Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
March 26, 2025, Finance Committee Meeting - Virtual Meeting. Minutes
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Canton Finance Committee Minutes Voted on: 5/12/25 801 Washington Street Vote: 4-0-2 Canton, MA 02021 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes March 26, 2025 Virtual Meeting Finance Committee Members Present: Dan Cole, John Leonetti, Emilio Mauro, Kristin Mirliani, Reuki Schutt and Cindy Thomas. Finance Committee Members absent: Dave Clough and Maureen Menconi. Guests Present: Trish Boyden, Select Board Member Charlie Doody, Town Administrator Dave Emhardt, Chair, Capital Planning Committee Ellen Jones, Finance Committee Recording Secretary Jen Kemalian, Assistant Town Administrator Lisa Lopez, Capital Planning Member Mike Loughran, Chair, Select Board John McCourt, Select Board Member Gregory Murphy, Capital Planning Committee Member Randy Scollins, Finance Director Taylor (TJ) Torres, Interim Town Planner Call Meeting to Order: Mr. Mauro called the virtual meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Mauro introduced the Finance Committee members and the guests that were present at the virtual meeting. New Business: Approval of Minutes A motion made by Ms. Thomas to approve the March 5, 2025, minutes as written was seconded by Ms. Mirliani. Roll Call Vote: Cindy Thomas Aye Dan Cole Aye EmilioMauro Aye John Leonetti Aye Kristin Mirliani Aye Vote: 5-0-0. The March 5, 2025 minutes were approved as written. A motion made by Ms. Mirliani to approve the March 12, 2025, minutes as written was seconded by Mr. Cole. Roll Call Vote: Cindy Thomas Abstained Dan Cole Aye Emilio Mauro Aye John Leonetti Aye Kristin Mirliani Aye Vote: 4-0-1. The March 12, 2025 minutes were approved as written. Discussion — Recommendations of FY 26 Municipal Operating Budget Requests Mr. Doody, Mr. Loughran, Ms. Kemalian, and Trish Boyden were present to discuss the FY26 Municipal Operating Budget Requests. Some of the highlights of the discussion are as follows: e Mr. Doody, Mr. Scollins, and Ms. Kemalian met with all of the department heads (with each department head separately) to review and reduce their FY26 budget requests by $688,237 in order to meet the FY26 Budget Target of $29,351,515. e The following are the additions to Municipal Staffing that they recommended: FINCOM 20250326 Final Minutes CT EM.docx Page 1 of 12 3/2925
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1.0 FTE Traffic Sergeant. 1.0 FTE Central Maintenance Department Position. 1 FTE Service Tech Position (Mechanic — Highway). 1 FTE Assistant Library Director. 0.625 FTE 25-hour Part-Time Building Inspector. 0.5 FTE Executive Office Communications Specialist (Executive is under Mr. Doody). 0.5 FTE Accounting & Programming Position (Revere & Son Heritage Trust Corporation or RSHTC). ooocoo°0 The following are increases to hours for FY26: 5.0 hours — 35 hrs. to 40 hrs. for Assistance Treasurer/Collector — Finance Department 12.5 hours — 7.5 hrs. to 20 hrs. for Assistant Animal Control Officer — Police Department 14.5 hours — 25.5 to 40 hrs. for Increased Town-Funded Social Worker Hours — Elder and Human Services In response to Mr. Leonetti’s inquiry with regard to how Mr. Doody, Mr. Scollins, and Ms. Kemalian made the hard decisions on what to allow and what to cut from the budget requests, Mr. Doody responded that they take into consideration how many years the department has been asking for an additional/specific position. They also take into consideration the program itself. He used as an example of Ms. Andrea Capone’s (Library Director) prior request for an Assistant Library Director. Ms. Capone is the only non-unionized employee in that department with many support staff and a very significant Library project going on at the present time. The rationale was there to add a new position to the Library. Mr. Doody further stated that need is taken into consideration as well, such as the addition of a Traffic Sergeant due to the high number of traffic complaints the Select Board’s office receives. Mr. Scollins explained that the Finance Committee would be voting on these Budget Recommendations at their Finance Committee meeting on either April 2 or April 9. Mr. Leonetti stated that he was sympathetic to Chief Rafferty’s various personnel requests, including a Safety Resource Officer (SRO) to protect the school children. He was attempting to understand the deliberation process that takes place and his role and the Finance Committee’s role in that process. He stated that it appears the Police Department received the most recommended funding for FY26, on a relative basis, but fell short of the many budget requests that the Chief requested and those requests that residents might feel are important. Ms. Thomas was pleased to see that the Assistant Library Director's position made the cut, given that she has a large number of direct reports. Ms. Thomas also took note that the 0.5 FTE Accounting & Programming Position for the RSHTC is listed as a Municipal Staffing position. In response to Ms. Thomas’ inquiry if this position (not to say that they did not need the position) was a Town Position or a position with the Heritage Trust, Mr. Scollins confirmed the position is a position of the RSHTC, not a position formally of the Town and that the Town is not providing any benefits for this position. If benefits were to be provided to this position or the position for