Committee Report - Finance 8-25-10 — File 189938

August 25, 2010 Finance Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 8/26/2010 REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Maryann M. Heuston Chair Present William A. White Jr. Vice Chair Present Bruce M. Desmond Alderman At Large Present John M Connolly Alderman At Large Present Rebekah L. Gewirtz Ward Six Alderman Absent Dennis M. Sullivan Alderman At Large Present Omar Boukili Adminisrative Assistant Present Gerald Boyle Project Manager Present David Lutes Environmental Programs Manager Present 185313 - Capital Projects Manager Submitting Information Regarding Argenziano School Financing and Ballfield Drainage Issues.: No discussion. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 189170 - Rrequest to the Board of Alderman for a Presentation and Input Meeting Relative to the East Somerville Community School (ESCS) Reconstruction Project.: Mr. Boyle spoke about the ESCS project and informed the members that the first portion of the submission has been made and that a meeting would be scheduled with the MSPA by September 30th to work out all of the schematic details. Following that meeting, a realistic figure for the project will be presented to the BOA. Demolition will commence in the fall and the demolition and waste removal costs will be reimbursable. Mr. Boyle told the members that he would like to submit an an interim appropriation in mid September for $2 million to begin the design. The work on the project may be bid upon by both union and non-union companies, as long as the prevailing wage provisions are met. Alderman White requested that the project schematics be presented when the request for appropriations is submitted. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE

Committee Meeting August 25, 2010 Finance Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 8/26/2010 189620 - Requesting an Appropriation of $57,600 from the Capital Stabilization Fund for the Purchase of Recycling Carts.: Mr. Lutes reviewed the trash and recycling operations and provided information on the proposed pilot program to convert the collection of recylables from dual stream to single stream. The single stream method would be easier for residents to use since recyclable materials could be disposed of along with “regular” trash in new, larger collection receptacles (carts). A contract is in place for the new carts which include their delivery to the homes included in the pilot program. The pilot program will take place in a section of Ward 5 and Mr. Lutes informed the committee that the Ward 5 Alderman had concerns about informing residents in a complete and effective manner, adding that the Alderman's concerns have been addressed. The pilot program would need to run for at least 3 months in order to collect data and evaluate the costs, benefits and problems encountered. Mr. Lutes noted that the city’s return is higher from dual stream recycling since the sorting cost for this method is lower than that of single stream. It is estimated that in order to realize the same amount of money from recycling using the dual stream method, the city would need to recycle an additional 40% of the present recyclable tonage. Mr. Lutes went on to say that one reason for the pilot program is to answer the questions being asked regarding disposal costs and cost benefits to taxpayers. Mr. Lutes suggested that the Finance Committee meet jointly with the Environment and Energy Committee to discuss this matter further and that a representative from Russell Disposal also be invited to attend. Committee members asked Mr. Lutes to provide cost/benefit data from a similar city that has already adopted single stream recycling so that the members might look at the analysis. Committee members also asked for an assessment of the program at the three month mark, including an assessment of its effectiveness, cost and long term benefits. RESULT: APPROVED 189858 - Requesting Approval for the Director of Capital Projects to Present Schematic Design Plans for the East Somerville Community School Renovation: See discussion of item 189170 RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 189860 - Requesting Approval to Make a Presentation to the Finance Committee on the Closeout of the Construction Phase of the Argenziano School Project: Mr. Boyle discussed the contract, back charges, change orders and timeline of the contract, informing the members that J & J representatives were unable to attend this meeting due to scheduling conflicts, but are willing to appear at a different time to address the committee’s concerns. Mr. Boyle also spoke about how hold backs would be determined and when a final payment would be made. The problems with the roof were discussed and Mr. Boyle stated that he does not believe that it is a roof membrane problem. Concerns regarding the HVAC system were also discussed. Chairman Heuston requested a copy of the document in which J & J agreed to rectify the outstanding issues regarding leaks in the roof, stressing that this is a huge problem due to possiblities of mold and further remediation. She does not feel comfortable voting on a close out of a project if there is no guarantee that the roof is fixed. Chairman Heuston also

Committee Meeting August 25, 2010 Finance Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 8/26/2010 proposed to see what the written agreement with J & J will be before approving the extension of the contract. Alderman White asked to see something in writing to ensure that the warranty of the roof continues. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 189862 - Requesting Approval to Extend the Contrat for J&J Contractors to Complete Punch List Work at the Argenziano School: See discussion of item 189860 (above). RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE