Committee Report - Finance - 6-22-22 — File 214011

Finance Committee Page 1 of 10 Printed 6/23/2022 June 22, 2022 REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Jake Wilson Chair Present Jefferson Thomas ("J.T.") Scott Vice Chair Present Beatriz GomezMouakad Ward Five City Councilor Present Judy PinedaNeufeld Ward Seven City Councilor Present Charlotte Kelly City Councilor At Large Present Jesse Clingan Ward Four City Councilor Present Kristen Strezo City Councilor at Large Present Willie BurnleyJr. City Councilor At Large Present Lance L. Davis Ward Six City Councilor Present Ben Ewen-Campen Ward Three City Councilor Remote Matthew McLaughlin Ward One City Councilor Present This meeting was held via GoToWebinar and was called to order by Chair Wilson at 6:03 pm and adjourned at 12:15 pm. Councilor McLaughlin moved to adjourn, and the motion was passed by roll call vote. A recess was taken at 8:24 pm, and the committee reconvened at 8:35 pm. There was a moment of silence for Officer Randy Isaacs, who passed away suddenly this weekend. Councilor Ewen-Campen left at 11:41 pm. Others present: Hannah Carrillo - Mayor’s Office, Aneesh Sahni - Mayor’s Office, Michael Mastrobuoni - Auditing, Charles Femino - SPD, James Stanford - SPD, Denise Capers - RSJ, Anne Gill - Personnel, Nikki Spencer - Mayor’s Office, Christine Blais - OSE, Christopher Major - Fire, Peter Forcellese - Legislative Clerk, Stephanie Widzowski - Assistant Clerk of Committees. Councilor McLaughlin recused himself for the school budget. Approval of the June 2, 2022 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED Approval of the June 6, 2022 Minutes

Finance Committee Page 2 of 10 Printed 6/23/2022 RESULT: ACCEPTED Approval of the June 8, 2022 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED Approval of the June 13, 2022 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED Approval of the June 14, 2022 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED Approval of the June 15, 2022 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED Approval of the June 16, 2022 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED Approval of the June 21, 2022 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED Review of the FY 2023 Budget Unfinished Business (ID # 28919): That the salary ranges for City Councilors, Council President, and School Committee representatives be amended to at least the same percent increases as non-union members received since 2016. Councilor Burnley said that everyone he has talked to is struggling to pay rent. He said that he does not see a commitment to equity and inclusivity in the city’s investments. Chair Wilson asked if Councilor Scott would accept an amendment to include School Committee representatives, and the amendment was accepted. The amended resolution would read: “That the salary ranges for City Councilors, Council President, and School Committee representatives be amended to at least the same percent increases as non-union members received since 2016.” There was discussion over the benefits and consequences of making City Councilor positions full-time. Councilor McLaughlin said that the only feasible way to make the positions full-time is to forbid councilors from holding full-time positions. However, this would likely force a

Finance Committee Page 3 of 10 Printed 6/23/2022 majority of councilors to resign. There was also discussion about the need for pay increases across Somerville. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES:Wilson, Scott, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Kelly, Clingan, Strezo, BurnleyJr., Davis, Ewen-Campen (ID # 28920): That the salaries for the clerks in the Clerk of Committees Department be increased to account for the years when no salary increase was received. Councilor Scott said that his calculations found a $4,000 total increase would be appropriate. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES:Wilson, Scott, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Kelly, Clingan, Strezo, BurnleyJr., Davis, Ewen-Campen (ID # 28921): That the grade category for the archivist and assistant archivist be revisited by the administration prior to submitting a revised budget. Councilor Scott said that the archivist position requires a Master’s degree, but Somerville’s long- standing archivist makes less than a SomerStat analyst. He stated that the assistant archivist position be classified as an NU8, and the archivist position should be classified as an NU9. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES:Wilson, Scott, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Kelly, Clingan, Strezo, BurnleyJr., Davis, Ewen-Campen (ID # 28966): That the Personal Services line for Accountability, Transparency and Access be reduced by $89,821. 05 PASSED: 9 Yes (Councilor Clingan, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Burnley, Councilor Davis, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Kelly, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Scott, Chair Wilson) and 2 No (Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Pineda Neufeld) Councilor Scott moved to reduce the personal services line for Accountability, Transparency and Access to $0. He said that he thinks this work could be done with more appropriate staffing and expressed concerns with the creation of the division. Chief of Staff Spencer elaborated on the thought process behind the decision to propose this department, citing need for overarching coordination between departments. Other councilors also expressed concerns with the division and confusion as to how the department overlaps with the proposed Chief Administrative Officer position. Multiple councilors suggested increasing funding for social workers instead. Councilor Kelly called the department “the right diagnosis and wrong solution.” Councilor Davis said he feels inclined to support the cut, but called for enthusiastic engagement with the Mayor’s Office on how to incorporate transparency. Councilor Pineda Neufeld spoke to her prior work experience that informs her support of the department. 06 PASSED: 9 Yes (Councilor Clingan, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Burnley, Councilor Davis, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Kelly, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Councilor Scott, Chair Wilson) and 2 No (Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor Pineda Neufeld) Councilor Scott moved to reduce the ordinary maintenance line for Accountability, Transparency and Access to $0.

