SomervilleMeetings

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Finance Committee

Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 6 PM

Online only

This meeting has happened. Minutes are final.

▶ Watch video Agenda PDF Minutes PDF View on Legistar

What happened

11 items of legislation were taken up.

  • 8 recommended to be approved
  • 1 accepted
  • 1 kept in committee
  • 1 recommended to be not approved

Agenda 11 items

Notices from the agenda

Referenced Documents: • Finance - 2024-02-20 DPW response (with 24-0127, 24-0128)

This meeting was held via Zoom, was called to order by Chair Wilson at 6:01 pm and adjourned at 7:33 pm with a roll call vote of four in favor (Councilor Clingan, Councilor Burnley, Councilor Scott and Chair Wilson), none opposed, and one absent (Councilor Sait). Others present: Hannah Carrillo – Mayor’s Office, Timothy Mitsakis – SPD, Charles Breen – Fire, James Mucci – Fire, Erik Larson – OSE, Mohammed Uddin – Finance Analyst, Cathy Piantigini – Libraries, Alan Inacio – OSPCD, Stephanie Widzowski – Clerk of Committees.

(Posted online: 2/14/24 at 7:30 AM)

Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, this meeting of a City Council Committee will be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audio-video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Copy & paste the following link into your internet browser to view this meeting live: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eFff56LaSrSGW2-bAZl10w Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e. CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance, at 617-625-6600 x2059 or ada@somervillema.gov.

Roll Call

Personnel Requests

Appropriations

Transfers

Prior-Year Invoices

Contracts & Easements

Grant Acceptances

  1. 1.
    24-0139 Committee Minutes Accepted

    Approval of the Minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting of February 6, 2024.

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Naima SaitAbsent
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
  2. 2.
    24-0141 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting the use of available funds in the amount of $24,317 from the Library's Personal Services account to reestablish a Librarian III West Branch Manager position.

    {\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\f0\fs24 Councilor Burnley asked if this position is at the other city libraries, and Councilor Scott asked if the position is union, both of which are correct. Dir. Piantigini gave some background on the position.\par \cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Naima SaitAbsent
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
  3. 3.
    24-0135 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to appropriate $75,900 from the Energy Stabilization Fund for design services for a building project at 42 Cross Street.

    {\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\f0\fs24 Mr. Larson said that the Archive Department and SOIA are housed in this building now, and the funds are for an all-over decarbonization project. Councilor Burnley asked if this is part of a larger decarbonization effort, to which Mr. Larson said that larger buildings usually are addressed through a master plan in Capital Projects. He talked about the timeline of the project and added that there may be some disruptions to traffic, but that they can work around the school day.\par \cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Naima SaitAbsent
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
  4. 4.
    24-0134 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to appropriate $49,250 from the Energy Stabilization Fund for insulation projects for Department of Public Works steam systems.

    {\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\f0\fs24 Mr. Larson said that there are three boiler systems at 1 Franey Rd that need to be reinsulated.\par \cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Naima SaitAbsent
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
  5. 5.
    24-0130 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting the appropriation of $650,000 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund for the Capital Projects Division to restore the City Hall clock tower and roof.

    {\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\f0\fs24 Dir. Inacio said that this would go toward the eligible historic components of the work and toward stabilizing the roof for the foreseeable future. Chair Wilson asked about the estimated $3.4 million for the project through Beyer Blinder Belle (BBB) and about the scope of the project. Councilor Scott asked about the $650,000 appropriation request through CPA compared to the city\rquote s request of $1 million. Dir. Inacio said that IAM and Capital Projects are still determining the scope, talked about the logistics of using the CPA Fund and noted that a separate appropriation request would probably be submitted once the full estimate is known. Finance Analyst Uddin added that the DCAMM waiver on the project indicates urgent repairs are needed.\par \cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Naima SaitAbsent
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
  6. 6.
    24-0129 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting the transfer of $280,010 from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund Undesignated Fund Balance to the Historic Preservation Reserve.

