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April 10, 2024, Finance Committee Meeting - Virtual Meeting. Minutes
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Canton Finance Committee Minutes Voted on: 5/1/24 801 Washington Street Vote: 6-0-1 Canton, MA 02021 Meeting Minutes April 10, 2024 Finance Committee Members Present: Dave Clough, Dan Cole, Emilio Mauro, Tim McKenna, Maureen Menconi, Kristin Mirliani and Reuki Schutt. Finance Committee Members absent: Karen Foley and Cindy Thomas. Guests Present: Jill Brilhante, Business Manager, Blue Hills Regional Technical School Mark Driscoll, Canton Representative, Blue Hills Regional Technical School Ellen Jones, Recording Secretary Gene Manning, Chair, Economic Development Committee (EDC) David Nichols, Homeowners Association of Saddleback Lane & Horseshoe Lane Izzy Nolan, Program Manager, Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) Jill Rossetti, Superintendent/Director, Blue Hills Regional Technical School Randy Scollins, Finance Director Paul Schneiders, Attorney — Article 31 Call Meeting to Order: Mr. Mauro called the Finance Committee virtual Zoom meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Review of the Agenda — Mr. Mauro reviewed the agenda which included hearing the reports of two committees appointed at a prior Annual Town Meeting, hearing from Blue Hills Regional Technical High School representatives regarding their FY25 budget and discussion of Article 31. Article 32 — Vote — Add Zoning By-Law Section 9.10 Canton Junction Overlay District At the Committee’s meeting on April 18' TJ Torres, the Town Planner, presented a review of Article 32. Since that meeting the Planning Board met and voted 5-0 to support Article 32. Mr. Mauro explained that a few things changed in Article 32. The two zones indicated in the original article have been combined into one zone with a maximum building height of four stories throughout the Overlay District. The expansion that had been presented to the Finance Committee on April 1S‘ was not approved by the Planning Board. The western extension from Jackson Street to Chapman Street will not be part of the Planning Board’s motion for Article 32. Because the new map will not have two different height restrictions throughout the Overlay District, the motion will now have one color on the map for the proposed Overlay District indicating the maximum height restriction of four stories throughout the Overlay District. The local workforce requirement in the original article was dropped because it would not be required in addition to the affordable housing requirements that were in it. The motion will now meet all the requirements that the state had established for the density and the total unit capacity and the acreage, both without the Jackson area proposed and with the current Overlay District that is proposed. Mr. Mauro asked the Recording Secretary to email TJ Torres, Town Planner, for a copy of the one-color Overlay District map so that it could be placed in the Planning Board’s motion for Article 32. A motion made by Ms. Schutt that the Finance Committee recommend that the motion presented by the Planning Board to Town Meeting for Article 32 be adopted as printed in the warrant was seconded by Mr. McKenna. Mr. Clough spoke in support of the motion but commented about Section 9.10.8 Affordability Requirements. It was his opinion that this Section should be amended from the applicable requirement of dwellings with 10 or more units to dwellings with more than either four or five units. By lowering the number of units this would help the Town out even more to meet the Ch. 40B requirements. Mr. Mauro stated that the MBTA requirements did not include affordability requirements and that it was the working group and the Planning Board that added the affordability requirements to make sure Canton maintains its 40B affordability. FINCOM 20240410 Minutes WRS RS FINAL.docx Page 1 of 7 4/21/24
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Ms. McDermott stated that the 10% was added by the Town Planner and the working group. They tried to do the 10% workforce but there was a study that was required and the State required that it be removed from the motion. There was no standard that the motion had to have affordable housing in it, but they chose to include it because the Town is at 11.8% of housing and if a development comes into the Overlay District the Planning Board wanted to make sure the Town stays above the 10% requirement. Ms. McDermott further stated that five or more units would require one affordable unit according to the underlying Zoning By-Laws that preempts anything that is built. Roll Cail Vote: Ms. Schutt Aye Mr. Cole Aye Ms. Mirliani Aye Mr. Cough Aye Ms. Menconi Aye Mr. Mauro Aye Mr.McKenna Aye Vote: 7-0-0. Article 3 —- Hear Reports of Committees Appointed at Prior ATMs — CAASA Report, Izzy Nolan Ms. Nolan presented a PowerPoint presentation. Some of the highlights of that presentation included the following: The Program Manager was hired in July of 2023 and her salary is funded through a federal grant. In November Ms. Nolan became a DARE officer. The DARE program has gravitated towards “keeping it real” through teaching heaithy decision making and removing yourself from situations whether alcohol is present or not present. « Her focus has been on youth education and prevention by offering safe spaces for the youth through various activities such as Summer Blast Off, Safe Teens for Strong Futures, Lunch leaders, in-depth meetings with students in conjunction with the American Lung Association, Open Gym Nights/Free Youth nights. ¢ — The sticker shock will include visiting stores that sell alcohol and using stickers to encourage that anyone who does not buy or provide alcohol for someone under 21 will help contribute to a safe and responsible community. « CAASA will also be active with booths at community events such as the Farmers Market, the Health Fair and the Canton Clean Up Day. « Vaping, marijuana use and cough syrup use has been on the rise with the youth in general. « Ms. Nolan does not work with the adult population of Canton. The use of Xylazine instead of Fentanyl is on the rise. Effects of Xylazine are not always reversable. e Narcan boxes will be distributed to the schools. Article 3 — Hear Reports of Committees Appointed at Prior ATMS — EDC, Gene Manning Mr. Mauro is the Vice Chair of the EDC. Mr. Manning gave a PowerPoint presentation of the EDC with some of the highlights as follows: « EDC has been in Town for over 20 years and is appointed by the Select Board. e The four goals of the EDC are 1) maintain and grow a strong vibrant business community, 2) ensure stable commercial tax revenue cash flow for Town services, 3) increase property values of residences and businesses by ensuring a growth-oriented economic development plan and 4) maintain Canton’s outstanding reputation as a proactive business-friendly community in Massachusetts. ¢ Top Golf opened at 777 Dedham Street at the former Cumberland Farms site. The business opened in the 4" quarter of 2023 with a valuation of $37,000,000. e¢ 30 Dan Road, former Financial Data Services purchased by State Street. The 140,000 square foot site being redeveloped for lab space. There is no anchor tenant, but the EDC has met with the Biotech Council and the EDC hopes to have an update later in 2024. e Amazon opened a second facility at 250 Royal Street which will handle HR and training for Eastern Massachusetts. Amazon has had a great experience in Canton. 39% of the levy inside the tax base is contributed by businesses, with valuation of over $1.8 billion. Tax rates dropped for residential and commercial taxes in 2024. Mr. Cole complimented Mr. Manning and the EDC for their impressive results. Mr. Cole inquired about the cost and who paid for the redevelopment of the Dedham Street/95 road work. Mr. Manning explained that that area was pivotal for Top Golf building at that location. Mass DOT and federal funds were used for the construction of that area. Mr. Manning was unsure of the total cost of the project. Because the light beyond the Dedham Street bridge had to be moved the project had to be re-engineered and moved causing a delay to the project. The design work for the Dedham Street bridge was constructed prior to Top Golf locating to that area. Representative Galvin, State Senator Feeney and the Select Board helped with getting the road redesigned so Top Golf would fit at the site. Mr. Mauro commented FINCOM 20240410 Minutes WRS RS FINAL.docx Page 2 of 7 4121/24
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that there was great coordination among many parties (including the FAA) to bring the project to the site creating great economic revenue for the Town. Article 3 Vote — Hear Reports of Committees Appointed at Prior Annual Town Meetings A motion made by Ms. Schutt that the Finance Committee recommend that the reports of the following committees appointed at previous Town Meetings be heard: Economic Development Committee (ATM 2004, Article 14) and Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse (ATM 2016, Article 32) was seconded by Mr. McKenna. Roll Call Vote: Ms. Schutt Aye Mr. Cole Aye Ms. Mirliani Aye Mr. Cough Aye Ms. Menconi Aye Mr. Mauro Aye Mr.McKenna Aye Vote: 7-0-0. FY25 Budget — Blue Hills Regional Technical School — Jill Rossetti and Jill Brilhante Ms. Rossetti and Ms. Brilhante presented a very detailed PowerPoint presentation of the 2025 Blue Hills Operating Budget (see meeting documents for a copy of the detailed Blue Hills Budget). In summary: Total 2025 Operating & Capital Budget, Debt Service & Stabilization Funding (budgeted expenditures): $26,581,424 Revenue source from State Funding (Ch. 70 Aid $7,466,393 + Transp. Aid $782,073): $8,248,466 Revenue source from Excess & Deficiency Funding applied to operating budget: $350,000 Revenue from Regional Member Assessments (Canton’s FY25 Assessment is $1,759,530): $15,503,741 Total Blue Hills Operating Budget Revenue Sources: $24,102,207 E&D Funding (E&D applied to Stabilization $150,000 + E&D applied to OPEB $50,000): $200,000 Capital Debt Service Assessments (Principal $810,000 + Interest $1,469,217): $2,279,217 Total Operating & Capital Budget Funding ~ All Sources: $26,581,424 Blue Hills Regional — School to Careers Assessment: $157,054 Total Biue Hills Operating Budget 2025: $26,738,478 There are five factors that are considered in calculating the Town's annual assessment