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Canton Town Meeting — 2003 ATM
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING ARTICLES
1 Elect a Moderator
2 Adopt procedures to govern conduct of meeting
3 Hear the reports of committees appointed at prior town meetings
4 “Consent Agenda”
5 Fund any collective bargaining agreements and personal service contracts with school
employees
6 Fund any collective bargaining agreements and personal service contracts with municipal
employees
7 Set salaries of elected town officers
8 Pay bills of any prior fiscal year
9 Supplement fiscal ’03 appropriations to town departments and the school department
10 Transfer unexpended balances from prior appropriations
11 Authorize Finance Director to execute contracts for more than three years
12 Authorize certain revolving funds under c 44, section 53E1/2
13 “Omnibus” capital article
14 Ratify easement granted to town to connect Chapman Knoll to public sewer system
15 Authorize Board of Selectmen to take by eminent domain easement off Ward Well Road
16 Accept provisions of c 59 sec 5K of Mass General Laws to increase abatement for senior tax
rebate program
17 Appropriate funds for Board of Assessors to enter into contract for triennial revaluation
18 Accept provisions of c 59 sec 5 clause 41C of Mass General Laws amending law governing
abatement of seniors property taxes
19 Amend general by-laws of the town regarding solicitation of bids
20 Accept provisions of c 44B sections 3-70 of general laws, Community Preservation Act,
amending percent of real estate tax levy against real property
21 Accept portions of Downes Avenue as public way and appropriate funds for pavement of
private Tucker Road
22 Amend general by-laws regarding Capital Outlay and Planning Committee
23 Authorize establishment of feasibility study committee for third fire station in Canton
24 Amend zoning by-law to decrease the height limit in Canton Center Economic Opportunity
District
25 Amend zoning by-law by inserting new section creating new overlay district to permit
operation of hotels
26 Amend town’s zoning map by placing parcels of land located along Royall Street and Royall
Avenue to be within the Hotel Overlay District
27 Amend town’s zoning map to change designation of ten parcels of land along Royall Avenue
and Davenport Avenue
28 Amend town’s zoning map by changing designation of parcels located at 2224 Washington
Street to be entirely within Residential C zoning district
29 Amend zoning by-law to allow certain recreational uses on a lot in a limited industrial zoning
district
30 Ratify vote authorizing Board of Selectmen to enter into lease with Bell Atlantic for providing
additional parking
31 Amend general by-laws of town by inserting a new section regarding procedure governing
demolition of historically significant buildings
32 Amend general by-laws by inserting new section into article II regarding new by-law
providing for procedure for annual town meeting warrant
33 Appropriate funds to permit Planning Board to engage a consultant for Phase II of Master
Plan
34 Amend general by-laws regarding regulation of dogs to correct omission from ATM 2002
35 Petition general court to enact special law establishing moratorium on applications of ch 40B
sections 20 to 23
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36 Transfer custody and control of Building A from School Committee to Board of Selectmen
37 Amend general by-laws by inserting new section entitled soil erosion and sediment control
by-laws
38 General appropriation article
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FINANCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Bob Lash, Chairman Anthony Pate
Leonard Barnett Ted Powell
Sepp Bergschneider Joan Schottenfeld
Sarah Bunt Jeffrey Troderman
John Friel Paul Weitz
Dianne Gustafson Martin Williams
Janet Bourikas, Secretary
A SPECIAL THANKS
Thank you to the many individuals and committees who assisted in the preparation of the warrant for the
Annual Town Meeting. The Finance Committee could not have done it without the help, cooperation, and
dedication of these people.
Mr. Jim Murgia has always been there for the town. As our primary liaison between the Finance
Committee and the town, he has worked diligently for the common good in these particularly difficult
economic times.
The Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Capital Outlay and Planning Committee, the Planning Board
and other elected boards and appointed commissions of the town participate in the preparation of the
warrant for Town Meeting. I would especially like to thank the Capital Outlay and Planning Committee for
their willingness to work closely with the Finance Committee. I would also like to thank the
Superintendent of Schools, Executive Secretary, Town Counsel, and all of the town department heads for
their role in preparing the budget. It was a particularly difficult budget to prepare. We also wish to express
our appreciation to Ms. Ellen Arsenault, Ms. Susan McGowan and Ms. Janet Bourikas for their secretarial
assistance provided to the Finance Committee this year.
Thank you to the members of the Finance Committee for their willingness to sacrifice their personal time,
especially in the winter months prior to Town Meeting. We work well together to review all pertinent facts
to make informed decisions for the common good.
Sincerely
Bob Lash, Chairman
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FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT At this Town Meeting, you, the voter, are asked to consider 38 Warrant Articles. These articles cover a variety of topics, including the annual Town operating and enterprise budgets, employment contracts, zoning and planning issues, and major capital funding issues. The Town Meeting’s actions on these issues will have major impact on the growth and development of the Town as well as the quality of the Town’s facilities and financial stability. As in past years, this report and the report of the Capital Outlay and Planning Committee attempt to provide you with the information needed to see the reasoning for our recommendations. CURRENT YEAR BUDGET STATUS Fortunately, we expect to end the current fiscal year without major variances from the total revenue and expenditure amounts budgeted for FY03. We anticipate that the projected shortfall will not exceed the approximately $1.6 million in our budget. REVENUE PROJECTION FOR FY04 The Finance Committee is projecting another drop in growth in revenues compared to previous years. The slowdown in the state’s economy has also reversed the financial situation of our state government. State aid has been reduced several times during the current fiscal year and is projected to drop further for our next budget year. The Town has contractual obligations and fixed costs, especially for health insurance, rising dramatically. The Finance Department is projecting that growth in revenue for FY04 may be enough for the increases in just the health insurance. Little or none of the other increases in contractual obligations or fixed costs could be covered by revenue growth. This imbalance will require the Town to use the Free Cash reserve to balance the operating budget. In FY05, unless revenues improve dramatically, costs are reduced, or new revenue sources are found, a budget deficit will remain. The revenue deficit will occur even if no cost of living increase is granted for school and municipal employees in FY05. Below is a brief description of why we believe revenue growth will be much lower in coming years. The State’s revenues worsened during FY03 as a result of the many factors surrounding the weakening national economy and the tax cut approved by the voters of Massachusetts in FY01. We actually received $385,000 less than the year before. Fortunately, we budgeted less than the Cherry Sheet, the best estimate of state aid. The Governor’s House1 Budget is the only published budgetary tool available at time of our budget preparation. It has a possible reduction of $516,689 from FY03 levels. The Board of Assessors has indicated that new growth in residential and commercial building has fallen off and requests for abatements have increased. They have advised us to budget an increase of $400,000 in new growth in the levy for FY04. Interest rates on investments have continued to decline as the Federal Reserve has lowered rates to stimulate the economy. The Town benefits from lower rates when bonding capital projects but the lower rates have also resulted in lower investment income in FY03 than in previous years. Investment income had averaged $750,000 prior to FY03. FY03 was budgeted at $450,000 but the final revenue may only be approximately $300,000. The Town Treasurer and Finance Director have advised us to budget $300,000. With the $875,000 increase in the levy allowed by Proposition 2 ½ and increased fees and new growth, the increase in budgeted General Fund revenue from FY 03 is $1.4 million, just about enough to cover the increase in health insurance premiums. It is important that Town Meeting understands that this budget crunch has spanned the past 2 years and is expected to last several more years. The deficits will continue until this trend is reversed, that is until expenses can be reduced to come in line with our expected revenues or revenue grows faster than the expenses. We have more control over the former than the latter. The department heads made some hard decisions this year to try to reign in the expanding budget. Even with the reductions of $2.0 million, we are still projecting a $2.2 million deficit which will come from the ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 4
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Town’s free cash reserve. It is not a bottomless pit, a fact that the State found out as they depleted most of the $3.3 billion reserve in one year. CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS The town meeting had approved three-year contracts for FY02-04 for a variety of Schools and Municipal employees two years ago. The resulting increases in salaries for all Town employees for FY04 are: • Municipal $ 550,000 • Schools $1,489,000 All Town employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements must be negotiated for the years after FY04. Even without any cost of living increases the projected contract increase for FY05 is $675,000 for step, lane, longevity and other increases which are included in current contracts. FIXED COSTS Health Insurance The largest increase is for health insurance, $1,418,384. This increase is of particular concern to the Town. Double digit percentage increases in health insurance cost are common for towns and private industry alike. The Town is currently looking into viable alternatives to help reduce these increases. We are hoping to offer different health insurance plans which are similar to the current choices and these changes would save the Town $600,000 in annual premiums and the employees would save an additional $200,000. Hopefully, these alternatives can be put into place during FY04 to reduce the budget deficit. Long and Short Term Debt Service The Town’s cost of long and short-term borrowing is decreasing by $65,176. Our overall debt service both inside and outside the levy will increase as new projects come on line (Library, Public Safety Facility, and the High School). Trash Collection Trash collection charges are level funded at $1,170,000. Blue Hills Regional School Assessment The town of Canton is sending more students to Blue Hills Regional Technical School than in years past at a time when the State has projected a 36.5% cut in state aid to the school. They have reduced many costs and cut some positions to mitigate the increase in the assessments to their member towns. The State has also created a new formula for the assessments which hits the richer towns more than the poorer towns in the school district. They have requested a sum of $830,961 but the Finance Committee is recommending a total of $683,700 for our 58 students, 26% more than last year, and $24,700 for the School to Careers Partnership. The School Committee and Administration of Blue Hills are working to mitigate the cut in state aid and review student fees for transportation and activities. With these and other increases and decreases to the fixed costs, the net result is that the Town’s fixed costs are estimated to increase by $1,916,589. FREE CASH AS FY03 TO BE USED TO BALANCE FY04-FY05 BUDGETS The amount of free cash certified for FY02 is $6.4 million. We anticipate that the amount of free cash will decrease by $1.7 million by the end of the FY03. We anticipate that the FY04 budget, even with all the cuts and adjustments, will decrease the free cash reserve balance by almost $2.3 million. We are recommending that the Town hold in reserve as much free cash as possible to deal with probable budget deficits that we anticipate due to the continuing downward turn in the economy, continuing decreases in State Aid, and continuing lower new growth. ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 5
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The free cash reserve is like a family’s savings account. It can fund expenses only once. It has helped us ride out the past decreases in revenue sources and has given us time to align our spending with our revenues. But just as a family living beyond its means, it will soon exhaust its savings, so too the Town will soon exhaust our free cash reserve. Funding for FY04 The Finance Committee had recommended that the School and Municipal Departments level fund their budgets and absorb the contractual obligations in spending amounts equal to the FY03 overall budget. Even with level funding the budget deficit is expected to be $2.3 million as noted above. For this reason, the Finance Committee did not recommend increasing expenses outside of identified new revenue sources. An additional $200,000 for the Municipal Departments will be transferred from the Ambulance Fund due to additional revenues generated by the paramedic service. An additional $210,858 for the School Department will be generated by new reimbursements for our Special Education students from Medicaid funding and increased food service revenues. Furthermore, the Finance Committee supports any staff changes that will result in reduced benefit costs. Attrition Savings The Town budget for FY03 did benefit from the Early Retirement Incentive offered this year for the short- term. Unfortunately, these salary savings are needed to fund the shortfall in the health insurance account in the current fiscal year. THE CAPITAL BUDGET The Capital Outlay and Planning Committee has held many meetings with Town Boards and Department heads to assess the capital needs of the Town. Their report is included in this Warrant and should be reviewed carefully, along with Article 13 which spells out the capital projects recommended for funding this year. The COPC has developed a more realistic capital plan for the Town and continues to improve the planning process every year. The municipal departments and the School Department have five-year projections of their capital funding within the levy. They have begun to carefully prioritize their needs for the next five years. The Town attempts to allocate 6% of recurring revenues to the Capital Budget each year. The Town first pays debt service on all existing debt within the levy from this amount. The remaining capital funds are then allocated for new capital projects. Certain projects are appropriate for bonding under specific guidelines from the Finance Director. The Town pays cash for capital items with a shorter useful life, such as computers or police cars. The Finance Committee has agreed with the recommendations of the Capital Outlay and Planning Committee, chaired by James P. Moran. ZONING ARTICLES There are several zoning articles with major zoning changes in this year’s warrant. The Finance Committee was unable to meet with the Planning Board to discuss the issues prior to the printing of the warrant We advise all Town Meeting voters to attempt to educate themselves on these issues prior to Town Meeting by reading reports of the Planning Board meetings in the local newspapers, viewing the televised meetings of the Planning Board on Cable television or contacting the Planning Board members, the Town Planner, the Board of Selectmen and the Warrant Article sponsor for more information. IN CONCLUSION… It is not business as usual. We have been and will continue to face budget deficits for the next several years. Prudent spending with fiscal restraint is necessary at these times. The Finance Committee will work with all elected and appointed Town officials to work through the tough budget process the Town is facing. We hope that this narrative summary, the discussion provided for each Warrant article, and the report of the Capital Outlay Planning Committee are helpful to you as you prepare for Town Meeting. You, the voter, have the ultimate responsibility to make the final decisions as to what is in the best interest of the Town and all its citizens. See you at Town Meeting on April 28th. ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 6
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Respectfully Submitted Bob Lash Finance Committee Chairman ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 7
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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. CHERRY SHEET: A financial statement from the State, printed on cherry-colored paper which itemizes State disbursements due the Town, and the State and County charge to the Town, usually resulting in a net receipt of funds. It is the basis for the amounts which appear in the Finance Committee forecast of Revenue and Expenditure. ENTERPRISE RESERVE: (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. EXCESS LEVY CAPACITY: The difference between the “levy” and the “levy limit.” FREE CASH RESERVE: (Surplus) Certified annually by the State Bureau of Accounts. This fund may be used by a vote of the Town Meeting. 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 collected by the various Town departments (e.g. auto excise tax) and used to balance the Town’s budget. MUNICIPAL REVENUE: All town income not earmarked for a specific purpose. For Revenue and Expense projections, Municipal Revenue does not include water, sewer or rink revenue. OVERLAY: The amount raised by the Assessors in excess of appropriations, primarily for the purpose of creating a fund to cover abatements. OVERLAY RESERVE: This is the accumulated amount of the Overlay for various years not used or required to be held in the specific Overlay accounts for a given year. The Assessors control release of funds in the Overlay reserve that exceed pending tax liability. RAISE: To tax. The tax rate is set by the Assessors after the Annual Town Meeting and after receipt of the “Cherry Sheet.” RESERVE FUND: This fund is established by the voters at an Annual Town Meeting, and may be composed of an appropriation, money transferred from the Overlay Reserve, or both. Transfers from the Reserve Fund are within the control of the Finance Committee, and are for “extraordinary and unforeseen expenditures.” STABILIZATION FUND: The fund is established by the voters for future uses. A Town Meeting vote is required for its use towards a “borrowing article” and/or for “any lawful purpose.” TAX LEVY: (LEVY): The revenue a community can raise through real estate and personal property taxes. ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 8
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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’. 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 a 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. ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 9
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NOTE TO ALL VOTERS CONCERNING
TOWN MEETING PROCEDURES
At the 1990 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); and reports of all outstanding committees will be
received (Article 3).
After these three articles have been acted upon, all subsequent articles, except Article 38 (the FY 2004
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, proposed changes in the personnel wage and
compensation schedule and any warrant article that calls for an expenditure. This may mean that the
proposed annual operating budget will, 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.
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 10Source page 11
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 in the Morse Auditorium, Building B, Canton High School on
Washington Street in said town on
MONDAY THE TWENTY-EIGHTH DAY
OF APRIL, 2003
at half past seven o'clock in the evening for the annual town meeting at which time and place the following
articles are to be acted upon:
ARTICLE 1
ARTICLE 1
ELECT A MODERATOR
Article 1 To elect a Moderator to preside at this Town Meeting and to serve until the Annual Town
Meeting in 2004, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
VOTE: 10-0-0
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 2003
annual town meeting, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Article 2: The Finance Committee recommendations are as follows:
Motion #1
MOVED: That this 2003 Annual Town Meeting meet on consecutive Monday and Wednesday
evenings (but not including Monday, May 26th) in the Morse Auditorium, Building B, Canton High School
until the business of this Annual Town Meeting has been concluded, each such session to begin at 7:30
o’clock P.M. and to adjourn at 11:00 o’clock P.M., or as nearly that hour as may be feasible, according to
the nature of the business pending at the said hour.
VOTE: 10-0-0
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 11Source page 12
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 as employees of the town:
Tony Andreotti, Veterans’ Services Director
Michael Diorio, Town Accountant
Bernard Fallon, Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds
William T. Friel, Town Executive Secretary
Louis Jutras, Information Systems Manager
Irene Kaplan, Superintendent of Schools
Jeffrey Kaylor, Recreation Director
Mark Lague, Library Director
Kenneth Leon, Business Manager, School Department
Elizabeth Lewis, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, School Department
Henry Lukas, Canton High School Principal
Gayle McCracken, Human Resource Administrator
James Murgia, Finance Director
Robert Murphy, Conservation Commission Agent
Roger Nicholas, Town Planner
Diane Tynan-Corletto, Director of Council on Aging
Ed Walsh, Building Commissioner
John Wieliczki, Director of Assessing
VOTE: 10-0-0
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Motion #3
MOVED: That whenever during discussion under any article in this warrant 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 the moderator shall not accept such motion unless said motion also contains a
corresponding decrease in another item or account, or identifies some specific funding source from which
said funds will come so that the total amount to be appropriated by the town at this town meeting does not
exceed the amount recommended by the Finance Committee.
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: This motion formalizes procedures that have been followed by Town Meeting in the past
to ensure that Town Meeting ends with the adoption of a budget which is in balance.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Motion #4
MOVED: That during this town meeting the procedure under each warrant article shall be as
follows:
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 12Source page 13
1. The moderator shall announce the number of the warrant article which is to be taken up next and shall
announce the page of the report of the Finance Committee on which the warrant article is printed.
2. The reading of each warrant article will be waived but the moderator may, in his discretion, read or
summarize the scope of the warrant article.
3. The moderator shall (with certain exceptions) first recognize under each warrant article the chair of the
Finance Committee who (with certain exceptions) will move the recommendation of the Finance
Committee as it appears in the printed report (without reading the same aloud).
