Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 6 PM

Agenda 13 items

1. 1.
   22-2051 Committee Minutes Approved

   Approval of the Finance Committee Minutes of November 17, 2022.

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Matthew McLaughlinAye
   • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
   • Charlotte KellyAye

   • 📎 Minutes - Finance - 11-17-22 Full
2. 2.
   22-1855 Officer's Communication Recommended to be approved

   Retirement Board requesting approval of an increase in the retiree cost of living adjustment base to $16,000.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx722\tx2640\f0\fs24 Ed Bean, speaking as Chair of the Somerville Retirement Board reported that the Retirement Board voted to grant a COLA to its retirees. Raising the base from $15,000 to $16,000 will add about $30 to each of the 965 retirees\rquote monthly check. Chair Bean noted that in 2019 and 2020, the Somerville Retirement Fund outpaced the other 140 retirement systems in the state with respect to its return on investments. This adjustment will affect the city\rquote s appropriation going forward, beginning with the next fiscal year. Chair Bean also mentioned that there is a proposal on this week\rquote s City Council agenda to increase the FY 2023 cost of living adjustment to 5% on the current $15,000 base, which would be retroactive to July 1 of this year.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Matthew McLaughlinAye
   • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
   • Charlotte KellyAye

   • 📎 COLA Base Increase $16k
3. 3.
   22-2000 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to dedicate for recreational use, in perpetuity, the parcel of land known as Henry Hansen Park.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2640\f0\fs24 Director Franzen explained that this is a requirement of a park grant from DOEEA. The grant has been awarded but won\rquote t be activated until this item is approved.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Matthew McLaughlinAye
   • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
   • Charlotte KellyAye

   • 📎 Henry Hansen Boundary Map
4. 4.
   22-2041 Mayor's Request Kept in committee

   Requesting approval of the Alternative Transportation Corridor Lease Agreement with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2640\f0\fs24 Director Rawson explained that this is a lease by which the city will maintain and operate the community path on behalf of the MBTA. Special Counsel Saichert explained that some terminology is being updated and that many of the provisions of the prior lease are included in this new lease. Councilor McLaughlin asked if there are any restrictions on the use of the bike path and Special Counsel Saichert replied that this is still being worked on. Councilor McLaughlin asked that the lease contain language allowing the city to add community art, etc. Councilor Pineda Neufeld asked if the opening date may be extended beyond the 6-month projection and Director Rawson commented that is up to the Council. Director Sahni asked that councilors stick to the topics related.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

   • 📎 02.21.23 FIN Execution Draft CPX Lease and Exhibits (with 22-2041)
   • 📎 Certified Copy
5. 5.
   22-2017 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting authorization to borrow $89,332,819 in a bond, and to appropriate the same amount for the Poplar Street Pump Station construction project.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red5\green99\blue193;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2640\f0\fs24 Director Raiche reviewed the goals, details and financing of the project. He gave a presentation and spoke about combined sewer subsystems, legacy flooding issues, combined sewer overflows, prohibitions on development, stormwater offsets, and the ability to use the added capacity of the MBTA drainage system. Director Raiche spoke about how this project would help the development of various areas of the city and increase revenue while aligning with the goals of SomerVision. He continued the presentation explaining that the project would move stormwater from the MWRA system to the MBTA\rquote s. A change to the composition of the storage tank will reduce cost by $8 million and construction time by 18 months with a projection date for completion in November of 2025. All parties are in agreement with making the connection to the MBTA system on Polpar Street, rather than Fitchburg Street. The lifespan of the tank is normally 50 years, but with proper maintenance, that could be extended to 100 years. The projected cost for maintenance is not yet known.\par \par The total cost of the project is $102 million, with $10 million coming from ARPA funds and up to $2.5 million from a federal earmark. The remainder would be borrowed by the city in tranches through bonding. The estimates were compiled based on some core financial model assumptions. Director Raiche spoke about the impact of this project on local water and sewer rates, noting that the numbers are only preliminary estimates and that he hopes to have refined water/sewer rate increase numbers in April/May.\par \par \pard A second community meeting to discuss the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Plan is scheduled for December 15\super th.\nosupersub The link to register for that meeting is \cf1\ul <https://tinyurl.com/CSOmeeting2>\cf0\ulnone .\par \par Director Vidalis spoke about financial assistance programs and Director Sahni spoke about the administration\rquote s outreach efforts to inform residents of the financial programs available for water/sewer. Councilor Kelly asked about the projected water/sewer rate increases over time, noting that they would double over 10 years. Chair Wilson would like a dedicated mailer sent to residents, making them aware of the project and the available assistance programs.\par \par Additional information is available at \cf1\ul <https://voice.somervillema.gov/citywide-drainage-and-water-quality-master-plan>\cf0\ulnone\par \cf2\f1\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Matthew McLaughlinAye
   • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
   • Charlotte KellyAye

   • 📎 Poplar Street Pump Station_IGMPs 1 & 2_Capital Program Request Sheet_FY23 CIP
   • 📎 Appropriation Order (Somerville) Poplar Street Pump Station - enterprise fund - Union Square DIF 11_2022
   • 📎 12.06.22 FIN Poplar Street Debt Service
   • 📎 12.06.22 FIN Poplar GMP1-2 rev 1 2022Dec06
6. 6.
   22-2015 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting an interdepartmental transfer of $175,000 from the DPW Buildings, OT Labor Account to the DPW Grounds, OT Labor Account for Grounds overtime labor costs through FY 2023.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2640\f0\fs24 Commissioner Lathan explained that this was for work performed during the separation of the Buildings and Grounds Departments.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Matthew McLaughlinAye
   • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
   • Charlotte KellyAye
7. 7.
   22-2005 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $224,473.60 using available funds in various Department of Public Works ordinary maintenance budgets.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2640\f0\fs24 Commissioner Lathan reviewed the invoices and noted that they were received after the close of the fiscal year. Councilor Scott inquired about some of the vendor charges. Ms. Palazzo explained that for the construction equipment, vendors charge the city for equipment and operators at an hourly rate. Commissioner Lathan stated that these funds would be taken from the department\rquote s snow budget. Councilor Kelly asked what the snow budget balance is and Ms. Palazzo will provide that information.\cf1\par \pard\cf2\f1\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Matthew McLaughlinAye
   • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
   • Charlotte KellyAye

   • 📎 Spreadsheet for File ID 22 2005
   • 📎 Invoices for File ID 22 2005
8. 8.
   22-1824 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,500 using available funds in the Department of Racial and Social Justice Translation Services Account for Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2640\f0\fs24 The vendor submitted the information to the incorrect city department, which created a delay in processing the invoice in a timely manner. The information was updated and subsequent invoices have been paid to the vendor.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Matthew McLaughlinAye
   • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
   • Charlotte KellyAye

   • 📎 HRI Invoice 1359 250 12.27.21
   • 📎 HRI Invoice 1417 250 01.19.22
   • 📎 HRI Invoice 1448 250 01.31.22
   • 📎 HRI Invoice 1566 250 02.22.22
   • 📎 HRI Invoice 1761 250 03.21.22
   • 📎 HRI Invoice 2222 250 05.16.22
9. 9.
   22-2008 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

   Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $1,575 using available funds in the Human Resources Ordinary Maintenance Advertising Account for advertising vacant city positions.

   {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2640\f0\fs24 These invoices are due to the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA). The Human Resources Department (HR) did not receive 14 invoices dated 5/23/2022 and 7 invoices dated 6/2/2022 in time to pay them within the fiscal year. The city has conducted an audit of all FY22 invoices with MMA and verified that payment of these 21 invoices is required for the advertising services rendered to the city in the prior fiscal year. Moving forward, HR has developed better internal tracking to track advertising invoices in real-time and keep all payments timely.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

   Roll call: 5 aye

   • Jake WilsonAye
   • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
   • Matthew McLaughlinAye
   • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
   • Charlotte KellyAye

   • 📎 HRDept_FY22_MMA_05232022_invoices 37389_373402
   • 📎 HRDept_FY22_MMA_06022022_invoices 37669_37675
10. 10.
    22-2009 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $3,850 using available funds in the Human Resources Arbitration Services Account for FY 2021 arbitration services.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2640\f0\fs24 The attached invoice for services rendered in May 2022 was received by Human Resources (HR) in FY23. The HR and Law Departments are working to streamline the receipt and payment of invoices for all arbitration matters moving forward.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Matthew McLaughlinAye
    • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
    • Charlotte KellyAye

    • 📎 HRDept_FY22_GaryAltman_05162022
11. 11.
    22-2010 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $3,600 using available funds in the Human Resources Professional & Technical Services Account for temporary consulting services.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2640\f0\fs24 Human Resources worked with a consultant sourced from Robert Half temporary staffing services. This\par invoice was for work conducted in the pay period of 6/27/22-7/1/22. As this workweek had both FY22\par and FY23 dates, HR is requesting prior year approval to pay this invoice. These hours have been\par reviewed and the work under this invoice was conducted in FY22.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Matthew McLaughlinAye
    • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
    • Charlotte KellyAye

    • 📎 HRDept_FY22_RobertHalf_07062022
12. 12.
    22-2011 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay a prior year invoice totaling $137.50 using available funds in the Human Resources Postage Account for FedEx delivery services.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2640\f0\fs24 Human Resources used FedEx services in March 2022. Unfortunately, the invoice did not come to HR\par in a timely manner for payment. HR has now received this invoice and verified that the charges are\par accurate and have not been paid by the City.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Matthew McLaughlinAye
    • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
    • Charlotte KellyAye

    • 📎 HRDept_FY22_FedEx_03072022
13. 13.
    22-2006 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to accept and expend a $53,200 grant with no new match required, from the Mass Cultural Council to the Arts Council for the Local Cultural Council grant program.

    {\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}{\f1\fnil\fcharset0 Times New Roman;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue0;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\nowidctlpar\sl-284\slmult0\qj\tx2640\f0\fs24 This grant program provides direct funding support to our City\rquote s individual artists, organizations, and schools to conduct arts and cultural programming.\par \pard\cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 5 aye

    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Matthew McLaughlinAye
    • Judy Pineda NeufeldAye
    • Charlotte KellyAye

    • 📎 LCC23 contract