    {\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\f0\fs24 Dir. Inacio said that this transfer is needed to fulfill the $650,000 request in item 24-0130 and is not in addition to the $650,000.\par \cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Naima SaitAbsent
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
  7. 7.
    24-0174 Order Kept in committee

    Requesting approval of a transfer of $1,000 from the City Council Legal Services Account to the City Council Office Supplies Account for the purchase of furniture and supplies to create a space for children in the City Council Chamber.

    {\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\f0\fs24 Finance Analyst Uddin said that this item is to create a more inclusive space for families during City Council meetings, and that he does not see a significant financial impact to this transfer. Councilor Burnley asked where the children\rquote s space would be and how filling the bookshelf would be decided. Analyst Uddin deferred to Councilor Strezo, who could not attend the meeting. Councilor Scott had concerns about the legality of the transfer and requested that the item stay in committee until legal counsel could comment, given that this action could set a precedent.\par \cf1\f1\par }

  8. 8.
    24-0128 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $638 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Public Safety Supplies Account for Verizon Fleet subscription 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\f0\fs24 Chair Wilson referred to the memo for this item attached to the agenda (\ldblquote Finance - 2024-02-20 DPW response (with 24-0127, 24-0128)\rdblquote ).\par \cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Naima SaitAbsent
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
  9. 9.
    24-0127 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to pay prior year invoices totaling $278.40 using available funds in the Department of Public Works Buildings Plumbing Supply Account for building related plumbing materials.

    {\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\f0\fs24 Chair Wilson referred to the memo for this item attached to the agenda (\ldblquote Finance - 2024-02-20 DPW response (with 24-0127, 24-0128)\rdblquote ).\par \cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Naima SaitAbsent
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Jesse ClinganAye
  10. 10.
    24-0154 Mayor's Request Recommended to be not approved

    Requesting the acceptance of a 30-year lease with BRE-BMR Assembly Innovation I LLC, and the appropriation of $171,969 from Free Cash to the Fire Department Special Items Account to fund said lease, for the Assembly Square Fire Station for the remainder of FY 2024.

    {\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\f0\fs24 Dir. Inacio gave historical context on the timing of the lease, and Chair Wilson referred to a discussion last year in committee on the layout of the station. Dir. Inacio said that he believes the acceptance of the lease and the appropriation requests are separate.\par \par Councilor Scott listed concerns with the lease over city responsibilities and rent. She also said that Sec 4.3 on page 5 of the lease implies that the entirety of negotiated community benefits may fall on the city to cover. Dir. Inacio said he wanted to get legal and economic development teams involved on this topic. Councilor Burnley noted the 2% annual raise in base rent and asked what alternatives had been considered. Councilor Burnley also asked about sections in the lease that read \ldblquote Intentionally Omitted\rdblquote .\par \par Dir. Inacio said that the first payment is due April 25, 2024. There was discussion over whether to delay until answers could be given about the lease. Chair Wilson moved to recommend approval.\par \cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 2 aye · 2 nay · 1 absent
    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottNay
    • Naima SaitAbsent
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Nay
    • Jesse ClinganAye
  11. 11.
    24-0140 Mayor's Request Recommended to be approved

    Requesting approval to accept and expend a $48,529.99 grant with no new match required, from the Boston Mayor's Office of Emergency Management to the Police Department for installation of access controls, card entry access, and indoor fencing.

    {\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\f0\fs24 Dir. Delmonaco said that this item relates to a previously approved request, 23-1840, and that the changes are to the UASI grant and the final reimbursement date. He explained that it is the same award amount, but would switch to using funds that expire in May 2024.\par \cf1\f1\par }

    Roll call: 4 aye · 1 absent
    • Jake WilsonAye
    • Jefferson Thomas (J.T.) ScottAye
    • Naima SaitAbsent
    • Willie Burnley Jr.Aye
    • Jesse ClinganAye