4. If a warrant article involves a zoning matter the chair of the Finance Committee will defer his report
until the report of the Planning Board has been received.
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: This motion formalizes procedures which have been used in the past to assure the orderly
presentation and discussion of warrant articles.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 3
HEAR REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
Article 3. To hear the reports of all committees appointed at previous town meetings and which
have not yet been discharged, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Article 3: That the Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the Town Meeting hear reports of all committees appointed at previous Town
Meetings which have not been discharged as follows:
ADA Transition Plan Implementation Committee
ATM 1999, Article 10
Senior/Community Center Committee
ATM 2000, Article 17
Master Plan Steering Committee
ATM 2000, Article 33
Community Preservation Study Committee
ATM 2001, Article 38
Revere Barn Study Committee
ATM 2001, Article 25
Ponkapoag School Restoration Committee
ATM 2002, Article 40
VOTE: 10-0-0
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 13Source page 14
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 4
“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 in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Article 4: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the subject matter of this article be postponed indefinitely.
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: Three years ago Town Meeting used a new approach to handling certain items that come
before Town Meeting each year. Routine, non-controversial articles were bundled together and acted upon
by a single motion, thus saving the time taken in the past to act on each one individually. This approach
seemed to be a useful way of disposing of routine matters. This year, the Finance Committee is not
recommending a consent agenda article be used, primarily because of the additional revolving funds to be
discussed.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 5
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS UNDER SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Article 5 To see if the town will vote, in accordance with the provisions of section seven of chapter
one hundred fifty E (MGL chapter 150E, §7), to raise and appropriate, by borrowing or otherwise, a sum of
money for the purpose of funding any cost items contained in any collective bargaining agreements entered
into by the School Committee, on behalf of the town, group of employees, or, groups of employees, serving
under its jurisdiction, and to raise and appropriate, by borrowing or otherwise, such sums of money as may
be necessary to fund contracts for personal services with any individual employees, or to take any other
action in relation thereto.
School Committee
Article 5: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the sum of $27,924 be appropriated for the purpose of meeting the cost of funding
the first year of an agreement entered into by and between the School Committee and the School
Custodians and that to meet said cost of funding the School Committee be authorized to transfer the sum of
$27,924 from account #41109001-51964.
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 14Source page 15
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this article. Negotiations on the
custodians’ contract were not completed prior to the 2002 town meeting. Town meeting must approve all
employment contracts. Funding for these obligations have been already included in the FY03 and FY04
budgets.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 6
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS UNDER BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Article 6 To see if the town will vote, in accordance with the provisions of section seven of chapter
one hundred fifty E (MGL chapter 150E, §7) to raise and appropriate, by borrowing or otherwise, a sum of
money for the purpose of funding any 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, or, groups of
employees, serving under its jurisdiction, and to raise and appropriate, by borrowing or otherwise, such
sums of money as may be necessary to fund contracts for personal services with any individual employee,
or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Article 6: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the subject matter of this article be postponed indefinitely
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: There are no outstanding contracts for municipal employees.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
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 (MGL chapter 41, §108) to fix the salary and compensation of all elected
officers of the town, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Article 7: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the town vote to fix the salary and compensation for all elected officials of the town,
as follows:
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 15Source page 16
(full time positions)
Town Clerk $52,634.00 (an increase of $1,533.00)
(part time positions)
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
School Committee $ 0.00
Planning Board $ 0.00
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee has recommended setting the salaries for all elected officials at
the FY03 level, with the exception of the Town Clerk. The Town Clerk’s salary generally follows the
increase given to the Personnel Board employees. The appropriation amounts are included in Article 38 of
the annual operating budget.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 8
PAY BILLS OF PRIOR FISCAL YEAR
Article 8 To see if the town will vote to appropriate from any available funds any sum or sums of
money to pay any unpaid bills of any prior fiscal year, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Article 8: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the town vote to appropriate the sum of $3,698.60 from additional lottery aid (Fund
#176) to pay Gale Associates the sum of $3,698.60 for services rendered during fiscal year 2002 at the
central fueling facility on Bolivar Street.
VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this article. There is only one
outstanding obligation from the 2002 fiscal year. It is due to Gale Associates in the amount of $3,698.60
for services rendered at the central fueling facility on Bolivar Street. The Fire Chief has stated that the
services were properly done and advocates for the reimbursement to this company.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 16Source page 17
ARTICLE 9
SUPPLEMENT FISCAL ’03 ACCOUNTS
Article 9 To see if the town will vote to appropriate from any available funds, or to transfer from
one line item to another, any sum or sums of money for the purpose of supplementing appropriations made
for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2002 and ending on June 30, 2003 under article 58 of the warrant
for the 2002 annual town meeting, or otherwise:
1. To appropriate, by transfer from the Ambulance Service account (Fund #170), a sum of money to
the Fire Department’s salaries and expenses.
2. To appropriate, by transfer from the Insurance Reimbursement account (Fund #173) a sum of
money to line item #19462-57411 (Town Insurance).
3. To appropriate, by transfer from various departmental budgets a sum of money to line item
#19141-51735 (Health Insurance).
4. To appropriate, by transfer from the Excess Lottery Receipts account (Fund #176), a sum of
money to the School Department’s salaries and expenses.
or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen/School Committee
Article 9: The Finance Committee recommendations are as follows:
MOVED: That the town vote to supplement the appropriations made for the fiscal year beginning
on July 1, 2002 and ending on June 30, 2003 under article 58 of the warrant for the 2002 annual town
meeting, as follows:
1. To appropriate, by transfer from the Ambulance Service account (Fund #170), the sum of
$100,890 to the Fire Department’s salaries and expenses.
2. To appropriate, by transfer from the Insurance Reimbursement account (Fund #173) the sum of
$70,000 to line item #19462-57411 (Town Insurance).
3. To appropriate, by transfer from Debt Service (Dept. #710) the sum of $140,000 and by transfer
from various departmental budgets as outlined below the sum of $114,766 for a total transfer of
$254,766 to line item #19141-51735 (Health Insurance).
Dept. 129 (Executive Secretary) $13,245
Dept. 135 (Town Accountant) 4,906
Dept. 141 (Board of Assessors) 10,347
Dept. 151 (Town Counsel) 17,304
Dept. 179 (Town Planner) 13,066
Dept. 210 (Police Dept.) 14,521
Dept. 220 (Fire Dept.) 3,544
Dept. 241 (Building Dept.) 2,444
Dept. 400 (DPW Administration) 13,682
Dept. 410 (DPW Engineering) 7,765
Dept. 510 (Board of Health) 6,742
Dept. 610 (Library) 2,721
Dept. 630 (Recreation) 4,479
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 17Source page 18
VOTE: 8-0-0
4. That the subject matter of this motion be postponed indefinitely.
VOTE: 10-0-0
Motion #1
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this motion. A large number of new
firefighters and other overtime considerations are projected to exceed the present appropriation in the FY03
budget. The Finance Committee with the Finance Director monitors the salary and overtime for the fire
department constantly during the fiscal year. The Committee has shared its concern about overtime costs
with the fire department.
Motion #2
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this article. Since 9/11, insurance
premiums have been rising. Several renewals premiums have pushed the expenditure for town insurance
beyond the present appropriation in the FY03 budget. Fortunately, we have funds available from a
previous insurance settlement.
Motion #3
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this article. The town health plan is
partially self-funded and claims for our employees vary during the fiscal year. Likewise, some employees
may take the town health insurance due to a personal qualifying event, which may be the layoff of the
spouse in whose health insurance plan the family had been enrolled. Debt service had a favorable balance
with funds available to cover part of this shortfall and the town has derived salary savings from the
implementation of the early retirement plan this fiscal year. The Committee must again state our concern
with the ever increasing costs of employee and retiree health insurance. During FY04 steps must be taken
to slow the increase.
Motion #4
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this motion to postpone indefinitely
because there are no supplements needed.
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 for prior town meetings, as follows:
1. To transfer from the computer network article (line item #11554-58532) the sum of $19,829.85 to
the Town Technology account (Fund #380) in order to close out this project balance.
or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 18Source page 19
Article 10: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the town vote to transfer the unexpended balance of certain appropriations made
under various articles in the warrant for prior town meetings, as follows:
1. To transfer from the computer network article (line item #11554-58532) the sum of $19,829.85 to
the Town Technology account (Fund #380) in order to close out this project balance.
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this article. The technology administrator
expended previous appropriations and still had this balance remaining. By transferring this balance into
Fund #380, additional technology needs can be met.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 11
AUTHORIZE CONTRACTS OF MORE THAN THREE YEARS DURATION
Article 11 To see if the town will vote, in accordance with the provisions of section twelve (b) of
chapter thirty B, [MGL chapter 30B, §12(b)], to authorize the finance director (in his capacity as chief
procurement officer) to solicit and award contracts for terms of more than three years, provided in each
such instance the longer term is determined to be in the best interest of the town by a vote of the Board of
Selectmen, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Article 11: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That, in accordance with the provisions of section twelve (b) of chapter thirty B, [MGL
chapter 30B, §12(b)], to authorize the Finance Director (in his capacity as chief procurement officer) to
solicit and award contracts for terms of more than three years, provided in each such instance the longer
term is determined to be in the best interest of the town by a vote of the Board of Selectmen.
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this article. From time to time, it is the
best interest of the town to enter into contracts with a duration exceeding three years. The Finance
Director, as Chief Procurement Officer, should have the authority necessary to pursue these contracts.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 19Source page 20
ARTICLE 12 AUTHORIZE CERTAIN “REVOLVING FUNDS” Article 12 To see if the town will vote, pursuant to the provisions of section fifty-three E and one half of chapter forty-four (MGL chapter 44, §53E½), to authorize the use by any municipal agency of any revolving funds which shall be accounted for separately and to which shall be credited departmental receipts received in connection with programs supported by such revolving funds, or to take any other action in relation thereto. Conservation Commission, Beautification Committee, School Committee, Fire Department, Veteran’s Agent, Council on Aging Article 12: The Finance Committee recommendations are as follows: Motion #1 MOVED: That the Conservation Commission is hereby authorized to establish a revolving fund, pursuant to the provisions of MGL chapter 44, section 53E½, to which shall be credited all sums received by it for the rental and use of any portion of the property known as Pequitside Farm, including but not limited to, rental payments for occupancy of the, so-called, Little Red House; payments for use of any room or rooms in the main building; payments for the use of any portion of the, so-called, Tavern; and payments received for the use of any other portion of the building or grounds. The Conservation Commission is hereby authorized, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to expend from such revolving fund an amount not to exceed $10,000 annually and any amounts generated above $10,000 on an annual basis shall be returned to the General Fund. These funds may become available for the purpose of maintaining, improving and renovation any portion or portions of such property. Such expenditures shall be made for these purposes as set out in the master plan for maintenance, improvement, and renovation of Pequitside Farm, a copy of which is on file in the office of the Town Clerk and copy of which is available for public review at the office of the Conservation Commission. Motion #2 MOVED: That the Conservation Commission is hereby authorized to establish a revolving fund, pursuant to the provisions of MGL chapter 44, section 53E½, to which shall be credited all sums received by it from applicants for permits, pursuant to the fourth paragraph of section four of article XV of the town’s General By-Laws, for making payments to engineers, hydrologists, and other experts engaged by the conservation commission to assist it in its review of applications for work in wetlands, or bordering wetlands. The Conservation Commission is hereby authorized, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to expend from such revolving fund such amounts as may be necessary based on bills and other statements for services received from or submitted by engineers, hydrologists, and other experts engaged by it for such purposes. Said fund not to exceed $12,500 annually. Any balance remaining in such fund after the project has been completed shall be returned to the applicant. Motion #3 MOVED: That the School Committee be and hereby is authorized to establish a revolving fund, pursuant to the provisions of MGL chapter 44, section fifty-three E½, to which shall be credited all fees received by it from, or on behalf of, students who desire to use the town’s school bus transportation system, but are not entitled to do so. The School Committee is hereby authorized to expend all sums received by it for such purposes for the payment of bills and charges in connection with pupil transportation. Motion #4 MOVED: That the School Committee be and hereby is authorized to establish a revolving fund, pursuant to the provisions of MGL chapter 44, section fifty-three E½, to which shall be credited all fees ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 20
Source page 21
received by it from, or on behalf of, students who are enrolled in pre-school or after school tuition based
educational programs. The School Committee is hereby authorized to expend all sums received by it for
such purposes for the payment of bills and charges in connection with such pre-school and after school
supplementary educational programs.
Motion #5
MOVED: That the Veterans’ Services Director be and hereby is authorized to establish a revolving
fund, pursuant to the provisions of MGL chapter 44, section fifty-three E½, to which shall be credited all
contributions, donations, gifts, grants and other sums of money not otherwise provided for by-law. The
Veterans’ Services Director is hereby authorized to expend all sums received and credited to such fund for
the purpose of providing services to veterans which are not otherwise funded under any established
program, including but not limited to publication of a newsletter, monthly breakfasts, funeral services and
other commemorative programs and any other purpose in the opinion of the said Veterans’ Services
Director to be in the best interests of Canton Veterans. Such revolving fund shall not exceed $10,000
annually and any amounts generated above $10,000 on an annual basis shall be paid into the General Fund.
Motion #6
MOVED: That the Fire Department be and hereby is authorized to establish a revolving fund,
pursuant to the provisions of MGL chapter 44, section fifty-three E½, to which shall be credited all fees
received by it from, or on behalf of, the commonwealth, any public utility, any other business entity, or any
individual person to compensate the department whenever it is required to move fire alarm signal wires,
devices and other appurtenances when, so-called, telephone poles are removed, changed or relocated. The
fire department is hereby authorized to expend all sums received by it for such purposes for the payment of
bills and charges incurred in connection with such relocation of fire alarm signal wires, devices and other
appurtenances. The receipt and disbursement of funds in this account shall be subject to standards
established by the director of finance.
Motion #7
MOVED: That the Council on Aging be and hereby is authorized to establish a revolving fund,
pursuant to the provisions of MGL chapter 44, section fifty-three E½, to which shall be credited all fees
received by it from, or on behalf of, providing transportation services to elderly citizens. The Council on
Aging is hereby authorized to expend all sums received by it for such purposes for the payment of bills and
charges in connection with transportation of the elderly.
VOTE: 10-0-0
Motion #1
DISCUSSION: This article must be voted by Town Meeting annually to allow the Conservation
Commission to continue its revolving account. They currently have a revolving account to which all
rentals related to the use of the properties located on the premises known as Pequitside Farm are credited.
Motion # 2
DISCUSSION: This article must be voted annually by Town Meeting to allow the Conservation
Commission to continue its revolving fund. The Commission has required applicants to deposit with it a
sum of money to enable it to engage “experts” to assist it in evaluating proposals for wetlands work. The
Planning Board similarly requires applicants to make deposits with it so that it may engage experts, but a
statutory exemption to the provisions of MGL chap.44, section 53 which exists for planning boards is not
available to conservation commissions. The Assistant Attorney General in charge of municipal matters has
suggested that towns should authorize conservation commissions to establish revolving funds for these
projects to bring them into conformity with Chap. 44, Section 53.
Motion #3
DISCUSSION: This article must be voted by Town Meeting for the School Committee to establish a
revolving fund to which revenues received from school bus transportation user fees may be credited. The
fund must be used for the payment of bills and charges in connection with pupil transportation.
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 21Source page 22
Motion #4
DISCUSSION: This article must be voted by Town Meeting for the School Committee to establish a
revolving fund to which revenues from students enrolled in pre-school and after school tuition based
educational programs may be credited. The fund must be used for the payment of bills and charges in
connection with said pre-school and after school supplementary educational programs.
Motion #5
DISCUSSION: This article was requested by the Veterans’ Services Director to establish a revolving
fund for donations received. The fund will be used to provide services to veterans which are not otherwise
funded under any established program.
Motion #6
DISCUSSION: This article must be voted by Town Meeting for the Fire Department to establish a
revolving fund for fees received to compensate the department for relocating fire alarm services.
Motion #7
DISCUSSION: This article must be voted by Town Meeting for the Council on Aging to establish a
revolving fund to which revenues derived from the transportation supplied to the elderly citizens must be
credited. This fund must be used for the payment of bills and charges in connection with transportation for
our elderly citizens.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 13
‘”OMNIBUS” CAPITAL OUTLAY PROGRAM
Article 13 To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate, or to transfer from available funds,
or to authorize the town treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow (and to issue
bonds or notes therefore) any sum or sums of money, or by any combination of these methods of financing
as may be necessary or desirable, make available funds for the purpose of purchasing, leasing, re-
conditioning, improving or replacing any motor vehicles or other items of equipment or machinery or other
items of personal property for any town agency, or for the purpose of contracting for any service, or for the
design, repair, acquisition, construction, replacement or relocation or improvement to any town building or
other structure, public works facility (including highway needs and traffic safety items), any other town
owned facility or real property, or for any other purposes for which borrowing may be authorized, to
purchase, or to take by eminent domain, any land or easements necessary for any such purposes and, where
applicable, to authorize the trade-in of any presently owned motor vehicles, equipment or machinery to
reduce the purchase or acquisition cost of any item to be acquired, or to take any other action in relation
thereto.
Board of Selectmen/Capital Outlay Committee/ School Committee
Article 13: The Finance Committee recommendations are as follows:
Motion #1
MOVED:
(a) The Finance Director/Chief Procurement Officer shall supervise the acquisition of all vehicles
and other motorized equipment which is authorized to be purchased or otherwise acquired by any motion
made under this warrant article. The Finance Director/Chief Procurement Officer shall, in addition to the
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 22Source page 23
procurement, supervise the “trade-in” or other disposition of all vehicles and other motorized equipment
being replaced. 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 ten days following a decision to waive or to modify the foregoing provision
requiring full compliance with the specifications on file.
(b) The Building Renovations Committee appointed pursuant to a by-law adopted under article 23
of the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting of 2002, shall be responsible for the supervision of all
building and/or land improvements related projects which are approved and or funded by any motion made
under this article.
VOTE: 10-0-0
Motion #2
MOVED: The sum of $618,000 is hereby appropriated for the purpose of purchasing certain items
of personnel property for the non-school departments and offices of the town and to meet the said
appropriation the sum of $225,000 shall be transferred from the Stoughton Mitigation Fund (#158) and the
balance of $393,000 shall be raised from the levy.
