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WINTHROP FINANCE COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 20, 2023
Winthrop Finance Commission Minutes
Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2023, at 6:00pm
Attendees: TOW: Tony Marino (TM), Robbie Powers (RP), Dylan Cook (DC}, Lisa Howard (LH)
FC: Brent Farrell (BF), Karin Chavis (KC), Matt Gorzkowicz {MG}, Joe Hanlon (JH),
Shannon Poulos (SP), Bill Gault (WG), Hannah Belcher (HB), Stephen Ruggiero (SG),
Absent: Rich Fucillo
Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm by KC.
Rollcall vote completed by KC.
TM discussed revenue and expenditure reports YTD through March 20, 2023. Specific line items
discussed. RP requested any line-item questions be directed to him via email.
TM summarized base budget document that will be presented at Spring Forum. Illustrated
adjustments related to reallocation of funding related to Town and School. Capital plan and debt
schedule to be made available via email. Various attendees asked specific line item or global
questions.
FC expected to start meeting second week of April. Budget will be in draft version until May 1st.
Recommendation letter submission from CAFC expected to be provided by June 2"¢. Presentation
by FC expected to occur on June 6! for final town board vote on June 13,
Requested future meeting dates to be April 13, 20, 25 and May 4, 11, 18, 24, 30 and June 1 at épmin
Harvey Room. All meetings to be made available to public via Zoom.
SG motioned to adjourn, WG seconded. Approved by all present members.
Meeting adjourned at 6:56 pm.
WINTHROP FINANCE COMMISSION MINUTES
APRIL 20, 2023
Winthrop Finance Commission Minutes
Date:
Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 6:00pm
Attendees: TOW: Tony Marino (TM}, Dylan Cook (DC), Robbie Powers (RP), Jim Letierie (JL)
FC: Karin Chavis (KC), Matt Gorzkowicz (MG), Shannon Poulos (SP), Bill Gault (WG),
Hannah Belcher (HB), Stephen Ruggiero (SG)
Absent: Rich Fucillo, Brent Farrell, Joe Hanion
Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm by KC.
Rollcall vote completed by KC. All present except individuals noted above.
Motion by WG, HB seconded, to approve minutes from March 20% and April 13th
DPW Director Steven Calla presentation of DPW (Highway, Cemetery, Building Maintenance) Budget,
Enterprise Funds — Solid Waste and Water and Sewer.
The overall FY24 budget request for the DPW Highway Division is approximately $84,576 (8.5%)
over the FY23 adopted budget primarily due to increases associated with the newly ratified
Labor and Clerical contracts, storm/emergency response stipend increases, new CDL training
requirements, material escalation, and increased costs associated with contract services.
The FY24 budget request for the Cemetery Division is approximately $8,535.92 (3.3%) over the
FY23 adopted budget primarily due to contractual pay adjustments and new CDL training
requirements.
The overall budget request for FY24 for the Building Maintenance Division has increased by
$45,018 (9.3%) over FY23. This increase is primarily due to increased salary and contractual
obligations, new CDL training requirements, and material escalation costs.
FY24 Departmental Goals for the General Fund Divisions:
o To replace another 2,500 square yards of damaged concrete sidewalk town-wide
To continue to improve ADA compliancy at all sidewalks and street crossings
To re-surface 2.5 miles of deteriorated asphalt roadway
To plant 50 additional public shade trees town-wide
To continue to restore and improve our public water access points and coastal seawalls
ooo°o
The overall FY24 budget request for the Water portion of the Enterprise fund is approximately
$109,186 (2.2%) more than the adopted FY23 budget, primarily due to the anticipated increase
of the MWRA assessment, which remains approximately 40% of the water portion of the
budget. Salary and contractual obligations, new CDL training requirements, and material
escalation costs added to the FY24 increase.
FY24 Departmental Goals for the Water Division:
o Remove another 100 Full Lead Water Services from the Distribution System
o Award and complete the Revere Street / Crest Ave. / Grovers Ave. water main project
o Award and complete the PRV Station Improvement Project
o Complete the Asset Management Plan for the Water Distribution System for future
project prioritization and strategic planning
« The overall budget request for the Sewer division of the Enterprise fund is approximately
$145,170 (2.4%) over the adopted FY23 budget. This increase is primarily due to the anticipated
increase of the MWRA sewer assessment, which accounts for nearly 70% of the entire sewer
portion of the Enterprise fund budget. Increased utility costs, contractual obligations, new CDL
training requirements, and material escalation costs contribute to the total increase in the FY24
budget request.
¢ The overall budget request for the Solid Waste Enterprise fund is approximately $7,124 (0.4%)
over the adopted FY23 budget. This increase is due to the implementation of the overflow bag
program and personnel obligations.
Discussed _at fing...
e Discussed line item increases noted above.
e Biggest challenges have been filling vacancies (7 vacant and 1 on leave). Lot of competition
from MWRA, Massport etc. Have had to outsource as a result. The ideal model for the DPW
according to Director Calla is a fully staffed departments with licensed and skilled laborers.
e Priorities — as noted above, are the public health and safety issues, infrastructure, streets and
sidewalks, biggest daily ask from the community in addition to trees being pruned, grass cutting.
e Discussed donation of trees, however the donations only cover the cost of the trees, not labor
to install and maintain so have to limit how much take on.
¢ Goals — increase staffing levels, stay committed to infrastructure, a lot more expensive to fix
emergency than routine maintenance.
KC provided reminder to all attendees that ethics training must be completed by all members by
May 1, 2023.
HB motioned to adjourn, SP seconded. Approved by all present members.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.
WINTHROP FINANCE COMMISSION MINUTES
APRIL 13, 2023
Winthrop Finance Commission Minutes
Date: Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 6:00om
Attendees: TOW: Tony Marino {TM}, Dylan Cook (DC), Robbie Powers (RP), Jim Letterie (JL)
FC: Brent Farrell (BF}, Karin Chavis (KC), Matt Gorzkowicz (MG), Joe Hanlon (JH),
Shannon Poulos (SP}, Bill Gault (WG), Hannah Belcher (HB), Stephen Ruggiero (SG)
Absent: Rich Fucillo
Meeting called to order at 6:07 pm by MG.
Rolicall vote completed by KC. All present except individuals noted above.
Request by KC to table minute approval from prior meeting until end of meeting.
TM began meeting providing high level overview of proposed 2024 budget. TM fielded various
questions related to departments, enterprise funds and line items, etc. Certain specific questions
were fielded related to landscaping, parking, real estate, the old Middle School, among others.
TM presented his specific budget for the Town Manager Department. Certain questions were
addressed.
Motion by KC, SP seconded, to present and approve minutes from March 20th at next meeting.
KC provided reminder to all attendees that ethics training must be completed by all members by
May 1, 2023.
BF motioned to adjourn, SP seconded. Approved by all present members.
Meeting adjourned at 7:21 pm.
WINTHROP FINANCE COMMISSION MINUTES
APRIL 25, 2023
Winthrop Finance Commission Minutes
Date: Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 6:00pm
Attendees: TOW: Lisa Howard (LH), Dylan Cook (DC), Jim Letterie (JL), Lori Gallivan (LG), Noel Velez (NL)
FC: Karin Chavis (KC), Matt Gorzkowicz (MG), Shannon Poulos (SP), Bill Gault (WG), Hannah Belcher
(HB), Stephen Ruggiero (SG)
, Absent: Rich Fucillo
Meeting called to order at 6:01 pm by MG. Rollcall vote completed by KC. All present except individuals noted above. Motion
th
by HB, WG seconded, to approve minutes from April 20 .
TOW School Superintendent Lisa Howard presented proposed budget.
From budget presentation:
™ Budget developed using ground level approach beginning with contractual obligations and then moving to the needs of cach
school building (maintenance, technology, curriculum, etc.) which differed from years past
™ Budget drivers included recovery from COVID, completion of union negotiations, inflation related to purchasing and costs
and 14% increase in OSD tuition rates, and 215 non-english speaking students in system, additional 75 require on-going
monitoting, among others
™ Level service budget in 2022-2023 is $23.8MM, rising to 2023-2024 including new mandates, is $26.4MM
* Shift in funding allocation to 60/40 basis with Town and School resulted in reallocation of expenses of $9.2MM_
" Outline of mandated and new requests by school was provided. New requests were included in the level service budget.
From discussion:
® Chapter 70 formula was modified for first time in ~30 years. Resulted in increased funding of $1.7MM to Winthrop schools.
Non-english speaking student count has risen from 7% to 15%. Translation and interpretation costs have increased 10x
over that timeframe.
* Allocating $433K in “circuit breaker” funding related to move-in from other communities
™ Identification of developing special pr (autism as le) - need to open another classroom to avoid losing student to
another school district - New England Center for Children noted. Hopeful Joumeys $147K does not include transportation,
which can be addressed at 25% of cost in-house.
