Committee Report - Finance - 9-12-17 — File 204175

Finance Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 9/13/2017 September 12, 2017 REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Tony Lafuente Chair Absent Maryann M. Heuston Vice Chair Absent Katjana Ballantyne Ward Seven Alderman Absent Matthew McLaughlin Ward One Alderman Present William A. White Jr. Alderman At Large Present John M. Connolly Alderman At Large Present Mark Niedergang Ward Five Alderman Present Others present: Chief David Fallon - SPD, Chief Patrick Sullivan - SFD, Ed Bean - Finance, Thomas Galligani - OSPCD, Alan Inacio - OSPCD, Oliver Sellers-Garcia - OSE, Eileen McGettigan - Law, Julie McKenzie - Law, Chad Laurent - Meister Consultants, Barry Miller - Seyfarth Shaw, Tim Snyder - Mayor’s Office, Rositha Durham - Clerk of Committees. The meeting took place in the Committee Room and was called to order at 6:00 PM by Alderman McLaughlin and adjourned at 6:44 PM. President White appointed Aldermen Niedergang and Connolly as members of the Finance Committee, for this meeting only, to attain a quorum. Approval of the July 11, 2017 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 203887: Requesting an appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,600,000 in a bond for the acquisition of 45 College Avenue. Mr. Snyder, Mr. Galligani and Ms. McGettigan spoke on this item saying that this location could provide a community room in Ward 6 to hold ResiStat and other meetings for the library. The location is 5,300 square feet and the church is anxious to move forward with completing this transaction. The city does not have a complete list of how the property will be used. RESULT: APPROVED

Finance Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 9/13/2017 204009: Requesting approval to enter into net-metering agreements with both ECA Solar and SunWealth. Mr. Sellers-Garcia and Mr. Laurent spoke about the two 20 year contracts. Customers would commit to the long term agreements to purchase credits that offer long term discounts. The rates are changing and may not be available next year. Solar panels will be on the roof of Greentown Labs in Somerville and New England Produce in Chelsea. The city's role is to purchase credits not being used. Most residents of Somerville will be able to use most of their credits. The committee was advised that Eversource determines the value of the electricity. Members inquired about placing the solar panels on city owned buildings and were informed that it was virtually impossible, since there are no rooftops suitable for the panels for a 20 year investment. The agreement is a fixed rate for the 20 years with the possibility of an option to extend at the end of the agreement. RESULT: APPROVED 204010: Requesting approval to extend S & R Corporation's demolition services contract beyond 8/31/17. Mr. Galligani, Mr. Snyder and Ms. McGettigan spoke about reimbursement under Mass Redevelopment and said that relocation is currently holding up the demolition. If this contract was not extended, it could cost the city time and money to solicit another contract. RESULT: APPROVED 204012: Requesting acceptance of a $100,618.00 grant that requires a match, from FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters program to the Fire Department for replacement of 117 SCBA breathing air cylinders. Chief Sullivan and Mr. Snyder spoke on this item. RESULT: APPROVED 204018: Requesting acceptance of a $12,540.45 grant that requires a match, from the Metro Mayors Shannon Initiative to the Police Department for youth violence prevention. Alderman McLaughlin recused himself from all discussion and votes on this item. Chief Fallon spoke about the annual Metro Mayors Shannon Initiative for the youth violence prevention. RESULT: APPROVED 204135: City Solicitor requesting approval to retain outside counsel for McGrath et al. v. Somerville.

Finance Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 9/13/2017 Alderman McLaughlin recused himself from all discussion and votes on this item. Ms. McKenzie and Mr. Miller, spoke about the need to retain outside counsel for this complex case. The matter concerns an incorrectly calculated overtime rate and involves 83 patrol officers. The plaintiffs are seeking damages over a 3 year period. The city believes this to be a very technical area of the law. Members were told that outside counsel has represented other municipalities in this type of case. The outside counsel's normal rate is $765 an hour, the municipal blended rate for all attorneys is $485 an hour and $175 an hour for support staff. RESULT: APPROVED