the Museum Director, any benefits offered through the Trust would be funded through the Trust. This salary line within the Municipal FY26 budget process is for the support of the Heritage financial operations and will help with the Trust's accounting-related matters/financial management as well as the annual audit. Mr. Cole commented that he thought the RSHTC position was an additional Municipal position within the Town’s Accounting Department and that the position would share the Town’s accounting resources. Mr. Scollins clarified that the reason that the position would not work integrated within the Town’s Financial System is because the RSHTC has their own Tax ID number. Mr. Scollins further stated in the hiring of employees for the RSHTC it would have been complicated to try to create a separate entity within the Town’s ID number. The other primary reason the RSHTC has their own Tax ID is so they can fundraise, which municipalities are prohibited from. Mr. Scollins was grateful when Mr. Alan Hines (RSHTC) stepped up to take over the financial information from Mr. Scollins due to time constraints. The Town Accountant, her staff, and Mr. Scollins, do provide assistance to the RSHTC with regard to financial information and guidance because the RSHTC’s capital funding and expenses run through the Town’s MUNIS financial system. Mr. Cole's (liaison to the Police Department) observation upon reviewing the Police Department's (PD) FY26 budget requests is that the PD would save a considerable amount on the Overtime Budget if the PD were to hire additional Patrol Officers. Mr. Doody stated that the four Patrol Officers positions that were being requested for FY26 were not brought forward because at the present time the PD is struggling to fill three vacancies. However, the main reason that the four Patrol Officers were not brought forward was because the Police Audit Review was ongoing and the recommendations of the Police Audit had not yet been identified with regard to staffing and training needs for the upcoming fiscal year. It was noted that the timing of the Audit results (to be released on April 1) may not be conducive with the timing of the Finance Committee’s meetings and deadlines for their budget recommendations. Mr. Scollins further stated that there were no additional funds to put forward and that they are working within the Budget Target number that has already been established and voted, there are no Select Board meetings scheduled between April 1 and April 9 and that if new officers were recommended it would be disruptive to the budget process and would complicate the budget process at Town Meeting given the need to present a balanced budget. FINCOM 20250326 Final Minutes CT EM.docx Page 2 of 12 3/2925
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Ms. Mirliani suggested that if the Police Audit were to recommend findings that required easy, immediate resolution perhaps the Select Board may want to consider holding an emergency Select Board meeting to remain open to addressing some of those recommendations instead of waiting another year to address them at the next Town Meeting. Mr. Loughran stated that the budget recommendations were presented by the department heads to the Select Board based on the department’s needs and that these recommendations were being presented to the Finance Committee. Mr. Leonetti suggested that the Finance Committee may owe it to the public to incorporate, if possible, Police Audit findings into their deliberations for FY26 but was uncertain as to how difficult it may be to incorporate these changes into the budget process. Ms. Thomas spoke in favor of having the conversation regarding any budget changes be deferred until April 1 when the Finance Committee has access to the Police Audit Executive Findings. Mr. Doody reminded the Finance Committee members that if recommendations of the Police Audit were to be implemented in this budget cycle, all of the new position requests, increased hours requests, and increases to expenses for other departments could potentially all go away in order to fund these new Police Audit findings. He also stated that as a former public safety Fire Chief if he were to receive a report such as the audit it would take him time to strategically plan on how to implement those recommendations, such as collective bargaining, training and equipment purchases and that it would not be a quick fix. Because no one has seen the Police Audit yet, Mr. Scollins could not answer Mr. Mauro’s question if the Audit would contain a timeline for suggested steps the Town should take as a result of the Audit. Mr. Leonetti commented that because the Police Department is having difficulties filling three vacancies at the present time that this should not be the rationale for not looking at additional staffing needs for the Police Department budget or as a result of the Audit. Over time Mr. Leonetti is hopeful that the Town will heal and that vacancies will be filled and restored for the Police Department. The discussion with Mr. Doody regarding the FY26 Budget and the Police Audit ended at approximately 8:00 PM. Mr. Mauro thanked Mr. Doody and Ms. Kemalian, Mr. Loughran, and Select Board members Ms. Boyden and Mr. McCourt for attending the meeting. Mr. Mauro turned the meeting over to the Town’s Interim Town Planner, TJ Torres. Mr. Torres provided an overview of the Planning Board articles. Discussion — Article 24 Larken Court, Article 25 Dalebrook Court and Article 26 Foundry Way Mr. Torres explained that the three street acceptances being proposed for the Annual Town Meeting are all within the same Stillwater Subdivision off of York Street. The Town is waiting for as builts from the developer. The Town Engineer conducted inspections and found issues with the drains in the subdivision. The developer is hopeful that the issues will be resolved prior to Town Meeting. The Planning Board’s next meeting is April 2 at which time they may make a recommendation for Articles 24, 25 and 26. If they are unable to make a recommendation prior to Town Meeting, the Planning Board may take a vote the night of Town Meeting. If the drains are not corrected by Town Meeting, it may be in the petitioner's best interest to withdraw the Articles and instead present them at Annual Town Meeting 2026. The Finance Committee deferred voting on Articles 24, 25 and 26 until the Planning Board has made their recommendations. Discussion— Article 28 — Flood Plain Overlay District Article 28 is an amendment to the Flood Plain Overlay District. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been advising cities and towns for a few years that they will be releasing a new flood map, since the last release in the 1980s, and that all cities and towns will have to include language in their Town By-Laws in order to continue participating in the FEMA flood insurance program. The new regulations, some more restrictive and some less restrictive, will become effective July 1, 2025. The liaison from the state provided Mr. Torres with a model by-law. The Planning Board accepted the proposed by-law at a meeting in February. Mr. Torres stated that the seven remaining articles, Articles 29-35, are all in the same category. In 2023, a report with suggested recommendations for the zoning of the downtown area was done by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). The changes were vetted by the Zoning Working Group, which included the Zoning Board Chair, the Building Commissioner, the Planning Board Chair, and the Town Administrator or the Assistant Town Administrator. Discussion — Article 29 - Amend Zoning By-Law Section 11.0 Article 29 is a housekeeping article that proposes amendments, additions and deletions to the Definitions section of the Zoning By-Laws, which will add terms the Town does not have, make edits, and delete definitions associated with an overlay that no longer exists. FINCOM 20250326 Final Minutes CT EM.docx Page 3 of 12 3/2925
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Discussion — Article 30 — Amend Table of Use Requlations, Table A Article 30 proposes to amend the residential section of the Table of Use Regulations. The changes are to remove the “lot area per dwelling unit” requirements from the table, as per the recommendations from the 2023 MAPS Downtown Canton Report. Discussion Article 31 — Amend Zoning By-Law Section 8.8 Mixed Use A section is being added to the Zoning By-Laws to address the terms of mixed-use developments. Mixed use is allowed in Canton in the Business District and Central Business District but there is no language in the By-Law that defines what Mixed Use is, for example, the layout of a building with commercial uses on the ground floor in front of the building with residential on upper floors. If a mixed-use development has more than five units, ten percent of the units would need to be low to moderate income housing units. Affordable housing for those who make less than the 80% of area median income (AMI) is required to maintain the Town's Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI). There are many housing eligibility designations, such as very low income, low income, low to moderate income, and workforce. The category that the Town is judged on for Chapter 40B housing inventory requirements is this affordable level below 80% AMI. This article does not change where mixed-use development would be allowed. Discussion Article 32 - Amend Zoning By-Law Section 10.7 Canton Center Design Review Board This article proposes to amend the section on design review as per the recommendations from the MAPC 2023 report. This will give the Planning Board greater control on the form and appearance of architectural changes in Canton Center. The MAPC report stated that the Town needs to have standards and not just guidelines. The jurisdiction will change from the Canton Economic Opportunity District to the Central Business District. The requirement for a 3-D model is being deleted from the By-Law. A section with regard to a survey regarding Heritage Structural design will be left in the By-Law. Mr. Leonetti commented that he owns real estate within the Central Business District and may want to recuse himself from some of the By-Law votes related to that area. Discussion — Article 33 - Amend Zoning By-Law Section 4.3.7 Height Exception for Central Business District This article proposes to add a new section to the Zoning By-Laws that allows new buildings in the Central Business District to be up to four stores high if certain conditions are met and the Zoning Board of Appeals approves the request. To qualify, a building must be mixed use with non-residential use on the ground floor and the fourth floor must be stepped back 12 feet from the front and sides of the building. Discussion — Article 34 - Amend Zoning By-Law Section 9.8 CCEOD This article proposes to delete the Canton Center Economic Opportunity District (CCEOD) as per the MAPC 2023 report. The study reported that there were two zoning districts - underlying Central Business District zoning and the CCEOD overlay district in the downtown area to encourage redevelopment in the downtown area. The study stated that it was rather redundant to have the two overlay zones overlapping each other Overlay C was the Plymouth Rubber overlay area, which has been fully permitted, and is no longer needed. Discussion — Article 35 — Amend Zoning Map This article proposes to rezone parcels from their current zonings by extending the Central Business District up Washington Street from Sherman Street to about Pequit Street and Lewis Street, as per the MAPC 2023 report. This rezoning is to encourage commercial and mixed-use development in this area of Washington Street (more than currently allowed) as indicated on the Map in the ATM warrant. The Planning Board’s vote was mixed on this Article. Vote — Article 24 Stillwater Road, Article 25 Dalebrook Court, and Article 26 Foundry Lane The Finance Committee deferred their vote on Articles 24, 25 and 26 until their meeting on April 9. The Planning Board is scheduled to take a position on these three articles at their meeting on April 2. If the Planning Board votes to recommend these articles, the Finance Committee can then vote on the articles. If the Planning Board takes no action on the articles, the Finance Committee will vote to indefinitely postpone. Mr. Mauro stated that he is the Finance Committee Liaison to the Planning Board and he reviewed the Planning Board articles with TJ Torres. Mr. Mauro further stated that these articles are all reasonable. FINCOM 20250326 Final Minutes CT EM.docx Page 4 of 12 3/2925
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Vote — Article 28 — Flood Plain Overlay District A motion made by Ms. Schutt that the Finance Committee recommends that the motion presented by the Planning Board to Town Meeting for Article 28 be adopted as printed in the warrant was seconded by Ms. Thomas. Roll Call Vote: Cindy Thomas Aye Dan Cole Aye Reuki Schutt Aye Kristin Mirliani Aye John Leonetti Aye EmilioMauro Aye Vote: 6-0-0. Vote — Article 29 - Amend Zoning By-Law Section 11.0 A motion made by Ms. Schutt that the Finance Committee recommends that the motion presented by the Planning Board to Town Meeting for Article 29 be adopted as printed in the warrant was seconded by Mr. Cole. A Finance Committee member inquired if they should abstain from a vote if they could directly benefit from the passage of a Zoning By-Law change. Mr. Scollins stated that in his past experience with the Town of Foxborough, Select Board members that owned property on Route 1 sought out an opinion from the state due to possible conflicts of interest. The opinion from the state was that if a By-Law change affects everyone and you are just one component that is affected, that does not meet the threshold of a conflict. One, or in some cases two, Finance Committee members had potential conflicts on certain votes regarding the proposed downtown zoning changes and they chose to abstain on certain votes out of an abundance of caution. Roll Call Vote: Cindy Thomas Aye Dan Cole Aye Reuki Schutt Aye Kristin Mirliani Aye John Leonetti Abstained EmilioMauro Aye Vote: 5-0-1. Vote — Article 30 - Amend Table of Use Regulations, Table A Amotion made by Mr. Cole that the Finance Committee recommends that the motion presented by the Planning Board to Town Meeting for Article 30 be adopted as printed in the warrant was seconded by Ms. Thomas. Roll Call Vote: Cindy Thomas Aye Dan Cole Aye Reuki Schutt Aye Kristin Mirliani Aye John Leonetti Abstained EmilioMauro Aye Vote: 5-0-1. In response to the Finance Committee Recording Secretary's question with regard to the recording of abstained votes on articles, Mr. Mauro responded that generally the abstained votes have not been published in the ATM Finance Committee Recommendations report but could be noted in the discussion for an article. Mr. Mauro would leave this determination up to Mr. Scollins and Town Counsel. Mr. Scollins would go with the direction from the Finance Committee on this matter. Mr. Mauro asked if the Committee would be okay with noting the abstention because the abstention is for a reason of a potential conflict of interest. The General By-Laws require that the abstention is not noted with the ATM votes. Vote - Article 31 - Amend Zoning By-Law Section 8.8 Mixed Use Mr. Scollins lost connection with the Town’s connectivity. A motion made by Ms. Schutt that the Finance Committee recommends that the motion presented by the Planning Board to Town Meeting for Article 31 be adopted as printed in the warrant was seconded by Ms. Thomas. Roll Call Vote: Cindy Thomas Aye Dan Cole Aye Reuki Schutt Aye Kristin Mirliani Aye John Leonetti Abstained EmilioMauro Aye FINCOM 20250326 Final Minutes CT EM.docx Page 5 of 12 3/2925
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Vote: 5-0-1. Vote - Article 32 - Amend Zoning By-Law Section 10.7 Canton Center Design Review Board A motion made by Ms. Thomas that the Finance Committee recommends that the motion presented by the Planning Board to Town Meeting for Article 32 be adopted as printed in the warrant was seconded by Ms. Mirliani. Roll Call Vote: Cindy Thomas Aye Dan Cole Aye Reuki Schutt Abstained Kristin Mirliani Aye John Leonetti Abstained EmilioMauro Aye Vote: 4-0-2. Vote — Article 33 —- Amend Zoning By-Law Section 4.3.7 Height Exception for Central Business District Amotion made by Mr. Cole that the Finance Committee recommends that the motion presented by the Planning Board to Town Meeting for Article 33 be adopted as printed in the warrant was seconded by Ms. Thomas. Roll Call Vote: Cindy Thomas Aye Dan Cole Aye Reuki Schutt Abstained Kristin Mirliani Aye John Leonetti Abstained Emilio Mauro Aye Vote: 4-0-2. Vote — Article 34 - Amend Zoning By-Law Section 9.8 CCEOD Amotion made by Mr. Cole that the Finance Committee recommends that the motion presented by the Planning Board to Town Meeting for Article 34 be adopted as printed in the warrant was seconded by Ms. Thomas. Roll Call Vote: Cindy Thomas Aye Dan Cole Aye Reuki Schutt Abstained Kristin Mirliani Aye John Leonetti Abstained Emilio Mauro Aye Vote: 4-0-2. Vote — Article 35 - Amend Zoning Map A motion made by Mr. Cole that the Finance Committee recommends that the motion presented by the Planning Board to Town Meeting for Article 35 be adopted as printed in the warrant was seconded by Ms. Thomas. Roll Call Vote: Cindy Thomas Aye Dan Cole Aye Reuki Schutt Abstained Kristin Mirltiani Aye John Leonetti Abstained Emilio Mauro Aye Vote: 4-0-2. Mr. Mauro thanked Mr. Torres for everything he has done as the Town Planner for the Town of Canton and for his work with the Master Plan Implementation Committee. Mr. Mauro also wished Mr. Torres well in his new position as Director of Planning and Economic Development with the Town of Plainville. Mr. Torres thanked the members of the Finance Committee and for the opportunity he had working with members of various committees. Discussion — Article 13 — Recommendations of the Capital Planning Committee Mr. Emhardt, Chair of the Capital Planning Committee (CPC), was joined by CPC members Lisa Lopez and Greg Murphy. FINCOM 20250326 Final Minutes CT EM.docx Page 6 of 12 3/2925
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The following are the CPC recommendations to the Finance Committee. Building Department 2025 Ford Maverick XLT AWD Supercab - $40,000 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0. Elder & Human Services 2024 StarCraft Bus - $170,000 ($65,000 Cash Capital, $105,000 Debt Capital) CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0. MIS Computer & Peripheral Replacements - $80,200 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0. Copier Replacements: Fire, Police, and EHS and New Copier for Assessors - $15,525 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0. Fire Replacement of Boats 1 & 2 — $32,000 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/20/25 7-0-0. 3-6 Year Strategic Plan for the Canton Fire Department — $30,000 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/20/25 0-7-0. The Capital Planning Committee unanimously did not support the 3-6 Year Strategic Plan request. It was not clear to CPC as to what was exactly included in this plan, who was going to implement this plan, if more plans were going to be needed in the future. CPC provided an example of a Strategic Plan from the Yarmouth Fire Department, which was something that could be produced in-house. The CPC is thinking that the Fire Department will reassess this and submit this request next year. The CPC did not see the value in what they were getting for $30,000 and could probably produce this in-house, similar to some of the other strategic plans that are done by other Towns. Mr. Mauro concurred with a Finance Committee member to postpone voting on the CPC motions until their next meeting on April 2. Mr. Scoilins, who was able to regain connectivity, was able to assign Zoom co-hosting to Mr. Emhardt. Library Library Interior Renovation - $4.7 million (various funding sources) - CPC vote 3/25/25 5-0-0. Library Interior Renovation - $2,168,000 free cash. Mr. Emhardt commented that the Finance Committee has a better knowledge than the CPC of the Free Cash balances of the Town. He stated that the CPC unanimously supported the $2,168,000 from Free Cash. They are worried that there is a component to the financing is the plan for a Special Town Meeting in November. The CPC has many concerns about the Town’s cash reserves and the Department of Education’s possible lack of funding to the School Department, where funding could be needed in the future. Turn back Roof repair funds $450,000 - CPC vote 3/25/25 5-0-0 Mr. Emhardt stated that the $450,000 funds would be used towards the Library. Lactation Pod - $30,000 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/25/25 5-0-0. Parks & Recreation 2025 Ford Super Duty F350 SRW - $60,000 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0. 2025 Ford Maverick XLT AWD Supercrew Hybrid — $40,000 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0. Tilden Field Renovation — $22,000 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0. 48” Hydro Walk Behind Kawasaki 18.5 HP - $8,500 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0. Police Department Replace 4 Marked Cruisers - $284,000 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0. Mobile Firing Range - $393,000 Debt Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 0-4-0. The CPC voted unanimously not to recommend the Police Department's request for Mobile Firing Range. The CPC believes there are other options for a firing range, such as the Canton/Sharon Firing Range that could be used for practice. There will be maintenance costs associated with the range and the CPC did not think, for the amount of funds being requested and the other options available, that they could support the request. 9 Ballistic Shields with Ports — $84,300 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/20/25 4-3-0. FINCOM 20250326 Final Minutes CT EM.docx Page 7 of 12 3/2925
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The CPC’s vote was divided on the request for Ballistic Shields with Ports. The Police Department's plans are to put one of the shields in every marked cruiser so that they were available if there is an incident that occurs they would have the ability to be safe looking through the port. There was a concern to some members of the CPC with regard to the optics of officers having shields. Fire Suppression System for Evidence Room - $117,064 reallocation of funds - CPC vote 3/18/25 -4-0-0. $19,479 FY2023 - Replace IMC Record Data Mgmt. System (2nd round). $97,585 FY2022 - Replace IMC Record Data Management System. Central Maintenance Replace 2005 Fire Station Boiler — $350,000 Debt Capital - CPC changed this to $100,000 Debt Capital - CPC vote 3/25/25 5-0-0. The Central Maintenance Department was provided a quote of $350,000 by an engineering firm for a three boiler gas- fired system. The CPC reduced the amount to $100,00 through debt capital. CPC recommended that the current boiler be replaced. The CPC did not know what the long-term plan was for the Fire Station 1 building. They could not support the request with a gas system because of the current unknown costs of gas and the impact to the environment. Select Board member John McCourt, on behalf of the Select Board, thanked the Finance Committee, the Capital Planning Committee and the Building Renovations Committee (BRC) for all of the work they do. Mr. McCourt was unable to attend the CPC meeting on Tuesday, March 25" due to attending a Select Board meeting on the same day and time. Mr. McCourt asked that the CPC reconsider their vote on the Fire Station Boiler request. He had a discussion with the Central Maintenance Director, Mr. Brian Lynch, on the request. Replacing the current oil burner with another oil burner does not take care of the building. Oil burners are known to be dirty whereas gas boilers are cleaner and run more efficient. The work that was done on the original proposal of $350,000 was done by BLM Engineering who worked with the Central Maintenance Director on the new boiler as well as a back-up system. The 20-year plus oil burner is inefficient. The new design for a new system was designed with a back-up system to create redundancy if one part of the system were to become inoperable. Mr. McCourt asked the CPC to reconsider their vote as the BRC also would recommend the gas turnover and back-up system as designed. Mr. Emhardt stated that they deal with the information provided to them and that the CPC had to hold their meeting on March 25" prior to the Finance Committee’s meeting on March 26'". He also stated that the Finance Committee has their opportunity to make a different recommendation than the CPC. Mr. Mauro inquired if the Finance Committee could see the two options available to them with regard to funding the new boiler. Mr. Emhardt stated that the original Debt Capital recommendations they were provided were $194,900 over the Debt Capital available of $1,304,000. The CPC’s new Debt Capital request for FY26 was a new total of $1,113,420. Senior Center HVAC Replacement - $393,800 Debt Capital - CPC changed this to $401,320 Debt Capital - CPC vote 3/20/25 7-0-0. The CPC voted to increase the request for the Senior Center project. The reason they increased the request was because of the quote and the information they were provided for the project. This will allow heating and cooling in different parts of the building at the same time. Replace Police Building Automation System - $53,920 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/20/25 7-0-0. Phase 2 Town Hall Carpeting Replacement - $49,000 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/20/25 7-0-0. Masonry Repairs at Police Department and Pequitside - $40,000 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/20/25 7-0-0. Public Works Phase 1 Dam Inspection and Report - $27,000 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0. Survey GPS Receiver Network Data Collector —- $18,490 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0. GIS Asset Management Software Upgrade DPW share - $34,000 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0 Split between the DPW ($34,000), Water Enterprise ($35,000), and Sewer Enterprise ($34,000). Replace 2000 Truck #16 — Large Construction Dump Truck - $257,100 Debt Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0 Replace / Repair Truck #52 Sign Board — $13,400 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0. FINCOM 20250326 Final Minutes CT EM.docx Page 8 of 12 3/2925
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Revere & Sons Heritage Trust Museum Director Office at Copper Mill Hall - $29,700 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0. Furnishings for Pavilion Adjacent to Museum - $42,300 Cash Capital - CPC vote 3/18/25 4-0-0. Ambulance Replacement of Fire Engine 2 - $500,000 Cash Ambulance Receipts $590,000 Debt Ambulance Receipts - CPC vote 3/20/25 7-0-0. Ambulance 1 Replacement - $593,000 Cash Ambulance Receipts - CPC vote 3/20/25 7-0-0. Water GIS Asset Management Software Upgrade Water share - $35,000 Water Enterprise - CPC vote 3/20/25 7-0-0. Split between the DPW ($34,000), Water Enterprise ($35,000), and Sewer Enterprise ($34,000). Add A Satellite Well at Moran Treatment Facility - $125,000 Water Enterprise - CPC vote 3/20/25 7-0-0. New CAT 305 Mini Excavator - $80,000 Water Enterprise - CPC vote 3/20/25 7-0-0. New MAXX-D Equipment Tilt Trailer - $15,400 Water Enterprise - CPC vote 3/20/25 7-0-0. Water System Improvement Construction Contract #4 - $4,500,000 Debt Water Enterprise - CPC vote 3/20/25 7-0-0. Sewer GIS Asset Management Software Upgrade Sewer share - $34,000 Sewer Enterprise - CPC vote 3/20/25 7-0-0. Split between the DPW ($34,000), Water Enterprise ($35,000), and Sewer Enterprise ($34,000) — CPC vote 3/20/25 7-0-0. Replaces CUES CCTV Sewer Main Inspection Camera - $59,000 Sewer Enterprise Phase Ill 5 Year Sewer Capital Improvement Plan - $2,300,000 Debt Sewer Enterprise - CPC vote 3/20/25 7-0-0. Storm Water Replace Truck No. 35 Street Sweeper — $330,100 Sewer Enterprise - CPC vote 3/20/25 0-7-0. Replace 2001 Truck #19 — Dump Sander - $424,000 Sewer Enterprise - CPC vote 3/20/25 0-7-0. The CPC voted unanimously to not support the purchase of two pieces of equipment to be used for storm water management. CPC had a problem with funding these two pieces of equipment from Sewer Enterprise receipts because there is no revenue stream at the present time to manage storm water runoff. Because the storm water fee is not in place on the water and sewer bills to residents, the Town would be placing a burden on the Sewer Enterprise Fund to fund these items. The CPC could not support these requests at this time. Mr. Mauro inquired of Mr. Scollins the methodology in place for separating out the Storm Water Management finances. Mr. Scollins stated that the Town can use Sewer Enterprise receipts for storm water expenses. This is within Massachusetts General Laws. The Town is already charging storm water costs and personnel to the Sewer Enterprise Fund. This request is no different than what is already happening because it is allowed. The expectation is that the new revenue stream for storm water management would start with the first quarter bills in next FY26. The revenue stream will be segregated within the Sewer Enterprise Fund once it is received. Then the Town will start splitting off storm water expenses and will align them directly with storm water revenue, all within the Sewer Enterprise Fund, with a dual reporting mechanism in place. Just because the new storm water revenue has not come in, it does not preclude the Town from using the Sewer Enterprise Fund for storm water work. Presented CPC Votes for Recommendations for Schools FY26 Capital Requests Building Repairs/Improvements The CPC voted to recommend funding the 3 Cash Capital projects under Building Repairs/Improvements — CHS Auditorium Painting ($39,000), District-wide HVAC Improvements ($50,000), and Screen and Shade Repair and Replacement ($14,738). CPC vote: 5-0-0 on 3/5/25. CHS Auditorium Painting reallocation last year’s FY25 $41,000 for New Fire Alarm Panel $41,000 - CPC voted on 3/25/25 5-0-0 to recommend. Reallocate FY25 Roof Top Unit at CHS for $45,000 for door replacements ($15,000) and door closers ($15,000) for the building, which leaves us some contingency and flexibility to obtain accurate quotes to address our needs - CPC voted on 3/25/25 5-0-0 to recommend. CPC was not clear on the motion for this reallocation item. They thought it looked like it was an FY25 item surplus funds from Canton High School Roof top Unit #10 ($300,000) debt capital project. The Door Replacement and Door Closers would be cash capital. Clarification was requested. FINCOM 20250326 Final Minutes CT EM.docx Page 9 of 12 3/2925
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Grounds Improvement The CPC voted to recommend funding the 3 Cash Capital projects under Grounds Improvement — Hansen Fencing and Wall Improvement ($28,000), JFK Asphalt Improvements ($10,000), and Landscaping/Beautification ($20,000). The Committee discussed the new quotes received from school reps. CPC vote: 5-0-0 on 3/5/25 Information Technology Chromebook Replacements ($170,000), Fiber Optic Infrastructure Upgrade E-Rate funding at 50% reimbursement actual spend $194,000 ($97,000), Classroom Printer Replacement ($7,000), Touchview Screen Inventory ($10,000), Projector Inventory ($20,000), and Electrical Improvements ($10,000) - CPC voted on 3/25/25 5-0-0 to recommend. Safety and Security CPC recommended funding four Cash Capital projects under Safety and Security - 1) Safety Planning for Entryway Access ($60,000), 2) CHS Lower Campus Traffic Redesign Plan ($60,000), 3) Rodman Preschool Access Improvements ($100,000) and 3) Exterior Door Improvements ($27,000). The CPC had discussed some concerns about the Rodman Access Improvements; it seems to be multiple projects combined into one request. The CPC suggests that going forward they may ask projects like this to be broken out into separate asks. CPC vote: 4-0-1 on 3/5/25 Program Improvements Veterans Memorial Field Light Project - $95,000 Cash Capital Pit Piano adjusted- $5,000 Cash Capital GMS Digital Arts Lab - $32,401 Cash Capital Scoreboard Replacement - $86,500 Cash Capital Musical Instrument Replacements adjusted- $15,000 Cash Capital CHS Science Lab Table Replacement - $33,000 Cash Capital CPC voted on 3/25/25 5-0-0 to recommend Furniture & Fixtures The CPC recommended funding the two Cash Capital projects under Furniture & Fixtures — 1) Cafeteria Table Replacements and Improvements ($16,899) and 2) JFK Furniture Improvements ($12,952). CPC vote of 5-0-0 on 3/5/25. Extraordinary Maintenance/Vehicle Replacement 14 passenger van ($75,000) - CPC recommended funding the Cash Capital project under Extraordinary Maintenance/Vehicle Replacement. CPC vote of 5-0-0 on 3/5/25 School Debt Capital ~- JFK Univent Upgrade JFK Unit Ventilators ($2,000,000) debt capital. CPC voted on 3/25/25 5-0-0 to recommend this debt capital request. Vote - Article 13 - Recommendations of the Capital Planning Committee The Finance Committee deferred voting on Article 13 due to the lateness of the hour for the meeting and the lack of having draft motions for Article 13. The Finance Committee deferred voting on Article 13 until their next meeting on April 2, 2025. Ms. Lopez took the opportunity to make a statement regarding the Library Project and the information given to them over several CPC meetings about planning for and the financing costs associated with the Library Project and the different phases for the construction and the funding. She did state that it is the purview of the Finance Committee and not the Capital Planning Committee to be the stewards of the Town’s Free Cash reserves. Ms. Lopez continued with her statement that “we” are living in a very volatile fiscal time for Canton, and are aware that what is happening on the national scene may over a short period of time impact the State, the Town and the Free Cash priorities. She wanted to make sure the discussion to Town Meeting makes the Town Meeting members aware that there will be a Special Town Meeting in November to address the Second Phase Funding of the Library Project. The CPC concluded that even in the eventuality of whether the funding is or is not approved in November, the CPC felt that it made sense that given “shovel readiness” of Phase 1 of the Library Project Plan, to go ahead and recommend to the Finance Committee, funding for this phase. Mr. Mauro commented that the CPC put a tremendous amount of time reviewing the capital requests and vetting all of the requests. The Finance Committee appreciates all of the work the CPC does during the capital process and thanked them. Mr. Emhardt stated that it is a “team effort” by all of the department heads, committees and School Department staff and appreciates all that the Finance Committee does. FINCOM 20250326 Final Minutes CT EM.docx Page 10 of 12 3/2925
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CPC Discussions — The deadline for submitting CPC discussions to the Finance Department is Friday, March 4". Next Meeting Dates The next Finance Committee virtual meetings will be held on April 2 and April 9, 2025. Agenda items for the April 2"? meeting include, but not limited to: Vote Article 13 Capital Planning Recommendations Vote Article 15, Motion 5 - $255,000 Affordable Housing - Community Preservation Committee (CCPC) Vote Article 15, Motion 10 - $123,000 Ponkapoag Schoolhouse Bell Tower & Facade Preservation (CCPC) Vote Article 4 - Consent Agenda Vote Article 36, Motion 1 ~ Transfers for FY26 Vote Article 36, Motion 2 — Operating Budget for FY26 Regarding Article 15, Motion 5, Mr. Leonetti requested a ready response to the question of exactly how or what the $255,000 Affordable Housing request would be used for. Mr. Scollins stated that Mr. Shea has provided his office with information and would send the information to the members after the meeting. Continuation of Remote/Zoom Meetings Mr. Scollins reported that the State Legislature advanced the provision to continue the allowing of public remote/Zoom meetings on its own and took it from the Governor's Modernization Act and has extended it for another two years. The provision is still going forward in the Modernization Act to make it permanent, but for now there is a two-year extension from the end of April 2025. Police Audit Forum Mr. Scollins, as the organizer of the Police Audit Forum on April 5, confirmed for Ms. Mirliani that there is no formal role for any Board or Committee and that it will be a presentation of findings and there will be a question and answer opportunity from anyone from the community, anyone from a board or committee, and anyone from out of Town. Adjournment Amotion made by Ms. Schutt to adjourn the meeting at approximately 10:10 p.m. was seconded by Mr. Leonetti. Roll Call Vote: Cindy Thomas Aye Dan Cole Aye Reuki Schutt Aye Kristin Mirliani Aye John Leonetti Aye Emilio Mauro Aye Vote: 6-0-0. Minutes reviewed by: Cindy Thomas Respectfully submitted, ‘ bilder € - Was, h Emilio E. Mauro, Jr. Chair, Canton Finance Committee FINCOM 20250326 Final Minutes CT EM.docx Page 11 of 12 3/2925
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Finance Committee Meeting Documents March 26, 2025 Please note: Some meeting documents may be found on the Town’s website under the Posted Minutes section (Laser Fiche). Budget documents may also be found on the Town’s website under the Finance Committee’s page, Municipal Budget and Capital Information, Operating Budget Requests, “FY26 Municipal Budget — Dept. Requests ~ Jan 2025. Agenda — March 26, 2025. Financial Summary of FY26 Municipal Operating Budget Funding provided by Mr. Randy Scollins, Finance Director (14 pages). Capital Planning Votes for Municipal Recommendations to the Finance Committee for FY26 (4 pages). Capital Planning Votes for School Recommendations to the Finance Committee for FY26 (2 pages). FINCOM 20250326 Final Minutes CT EM.docx Page 12 of 12 3/2925