Committee Report - Finance - 6-22-15 — File 199511

Finance Committee Page 1 of 4 Printed 6/24/2015 June 22, 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 Present Dennis M. Sullivan Alderman At Large Present Mary Jo Rossetti Alderman at Large Present 1. Public Hearing - FY-16 Budget The committee held a Public Hearing on the proposed FY- 17 budget. Three translators were present and available for anyone who needed this service. Several members of the community expressed their opinions, in person or through written correspondence, on various parts of the budget. Most of the comments were about the poor conditions and lack of maintenance of some of the city’s playing fields and the pros and cons of artificial turf vs. natural grass. Several individuals advocated for financial support for the First Source Jobs Training program and others, including 2 former Somerville Veterans Service Directors, spoke against moving the Veterans Services Department under the umbrella of the city’s Health and Human Services Department. There were also comments against the raising of parking permit fees, and requests for support for the Babe Ruth program, the Storefront Improvement program and the LGBTQ community. The Public Hearing was closed. 2. FY-16 Budget review and cuts The following aldermen were recused from all discussions of the departments noted: Alderman Heuston - DPW Administration Alderman Sullivan - Traffic and Parking Alderman Rossetti - Communications; Non-union compensation; Executive-SomerStat Alderman McLaughlin - Teen Empowerment

Finance Committee Page 2 of 4 Printed 6/24/2015 Prior to the final budget review, various department heads were asked to respond to additional questions. Mr. Smiljic responded to questions about building code violations and illegal rooming houses; Mr. Glavin provided information on the duration of 2 vacant positions; Ms. Lathan provided revenue figures derived from the use of the city’s fields; Mr. Wright and Mr. Glavin were questioned on appraisals in their departments’ Professional and Technical Services line item. Mr. Wright was asked if the aldermen could approve a budget item with conditions. He will research this and provide an answer. Alderman White asked for assurances from Mr. Glavin that a representative from OSPCD would appear before the Board of Aldermen to develop the housing wait list parameters. The committee discussed Alderman Niedergang’s motion to cut $150,000 for store front improvements. Members expressed their views on the matter, with some pointing out that cutting the funds might send the wrong message to parts of the community, since the funds would not be available in all areas of the city. Mr. O'Donnell said that the program has merit, but requires that a Home Rule petition be approved by the legislature, first. On a roll call vote of 2 in favor and 9 against, the motion was defeated. In favor: Aldermen Niedergang and McLaughlin. Against: Aldermen White, Heuston, McWatters, Connolly, Rossetti, Gewirtz, Sullivan, Ballantyne and Lafuente. The committee discussed Alderman Rossetti’s motion to reduce the salary amount for the new Local Building Inspector position by 9 weeks. On a roll call vote of 5 in favor and 6 against, the motion was defeated. In favor: Aldermen Rossetti, McLaughlin, Heuston, McWatters and Connolly. Against: Aldermen Niedergang, White, Gewirtz, Sullivan, Ballantyne and Lafuente. The committee discussed Alderman Niedergang’s motion to eliminate the part time Sealer position in the Weights and Measures Department. On a roll call vote of 6 in favor and 5 against, the motion was approved. In favor: Aldermen Niedergang, McLaughlin, White, Gewirtz, Ballantyne and Lafuente. Against: Aldermen Heuston, McWatters, Connolly, Rossetti and Sullivan. The following Orders were approved: Alderman Niedergang and the Entire Board: That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development bring to this Board within two months, a plan and budget request for at least $50,000 to continue to support the highly successful First Source Jobs Training Program, which in its first year worked closely with 200 Somerville residents to develop job skills and secure local jobs.

Finance Committee Page 3 of 4 Printed 6/24/2015 Alderman Niedergang and the Entire Board: That the Commissioner of Public Works develop a maintenance plan for all grass athletic fields and submit a request for funding to this Board to either (A) hire an additional DPW worker to focus on field and plantings maintenance in the spring, summer and fall (and snow removal in winter), or (B) to contract with a consultant to train DPW staff on improving field maintenance. Aldermen Rossetti and the Entire Board: That the Chief of Police provide monthly reporting to this Board of the number of individuals and families assisted by the Coordinator of Addiction and Mental Health, including the number of follow-up referrals to ensure proper aftercare, as noted in the job description. Aldermen Rossetti and the Entire Board: That the Commissioners of Public Works and Recreation coordinate efforts, as recommended by the Fields Task Force report of 9/10/14, and report back to this Board by September, 2015. Aldermen Heuston and the Entire Board: That the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development provide the Board of Aldermen with monthly updates relative to the progress of completion of the Beacon Street reconstruction project, being mindful of a timeline which could possibly jeopardize project funding The following Resolutions were approved: AldermanMcLaughlin and the Entire Board: That the Veterans Service Department remain autonomous and separate from the Health and Human Services Department. AldermanMcLaughlin and the Entire Board: That the city waive the fee charged for field use for local youth oriented programs. Alderman Niedergang and the Entire Board: That the Mayor pursue, with the utmost urgency, negotiations with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation over City of Somerville control of Foss Park, Drawer 7 Park and the Dilboy Auxiliary Fields and share regular updates with this Board about progress or lack thereof. Alderman Connolly and the Entire Board: That the Administration immediately prioritize a major public health initiative to confront

Finance Committee Page 4 of 4 Printed 6/24/2015 and control the opiate abuse epidemic in Somerville, utilizing all available resources, including any and all non-profit health and educational institutions in and around our community to address this major public health problem. Aldermen Rossetti and White and the Entire Board: That the Administration explain to this Board, in writing, the method used to select the SHS Owner’s Project Manager and why the School Building Committee did not vote on the hire Aldermen Rossetti and the Entire Board: That the Administration closely examine safety services at Assembly Row, in light of the previously unanticipated development of Partner’s Health Care and Hotel, and report back to this Board by September, 2015. Alderman Rossetti and all EXCEPT Ald. Niedergang: That the Traffic Commission reconsider its recent votes to double the guest parking pass fee and to increase the fee of resident parking permits. Alderman Rossetti: That the Administration explore ways to reduce the cost of mail services. Alderman Rossetti: That a detailed report of all unexpended funds for the prior two years be provided by each department during future fiscal year budget presentations and reviews. Aldermen Heuston and the Entire Board: That the Administration take steps to develop a comprehensive open space plan, inclusive of planning for the use of open space across many different uses and venues, with the goal of identification of new open space, with particular emphasis on a master plan for identification of athletic field space, usage and upkeep.