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Canton Town Meeting — 2017 ATM
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Source page 1
Recommendations oftheFinanceCommittee
totheVotersofCanton, Massachusetts
2017
TOWN OFCANTON
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
MONDAY, MAY8,2017 at7:00p.m.
MorseAuditorium
CantonHighSchool
900WashingtonStreet,Canton
StudythisreportandcometoAnnualTownMeeting.
Bringthisreportwithyou.
106millionwillbeappropriatedby YOURVOTEatTownMeetingisimportant
CantonTownMeetingVotersfor becauseitestablishestheprioritiesforourschools,
NextYear’sexpenditures. publicworks,publicsafety,towngovernmentand
futuredirectionforourenvironment.
Reminder: Thedeadlinefordog TheTown, uponrequest,willendeavor, tothe
registrationsisMay31,2017.greatestextentpossible, tomakeavailableany
andallvisualandaudiodevicesandassistancefor
thedisabled. Formoreinformation, pleasecall
781- 821- 5000.Source page 2
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Page #
Reports
FinanceCommitteeReport ……………………………………………………………….…
5
ChartsandExhibits
Figure1 –HistoricalSummaryofExpenses – FY08-FY17Estimated ………. 8
Figure2 –ReserveAccounts &BondRatingAgencyExpectation ……….…… 10
Chart -AdditionalFundSources ………………………………………………………… 11
TownFinanceTerminology …………………………………………………………………. 15
AGuidetoParticipatingatTownMeeting …………………………………………….. 16
NotetoAllVotersConcerningTownMeetingProcedures ……………………….. 16
SummaryofRevenueandExpenditures ……………………………………………….. 18
RevolvingFunds ………………………………………………………………………………… 31
VotestoTransferAvailableFunds ……………………………………………………….. 99
OperatingBudgetbyVotingCategoryFY2018 ……………………………………… 100
OperatingBudgetbyDepartment –DetailFY2018 …………..…………………… 102
FiveYearMunicipalCapitalPlanforFY2018-2022 (includes self-supporting) 110
FiveYearSchoolCommitteeCapitalPlanforFY2018-2022 …………………… 112
AnnualTownMeetingArticles
Art. Page #
1ElectaModerator ………………………………………………………………………………. 19
2AdoptRulestoGovernTownMeeting …………………………………………………… 19
3HearReportsofCommitteesAppointedatPriorTownMeetings ……………… 21
4Acton “ConsentAgenda” ……………………………………………………………………. 22
5CollectiveBargainingAgreementsundertheBoardofSelectmen …………… 23
6PersonalServiceContractsundertheBoardofSelectmen …………………….. 24
7SetSalariesofElectedOfficers ……………………………………………………………. 24
8PayBillsofPriorFiscalYear ……………………………………………………………….. 26
9AdjustFiscal2017Accounts ……………………………………………………………. 26
10TransferUnexpendedPriorYearAppropriations …………………………………… 27
11AuthorizeCertainRevolvingFunds ……………………………………………………… 28
12 “Omnibus” CapitalOutlayProgram …………………………………………………….. 33
13AcceptGeneralorSessionLawsEnactedbytheGeneralCourt ………………. 47
th
14ApprovalofFundingfortheAnnual4 ofJulyCommunityCelebration ……48
15InsuranceProceeds ………………………………………………………………………….. 49
16RescindUnusedBorrowingAuthorizations ………………………………………….. 50
17IncreaseStabilizationFund ………………………………………………………………… 50
18AmendGeneralBy-Law,ArticleVII,PartB –FinanceCommittee …………….51
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ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
Art. Page #
19SeniorCitizenPropertyWork-OffAbatementProgram ……..…………………... 53
20PaymentinLieuofTaxesforDynamicEnergy ……………………………………. 54
21SpecialTaxAgreementwithFreseniusKabiCompounding, LLC …………….. 55
22AcquirePropertyRightsforOldShepardPondDamProject ………..………….. 56
23AcceptUtilityEasement(s)forTreetopAdventures ………..…………..………… 56
24AuthorizeLeasingofPropertiesLocatedatthePaulRevereHeritageSite .57
25AcceptSewerEasementonWillDrive ………………………………………………. 58
26AppropriationtoSupplementChapter90RoadsProgram …………………….. 59
27RecommendationsoftheCommunityPreservationCommittee ………………. 60
28EstablishaSolarFacilityStabilizationFund …………………………………………. 64
29TerminateandRe-allocateSpecialEducationStabilizationFund ……………. 65
30ApproveFundstoReplaceRoofatLt.PeterHansenSchool …………………… 66
31ApproveFundstoUpdateHazardMitigationPlan …………………………………. 67
32ApproveFundsforFlowers/MemorialsforCommunityRecognition ………… 67
33AmendGeneralBy-LawsArticleVIIISec. 13 –LocalLicensesandPermits..68
34AmendArticleXV,Sec. 5 –NoticeofHearings …………….……………………….. 70
35AuthorizeLeasingofTildenHouse ……………………………..………….…………… 71
36RetiredPoliceOfficers .…………………………………………………………………..…. 72
37AmendGeneralBy-Laws, Article2,Sec.1 –AnnualTownElection …………. 73
38AmendZoningBy-Laws –AccessoryApartment ……………………………..….. 74
39AmendZoningBy-Laws –Lapse (Sec. 10.5.14) …………………………………….. 75
40AcceptanceofCedarcrestRoadExtension ………………………..……………….. 75
41AcceptanceofBeatriceWay ………………………………………………………………. 76
42AcceptanceofNewBostonDrive ………………..……………………………………… 77
43AmendGeneralBy-Laws –Sec. 10.7/14 –CCDRBComposition …………….. 78
44AmendGeneralBy-Laws –StretchEnergyCode ………………………………….. 78
45AmendZoningBy-Laws –BuildFactor ……………………………………………….. 80
46AmendZoningMap –GroundwaterProtectionZone …………………………….. 81
47ApproveFundsforConsultanttoUpdateMasterPlan …………………………… 82
48AmendZoningMap –RezonePrivateGolfCourses ………………………………. 83
49AmendZoningBy-Laws –DefinitionsofManufacturing/Scientific/Research
LaboratoryDefinitions …………………………………………………………………… 84
50AmendZoningByLaws –Sec. 6.1 –Off-StreetParking ………………………. 85
51AdoptMarijuanaRegulations ……………………………………………………………. 87
52AmendZoningBy-Laws –Sec.7.8 –SpecialRequirementsforMarijuana
Establishments ………………………………………………………………………………. 87
53AmendZoningBy-Laws –TableofuseRegulations, SectionF ……………… 92
54AmendZoningMap –RezoneCertainOpenSpace ……………………………… 93
3 –Source page 4
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
Art. Page #
55AmendZoningMap –RezoneParcelstoParkland/OpenSpaceZoning
District ……………………………………………………………………………………… 94
56ApproveRegulationofuseofReservoirPond ………………………………………. 95
57AmendGeneralBy-LawsXVI,Sec.24 –CantonAllianceAgainst
SubstanceAbuse ……………………………………………………………………………… 97
58Additional43DPriorityDevelopmentSites …………………………………………. 97
59AppropriateFundstoMeetExpensesforFY18 ……………………………………. 99
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ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
InArticle 59,theFinance Committee isrecommending aFY18 operating budget
of $88.5 million, which isa4.9%increase over theFY17 budget approved at
ATM. TheFY18 budget proposed bytheFinance Committee continues Canton’s
sound fiscal management thathasputusinaposition toenhance services and
increase ourreserves without taking themaximum taxincrease allowed by
Proposition 21/2. Theproposed FY18 budget sets aside $535,955ofunused
levycapacity forFY18 toease theburden ontaxpayers.
2017 Residential Tax Rate: $12.79Per Thousand
5.67SchoolOperating andCapital
2.98Municipal OperatingandCapital
3.99FixedCosts
0.15State &CountyCharges
The $88.5millionFY18budgetrecommendedbytheFinanceCommitteein
thisyear’swarrantisexpectedtoincreaseourcurrentlevelofTownand
Schoolservicesand paycontractual
increasestoourpublicemployees. The Finance Committee
recommended operating budget presented under Budget Recommendations
Article 59represents a4.9%increase over the 4.1MillionIncrease in
FY17 budget approved atthe2016 Annual Town OperatingBudgets,
whichincludes:
Meeting (ATM). This includes a5.6%increase in
1.6MillionIncrease in
theSchool Operating Budget (based ontheFY17 FixedCosts
School Operating Budget without the $495,000 902,000Municipal
FY17 budget supplement from freecash forfull BudgetIncrease
day kindergarten), a4.7%increase tothe 1.6MillionSchool
Municipal Operating Budget anda5.9%increase BudgetIncrease
infixed costs. Overall, theFinance Committee
recommends that theSchool Department receive anadditional $774,996andthe
Municipal Operating Budget anadditional $500,348toenhance services beyond
alevel service budget.
Each year, theTown’s Revenue Committee meets inlateJanuary, after the
release oftheGovernor’sstate budget, toforecast theexpected Town revenues
forthenext fiscal year, including revenues fromproperty taxes, state aid, motor
vehicle excise taxes, fees, andother income. TheFinance Committee uses this
revenue forecast, aswell asinformation onfixed costs (such ashealth
insurance) thatmust bepaid each year outoftheexpected revenue, toassist it
insetting targets fortheMunicipal Operating Budget andSchool Operating
Budgets. TheMunicipal Operating Budget isaligned with thetarget setbythe
Finance Committee, based ontheRevenue Committee forecast, of $19,919,076.
The Finance Committee recommends aSchool Operating Budget of
5 –Source page 6
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
40,221,559, based ontheRevenue Committee forecast. TheSchool Committee
hasrequested a7.66%increase which is $773,769more than thetarget setby
theFinance Committee.
The FY18 budget recommended bytheFinance Committee assumes that
property taxes willbeincreased bylessthan themaximum allowed under Prop.
2 ½, andthatrevenue willbesupplemented with anincrease inlocal receipts
including themotor vehicle excise tax)and newgrowth. Often this timeofyearis
metwith guessing where ourstate aidnumbers willfall. Atthetime ofthis
writing, wehave received theGovernor’sbudget forreview, buttheHouse Ways
andMeans Committee has not released their draft ofthebudget. The
Governor’sbudget didrecommend increased state aidtoCanton foreducation,
primarily duetoimplementing freefulldaykindergarten inFY17. That increase
amounts to $560,000.
Astheeconomy continues torecover, theFinance Committee continues tobe
careful nottoincrease thebudget toorapidly foranumber ofreasons. First, by
not t‘axing tothemax’ theaverage taxpayer isprojected tosave $49based on
FY17taxrates andaverage single family home assessments. Second, many of
ourexpenses, such aspublic employee salaries andhealth care willcontinue to
riseatarategreater than 2.5%.Increasing spending beyond therecommended
levels thisyear risks budget cutsinFY19 orbeyond.
TheWater Enterprise Fund operating budget increased 15%duetoincreased
MWRA charges necessitated bythedryconditions lastsummer which prevented
usfrom using our wells asmuch asusual. The recommended budget forthe
Sewer Enterprise Fund was increased .6%due toincreased charges bythe
MWRA offset byreduced debt service costs.
Therecommended budget fortheRink Enterprise Fund hasbeen setat $19,910,
reflecting thattheFinance Committee does notexpect therinktobefunctional
during FY18.
1
Standard &Poor’s,inarecentreport,assigneditsAAAlong-termratingto
Canton’sgeneralobligation (GO)municipalpurposeloanof2017bonds
andaffirmedthesameratingonCanton’sGObondsoutstanding,reflecting
theTown’ssoundfiscalpolicies.This isthehighest bond rating afforded to
municipalities intheUnited States given only totowns that consistently
demonstrate sound fiscal policies. This rating allows theTown toborrow money
forcapital projects atthelowest available interest rates, currently less than3%.
Thevoters should read theFinance Committee discussions oneach article and
notethatavote to "postpone indefinitely" may have varied meanings. Insome
cases theFinance Committee recommends to “postpone indefinitely” thesubject
matter ofanarticle duetothelack ofavailable information. Inother cases, the
1
Standard andPoor’sRatingsDirectreportdatedFebruary 17,2017.
6 –Source page 7
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
Finance Committee weighed theinformation presented andavote to "postpone
indefinitely" implies that wedonotsupport therecommendations inthearticle.
The discussions thatfollow each motion areintended togive insight into the
Committee'sdecisions andtheconsiderations inherent ineachmotion.
There areanumber ofreferences inthediscussions totheMunicipal
Modernization Act. ThisActwaspassed bytheLegislature lastyear andmade a
number ofchanges tovarious municipal finance laws, some ofwhich require
action bythetown and others thattook effect automatically.
Please visit http://www.town.canton.ma.us/227/Finance-Committee toaccess more
comprehensive documents thatwere reviewed bytheFinance Committee and
other Town officials incoming totheconclusions found inthis warrant. Special
thanks toEllen Jones andLouis Jutras forbuilding thewebsite andkeeping itup
todate.
Astheeconomy continues toimprove, theFinance Committee hasattempted to
balance enhancing services atasustainable rate, continuing toaddress our
Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) liability, maintaining ourinfrastructure
andsetting aside funds forthenext rainy (snowy) day.
Fiscal Year 2016 – (7/1/15 –6/30/16) –Atthe2015 ATM voters approved an
FY16 budget based on $82.9 million inforecasted revenue and $84.5 million in
forecasted expenses. Cash reserves were spent tosupplement theRecreation
and Assessing budgets ($100,000), transfer tostabilization fund ($600,000),
provide alocal Chapter 90match forstreets andsidewalks ($250,000), fund the
LED streetlight project ($356,000) and abuilding assessment study ($155,000).
These were spending decisions recommended bytheFinance Committee ONLY
when itappeared likely ourrevenues would come inmuch higher than budgeted.
Overall, theTown stillincreased itsreserves infiscal year 2016 asshown in
Figure 2 onpage 10.
Actual revenue forFY16 was $86.4 million, approximately $3.4 million higher
than budgeted asCanton collected more local receipts andproperty taxes. FY16
expenses were $84.1 million, $400thousand lessthan budgeted.
Fiscal Year2017 – (7/1/2016 – 6/30/2017)
Atthe2016 ATMvoters approved aFY17 budget based on $86.2 million in
forecasted revenue and $87.5million inforecasted expenses. Theexpenses
were budgeted higher than revenue by $1.3 million topayone-time expenses
from Free Cash forlocal Chapter 90match ($200,000), school building study
7 –Source page 8
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
155,000), various capital projects ($472,000) and tosupplement theSchool
Operating Budget by $495,000forfreefulldaykindergarten
Atthetimeofthis writing, theTown's FY17 finances appear tobemore favorable
than budgeted. The current estimate oftheTown's FY17 revenue is
approximately $1.5 million greater than budget primarily because ofincreased
motor vehicle excise taxes, increased state aidandnew taxgrowth. Because of
thisunanticipated increase inrevenue, theTown didnothave to t‘axtothemax’
tobalance thevoted FY17 budget. Overall, ifthese trends continue attheendof
FY17, weanticipate ourcash reserves, which areFree Cash, Stabilization Fund,
andtheAssessors Overlay Reserve, tobemaintained at15%ofFY18’s budget,
which isthetarget ofthebondrating agencies.
Figure 1provides ahistorical view oftheexpenses between theSchool
Department, themunicipal side ofgovernment, andthefixed costs (i. e.health
care, retirement, etc.). Inprevious years, theFinance Committee noted that
bringing health care and employee benefit costs under control isacritical
component inalleviating theTown’s financial stress. Itisalso important tonote,
thatincreasing thenumber ofemployees hasadirect impact ontheFixed Cost
budget. Thetown continues towork withourmunicipal andschool employees to
mitigate therising cost ofhealthcare, which now comprises over 13%ofour
overall budget.
Theaccelerated increases intheSchool Department expenses canbeattributed
toanincrease inspecial education costs andthesteps, lanes andlongevity
8 –Source page 9
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
increases built intotheteacher contracts.Bothmunicipal andschool employee
contracts include increases given tosome employees forlongevity, steps
number ofyears served) and lanes (promotions ortheamount ofpost-graduate
education forteachers), even when there isnocost ofliving adjustment (COLA).
When there isaCOLA, employees canreceive both. TheSchool Department
contracts include more steps thanthemunicipal contracts, andhave more lanes
withnorestrictions onthenumber ofemployees thatcan receive thepromotional
increases. Asaresult, the $431,770insteps, lanes andlongevity inherent in
school contracts forFY18 represented anaverage salary increase of1.4%
compared tothe $164,858 (1.3%)insteps andlongevity increases provided to
municipal employees. Allemployees are likely toreceive aCOLA forFY18 as
well, however some contracts have notbeen finalized atthetime ofthiswriting.
Budget variances areinevitable. The Town's reserves protect against
unexpected costs exceeding thebudgets approved atATM. The operating
budget also includes aFinance Committee Reserve account, which cancover
extraordinary orunforeseen expenditures intheoperating budgets. Inmost
years, asizable portion oftheFinance Committee Reserve (currently setat
500,000) isused tosupplement thesnow andiceremoval budget, because that
budget isintentionally leftlowforflexibility purposes. This year, thelargest
budget overage (Snow & Ice) willbecovered byatransfer from Free Cash
leaving theFinance Committee Reserve forany issues that arise before
6/30/2017. Anyremaining balance inthisfund willbetransferred toFree Cash
asinprevious years.
TheTown also maintains three sources of
reserves" (savings accounts) thatserve as Free Cash- Thisisapoorlynamed
potential sources tofund unplanned reservethattheTownmaintains for
unexpected emergencies. "Free
expenses. Figure 2shows the Town's Cash" shouldnotbeusedto
reserve balances including the estimated supplement operational budgets!
balances asofJune 30,2017. Free Cash
requires amajority vote attown meeting to
beappropriated. TheStabilization Fund requires a2/3vote attown meeting to
beappropriated. TheAssessors Overlay Reserve Fund isincluded inFigure 2as
aReserve, although itisnotallavailable forappropriation. TheOverlay Reserve
isthefund forpaying taxabatements. Itcanonly beused ifanoverlay surplus is
declared bytheTown’s Board ofAssessors, releasing money from theOverlay
Reserve Fund. Accordingly, theTown’s audited reserves areless than whatis
reflected inFigure 2.Currently, theTown’s audited reserves areatapproximately
14.9%ofexpenses.
9 –Source page 10
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
Figure 2:Reserve Accounts & Bond Rating Agency Expectation
inmillions)
16.0
14.0
4.3 5.0
12.0
3.0
10.0
2.3
8.0 1.3
0.7
6.4
5.6 13.7 6.9
6.0 2.0 0.4 5.1
1.5
1.2 4.2 4.6
4.0 3.5
3.0 3.2
3.4
2.0 3.8 4.2
3.
2$ 2.9 3.3 3.2
2.0 1.7 2.2
1.0
0.0
7/1/087/1/097/1/107/1/117/1/127/1/137/1/147/1/157/1/16Bond6/30/17
Rating(est.)
Agency
Target
Free Cash ReservesStabilization FundOverlay Reserves
Inaddition toproviding asource offunding forunforeseen one-time emergency
situations, the reserve funds areviewed asacollateral source when rating
Assessor’sOverlay - Thisaccount agencies determine theTown's bond rating.
setsasidefundsforabatements. Bond rating agencies recommend areserve
However, iftheAssessors declarea ofatleast 15%ofexpenses forAAA rated
surplus, fundscanbereleasedfor communities. Canton'sprudent fiscal
appropriation byTownMeeting. management hasallowed theTown toearn
Whileweconsidertheentireoverlay
balanceasacashreserve, mostofit thehighest long-term bond rating (Standard
maybeneededforfuture Poor's AAA) offered tomunicipalities inthe
abatements grantedbythe United States. Thisallows Canton toissue
Assessors. bonds fordebt capital projects atthemost
favorable interest rates.
There would beasubstantial increase incost totheTown ifadowngrade in
Canton'sbond rating were tooccur. Adowngrade intheTown's bond rating
results inhigher interest rates fornewborrowing. Each downgrade represents
anincrease ofapproximately 25basis points or0.25%. Each year, ATM
approves between $2.0 million and $3.0 million ofadditional debt forcapital
projects. A0.25%increase ininterest rateequates toapproximately $30,000
increase inthecosttoborrow $1million over thelifeofa20year bond.
TheFinance Committee recommended thattheTown strengthen itsreserve
position during theyears following the2008 override. Figure 2above shows that
10 –Source page 11
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
Canton’sreserves have grown from $7million attheendofFY08 toanestimated
15.1 million attheendofFY17. Reserves were used during theeconomic
downturn toreduce theimpacts tooperating budgets aswell astocover
shortfalls inthesnow andicebudget. Astheeconomy hasturned around, the
Town hastaken steps togrow these reserves.
TheFinance Committee adopted apolicy that, inayear ofsurplus, recommends
increasing our reserves by1%ofexpenses)
( per yearuntil wereach 15%and
reinvesting additional surplus intothetown initems such asneeded capital
projects (such asroads andbuildings) along with funding ourOPEB liability.
Since ourFY17 surplus isprojected tobesomewhat significant, inaddition to
maintaining ourreserves at15.0%,theFinance Committee recommends funds
beused tofund amaster plan update (Article 47),supplement theFY17Snow &
th
Icebudget (Article 9),fund the4 ofJuly Celebration (Article 14),theongoing
School HVAC capital project (Article 12),supplement Chapter 90road funds
Article 26),fund easements needed forafuture dam project (Article 22)fund
community recognitions (Article 32)andsupplement theOPEB transfer (Article
59).
Inaddition toourreserves, theTown alsohasseveral other sources offunds.
These funds maybecontrolled byTown Meeting, byaboard orbyacommittee.
Often, theuseofthese funds isrestricted bystate law. Insome cases, thefunds
canbespent for “any lawful purpose” buttheTown has earmarked them for
certain expenses. Finally, duetothetiming ofinflows andoutflows from the
fund, thebalance can varygreatly throughout theyear. This isnotanexhaustive
listoffunds, andgenerally includes funds withmore than $100,000anddoes not
include encumbrances.
11 –Source page 12
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
TheFinance Committee recommends thatCanton continue itspractice ofcapital
funding at5%to6%ofrevenue. ForFY18,some oftherecommended capital
projects arefunded from Free Cash inorder tomeet this goal; thetotal Capital
Expenditures recommended forFY18areat5.4%ofrevenue. Allocating the
Town's limited revenue between theoperating expenses, needed tomaintain our
services, and thecapital expenses, needed tomaintain ourbuildings and
infrastructure, isalways adifficult decision. TheFinance Committee believes itis
important tocontinue toaddress capital needs tomaintain thetown’s
infrastructure.
The Town firstpays debt service onallexisting debt within the levyfrom this
amount. The remaining amount isused tofund capital projects identified inthe
Capital Planning Committee (CPC) 5-year plan. The Finance Committee
recommends thatcapital planning funding besetat6%tofund thecapital needs
oftheTown.
TheFinance Committee concurs withalloftherecommendations made bythe
CPCaspresented inArticle 12. Themunicipal requests include $700,000in
cashcapital projects and $2.1 million incapital projects tobefunded withdebt.
Inaddition, theCPC recommended infrastructure capital improvement projects
fortheWater Enterprise Fund andSewer Enterprise Fund, totaling $1.1 million to
befunded from enterprise cash reserves. Using cash reserves instead of
borrowing eliminates theinterest costs theTown would incur fromborrowing. The
Schools areallocated $700,000forcash capital projects along with $100,000for
ongoing School HVAC maintenance asrecommended bytheCPC forthe
schools inFY18. CPC isalso recommending thattheHansen School roof
project beapproved (article 30)asMSBA hasapproved tofundapproximately
40%ofthis $1.7 million project.
Wewillalso have theopportunity
Community Preservation Act Surcharge
TheCPAsurcharge iscalculated as1%ofyour
tovote uses oftheCommunity
realestatebillafteranexemption amountis Preservation Act (CPA) funds,
applied. Abatements areavailablefromthe which are generated bya1%
Assessors forSeniorsandLowIncome surcharge onourproperty tax
Households. bills, aswell aswith state
matching inFY18. Article 27
addresses theadministrative votes aswellaseight projects brought forth bythe
Canton Community Preservation Committee (CCPC).
12 –Source page 13
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
The School Committee and Board ofSelectmen were able tosuccessfully
negotiate with almost allunions inTown forfiscal 2016 through 2018. Thetools
provided byMunicipal Healthcare Reform allowed theTown totake steps to
control rising health insurance costs.
Canton isfortunate tohavemany dedicated employees thatworkhard toserve
ourresidents. TheFinance Committee continues torecommend, along withthe
Board ofSelectman and School Committee, that these employees be
compensated and receive benefits commensurate with that offered byour
benchmark towns. Wealso believe thatourTown employees should receive
annual increases thatreflect thecurrent economic conditions andthespending
limits mandated byProposition 21/2.
Canton residents should beaware thattherecommended budget inthis year's
warrant includes $164,858forautomatic salary increases forthemunicipal
departments and $431,770 forautomatic salary increases fortheschool
employees related tosteps, lanes andlongevity. Additionally, there hasbeen
236,969 setaside formunicipal costofliving adjustments (COLA) and $937,083
forSchool COLAs.
SchoolSpaceNeeds:Atthe2016 ATM, theTown appropriated $155,000
from Free Cash fortheSchool Department tostudy the school building
needs ofthetown, including anassessment ofbuilding capacities and
educational visioning fortheSchools, anevaluation ofpresent and
projected needed repairs, andananalysis ofthebest solution forhousing
the administrative offices. That study ison-going, andareport is
anticipated soon.
OPEB:Canton hasmade promises toitsemployees tonotonly provide
pensions upon retirement, buthealth, dental andlifeinsurance. TheTown
only started setting aside money forthese Other PostEmployment
Benefits (OPEB) at2012’s Town Meeting with theestablishment ofthe
OPEB Trust fund. Theunfunded liability forthese benefits iscurrently
about $95million andtheFinance Committee recommended placing
1,000,000into thisfund forFY18. Atthistime, thestate hasnottaken
steps toaddress thisissue. Atsome point inthefuture, the state may
change therules around OPEB, reducing ourliability, butatthesame
time, requiring theTown tofully fund theliability. While putting aside
some money now willputtheTown inabetter financial situation than
surrounding communities, theannual costwilllikely besubstantial. Atthe
endofFY17, theOPEB trust balance isprojected tobealmost $3million.
13 –Source page 14
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
StormWaterManagement: The Town ofCanton hasaninvestment of
over $100,000,000inthemunicipal separate storm water system \[MS4\].
Asowners andoperators oftheMS4 system, theTown issubject toafive
year permit thatends in2022. Compliance withthepermit ispredicated on
water quality andnotjusthydraulic flow. Thenew MS4 permit isexpected
torequire significant new funding needs toachieve water quality
stipulations. ForCanton, EPA estimates theadministrative costs alone at
100,000peryear. ThenewMS4 permit willrequire Canton toidentify the
means through which thestorm water management program willbe
funded onanadequate and sustainable basis. This may require
establishment offees andanenterprise account inthefuture.
Roads: Canton has traditionally relied onChapter 90grants (about
800,000peryear) from thestate inorder torepair theTown’sroad
system. Unfortunately, thisfunding hasbeen insufficient andtheTown’s
roads have deteriorated. TheTown’s lastroad study suggested that $28
million was needed tobring theTown’s roads uptoagood condition.
Unless there isasignificant increase inChapter 90funding, Canton will
need tocontinue investing ourdollars into maintaining theTown’s
roadways byincluding itintheTown’s Capital Plan. Over thepast few
years, the Finance Committee hasvoted torecommend aChapter 90
supplement brought forth bythe Board ofSelectmen. This year that
amount is $875,000.
Please attend Town Meeting, your input andyour vote areimportant!
Respectfully submitted,
TownofCantonFinanceCommittee:
Barbara J.Saint André, Chairman
Robert Barker, Vice Chairman
Jerry Dorfman
Nichola Gallagher
Dianne Gustafson
Cynthia Holcombe
Stephanie Leach
TimMcKenna
Cindy Thomas
14 –Source page 15
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
TOWNFINANCE TERMINOLOGY
The terms below are frequently used inthe annual Town report and atTown Meetings. Inorder to provide
everyone with abetter understanding oftheir meanings, the following definitions are provided:
APPROPRIATE: Toauthorize spending. Once anappropriation for abudget orarticle has been made by
Town Meeting, the appropriation can only bechanged byanother Town Meeting. There isone exception-a
transfer from the Reserve Fund.
BONDS: The money Canton borrows topay for capital projects such asthe High School and police
station.
CAPITAL EXPENSES: Expenses associated with the purchase oflong term assets, orprojects. Paying
forthese expenses can come from either cash (Cash Capital) orfrom long term bonding.
CHERRY SHEET: Afinancial statement from the State, printed oncherry-colored paper which itemizes
State disbursements due the Town, and the State and County charge tothe Town, usually resulting ina
netreceipt offunds.
DEBT EXCLUSION: Taxes raised through aProp. 2½override topay for capital projects such asbuilding
the high school orlibrary.
ENTERPRISE SURPLUS: ( Retained Earnings) This fund balance represents the amount to beused, bya
vote ofTown Meeting, for operating cost offsets, funding capital improvements and reimbursing the
General Fund for prior year funding.
FIXED COSTS: Costs primarily associated with employee benefits, such ashealth insurance and
retirement costs.
FREE CASH RESERVE ( UNDESIGNATED FUND BALANCE): An accumulation ofsurpluses left atthe
end of the fiscal year. This funding isavailable to beallocated atTown Meeting through asimple majority
vote. Itisakin toasavings account.
INDEFINITELY POSTPONE: This isthe equivalent ofanegative vote onan article.
FY17: July 1,2016 through June 30, 2017
FY18: July 1,2017 through June 30, 2018
LEVEL FUNDING: The budget amount forthis year will be identical tothe budget amount last year (i. e.,
noadditional money will beavailable tocover increased costs insalaries orsupplies.)
LEVY LIMIT: The maximum amount oftax levy inany given year. The levy limit isbased onthe previous
year’s levy limit plus 21/2%plus new growth, and not the previous year’s actual levy.
LOCAL RECEIPTS: Money thetown collects from local sources such asexcise tax, licenses and permits,
investment income, and penalties
NEW GROWTH: Additional tax revenue the Town receives from new construction, such asnew homes or
additions toexisting buildings.
OPEB: Other Post-Employment Benefits are benefits provided totown retirees for such things ashealth,
dental and life insurance. Retirees are eligible forthese benefits inaddition toatown pension.
OPERATIONAL OVERRIDE: An increase above the standard Prop. 2½yearly increase in taxes. This
increase isunlike adebt exclusion override, inthat itispermanent.
OVERLAY: The amount raised bythe Assessors primarily for the purpose ofcreating afund to cover
abatements.
OVERLAY RESERVE: This isthe accumulated amount ofthe Overlay for various years not used or
required tobeheld inthe specific Overlay accounts for agiven year. The Assessors control release of
funds inthe Overlay reserve that exceed pending tax liability.
RAISE: Totax. The tax rate issetby the Assessors after the Annual Town Meeting and after receipt of
the “Cherry Sheet.”
RESERVE FUND: This fund isestablished bythe voters atan Annual Town Meeting. Transfers from the
Reserve Fund are within the control ofthe Finance Committee, and are for “extraordinary and unforeseen
expenditures.”
REVENUES: Amount ofmoney thetown receives tocover expenses. The majority ofthis money comes
from property taxes. The remainder comes from local receipts, State Aid and transfers from other funds.
STABILIZATION FUND: The fund isestablished bythe voters for future uses. A2/3Town Meeting vote
isrequired for itsuse.
STATE AID: Theamount ofmoney that the state ofMassachusetts gives tothe Town ofCanton.
STEP AND LANE INCREASES: Automatic increases insalary for town workers, negotiated inthe union
contracts.
STRUCTURAL DEFICIT: When Town’s recurring expenses are greater than itsrecurring revenues.
TAX LEVY: (LEVY): The revenue acommunity can raise through real estate and personal property taxes.
15 –Source page 16
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
AGUIDE TOPARTICIPATING ATTOWN MEETING
Iftownmeetingistorunsmoothlyafewsimplerulesmustbefollowed…….
Noperson should speak unless standing atamicrophone and then only after having been ‘recognized’ by
the moderator.
Itisboth impolite and contrary tothe rules ofprocedure toshout out “Question”, or “Move the Question”
while seated, while someone else isspeaking, orwithout being ‘recognized’.
When recognized, avoter should first state his orher name and address clearly and distinctly before
making any statement.
Voters should bebrief. Itisagood idea tostate atthe outset why you have risen tospeak: e.g.Irise to
speak infavor (oragainst) the motion to Voters may wish tosummarize atthe close oftheir remarks:
Ihope the motion now pending is (not) adopted
Rather than repeat arguments already made, consider saying: Iconcur with the statements made bythe
previous speaker(s)and for the same reasons urge you tovote (insupport of)or (against) the main
motion when itisput.
Atown by-law restricts any one speaker tonot more than tenminutes atany one time. The patience of
other voters isoften not as long.
Atown by-law restricts any one speaker from speaking more than twice onthe same matter except to
correct anerror oramisstatement.
Aperson who isspeaking onbehalf ofanother (such asan attorney) isrequired todisclose that fact
before making any statement.
Amotion toreconsider isquite technical innature. Aperson who intends tomove reconsideration should
discuss itinadvance with the moderator. Generally the motion may bemade atany time solong asa
sufficient interval has elapsed since the lastvote onthe matter was taken, and/oradditional information
has become available, soas togive areasonable basis tobelieve the meeting might vote differently.
When the motion toreconsider ispending debate islimited towhy reconsideration should prevail and not
tothemerits ofthe underlying motion.
