April 30, 2020, Finance Committee Meeting - Virtual Meeting… — fc23396ae570785d6a

Source page 1

Canton Finance Committee Minutes Voted on: 5/13/20
Meeting Minutes Vote: 7-0-0
April 30, 2020

Finance Committee Members Present: Christos Arsondiadis, David Clough, Dan Cole, Emilio Mauro, Tim McKenna,
Barbara Saint André, Cindy Thomas and Wai Wong.

Finance Committee Members Absent: Rob Barker.

Guests Present:
Dave Emhardt, Chair, Capital Planning Committee
Bob Panico, Vice Chair, Capital Planning Committee
Ellen Jones, Finance Committee Secretary
Randy Scollins, Finance Director

Opening: Chair McKenna called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom virtual meeting.

Approval of Agenda - Chair McKenna reviewed the agenda.

New Business

Revote Article 12, Motion 2 – Municipal Cash Capital – Reduce from $750,000 to $650,000
The Finance Committee discussed reducing the Council on Aging emergency generator cash capital request from
$57,000 to $0 and reducing the Library Security Cameras cash capital request from $43,000 to $0. Mr. Scollins
stated to the Committee that the Municipal Operation Budget would be reduced by $50,000 for the unfilled DPW
Operations Manager. Currently some of the responsibilities of this position are being performed by another DPW
employee.

A motion made by Ms. Thomas to reopen the vote for Article 12 Motion 2 for reconsideration was seconded by
Mr. Mauro.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Mauro Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Arsondiadis Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion to reopen Article 12 Motion 2 passed 8-0-0.

A motion made Mr. Mauro to amend the municipal cash capital Article 12 Motion 2 from $750,000 to $650,000
by reducing the Council on Aging cash capital request for an emergency generator from $57,000 to $0 and
reducing the Library cash capital request for security cameras from $43,000 to $0 was seconded by Mr. Wong.

Mr. Emhardt stated that the Board of Selectmen and Capital Planning Committee supported these cash capital
reductions.

Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The amended motion for Article 12 Motion 2 passed 8-0-0.

FINCOM 201200430 Minutes Page 1 of 9 5/9/2020

Source page 2

Revote Article 12, Motion 3 – School Cash Capital – Reduce from $750,000 to $600,000

A motion made by Mr. Mauro to reopen the vote for Article 12 Motion 3 for reconsideration was seconded by
Ms. Saint André.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion to reopen Article 12 Motion 3 passed 8-0-0.

A motion made Ms. Saint André to amend the school cash capital Article 12 Motion 3 from $750,000 to $600,000
by reducing the items as listed on the agenda was seconded by Mr. Mauro.
In response to Mr. Mauro’s inquiry about what items were included in the HVAC reduction, Mr. Scollins stated that
there was a reduction to the general “bucket” of HVAC maintenance and that the School Department would cover
any expenses through the operating budget. Mr. Scollins stated that the School Committee voted in support of
these reductions. Mr. Emhardt stated that the Capital Planning Committee also voted in support of these
reductions.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The amended motion for Article 12 Motion 3 passed 8-0-0.

Revote Article 12, Motion 4 – School Security Cameras and School Bus.

A motion made by Mr. Mauro to reopen the vote for Article 12 Motion 4 for reconsideration was seconded by
Ms. Saint André.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion to reopen Article 12 Motion 4 passed 8-0-0.

A motion made by Ms. Saint André to recommend that Article 12 Motion 4 be indefinitely postponed was
seconded by Mr. Mauro. Mr. Emhardt stated that the Capital Planning Committee supported that Article 12
Motion 4 should be indefinitely postponed. Ms. Saint André stated that an article that has no appropriation would
be indefinitely postponed.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion to indefinitely postpone Article 12 Motion 4 passed 8-0-0.

Revote Article 21 – Appropriation to Increase the Solar Facility Stabilization Fund

A motion made by Mr. Mauro to reopen the vote for Article 21 for reconsideration was seconded by Mr. Cole.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye

FINCOM 201200430 Minutes Page 2 of 9 5/9/2020

Source page 3

Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion to reopen Article 21 passed 8-0-0.

A motion made by Ms. Saint André to recommend that Article 21 be indefinitely postponed was seconded by
Mr. Mauro. Mr. Scollins stated that a transfer from Solar Facility Receipts to the Town Solar Facility Stabilization
Fund would be delayed for one year.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion to indefinitely postpone Article 21 passed 8-0-0.