of $1,759,530. Those five factors include the following: 1) MSBA Renovation Project Debt Service, 2) Enrollment changes at Blue Hills, 3) Changes in the school’s operating budget, 4) Excess and deficiency fund allocation and 5) Foundation budget and minimum required contribution calculations. For FY25 Canton has 75 students currently enrolled at Blue Hills Regional or 8.1% of the total students enrolled. The number of students decreased from 82 students in 2024 to 75 in 2025. Canton’s FY25 Total Requested Assessment is $1,759,530 which is a $10,488 decrease from FY24. The $1,759,530 is included in the Fixed Costs budget under Dept. 840 and was voted by the Finance Committee on April 3, 2024 within the Fixed Costs budget total of $35,767,284. Article 31 — Discuss and Vote — Accept Saddleback Land & Horseshoe Lane as Town Ways Mr. Mauro stated that the Select Board deferred Article 31 to the Planning Board for their recommendation. Attorney Schneiders stated that he and his clients responded to the 13 requirements under the Town’s Road Acceptance by-law. One of the key requirements was a review by the Town’s Engineer of the property survey. The Engineer has two issues: the line of sight of 295 feet is below the requirement of 325 feet, off by approximately 35 feet. Attorney Schneider's reasoning for this was that the site was a 40B site and that it received waivers signed off on by the Canton Zoning Board of Appeals allowing the 295 feet. FINCOM 20240410 Minutes WRS RS FINAL.docx Page 3 of 7 4/21/24
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The second requirement that the Select Board and the Planning Board have an issue with is the maintenance cost of the pumping station, the stormwater retention centers and the underground utilities below the roads. Attorney Schneiders stated that his clients are only asking for the acceptance of these two streets and are not asking for any other common areas or facilities to be covered, as these are covered under the Home Owners Association (HOA). The HOA took a unanimous vote that they would maintain responsibility for everything other than the two streets. The HOA would maintain and cover the cost for the pumping station and the stormwater retention areas. Prior to the Planning Board’s meeting on April 3, Attorney Schneiders drafted a motion that would let the Planning Board know that the Town would not have to accept the responsibility of anything other than the two streets. The contents of Attorney Schneiders proposed draft motion is as follows: Motion to Modify, Article 31 - This article does not authorize conveyance by the Home Owners Association or acceptance by the Town of Canton of any common area other than Saddleback Lane and Horseshoe Lane. It does not include other common facilities such as the pumping station; the stormwater retention facility; or the common area landscaping. He did state that the Planning Board voted to deny the proposed motion because the language in the motion was insufficient. Attorney Schneiders was advised by the acting Chair of the Select Board to reach out to the Town Administrator to seek his help in presenting the draft motion to Town Counsel for his review. Ms. McDermott stated that the primary concerns the Planning Board has is that the article is flawed because it mentions that the Planning Board has oversight and approval of the street acceptances, which it does not. Because this is a 40B site it is under the control of the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Select Board and not the Planning Board. The Planning Board and the Select Board are concerned that the HOA could dissolve at any time and subsequently the pumping stations (one of which is owned by the Town of Randolph) could become the responsibility of the Town. The language in the article did not contain any language that these items would remain the responsibility of the Home Owners Association. She further stated that the Planning Board does not like to turn away street acceptances but that there were too many underlying factors involved with the acceptance of these two streets. Mr. Scollins inquired of Mr. Nichols if the HOA has a reserve or trust fund for maintenance of the pumping structure, retention sites and grounds and if so, what is the balance of these funds and what are the commitments going forward to contribute to that fund. Mr. Nichols responded that the HOA takes in monthly dues collected from the homeowners/residents and these are held in one fund. While the HOA does not have a dedicated fund strictly for the maintenance of the pumping station, they do have money set aside in the bank with an estimated balance of $12,000 to $15,000. Ms. Mirliani asked about the motion language which she seemed to think was based on language and content of the article. She inquired as to what the Town would be held responsible for and if the Planning Board looked into objections to the road itself as opposed to the formula of this motion and perhaps some discussion of what the Town would be responsible for. After review of some of the documents related to the HOA they concluded that the HOA only mentioned the responsibility of the roads and not the maintenance of the pumping station or retention areas. She further stated that typically for street acceptances they have Town Counsel review the legal documents before they vote on a street acceptance, and in this instance they did not because they were not presented with information early on in the process. Ms. Mirliani is hopeful that while these streets may not be accepted now they could be in the future as she is in agreement with Ms. McDermott that there are too many roads in Canton that have not been accepted by the Town and that the Town needs to start working on accepting these roads. Mr. Scollins stated that the revised motion is being reviewed by Town Counsel and the Finance Committee might hear back on these shortly before the ATM document goes to the printer on Friday, April 12"". His understanding is the Select Board will hear more about Article 31 at their SB meeting on April 30". Mr. Scollins is hopeful that there will be more direct discussion between the proponents and the Town officials to come up with a mutually agreeable language that would most likely be proposed on Town Meeting floor. Mr. Mauro stated that even if Town Meeting votes to accept these streets the Select Board is the authorizing body and would have 120 days to negotiate an agreement for the acceptance of these streets. Mr. Scollins along with many members of the Committee do not see a motion coming together quickly (in the next 48 hours) and rushing it may not produce a good result. If the Finance Committee does not have specific motion to print in the ATM document before sending to the printer on Friday, April 12", they can state in the document that they will make a recommendation at Town Meeting and a revised motion to be made on the floor of Town Meeting. Mr. Mauro stated that the Finance Committee could vote this at their meeting on May 13", just prior to the start of the Annual Town Meeting, at which time they might have a more finalized motion. The Committee agreed with this approach. FINCOM 20240410 Minutes WRS RS FINAL.docx Page 4 of 7 4/21/24
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A motion made by Ms. Schutt that the Finance Committee will make their recommendation at Town Meeting was seconded by Mr. McKenna. Roll Call Vote: Ms. Schutt Aye Mr. Cole Aye Ms. Mirliani Aye Mr, Clough Aye Ms. Menconi Aye Mr. Mauro Aye Mr.McKenna = Aye Vote: 7-0-0. Vote — Mr. Cole as the Finance Committee representative on the Water & Sewer Rate Policy Committee A motion made by Mr. Clough to recommend Mr. Coie to be the Finance Committee’s representative to the Water & Sewer Rate Policy Committee was seconded by Mr. McKenna. Roll Call Vote: Ms. Schutt Aye Mr. Cole Aye Ms. Mirliani Aye Mr. Clough Aye Ms. Menconi Aye Mr. Mauro Aye Mr.McKenna Aye Vote: 7-0-0. Meeting Minutes: A motion made by Ms. Schutt to approve the April 3, 2024 minutes as written was seconded by Ms. Menconi. Roll Call Vote: Ms. Schutt Aye Mr. Cole Aye Ms. Mirliani Aye Mr. Clough Aye Ms. Menconi Aye Mr. Mauro Aye Mr.McKenna Aye Vote: 7-0-0. A motion made by Mr. McKenna to approve the April 1, 2024 minutes as written was seconded by Ms. Schutt. Roll Call Vote: Ms. Schutt Aye Mr. Cole Aye Ms. Mirliani Aye Mr. Clough Aye Ms. Menconi Aye Mr. Mauro Aye Mr.McKenna Aye Vote: 7-0-0. Next Meeting Date: The next meeting will take place on May 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the High School with the location to be determined. Ms. Schutt will reach out to Ms. Thomas about a light dinner for the Committee members prior to ATM. FINCOM 20240410 Minutes WRS RS FINAL.decx Page 5 of 7 4/21/24
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Meeting Adjournment: A motion made by Ms. Schutt to adjourn the meeting at approximately 8:51 p.m. was seconded by Mr. Mauro. Roll Call Vote: Ms. Schutt Aye Mr. Cole Aye Ms. Mirliani Aye Mr. Clough Aye Ms. Menconi Aye Mr. Mauro Aye Mr.McKenna Aye Vote: 7-0-0. Minutes reviewed by: Reuki Schutt Respectfully sub itiea, ot 4 AL Cindy Thomas Chair, Canton Finance Committee and Sub-Committee to Review Compensation of Elected Officials FINCOM 20240410 Minutes WRS RS FINAL.docx Page 6 of 7 4/21/24
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Finance Committee Meeting Documents April 10, 2024 Please note: Some meeting documents may be found on the Town’s website under the Posted Minutes section (Laser Fiche). Agenda — April 10, 2024. Budget documents discussed at the meeting may be found on the Town’s Website under the Finance Committee section. The budget documents are subject to change as the budget process progresses. These documents may also be found at the below links: https://town.canton.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/10987/FY25-Municipal-Budget---Dept-Requests---Jan-2024---Part- 1-of-2 https://town.canton.ma.us/DocumentCenter/View/10988/FY25-Municipal-Budget---Dept-Requests---Jan-2024---Part- 2-of-2 CAASA Updates Report, provided by Izzy Nolan, Program Manager, 4/10/24 (11 pages). Canton Economic Development Committee Report, provided EDC Chair Gene Manning, dated May 13, 2024 (7 pages). 2025 Blue Hills Operating Budget presented by Jill Brilhante, Business Manager and Jill Rossetti, Superintendent’ Director — Blue Hills Regional Technical School. FINCOM 20240410 Minutes WRS RS FINAL.docx Page 7 of 7 4/21/24