When one voter isspeaking every other voter inthe hall should pay attention towhat isbeing said. No
person should interrupt aspeaker unless some ‘rule’ isbeing violated. Ifavoter believes arule isbeing
violated they should rise inplace, wait toberecognized by the moderator (For what purpose does the lady
rise?) Voter: Irise toapoint oforder. Moderator: State your point ofOrder. Voter: …The speaker is
dealing inpersonalities, ( or) the remarks ofthe speaker are not germane tothe subject athand, etc.
Rather than read every warrant article the moderator may say “The chair asks unanimous consent that
the reading ofthe article bewaived (Pause) Seeing noobjection itissoordered.”
Voters should refrain from displaying their approval ordisfavor towards aspeaker byapplauding orbyany
other means.
NOTETOALLVOTERS CONCERNING
TOWN MEETING PROCEDURES
Ataprevious Annual Town Meeting aby-lawwas adopted which requires that almost allwarrant articles
beacted upon inthe order they are drawn byalottery, not the order they appear inthe warrant. There
are certain exceptions, however, tothe lottery system. The following should help you understand how the
Town Meeting works:
Town Meeting will be opened bythe Town Clerk. AModerator will beelected (Article 1);procedures to
govern Town Meeting will beadopted (Article 2);reports ofalloutstanding committees will bereceived
Article 3);and the consent agenda (Article 4).The consent agenda isalist ofarticles that appear tobe
non-controversial and therefore are voted asagroup. Ifany voter wishes todiscuss any article that is
listed onthe consent agenda, the voter may simply ask for ahold onthat article, and the article will be
deleted from the consent agenda and acted onseparately inthe normal course ofthe meeting.
16 –Source page 17
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
After these three articles have been acted upon, allsubsequent articles, except next year’s proposed
annual operating budget, will bevoted oninthe order inwhich they are drawn bythe Town Clerk. There
are instances, however, where the Moderator may declare that for some legal or technical reason a
particular article orarticles must beconsidered insome other sequence.
The proposed annual operating budget cannot beacted upon until allmatters which affect ithave been
acted upon, specifically, allcollective bargaining agreements, and any warrant article that calls for an
expenditure. This may mean that the proposed annual operating budget may, infact, bethe last article
acted upon atthe Annual Town Meeting.
Itishoped that this brief explanation will behelpful toyou inunderstanding the lottery system under
which the Town Meeting iscurrently operated.
NOTES:
17 –Source page 18
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
SUMMARY OFREVENUE ANDEXPENDITURES
FY 2016FY 2017FY 2018
ACTUALBUDGETRECOMMENDED
GENERAL FUND REVENUES:
PROPERTY TAX REVENUE67,267,82469,587,30573,073,334
STATE AID7,891,
8698,052,
3208,868,
080
LOCAL RECEIPTS7,801,5006,263,0406,468,816
TRANSFERS FROM OTHER FUNDS3,249,5442,248,0032,340,524
TAX TITLE / FORECLOSURE REVENUE147, 45600
TOTAL REVENUES86, 358,19286,150,66890,750,754
GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES:
SCHOOL EXPENSES36, 259,
29038,572,71040,221,559
MUNICIPAL EXPENSES18, 136,88919,016,90119,919,076
FIXED COSTS25,878,98426,804,88728,375,270
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES80,275,16384,394,49888,515,905
CASH CAPITAL EXPENDITURES2, 120,5001,972,0001,500,000
TRANSFERS TO STABILIZATION FUNDS600,00000
SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS183, 069159,265199,000
STATE & COUNTY CHARGES927, 338956,9051,034,849
TOTAL EXPENDITURES84, 106,07087,482,66891,249,754
OPERATING SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) - GENERAL FUND2,252,122(1,
332,000)(499,000)
ONE-TIMESOURCES OF FUNDS:
FREE CASH RESERVE1,591,0001,332,000499,000
OVERLAY SURPLUS000
TOTAL NON-RECURRING SOURCES1,591,0001,332,000499,000
ADJUSTED SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) - GENERAL FUND3,843,12200
ENTERPRISE FUNDS:
WATER REVENUE7,372,8846,396,1726,957,882
SEWER REVENUE6,483,5886,496,6406,536,733
RINK REVENUE21,827113,4440
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS' REVENUE13,878,30013,006,25613,494,615
ENTERPRISE FUNDS' SURPLUS USED0612,0001,478,910
WATER EXPENSES6,604, 1576,396,1727,357,882
SEWER EXPENSES6,273, 8036,496,6406,536,733
RINK EXPENSES30, 217113,44419,910
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS EXPENSES12,908,17713,006,25613,914,525
ENTERPRISE FUNDS' CASH CAPITAL EXPENDITURES721, 510612,0001,059,000
ENTERPRISE FUNDS' SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)248,61300
GRAND TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS97, 735,757101,100,924106,223,279
18 –Source page 19
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
TownofCanton
CommonwealthofMassachusetts
Norfolk, ss
Tothe Constables ofthe Town ofCanton,
Greetings:
Inthe name ofthe Commonwealth ofMassachusetts you are hereby required tonotify and warn the
inhabitants ofthe Town ofCanton tomeet atMorse Auditorium, onthe grounds ofthe Canton High
School, 900 Washington Street insaid town on;
MONDAY, THE EIGHTH DAY
OF MAY 2017
Atseven o'clock (7:00P.M.) inthe evening forthe annual town meeting atwhich time and place the
following articles are tobeacted upon:
ARTICLE1
ELECT AMODERATOR
Article 1 Toelect aModerator topreside atthis Town Meeting toserve until the commencement
ofAnnual Town Meeting in2018 ortotake any other action related thereto.
Board ofSelectmen
DISCUSSION: Nominations will beaccepted and amoderator elected atTown Meeting during the
discussion ofthis article.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE2
ADOPT RULES TO GOVERN TOWN MEETING
Article 2 Tosee ifthe town will vote to adopt certain procedures togovern the conduct of the
2017 Annual Town Meeting, ortotake any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOTION 1
MOVED: That this 2017 Annual Town Meeting shall meet on consecutive Monday and
th
Wednesday evenings ( but not including Monday, May 29) in the Morse Auditorium, on the
grounds of the Canton High School until the business ofthis Annual Town Meeting has been
concluded, each such session tobegin at 7:00 o’clock P.M. and toadjourn at 11:00 o’clock P.M.,
or as near that hour as may be feasible, according to the nature of the business pending at the
said hour.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 6-0-0
19 –Source page 20
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee recommends adoption ofthis motion asitformalizes procedures
that have been followed byTown Meetings in the past.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 2
MOVED: That the following individuals be granted all of the rights and privileges of
participation in this Annual Town Meeting, except the right to vote, under any article of this
warrant which affects matters within their jurisdiction:
Charlie Aspinwall, Town Administrator
Derek Bonner, VP US Compounding, Fresenius Kabi Compounding USA, LLC (Art. 21)
David Brauninger, Principal, Lt.Peter M. Hansen Elementary School
Debra Bromfield, Director of Student Services
John Ciccotelli, Director of Public Health
Paul R. DeRensis, Town Counsel
James Donovan, Town Engineer
Jennifer Fischer-Mueller, Superintendent ofSchools
Derek Folan, Principal, Canton High School
Tom Houston, Professional Services Corporation, PC
Jen Henderson, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Louis Jutras, Information Systems Manager
Mark Lague, Library Director
Karen Lawlor, Administrative Assistant, Canton Planning Board
Stephen Lynch, Representative in Congress
Christine McMahon, Principal, John F. Kennedy Elementary School
Steven Moore, Assistant Supt. for Business & Personnel, Blue Hills Reg. Technical School
Thomas A.Mullen, Esq. (Art. 40 &Art. 41)
James Murgia, Finance Director
Barry Nectow, School Business Administrator
Cynthia O’Connell, Conservation Commission Agent
Robie Peter, Principal, Dean S. Luce Elementary School
Kristen Phelps,Canton Community Preservation Committee Administrator
Nick Pirelli, Acting Parks & Recreation Director
James Quaglia, Superintendent- Director, Blue Hills Regional Technical School
Helena Rafferty, Deputy Police Chief
Mark Roy, Executive Director, Canton Housing Authority
Laura Smead, Town Planner
Walter Timilty, State Senator
Michael Trotta, Superintendent of Public Works
Diane Tynan, Director of Council on Aging
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 6-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee recommends adoption ofthis motion asitallows key non-
resident officials and consultants tolegally participate inthe Town Meeting and itformalizes procedures
that have been followed byTown Meetings inthe past.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 3
MOVED: That whenever during discussion under any article in this warrant during this
year’sannual town meeting, irrespective of which session such discussion is reached during
the progress of the annual town meeting, amotion ismade, the effect of which is to increase
the total amount to be appropriated beyond that which isrecommended by the Finance
Committee or which changes the method of obtaining funds tomeet that appropriation, the
moderator shall not accept such motion unless said motion also contains acorresponding
decrease in another appropriation as contained in an appropriation article on this specific
warrant or acorresponding transfer from any other available funding source or borrowing as
20 –Source page 21
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
an alternative funding source, so that the total amount to be appropriated by the town, at this
town meeting, and tobe expended thereafter, for all the appropriation articles contained in this
warrant, shall not in any event exceed the total dollar amount recommended by the Finance
Committee as set forth inthe published Report of the Finance Committee Recommendations as
may be increased by any transfer from available funds provided, however that nothing in this
motion shall prevent an increase in appropriation funding contingent upon the passage of a
Proposition 2½override.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 6-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee recommends adoption ofthis motion asitformalizes procedures
that have been followed byTown Meeting inthe past toinsure that Town Meeting ends with the adoption
ofabalanced budget.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE3
HEAR REPORTS OF COMMITTEES APPOINTED AT PRIOR TOWN MEETINGS
Article 3 Tohear the reports ofallcommittees appointed atprevious town meetings, which have
not yet been discharged, ortotake any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That reports of the following committees appointed at previous Town Meetings
be heard:
Economic Development Committee ( ATM 2004, Article 14)
Community Preservation Committee ( ATM 2011, Article 39)
Town of Canton Substance Abuse Committee ( ATM 2016, Article 32)
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 6-0-0
DISCUSSION: TheFinance Committee supports adoption ofthis motion tohear the reports ofstanding
committees appointed atprior Town Meetings.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
21 –Source page 22
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
ARTICLE4
ACT ON “CONSENT AGENDA”
Article 4 Tosee ifthe town will vote todispose ofcertain articles inthis warrant byasingle vote,
inaccordance with aso-called, consent agenda, ortotake any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the following articles be disposed of by asingle vote, in accordance with
the Finance Committee motions as printed in the report of the Finance Committee: 8,9,10, 11,
13, 1416, 19, 23, 28, 31, 32, 33, 36, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 51, 54 and 57.
FINCOM
Article Description Motion VOTE Reason
Postpone
8Unpaid Bills of Prior Year 8-0-0There are none.
Indefinitely
95- 0- 0
MotionsAdjust FY17 Accounts Adopt this article 5-0-0 Non-controversial.
1- 38- 0- 0
108- 0- 0
Transfer Unexpended Prior
MotionsAdopt this article 8-0-0 Non-controversial.
Year Appropriations
1- 38- 0- 0
11
Authorize Certain 8-0-0
MotionsAdopt this article Non-controversial.
