DRAFT
Finance Committee and
Capital Improvement Committee Minutes
Town of Bellingham – Municipal Center
Monday, April 10, 2010
1. FinCom Present: Raymond Szczepan, Henri Masson, Gary Maynard, Roland Lavallee, Joseph Collamati, Carol Dill, Toni Picariello
CIC Present: Mary Beth Cuomo, Judy Manning, Toni Picariello, Roland Lavallee, Joseph Collamati
2. FinCom Absent: N/A
CIC Absent: N/A
3. Meeting called to order: 7:15 p.m.
4. ARTICLE 10 - CAPITAL OUTLAY (OVER $50,000)
School Technology ($185,000)
Francis Cartier, Cheryl Gray, Frank Gauvin, Ronald Martel and Stephen Patrick (School Committee); David Fischer, Superintendent; Michael Garofano, Technology Director; James Testa, Maintenance Director; Denis Fraine, Town Administrator; Marilyn Mathieu, CFO - appeared
The School Committee posted this appearance as their meeting also and called it to order. The School Committee had not voted on this capital outlay request yet. The FinCom and CIC requested that the School Committee take a vote, so the committees will know how the School Committee feels about this request. There was a Martel/Gauvin vote to recommend $185,000 for School Technology.
Michael Garofano gave the CIC a presentation on January 11, 2010. He will give both Committees an updated one, which will include answering the CIC's questions from that meeting.
The "BPSD - Technology Report, April 12, 2010" is attached to the end of these minutes.
Lease or purchase? Garofano would like to lease the items, but without a commitment of a yearly appropriation, they would buy the items with the $185,000, if voted at town meeting. A lease would be a long term commitment. They would be forced to refresh the equipment every few years.
Raymond Szczepan asked if the lunch program would be included in the technology plan. The Lunch program is a separate system and if funded from the lunch program money.
Garafano answer the question about lab fees that was brought up at the January CIC meeting. He explained that the fees were considered and presented to the Budget Review committee. The proposal was rejected because not all students use computers, not all students use computers equally, administrative overhead for collecting fees and not a viable long-term strategy. It was mentioned that the Town needs to offer "free" education to all. Raymond Szczepan stated that Town Counsel did not recommend charging a lab fee and thought it might be against a law. Joseph Collamati sees no problem with charging a small lab fee.
Roland Lavallee asked what was the long term plan. Garafano would like a long term plan to include leasing computers and switches and replace them every 4 years. He would like to get the technology close to what the students have at home.
The $185,000 is a one-time allocation and would be used to replace the worse equipment in all the schools so that the Town can get the "biggest bang for the buck". Carol Dill asked what made the technology is such bad shape. Garofano stated that it was age, what cannot be run on them and what can be run on them.
Roland Lavallee asked if all the computers were going to be the same and the answer was "yes".
Joseph Collamati wanted to know what is the "real" number of computers are requested to be replaced? The first replacements would be in the computer labs across the school system. The breakdown is as follows:
Items |
Replace |
Quantity |
Amount |
Computers: |
Lab at South |
26 |
$13,000 |
|
Lab at Macy |
26 |
$13,000 |
|
Lab at Stallbrook |
26 |
$13,000 |
|
3 Labs at Middle |
78 |
$39,000 |
|
Lab at High School |
26 |
$13,000 |
|
Lab at High School |
10 |
$5,000 |
|
Lab at HS (Music) |
4 |
$2,000 |
|
Main Office & Copy Center HS |
4 |
$2,000 |
|
|
200 |
$100,000.00 |
Items |
Replace |
Quantity |
Amount |
Storage |
Storage System |
1 |
$32,000 |
Items |
Replace |
Quantity |
Amount |
Misc. |
Network switch (Town Hall) |
1 |
$20,000 |
|
Network switches (Buildings) |
7 |
$23,000 |
|
Network connections (Building to MDF) |
|
$3,000 |
|
Installation |
|
$7,000 |
|
|
|
$53,000.00 |
Michael Garofano let us know that he would be back next year for another $185,000 to start replacing 858 more computers. Roland Lavallee asked where the rest of the computers were. Garafano said there were 400 for teachers and administrators and some for the libraries.
Marilyn Mathieu mentioned that Verizon and Comcast are offering to update the fiber optic throughout the Town. The School Department will be connecting into the fiber optic. First the High and Middle schools; then the rest of the schools would be done.
Raymond Szczepan mentioned that this capital was put out as a priority and he feels that it should be recommended.
Roland Lavallee recused himself because an immediate family member is a technology teacher in the school system.
CIC: Joseph Collamati/Mary Beth Cuomo motion to recommend the School Technology request. VOTE: 4/0
FinCom: Raymond Szczepan/Henri Masson motion to recommend the School Technology as presented. Funding: Free Cash. VOTE: 6/0
ARTICLE 13 - SCHOOL CRITICAL NEEDS
James Testa made a presentation as to the following requests as listed in the Town Meeting Warrant (all costs will be listed below).
The Finance Committee and Capital Improvement Committee members toured Macy and Stallbrook schools on Saturday, April 10th to see what the school needed and why. Roland Lavallee thanked Mr. Testa for coming out on Saturday. See quotes attached to these minutes.
1. Asbestos tile removal at Macy School;
2. Carpet removal and tile installation at Macy School;
He received quotes for abatement and removal of asbestos floor time and carpet from one classroom. If multiplied by 17 classrooms and 5,000 sq. ft. of hallways, it would be approximately a total of 23,000 sq. ft. At $4.78 per sq. ft. the cost is approximately $110,000. A lot of the carpet has been damaged and mildewed because of water. Mr. Testa mentioned that there was suppose to be dehumidifiers in each room. Roland Lavallee mentioned that mold and happen on carpets in brick buildings also. Testa said that a field tech did air quality testing and felt that the mold was only in the carpet, which had been cleaned with bleach. Fischer said carpeting is not a new issue, it came up now because of all the rain. Cartier mentioned that maybe they could
clean the carpeting with dry-cleaning.
Also to replace the existing tiles with VCT floor time at $3.00 sq. ft would be around $73,600. He feels this is a "critical" need and has added 15% contingency.
3. Purchase, installation and implementation of critical safety items at Macy School;
He would need $26,955.00 to replace the Heavy Duty Safety Switch in the boiler room. This switch cuts the electric power off to the school building, but it has failed twice in the past. This item was included in the Flansburgh Report
4. Repairing water and fire pumps at the High School;
They have contacted a specialty company to look over the pump controls on the High School Booster pumps.
5. Repairing fire pumps at the Middle School;
Testa had a specialized company in to inspect the fire pump and they found a problem with the wiring. He might have to get an electrical contractor to draw a specification and certify that the wiring is at the current code compliance. The estimate cost is $15,000.
6. Purchase and installation of a new water heating system at the Stallbrook School;
Mr. Testa is requesting a small boiler for the hot water system in order to heat the water during the off-season. This would be an on-demand system. He stated this would save money because they would have to run the big boilers during the vacation and summer times. Price could be around $21,143.00.
7. Re-caulking of windows at the Stallbrook School; and
All the windows in the school would be inspected and re-chalked and this could cost around $10,000. Some of the windows were loose.
8. Repairing the rear entry curtain wall at the Stallbrook School,
The rear door and the curtain wall (windows above the door) are leaking and rotted. These need to be repaired.
1&2 |
Asbestos tile removal & carpet removal (Macy) |
$110,000 |
2 |
Replace VCT floor Tile (Macy) |
$73,600 |
3. |
Safety Switch (Macy) |
$26,955 |
4. |
Repair water & fire pumps (HS) |
$10,000 |
5. |
Fire pump (Middle School) |
$15,000 |
6. |
Water heating system (Stallbrook) |
$21,143 |
7. |
Re-caulking windows (Stallbrook) |
$10,000 |
8. |
Repair rear curtain wall (Stallbrook) |
$13,500 |
|
|
$280,198.00 |
Joseph Collamati was not sure the repairs should be done to Macy until it is decided what the long term viability of Macy School was going to be. He mentioned that he was surprised to see that Macy was not as bad as expected. He mentioned that there could be three options for Macy:
a. Fix what needs to be fixed piecemeal;
b. Close the school for one or two years and renovate it completely; or
c. Close the school.
It was discussed that Macy, Stallbrook and South elementary school are not operating at their full capacity. Mr. Fischer admitted that there is declining enrollment and the School Department was looking to be affective and not to lose any programs. He said that they could fit Macy students into Stallbrook, but it would be crowded and they would have to look at class sizes. It was mentioned that some of the student could go to South. Stephen Patrick mentioned that South School was operating at capacity, but Gary Maynard stated that there were 7 empty classrooms in that school. Stephen Patrick stated that you would have to put the children somewhere, he cannot see Macy not being a school and they are prolonging the repairs.
Gauvin stated that there was discussion about separating grade levels between the three elementary schools, but there were questions regarding busing and ADA requirements.
PJP Alternative School is in worse shape. Roland Lavallee believes that PJP does not pay for itself, as the taxpayers were told it would. We charge $21,000 for incoming students, but it would cost Bellingham about $30,000 to send out our students. Mr. Fischer mentioned that they were looking at the Phoenix Program (Framingham) and possibly putting the alterative students in another school. His goal is what is the best way to serve the students.
Fischer mentioned numerous times about a future decision from the facility study committee. Toni Picariello mentioned that she had heard that he disbanded the committee before a decision was made. He insisted that he did not disband the committee. Both Raymond Szczepan and Roland Lavallee are members of the facilities study committee and they said an email was received thanking them for their service and ending the committee. Both feel that they are going to be replaced with "select" people. Mr. Fischer stated that there was not going to be a decision by the committee in 2010, but some committee would make a recommendation by 2011.
Carol Dill asked if the School Department applied for any funds for repairs from the School Building Authority, as other local town had. Mr. Testa said he did not apply, because he did not feel Bellingham met the requirements (i.e.: the repairs were not big enough, economic and depressed area, etc.). He said he started to complete the application, but did not finish. Toni Picariello bought up that the Milford News article said that Mendon got $400,00 for a roof and Tri-County Regional School and Blackstone Tech received funds and none of those schools were in a depressed area. Judy Manning said he needed to ask the question and should apply next year and every year after.
CIC: Joseph Collamati/Mary Beth Cuomo motion to recommend the repair debt exclusion as follows: VOTE: 5/0
FinCom: Joseph Collamati/Henri Masson motion to recommend the debt exclusion in the amount of $100,000 (items as follows): VOTE: 7/0
3. |
Safety Switch (Macy) |
$27,000 |
4. |
Repair water & fire pumps (HS) |
$10,000 |
5. |
Fire pump (Middle School) |
$15,000 |
6. |
Water heating system (Stallbrook) |
$22,000 |
7. |
Re-caulking windows (Stallbrook) |
$10,000 |
8. |
Repair rear curtain wall (Stallbrook) |
$14,000 |
|
|
$98,000.00 |
5. ARTICLE 15 - DEPOT STREET CEMETERY LAND ACQUISITION (by Cemetery Committee)
Donald DiMartino and Denis Fraine appeared. Donald DiMartino gave the Committee a map showing where the cemetery is located. It is at the end of Depot Street, close to Hartford Avenue intersection. Linda Varney of Varney Brothers is donating the cemetery to the Town, it is being accepted as a gift. The Parks Department has been mowing this cemetery and will continue.
ConCom needs more information i.e. Map & Parcel numbers.
Joseph Collamati/Raymond Szczepan motion to recommend this Article. VOTE: 7/0.
6. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS ARTICLES.
Article 1 - Budget
450 - Water Operating
460 - Sewer Operating
421 - Highway Administration
422 - Highway Construction/Maintenance
Donald DiMartino prepared and sent to the FinCom a breakdown of all employees in the Department of Public Works, listing their names, positions and how their wages are divided between the Water, Sewer and Highway budgets. The FinCom recommended the budgets as below:
#450 Water |
Salaries |
$721,622 |
Raymond Szczepan/Henri Masson motion to recommend this budget. VOTE: 7/0 |
|
Expenses |
$1,305,518 |
|
Reserve Fund |
$50,000 |
|
|
$2,077,140.00 |
|
|
|
|
#460 Sewer |
Salaries |
112,664 |
Raymond Szczepan/Henri Masson motion to recommend this budget. VOTE: 7/0 |
|
Expenses |
669,301 |
|
Reserve Fund |
$25,000 |
|
|
$806,965.00 |
|
|
|
|
#421 Highway Ad |
Salaries |
$101,123 |
Joseph Collamati/Henri Masson motion to recommend this budget. VOTE: 7/0 |
|
Expenses |
$21,150 |
|
|
$122,273.00 |
|
|
|
|
#422 Highway Const. & Maint. |
Salaries |
$332,232 |
Joseph Collamati/Henri Masson motion to recommend this budget. VOTE: 7/0 |
|
Expenses |
$293,700 |
|
|
$625,932.00 |
Article 8 - Highway Construction.