Finance Committee Page 4 of 10 Printed 6/23/2022 RESULT: APPROVED. [9 TO 2] AYES: Wilson, Scott, GomezMouakad, Kelly, Clingan, Strezo, BurnleyJr., Davis, McLaughlin NAYS: PinedaNeufeld, Ewen-Campen (ID # 28967): That the mayor provide $200,000 in immediate accessible funds for the Acting City Solicitor to bring on temporary legal help while the hiring process is underway. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES:Wilson, Scott, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Kelly, Clingan, Strezo, BurnleyJr., Davis, McLaughlin ABSENT: Ewen-Campen (ID # 28969): That the Personal Services line of the Executive Administration budget be reduced by $114,312. 07 FAILED: 4 Yes (Councilor Burnley, Councilor Davis, Councilor Kelly, Councilor Scott) and 7 No (Councilor Clingan, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Chair Wilson) Councilor Scott moved to reduce the personal services line of the Executive Administration budget by $114,312 - the amount of the Chief Administrative Officer position allocation. He called attention to having to wait for the Charter Commission and other pressing priorities of the City Council while this position moves forward. Ms. Spencer described functions the Chief Administrative Officer would perform and stressed that the city’s growth has outpaced the Administration’s capacity, leading to reactive policy. Councilors opposing the cut spoke to the need for continuity spanning administrations. Multiple councilors expressed concerns that the position would not go through CAPM. There were also concerns about the potential power dynamic that would develop between the CAO and City Council. 08 FAILED: 3 Yes (Councilor Burnley, Councilor Kelly, Councilor Scott) and 8 No (Councilor Clingan, Councilor Strezo, Councilor Davis, Councilor Ewen-Campen, Councilor McLaughlin, Councilor Pineda Neufeld, Councilor Gomez Mouakad, Chair Wilson) Councilor Scott moved to reduce the personal services line of the Executive Administration budget by $69,406 - the amount of the second Legislative Liaison position allocation. Councilor Clingan said that he thinks this position will help with continuity and as such will not support the cut. Councilor Burnley said that this position makes more sense to him in the Clerk’s Office. RESULT: NOT APPROVED. [4 TO 7] AYES: Scott, Kelly, BurnleyJr., Davis NAYS: Wilson, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Clingan, Strezo, Ewen-Campen, McLaughlin (ID # 29004): That a line item be specifically added to ensure all City meetings open to the public be hosted in an online platform that enables interpretation support.

Finance Committee Page 5 of 10 Printed 6/23/2022 RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES:Wilson, Scott, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Kelly, Clingan, Strezo, BurnleyJr., Davis, McLaughlin ABSENT: Ewen-Campen (ID # 29005): That the salary grade for the Social Worker and LGBTQ+ Coordinator positions in Health and Human Services be increased to NU9 to correspond to similar positions in SOIA and COHR. Councilor Scott added for context that some social workers have not been paid for a whole year. This resolution makes LGBTQ+ Coordinator positions’ pay consistent with other social workers in the city. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES:Wilson, Scott, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Kelly, Clingan, Strezo, BurnleyJr., Davis, Ewen-Campen (ID # 29006): That the Mayor's office allocate $25,000 to the Parks Department’s Professional and Technical Services line to accommodate translation needs for Parks websites. RESULT: APPROVED. [UNANIMOUS] AYES:Wilson, Scott, GomezMouakad, PinedaNeufeld, Kelly, Clingan, Strezo, BurnleyJr., Davis, McLaughlin ABSENT: Ewen-Campen 213980: Requesting approval of an amendment to Ordinances 2-322 and 2-323 to update categories and associated salaries for non-union positions. Councilor Scott noted that the Council has the opportunity to amend the ordinance to effectuate salary changes for next year, i.e. FY-24, since the appropriation order has already been approved. Ellen Collins from HHS explained that 2 positions had been omitted from the list, therefore the changes were made. Councilor Scott said that once salaries are submitted, any changes to the ordinance would only be binding on the next fiscal year. Councilor Scott recommended discharging the item tonight to get the items necessary for the vote. Councilor McLaughlin said he would like to refer the item to the Legislative Matters committee, but Chair Wilson said he thought the item needed to be approved during the budget process. Councilor Scott moved to discharge the item without recommendation. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION Budget Items 213912: Requesting the appropriation of $292,720,095 to fund the FY 2023 General Fund