Revolving Funds 8-0-0
1-2
13
Accept Laws Enacted by 5-0-0
MotionsAdopt this article Non-controversial.
the General Court 5-0-0
1-2
th
Funding for the 4 of July
14Adopt this article 8- 0-
0 Non-controversial.
Community Celebration
Rescind Unused Borrowing
16Adopt this article 8- 0-
0 Non-controversial.
Authorizations
Senior Citizen Work-Off
19Adopt this article 8- 0-
0 Non-controversial.
Abatement Program
Utility Easement Postpone
23 5-0-0 Withdrawn.
Treetop Adventures Indefinitely
Establish aSolar Facility
28Adopt this article 5- 0-
0 Non-controversial.
Stabilization Fund
Update Town’sHazard Postpone
315-0- 0 Withdrawn.
Mitigation Plan Indefinitely
Funds for Memorial
32 Adopt this article 5-0-0Non-controversial.
Recognition
Amend General By-Law
33Adopt this article 8- 0-
0 Non-controversial.
Denial of Local Licenses
36 Retired Police Officers Adopt this article 6-0-0 Non-controversial.
Cedarcrest Road Postpone
405-0- 0 Withdrawn.
Street Acceptance Indefinitely
22 –Source page 23
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
Beatrice Way Postpone
415-0- 0 Withdrawn.
Street Acceptance Indefinitely
New Boston Drive Postpone
425-0- 0 Non-controversial.
Street Acceptance Indefinitely
Amend Zoning By-Laws Postpone
437-0- 0 Withdrawn.
CCDRB Composition Indefinitely
Amend Zoning By-Laws by
45Deleting Section 4.2.1 Adopt this article. 7-0-0Non-controversial.
Build Factor
Adopt Marijuana Postpone
517-0- 0 There are none.
Regulations Indefinitely
Amend Zoning Map by
Postpone
54Rezoning Certain Open 7-0-0 Withdrawn.
Indefinitely
Space
Canton Alliance Against
57Adopt this article. 8- 0-
0 Non-controversial.
Substance Abuse
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: Articles placed onthe consent agenda are considered non-controversial and can be
voted inone block. The consent agenda isalistof articles that appear to benon-controversial and
therefore are voted asagroup. Ifany voter wishes to discuss any article that islisted ontheconsent
agenda, the voter may simply ask forahold onthat article, and the article will bedeleted from the
consent agenda and acted onseparately inthenormal course ofthe meeting. Further discussion oneach
can befound under the individual article.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE5
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS UNDER THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Article 5 Tosee ifthetown will vote, to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or
transfer from Free Cash, asum ofmoney for the purpose of funding any new cost items contained inany
collective bargaining agreements entered into by theBoard ofSelectman, onbehalf ofthe town, with any
group ofemployees, serving under its jurisdiction, ortotake any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the sum of One Hundred Thirty Three Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty
Three Dollars ($133,733) betransferred from Department # 910’sbudget in order to fund cost
items, not included in departmental budgets appropriated for fiscal year 2017, for collective
bargaining agreements entered into by the Board ofSelectmen as may be reached after the
conclusion of this town meeting between the Town of Canton and bargaining units, such sums
to be allocated to pay for the relevant departments’ payroll expenses from budget classification
Department # 910 as determined by the Finance Director.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
23 –Source page 24
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee recommends favorable action tofund the collective bargaining
agreements that have been reached between the town and collective bargaining units. Administrative
Employees Union and the Police Officers Union have reached agreements with the Town. There are other
units that are still bargaining with the Town.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE6
PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS UNDER THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Article 6 Tosee ifthetown will vote, to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, or
transfer from Free Cash, such sums ofmoney asmay benecessary tofund new cost items contained in
contracts forpersonal services with any individual employee, ortake any action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the sum of Thirty Five Thousand Eight Hundred Forty Nine Dollars
35,849) be transferred from Department # 910’sbudget in order to fund cost items, not
included in departmental budgets appropriated for fiscal year 2017, for agreements with
individual employees or groups of employees entered into by the Board ofSelectmen as may be
reached after the conclusion of this town meeting between the Town of Canton and with
individual employees or groups of employees serving under its jurisdiction, such sums to be
allocated to pay for the relevant departments’ payroll expenses from budget classification
Department # 910 as determined by the Finance Director.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimouslyto fund the salary increases for employees
that are not covered bycollective bargaining agreements, including employees with personal contracts.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE7
SET SALARIES OF ELECTED OFFICERS
Article 7 Tosee ifthe town will vote, inaccordance with the provisions ofsection one hundred
and eight ofchapter forty-one (G. L.chapter 41, §108) tofixthe salary and compensation ofallelected
officers ofthe town, ortotake any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOTION 1
MOVED: That the salary and compensation for the Town Clerk be fixed at $
84,595 for
the 2018 Fiscal Year beginning July 1,2017 through June 30, 2018.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0
24 –Source page 25
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
DISCUSSION: The Town Clerk isafull time employee. The salary requested bythe Town Clerk hasa
2%increase from her FY17 salary, which iscomparable tothe increases granted toother Town
employees for FY18.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 2
MOVED: That the salary and compensation for all part-time elected officials of the Town
be fixed for the 2018 Fiscal Year beginning July 1,2017 through June 30, 2018, asfollows:
Board of Assessors $ 2,400.00, for each member
Board of Health $600.00, for each member
Board of Selectmen $1,400.00, for each member, with an additional
200.00 to chairperson
Planning Board $0. 00
School Committee $ 0.00
Library Trustees $0. 00
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 5-2-1
MAJORITY DISCUSSION: The majority oftheCommittee voted torecommend thesalaries
requested bythe various elected Boards. The issue ofsalaries ofelected officials has been debated
extensively atseveral previous Town Meetings, and Town Meeting has always decided not tomake any
change tothe long standing practice ofpaying the elected members ofcertain Boards asmall salary.
Themajority recognizes that there isnologic beyond the fact that there isalong standing practice. The
salaries are somodest that they donot begin tocompensate elected officials who shoulder extensive
responsibilities and devote hundreds ofhours tothe Town each year. They are more atoken of
appreciation than asalary. Some elected Boards do not request salaries.
Bystate law, the elected officials who receive asalary are entitled tohealth insurance coverage bythe
Town’s employee health insurance plan. The Town haslimited the coverage anelected official can choose
toanindividual plan-nofamily coverage. The average premium forthe plan is $6,496 and three ofthe 11
officials who received asalary also elected tobecovered bythe town’s health insurance plan inFY17. If
allofficials receiving asalary elected toreceive health care coverage in FY18 the total cost would be
71,456. The operating budget for FY18 has assumed that three elected officials will elect to receive
health insurance coverage inFY18.
MINORITY DISCUSSION: Aminority group ofthe Finance Committee voted against the salaries
ofthe Board ofHealth, the Board ofAssessors, and the Board ofSelectmen forfiscal year 2018. Although
the salaries associated with these positions are not large amounts relative tothe size ofthe Town’s
budget, itisimportant to distinguish that aspaid elected officials ofthe Town, members ofthese boards
are automatically eligible tosign upfor theTown’sgroup health insurance plan. As the Town currently
pays 75%ofthe annual health insurance premiums, and also astheTown participates inaself-funded
health insurance plan (meaning that the Town pays for allclaims), the minority members ofthe Finance
Committee believe that there could potentially bealarge cost to theTown byoffering salaries tothese
elected Boards. Further, the minority members believe that the salaries associated with these Boards are
not proportionate tothe amount ofhours associated with participation oneach Board.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
25 –Source page 26
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
ARTICLE8
PAY BILLS OF PRIOR FISCAL YEAR
Article8To see ifthe town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds,
transfer from Free Cash, orborrow pursuant toany applicable statute asum orsums ofmoney topay any
unpaid bills ofany prior fiscal year, ortotake any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOVED: That the subject matter of Article 8be indefinitely postponed.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously topostpone the article indefinitely, asthere
are nobills from prior years that require payment.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE9
ADJUST FISCAL ’17 ACCOUNTS
Article 9 Tosee ifthe town will vote toincrease/decrease orotherwise adjust the appropriations
heretofore made fortheFiscal Year 2017 beginning onJuly 1,2016 and ending onJune 30, 2017 and the
revenues sources to meet those appropriations, asvoted pursuant toArticle 45ofthe warrant for the
2016 Annual Town Meeting, and to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds ortransfer from
Free Cash tomeet any such increases oradjustments, ortotake any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOTION 1
MOVED: That the that the sum of Sixty Two Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty Six Dollars
62,986) be hereby appropriated to the Health Insurance Budget (Dept. #914), and to meet
this appropriation the sum of Sixty Two Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty Six Dollars ($62,986)
be transferred from the budget voted at the 2016 Annual Town Meeting for Canton Public
Schools Article 45 Motion 2 ,thereby increasing the Health Insurance Budget from Eleven
Million Two Hundred Seventy Nine Thousand Two Hundred Seventy Eight Dollars ($11,279,278)
to anew total of Eleven Million Three Hundred Forty Two Thousand Two Hundred Sixty Four
Dollars ($11,342,264).
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 5-0-0
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 2
MOVED: That the sum of Three Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Seven Dollars ($3,727)
be appropriated to the Norfolk County Agricultural School Budget (Dept. #841) and to meet
this appropriation, the sum of Three Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Seven Dollars ($3,727)
be hereby transferred from the Blue Hills Regional Budget (Dept. #840) thereby increasing the
appropriation voted in Article 45 Motion 2of the 2016 Annual Town meeting from Ten
Thousand Dollars ($10,000) to Thirteen Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Seven Dollars
13,727).
26 –Source page 27
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 5-0-0
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 3
MOVED: That the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) be appropriated to
the Snow and Ice Budget (Dept. #423) by transfer from Free Cash (Undesignated Fund
Balance) in the Treasury of the Town thereby increasing the appropriation voted in Article 45of
the 2016 Annual Town Meeting from Five Hundred Sixty Four Thousand Five Hundred Dollars
564,500) to Seven Hundred Sixty Four Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($764,500).
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimous support ofall three Motions under this Article.
The first Motion transfers $62,986 from the School Committee tothe Health Insurance. The School
Committee has excess funds available from the appropriation made last year forthe implementation offull
day kindergarten. This amount isbeing transferred toaddress adeficit inthe Health Insurance budget.
The second motion istotransfer $3,727 from Blue Hills Regional School toNorfolk Agricultural School.