This is the annual Chapter 90 Article. It is anticipated that the Town will receive approximately $400,000 from the State. This money will be used for various street repairs. This article authorizes the Board of Selectmen to accept the money from the State.
Joseph Collamati/Henri Masson motion to recommend this Article. VOTE: 7/0.
Article 25 - Revision to Town Zoning By-Law Section 4900 Water Resource District Map - Other Town's Zone II.
This Article is asking Bellingham to accept a small portion of Franklin's Drinking Water Supply Well #7 Zone II and add it to the Bellingham Water Resource District Map of the Bellingham Zoning Bylaws, Section 4900. Toni Picariello was confused that this map was not mentioned in the Bylaw and it was explained that the map is "part" of the Bylaw.
The section of land that Franklin wants added to our map is located behind Quigg's Gymnastics at 260 Maple Street.
The ConCom has recommended this Article.
Raymond Szczepan/Henri Masson motion to recommend this Article. VOTE: 7/0.
Article 26 - Drainage, Sewer and Roadway Easements and Land Acquisition, Cross Street and Dupre Road.
The easement is in the area of Cross Street and Dupre Road and is requested for a storm water basin and future sewage which would be pumped from Cross Street to Center Street to Woonsocket. This easement will affect two property owners. Toni Picariello informed that Committee that she could not agree to this taking unless the property owner's consent to it.
The ConCom recommends this Article.
Raymond Szczepan/Henri Masson motion to recommend this Article. VOTE: 6/1 (Toni Picariello voted against the motion)
Article 27 - Roadway and Drainage Easement Gifts, Silver Lake Road.
To see if the Town will vote to allow the Selectmen to accept gifts, of permanent roadway easements and permanent drainage easements along Silver Lake Road as shown on the plans titled “Easement Plan of Land in Bellingham MA” and “Plan of Land in Bellingham MA” drafted by Guerriere & Halnon, Inc. copies of which will be on file with the Town Clerk’s Office 14 days before the Town Meeting; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: DPW)
The easement will affect the Faford Project and for drainage along Silver Lake Road.
From ConCom: Recommended by the Commission
Article 28 - Buffy Road and Penny Lane Acceptance as Public Way.
Buffy Road and Penny Lane are in the area of Indian Run Road. This acceptance has been requested at prior Town Meetings. Judy Manning requested a Stop sign at the end of Buffy Road.
From Police: We had a staff meeting today and Sgt. Rolls told me he checked out these streets and everything looked good.
From ConCom: Conditionally recommend pending removal of silt fence and establishment of stormwater management bond
To reiterate, this Article has been requested multiple time, but has been passed over.
From 3/16/2009 Minutes
Donald DiMartino mentioned that the Planning Board is taking the Bond that the Town is holding.
From 3/26/2007 Minutes
Bruce Wilson of Wilson Associates appeared on behalf of Gerald Lorusso. He explained that the tasks that still need to be done in order for Penny Lane and Buffy Road to be accepted will be completed hopefully before Town Meeting. Mr. Lorusso’s brother and partner passed away and he is having a difficult time completing the roads.
Raymond Szczepan/Henri Masson motion to accept this Article. VOTE: 7/0.
5. GENERAL DISCUSSION
A. Review updated spreadsheet from CFO (Town Meeting Article Funding)
There is nothing new so there was no updated spreadsheet.
Adjourned:
CIC: Mary Beth Cuomo/Judy Manning motion to adjourn. VOTE: 5/0. 9:00 p.m.
FinCom: Roland Lavallee/Henri Masson motion to adjourn: VOTE: 7/0. 9:40 p.m.
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