RECOMMENDATIONS COPC FINCOM
Police Department
Replace 4 Vehicles $86,000 $86,000
Fire Department
Replace 3 Vehicles 96,000 96,000
Department of Public Works
Replace 1990 GMC Dump Sander 89,000 89,000
Supplement Chapter 90 Program 200,000 200,000
Buildings/Grounds Department
Repairs to Horse Barn at Pequitside Farm 23,000 23,000
Replace 1992 Ford Truck 37,000 37,000
Recreation Department
Irrigation System – Lower Memorial Field – Phase 1 60,000 60,000
Council on Aging
Replace 1997 Ford Van 27,000 27,000
GRAND TOTAL $618,000 $618,000
The cost estimates 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 to be
appropriated is one line item in the total sum ($618,000). The Finance Director is hereby authorized to
distribute such funds in such manner as may be needed and provided that each item contained in the list is
procured and that the excess funds are available because one or more items cost less than was estimated
and not because an item intended to be procured is not so procured.
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 23Source page 24
VOTE: 10-0-0 Motion #2 DISCUSSION: POLICE DEPARTMENT Cruiser Replacements – (4) The Police Department will replace four patrol vehicles during fiscal 2004 staggered over a twelve-month period. The strategy is to replace high mileage vehicles as each nears its 75,000-mile warranty. Generally, high mileage patrol vehicles last about 20 months. Each replaced vehicle will be traded in, or disposed. FIRE DEPARTMENT Vehicle Replacements – (3) The Fire Department will replace three command vehicles during fiscal 2004 staggered over a twelve- month period. These high mileage vehicles, which are about 10 years old, 1993-1994 Crown Victoria Sedans, are “becoming unreliable emergency vehicles”. Two vehicles have approximately 80,000 odometer miles and one has 120,000. The Fire Department intends to replace two with four-wheel drive utility vehicles. The utility vehicles are: 1. Multi-purpose and more practical for fire prevention activities, including transporting firefighters to the scene in all weather conditions. Each replaced vehicle will be traded in, or disposed. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Dump Sander Replacement – (1) The Department of Public Works will replace a 1990 GMC truck as part of a continuing effort to upgrade equipment on a planned schedule. The replaced vehicle will be traded in, or disposed. Supplement Chapter 90 Program The department will utilize these monies to supplement the funds received from the Mass Highway Department, which has been averaging about $390,000 annually for the last two years, down from $550,000 in years prior to when the reductions took place. The Department and Board of Selectmen determine how the monies will be expended based on the Pavement Management Program findings. BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Repairs to Pequitside Farm Barn The Building and Grounds Department will undertake structural work in preparation for completing more extensive renovations in subsequent years. This phase will include replacing the barn sills in order to provide a solid base for future work. Truck Replacement – (1) The department will replace a 1992 Ford truck because it has safety and operational reliance/performance issues. This replaced vehicle will be traded in, or disposed. RECREATION Irrigation System – Lower Memorial Field – Phase 1 The Recreation Department will install an irrigation system at the Fallon Field on the lower Memorial Field complex as part of a comprehensive field maintenance plan, which is intended to increase durability and usefulness of existing fields. This project is considered Phase 1 of a three-year plan to install irrigation throughout town’s fields. Fallon field this year, the Ruane and Salah, and Devoll fields next year, followed by the Tilden and Ponkapoag fields in the third year. The $197,000 estimated total cost is included in the 5-Year Expenditure Plan for the Board of Selectmen, and 1-Year Plan for the School Committee. ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 24
Source page 25
COUNCIL ON AGING Van Replacement – (1) The Council on Aging will replace a 1997 Ford Van because safe and reliable transportation is critical to the senior citizens of the community. This is a high road and engine mileage vehicle. The replaced vehicle will be traded in, or disposed. The Council was desirous of increasing the current fleet to three with this purchase, but decided instead to pursue a grant request with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MDT). The grant procedure requires submission of an application outlining the need to the MDT, which will then evaluate Canton’s application along with all other submitted requests in this cycle. A decision will be made later in the year regarding Canton’s eligibility. Motion #3 MOVED: The sum of $778,000 is hereby appropriated for the purpose of purchasing certain items of personnel property for the school department said appropriation is to be raised from the levy on property. RECOMMENDATIONS COPC FINCOM Systemwide Building Repair/Improvements – Exterior Door $49,000 $49,000 Building Repair/Improvements – Lighting 46,000 46,000 Building Repair/Improvements – Exterior Window 20,000 20,000 Building Repair/Improvements – Space Needs (Maint.) 100,000 100,000 Technology – Software – Educational 79,000 79,000 Technology – Computers 90,000 90,000 Technology – Laptops 6,000 6,000 Technology – Switches 32,000 32,000 Technology – Servers 49,000 49,000 Technology – Software – Licenses 10,000 10,000 Technology – Printers 14,000 14,000 Technology – Music Equipment 5,000 5,000 Technology – Special Education Equipment 12,000 12,000 Program Improvements – Wellness 16,000 16,000 Program Improvements – Equipment 4,000 4,000 Program Improvements – Visual Arts 41,000 41,000 Program Improvements – Fine Arts 34,000 34,000 Program Improvements – English/Language Arts 14,000 14,000 Program Improvements – Social Studies 15,000 15,000 Program Improvements – Library 20,000 20,000 Program Improvements – Math 4,000 4,000 Furniture – Students – Desks and Chairs 36,000 36,000 Furniture – Staff – Desks and Chairs 37,000 37,000 Grounds – Concrete Work 12,000 12,000 Extraordinary Maintenance 33,000 33,000 GRAND TOTAL $778,000 $778,000 ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 25
Source page 26
The cost estimates 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 to be
appropriated is one line item in the total sum of $778,000. The Finance Director and the Business Manager
of the School department, acting jointly, are hereby authorized to distribute such funds in such manner as
may be needed and provided that each item contained in the list is procured and that the excess funds are
available because one or more items cost less than was estimated and not because an item intended to be
procured is not so procured.
VOTE: 10-0-0
Motion #3
DISCUSSION:
GALVIN MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING A
Exterior Doors Replacements
Two sets of double doors and three sets of singles with frames will be replaced at the Galvin Middle
School. These doors are the originals installed in 1970, which have never been upgraded.
Three sets of single doors with frames will be replaced at the High School Building A. These are the
original doors that are at least 50 years old.
HANSEN AND KENNEDY SCHOOLS
Lighting-related Replacements
A 1969 emergency generator will be replaced at the Hansen School. It will be an 80 KW generator, the cost
of which will include new wiring and a power upgrade. It will come with a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
The present generator can no longer handle the emergency load requirements of the school.
Approximately 1,120 lamps and 280 ballasts will be replaced and 13 new fixtures will be installed at the
Kennedy School. The expected life for ballasts is between 5 and 9 years. The ballasts to be replaced have
reached the end of their useful life.
HANSEN
Exterior Window Panel Insert Replacements
Approximately 118 window panel inserts made up of insulation board and a metal trim will be replaced at
the Hansen School. The present panel inserts have become a student safety issue because of exposed edges
on existing panels.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE FACILITY
Space Needs-Related Costs
The renovation and expansion of Canton High School will displace the current facility, which is located in
the basement area of Building B. The current location has created safety and logistical issues, which need
to be resolved by July 1, 2003. The school department working in conjunction with municipal personnel is
in the process of evaluating permanent sites, which could house a combined DPW municipal-school
maintenance facility.
Until such time as a permanent location can be identified and made operational, the school department will
need to lease space to accommodate their maintenance, and equipment storage needs. This funding will
provide for lease space costs, as well as relocation and start up costs.
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 26Source page 27
SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY EXPENDITURES Educational Software, Computers, Laptop Computers, Switches, Servers, Licenses, Printers, Music Equipment, and SPED equipment Hardware purchases (i.e., computers, ink jet printers, switches, servers, software licenses, and scanning- related equipment) totaling $195,000 will fund replacement of existing equipment. Funding totaling $79,000 will enable educational software purchases to be made, which is “generally content specific software that relates directly to the taught curriculum.” There is a formal process in place for requesting and ordering educational software. Funding the Technology budget this year will amount to $297,000, which represents 38% of the School Department’s Cash Capital budget. The school department technology coordinator provided comprehensive explanations to a series of questions submitted by the COPC. These responses support the school department’s funding request. For budget purposes, the school department uses $1,200 as the replacement cost for a computer. Given that $90,000 has been budgeted for computers, it is fair to assume the school department will purchase approximately 75 computers. This 5-Year Plan includes $1.5 million for technology-related expenditures, which represents 66% of the school department’s allocation of Cash Capital during the 2004 though 2008 time period. Going forward it could become difficult to stay abreast with the changing technological environment when a substantial portion of the technology budget will need to be dedicated to equipment replacements. SYSTEM PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT EXPENDITURES Wellness, Equipment, Fine Arts, Visual Arts, English/Language Arts, Social Studies, Library and Math The school department has bundled a number of program improvement requests that individually fall below the current capital threshold of $10,000. In a spirit of cooperation the COPC has supported this approach over the last 3 years because Cash Capital purchases are of a period cost nature. Program Improvement-related expenditures within the Cash Capital budget allow the school department to expend limited resources within the operating budget on critical recurring educational, and operations and maintenance expenditures. Wellness, the Fine and Visual Arts program improvements total $91,000 of the $148,000 funding recommended. The core subject program improvements total $53,000. Each component should have a beneficial impact of the process of learning in our school system. HANSEN, KENNEDY, LUCE AND MIDDLE SCHOOLS Furniture – Students and Staff; Copiers - Staff Funding 100 student desks and chairs will complete the replacement program at the Hansen School. The Hansen will also purchase 16 classroom-teaching carts. Grade 1 at the Kennedy School will receive new student tables and chairs. The Galvin Middle School will purchase classroom furniture and folding function tables, five staff desks and chairs, as well as stacking chairs. The Hansen, Kennedy and Luce Schools will purchase new copiers for use by staff personnel. HANSEN Concrete Work Front walkways, which are breaking up due to salt will be replaced at the Hansen School. Entryway benches, which are made of wood are splintering, will be replaced by fiberglass material. LOWER MEMORIAL FIELD ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 27
Source page 28
Irrigation System – Robotic Sprinklers
Robotic sprinklers will be purchased for use in conjunction with the lower Memorial field irrigation project
to be undertaken by the Board of Selectmen.