The Town’s assessment forBlue Hills islower than anticipated, while Norfolk Agricultural School needs
additional funds due toanincreased number ofCanton students being enrolled. The third motion
transfers $200,000 from Free Cash tothe Snow and Ice Budget tocover the deficit forthis fiscal year.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE10
TRANSFER UNEXPENDED PRIOR YEAR APPROPRIATIONS
Article 10 Tosee ifthe town will vote totransfer the unexpended balance ofcertain appropriations
made under various articles inthe warrants applicable toprior town meetings, tonew purposes and uses,
ortotake any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOTION 1
MOVED: That One Thousand Four Hundred Forty One Dollars ($1,441) be appropriated
to be spent by the Chief Procurement Officer with the approval of the School Superintendent
for the purpose of repairs to the roof of the High School thereby increasing such appropriation
already voted pursuant toArticle 25 ofthe 2011 Annual Town Meeting from Two Hundred
Ninety Four Thousand Dollars ($294,000) toTwo Hundred Ninety Five Thousand Four Hundred
Forty One Dollars ($295,441) and to meet this appropriation the sum of One Thousand Four
Hundred Forty One Dollars ($1,441) be transferred from the appropriation voted pursuant to
Article 11 Motion 6of the 2014 Annual Town Meeting for the purpose of replacing the High
School Boiler.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
27 –Source page 28
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
MOTION 2
MOVED: That Three Thousand Four Hundred Five Dollars ($3,405) be appropriated to be
spent by the Chief Procurement Officer with the approval of the School Superintendent for the
purpose of repairs to the roof of the Rodman Building thereby increasing such appropriation
already voted pursuant to Article 26 of the 2011 Annual Town Meeting from Three Hundred
Forty Seven Thousand Dollars ($347,000) to Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Four Hundred Five
Dollars ($350,405) and to meet this appropriation the sum of Three Thousand Four Hundred
Five Dollars ($3,405) be transferred from the appropriation voted pursuant to Article 11 Motion
6of the 2014 Annual Town Meeting for the purpose of replacing the High School Boiler.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 3
MOVED: That Fifty Six Thousand Six Hundred Seventy Five Dollars and Four Cents
56,675.04) be appropriated to be spent by the Chief Procurement Officer with the approval of
the Board of Selectmen for the purpose of repairs to Mechanic Street Water Mains thereby
increasing such appropriation already voted pursuant to Article 12 Motion 7of the 2015 Annual
Town Meeting from Two Million Six Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars ($2,630,000) toTwo
Million Six Hundred Eighty Six Thousand Six Hundred Seventy Five Dollars and Four Cents
2,686,675.04) and to meet this appropriation the sum of Fifty Six Thousand Six Hundred
Seventy Five Dollars and Four Cents ($56,675.04) be transferred from the appropriation voted
pursuant to Article 13 Motion 8of the 2009 Annual Town Meeting for the purpose of Elm Street
Water Improvements.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously tosupport the transfer ofunexpended
appropriations. These are projects which completed work under budget, and the funds are now being
transferred from those budgets into projects which are over budget.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
ARTICLE11
AUTHORIZE CERTAIN REVOLVING FUNDS
Article 11 Tosee what revolving funds pursuant to c.44, section 53E ½ ofthe General Laws ofthe
Commonwealth the town will establish byby-law and todetermine the limit ontotal amount that may be
expended from said revolving accounts, forvarious boards, commissions ordepartments ofthe town, for
the fiscal year beginning July 1,2017 and ending June 30, 2018, ortotake any other action related
thereto.
Board of Selectmen
MOTION 1
MOVED: That the General By-Laws be amended by adding a new Section 16 to Article
VIII as follows:
28 –Source page 29
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
DEPARTMENTAL REVOLVING FUNDS
1.Purpose – This by-law establishes and authorizes revolving funds for use by town,
departments, boards, committees, agencies and officers in connection with the
operation of programs oractivities that generate fees, charges orother receipts to
support allor some of the expenses of those programs or activities. These revolving
funds are established under and governed byGeneral laws Chapter 44, section 53E½.
2.Expenditure Limitations – A department or agency head, board, committee or officer
may incur liabilities against and spend monies from arevolving fund established and
authorized by this by-law without appropriation subject to the following limitations:
A.Fringe benefits of full-time employees whose salaries or wages are paid from the
fund shall also be paid from the fund.
B.No liability shall be incurred in excess ofthe available balance of the fund.
C.The total amount spent during afiscal year shall not exceed the amount authorized
by annual Town meeting on or before July 1 of that fiscal year, or any increased
amount of that authorization that islater approved during that fiscal year by the
Selectmen and Finance Committee.
3.Interest – Interest earned on monies credited to arevolving fund established by this
by-law shall be credited to the general fund.
4.Procedures and Reports – Except as provided in General Laws Chapter 44, section
53E½ and this by-laws, the laws, charter provisions, by-laws, rules, regulations,
policies orprocedures that govern the receipt and custody of town monies and the
expenditure and payment of town funds shall apply to the use of a revolving fund
established and authorized by this by-law. The Town Accountant shall include a
statement on the collections credited to the fund, the encumbrances and expenditures
charged to each fund and the balance available for expenditure in the regular report
the Town Accountant provides the department, board, committee, agency or officer on
appropriations made for its use.
5.Authorized Revolving Funds – The Table set forth below establishes:
A.Each revolving fund authorized for use byatown department, board, committee,
agency or officer,
B.The department or agency head, board, committee or officer authorized to spend
from each fund,
C.The fees, charges and other monies charged and received by the department,
board, committee, agency orofficer inconnection with the program or activity for
which the fund is established that shall be credited to each fund by the Town
Accountant,
D.The expenses of the program or activity for which each fund may be used,
E.The fiscal years each fund shall operate under this by-law.
Department,
Board,
Committee,
Agency or
Officer
Authorized toFees, Charges orOther Program orActivity
Spend from Receipts Credited to Expenses Payable
Revolving FundFundFundfrom Fund Fiscal Years
Providing services to
veterans notfunded
under established
programs, including
110 – but notlimited to
Veterans’ Veterans' newsletter publication, Fiscal Year 2018
Contributions, Donations,
Services Services monthly breakfasts, and subsequent
Gifts, Grants.
Special Director funeral services, otheryears
Revenues commemorative
programs andother
purposes intheopinion
oftheVeterans'
Director inthebest
29 –Source page 30
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
Department,
Board,
Committee,
Agency or
Officer
Authorized toFees, Charges orOther Program orActivity
Spend from Receipts Credited to Expenses Payable
Revolving FundFundFundfrom Fund Fiscal Years
interests ofCanton
Veterans.
Fees received for
processing passport
applications, loss, damage
orlatereturn ofborrowed
Payment ofbills and
materials, replacement of
charges forprocessing
borrower cards, donations, Fiscal Year 2018
119 - LibraryBoard ofLibrarypassport applications,
oranyother such fees as and subsequent
Revolving FundTrustees purchasing books and
may beestablished bythe years
other library materials
Board ofLibrary Trustees,
forpublic loan.
for thepurpose ofand
consistent with maintaining
afairandefficient library
loan system.
Payment ofbills and
Donations and fees
130 - Parks & charges inconnection Fiscal Year 2018
received forvarious
Recreation Recreation with programs and subsequent
programs sponsored by
Revolving FundDirector sponsored byParks & years
Parks & Recreation.
Recreation.
Payment ofbills and
Fees paid bystudents to Fiscal Year 2018
132 –StudentSchool charges tomaintain the
park theirvehicles at and subsequent
Parking Fees Committee high school parking lots
Canton High School. years
and grounds.
Rental ofPequitside Farm,
Rental ofLittle RedHouse, Maintaining, improving
134 – Rental ofRooms inMain & renovation of Fiscal Year 2018
Conservation
Pequitside Building, Rental ofRooms property, payment ofand subsequent
Commission
Farm Rentals inTavern oranyother salaries fortime spentyears
portion ofbuilding or arranging rentals.
grounds.
Payment ofbills and
charges tomaintain the
135 - Feespaid byresidents and
program, with an Fiscal Year 2018
Greenlodge Board of non-residents topark their
amount transferred toand subsequent
Street Parking Selectmen vehicles along Greenlodge
theGeneral Fund as years
Fees Street.
determined byTown
Meeting.
Payment ofservices
136 - Fees received from the saleFiscal Year 2018
Beautification required toinstall
Beautification ofbricks and other and subsequent
Committee bricks and forother
Funddonations. years
beautification projects.
Payment forveterinary
137 –AnimalFiscal Year 2018
Animal Control Adoption andboarding services andpayments
Control Specialand subsequent
Officer fees. toAnimal Control
Revenues years
Officer.
Fees forrental anduseof
Community orother
assembly rooms used forPaying bills, connected
meetings, programs or withthe providing of
138 –Libraryother events, including maintenance and Fiscal Year 2018
Board ofLibrary
Buildingpayments for use of supply offacilities andand subsequent
Trustees
Rentals facilities and conveniences forthesupport and years
inconjunction with useofsafe conduct ofsaid
spaces, asmay be programs andevents.
established bytheBoard of
Library Trustees.
30 –Source page 31
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
Department,
Board,
Committee,
Agency or
Officer
Authorized toFees, Charges orOther Program orActivity
Spend from Receipts Credited to Expenses Payable
Revolving FundFundFundfrom Fund Fiscal Years
Payment ofbills and
Donations andother fees
charges inconnection Fiscal Year 2018
140 –COA Council onreceived forvarious
withvarious programs and subsequent
Revolving FundAging programs sponsored bythe
sponsored bythe years
Council onAging.
Council onAging.
Providing services to
Canton citizens not
otherwise funded under
established programs,
141 –Board including butnot
Contributions, donations, Fiscal Year 2018
ofHealth limited toflu
Board ofHealthgifts, grants, and subsequent
Special vaccinations, child and
reimbursements. years
Revenues teenage health
education &
development programs
and elderly health
programs.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
MOTION 2
MOVED: That the spending limits for the revolving funds set forth by by-law in Motion 1
are hereby established pursuant to the provisions of MGL chapter 44, section 53 E ½ for the
2018 Fiscal Year beginning July 1,2017 through June 30, 2018 and that each Revolving Fund
shall be credited with the balance remaining in such fund at the end of FY 2017 as set forth
below:
Revolving
Fund # Name ofRevolving Fund FY18Spending Limit
110 Veteran'sServices Special Revenues $ 100,000 annually
119 Library Revolving Fund $ 75,000 annually
130 Recreation Revolving Fund $ 500,000 annually
132 Student Parking Fees $ 100,000 annually
134 Pequitside Farm Rentals $ 50,000 annually
135 Greenlodge Street Parking Fees $ 100,000 annually
136 Beautification Fund $ 10,000 annually
137 Animal Control Special Revenues $ 50,000 annually
138 Library Building Rentals $ 50,000 annually
140 COA Revolving Fund $ 50,000 annually
141 Board ofHealth Special Revenues $ 50,000 annually
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
31 –Source page 32
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
DISCUSSION: The Finance Committee voted unanimously tosupport both motions ofArticle 11. The
first motion amends the General By-Law by adding anew Section 16toArticle VIII. The state’s Municipal
Modernization Act requires the town toset upaRevolving Fund By-Law with the interest earned credited
totheGeneral Fund. Atemplate forthis By-Law change was provided bythe Division ofLocal Services,
Department ofRevenue andisthe source ofthismotion. Transfers from these revolving funds can still be
carried out bytown meeting, however, analternate use for these funds would require aby-law change.
Motion 2sets out the annual fiscal spending limits forthe revolving funds. Thefunding was increased for
2funds with library moving from $50,000 to $ 75,000 andParks & Recreation from $400,000 to $500,000.
Library and Parks and Recreation receive fees and donations throughout the year; updating the spending
amounts allows them tomake the most use ofthese funds.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
32 –Source page 33
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
ARTICLE12
OMNIBUS” CAPITAL OUTLAY PROGRAM
Article 12 To see ifthe town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds,
transfer from Free Cash, ortoauthorize the Town Treasurer with the approval of theBoard ofSelectmen,
toborrow (and toissue bonds ornotes therefore) any sum orsums ofmoney, or byany combination of
these methods offinancing asmay benecessary or desirable, make available funds for the purpose of
purchasing, leasing, re-conditioning, improving orreplacing any motor vehicles orother items of
equipment ormachinery orother items ofpersonal property for any town agency, or forthe purpose of
contracting for any service, orfor the design, repair, acquisition, construction, replacement orrelocation
orimprovement to any town building orother structure, public works facility (including highway needs and
traffic safety items), any other town owned facility orreal property, or forany other purposes for which
borrowing may beauthorized, topurchase, orto take byeminent domain, any land oreasements
necessary forany such purposes and, where applicable, toauthorize thetrade-inofany presently owned
motor vehicles, equipment ormachinery toreduce thepurchase oracquisition cost ofany item tobe
acquired, and toinclude inany new capital project borrowing authorization and/ortoamend such
borrowing authorizations from prior years town meeting toprovide for the application ofany bond
premiums toreduce the cost ofsuch borrowings ortoapply same topayment ofproject costs, ortotake
any other action related thereto.