Article 31 – Appropriation for the Installation of a Traffic Signal at Pleasant/Sherman/Angela Intersection with
Associated Easement and Eminent Domain Authority

A motion made by Ms. Saint André to reopen the vote for Article 31 for reconsideration was seconded by Mr.
Mauro.

A motion made by Ms. Saint André to reconsider the motion for Article 31 and to reduce the appropriation from
$750,000 to $585,000 from free cash was seconded by Mr. Mauro.

Mr. Scollins stated that economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 crisis could result in the Town receiving less in
state aid for the future. He also stated that Mr. John Roberts from the Massachusetts Municipal Association
indicated that there could be reductions in state aid. A 10% reduction in state aid could mean approximately $1
million less in state aid which would be difficult to absorb within the budget. Mr. Scollins stated that he is not
recommending going against the policymakers of the Town but to look to the Town’s reserves and to access low
interest rates for borrowing to fund projects. He stated that the Board of Selectmen would support using $85,000
of free cash and $500,000 of borrowing towards this traffic signal project contingent upon the BOS using $165,000
of mitigation funds towards the project.

Mr. Scollins stated that the Town has managed its debt well and that 75% of its principal debt would be repaid
within ten years. The benchmark for Towns repaying debt is usually 50%.

Borrowing for this project would most likely not take place until FY22.

Ms. Saint André withdrew her motion for Article 31.

Mr. Scollins stated that he would be borrowing $12.75 million on May 7, 2020 at noon for various projects
approved at the 2019 Town Meeting and that typically the Town goes to market once per year for borrowing and
that this $500,000 would not be included in the May 7th borrowing. He stated that the impact on the homeowner
for the $500,000 of additional borrowing would not be a big impact.

A new motion (Motion #1) made by Ms. Saint André to recommend an appropriation of $85,000 from Free Cash
for design services for the installation of a traffic signal at the Pleasant/Sherman/Angela Intersection was
seconded by Mr. Wong.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion to amend Article 31 (motion #1) passed 8-0-0.

FINCOM 201200430 Minutes Page 3 of 9 5/9/2020

Source page 4

A new motion (Motion #2) made by Ms. Saint André to recommend$500,000 through borrowing for the
installation of a traffic signal at the Pleasant/Sherman/Angela Intersection was seconded by Mr. Mauro.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion to further amend Article 31 (motion #2) passed 8-0-0.

Article 33 – Appropriation for Earl Newhouse Waterfront Improvements
The Finance Committee was presented with a new motion that included language that the $239,130 appropriation
would not take place unless a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Land & Water Conservation Fund is
awarded for the project in the amount of at least $200,000.

A motion made by Ms. Saint André to recommend the new motion as printed in the April 30 th agenda was
seconded by Mr. Mauro.

Mr. Scollins stated that he worked closely with Town Counsel on the language for the new motion. If for some
reason the grant does not come in at $239,130 the words “at least $200,000” would avoid nullifying the project.
The use of Free Cash would be reimbursed back to the Town’s General Fund. Grant funds received from the state
would go directly into the Town’s General Fund. With regard to the grant from the Commonwealth, receipt of
funds would be on a reimbursement basis and according to the Town Planner, Laura Smead, would be quite quick.

Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion to amend Article 33 passed 8-0-0.

Revote - Article 37 – Amend Soil Erosion and Sediment Control By-Law and
Revote – Article 38 – Amend Stormwater Management By-Law

A motion made by Mr. Mauro to reopen the votes for Article 37 and Article 38 for reconsideration was seconded
by Ms. Thomas.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion to reopen Article 37 and Article 38 passed 8-0-0.

A motion made by Ms. Saint André to postpone indefinitely Article 37 and Article 38 was seconded by Mr.
Mauro.
Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Wong Aye Mr. Clough Aye
Ms. Saint André Aye Mr. Arsondiadis Aye
Mr. Mauro Aye Ms. Thomas Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion to amend Article 37 and Article 38 passed 8-0-0.

FINCOM 201200430 Minutes Page 4 of 9 5/9/2020

Source page 5

Revote – Article 52 – AMEND ZONING BY-LAW SECTION 9.1 FLOOD PLAIN OVERLAY DISTRICT (FPOD)
A motion made by Mr. Mauro to reopen the vote for Article 52 for reconsideration was seconded by Ms.
Thomas.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion to reopen Article 52 passed 8-0-0.

Town Counsel cleaned up Article 52 by removing commentary that was intermingled with the text of the motion.