SYSTEM
Roof Audit
The maintenance department will engage a consultant to conduct an audit of all school buildings except
Building B and make recommendations regarding condition and replacement time frame. The study
findings will become the basis for scheduling roof replacements for the next 5-10 years.
In addition, exit lights at the Galvin Middle School will be replaced.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Motion #4
MOVED: The sum of $50,000 is hereby appropriated for the purpose of purchasing certain items of
personnel property for the public library, said appropriation is to be raised from the levy on property, as
follows.
Network Server $30,000.00
Collection Expansion 20,000.00
The cost estimates 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 to be
appropriated is one line item in the total sum ($50,000). The Finance Director and the Library Director,
acting jointly, are hereby authorized to distribute such funds in such manner as may be needed and
provided that each item contained in the list is procured and that the excess funds are available because one
or more items cost less than was estimated and not because an item intended to be procured is not so
procured.
VOTE: 11-0-0
Motion #4
DISCUSSION:
TECHNOLOGY
Replace Network Server
With this funding the Library will replace its current network server and switches, which have been
scheduled for replacement in conjunction with the conclusion of the renovation and expansion project. The
new facility will be open and operational during fiscal 2004.
Collection Expansion
This funding will provide for books and other materials needed when the library moves back into their
expanded facility.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Motion #5
MOVED: The sum of $170,000 is hereby appropriated, by transfer from the ambulance fund
reserved for appropriation account (#170), for the purpose of replacing Ambulance #1 for the emergency
medical services division of the fire department.
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 28Source page 29
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: Ambulance #1 is a 1996 International Chassis with a Horton Aluminum ambulance body.
This vehicle responds to all medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents and water rescues in the district
1 area as well as the majority of mutual aid medical requests. The replaced vehicle will be traded in or
disposed.
This vehicle will have over 180,000 miles/engine hours on it by the time a new vehicle is purchased. When
it was originally purchased, it was bought to be a 100,000 mile vehicle.
This ambulance has paid for itself many times over and needs to be replaced now.
Next fiscal year (2005) the department will be requesting replacement of Ambulance #2.
Ambulance vehicle replacements are charged against the Ambulance Self Supported Account.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Motion #6
MOVED: The sum of $135,000 is hereby appropriated, for the purpose of purchasing a new fire
engine for the fire department to replace Engine E-7 and to meet said appropriation the town treasurer, with
the approval of the Board of Selectmen, be authorized to borrow, pursuant to the authority of MGL chapter
44, section 7, clause 9 and 9A, and every other enabling authority as may be, up to the sum of the sum of
one hundred and thirty five thousand dollars ($135,000); said appropriation is to be expended under the
supervision and direction of the fire chief.
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: Engine 7 is a 1979 brush truck with seating for 2 firefighters. The road mileage is low
however the engine hours (the actual time, in hours, that the engine runs) are high as its purpose is to travel
to a scene and pump as long as necessary to extinguish a brush fire. This has often run into multiple 8-hour
days. The replaced vehicle will be traded in or disposed.
Engine 7 does not meet the current National Fire Protection Standard for back step/tailboard. A larger cab
is now required because firefighters can no longer ride on the back step of apparatus.
The cost of not replacing could exceed $10,000, which would not be a cost-effective way to spend limited
financial resources within the operational budget.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Motion #7
MOVED: That the sum of $637,000 be appropriated for the purpose of enabling the building
renovations committee to make certain improvements in school buildings, generally as follows and that to
meet said appropriation the town treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, be authorized to
borrow, pursuant to the authority of MGL chapter 44, section 7, clause 3A, and every other enabling
authority as may be, up to the sum of the sum of six hundred and thirty-seven thousand dollars ($637,000).
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 29Source page 30
HVAC – Systemwide $156,000
Plumbing – Hansen $80,000
Plumbing – Galvin $80,000
Tile Replacement/Asbestos Removal – Hansen $117,000
Asphalt Replacement – Hansen $85,000
Asphalt Replacement – Kennedy $83,000
Asphalt Replacement – Galvin $36,000
The cost estimates 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 to be
appropriated is one line item the total sum ($637,000). The Finance Director and the Building Renovations
Committee, acting jointly, are hereby authorized to distribute such funds in such manner as may be needed
and provided that each item contained in the list is procured and that the excess funds are available because
one or more items cost less than was estimated and not because an item intended to be procured is not so
procured.
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION:
SPECIAL NOTE:
The purpose of combining a number of major building-related projects is to provide the Building
Renovations Committee (BRC) with some flexibility to apply overages from one project to fund shortages
in other projects in order to carry out the will of the Town Meeting. The amounts authorized for these
projects as based on “budget only” estimates that can differ from the final bid-related costs.
System HVAC Replacements ($156,000)
We are now five years into our 10-year HVAC replacement program This year the school department is
allocating $11,000 to the Hansen, $40,000 to the Kennedy, $46,000 to the Luce, $42,000 to the Galvin
and $17,000 to the high school Building A. The school department furnished the COPC with updated 5-
Year HVAC plans, which now include the Luce School, and eliminates Buildings B and C due to the
renovation and expansion of these buildings.
Plumbing Upgrades ($160,000)
Funding this component will allow the school department to continue the effort of making the Hansen
bathrooms ($80,000) ADA complaint, as well as the remaining Galvin Middle School bathrooms
($80,000). The Transition Plan Implementation Committee (TPIC) is in the process of having all school
buildings re-surveyed to determine what plumbing needs remain to be undertaken in order to be fully ADA
compliant. The school department has not budgeted additional monies in the years 2005-08 for any ADA
plumbing-related projects.
Replace Floor Tiles and Asbestos Abate Existing Floor Tiles ($117,000)
Funding this project for the Hansen School will remove existing tile in various classrooms and replace
with non-asbestos tile. In addition, carpets in the lobby/corridor will be replaced.
Replace Asphalt Parking Areas and Walkways ($204,000)
Asphalt replacement will include the Hansen teachers’ parking lot ($85,000), Kennedy circle around the
island and left side of the building ($83,000), and Galvin Middle walkways ($36,000). The school
department advises this project will complete the Kennedy asphalt needs for the foreseeable future.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 30Source page 31
Motion #8
MOVED: That the sum of $375,000 be appropriated for the purpose of funding certain
improvements to the sewer system and that the treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, be
authorized to borrow, pursuant to the authority of MGL chapter 44, section 8, clause 15, and every other
enabling authority as may be, up to the sum of the sum of three hundred and seventy five thousand dollars
($375,000).
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION:
Greenlodge Street Interceptor Project – A& E
Funding this request will permit the evaluation, planning and engineering process to continue regarding
replacing the current sewer interceptor line, commonly referred to the Greenlodge Street Interceptor, which
is a major wastewater flow line for Canton. This line appears to handle about one third of the daily
wastewater flowing from Canton into the MWRA interceptor line in Westwood.
The potential environmental/ecological impact of this project could be substantial.
The project cost has been estimated at $6.784 million by Vollmer Associates, the Town’s consultant.
This project will should undergo further evaluation and a peer review before it goes into the design
development stage.
The debt service impact of this project on sewer rates could be substantial. Consequently, all viable options
must be evaluated before the Town commits $6.784 million to this project.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
Motion #9
MOVED: That the sum of $120,000 be appropriated for the purpose of purchasing a front end
loader for the water division and that to meet the said appropriation the town treasurer, with the approval of
the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow, pursuant to the authority of chapter 44, section 8, clause
4A and 7C, and every other authority as may be, up to the sum of $120,000 with the trade-in value of the
1995 Samsung loader being replaced credited to the general fund, said bonds are to be amortized by
payments made from the receipts of the water department, notwithstanding which the bonds shall be
considered to be general obligations of the town of Canton.