Board of Selectmen for Capital Planning Committee
MOTION 1
MOVED: ( a) The acquisition of all vehicles and other motorized equipment that is
authorized to be purchased or otherwise acquired by any motion made under this warrant
article shall be under the responsibility of the Finance Director/ Chief Procurement Officer. In
addition to the procurement, the “trade-in” or other disposition ofall vehicles and other
motorized equipment being replaced isalso authorized and shall be under the responsibility of
the Finance Director/ Chief Procurement Officer. In all cases where byamotion 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 oracquisition 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 avote of the Finance
Committee, taken within 30 (thirty) days following adecision to waive or to modify the
foregoing provision requiring full compliance with the specifications on file.
b) All building related projects which are approved and or funded by any motion made
under this article shall be under the responsibility ofthe Building Renovations Committee
appointed pursuant to Canton By-law, Article X,section 4,except as may be provided by any
specific motion made pursuant to this article.
c) The Town votes to supplement each prior vote ofthe Town that authorizes the
borrowing ofmoney to pay costs of capital projects toprovide that, inaccordance with Chapter
44, Section 20 of the General Laws, the premium received by the Town upon the sale of any
bonds or notes thereunder, less any such premium applied to the payment of the costs of
issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to pay project costs and the amount
authorized to be borrowed for each such project shall bereduced by the amount of any such
premium so applied.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE: 8-0-0
MOTION 1
DISCUSSION: This motion authorizes theFinance Director tosupervise the acquisition, trade-ins, or
other disposition ofvehicles and other motorized equipment. This motion also authorizes the Building
Renovations Committee tooversee all building/land projects.
APPROVED__________ DISAPPROVED__________
33 –Source page 34
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
MOTION 2
MOVED: That Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars ($700,000) be appropriated from the
Fiscal Year 2018 tax levy and other general revenues of the Town, for the Canton School
Committee to expend for the purpose of purchasing certain items of property set forth below
for the School Department as follows:
FINCOM FINCOM
AMOUNT VOTE
Building Repairs/ Improvements
Teachers Room Renovation – Galvin Middle School $ 12,500 8-0-0
Emergency Generator Radiator Replacement – High School 8,781 8-0-0
Oil Tank Removal ( 6 locations) 35,900 8- 0- 0
Painting – District Wide 10,000 8- 0- 0
Telco Bells/ Paging Systems ( Hansen, JFK & Galvin) 48,500 8-0-0
Grounds Improvement
Brick Wall Repairs – Luce 25,000 8-
0-0
Technology
District Firewall 46, 500 8- 0- 0
District Server, SAN, Virtualization Upgrade 160,000 8-0-0
Printer Replacement – District Wide 17,235 8- 0- 0
Chromebook Carts for Hansen, Luce & Galvin 31,100 8-0-0
Elementary Computer Labs – upgrade laptop/ tablets from 6,600 8-0-0
Thin Clients to Aspire 14 Laptop/ Tablet
Cafeteria Projector System Upgrade – Galvin Middle School 18,997 8-0-0
Projectors and Projector Screens ( 6each) – High School 7,452 8-0-0
SPED Technology Chromebooks/ Tubs and iPad Minis – Elem. 13,450 8-0-0
Projectors ( 14 Interactive) – All schools and Administration 35,000 8-0-0
Document Cameras ( 54) – All schools and Administration 5,400 8-0-0
Program Improvements
American Sign Language ( ASL) Lab Equipment 8,263 8-0-0
6 remaining stations) – High School
Musical Instruments – K-12 10,000 8- 0- 0
Performing Arts Technology – District Wide 6,
000 8-0- 0
Furniture & Fixtures
Front Entry Canopy – Luce & JFK 15,500 8- 0- 0
Classroom Window & Door Shades – JFK & GMS 9,885 8-0-0
Tables, Chairs and Mats – Hansen 7, 675 8- 0- 0
Electric Convection Steamer- High School 8,631 8-0-0
Mats for Front and Rear Entrances – High School 10,511 8-0-0
Cafeteria POS Systems – District Wide 10,000 8-0-0
Custodial Equipment – District Wide 17,043 8-0-0
Safety & Security Upgrade – Hansen, Galvin, HS & Memorial Field 62,627 8-0-0
Vehicle Replacement
2017 Chevy Dump Truck 3500 HD 4WD 51,450 8-0-
0
GRAND TOTAL $700,000
The amounts listed above for particular acquisitions are not to be construed as individual
appropriations. The sums shown are intended to be estimates of individual items but the
amount appropriated is one line item in the total sum of Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars
700,000). The Finance Director and the Business Administrator of the School Department,
acting jointly, are hereby authorized todistribute such funds in such amanner as may be
needed to accomplish the forgoing list of purchases; provided, however, that each item
contained in the list isprocured and that the excess funds are available because one or more
items cost less than estimated and not because an item intended to be procured is not so
procured.
34 –Source page 35
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
MOTION 2
DISCUSSION:
Building Repairs/ Improvements
Teachers Room Renovation – Galvin Middle School ($12,500)
This project would permit oneofthe two teachers’ rooms atthe Galvin Middle School tobeupdated. The
scope ofthe project also includes conference space. The improvements will better serve the needs ofthe
faculty atthe school. The expected useful life will betwenty years for this improved space. The Capital
Planning Committee recommended this request byavote of5-0-1.
Emergency Generator Radiator Replacement – High School ($8,781)
This matter isanissue ofpublic safety. The radiator ofthe emergency generator atCanton High School is
leaking rendering the emergency generator unreliable. Asthe building would beused asapublic shelter in
the case ofanemergency, itisnecessary toreplace this radiator. Itshould benoted that only the radiator
willbereplaced and not the entire unit. The Capital Planning Committee recommended this request bya
vote of5-0-1.
Oil Tank Removal ( 6locations) ($ 35,900)
The oiltanks included inthis request were already emptied and cleaned last year as part of an
environmental cleanup project. This request would permit the now obsolete oiltanks toberemoved from
the six locations. These tanks are clean and the tanks are above ground, minimizing the risk of
contamination when they areremoved. The removal ofthe oiltanks willcomplete this environmentally
friendly project ofremoving the oiltanks from these locations. The Capital Planning Committee
recommended this request byavote of 5-0-1.
Painting – District Wide ($10,000)
Over the course ofaschool year wear and tear occurs within the interiors ofthe many school buildings.
This project would permit selected rooms invarious buildings belonging tothe Canton Public Schools tobe
repainted. These rooms have notbeen recently painted and this maintenance will help prevent the
condition ofthese buildings from deteriorating. The Capital Planning Committee recommended this
request byavote of5-0-1.
Telco Bells/ Paging Systems ( Hansen, JFK & Galvin) ($ 48,500)
The existing communication systems ateach ofthe relevant schools are outdated. Anew Telecor
intercom, paging, and clock system would beinstalled atall three elementary schools and theGalvin
Middle School. This system would greatly improve thecoordination ofcommunication within the school
buildings and would allow greater efficiency. This system includes anumber offeatures that willboth
improve communication and safety. This system can largely use the existing infrastructure ateach school
and only requires the equipment and end devices tobepurchased and installed. The Capital Planning
Committee recommended this request by avote of5-0-1.
Grounds Improvement
Brick Wall Repairs – Luce ($25,000)
This wall onthe grounds ofthe Luce School was damaged byasnowplow and itwill need toberepaired.
This wall serves animportant function of providing safety forthe students byseparating pedestrian areas
from areas that have vehicular traffic. These repairs will also include the front steps, which were also
damaged. The Capital Planning Committee recommended this request by avote of5-0-1.
Technology
District Firewall ($46,500)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this purchase 5-0-1.
The current firewall, aDell Sonicwall ES5500, isnearing itsend oflife and needs tobereplaced. Data
security and content filtering isvery important for apublic school district. This purchase ispart ofa
planned replacement schedule tokeep the schools networking technology uptodate and secure.
District Server, SAN, Virtualization Upgrade ($ 160,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this purchase 5-0-1.
Current hardware willreach it’s end oflife inNovember 2017. This upgrade will improve the District
servers and storage array, byproviding animproved infrastructure built onnew technology.
Printer Replacement – District Wide ($17,235)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this purchase 5-0-1.
35 –Source page 36
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
This isthe last stage ofamulti-year program toreplace the old inkjet printers. This purchase isfor 90
new HP printers.
Chromebook Carts for Hansen, Luce & Galvin ($31,100)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this purchase 5-0-1.
The JFK already has four Chromebook carts and enough Chromebooks. This purchase will add an
additional forty Chromebooks and one cart tothe Luce and anadditional forty Chromebooks and one cart
totheHansen. Itwill also add anadditional 30 Chromebooks tothe GMS, for atotal purchase of 110
Chomebooks and two carts.These carts will provide storage, charging and transport for the existing
Chomebook that are inuse atthe Hansen, Luce Elementary Schools, and the Galvin Middle School
Elementary Computer Labs – upgrade laptop/ tablets from Thin Clients to Aspire 14
Laptop/ Tablet ($6, 600)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this purchase 5-0-1.
The Thin clients will be re-purposed for different uses such asresearch tools inthe Media centers, this
allows fornewer technology that ismore appropriate forstudent computing needs.
Cafeteria Projector System Upgrade – Galvin Middle School ($18,997)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this purchase 5-0-1.
The Galvin Middle School does not have aauditorium sothe Cafeteria does double duty asthe Café plus
auditorium. Itdoes not have aProjector system atthis time. This purchase willadd aProjector system
and upgrade the audio system.
Projectors and Projector Screens ( 6each) – High School ($7,452)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this purchase 5-0-1.
Replace Projector and screens forsixCanton High School classrooms. This isthe beginning ofamultiyear
plan toupgrade the projectors and screens inroughly 80Canton High School classrooms. Canton High
School teachers use these projectors and screens onadaily basis for classroom instruction.
SPED Technology Chromebooks/ Tubs and iPad Minis – Elem. ($13,450)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this purchase 5-0-1.
This will provide chromebooks forthe three Elementary Special Education Resource Classrooms.
Luce - eight iPads, sixiPad cases, twelve chromebooks, and2chromebook tubs.
JFK - ten iPads, eight iPad cases, twelve chromebooks, and two chromebook tubs.
Hansen - six chromebooks and one chromebook tub.
This purchase provides much needed technology for the Special Education Resource Classrooms.
Projectors ( 14 Interactive) – All schools and Administration ($ 35,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this purchase 5-0-1.
This request isfor the purchase offourteen interactive projectors for these locations; One Rodman, one
Hanson, one JFK, two Luce, nine Galvin Middle School. Installing these projectors expands the use ofmulti
media inclassrooms and conference rooms.
Document Cameras ( 54) – All schools and Administration ($ 5,400)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this purchase 5-0-1.
