. Specifically, we will be updating Munis application to
the latest technology release with a new database version and Windows server operating system.
Police Video Recording System ($19,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is for police department video recorders, cameras, battery backups, and four post racks. The existing
equipment is 14 years old, and storage only allows for a limited number of days of recordings. New device needs a
new four post rack, and the request will also replace several cameras in the lobby and main halls that are failing.
Computers for Library Staff ($10,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
The request is for 10 library staff computer replacements that are Core 2 or i3 processors with spinning disks.
Copier for Building Department ($8,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is for the replacement of a current copier that was purchased in 2012 as a refurbished unit. The office
staff are utilizing the copier in a higher capacity and scanning a variety of items on a daily basis therefore causing
the copier to be more prone to breakdowns and jams.
Fire Department
Fire Records and Dispatch Software ($30,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is for the replacement of the current records management system and computer aided dispatch
software with the more efficient and effective Alpine Software company’s “Red NMX” dispatch program. This is a
cloud-based program that will allow the fire department to better utilize data to improve both administrative and
emergency response capabilities. The current program and software limits the fire department’s ability to utilize
technology to perform administrative functions such as permitting, plan reviewing, scheduling and the like. With
the Red NMX system, the ability to utilize the system for these duties will be greatly enhanced, as well as the
ability to utilize data from mobile terminals, which will improve emergency response capabilities.
- 32 -Source page 33
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Article 12 - MOTION 2 – CAPITAL PLANNING DISCUSSION (continued):
Repair Floors at Fire Stations ($25,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is for much needed repairs to tile flooring in Station 1’s dispatch room as well as sections of tile in
multiple areas in Station 2. The fire department has provided photographic evidence that the tiles are in very poor
condition and are creating trip and fall hazards for fire department personnel as well as visitors.
Turnout Gear ($20,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is for the purchase of 7 new sets of firefighting “turnout” gear, which includes the pants and coats of
firefighting personnel. This is part of an ongoing, multi-year request for new gear so that our firefighters will have a
primary and backup set of gear to use. Multiple studies have shown that due to the nature of their work
environments, firefighters are exposed to far more carcinogens than the average person, and much of what they
are exposed to remain on their gear and clothing. The importance of washing this turnout gear is paramount, and
while the gear is being cleaned properly it is essential that firefighters are still able to do their duties and respond
to any incident calls properly outfitted in a second set of gear should the need arise.
Library
HVAC Extraordinary Maintenance ($27,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is for extraordinary maintenance consisting of cleaning of library rooftop air handling units as well as
thirty-nine fan coil units located throughout the building. This project is needed for the continued operation of the
library’s air handling units and ductwork throughout the building as well as for air quality.
Wireless Printing Services ($7,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is for purchase and installation of self-service kiosks for the public to use wireless printing services
and for the first time enables the library to accept payments via credit/debit card. The need for wireless printing
services that can easily be purchased is overwhelming and this request will allow the library to provide these
services to the public.
Parks & Recreation
Lighting System at Duggan Baseball Field ($11,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request to purchase a control-link system to remotely control the outdoor field lights at Duggan Field. The
Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for the electricity bills for field lighting. The current lighting control
system requires users to manually turn the field lights on and off. Because of the manual process occasionally the
lights have been left on overnight costing the town. The new system will allow the Parks & Recreation Department
to set parameters to control the operation of the field lights, saving the Town a significant amount of money.
Police Department
Replace Police Cruisers ($145,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is for the replacement of four police cruisers as part of the police's ongoing vehicle replacement
program. The police department finds that ongoing vehicle replacement is the most fiscally responsible way of
managing their fleet, which is operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The importance of reliable, safe cruisers
goes without saying for our police department.
Bullet Resistant Vests ($15,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is for fifteen new bullet resistant vests for police officers. In recent years, the Canton PD has seen a
marked increase in calls that involve firearms. Bullet resistant vests have a shelf life of five years, so the need to
update the vests is ongoing.
- 33 -Source page 34
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Article 12 - MOTION 2 – CAPITAL PLANNING DISCUSSION (continued):
Property Maintenance
Replace Pick-up Truck with Transit Van ($39,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This capital request will replace Truck 81 a F350 Pick Up with a new or current model year Ford T-250 Transit Van.
Truck 81 is a 2003 model that is used daily for the Facilities and Grounds Division. The truck is not a plow truck.
American Public Workers Association recommends replacing this type of truck after 8-9 years. The new van will be
fitted with roof racks, inside shelving, and 110-volt power inverter.
Interior Painting at Memorial Hall ($50,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
Memorial Hall was last renovated in 2000. Other than routine dusting, no cleaning or repainting of the walls has
been done. The 2017 Public Building Assessment recommends cleaning and painting of walls once every 5 years.
The work includes washing and preparing walls, baseboards, doors and trim which will be repainted with a base
and finish coat. The work will be performed nights and weekends so Memorial Hall can remain open to the public.
Handicap Door Openers ($20,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
Memorial Hall, the Police Station and Pequitside all need ADA accessible door openers. The automatic openers will
enhance the public access to the buildings. This capital request covers the cost of materials and a subcontracted
electrician.
Department of Public Works
Purchase Enclosed Cargo Trailer ($9,000)
Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is for the purchase of an enclosed cargo trailer (Cross Country CC716T-R tandem axle model) to be
used by the DPW for storage and transportation of their line painting machine and associated equipment to job
sites. The DPW currently uses an open, flat-bed trailer to fulfill these duties, and it simply does not have the
capacity to carry the machine and multiple days’ supplies worth of paint and cleaning equipment. Since it is not
enclosed it also is subject to foul weather, which can damage this equipment if it’s not store properly.
Purchase Stump Grinding Equipment ($20,000)
Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is for the purchase of a Stumpex brand stump removal attachment for the DPW’s skid-steer tractor.
This attachment includes all necessary connecting hoses and couplings. The DPW finds that their current equipment
for stump removal is insufficient and could be greatly improved by getting a stump removal tool rather than more
stump grinders.
Purchase Message Board ($18,000)
Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is for the purchase of a third full message board for the Public Works Department. The message
boards are used to notify residents of road projects, lane closings, and detours.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
- 34 -Source page 35
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Article 12 - MOTION 3
MOVED: That Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000) be appropriated from the Fiscal
Year 2020 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
AMOUNT
Building Repairs/Improvements
Rooftop Unit Replacement – GMS $39,000
Replace Entryway Floor Mats – JFK 5,477
Replace Bathroom Petitions – Luce 7,590
Door Locking Hardware & Interior Door Window 30,000
Coverings – District Wide (Phase 1)
HVAC Maintenance 40,000
Replace Granite Curbing at Bus Drop Off – CHS 22,200
Lawn Tractor & Snow Blower – JFK 11,000
Technology
Firewall for High Availability – District Wide 33,853
Portable Teacher Learning Devices Phase 1 – District Wide 100,000
WiFi Access Points Phase 2 – Rodman, Luce, JFK 41,950
Replacement Chromebooks – District Wide 16,950
Projectors Phase 2 – CHS 79,206
Analog Security Camera Upgrade – District Wide 20,425
Security Servers – JFK, Hansen, Luce 33,500
Program Improvements
Laptops for Engineering & Robotics – GMS 9,000
High Jump System – CHS Athletics 7,370
Laptops for Robotics – CHS 7,740
TV Studio Computer Upgrades (Year 2) – CHS 14,486
Visual Arts Instructional Technology – GMS & Elementary 12,961
CHS Auditorium Updates (Year 2) – CHS 65,000
Classroom Based Instruments – District Wide 20,000
Music Technology Course Equipment – CHS 9,247
Furniture & Fixtures
Teacher Desks – Luce 7,500
Classroom Furniture – JFK 40,000
Library Furniture – GMS 15,000
Milk Coolers – District Wide 11,125
Furniture for Professional Development Room – Rodman 25,000
Special Education Equipment (Seating & Redcats) District Wide 10,000
Custodial Equipment 14,420
________
GRAND TOTAL $750,000
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 Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($750,000).
The Finance Director and the Business Administrator of the School Department, acting jointly, are
hereby authorized to distribute such funds in such a manner as may be needed to accomplish the
forgoing list of purchases; provided, however, that each item contained in the list is procured and that
the excess funds are available because one or more items cost less than estimated and not because an
item intended to be procured is not so procured.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0
- 35 -Source page 36
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Article 12 – MOTION 3
CAPITAL PLANNING DISCUSSION:
Building Repairs Improvements
Rooftop Unit Replacement - GMS ($39,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is to replace a 25-ton HVAC Rooftop unit at the Galvin Middle School that is used for second floor
interior classrooms. This is unit number one and has exceeded its life expectancy. It makes sense to replace the
unit instead of paying for frequent repairs.
Replace Entryway Floor Mats – JFK ($5,477)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is to replace all entrance way mats at the Kennedy School that have deteriorated due to age, use and
weather. The request is for a total of twenty-one mats of various sizes, as the mats deteriorate they become a
safety issue and this project will eliminate this danger.
