Committee Report - Finance - 6-19-17 — File 203729

Finance Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 6/20/2017 June 19, 2017 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 Matthew McLaughlin Ward One Alderman Present William A. White Jr. Alderman At Large Present Robert J. McWatters Ward Three Alderman Present Mark Niedergang Ward Five Alderman Present Lance L. Davis Ward Six Alderman Present John M. Connolly Alderman At Large Present Mary Jo Rossetti Alderman at Large Present Dennis M. Sullivan Alderman At Large Present Others present: Emily Monea - SomerStat, Denise Taylor - Communications, Steve Craig - 311, Nick Salerno - Elections, Michael Glavin - OSPCD, Alan Inacio - OSPCD, Brad Rawson - OSPCD, Michael Feloney - OSPCD, George Proakis - OSPCD, Michael Mastrobuoni - Budget Manager, Ed Bean - Finance, Candace Cooper - Personnel, Annie Connor - Legislative Liaison, Peter Forcellese - Legislative Clerk. The meeting took place in the Aldermen’s Chamber and was called to order at 6:10 PM by Chairman Lafuente and adjourned at 10:55 PM. FY-18 Departmental Budget Review and any and all associated departmental financial matters The following departments presented their FY-18 budget requests: SomerStat Ms. Monea reviewed her department's FY-17 activities and presented its FY-18 budget request. Members were told that 20% of the salary for the CPA Manager will be assumed by SomerStat. Alderman Ballantyne asked for information on SomerStat's and OSE's involvement in switching streetlights to LED technology. Communications Alderman Rossetti recused herself from all discussions and votes concerning this department.

Finance Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 6/20/2017 Ms. Taylor reviewed her department's FY-17 activities and presented its FY-18 budget request. Alderman White asked for a breakdown of the $50,000 request for "Other Contract Work" in the Professional and Technical Service line. Education and Government Access (TELCO) Alderman Rossetti recused herself from all discussions and votes concerning this department. Mr. Bean explained how this was changed from a revolving fund to a special revenue fund, per the Municipal Modernization Act, and said that the procedures have not been well defined by the DOR. Ms. Taylor stated that the act has no impact on the revenue numbers. 311 Alderman Rossetti recused herself from all discussions and votes concerning this department. Mr. Craig reviewed his department's FY-17 activities and presented its FY-18 budget request. Alderman White commented on the discrepancies regarding the amount of salary increases given to various individuals, saying that some longer term employees received lower raises than some newer employees. Ms. Cooper explained how the MCAB works. Alderman White says if it has a detrimental effect on employee morale, then it hasn't worked. He believes that it's problematic. Alderman Sullivan agreed that it's not fair and that it's not how it should work. Alderman McLaughklin said he feels this way about every department, noting the inequities in salaries. Alderman Niedergang agrees, as does Chairman Lafuente. Elections Mr. Salerno reviewed his department's FY-17 activities and presented its FY-18 budget request. Mr. Salerno told the members that a senior clerk position will not be filled, thereby reducing the department's budget request by $38,666. Alderman Heuston chaired the remainder of the meeting. OSPCD Mr. Glavin made some introductory remarks and turned the presentation over to the heads of each of the department's divisions. OSPCD – Administration Mr. Inacio reviewed his department's FY-17 activities and presented its FY-18 budget request. Mr. Mastobuoni spoke about permit revenues and said that it is anticipated that they will come into the city during the FY-18 budget cycle. Alderman Lafuente requested that a report be provided to the BOA each time that permit fees come into the city. Alderman Niedergang noted that there is a glaring absence of job training workforce development in OSCPD's mission statement. Alderman Rossetti asked for a breakdown of the expenditures of line 530000, Professional and Technical Service, for FY-17.

Finance Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 6/20/2017 OSPCD - Transportation and Infrastructure Mr. Rawson reviewed his department's FY-17 activities and presented its FY-18 budget request. Alderman Niedergang asked when the city will be getting some speed bumps on Central Street and other areas in need of traffic calming. Mr. Rawson explained the guidlines for obtaining them. Several members spoke on the matter, saying that it is a safety issue which has been unresolved for several years. Chairman Heuston commented that many of the city's streets are being used as cut-throughs and that there is confusion about what city department or commission has the final say on traffic issues, e.g., the placement of speed limit signs. Alderman Rossetti requested information on unexpended funds of approximately $50,000. Alderman Rossetti also requested to see the invoice for the FY-17 dues and membership expense. Alderman Ballantyne asked for the amounts spent for On- Call Engineering for the past several years. OSPCD – Housing Mr. Feloney reviewed his department's FY-17 activities and presented its FY-18 budget request. Alderman White requested data on the number of affordable housing created as a result of the city's efforts over the past ten years. OSPCD - Economic Development Mr. Glavin reviewed this department's FY-17 activities and presented its FY-18 budget request. Alderman Rossetti requested information pertaining to grant matching funds. OSPCD - Planning and Zoning Alderman Rossetti recused herself from all discussions and votes concerning this department. Mr. Proakis reviewed his department's FY-17 activities and presented its FY-18 budget request. Chairman Heuston requested a breakdown of the department's Professional and Technical Service line. Alderman McLaughlin asked for the information he requested previously regarding FRIT's latest 500 units at Assembly Square. Alderman McLaughlin asked several more questions about various orders that he submitted. Alderman McLaughlin questioned the raises give to Planning Board Members and Ms. Cooper replied that those positions were given a 2% raise over several years to adjust their compensation. Handouts: • Professional & Technical Services Breakdown - 6-19-17 • OSPCD Economic Development