VOTE: 11-0-0
DISCUSSION:
Replace Samsung Loader
The DPW senior management advised the ownership responsibility for this vehicle rests within the Water
Enterprise-related budgetary control, although this piece of equipment services both the Water and
Highway Departments. This piece of heavy equipment was authorized by the 1995 ATM to be purchased
and funded through levy-related debt. However, subsequent to that purchase this piece of equipment was
transferred to the Water Enterprise responsibility. A recent review of two randomly selected repair
invoices showed that in June 2001 approximately $3,070 in charges was assigned to the Water Enterprise
maintenance account. It is the intent of this recommendation to assign the full acquisition cost to the Water
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 31Source page 32
Enterprise budget and credit any trade in value derived from the disposal of the Samsung Loader to the
levy-related free cash.
The DPW has provided an inventory of all vehicles and equipment under its responsibility. Each piece has
been assigned to one of its three operating entities, namely: Highway, Water Enterprise or Sewer
Enterprise. This inventory will be used as the baseline for future vehicle and equipment replacement
requests.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 14
CONNECT CHAPMAN KNOLL TO SANITARY SEWER
Article 14 To see if the town will vote to ratify and confirm an easement granted to the town by
John Marini and by William Moore to connect a sanitary sewer serving the subdivision known as
"Chapman Knoll" to the public sanitary sewer system, by taking by eminent domain the land shown on a
plan by Toomey-Munson & Associates, Inc. entitled “Sewer Connection Easement Plan, Chapman Knoll
Drive in Canton, MA.” Dated July 30, 2002, copies of which have been placed on file and are available for
public review at the office of the Planning Board, at the office of the Town Clerk and at the office of the
Board of Selectmen in Memorial Hall, at the research desk at the Canton Public Library, and on the town
web site, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Public Works Department
Article 14: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the town vote to take by eminent domain an easement to connect a sanitary sewer
serving the subdivision known as "Chapman Knoll" to the public sanitary sewer system, as shown on a plan
of land prepared by Toomey-Munson & Associates, Inc, entitled "Sewer Connection Easement Plan,
Chapman Knoll Drive, in Canton, MA, dated July 30, 2002, copies of which were placed on file and have
been available for public review at the office of the Town Clerk and the office of the Board of Selectmen in
Memorial Hall, at the research desk at the Canton Public Library and, the Town Web Site, said taking being
for the purpose of ratifying and confirming an easement granted to the town and recorded in Norfolk
Registry of Deeds Book 633, page 127.
VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this article. The easement for this sewer
connection eliminates the need for a sewer pumping station and the future costs of its maintenance. The
work on this connection was done at no expense to the town.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 32Source page 33
ARTICLE 15
AUTHORIZE ‘TAKINGS’ FOR LANDS OFF WARD WELL ROAD
Article 15 To see if the town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to take by eminent
domain an easement over lands off Ward Well Road now or formerly of Anton Fuller all; as shown on a
plan of land entitled "Plan of Land for Easement over Land of Alton Fuller" copies of which have been
placed on file and are available for public review at the office of the Planning Board, at the office of the
Town Clerk and at the office of the Board of Selectmen in Memorial Hall, at the research desk at the
Canton Public Library and on the town web site, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Public Works Department
Article 15: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the Board of Selectmen be and hereby is authorized to take by eminent domain the
easement necessary to install a sewer line in land now or formerly of Anton Fuller as shown on a plan of
land entitled "Plan of Land for Easement over Land of Alton Fuller" copies of which have been placed on
file and are available for public review at the office of the Planning Board, at the office of the Town Clerk
and at the office of the Board of Selectmen in Memorial Hall, at the research desk at the Canton Public
Library and on the town web site.
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this article. This article perfects the legal
language necessary for improvements to the town sewer system in this section of town.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 16
ACCEPT PROVISIONS TO CHANGE ABATEMENT FOR SENIOR TAX REBATE PROGRAM
Article 16 To see if the town will vote to accept the provisions of section 5K of chapter 59 of the
General Laws (as amended by section 52 of chapter 184 of the Acts of 2002) increasing from a maximum
of $500 to a maximum of $750 the amount that may be deducted from the property tax bills of certain
elderly persons in exchange for services performed, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Board of Selectmen, Board of Assessors
Article 16: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the town vote to accept the provisions of section 5K of chapter 59 of the General
Laws (as amended by section 52 of chapter 184 of the Acts of 2002) increasing from a maximum of $500
to a maximum of $750 the amount that may be deducted from the property tax bills of certain elderly
persons in exchange for services performed.
VOTE: 8-0-0
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 33Source page 34
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this article. We feel that tax relief is
needed for our elderly taxpayers. The new amounts are within state statutes and in keeping neighboring
communities. The additional cost of this change is expected to be approximately $13,000.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 17
CONTRACT FOR TRIENNIAL REVALUATION
Article 17 To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate, by borrowing or otherwise, a sum of
money sufficient to enable the Board of Assessors to enter into a contract for the triennial revaluation of all
taxable property within the town, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Board of Assessors
Article 17: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the town appropriate, by transfer from Assessors Overlay Surplus account, the sum
of $100,000 for the purpose of enabling the Board of Assessors to enter into a contract for the triennial
valuation and revaluation of property subject to taxation in the town.
VOTE: 9-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this article. State law requires triennial
revaluation of all real and personal property. Funding is required for the company that performs the survey
for the Board of Assessors.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 18
ACCEPT PROVISIONS AMENDING ABATEMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES FOR ELDERLY
Article 18 To see if the town will vote to accept the provisions of clause 41C of section 5, chapter
59 of the General Laws (as inserted by section 51 of chapter 184 of the Acts of 2002) making certain
adjustments to the law governing the abatement of the property taxes of certain elderly persons, or to take
any other action in relation thereto.
Board of Assessors
Article 18: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the town vote to accept the provisions of chapter 59, section 5, clause 41C, as
inserted by section 51 of chapter184 of the acts of 2002.
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 34Source page 35
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this article. We feel that tax relief is
needed for our elderly taxpayers. The new amounts are within state statutes and in keeping neighboring
communities. The additional cost of these changes is expected to be approximately $10,500.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 19
AMEND GENERAL BY-LAWS BY STRIKING ARTICLE VIII
Article 19 To see if the town will vote to amend the General By-Laws of the Town, as most recently
amended, by striking out and deleting, in its entirety, the provisions of Article VIII, section 6 regarding the
solicitation of bids, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Finance Director
Article 19: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the Town vote to amend the General By-Laws of the Town, as most recently
amended, by striking out and deleting, in its entirety, the provisions of Article VIII, section 6 regarding the
solicitation of bids.
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this article. This article allows our
procurement limits to follow state guidelines without further specific amendments by town meeting.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 20
ACCEPT PROVISIONS OF GENERAL BY-LAWS RELATIVE TO COMMUNITY PRESERVATION
ACT
Article 20 To see if the town will vote to accept the provisions of sections three through seven of
chapter 44B of the General Laws, the so-called, Community Preservation Act, by approving a levy of not
more than three percent of the real estate tax levy against real property, as determined annually by the
Board of Assessors and to accept the following exemptions as appearing in subsection (e) of the section 3,
chapter 44B:
(1) for property owned and occupied as a domicile by a person who would qualify for low income housing
or low or moderate income senior housing in the city or town;
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 35Source page 36
(2) for class three, commercial, and class four, industrial, properties as defined in section 2A of said
chapter 59, in cities or towns with classified tax rates; or
(3) for $100,000 of the value of each taxable parcel of residential real property.
If approved, the actions of this body shall be submitted for acceptance to the voters of at the next regular municipal
or state election. The town clerk or the state secretary shall place it on the ballot in the form of the following
question:
"Shall this town accept sections 3 to 7, inclusive of chapter 44B of the General Laws, as
approved by its legislative body, a summary of which appears below?"
or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Planning Board
Article 20: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the subject matter of this article be postponed indefinitely.
VOTE: 9-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously to postpone this article indefinitely. The
Committee’s vote was not based on the merits of the article. We based our decision on the fact that the
article was not deliberated on and voted on by the Planning Board until March 24 which was after the vote
of the Finance Committee. There was not sufficient time to have the Planning Board review their
findings and vote with the Finance Committee after their vote and prior to the printing of the warrant. The
Finance Committee believes Town Meeting voters are entitled to a written explanation of each article in the
warrant. We are unable to make a recommendation on an article that may have financial implications for
the town if we have not had an opportunity to consider the article in a timely matter.
The Planning Board vote on March 24,2003 is as follows: five members in favor and no members opposed
voting on a substitute motion to establish a sub-committee as defined in the Community Preservation Act.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 21
ACCEPT PORTION OF DOWNES AVENUE AS A PUBLIC WAY
Article 21 To see if the town will vote to accept Downes Avenue from intersection with Upham
Street until intersection with Wadsworth Street as a public way and appropriate necessary funds for
pavement of private Tucker Road from intersection with Downes Avenue until the end of the property
known as 23 Tucker Road, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Petition of Vadim Yarovoy, 23 Tucker Road and other voters
Article 21: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 36Source page 37
MOVED: That the subject matter of this motion be postponed indefinitely.
