Committee Report - Finance - 6-18-15 — File 199510

Finance Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 6/25/2015 June 18, 2015 REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Tony Lafuente Chair Present Maryann M. Heuston Vice Chair Present Katjana Ballantyne Ward Seven Alderman Present John M. Connolly Alderman At Large Present William A. White Jr. Alderman At Large Present Matthew McLaughlin Ward One Alderman Present Robert J. McWatters Ward Three Alderman Present Mark Niedergang Ward Five Alderman Present Rebekah L. Gewirtz Ward Six Alderman Absent Dennis M. Sullivan Alderman At Large Present Mary Jo Rossetti Alderman at Large Present 1. FY-16 Departmental Budget review Mr. Smiljic was asked to inform the committee as to whether the part time position in Weights and Measures would be continuing during FY-16. OSPCD: Mr. Glavin made introductory remarks and spoke about the loss of several division heads during the current fiscal year. Alderman Ballantyne asked for information on the kinds of jobs that are included in the “total of jobs created” and what % of them are from Assembly Row. Questions were asked about the reduction in affordable housing units and Alderman White requested a printout of where affordable housing units are coming from. Alderman Ballantyne spoke about the past 2 SomerVision reports being overdue and about the lack of movement in the planning of both Assembly and Union Squares. Mr. Glavin said that OSPCD would be submitting a request for funds for a consultant and that Union Square is progressing. Alderman White asked that the residential and commercial data requested in Board Order #199247, be provided by Monday, June 22nd. OSPCD - Admin: Mr. Inacio said that $25,000 set aside in the Economic Development budget for appraisals. OSPCD - Planning and Zoning: (Alderman Rossetti recused) Mr. Proakis presented the department’s budget request.

Finance Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 6/25/2015 OSPCD - Housing: Michael Feloney spoke about the creation of a universal housing waitlist to simplify the process of applying for affordable housing and said that it’s more of an administrative shift rather than a policy shift. The committee discussed potential problems should someone apply for housing in one area and be included in a lottery for another area. Ms. Donato said that OSPCD is looking at best practices and exploring options on how the waitlist program would work. Mr. Feloney said efforts are being made to increase affordable housing. Alderman Rossetti requested a report on how long the 2 unfilled Affordable Housing Board Member positions have been vacant. OSPCD - Economic Development: Mr. O’Donnell spoke about a written community services agreement with Partners Healthcare. There was a discussion about job training programs and Mr. O’Donnell said that discussions have taken place with SEC to continue with the training program, but OSPCD is not ready to make a decision yet. Currently, the level of local people employed at Assembly Square is above 40% and updated numbers should be available in 3-4 weeks. The city is having discussions to get local people involved in union apprenticeship programs. Mr. O’Donnell reported that a program has been worked out with master developer US2 to assist small business owners through a benefits agreement. Mr. O’Donnell said that he was recently informed that the use of city funds in non-CDBG eligible areas may require a home rule petition. Alderman Niedergang asked Mr. O’Donnell to request data from Federal Realty on its hiring of non-union people. Alderman White asked for the guidelines for participation in the Commercial Property Improvement Program and Alderman Lafuente commented on how the program may be abused. Eileen McEttigan spoke about fees paid for relocation services related to eminent domain in Union Square. Alderman White asked for information relative to a $21,000 appraisal fee. OSPCD - Transportation and Infrastructure: Brad Rawson spoke about the phased McGrath Highway project and will check with Mass DOT regarding their outreach efforts to residents and business owners. Regarding the Beacon Street project, utility work is done and the next phase is out to bid. Since it’s a state project, the state is finalizing over 100 easements for the finishing of sidewalks. The BOA will be involved in the temporary easement process. Funds for the project are not included in this budget. Alderman White asked to know if the temporary easements are included in the bonding for Beacon Street. The committee discussed the arborist position and was informed that the part time DPW arborist doesn’t have capacity to maintain the city’s trees, so an on-call arborist is in this division’s budget. Alderman Rossetti asked Mr. Bean to provide a dollar amount for the PT DPW arborist. Mr. Boukili stated that the DPW’s arborist is very operational and receives approximately $25,000 for his services; which are primarily after storms or involving public safety issues or trimming. The OSPCD arborist would be more for planning and long term

Finance Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 6/25/2015 tree care and green infrastructure planning. Alderman Niedergang doesn’t think that the city is coordinated in its green efforts and suggested perhaps engaging and training residents to care for and trim trees. Mr. Rawson said that it’s time to put into operation the open space goal of obtaining 125 new acres of open space. Mr. Glavin will provide a list of the sites being considered for open space use. Mr. Rawson reported that $15,000 revenue was generated from advertising. CPA: Emily Monea spoke about the disbursement of CPA funds and the structure of the CP committee Revolving Funds: Mr. Bean explained that programs that charge a fee for service can be segregated into specific funds, but the law set the expenditure cap, so revenue can’t exceed the cap. If it does, the additional revenue goes to the general fund. All departmental revenue funds must be authorized each year along with their caps. Two new revolving funds (Shape Up Somerville Mobile Farmers Market and SomerTime) are included in the FY-16 budget request. Doug Kress spoke about the Mobile Farmers Market and Jill Lathan spoke about the SomerTime program (that runs Mon-Fri from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM for 6 wks) noting that enrollment in the program has already reached 375. The program operates on a sliding scale of fees for participation based on various criteria. Alderman Heuston asked for a report of all fees received by the Recreation Department and for details of the SomerTime sliding scale.