™ Discussion related to state and federal mandates versus funding provided. LH to provide DART comparable communities and
others with similar construct to Winthrop.
Other topics discussed:
™ Request for understanding new growth allocation provided by Somerset Apartments and $255K allocated in current budget
™ SP advocated for reach of FC to opine on topics outside of pending budget but longer-term growth initiatives and related costs
Various comments provided by members of the public related to growth initiatives / related expenses and collaboration between
town and school.
WG motioned to adjoum, JH seconded. Approved by all present members.
Meeting adjoumed at 7:33 pm.
WINTHROP FINANCE COMMISSION MINUTES
MAY 4, 2023
Winthrop Finance Commission Minutes
Date: Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 6:00pm
Attendees: TOW: Dylan Cook (DC), Brendan Carritte (BC), Robbie Powers (RP), Tony Marino (TM)
FC: Karin Chavis (KC), Matt Gorzkowicz (MG), Shannon Poulos (SP), Bill Gault (WG), Hannah Belcher
(HB), Stephen Ruggiero (SR)
Absent: Rich Fucilto, Joe Hanton
Meeting calted to order at 6:01 pm by MG. Rollcall vote completed by KC. All present except individuals noted above, Motion
by HB, WG seconded, to approve minutes from April 28", All present approved minutes.
BC Treasurer / Collector presented proposed budget.
From budget presentation and general discussion:
™ Outlined various line items and proposed changes
™ KC mentioned that postage expenses were increasing, BC to research
® Various questions related to banking relationships, FDIC coverage and lockbox addressed.
™ BC outlined goals and objectives for FYE 2024
DC Chief Financial Officer and RP Assistant Chief Financial Officer presented proposed budget.
™ Outlined various line items and proposed changes. Certain expenses shifted to schoo! budget related to shared expenses.
® Fuel utilization, fob installation and EV use discussed
™ Phone cost and utilization discussed
™ Pension fund evaluation and timing discussed, Full funding expected in 2026 currently.
™ Notable one-time expenses include (i) retirement between school and town, (ii) snow / ice and others discussed
™ Strategy related OPEB funding outlined. Bond rating not impacted to date by funding. Tiered increased funding over time
planned. Current liability is ~$100MM.
" Current open position allocated at $40K. Expectation is that town employee will be hired for $50K+.
* DC outlined goals and objectives for 2024.
Bond rating positives were pension funding, leadership and free cash utilization. Negatives identified were OPEB funding
and median income. Rating analysis to be provided to members.
Other tonics discussed:
™ Application submitted to Green Communities for weatherization and HVAC upgrades at certain buildings discussed
* Union contracts expected to be settled through 2025 except for fire (2024) and included in current budget
Reallocation of expenses to rink and parks / recreation di: d. Partial subsidy
into future.
d to be required for parks / recreation
Free cash policy and allocations were finalized via Town Council. TM hopes to includes OPEB into policy in near-term.
Reallocation of dollars from solid waste and other enterprise funds, utilizing retained camings in each discussed to free up
cash for town operations,
™ Potential new revenue sources focused solely on grant applications. Coordination with other municipalities being explored.
Zoning board of appeals is largest backlog, which will create additional revenue via building permits. Town planner would
benefit from additional staffing, with administrative position.
HB motioned to adjourn, WG seconded. Approved by all present members.
Meeting adjourned at 7:34 pm.
WINTHROP FINANCE COMMISSION MINUTES
MAY 11, 2023
Wiathrop Finance Commission Minutes
Date: ‘Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 6:00pm.
Attendees: ‘TOW: Dylan Cook (DC), Terence Delahanty (TD), Scott Wiicy (SW), Robbie Powers (RP), Teny Marino
a@™)
FC: Karin Chavis (KC), Hannah Belcher (HB), Stephen Ruggiero (SR), Joc Hanton (JH)
Absent: Rich Fucilio, Matt Gorzkowicz, Shannon Poulos, Bill Gault
Mecting called to order at 6:00 pm by HB. Rolicall vote completed by KC. All present except individuals noted above. Quoram
not available to approve niinutes from May 4 .
‘TD Chief of Police Department presented proposed budget.
® Significant reduction in fmding doc to departure of foomer Speak Del.co for community policing ($250K to $25K)
™ Not requesting additional police staffing this year, only request is for pay raises
™ Requested increasc to vehicle maintenance, new hybrid cruiser is in production. Certain vehicles are becoming unusable.