Finance Committee Page 6 of 10 Printed 6/23/2022 Operating Budget. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213916: Requesting an appropriation of $28,856,300 to fund the FY 2023 Sewer Enterprise Fund budget. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213914: Requesting the appropriation of $17,514,916 to fund the FY 2023 Water Enterprise Fund budget. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213915: Requesting approval to appropriate $748,185 from the Water Capital Stabilization Fund to the Water Enterprise Fund to balance the FY 2023 Water Enterprise Fund budget. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213918: Requesting an appropriation of $372,490 to fund the FY 2023 Founders Ice Rink Enterprise Fund budget. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213919: Requesting an appropriation of $372,490 from the Founders Ice Rink Retained Earnings Account to subsidize the FY 2023 Founders Ice Rink Enterprise Fund budget. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213922: Requesting the appropriation of $539,801 to fund the FY 2023 Kennedy School Pool Enterprise Fund budget. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213923: Requesting an appropriation of $191,455 from the Kennedy School Pool Retained Earnings Account to subsidize the FY 2023 Kennedy School Pool Enterprise Fund budget. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213920: Requesting the appropriation of $193,000 to fund the FY 2023 Dilboy Field Enterprise Fund budget. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213921: Requesting the appropriation of $25,000 from the Dilboy Field Enterprise Fund

Finance Committee Page 7 of 10 Printed 6/23/2022 Retained Earnings Account to subsidize the FY 2023 Dilboy Field Enterprise Fund budget. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213913: Requesting the appropriation or reserve of $3,862,866 in estimated FY 2023 Community Preservation Act revenue for CPA projects and expenses. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213926: Requesting the approval of FY 2023 expenditure limitations for departmental Revolving Funds. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213924: Requesting the appropriation of $420,663 for the FY 2023 Cable Television PEG Access Fund Budget. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION End of Year Transfers 213850: Requesting the appropriation of $71,135 from Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Workers Compensation Insurance Fund, to remediate an end of year deficit. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213851: Requesting approval of a transfer of $443,000 in the Department of Public Works, from the Sanitation Account to the Snow Account, to cover invoices incurred during an extraordinary winter season. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213925: Requesting a transfer of $975,088 from the Salary Contingency Account to the Salary and Wage Stabilization Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213852: Requesting approval of a transfer of $85,000 in the Department of Public Works, from the Buildings Account to the Grounds Account, for Personnel Services Costs through the end of FY 2022. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213853: Requesting approval of a transfer of $38,465 from General Fund Workers' Comp Accounts to the Workers' Comp Insurance Fund, to fund Workers' Comp claims and payments through the end of FY 2022.

Finance Committee Page 8 of 10 Printed 6/23/2022 RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213854: Requesting approval of a transfer of $7,076 from the Police Overtime Account to the Grant Match Account for the Metro Mayors Coalition Shannon Grant match requirement. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 213855: Requesting approval of a transfer of $2,000 from the Police Animal Control Kennel Ordinary Maintenance account to the Police Animal Control Personal Services Overtime account for Animal Control Overtime costs. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213900: Requesting the rescission of $21,717,918 of authorized but un-issued borrowings. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213956: Requesting the appropriation of $139,096 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") Account to the Central Hill PARC Account to cover a grant deficit. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213957: Requesting approval of a transfer of $368,123 in the Department of Public Works from the Sanitation Account to the Snow Account for winter-related invoices. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213951: Requesting the rescission of $30,000,000 of authorized but un-issued Green Line Extension borrowings. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION Reserves 213917: Requesting an appropriation of $1,300,000 from the Sewer Enterprise Retained Earnings Account to the Sewer Capital Stabilization Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213927: Requesting the appropriation of $3,000,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") Account to the Facility Construction and Renovation Stabilization Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213928: Requesting the appropriation of $2,400,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance

Finance Committee Page 9 of 10 Printed 6/23/2022 ("Free Cash") Account to the Sewer Capital Stabilization Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213929: Requesting the appropriation of $2,000,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") Account to the Parks Stabilization Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213930: Requesting the appropriation of $1,250,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") to the Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213931: Requesting the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") Account to the Street Reconstruction & Renovation Stabilization Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213932: Requesting the appropriation of $800,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") Account to the Traffic Safety Stabilization Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213933: Requesting the appropriation of $600,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") Account to the Water Capital Stabilization Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213934: Requesting the appropriation of $500,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") Account to the Marijuana Stabilization Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213935: Requesting the appropriation of $500,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") Account to the Open Space Acquisition Stabilization Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213936: Requesting the appropriation of $291,706 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") Account to the Energy Stabilization Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213937: Requesting the appropriation of $250,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance

Finance Committee Page 10 of 10 Printed 6/23/2022 ("Free Cash") Account to the Street Tree Stabilization Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213938: Requesting approval to create the Participatory Budgeting Stabilization Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213939: Requesting the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the Unreserved Fund Balance Account ("Free Cash") to the Participatory Budgeting Stabilization Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213955: Requesting the appropriation of $1,360,904 from the Unreserved Fund Balance ("Free Cash") Account to the Facility Construction and Renovation Stabilization Fund. RESULT: DISCHARGED W/NO RECOMMENDATION 213940: Requesting approval to re-purpose the Green Line Extension (GLX) Stabilization Fund to create an "Early Action" Affordable Housing Program and transfer the balance of the GLX Stabilization Fund to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE