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March 13, 2024, Finance Committee Meeting - Virtual Meeting. Minutes
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Canton Finance Committee Minutes Voted on: 4/1/24
801 Washington Street Vote: 8-0-0
Canton, MA 02021
Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2024
Finance Committee Members Present: Dave Clough, Dan Cole, Karen Foley, Emilio Mauro, Tim McKenna,
Maureen Menconi, Kristin Mirliani, Reuki Schutt and Cindy Thomas.
Finance Committee Members Absent: All members were present for the meeting.
Guests Present:
Dave Emhardt, Chair, Capital Planning Committee
Ellen Jones, Recording Secretary
John McSweeney, Co-Chair, Community Preservation Committee
Gregory Murphy, Capital Planning Committee
Allison Neff, Community Preservation Committee
Randy Scollins, Finance Director
Call Meeting to Order: Mr. Mauro called the virtual Zoom Finance Committee meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Ms. Thomas joined the meeting later in the evening.
Review of the Agenda – Mr. Mauro reviewed the agenda items that included discussion of Article 17 (Community
Preservation Committee recommendations) and Article 15 (Capital Planning Committee recommendations).
Discussion – Article 17 – Canton Community Preservation Committee (CCPC) Recommendations
Ms. Neff gave a presentation of the CCPC’s funding report along with their FY25 recommendations to Annual Town
Meeting (ATM) (see meeting documents for a copy of the CCPC’s PowerPoint presentation). The following are some
of the highlights of Ms. Neff’s presentation:
• The local surcharge revenue (1% CPA surcharge on property taxes) estimate for FY24 is $754,999 and
estimate for FY25 is $754,999 as provided by Mr. Scollins.
• Revenue sources include the CPA Tax, state match and interest/liens/penalties. The highest % state match
occurred in FY22 and FY23 because the Town received a second payment from the state. State matches
have ranged from 43.71% in FY22 to a low of 18% estimated for FY25. The Town recently heard from the
state Coalition that the state match for FY24 (based on actual revenue from the prior year) would be $159,133
and also that there would not be a second disbursement for FY24 and for FY25 will be significantly lower than
20% and hopefully not lower than their estimated amount of 18%. State match is derived from fees and an
amount that the state has built into the state budget. Ms. Neff reported that the state match for Canton for
FY25 estimated at a low 18% could in part be related to more towns adopting the CPA tax.
• Mr. Clough inquired as to why the Town’s estimates for FY24 and FY25 are flat, despite the revenue /state
match the Town receives is going up every year. Mr. Scollins replied that the surcharge revenue estimate for
FY25 was provided in October of 2023 and that the CPA tax actuals for FY24 have not been provided to the
Town yet. Mr. Scollins stated that it is more prudent to be conservative rather than be overspent. Ms. Neff
stated that because the applications are received by CCPC in October they have to work from an estimate of
revenue available.
• The Town must spend 10% of the total estimated revenues on three areas/categories for funding: Housing,
Historic and Open Space/Recreation.
• In 2022 (for FY24) the CCPC took a “pause” on projects because they were without an Administrator. The
only items funded were for Administration, the three categories for funding and the annual debt service
payment for the Revere site.
• For FY25 there are no projects being recommended for the Historic category, however, $90,393 must be set
aside for the FY25 Historic Bucket Reserve.
• The total unrestricted funds available for project appropriation for FY25 is $1,632,543.37.
• The debt service payment for Paul Revere Heritage Site Acquisition and Improvements for FY25 is $223,740.
The FY25 payment will be the Town’s sixth debt payment with the 10 th and last debt payment to be made in
2029.
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The CCPC is recommending funding for the following projects for FY25:
• Affordable Housing Trust Coordinator: $40,000 requested. CCPC is recommending $40,000. This
position was funded in FY23 with CPA funds and in FY24 funds from the Select Board. CCPC voted
unanimously for this request to help meet 40B compliance requirements. Mr. Emhardt commented that the
Town does not own any affordable housing inventory and if the Town did the Housing Trust Coordinator would
be responsible for these units. Mr. Sweeney responded that the Town does not own any affordable housing
and that the affordable housing in Canton is in the custodial care of the Canton Housing Authority. Private
deed-restricted housing is counted towards the affordable housing inventory. There are some units in the
inventory that were only deed-restricted for a certain number of years and these will no longer be counted
towards the inventory. Mr. Sweeney stated they are looking for the Housing Coordinator to track inventory
and negotiate with developers to maintain the 10% affordable housing units. (Housing bucket).
• Gibson Field Lighting: $550,000 requested. CCPC recommended $502,500. A drainage project for this
field is part of the capital request budget.
• Hemenway Windows: $180,000 requested. CCPC is recommending $140,908 (Housing category). This
is Phase 3 of a 4-phase project. $280,000 is being requested from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable
Communities next year for this project. This building is not on the Historic Register and would not be available
for historic funding.
• JFK Playground: $175,000 requested. CCPC is recommending $175,000. The original request for the
project was $345,000. A private donor came forward to donate $170,000 but only if the project was completed
in FY25. Mr. Sweeney’s understanding is that this playground will be ADA accessible. Ms. Neff stated that
this playground would definitely be inclusive and that another playground receiving funds will definitely be ADA
accessible. Mr. Clough’s son spoke in support of this playground project. This project was requested from
the School Department.
• Library Park – Phase I: $500,000 requested. CCPC is recommending $452,500. This is a 3-phase plan
with a total project cost of approximately $1.5 million. Phase 1 is on Washington Street in front of the Library.
Phase 2 would be for the children’s area in back of the Library and Phase 3 would be a boardwalk over the
water conservation land next to the parking lot. The goal is to make this a destination place in the downtown
area as well as an area to meander to on a lunch break. The CCPC received many letters of support for this
project. In response to Mr. Clough’s question if this project was still in the planning phases, Ms. Neff
responded that this request will be for the actual work to be done at the site and that the funding for the design
was requested in 2023 through CPA funds.
• Pequitside Playground: $350,000 requested. CCPC is recommending $350,000. This request was from
Parks & Recreation. The project will replace the playground in its entirety. This playground will be geared
specifically towards ADA accessible.
• Wardwell Conservation Area Master Plan: $100,000 requested. CCPC is recommending $100,000. The
Conservation Commission submitted this application. The funding will be used for a study of a very significant,
large piece of land maintained by the Conservation Commission. Part of the land is in Stoughton.
• Wentworth Recreational Facility Master Plan: $100,000 requested. CCPC is recommending $100,000.
This request was submitted by the Walk, Bike, Hike Committee. This will be for a 30+ acre recreational park
located off of Bolivar Street. This project also had approximately 30 letters of support from citizens, other
boards etc. Abutters are donating approximately 21 acres to the project in perpetuity.
Total CPA funds requested from applicants: $1,995,000. Total funds recommended by CCPC: $1,860,908.
The CCPC is not recommending funding for the following projects for FY25:
• Conservation Land Fund Contribution: $50,000. If adopted at ATM Article 27 will transfer $7,500 from Free
Cash to the Conservation Land Fund. It is unknown at this time if the Conservation Commission will be
seeking an annual contribution to the Land Fund, but it could be. The CCPC has contributed to the Land Fund
in the past. This year CCPC was more focused on funding tangible projects.
• Paul Revere Heritage Site Pavilion: $200,000.
• Williams Estate Playground: $110,000.
For Annual Town Meeting Article 17, the following Community Preservation Committee motions will appear in the
Finance Committees Recommendations as follows:
• Motion 1: $45,196 for administrative expenses.
• Motion 2: $223,740 for PRHS Debt service payment.
• Motion 3: $90392 to Historic Preservation Bucket (10% of estimated budget).
• Motions 4-11: CCPC recommended project funding.
Ms. Neff’s presentation ended at approximately 7:56 p.m.
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Discussion – Article 15 – Capital Planning Committee (CPC) Recommendations
Mr. Emhardt presented the Capital Planning Committee recommendations for FY25 for the School Department. The
following are some of the highlights. The School Committee requests were the same requests from the School
Superintendent. The School Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent for Operations and Finance attended
the CPC meetings to answer questions from the CPC. All of the School cash capital requests and the School debt
capital requests were supported by the CPC with a unanimous vote of 6-0-0 for every request.
CPC RECOMMENDATIONS – FY25 Cash Capital – School Department
AMOUNT
Building Repairs/Improvements
Luce Exterior Door Replacement (4) C1.B2.D1.KP $23,000
CHS Auditorium Painting 41,000
Rodman Staircases (3) – Tile & Paint 27,650
Grounds Improvement
Luce Sidewalk Repair 25,000
Warehouse Lot Paving 65,000
Landscaping Design and Construction (Year 2) 16,000
Information Technology
Grade 4 & 5 Chromebooks/Replacement Cycle – Districtwide 90,000
WiFi Printers 7,880
Replacement Staff Laptops 171,310
K-2 Ipads 23,900
CHS Art Laptops 12,516
World Language Lab 33,280
ESXI Server Upgrades 115,073
Safety & Security
Security Servers 68,355
Security Firewalls 36,500
Electronic Access Points 16,000
JFK Vehicle Barrier Gate 7,500
LUCE Vehicle Barrier Gate 7,500
Additional Security Cameras (10) 8,500
Hansen Interior Door Shades 5,900
Exterior Signage 18,000
Program Improvements
Veterans Memorial Field Lighting 123,064
CHS Gym Scoreboard Replacement 29,500
CHS Science Robotics Upgrades 17,000
Orbital Scrubber -2 18,000
Stander Mower 8,200
Classroom Based Instruments 11,000
Furniture & Fixtures
CHS Kiln Replacement 9,372
Elementary Library Furniture Enhancement (Year 2) 20,000
________
GRAND TOTAL $!,056,000
Mr. Emhardt stated they have asked all departments including the schools to submit their five-year plans for cash
capital and debt capital.
CPC RECOMMENDATIONS – FY25 Debt Capital – School Department AMOUNT
Core Infrastructure Improvements – cabling $500,000
Replacement of Rooftop Unit #10 at Canton High School $300,000
CPC RECOMMENDATIONS – FY25 Cash Capital – Municipal Departments
Mr. Emhardt presented the Capital Planning Committee recommendations for FY25 for the Municipal Departmentd.
Most of the Municipal cash capital requests were unanimously supported 6-0-0 by the CPC. Mr. Scollins screen shared
an exhibit showing all of the requests from the departments (see meeting documents). All of the items highlighted in
yellow on the exhibit were department requests that were not recommended by the Select Board, Finance Director and
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CPC. If a CPC member abstained from a vote it usually meant that the CPC member may have needed more time to consider
the request and did not want to vote in opposition of the request.
AMOUNT
Conservation
Land Survey of Wardwell Conservation Area (Canton & Stoughton land) $50,000
Planning
Town Signage Replacement (7 locations, granite posts) (request was $40,000) $65,000 (5-0-1)
MIS
Cameras/Recorder for 18860 Washington Street (St. Gerard’s) 36,000
Phone Systems Interface Cards 7,000
Surface Tablet Replacements – Select Board 12,100
3 Desktop Computer Replacements – Engineering 7,750
Office Suite Software Update – Library 10,000
Fire Department
Washer & Dryer Replacements at Stations 1 & 2 20,217
Parks & Recreation
New 4WD Compact Tractor w/Aerator 42,000
Gibson Field Drainage Project 82,000
24” Sod Cutter and 20” Tiller 10,500
Police Department
14 Bullet Resistant Vests & Carriers 25,872
4 Police Cruiser Replacements, 1 Hybrid 229,000
Audio Video Recording Equipment – Police Station 39,188
APEX Officer Training Simulator (also $5,478 will be funded from Drug Enforcement Fund) 64,522
9 Defibrillators – In Cruisers and Police Station 34,323
Property Maintenance
Ponkapoag School Building Roof Replacement 50,000
HVAC Testing & Balancing – Police Station 17,000
Memorial Hall Carpet (original request of $125,000; carpet to be replace on main level) 32,028
Department of Public Works
Truck 2 – Chevy Tahoe 4WD 4DR LS (for DPW Operations Manager to access sites & plow) 75,000
Bolivar St. Mobile Garage Truck Lifts (1988 Vintage) 50,000
Unit 55 Brush Chipper – Replacement 48,000
Revere & Son Heritage Trust
Security System for Revere Barn / Museum (interior and exterior) 18,500
Wireless Audio System – Multi Floor Revere Barn / Museum 20,000
_________
GRAND TOTAL $1,046,000
$140,000 - Exterior Security Fence – Police Station – Mr. Emhardt reported that the CPC voted not to support the
request for an exterior security fence at the Police Station. The CPC considered this request with the Police Chief
providing answers to many of their questions. The request was not something they felt was absolutely necessary this
year. While the CPC is very conscious and supportive of protecting the police officers as evidenced by their support
for other Police capital requests and by making sure they have up-to-date equipment, the CPC did not feel this request
was something they could support at this time. If the request comes before them in the future it is possible they may
support it, but a lot of police stations do not have fencing around parking areas. A request of this type might be
something that could be included in the design of a new facility, but currently there is a police officer at the station 24/7
with cameras on the parking lot. The CPC voted not to recommend this to the Finance Committee this year.
$100,000 – Renovated Control Room & Kitchen – Police Station - This cash request was withdrawn from the plan
and the CPC agreed with it being withdrawn. Mr. Emhardt stated that the CPC was comfortable that the security issue
with the door was going to be mitigated. Mr. Lynch of property maintenance would be moving the door to make it more
secure.
Mr. Clough inquired about the Planning Department’s $40,000 request for signs and if these will be similar to other
signs in municipalities. The signs will have granite posts with a sign in between. CPC is recommending $65,000 so
that all 7 signs can be done. Mr. Emhardt will provide to the Finance Committee samples of what the signs will look
like and information that was in the original request from the Town Planner. Mr. Mauro stated that he believes the goal
for replacing these signs is to standardize the appearance of them no matter what entrance you enter into Town.
Mr. Clough also inquired about the fence for the Police Station and the specifics of the Fence. Mr. Emhardt would
provide follow-up information regarding the fence, the rolling gate and the security access. The current posting for the
parking lot behind the Police Station is “authorized access only”. Mr. Clough was inquiring about the $140,000 and
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what exactly it would include. Mr. Murphy, a member of CPC stated that there was only a fence at the rear side of the
parking lot. The proposed fence would cover the sides and come up to the back of the Police Station building. The
vehicles parked in this lot are police vehicles and their personal cars used to get to the Police Station.
Mr. Clough inquired about the $75,000 DPW request for a Chevy Tahoe for the Operations Manager. The CPC voted
6-0-0 to support this request. The Operations Manager answered all of the CPC’s questions. Mr. Emhardt stated that
the Select Board did question the cost of this vehicle but in the end supported the request. There was no reduction
made to the cost of the vehicle before it was sent to CPC. After discussing the request with the DPW Superintendent
and the Operations Manager, the CPC supported this request because the Operations Manager needs 4-wheel drive,
the ability to carry equipment inside the vehicles, the ability to plow and the ability to transport staff to training sessions.
Mr. Clough was surprised that they would be using a brand new Tahoe as a plow vehicle. Mr. Emhardt would forward
to the Finance Committee the supporting documentation regarding the pricing of the Tahoe.
CPC RECOMMENDATIONS – FY25 Debt Capital/Cash Reserves and Other Funding – Municipal Departments
$1,619,700 - Fire Department/Police Department – Radio Communications System - The CPC is recommending
$1,619,700 of cash reserves for Replacement of a Radio Communications System for the Police and Fire Department.
Mr. Emhardt stated that this is a much-needed upgrade for both Fire and Police. He also commented that the Finance
Committee understands the Town’s cash reserves better than the CPC. The CPC is pushing this forward with the
Finance Committee’s recommendation and to make sure the Finance Committee is supportive of the use of cash
reserves.
$1,090,000 - Fire Engine 6 Replacement – The CPC recommended this purchase. This debt request will be funded
with $1,000,000 from the Memorial Hall Surplus fund (renovations of the brick exterior of Memorial Hall) and $90,000
through borrowing. Mr. Scollins stated that the Memorial Hall project surplus is associated with a 20-year borrowing
term and can only be repurposed for a 20-year request. Out of all of the requests in the municipal capital plan the Fire
Engine 6 Replacement can use the $1,000,000 Memorial Hall surplus because it is the only 20-year asset with
borrowing that is comparable.
The following are the other Municipal debt requests: Debt Amount
Police Audio Video Recording Equipment $352,000
Truck 74 Replacement - F-550 Dump (upgrade to Property Maintenance existing truck) 158,000
Bolivar Street Garage 6,000 Gallon Fuel Cell Replacement 162,000
Randolph & York Intersection Improvements ($298,000 from Randolph St. Mitigation) 102,000
Truck 15 Dump/Sander (1999 Sterling) Replacement 246,000
Truck 24 Dump/Sander (1999 Sterling) Replacement 246,000
Unit 55 Brush Chipper – Replacement ($48,000 from Cash & $60,000 from debt) 60,000
$162,000 Debt Capital - Bolivar Street Garage 6,000 Gallon Fuel Cell Replacement - CPC was concerned about
the replacement of the Bolivar Street Garage Fuel Cell Replacement Tank. They requested information from DPW if
there was a possibility to relocate this tank somewhere else because of environmental concerns. The DPW had many
reasons why they did not want to relocate this fuel tank, one of which is to make sure the fueling station is located in
an area where there will be “eyes on it”. Mr. Emhardt stated that there should be consideration by the Town at moving
DPW to another location in the Town. The tank is located literally behind Bolivar Pond and behind the Dam. It is his
opinion that the Town should look long term at moving the fueling cell along with the DPW. There is also a big salt
shed located near the Pond. The fuel cell could be relocated if another location was to be identified in the future.
$532,000 – Ambulance 2 Replacement – The Town runs three ambulances in Town. One ambulance is run out of
Station 1, one ambulance is run out of Station 2 and the next best third ambulance is kept in reserve so that it is
available for use if one of the two main ambulances are in for repair and also for mutual aid. The ambulance receipts
reserve fund has more than enough to replace Ambulance 2.
Water Enterprise – FY25 Requests – Retained Earnings and Debt
$215,000 – Lead Service Line Inventory & Replacement Planning – This is a debt request to be paid from Water
Enterprise surplus (retained earnings). The state mandates that the Town identify any private or public lead service
lines and provide a plan for the remediation of those lead lines. Mr. Emhardt, stressed that as a member of the Water
and Sewer Policy Committee who recommend the water and sewer rates to the Select Board, that this is a safety issue
but is an unfunded state mandate that could have an affect on the Town’s water rates. Mr. Emhardt recommended at
a Select Board meeting that the Town look to our legislature and representatives to ask the state or federal government
to fund these mandates. After checking with the Superintendent of DPW, it is unknown if there is grant money available.
If there is grant money it would probably only cover a small percentage of the cost. If it is on private property the
remediation is on the property owner.
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$280,000 – Water System Management Plan – Contract 4 Design – This is a debt request to be paid from Water Enterprise surplus (retained earnings). This was a request from last year that was not recommended by the CPC. This project was delayed to help cushion the impact of the water rate increase to the rate payors. This will be for the design of the project with the construction next year. $98,000 – Hot Box Infrared Paver – This is for patching when work is done at a site. This was also delayed from last year. $13,000 – CAT 27 Loader Attachments – Forks & Booms – With the new equipment in the DPW the old forks and booms do not align correctly. This loader is used exclusive for water projects so the cost should not come out of the Sewer Enterprise. Sewer Enterprise – FY25 Requests – Retained Earnings and Debt $1,700,000 – Year 1 Sewer System Capital Improvement Plan (Possible MWRA funding) – An Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) study had been done which identified areas where there is groundwater that leaks into the sewer system and therefore goes to the MWRA treatment site. The Town is charged by MWRA based on volume. MWRA recommends that the Town needs to decrease the I&I if it is above certain limits. There are places in the system that have been identified where there is inflow leakage into the sewer system. Cameras identify the leaks and repairs are done by applying a fibrous material and epoxy with steam being pushed into the system to harden the material. $110,000 – New Skid Steel Loader with Brush Attachment and Snow $14,000 - New Tilt Deck Trailer – This trailer will be used to haul the skid loader. The Town did not increase the sewer rates for the past year. The Water and Sewer Policy Committee will have to look at rates again but at this point they are not anticipating any material increases in either the water or sewer rates. Mr. Mauro, the Finance Committee liaison to the CPC, complemented the CPC and Mr. Emhardt for a job well done vetting all of these requests. Mr. Emhardt did state that if these requests are approved at Annual Town Meeting and the funds become available July 1, that there is a procurement process that the department managers have to follow once the funds are approved. Discussion of Article 30 – By-Law Modernization Study Committee Creation Discussion of Article 24 – Amend By-Law Article IV Section 12 (Voting) and Section 17 (Motion to Require the Use of Written Ballots) The Finance Committee is still waiting for more information regarding these two articles. Ms. Thomas stated that a motion could be put forward for Article 30 at the March 20 Finance Committee meeting. Meeting Minutes: The March 6, 2024 meeting minutes were not voted. The minutes are being reviewed by Mr. Clough. Next Meeting Date: The next meeting will take place on March 20, 2024 as a virtual meeting via Zoom. Meeting Adjournment: A motion made by Ms. Schutt to adjourn the meeting at approximately 9:31 p.m. was seconded by Mr. McKenna. Roll Call Vote: Mr. McKenna Aye Mr. Clough Aye Ms. Schutt Aye Ms. Menconi Aye Ms. Thomas Aye Ms. Foley Aye Mr. Cole Aye Mr. Mauro Aye Ms. Mirliani Aye Vote: 9-0-0. Minutes reviewed by: Ms. Foley Respectfully submitted, Cindy Thomas Chair, Canton Finance Committee and Sub-Committee to Review Compensation of Elected Officials FINCOM 20240313 Minutes WRS KF.docx Page 6 of 7 3/17/24
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Finance Committee
Meeting Documents
March 13, 2024
Please note: Some meeting documents may be found on the Town’s website under the Posted Minutes
section (Laser Fiche).
Agenda – March 13, 2024.
Budget documents discussed at the meeting may be found on the Town’s Website under the Finance Committee
section. The budget documents are subject to change as the budget process progresses. These documents may
also be found at the below links:
https://town.canton.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/10987/FY25-Municipal-Budget---Dept-Requests---Jan-2024---Part-
1-of-2
https://town.canton.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/10988/FY25-Municipal-Budget---Dept-Requests---Jan-2024---Part-
2-of-2
Commuity Preservation Committee – FY25 Funding Report and FY25 Project Recommendations to ATM (16 pages).
FY25 Municipal Balanced Capital Plan as of 3/14/24, provided by Randy Scollins, Finance Director (2 pages).
Capital Planning Committee (CPC) Recommendations to the Finance Committee, provided by Dave Emhardt, Chair
of the CPC dated 3/12/24 (10 pages).
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