A motion made by Mr. Mauro to recommend the motion for Article 52 as printed in the agenda and
recommended by Town Counsel was seconded by Mr. Wong.
Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Wong Aye Mr. Clough Aye
Ms. Saint André Aye Mr. Arsondiadis Aye
Mr. Mauro Aye Ms. Thomas Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion to recommend Article 52 as printed in the agenda and recommended by Town Counsel passed 8-0-0.

Discussion of Special Town Meeting Articles – June 22, 2020

Mr. Scollins informed the Committee that the Board of Selectmen voted the Special Town Meeting (STM) warrant
(consisting of eight articles) at their BOS meeting on April 28.

STM – Article 1 – Adopt the Rules to Govern Special Town Meeting

A motion made by Mr. Mauro to recommend the motion for Article 1 of the STM as written in the STM warrant
was seconded by Mr. Arsondiadis.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion for STM Article 1 passed 8-0-0.

Mr. Emhardt extended his thanks and appreciation to the Finance Committee, the Capital Planning Committee, the
Finance Director and all the Department heads for hard work and assistance during the capital and budget
process.

STM – Article 2 – Stormwater Management – New General By-Law

A motion made by Mr. Mauro to recommend the motion for Article 2 of the STM as written in the STM warrant
was seconded by Mr. Clough. The new by-law would include language to change the minimum land disturbance
square footage from 5,000 sq. ft. to 20,000 sq. ft. (less regulatory).

Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion for STM Article 2 passed 8-0-0.

FINCOM 201200430 Minutes Page 5 of 9 5/9/2020

Source page 6

STM – Article 3 – Metropolis Rink Appropriation
A motion made by Mr. Mauro that $500,000 to recommend a transfer as written in the agenda for STM Article 3
was seconded by Mr. Wong.

Mr. Scollins explained that the state legislature was successful in getting $500,000 earmarked in the state budget
for the Rink project. The $500,000 has already been received by the Town and is in the general fund. The project
will increase from $10.5 million to $11 million. He further stated that the Building Renovations Committee has
indicated that additional funds were needed for the project due to unforeseen conditions. One of the unforeseen
conditions was the closure of the project for three weeks because of the COVID-19 nonessential construction
orders.

A motion made by Ms. Saint André as a friendly amendment to Mr. Mauro’s motion to transfer available funds
received from the state in the amount of $500,000 to the Rink project for STM Article 3 was seconded by
Mr. Mauro.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion for STM Article 3 passed 8-0-0.

STM – Article 4 – Amend Zoning By-Laws – Change “Board of Selectmen” to “Select Board”

A motion made by Ms. Saint André to recommend to Special Town Meeting the amendment of the Zoning By-
Laws as printed in the warrant article for STM Article 4 was seconded by Mr. Wong.

Mr. Mauro inquired if all of the Town’s By-Laws have been researched to assure that all by-laws that need to be
updated will be updated.

Roll Call Vote:
Mr. Wong Aye Mr. Clough Aye
Ms. Saint André Aye Mr. Arsondiadis Aye
Mr. Mauro Aye Ms. Thomas Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion for STM Article 3 passed 8-0-0.

STM – Article 5 – Special Tax Agreement with The Phia Group

A motion made by Mr. Mauro to recommend to Special Town Meeting Article 5 for the BOS to enter into a
Special Tax Agreement (STA) with The Phia Group was seconded by Ms. Thomas.

Mr. Scollins explained that the BOS negotiated an STA with The Phia Group for a 30-40% tax reduction in the first
year for the company moving from Braintree to Canton to occupy the former LoJack headquarters. Approximately
140 employees would be employed by The Phia Group. The BOS is in support of this STA and recommended it at
their BOS meeting on April 28. Mr. Mauro stated that the Economic Development Committee has not met since
the COVID-19 pandemic and, therefore, has not taken a position on this agreement.

Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion for STM Article 5 passed 8-0-0.

FINCOM 201200430 Minutes Page 6 of 9 5/9/2020

Source page 7

STM – Article 6 – Bolivar Pool Project Funds Appropriation

Mr. Scollins stated that the Town Administrator had been looking for clarity on the budget for the Bolivar Pool
project and to make sure that the project was not running over budget because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The
Bolivar Pool project is staying within budget, unlike the Rink project which is currently running over budget. The
pool project has $450,000 in contingencies.

A motion made by Mr. Mauro that the subject matter of STM Article 6 be indefinitely postpone was seconded by
Ms. Thomas.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas       Aye              Mr. Mauro       Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye               Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough       Aye              Mr. Wong        Aye
Mr. Cole         Aye              Mr. McKenna     Aye
The motion for STM Article 6 passed 8-0-0.