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously to postpone this article indefinitely. The
Committee’s vote was not based on the merits of the article. We based our decision on the fact that the
article was deliberated on but not voted on by the Planning Board until after the vote of the Finance
Committee. There was not sufficient time to have the Planning Board review their findings and vote with
the Finance Committee prior to the printing of the warrant. We understand that additional meetings will
transpire regarding this article prior to the regular Town Meeting. Upon review of this article with the
sponsors, we informed them that the Town Meeting cannot accept private ways as public streets unless the
conditions of the streets are up to the state and town street construction code. The Finance Committee also
understands that there is additional work needed on this private way as well as a public way connecting
with this street. The petitioners were advised to seek professional assistance in developing a plan to bring
the street up to code which would aid in the street’s acceptance in the future. Likewise, the Department of
Public Works will be contacted for their assistance regarding the public portion of Downes Ave. which is
not paved.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 22
AMEND GENERAL BY-LAWS FOR CAPITAL PLANNING COMMITTEE
Article 22 To see if the town will vote to amend the General By-Laws of the Town, as most recently
amended, by striking out and deleting the existing section 7A of article XVI providing for the establishment
of a capital outlay and planning committee and further providing for its powers and duties and substituting
in its place new revised provisions substantially as contained in a draft by-law providing for a capital
planning committee copies of which have been placed on file and are available for public review at the
office of the Town Clerk and the office of the Board of Selectmen in Memorial Hall, at the research desk at
the Canton Public Library and, the Town Web Site, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
By Petition of James P. Moran, 5 Jeffery Road and other voters
Article 22: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the general by-laws of the town as most recently amended are hereby further
amended by striking out and deleting the existing section 7A of article XVI providing for the establishment
of a capital outlay and planning committee and further providing for its powers and duties and substituting
in its place new revised provisions as follows:
(a) Establishment, Scope - There shall be a Capital Planning Committee (also referred to as the “CPC”, or
hereinafter referred to as the “Committee”) which shall consider requests for Capital Expenditures as herein
defined to be made by the Town, and which shall be responsible for Capital Planning on a continuing basis.
(b) Composition - The Committee shall consist of seven (7) members who shall be registered voters of this
Town.
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 37Source page 38
(c) Mode of Appointment, Term of Office, Vacancies – Members of the Committee shall be appointed by
the Town Moderator for a term of three (3) years so arranged that the terms of office of no more than three
(3) members should expire each year. The Town Moderator for the balance of the unexpired term shall fill
vacancies in membership.
(d) Restrictions on Appointments - No person shall be eligible for appointment to the Committee; (1) who
is a full-time employee of the Town; (2) where such appointment would cause two (2) persons to serve
simultaneously who are members, or representatives of the same Town agency; (3) for a fourth consecutive
three year term, or having been appointed to fill an unexpired term, for a third consecutive three year term
where such appointment would result in consecutive service of more than ten (10) years. A member of the
Committee who removes from the Town, or, who accepts a full-time Town position, which would render
him/her ineligible to serve, shall cease to be a member of said Committee.
(e) Submissions by Town Agencies and Citizen Petitioners – Annually, every Town agency shall file with
the Committee, not later than December 31, a compilation of proposed Capital Expenditures which it
anticipates will be made by or for it during the five (5) fiscal years next following said filing. The
submitted report shall be made on forms provided by the Committee. The provisions of this section shall
include the School Committee but shall not be construed to conflict with or supersede the provisions of
M.G.L., Chapter 71, Section 34.
For each town meeting, the Committee shall receive a list of citizen-initiated petitions that will require the
expenditure of capital funds in order to fulfill the intent of the petition.
(f) Definition of Capital Expenditures - For the purpose of this By-Law the term "Capital Expenditure"
shall include Cash Capital or Debt Capital-related expenditures for purchases of items, programs, services
or projects which:
CASH CAPITAL:
1. Have a total cost of less than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000), but not less than
Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) for: (1) a single-item purchase or service; (2) multiple
common-item purchases that are bundled under an umbrella contract with a single vendor; (3)
bundled purchases that are based on need; or, (4) bundled components of a project, program
or service; or,
2. Have a total cost of less than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000), but not less than
Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) for individual vehicles and/or equipment, when it is
determined that this is the most appropriate method of funding the acquisition.
3. The foregoing 1 or 2 shall, when practicable, have a useful life of at least three (3) years.
DEBT CAPITAL:
1. Have a total cost of at least One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) for: (1) a single-item
purchase or service; (2) multiple common-item purchases that are bundled under an umbrella
contract with a single vendor; (3) bundled purchases that are based on need; or, (4) bundled
components of a project, program or service; or,
2. Have a total cost of at least One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) for individual vehicles
and/or equipment, when it is determined that this is the most appropriate method of funding the
acquisition.
3. The foregoing 1 and 2 must have a useful life of more than three (3) years.
4. Must comply with laws and/or regulations governing borrowing of funds.
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 38Source page 39
(g) Responsibilities - The Committee shall consider the relative need, timing and cost of each Capital
Expenditure, which is proposed, including methods of financing, any Federal or State aid, the cost of
maintaining any facility or equipment, and the effect each Capital Expenditure may have on the financial
condition of the Town. The Committee shall conduct due diligence reviews of major building, land
improvement and/or infrastructure-related capital requests in order to fulfill its review responsibility.
The Committee shall review and evaluate citizen-initiated petitions that involve the proposed expenditure
of capital-related funds.
The Committee may make such examinations, hold public hearings, and may, with the approval of the
sponsoring agency, call upon any Town agency for assistance as it may deem to be necessary or desirable
in the furtherance of it responsibilities.
The Committee shall ensure that any Debt Capital Expenditure recommendations it makes comply with
Finance Director-issued bond management program requirements.
The Committee, working in conjunction with the sponsoring agencies, shall prepare and issue Capital
Expenditure Classification Guidelines, which can be amended from time-to-time, to facilitate selection of
Cash Capital and/or Debt Capital Expenditures that could fall under the bundled purchases Capital
Expenditure criterion.
The Committee shall work with the sponsoring agencies, Finance Director and others as part of a
continuous improvement effort to ensure that Capital Planning within the Town stays abreast with the
changing needs of the community.
(h) Report and Recommendations – Annually, the Committee shall prepare a balanced five-year capital
plan, which shall be submitted to the annual town meeting for the purpose of information and guidance.
Annually, the Committee shall also prepare a balanced one-year capital plan, which will be acted upon at
the annual town meeting, as part of the Warrant deliberation.
Annually, the Committee shall submit balanced one-year and five-year plans to the Finance Committee not
later than March 15. The one-year balanced plan will recommend to the Finance Committee those Capital
Expenditure proposals that the Committee believes should be approved by the ensuing annual town
meeting and the method (Cash Capital or Debt Capital) of financing same.
Both the balanced one-year and five-year Capital Expenditure plans, as prepared by the Committee shall be
included as an appendix, in the report of the Finance Committee to be distributed as provided in Article
VII, Section 8, Town of Canton By-Laws.
The Committee prepared capital plan shall include: (1) a concise summary of its contents; (2) a listing of
Capital Expenditures proposed to be undertaken in the five fiscal years next ensuing; (3) cost estimates, (4)
method of financing (Cash Capital or Debt Capital), and recommended time schedules (fiscal years).
(i) Transition Provision – Adoption of this By-Law revision by the annual town meeting will immediately
govern the operation of the Committee.
VOTE: 10-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee unanimously supports this article. The Capital Outlay and
Planning Committee provides valuable guidance to the town in maintaining the town’s infrastructure. As
the roles of committees evolve over time, it is important that the town by-laws be updated to accurately
reflect the functioning of each committee.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 39Source page 40
ARTICLE 23
ESTABLISH FEASIBILITY COMMITTEE FOR THIRD FIRE STATION
Article 23 To see if the town will vote to authorize the establishment of a study committee for the
purpose of conducting a, so-called, feasibility study to assess the need for a third fire station in Canton and,
if it is determined a third station is necessary or desirable, to recommend the most strategic site, or sites, for
the location of such third station, and to raise and appropriate by borrowing or otherwise a sum of money
sufficient to meet the needs of the committee. Said committee shall consist of the Fire Chief and one other
member of the fire department chosen by the moderator, one member of each of the following bodies: the
Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee, the Capital Outlay Committee and the Planning Board (such
persons to be designated by the body they represent) and two persons appointed by the moderator from the
voters at large. Said committee shall file a final report not later than at the annual town meeting in 2005 and
it may file interim reports at any time, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Fire Chief
Article 23: The Finance Committee recommendation is as follows:
MOVED: That the subject matter of this motion be postponed indefinitely.
VOTE: 9-1-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee does not support this article by a vote of 9-1. It is the majority
opinion that, due to the current state of the budget and financial restraints, it is premature to contemplate a
third fire station. The data or estimates generated by a study done now would be outdated and of limited
use if the project were not to proceed for many years. The Committee also noted that the MMA Study of
the Fire Department completed in 2001, ranked the construction of a third fire station as a low priority for
meeting the fire safety needs of the town and recommended that the town continue to operate with two fire
stations. The Study also suggested that a cooperative relationship with the Stoughton Fire Department be
pursued to address concerns about the southeast section of town.
APPROVED__________DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE 24
AMEND ZONING B-LAW TO DECREASE HEIGHT LIMIT IN CCEOD
Article 24 To see if the town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Law of the Town, as most recently
amended, so as to decrease the height limit in the Canton Center Economic Opportunity District (CCEOD)
to 35 feet or three stories, so that the provisions of section 5.66.6, Height Regulations, after amendment
shall read as follows:
ATM 2003 WARRANT.doc 40