These cameras provide the ability toshow documents onexisting classroom projectors
Program Improvements
American Sign Language ( ASL) Lab Equipment ( 6remaining stations) – High School ($8,263)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
With ASL enrollment expected tocontinue rising, this request isto fund the remaining 6of24language
lab stations, which will allow students and teachers tosign inreal time. The high quality video cameras
are needed toprovide clear visual communication between the instructor and allof the students, a
selected student, orseveral students working together.
Musical Instruments – K-12 ($10,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
This item isforpurchasing replacement ornew instruments and ispart ofanexisting replacement cycle
strategy.
Performing Arts Technology – District Wide ($6,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
These funds are forthe purchase ofiPads, music notation software, laptops, iPad minis, and speakers.
36 –Source page 37
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
Furniture & Fixtures
Front Entry Canopy – Luce & JFK ($15,500)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
This item isfor the repair and refinishing ofthe currently torn and rusted entrance canopy atLuce and the
3aging entrance canopies atJFK.
Classroom Window & Door Shades – JFK & GMS ($ 9,885)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
The first part of this request istoensure compliance with lockdown procedures atGMS, requiring all
interior doors tohave pull down shades. The second part ofthis request istoreplace the remaining 12of
24old classroom window shades atJFK. Some ofwhich have failed springs and are currently considered
non-operational.
Tables, Chairs and Mats – Hansen ($7,675)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
This item isforthe replacement of10heavy duty tables, 200 high capacity folding chairs, foyer chairs and
sectionals, and 7bubbler mats forthe Hansen School, allofwhich are currently broken orfalling apart.
Electric Convection Steamer- High School ($8,631)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
This item isforthe purchase ofareplacement convection steamer, one ofwhich failed in2007 and the
other in2016. The steamer, which isunable toberepaired, isrequired toproperly cook allvegetables,
sauces, rice and eggs, which areserved every day.
Mats for Front and Rear Entrances – High School ($10,511)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
This item isarequest forreplacement offront and rear entrance mats atCHS, which are currently
considered atripping hazard due totheir aging, poor condition.
Cafeteria POS Systems – District Wide ($10,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
This district-wide request istoreplace the cafeteria POS systems, which are currently running slow and
unable tobeupgraded. The replacement software will connect tothe payment and management system
allowing families tobetter manage their student’saccounts.
Custodial Equipment – District Wide ($17,043)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
This item isforthe replacement ofaging custodial equipment, including floor machines, vacuums, and
auto scrubbers, aspart ofareplacement cycle strategy.
Safety & Security Upgrade – Hansen, Galvin, HS & Memorial Field ($62,627)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
This request isforthe purchase ofadditional security cameras atHansen School, GMS, and Memorial Field
todeter vandalism and protect ourassets.
Vehicle Replacement
2017 Chevy Dump Truck 3500 HD 4WD ($51,450)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
This item isfor the replacement ofthe 2003 Chevy Dump trump that currently has afailing transmission
and excessive under carriage rust. This would be amore cost effective solution than the recurring repair
costs ofthe existing vehicle.
37 –Source page 38
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
MOTION 3
MOVED: That Six Hundred Ninety Four Thousand Dollars ($694,000) be appropriated
from the Fiscal Year 2018 tax levy and other general revenues ofthe Town to be spent by the
Finance Director (in his capacity as Chief Procurement Officer) with the approval of various
Municipal Departments designated below and with the approval of the Board ofSelectmen for
the purposes set forth below as follows:
FINCOM FINCOM
RECOMMENDATIONS AMOUNT VOTE
Executive Office
Crosswalk Lighting Project $ 48,000 8-
0-0
Town Clerk
Office Furniture Workstations 8,
000 8-
0-0
Finance
Anti-Virus & Firewall Upgrade 37,000 8-
0- 0
Copier Replacement 10,000 8- 0- 0
Phone System Replacement ( Police, Fire & Library) 120,000 8-0-0
Computer System Replacements 11,000 8- 0-0
Wireless Access Points Upgrade 11,000 8- 0-0
Library
Reading Chairs 6,
000 8-
0-0
Parks & Recreation
Replace Kubota Tractor 52,000 8-
0-0
Police Department
Ford Interceptor Police Cruisers ( 4) 130,000 8-0-0
Bullet Resistant Vests (11) 9, 000 8- 0- 0
Property Maintenance
Air Duct Cleaning 20, 000 8- 0- 0
Replace Boiler at Ponkapoag Station 32,000 8-0-0
Heat Pump for Fire Station 1 9, 000 8- 0-0
Armando Center Exterior Painting 6, 000 8-0-0
Department of Public Works
Retrofit Sanding Trucks for Pre-Wet De-icing Systems 40,000 8-0-0
Replace Lawn Mowers 16, 000 8- 0- 0
Replace Skid Steer Loader Truck #62 95,000 8-0-0
Traffic Control Signs 12, 000 8- 0- 0
Replace Equipment Trailer 10,000 8- 0- 0
Cemetery Security System 12,000 8- 0- 0
GRAND TOTAL $694,000
The amounts listed above for particular acquisitions are not to be construed as individual
appropriations. The sums shown are intended to be estimates of individual items but the
amount appropriated isone line item in the total sum of Six Hundred Ninety Four Thousand
Dollars ($694,000). The Finance Director and Town Administrator, acting jointly, are hereby
authorized to distribute such funds in such amanner as may be needed to accomplish the
forgoing list ofpurchases; provided, however, that each item contained in the list is procured
and that the excess funds are available because one or more items cost less than estimated
and not because an item intended to be procured isnot so procured.
38 –Source page 39
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
MOTION 3
DISCUSSION:
Executive Office
Crosswalk Lighting Project ($48,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
The Crosswalk Lighting Project will provide increased pedestrian safety with the installation ofcrosswalk
warning lights atthe following locations: 1.Chapman Street and Wattles Street 2.Washington Street and
Sassamon Street 3.Pleasant Street and Sherman Street 4.Washington Street and High Street 5.
Randolph Street and Washington Street 6.Chapman and Beaumont (Completion ofitem 6iscontingent
upon sufficient funds being available after completion ofitems 1through 5.)
Town Clerk
Office Furniture Workstations ($ 8,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
The current office furniture inthe Town Clerks office was donated bylocal corporations after already being
several years old. The wooden desks areworn outand splintering requiring periodic repair toprevent
issues. New office furniture issorely needed and should bereplaced toincrease functionality inthe Town
Clerks office.
Finance
Anti-Virus & Firewall Upgrade ($ 37,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
New anti-virus and firewall software isneeded for alltown departments due to various changes inthe
cyber environment. This upgrade will protect allmunicipal desktops, laptops, peripheral devices (such as
those inpolice cars), and allnetwork andcloud based operations.
Copier Replacement ($ 10, 000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
Copier machines areregularly replaced and thisyear’s request istoreplace the refurbished copier inthe
Board ofSelectmen’soffice which was lastobtained in2011. With approximately five tosixservice calls a
year, this aging copier will bereplaced with amachine better suited for scanning, printing and copying
duties.
Phone System Replacement ( Police, Fire & Library) ($ 120,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
The proposed integrated media platform would replace the Police, Fire, and Library systems lastreplaced
in2003 and 2005 and will allow e-mails, voicemails, phone use, and forwarding onone system with
redundancy and efficiency.
Computer System Replacements ($ 11,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
Ten computers are requested forFY2018 aspart ofthis ongoing cycle inavariety of departments.
Replacing these computers would beinkeeping with the replacement schedule and isimperative as older
software will not beserviceable innewer equipment.
Wireless Access Points Upgrade ($ 11,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
Current wireless access points service the second floor meeting rooms and are forgeneral public access.
This funding request will install two additional private access points on each floor toallow for extended
wireless service formunicipal devices throughout the building.
Library
Reading Chairs ($6,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
Existing chairs tobereplaced are thirteen years old, are inmajor disrepair, and have been orshould be
removed from use. The library has requested that sixofthe chairs bereplaced.
Parks & Recreation
Replace Kubota Tractor ($52,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this purchase 5-0-1.
39 –Source page 40
ANNUALTOWNMEETINGMAY8,2017
The current 16-year-old tractor has reached the end ofitslife. The replacement ofthis critical piece of
equipment will include aerator, brush hog cutter and snow blower attachments. The aerator isneeded as
core aeration takes place four times per year onallfields, the brush hog cutter iseffective incutting back
foliage along field edges, minimizing potential for ticks and the snow blower willminimize damage to
fencing and other structures.
Police Department
Ford Interceptor Police Cruisers (4) ($ 130,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
The Canton Police utilizes itsvehicles ona24X7basis for thesafety and security ofthe Town and the
vehicles receive immense wear and tear asthey are expected tofunction inallweather and conditions.
This isascheduled replacement for high mileage, heavy use vehicles.
Bullet Resistant Vests (11) ($9,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
Bullet resistant vests have afive year life andthat the purchase ofeleven ofthese vests inFY2018 would
beinkeeping with the replacement cycle aiding inthe protection ofourpolice officers.
Property Maintenance
Air Duct Cleaning ($ 20,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
Research bythe U.S.EPA has demonstrated that cleaning airducts may allow HVAC systems to run more
efficiently byremoving debris from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, efficient systems are less
likely tobreak down, have alonger life span, and generally operate more effectively than dirty systems.
Further, the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency ranks poor indoor airquality among the top five
environmental risks topublic health. The ventilation systems inthe Fire Stations, Police Station, Public
Works Admin. Building and Town Hall have not been cleaned onthe recommended 5-year schedule and
are inneed ofattention.
Replace Boiler at Ponkapoag Station ($32,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
Recent inspection ofthe existing 30-year old boiler hasfound corrosion onthe expansion tank and boiler
lining leading toleaking water onthe station floor. Continuing torepair the boiler isno longer cost
effective and the best solution isto replace it.
Heat Pump for Fire Station 1 ($ 9,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
The current heat pump isnot able tosupply sufficient heat orAC tothesecond floor atstation1, which
houses the living area for onduty firefighters, because itissimply undersized for the area. This request
will install a24,000 BTU A/Cheat pump which can handle the demands ofthe space.
Armando Center Exterior Painting ($6,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
The paint onexterior trim ofthe Armando Center Building iscracked and pealing, exposing the wood to
deterioration from weather. Scraping and painting this wood ishighly recommended toavoid decay and a
larger, costly repair inthe future.
Department of Public Works
Retrofit Sanding Trucks for Pre-Wet De-icing Systems ($ 40,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
Pre-wetting isastrategy ofapplying aliquid deicing chemical toadry solid before orduring itsapplication
tothe pavement. When aliquid isapplied toarock salt particle, the particle absorbs aminor amount of
the liquid which increases itsdensity. The liquid also encapsulates, softens, and begins dissolving the salt
particle. The wet salt stays onthe road surface better, bouncing less and resisting traffic action. Itisalso
able to work faster atlower temperatures. This request istoretrofit 9vehicles with a95-gallon liquid
tank, which includes allneeded wiring and plumbing, topre-wetthe road salt.
Replace Lawn Mowers ($ 16,000)
The Capital Planning Committee supports this request 5-0-1.
The 10-year old 48-inch walk behind mower used the Facilities and Ground Division and the 7-year old 52-
inch stander mower used bythe Cemetery Division have reached their end oflife and itisnolonger cost
effective tocontinue torepair them. Both mowers will bereplaced with amower that issimilar tothe
current model.
40 –