Replace Bathroom Partitions – Luce ($7,590)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is to replace corroded metal partitions in five bathrooms at the Luce School. The partitions are to be
replaced with safer and longer-lasting Phenolic material. The metal doors on the partitions are rusting and some of
these doors are missing hardware. This project will improve privacy and promote safety while providing cost-
savings through long-term durability.
Door Locking Hardware & Interior Door Window Coverings – District Wide ($30,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is the first phase of a multi-year project to replace classroom door locks and door/window shades. The
school department would like common door locking hardware across the district that can be locked from the inside
during an emergency. The window shades would provide teachers the ability to quickly cover the door windows and
windows next to the door during an emergency. Both items are recommended by the district-wide safety and
security committee, which includes the Canton Police Department, Canton Fire Department, and the Building
Commissioner. These improvements will help make our schools secure by improving emergency options available
to faculty and staff.
HVAC Maintenance - District Wide ($40,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request will allow the licensed plumber that is already employed by the School Department to continue to
maintain HVAC equipment across the district at a lower cost than hiring someone outside the School Department
for the same job.
Grounds Improvement
Replace Curbing at Bus Drop Off – Canton High School (CHS) ($22,200)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This request is to replace deteriorating curbing and the first four feet of sidewalk at the CHS bus drop off. The
curbing of the Rodman/CHS circle has decomposed. Hundreds of students enter and exit the buses at this location,
so broken curbing and sidewalk should be replaced for safety reasons. The new curbing will be granite which will
last longer and be safer than the current material curbing that is there now.
Lawn Tractor and Snow Blower – JFK ($11,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is to replace an eighteen-year-old lawn tractor and an eighteen-year-old snow blower at the JFK
School. Both items have exceeded their life expectancy and need to be replaced to ensure reliable grounds
maintenance at the school.
Informational Technology/Security
Firewall for High Availability - District Wide ($33,853)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request will provide a secondary 800D Firewall with SSL certificate with a 3-year license for use
with Deep Packet inspections, DNS filtering and SSO with multiple policies. This second firewall ensures WiFi
internet failover in the event the main firewall becomes inoperable. This planned project will increase the cost of
the department operating budget by $7,900 after the first year but will provide necessary cybersecurity
redundancy.
- 36 -Source page 37
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Article 12 – MOTION 3 – CAPITAL PLANNING DISCUSSION (continued)
Portable Teacher Learning Devices Phase 1 - District Wide ($100,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
In FY 2019, the capital plan funded $38,000 for the teacher device pilot. The purpose of the pilot was to give a
group of Canton High School staff, primarily teachers, a variety of different devices to test in the classroom and for
their administrative duties associated with being a teacher. The pilot included 5 or 6 kinds of devices. During the
school year some of the devices were eliminated. The current plan is to narrow the number of devices to 2 or 3 to
effectively and efficiently maintain the inventory. The FY 2020 request is to purchase the selected devices and
outfit all of the CHS staff members with them. If funds remain leftover a similar pilot will be started at Galvin
Middle School.
WiFi Access Points Phase 2 - Rodman, Luce, JFK ($41,950)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash capital request is phase 2 and would upgrade the current Ruckus 7982 Access Points with latest Wave 2
Ruckus Dual Band R72O Access Points. This request will replace Access Points at Galvin Middle School, Elementary,
and Rodman. Wave 2 allows devices to connect to WiFi at up to 2GB, the current capacity is only 1GB. As WiFi
technology only continues to grow, these access points will allow for expanded capabilities up to 5GB in the future.
Building a stronger, robust WiFi Network is critical to enhanced Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs along
with portal and wireless teaching tools.
Replacement Chromebooks - District Wide ($16,950)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This is a planned project that will replace Chromebooks that are 3-4 years old. The older Chromebooks may not
meet the minimum required MCAS testing standards. The MCAS Exam will be administered to CHS students on
computers in the 2020-21 school year. MCAS administration requires all devices to be prepped for the exam,
essentially enabling the ability to run the exam and lock down all other uses. This upgrade will continue to be
phased in through at least FY 2024.
Projectors Phase 2 - CHS ($79,206)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
The current High School projectors are 13-14 years old and are used on a daily basis. This cash capital plan would
provide approximately 30 Epson PowerLite 955WH Projectors with HDMI and WiFi capabilities. The Projectors will
act as Audio/Visual receiver, which will be used in conjunction with the Portable Teacher Learning Devices. There
are roughly 80 classrooms at CHS and all of the classrooms should have this capability when phase 3 is completed
in FY 2021.