® Prisoner meals and now housing is required for payment by Suffolk County Sheriff's Office for overnight stays
® Three reserve officers requested for funding, versus zero last year. Currently short cight officers, with two currently in
academy. Limited number reserves available and declining aver time. Only 13 cities and towns in MA utilize reserves.
™ One dedicated officer for all four schools, with State Police required to backfill position.
™ Replacement vehicle plan, costs and finding sources discussed
™ Requested upgraces to facilitics discussed such as HVAC and water intrusion
™ Regional dispatch contract was negotiated until 2027. No additioual communities added, with Chelsea not joining.
* Animal control budget discussed related to jurisdiction and coyotes.
SW Chief of Fire Department presented proposed budget.
™ Primary goal is the creation of a new centralized facility
™ _.5% increase in overall budget. Currently short ons position. Potential for five new position shorts duc to transfers and forced
retirement, all occorring by August. SAFER grant requested for five positions (100% salary and budget) for three years.
Decision on funding to occur in Jane.
™ ‘Three new personnel in process for hiring, will be employed starting in December
. Increase in training services noted, primarily related to ASHER and hemonthaging requirements
. Fleet is aging but not in desperate position. Ladder truck lift is 20 years, coming up in 2026 with expected cost of $1.8
million. FY 2026 expected need for command vehicle. Capital plan of $25K for now Kodiak boat.
. Required capital upgrades being comptcted at stations. Discussion surrounding new centralized station and public engagement
to fund.
™ Emergency managemeat budget discussed.
™ Summaries of certain capital expenditures dialoguod.
SR motioned to adjoum; BF seconded. Approved by ali present members.
Meeting adjoumed at 7:12 pm.
WINTHROP FINANCE COMMISSION MINUTES
MAY 18, 2023
Winthrop Finance Commission
Thursday May 18, 2023 Winthrop Town Hall
Finance Commission members:
Matt Gorzkowicz(arrived at 6:30pm), Shannon Poulos, Jim Letterie, Bill Gault, Karin Chavis
Absent members:
Brent Farrell, Joe Hanlon, Richard Fucillo, Hannah Belcher, Stephen Ruggerio
From the Town:
Al Legee, Meredith Hurley, Sean Driscoll. Tony Marino/TM, Dylan Cook/CFO, Robbie Powers/ass't.CFO
Meeting cailed to order at 6:10 pm by Karin Chavis. Roll call vote completed. Quorum not available, no
votes taken.
Al Legee/ Inspectional Services
Continue to inspect and educate establishments in all areas of state codes
Need to digitalize all property folders; this can be done in house
Increase in building permits by 200 over previous year
All positions are now filled including full time building inspector
No changes in Budget for 2024 but for contractual raises
Air B&B discussion, needs more follow through, TM stated that Towns work with outside vendors
Continued interaction with Planning, Conservation, ZBOA and inspectional Services
Meredith Hurley/Winthrop Department of Public Health & Clinical Services
Need to expand immunization program/priority pediatrics
Increase access to behavioral health services in Winthrop
Need to expand clinical services in town i.e.: BP monitoring/blood glucose monitoring/infectious disease
Better exposure of programs offered by WDPH&CS
Continue need for C.L.E.A.R. program. Recent selection, 1 of 8 sites, to mentor other jurisdictions.
Better Signage for public to be aware of location of WOPH&CS
Need of generator for EB Newton building to be able to store more vaccines that are State provided
Budget for FY 2024, increase to offset Peer Recovery Coach salary
Also brought to attention of Finance Commission the amount of Grant Money the director is able to
obtain to help with salaries and programs.
Sean Driscoll/Parks and Recreation
Continue to increase rentals and other uses of Memorial Gym.
Increase programs to include toddlers and Adults
Resurfacing of McKenna basketball courts on Walden Street.
Permanent install of Pickle Ball Court at Ingleside tennis courts.
Continue increase in participation in our programs. As an example, Flag football increase from 231 to
281 this year. The program will move to Miller Field.
Continued partnership with Police, Friends of Winthrop Beach, Save the Harbor Save the Bay, Mass port
for summer hiring.
Creation of seasonal/part time employee handbook.
Outside company hired by TM/Town Council to evaluate our program. They have had favorable
recommendations and will give a full report to Town Council on June 13, 2023.
Budget increases are due to increased costs of materials and equipment.
Town Playgrounds are maintained by this department and are checked routinely for safety.