STM – Article 7 – Grant of Utility Easement to Verizon at 199 Bolivar Street

A motion made by Mr. Mauro that STM Article 7 be recommended to STM as written in the STM warrant was
seconded by Mr. Arsondiadis. Mr. Scollins stated that this easement was required to accommodate for the pool
renovations.

Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas       Aye              Mr. Mauro       Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye               Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough       Aye              Mr. Wong        Aye
Mr. Cole         Aye              Mr. McKenna     Aye
The motion for STM Article 7 passed 8-0-0.

STM Article 8 – Additional Recommendation of the Community Preservation Committee: Canton Emergency
Rental Assistance Program

A motion made by Mr. Mauro that STM Article 8 be recommended to STM as written in the STM warrant was
seconded by Mr. Wong.

Mr. Scollins stated that STM Article 8 was a noble gesture by the Community Preservation Committee to
recommend approximately $52,000 of rental relief to be administered by a non-profit company but funds to be
distributed for people in private house rental units.

Mr. Scollins recommended to the Finance Committee that they delay their vote on Article 8 until the BOS has
vetted the article and work out any technicalities. STM Article 8 could be taken up at the next Finance Committee
meeting. Mr. Scollins further stated that the legality of this article needs to be worked out. Anti Aid Amendment
in Massachusetts prohibits public funds being used for private purposes. He explained that the process being
proposed would be the payment of an administration fee to a company to administer the funds for private owners
of rental properties. The intent is great but may be in conflict with the Anti Aid Amendment.

Mr. Scollins recommended that the Finance Committee look to Town Counsel for an opinion on STM Article 8 and
consider the position to be taken by the BOS at their upcoming meeting on May 12.

The Finance Committee did not take action on STM Article 8.

Mr. Mauro stated that it would be helpful to have someone from CPA at the next Finance Committee meeting to
discuss STM Article 8.



FINCOM 201200430 Minutes                         Page 7 of 9                                        5/9/2020

Source page 8

ATM – Article 54 Motion 1 – Vote to Transfer Available Funds

Mr. Scollins recommended to the Finance Committee that three line items be reduced as follows:
• Transfer from Ambulance Service to Fire Department be reduced from $1.1 million to $900,000.
• Transfer from Solar Facility to Town-wide Electricity be reduced from $465,521 to $365,521.
• Transfer from School Food Service to Health Insurance be reduced from $160,500 to $0.

A motion made by Ms. Saint André that ATM Article 54 Motion 1 be recommended to Annual Town Meeting as
printed in the agenda dated April 30 was seconded by Ms. Thomas.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion for ATM Article 54 Motion 1 passed 8-0-0.

Public Comments - There were no public comments.

Announcements – There were no announcements at the meeting.

Approval of Minutes - There were no minutes approved.

Next Meeting Date: May 13, 2020.

Items to be discussed at the next Finance Committee meeting included:
• Voting final budgets.
• Discussion of warrant narratives and revisit write ups.
• STM Article 8 – Discuss and vote.
• Article 32 – Revisit Article 32 - Appropriation for removal of Weeds and Nuisance Vegetation at Old
Shephard Pond.
• Annual Audit – Discussion with Town Auditors before the Town Meeting.

Adjournment: A motion made by Ms. Saint André to adjourn the meeting at 9:29 p.m. was seconded by
Ms. Thomas.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Thomas Aye Mr. Mauro Aye
Mr. Arsondiadis Aye Ms. Saint André Aye
Mr. Clough Aye Mr. Wong Aye
Mr. Cole Aye Mr. McKenna Aye
The motion to adjourn at 9:29 p.m. passed 8-0-0.

Minutes reviewed by: Committee Members

Respectfully submitted,

Timothy McKenna
Chair, Canton Finance Committee

FINCOM 201200430 Minutes Page 8 of 9 5/9/2020

Source page 9

Canton Finance Committee Meeting
                                                  April 30, 2020

Please note: Some meeting documents may be found on the Town’s website under the Posted Minutes section
(Laser Fiche).

For information regarding department budget requests please follow the below link:
https://www.town.canton.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/5658/FY21-Municipal-Budget---Dept-Requests---Jan-2020

Agenda for April 30, 2020. (5 pages, includes drafts for various ATM articles).

Copy of STM warrant voted by the BOS on April 28, 2020.




FINCOM 201200430 Minutes                         Page 9 of 9                             5/9/2020

April 30, 2020, Finance Committee Meeting - Virtual Meeting. Minutes