Analog Security Camera Upgrade - District Wide ($20,425)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This capital request will upgrade 13-15 old analog security cameras district wide (120 total). The current analog
cameras are 14-18 years old. They will be replaced with HD (High Definition) analog cameras. The new HD analog
cameras allow 2.8-12MM, motorized lens, 30fps at 1920x1080, 5MP, POC, and night vision. Facilities and
technology departments will replace camera to drive down cost. Labor portion of the proposal is $12,650. These
new cameras will improve security by providing better evidence for law enforcement should it prove necessary.
Security Servers - JFK, Hansen, Luce ($33,500)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This capital request will upgrade 3 existing Hybrid digital video recorders security systems. The current units are 5
years old and will be reaching the end of their useful life. New advanced features in iVMS (Video Monitoring
System) clients allow for better enhanced search and playback functions as well as video compression. Each
system will hold up to 24 terabytes of data to ensure the school department the ability to review security footage
for up to 90 days. The Police Department will now have the ability for a direct feed of the School District’s security
system that will better protect these school buildings during an incident.
Program Improvements
Laptops for Engineering and Robotics - GMS ($9,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is for 12 laptops, which will be used to directly support Canton’s STEAM initiative. Students will learn
and use Google Sketchup, a computer aided design tool which they can carry forward to high school and beyond.
Students will also program robots to solve problems in teams and compete in First Lego League events. These
students will be eligible to join Canton High School’s Robotics Teams and compete in many contests. The laptops
support Strategic Framework 3 by creating rigorous, relevant and contemporary learning experiences.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Article 12 – MOTION 3 – CAPITAL PLANNING DISCUSSION (continued)
High Jump System – CHS Athletics ($7,370)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is for a High Jump Pit System including a landing mat, a weather cover, the bars and steel standards.
The current system is roughly 10 years old and due to poor storage conditions is approaching the point of being
unusable and unsafe. This system would include the landing mat area with enhanced safety features, a weather
cover, and steel standards for the two bars.
Laptops for Robotics – CHS ($7,740)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is for 12 Lenovo T440 laptops to expand the Robotics program and allow for more students to have
direct access to programming.
TV Studio Computer Upgrades (Year 2) – CHS ($14,486)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is to be split over two years, and ties into the District’s Strategic Framework under the area of
Transforming Teaching & Learning. Students taking television production classes work together in teams to create
video productions that depend on current technology. The technology used must be up to date and align with the
standard of the profession in order for students to be able to create and share in authentic learning in this area.
Visual Arts Instructional Technology - GMS & Elementary ($12,961)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is for the remaining technology upgrades needed to expand photography and video capabilities in the
middle school visual arts curriculum. This request was partially funded in fiscal 2019. The color printers are needed
to replace inkjet color printers that were removed from the three elementary visual art classrooms.
CHS Auditorium Updates (Year 2) – CHS ($65,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
This capital proposal outlays proposed budget items for the next two to four years to update the auditorium facility.
The two primary concerns are lighting and the sound system. The lighting would include the equipment needed to
switch the stage lights to LED lights, which have many more features and last longer, cost less to upkeep, and offer
high technology to the stage lighting. In addition to the lighting update, the students would also benefit from an
updated sound system. Theater classes will help students learn how to use this equipment and these upgrades
would efficiently improve the overall experience of students and audiences alike.
Classroom Based Musical Instruments – District Wide ($20,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is for the purchase of various musical instruments, which will be kept in the classroom. Connolly Bus
Company does not allow instruments on their buses if they do not fit in a child’s lap. This has created a hardship
for many families in Canton who cannot afford to purchase or rent two instruments. This supports long term
strategic objective 1, achieving educational excellence and ensuring equity, by eliminating obstacles and barriers to
student learning growth.
Music Technology Course Equipment – CHS ($9,247)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request pertains to the two Music Technology courses offered at the high school level. Students analyze song
formation and develop song-writing skills through sequencing and editing sound loops. This proposal is requesting
equipment for seven more stations so that Music Technology courses can have enrollment of 25 students in each
section.
Furniture and Fixtures
Teacher Desks – Luce ($7,500)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is to replace ten teacher desks at the Luce School. The metal desks have deteriorated and are missing
parts, some drawers do not close, and there is peeling paint on some of the desk panels. These new desks will
improve utility and safety at the school.
Classroom Furniture – JFK ($40,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is to purchase classroom furniture for the four new classrooms at the Kennedy School. This request
includes one hundred student desks, four teacher desks, chairs, cabinets, white boards, and associated items. The
cost for these replacements is $10,000 per classroom.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
Article 12 – MOTION 3 – CAPITAL PLANNING DISCUSSION (continued)
Library Furniture – GMS ($15,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is to replace furniture for one side of the Galvin Middle School Library. The request includes tables,
chairs, and bookcases. The existing furniture has outlived its life expectancy. The furniture for the middle portion of
the room was replaced last year.
Milk Coolers – District Wide ($11,125)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is to purchase five forced air milk coolers for the three elementary schools. Currently, milk coolers are
leased from the dairy resulting in higher milk costs. Also, the milk companies and vendors are no longer interested
in providing equipment.
Furniture for Professional Development Room – Rodman ($25,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is to purchase furnishings for the new professional development room in the Rodman building. This
room is located on the second floor of the Rodman building and is being renovated to meet the needs of
professional development programs that help faculty improve their skills while meeting certification needs.
Special Education Equipment – District Wide ($10,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is to purchase equipment to provide sensory friendly classrooms and deaf and hard of hearing
assistive technology. The schools continue to see a rise in students who are challenged with focus, attention, and
sensory processing and self-regulation issues. Students are often asked to sit longer and lack the tools necessary
to be able to do so functionally in the classroom. These items will be available to all students no matter their
abilities and students can rotate through these activities and seating alternatives as they are needed. This
equipment will be useful in accommodating the needs of many students while helping them reach their potential.
Custodial Equipment ($14,420)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This request is to replace custodial equipment that has exceeded its life expectancy. The equipment is heavily
used and goes through normal wear and tear and requires regular replacement. This equipment includes
dehumidifiers, wet vacuums, and pacific machines.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Article 12 – MOTION 4
MOVED: That Thirty Two Thousand ($32,000) 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 for the purpose of exterior painting improvements
at the Armando Center and to meet said appropriation that Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000) be
transferred from the appropriation voted pursuant to Article 12 Motion 3 of the 2017 Annual Town
Meeting for the purpose of Armando Center exterior painting and that Twenty Six Thousand Dollars
($26,000) be raised and appropriated from the Fiscal 2020 tax levy and other general revenues of the
Town.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0
Article 12 - MOTION 4
CAPITAL PLANNING DISCUSSION:
Exterior Painting at Armando Center ($26,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-0.
It has been twenty plus years since the last major treatment of the exterior and brick masonry surface of the
Armando Center. Surfaces are showing wear, weathering, and need for maintenance. This project was a planned
project and the work includes preparing all exterior wood surfaces, prime, install two coats of paint, pretreat brick
vertical surfaces and power washing.
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAY 13, 2019
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Article 12 - MOTION 5
MOVED: That Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) 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 for the purpose of improvements to the
Washington/Randolph Streets Intersection and to meet said appropriation Five Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($500,000) be transferred from Free Cash (Undesignated Fund Balance) in the Treasury of the
Town.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 6-1
Article 12 - MOTION 5
CAPITAL PLANNING DISCUSSION:
Washington/Randolph Streets Intersection Improvements ($500,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 4-0-0.
This cash reserve request would permit the Department of Public works (DPW) to implement the intersection
improvements at the Washington and Randolph Street Intersection. The Intersection design funding was approved
at last year’s Town Meeting and these funds are to reconstruct the Intersection per this approved design. The
Boston Metropolitan Region Planning Office has studied the Intersection and found its current design insufficient to
carry the current traffic loads. These funds are for this Intersection reconstruction and are not intended to solve
larger traffic issues related to the lack of an East/West Road, traffic congestion, and issues caused by the 95 and
128 interchange issue that MASSDOT is looking to address in the future.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Article 12 - MOTION 6
MOVED: That Five Hundred Fifty One Thousand Dollars ($551,000) 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 or Fire Chief as may be applicable, and the Board of
Selectmen to pay costs of various capital projects and equipment as set forth below and to meet said
appropriation the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, be authorized to
borrow, pursuant to any applicable statute or any other enabling authority as may be, the sum of Five
Hundred Fifty One Thousand Dollars ($551,000) and furthermore, any premium received by the Town
upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any such premium applied to the
payment of the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of costs
approved by this vote in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 20 of the General Laws, thereby reducing
the amount authorized to be borrowed or to pay such costs by a like amount.
FINCOM
RECOMMENDATIONS AMOUNT
Pequitside Farm Parking Reconstruction $200,000
Fire Engine Refurbishment 162,000
Replace DPW Pickup Truck with Freightliner Box Truck 189,000
_______
TOTAL $551,000
The sums listed above are intended to be estimates of individual items but the amount to be
appropriated is one line item in the total amount of Five Hundred Fifty One Thousand Dollars
($551,000). 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.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 7-0
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