Our next meetings are scheduled for Wednesday May 24,2023/Tuesday May 30, 2023 and if necessary
Thursday June 1, 2023.
Motion to adjourn at 8:10 pm by Jim Letterie second by Shannon Poulos. Unanimous vote.
WINTHROP FINANCE COMMISSION MINUTES
MAY 24, 2023
Winthrop Finance Commission
Wednesday May 24, 2023 Winthrop Town Hall
Finance Commission Members:
Matt Gorzkowicz, Brent Farrell, Bill Gault, Shannon Poulos, Joe Hanlon, Karin Chavis, Hannah Belcher,
Stephen Ruggerio, Jim Letterie.
Members absent:
Richard Fucillo
From the Town:
Robbie Powers/ass’t. CFO
Meeting called to order at 6:10 pm by Matt Gorzkowicz. Roll call vote completed, Quorum present.
Minutes of May 4, 2023, motion by Bill Gault second by Hannah Belcher to approve minutes/ 2 abstain
Richard Fucillo, Joe Hanlon
Minutes of May 11, 2023, motion by Joe Hanlon second by Stephen Ruggerio to approve minutes/ 4
abstain Richard Fucillo, Matt Gorzkowicz, Shannon Poulos, Bill Gault.
Minutes of May 18, 2023, motion by Shannon Poulos second by Karin Chavis to approve the minutes/ 5
abstain Richard Fucilio, Brent Farrrell, Joe Hanlon, Hannah Belcher, Stephen Ruggerio.
Discussion of format of letter that is compiled and sent to Winthrop Town Council with
recommendations from Finance Commission for FY budget. This will be further discussed for next FY.
FC met with many department heads and all seemed comfortable with their budgets.
Finance Dept. did mention additional $12,000.00 for personnel line item for Senior Clerk. Current salary
is $40,000.00 and union wage is $52,000.00.
TM stated that the Grants personnel could benefit from a P/T 19 hours a week , no benefits, $21,000.00
annual salary/ clerk.
KC mentioned that Inspectional Services for FY 2023 has requested a P/T 15 hours a week, no benefits,
$25.00/hour building inspector to work off hours to inspect current permitted projects. They did not
mention this request for FY 24.
Other departments that FC members felt would need further support were mentioned. Schools in
general, Public safety, MIS (technology), Public Health. Funding would need to be found, again 2 %
override was mentioned. Town is waiting for the salary evaluation being done by outside vendor of all
current Town salaries.
Town has big dollar items in the near future including new Fire Station (public safety building),
obligation to Voke bonding for new school, replace current turf on Miller Field, TIPS project and other
infrastructure projects. The long range Capital Plan includes other items that will be needed in the next
5 years.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm. Next meeting Tuesday May 30, 2023 Harvey Hearing Room
WINTHROP FINANCE COMMISSION MINUTES
MAY 30, 2023
Winthrop Finance Commission Minutes
Date: Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 6:00pm
Attendees: TOW: Robbie Powers (RP)
FC: Karin Chavis (KC), Hannah Belcher (HB), Stephen Ruggiero (SR), Joe Hanlon (JH), Rich
Fucillo (RF), Bill Gault (WG), Matt Gorzkowicz (MG), Brent Farrell (BF)
Absent: Shannon Poulos
Meeting called to order at 6:05 pm by MG. Rollcal! vote completed by KC. All present except individuals noted
above. Minutes from May 24" meeting not prepared to be voted on.
From general discussion:
* — Increase allocation of $12K to finance department
= Planning position allocation increase of $21K (19 hours a week, no benefits)
* Discussion related to trash fee reduction of $100K and reallocation elsewhere
* Pending motion into council by RP to move $100K out of free cash and into OPEB fund
« — RP stated that expense reduction could be available via property insurance fund
= Motion by KC to decrease OPEB funding line item in shared expenses from $25K to $0. All approved.
= Motion by KC to decrease property insurance in shared expense line item from $647,681 to $639,681 ($8K
delta), All approved.
= Motion by HB to increase finance personnel line item by $12K from $475,352 to $487,352. All approved.
= Motion by WG to increase personnel line from grants $21K from $80,000 to $101,000. All approved.
« — Discussion related to items to (i) support, (ii) concerns, (iii) new proposals and (iv) long-term financial
pressures. All members supportive of items outlined.
« — Draft letter to Town Council prepared by MG discussed
JH motioned to adjourn; RF seconded. Approved by all present members.
Meeting adjourned at 7:47 pm.